Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Okay, may I start by saying: this book. This BOOK, man. I’m not quite sure what else I can say.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Released September 10th, 2013
Source of my copy: Gift

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Eleanor & Park.
A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan. 

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . . 

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. 

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere. 

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. 

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? 

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? 

Writing her own stories? 

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

--- 

I loved this book. I loved the concept. I loved the touch of college life (That’s next year for me. Who’s scared? Ha. Ha.), the pieces of Simon Snow, the world of fanfiction. Having delved a bit into fic myself, it was really fun to see it brought out in a novel—akin to Jennifer L Armentrout’s book-blogging MC Katy in the Lux series.

Moving beyond that, I absolutely loved the characters. They were lovely, and yet they were flawed. Extremely so. Cath is smart and loyal and supportive, but she can also be cowardly and a bit selfish. Wren, at first glance, seems reckless and hurtful and self-centered—and she is, but she also cares about her sister a lot and is just looking for her own identity, if in the wrong places. You have Reagan, standoffish but always there to lend a helping hand to a struggling freshman or friend; Nick, who’s sweet and fun but focused on his own needs; and Levi, who is kind and friendly, but who isn’t perfect and certainly isn’t above making mistakes. That’s without even getting into the cans of worms that are Cather and Wren’s parents. (I will say, however, that I approve of their choices in twin names.)

As mentioned above, one of the most interesting parts of this book was the Simon Snow snippets and fanfiction. Before I read Fangirl, I saw a lot of people complaining about these drifts from the main story, and many reviewers admitting they skimmed or even skipped these. Though they could be a bit annoying or confusing at times, however, they ended up being one of my favorite parts. I found myself irritated when a Simon Snow chapter or a Carry On, Simon update interrupted Cath’s story, but as soon as she tried to reclaim my attention I was dying to know what happened to Simon and Baz. The way Simon Snow’s world (both canon and fanon) intertwined with and complemented Cather’s story added a new layer to the story that I absolutely adored.

Overall, I just found the story gorgeous. Rainbow Rowell’s writing is interesting and lovely, the story was fresh and interesting, the characters were relatable and real, and the book was, in my eyes, quite near perfection. Since finishing Fangirl I read Rowell’s novel Attachments and loved it as well, so I can’t wait to check out more from her!

Altogether, Fangirl absolutely gets <*><*><*><*><*>

~Mag

Review: Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Well, I’ve finally entered my Austen phase (maybe 5 or 6 years late) thanks in no small part to the delightful Pride and Prejudice modernization webseries—the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. (Really, if you haven’t, you should check it out. It’s amazing.) My love for LBD inspired me to pick back up P&P, which I had previously tried and failed to get into. This time, though, I did. Soon after, craving more of Lizzy and Darcy and the hate-you-love-you trope they do so well, I turned to book modernizations.

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
Released January 4, 2011
Source of my copy: Library

From the much-buzzed-about author of THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB (already blurbed by Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Myracle, and Jen Calonita), a prom-season delight of Jane Austen proportions. 

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date. 

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn't interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be - especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London. 

Lizzie is happy about her friend's burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles's friend, Will Darcy, who's snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn't seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it's because her family doesn't have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk - so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

-Goodreads-

--- 

The P&P retellings I read first were nice, but I haven’t  found one I like so much as Prom and Prejudice. It’s a cute, class story that captured the original characters and plot nicely while still keeping them fresh, and keeping me up way too late reading.

A big problem I’ve found with P&P modern adaptions (print and otherwise) is flopped attempt at Pride and Prejudice style speech and/or direct quotes coming out stilted or out of character for modern teens. Elizabeth Eulberg nearly fell into this a few times, but overall I didn’t find the dialogue especially cringe-worthy, even when it directly reflected the original text.

But on to the most important part: the characters. In a modernization of a classic novel, the characters are vital. We need to be able to see the characters we know and already love shine through in a new environment, yet they need to stand on their own. Eulberg captured a nice balance. The same goes for the plot, which needed to and did reflect Pride and Prejudice while making sense within a modern context. I loved guessing and seeing how each character and plot point would come through.

To finish, Darcy and Lizzie. Obviously, they ought to be perhaps the most wonderful part of the story, and I think they were. Sometimes I could be, as I always am, a bit frustrated by the stubborn and blind dislike between them (or maybe just on Lizzie’s side)—but hey, no one ever claimed they were perfect. Either way, I could understand where they were coming from; Lizzie had been required to get by without much extra cash, not to mention was tormented by the “upper class” and was reasonably mistrustful of money as a fix-it-all solution or as a no-strings-attached gift. On the other hand, Darcy had been taken advantage of and burned for his trust and helpfulness to those who had less than him, and reacted accordingly.

In the end, though, it’ll work out…won’t it?

Overall, Prom and Prejudice was a lovely story that’s great if you’re looking for a light, mostly happy read that will keep you reading and caring, whether you’re a P&P fan or not.

<*><*><*><*><*>

~Mag

Review: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

If you're a fan of Rachel Hawkins's Hex Hall series no doubt you, like me, waited with bated breath for the release of its sure-to-be-superfantasticllyawesome spinoff, School Spirits! And if you haven't been able to read it yet, trust me, you MUST get your hands on this book. It's every bit as full of action, laughs, and both lovable and infuriating boys as its predecessor (which, if you haven't read, you definitely ought to). 

School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins
Released May 14, 2013
Source of my copy: Gift

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break. 

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush. 

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?  

Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as the New York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!

Okay, so, as a huge, huge fan of the Hex Hall books, I had high expectations for School Spirits. And guess what? They were totally met. I loved Izzy when she was introduced previously, and I love her even more after reading her story. You think Sophie is sarcastic and kick-butt? Clearly it runs in the family.

Izzy Brannick has never had a normal life. She's never been to public school, or, well, had friends. She's spent all her time monster-hunting with her two best friends--her mom, and her sister, Finley. But suddenly, between the blink of an eye and the turn of a page, Finley's gone and Izzy's registered at Mary Evans High, in search of a semblance of normality and a mysterious ghost--all while making sure the school's unfortunately named ghost-hunting club (PMS-- the Paranormal Management Society) doesn't get in over their heads.

Infiltrating PMS turns out to be a lot easier than Izzy expected. Befriended by founding (and only) members Dex, Romy, and Anderson, Izzy's quickly on the fast track not only to info on the ghost, but--could it be?--friendship. If ever there was a book with characters to adore, this is the one. Every single one of them came to life and made me desperately want to be friends with them--or, in some cases, punch them out. If I were to put emphasis on any one character (besides Izzy) it would be Dex.

Oh, Dex! Dex, of the old-fashioned talk and asthma; Dex of the peacoat and complete and utter adorableness. I love you so. Dex is very, very different from Archer, but absolutely fantastic just the same! Where Archer is all snark and shielded emotions, Dex is sweet and genuine. But both, of course, are incredibly good looking ;) *Cough* Ummm, anyway, back to the book.

Izzy's caught up in a lot of drama in School Spirits.  Not only does she have a ghost to deal with--which is becoming much trickier than a silly little haunting problem ought to be--she's also struggling to prove to her mother that she is good at being a Brannick, cope with Finley's absence, and have social life--while remembering that said social life is fleeting and her friends will inevitably be left behind. If that isn't complicated enough, toss in a maybe-crush on a maybe-normal boy, and increasingly odd interactions with Torin, the ever-infuriating but sort of charming warlock trapped in the family mirror. Oh yes, Torin's back and better more confusing than ever, with more allusions to secrets about Izzy...and maybe something more.

Honestly, poor Izzy's life is almost as dramatic as her new favorite TV show, high school drama Ivy Springs.

While the book is packed full of adventure and mystery, the ending has just enough closure to satisfy but leave the door wide open for another book in the series. Unfortunately, that's not happening at the moment. But hey, never say never! And in this case I definitely won't--I need more of Izzy, Dex, and everyone else!

School Spirits undeniably earned itself <*><*><*><*><*>

(:D)
~Mag

Review: Auracle by Gina Rosati

I was scouring my local Library’s bookshelves, looking for something to read. It’s been awhile since I really search the Library. It’s amazing what little gems you can find, gems that go unnoticed. A gem such as Auracle…

Auracle by Gina Rosati
Released August 7, 2012
Source of my copy: Library 

16 year old Anna Rogan has a secret she's only shared with her best friend, Rei; she can astrally project out of her body, allowing her spirit to explore the world and the far reaches of the universe.

When there's a fatal accident and her classmate Taylor takes over Anna's body, what was an exhilarating distraction from her repressive home life threatens to become a permanent state. Faced with a future trapped in another dimension, Anna turns to Rei for help. Now the two of them must find a way to get Anna back into her body and stop Taylor from accusing an innocent friend of murder. Together Anna and Rei form a plan but it doesn't take into account the deeper feelings that are beginning to grow between them.

 Can we just talk about the cover for a bit? Oh my gosh, it’s so ethereal, mysterious, and absolutely gorgeous. It’s stunning. I’m sad to say it was what originally drew me to Auracle. I am afraid to admit that I am a sucker for pretty book covers!

Auracle is so unique, from its title to its cover to its story. The story and the characters held me captive from the beginning to the end. It’s been awhile since a book has truly done that for me.

Anna, our protagonist, is a 16 year old girl. She can astrally project out of her body, allowing her spirit to go anywhere in the universe. Sounds cool, right? For abilities, I say it’s pretty awesome one. Until one of her classmates, after a terrible incident, hijacks Anna’s body. Nobody knows how to get her out, not Anna, Taylor (the hijacker), or Anna’s best friend, Rei.

Anna is adorable. I love her. She is funny and down to earth. She always thinks about other first. She struggles with her home life yet still comes out shinning? Anna is some everyone can relate to and admire. Anna would be someone I would hopefully be friends with. 

Rei…  Where do I start? Rei is smart, loyal, extremely protective of Anna, strong, and hot! But he is also down to earth like Anna. If you remember from my Teaser Tuesday, he's funny too! He truly is a swoon worthy guy! I kind of hate Gina Rosati for creating him and making my already high expectation of the male species even higher.

While I was sad to see Auracle end, I was happy the way it ended. It wraps it up nice and neat, no loose ends. Auracle is one of the books where you want a sequel to see more of the characters not because the actually storyline needs it. In fact, I wouldn’t want a sequel because Auracle is so wonderful on its own.

Auracle was an awesome find! I could not put it down! Gina Rosati did an excellent job, especially considering this was her debut novel.

Auracle most certiantly gets

<*><*><*><*><*>

Review: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

Ever since I saw the cover and synopsis back in November, I've been dying to read The Summer I Became a Nerd. While I've never really been into comic books, I absolutely adore the fandom life and all things nerd. So I knew I would be able to identify with and love this book, and I wasn't disappointed!

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller
Released May 7, 2013
Source of my copy: Gift

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way. 

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

When we join Maddie's story, she's smack in the middle of her nerdy double life, retrieving the final installment of her favorite comic from the mail in secret. It's not like she could get it from the local comic store-- someone could SEE! But when a shipping error requires her to do just that, Maddie is forced to reevaluate the facade she shows the public and the person she keeps hidden inside.

I absolutely loved this book. As adorably dorky and delightfully fantastic Logan encourages Maddie to break out of her mask and embrace her inner geek, we're pulled along for the ride. I especially loved the RPGing; as a fledgling D&D player, I would love to do something so large-scale and in person. All of the nerdy adventures throughout the book felt fun and authentic. All the secondary characters were fabulous, as well, from Logan's equally geeky best friend Dan to Maddie's "friend" and foil Rayann, they were personal and real enough for me to love (and hate!) them.

If anything annoyed me about the The Summer I Became a Nerd, it was the painful lying and double life Maddie clung to. I'm one of those readers who experience secondhand shame and embarrassment easily, and I knew she was going downhill fast, with barely enough time to finish the hole she was digging for herself. It frustrated me that she worried so much about what people--even people she didn't necessarily like and "friends" within quotes--thought about her, at the expense of not only other, truer friends, but HER OWN HAPPINESS. That just frustrated me.

Still, the good more than outweighed what could be called "bad," and the book stole my heart and inspired me to find more books that line up with my nerdiest side--I don't know now why I haven't before!

A book that is most certainly--say it with me--geek chic, The Summer I Became a Nerd gets
 <*><*><*><*><*>

~If you like The Summer I Became a Nerd, try Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern~

Review: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

I’ve wanted to read The Name of the Star for a while but it never was on the top on my reading list. When I saw at the Library, I immediately grabbed. What drew me to In the Name of the Star was that it had my two favorite things- London and mystery. But I have to say, I am slightly disappointed by it.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Released September 29, 2011
Source of my copy:  The Library 

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago. 

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities. (Synopsis from goodreads.com)

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It took me awhile to read The Name of the Star. Not because it was long but because the beginning was so slow. The first half of the book was all about how Rory is now in England and explaining British culture. While I did like learning new things about the British culture, I quickly grew bored of it. I remember thinking, “Yes, I understand. We are in London! Not America! Can we please move on?”

I did like how Maureen explained Jack the Ripper. You can tell that she really took her time researching the case. I especially like that she didn’t just dump all the information onto you in a single paragraph. She paces it out, revealing information only when Rory finds out for herself.

I liked Rory. I thought she was pleasant and witty. But she fell flat at times. At the end, I felt like she didn’t really do anything, that she was just there. The ‘just there’ feeling was something I got out of a lot of characters.

There is a little bit of ‘romance’ (if you even want to call it that). I felt it to be… frivolous. Like the only reason there was a love interest was for the sake of having a love interest. I felt zero chemistry between Rory and the love interest. I think the book could’ve done without it.

While The Name of the Star falls short of expectations, I do think this series has potential. It was slow start but the end has enough hook that it leaves you curious what the second book will entail. I have a feeling this will be a series you borrow, not own.

The Name of The Star gets <*><*><*>

Happy Reading,

Tor