KINDLE CONTEST: Find out how you could WIN A KINDLE WITH SPECIAL OFFERS!!!

by Susan the Surgeon, guest reviewer

Title: Witch’s Brew
Author: Heidi R. Kling
Format: Active digital fiction for Kindle (It’s brand new!)
Grade Reading Level: Grades 10-12/Ages 15+

Summary:

The Curse

One tragic battle led to a 100 year old curse. Now the witches (Daughters of Light) and warlocks (Sons of Darkness) must find a way to break the curse or forfeit their powers forever.

The Struggle

Lily and Logan are sworn enemies. To be in each other’s company is strictly forbidden. This passionate pull shouldn’t be happening. Their connection shouldn’t exist. Do they break the rules to save all the spellspinners, or deny the emotions brewing between them? As they struggle, fate spins and time slips. Retreating is no longer an option. They’re breaking the rules!!!

Why I Started This Book:

I’m a huge fan of literary witches; hence my keen interest. The new active digital fiction for Kindle also spoke to my curious nature. Glad I listened when it spoke.

Likes:

• I loved the choice points in the story, and that I chose what happened next.
• Finally! An author who explored the warlock origin.
• Logan has a tattoo that only appears when his body heat rises. (Grin).
• Lily and Logan share telepathic powers and can have mental conversations. I thought that was cool!
• The author knows how to express the sense of urgency in the story, and her vivid descriptions are really great.
• It has a powerful cliffhanger ending that will leave you craving more.

Dislikes:

• I wanted more! (See cliffhanger in likes). Yes, I’m contradicting myself, but it really is a pro and a con.

Last Minute Thoughts: In a battle I managed to snatch powers off a warlock, and can now wield his powers of prediction. I’m predicting you’ll be powerless to resist this new series. The Spellspinners of Melas County will blow you away. Be forewarned, there’s a new group of magic users in the literary world. And they’re not like the others!

Buy: Witch's Brew - Spellspinners 1

Book Rating: 5 Treasure Chests

KINDLE CONTEST: Find out how you could WIN A KINDLE WITH SPECIAL OFFERS!!!

• Back of Book United States Stamps
• Book Statues & Yard Art Garden Decor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Witch Plaques & Signs Garden Décor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• Back of Book United States Stamps
• Revenues Back of Book United States Stamps

No related posts.

Reviewed by First Mate Keira

Title: Spell Hunter (Faery Rebels, Book 1)
Author: R.J. Anderson
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 340 pages
Grade Reading Level: Grades 5-7

Summary: After the infamous Sundering, faery world is falling apart. Magics, talents, and skills once in abundance are not gone forever from the oak tree. There’s even sickness called the Silencing. As the population dwindles and life becomes more and more barren of life’s richness, one faery is determined to make a difference and to live outside of the fear facing the rest of the population. She calls herself Knife.

Why I started this book:

This book was recommended by a librarian at my local library.

Likes:

• I like that Knife is a strong heroine. She learns, she grows, she fights, she hunts, she creates, she saves others, and she stands her ground. She even falls in love.
• The relationship between Knife (faery) and Paul (human) is cute. It starts as friendship and grows into something more as Knife and Paul learn more about each other and bond to one another. I like that he’s trustworthy.
• In fact I like that the queen faery is trustworthy too (and her previous Hunter and her steward), I thought perhaps she’d be evil (or they would be evil), but the sinister overtones are not what they appear. Good twist!

Dislikes:

• There are references to suicide and drug overdose in the novel. It’s not as bad as it could be but it’s there anyway.
• Are there any male faeries? Perhaps this will be answered in later in the trilogy.
• The sequels are not focused on Knife and Paul… sniff. I am very sad about this. I really want to explore more into their romance now that one big mystery was handled and also too the size difference.

Buy: Spell Hunter (Faery Rebels)

Rating: 3.5 Treasure Chests

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter by R. J. Anderson

US $11.95

7h 1m

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter, R. J. Anderson, Very Good

US $14.17

1d 16h 7m

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter, R. J. Anderson, VeryGood

US $16.27

4d 19h 10m

Spell Hunter Anderson, R. J.

US $25.21

5d 9h 15m

NEW Spell Hunter - Anderson, R. J. 9780061554742

US $10.34

7d 22h 42m

Spell Hunter NEW by R.J. Anderson

US $16.65

10d 13h 37m

Spell Hunter By Anderson, R. J.

US $21.77

11d 9h 2m

SPELL HUNTER - R. J. ANDERSON (HARDCOVER) NEW

US $15.55

18d 4h 44m

• England Life Jacket Clothing Clothing, Shoes & Accessories Fishing
• Evil Gnomes & Sprites Statues & Yard Art Garden Decor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Book Statues & Yard Art Garden Décor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• Postal Cards & Stationery Back of Book United States Stamps
• Concert Memorabilia Queen Q Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia

Related posts:

1. Review: Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls, Book 1) by C.C. Hunter
2. Review: May Bird and the Ever After by Jodi Lynn Anderson

by First Mate Keira

Title: The Royal Treatment (Princess for Hire #2)
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Format: Digital ebook
Page Count: 272 pages
Grade Reading Level: Grades 6–8

Summary: Desi Bascomb's job as a princess double or stand-in was in jeopardy from her actions helping out Level 1 princesses, but luckily everything got sorted out. Now that she’s done some BEST work (Betterment of Elite Sub Training) she can advance to the more glamorous Level 2 princesses.

But things aren’t all rosy within the Facade Agency and Desi knows something fishy is going on when it comes to magic, but isn’t sure enough of herself to confront upper management about it. Why is magic used only on royals and makeup and bubble transports?

Meanwhile, Desi just wants a chance to see her Prince Karl again, even if a romance between them is against the rules, and star in her school’s production of Midsummer’s Night Dream. She gets her chance when she subs for the princess dating Karl’s brother and lands a role in the play starring opposite her friend’s crush… life couldn’t get more complicated!

Why I started this book:

I read and loved Princess for Hire and asked the publisher for an ARC, which they gave me.

Likes:

• Desi is a good friend and a strong female character. She’s interested in doing the right thing for herself and her princesses, even if it means sticking her neck out to do it.
• I liked how the relationships on the home front were handled between Desi, her mother, Reed, Celeste, and Kylee. They were fun and genuine. Overall a great line up of characters that are very likeable.
  • Her mother is concerned and doesn’t want Desi to feel rejected when she starts prepping Celeste for beauty pageants.
  • Celeste is still the snarky frenemy. I didn't like her all that much in the first book, but she's revealed more human in this one, which I like. Will she remain a frenemy or become a friend again because of Desi’s help?
  • Kylee is there for Desi. How many girls are out there that would take your weird hobby jumping in stride? There’s no falling out between them over boys, which is great too.
  • Reed is clearly enjoying Desi’s company and wants more, but she’s a little clueless and still in crush-mode with Karl.
• The time spent at Celeste’s beauty pageant and Desi’s debut as a Watcher for Facade was awesome. Got to love somebody who’s that excited and clueless.
• I loved how Prince Karl and Desi’s crush was handled. OMGosh that ending is spectacular. I can’t wait for Princess for Hire #3!

Last Minute Thoughts: Even better than Princess for Hire, The Royal Treatment will take you further into a magical world that you won’t want to leave!

Buy: Princess for Hire: The Royal Treatment

Rating: 5 Treasure Chests

• Elves, Gnomes, Pixies Fantasy, Mythical & Magic Collectibles
• Royal Oak Charcoal Grills & Accessories Outdoor Cooking & Eating Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• Royal Crown/Nehi/Diet Rite Soda Advertising Collectibles
• Mother Bird Weathervanes Garden Décor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• Queen Elizabeth II Royal Memorabilia Historical Memorabilia Collectibles

Related posts:

1. Review: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Page Count: 498
Format: Paper back
Grade Reading Level: 9 - 12

Summary: Bella Swan moves to a small town called Forks in Washington, USA and meets a different boy, Edward Cullen. He’s more than a little different; he’s a vampire. Bella doesn’t know this, yet but as she gets more clues she figures it all out. Once she does, Bella and Edward sit down for a heart to heart talk. It creates a whole new relationship. Will Edward and Bella fall in love? Will he lose control and kill Bella? Read to find out!

Why did you read the book:

I read this book because I wanted to see the movie, and in order to see the movie my eldest sister told me I had to read the book and so that’s exactly what I did.

Likes:

• I enjoy the idea of vampires in a romance novel! He loves you so much he wants to drink your blood - that's hot.
• I love all of the characters in this book, it wouldn’t be Twilight as we know it without them all. The Cullens are a great part of the book. They are a fantastic family.
• Edward’s and Bella’s chemistry is one of the best parts of the book. It’s AWESOME! Won't spoil you further you have to read the book for yourself!
• One of the best parts of this book is the action! It’s probably the BEST (and only) action filled romance book I’ve ever read. James is scary.

Dislikes:

• I don’t like Jacob Black! He likes Bella and loathes Edward, it just doesn’t make sense who (how can you not LOVE Edward Cullen?!?). Go team Edward!

Buy: Twilight (paperback), The Twilight Saga Collection in Hardback (Books 1-4)

Book Rating: I give this book 4 ½ treasure chests! It was greatly written and every part caught my attention!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005, Unabridged, Compact Disc)

0 Bid

US $7.90

9h 23m

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer Twilight 3 AudioBook CDs

US $41.98

12h 32m

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005, Unabridged, Compact Disc)

0 Bid

US $10.00

13h 6m

New TWILIGHT by STEPHENIE MEYER Unabridged CD Audiobook

US $21.99

18h 37m

Breaking Dawn, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer/Audio Unabridged

4 Bids

US $54.95

1d 12h 33m

Twilight Saga series 4 books - 3 are SIGNED by STEPHENIE MEYER - 3 HBs/1 TPB

US $120.00

4h 58m

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2006, Paperback, Reprint)

US $2.00

9h 16m

Stephenie Meyer TWILIGHT, NEW MOON, ECLIPSE ~ LIKE NEW ~ TWILIGHT SAGA SET

US $12.99

10h 42m

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2006, Paperback)

0 Bid

US $2.99

12h 41m

3 STEPHENIE MEYER PB BOOKS-TWILIGHT-ECLIPSE & BREAKING DAWN

2 Bids

US $3.75

12h 46m

• Ben Meyer Kitesurfing Surf Store
• Road Bike Parts Bicycle Parts Cycling
• Documents, Maps Great Britain Original Period Items WW I (1914-18) Militaria Collectibles
• Tomb Raider Action, Adventure Trading Cards Collectibles
• Headsets, Stems BMX Bike Parts Bicycle Parts Cycling

Related posts:

1. Movie Review: Twilight directed by Catherine Hardwicke
2. Twilight Eclipse Movie Party Ideas: Activities, Games, and Favors

Reviewed by First Mate Keira

Title: If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince?
Author: Melissa Kantor
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 283 pages
Grade Reading Level: Grades 7-9

Summary:  Lucy Norton is a modern day Cinderella. Forced to move from San Francisco to Long Island because of her dad’s remarriage, she’s struggling to find her balance in a life she doesn’t want. With her dad constantly out of state due to work, it’s a lot harder than it should be. Her stepmom asks like a totally different person when he’s not around. It’s clear the stepmom wants to be rid of her. Add in her two wicked little stepsisters and Lucy’s just wondering where the heck her prince is to complete the fairy tale.

Why I started this book:

Goodreads recommended it to me based on my TBR pile.

Likes:

• I like how Lucy comes to the rescue for her twin stepsisters in the book. It was a smart move on the stepsisters part to call someone to get them out of trouble. Kids take note! Ever find yourself somewhere you don’t want to be make that phone call.
• I like that Lucy shares a strong interest in common with each of the guy’s she likes and that like her back. Conner Pearson (most popular guy at school, but who’s too old for her) is on the basketball team and Lucy is crazy about basketball. While Lucy and Sam Wolff share a passion for art – creating it and discussing other artists.
• I appreciated the fact that the friendships she makes with two girls while she’s popular stick with her when she’s no longer dating the popular boy.

Dislikes:

• I was hoping for a stepmom would appeared horrible but really wasn’t. But she actually is and it’s kind of an unfair reputation. Not all stepmoms are wicked, just this one. She refused to furnish or let Lucy furnish her room until it benefited her to have it done when a friend would need to use it, honed in on all the daughter’s phone time with her dad instead of waiting for them to be done, punished or reprimanded her for small infractions while letting her own daughters get away with everything, it’s a huge double standard.
• Oh and at one point at a party she forces Lucy to dress up like the help and take people’s coats and serve them food without bothering to introduce her as her husband’s daughter. Seriously? The father lets her get away with that and that’s just wrong!

Buy: If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince?

Rating: 3 Treasure Chests

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince?, Melissa Kantor, New Book

US $6.98

1d 14h 57m

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince by Melissa Kantor (2005,...

0 Bid

US $.50

2d 6h 44m

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince by Melissa Kantor (2005, Har...

US $3.95

2d 21h 5m

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince by Melissa Kantor (2007, Pap...

US $2.95

5d 11h 54m

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince by Melissa Kantor (2007, Pap...

US $6.99

9d 15h 8m

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince by Melissa Kantor

US $4.99

10d 21h 49m

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince Kantor

US $5.35

15d 11h 30m

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince by Melissa Kantor

US $1.50

20d 12h 26m

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince? by Melissa Kantor 0786809604

US $4.97

29d 20h 28m

• Pre-1930 Tube Radios Radios Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles
• Radios Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles
• Book Ends Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Television Sets Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles
• 1950-59 Tube Radios Radios Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles

Related posts:

1. Review: Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon
2. Review: Masquerade (Blue Bloods, Book 2) by Melissa de la Cruz
3. Review: The Secret Prince by Violet Haberdasher
4. Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
5. Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince directed by David Yates

by First Mate Keira

Title: Beastly
Director: Daniel Barnz
Duration: 86 minutes
Rating: PG-13

Summary: Kyle Kingsbury is a vain and arrogant young boy. He really steps in it when he unknowingly meets and antagonizes a witch at school going by Kendra. On the night of a school dance he’s bewitched to appear as ugly on the outside as he is on the inside. His one saving grace is the fact that he gave a scholarship girl the rose corsage he intended for his date. That one good deed buys him a chance to get out of his beastly predicament… but it’s got a time limit. Can he find someone to love and love him in return before a year is up?

Why I watched this movie:

I read the book last year when I heard it was coming out in theaters. I love Beauty and the Beast stories.

Likes:

• I loved Alex Pettyfer. I thought he did really well. He’s what made the movie for me. He and Vanessa work together best during the ending sequence when she discovers who he really was all along. I liked seeing them travel the world together in the little montage.
• The makeup for the movie is fantastic. I much prefer the wild tattoos and scars over a hairy form. In a cartoon, it would and did work, but it would look fake or very Cousin It. I confirmed for sure that his eyebrows say embrace suck. Embrace suck a phrase used in the movie at the beginning by both Kyle and Kendra.
• Neil Patrick Harris is funny in his part as the blind tutor. He could have been used more, but that’s just me.

Toss-Up:

• I liked the housekeeper getting green cards at the end of the film for her children. However, the housekeeper was supposed to be another form of the witch, Kendra, and this was changed from the book to the movie.

Dislikes:

• I didn’t really like Mary-Kate Olsen in the film. She looked like how I pictured the character, but she was weird or made the character overly weird for me.
• The movie lacks the charm of the book overall and has some awkward dialogue/scenes that don’t fit as well as they could.

Buy: Beastly

Rating: 3 Treasure Chests

Zorro: The First Encounter/Beastly Battles/High Seas...

US $1.98

8h 27m

Beastly Butchers 6 Movie Pack, DVD, Jenny Admire, Debbie Rochon, Joe Lauria, Sus

US $4.88

12h 12m

BEASTLY (DVD, 2011) Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, A Different Love Story,

US $9.99

15h 10m

Beastly (DVD, 2011)

4 Bids

US $2.12

15h 35m

Beastly Butchers 6 Movie Pack, DVD, Jenny Admire, Debbie Rochon, Joe Lauria, Sus

US $4.88

16h 4m

Beastly (DVD, 2011) NEW

1 Bid

US $4.99

17h 43m

! FAST 2DAY UPS ! NEW Beastly

US $13.71

19h 55m

Beastly (DVD, 2011)

US $5.00

1d 7h 19m

Beastly (DVD, 2011)

1 Bid

US $.99

1d 14h 18m

Beastly (DVD, 2011, Canadian)

0 Bid

US $9.99

1d 15h 54m

• Eragrostis Purple Love Ornamental Grasses Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Movie & Video Game Weapons Knives, Swords & Blades Collectibles
• Work Gloves Protective Gear Green Construction Store
• Book Ends Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Postal Cards & Stationery Back of Book United States Stamps

Related posts:

1. Movie Review: Rio starring Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway
2. Review: 24 Girls in 7 Days by Alex Bradley

by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Twilight
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Run Time: 122 minutes
Rated: PG 13

Summary: Bella Swan moves to the little town of Forks and meets a handsome boy named Edward Cullen. But what she doesn’t know is his secret, that he and his family are vampires. Will Edward be able to save her... from himself? Can the lion love a lamb? When Bella finally finds out it brings danger in everyone’s lives. Will Bella survive?

Why I watched this movie:

I watched this movie because, I heard it was good. Also, I read the book and I wanted to compare the book to the movie. Plus I wanted to see Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen!

Likes:

• I enjoyed when Edward sparkled!
• I liked the scene when Edward and Bella are officially dating and they go to school and everybody is staring at them. Edward in sunglasses is hot.
• I liked the actor Cam Gigandet (James). I think he did a good job. He looked scary and like he was going to kill someone.
• The last scene when Bella expects Edward to bite her and he doesn’t but, kisses her neck! So cute.
• One of my favorite scenes is when Edward takes Bella to their house and the Cullens make Italian for her.

Dislikes:

• I think it would be better if the actresses Nikki Reed (Rosalie) and Rachelle Lefevre (Victoria) switched places. I think Rachelle is prettier than Nikki, and would be a better actress for Rosalie.
• I disliked that in the beginning Edward was in Bellas’ room without her knowing, watching her sleep. (I wouldn’t like it if someone was watching me sleep... it was okay after she invited him to do so, to each their own you know.)

Buy: Twilight (Two-Disc Special Edition), Twilight [Blu-ray]

Movie Rating: I give this movie 4 treasure chests! I enjoyed every scene and line, and I Loved all the actors.

MUSIC FROM TWILIGHT SAGA SOUNDTRACKS: VIDEOS AND PERFORMANCES, - NEW BLU-RAY

US $28.34

3h 5m

Twilight Saga: New Moon (2-Disc DVD Steelbook

US $14.99

3h 21m

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (Blu-ray Disc, 2012, Special Edition)

US $26.99

3h 32m

HITLER'S TWILIGHT: THE END OF NAZI GERMANY - NEW DVD BOXSET

US $23.32

4h 13m

TWILIGHT NEW MOON DVD BRANDNEW AND SEALED ROMANCE NEW MOON AUCTION BID

6 Bids

US $1.25

5h 17m

Twilight SAGA Trilogy Two Disc DVD Set 6 DVD's total

1 Bid

US $32.99

6h 5m

NIP TWILIGHT 3-PACK (Spec Ed 6 DVD's)

0 Bid

US $32.99

6h 6m

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (DVD, 2010)

4 Bids

US $2.55

6h 14m

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (DVD, 2012, 2-Disc Set, Special...

US $50.00

6h 45m

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (DVD, 2010)

9 Bids

US $8.50

7h 44m

• House Plans Ice Fishing Fishing
• Luna Bella Lamps Home Lighting
• House Ferns Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• Back of Book United States Stamps
• House Boats

Related posts:

1. Twilight Eclipse Movie Party Ideas: Activities, Games, and Favors

by First Mate Keira

Title: Queen of the Dead (The Ghost and the Goth #2)
Author: Stacey Kade
Format: Digital ebook
Page Count: 272 pages
Grade Reading Level: Grades 6-10

Summary: Alona Dare returns from the light, something Will Killian has never seen before, and he should know because he’s a ghost-talker, someone who can see and hear ghosts waiting to move on. Alona rejoins him as his spirit guide and helps Will with his ghostly interactions.

The two developed a bit of a relationship in the last novel, The Ghost and the Goth, sharing one steamy kiss, and both are a bit shy about it. Will has fantasized about Alona since 6^th grade, and the reality of it is, he likes her better now. Alona, who’d never have talked to such a social outcast while alive, is drawn more and more into the warmth and comfort of Will. She likes him but it’s something she’s not quite ready to admit, even if he kisses like a dream.

Then she finds out, barely two months since her passing, that her mother is throwing away all her most sentimental possessions and her father is expecting a new baby girl with his awful home-wrecking wife who she can’t stand. Everyone is moving on and she doesn’t like it! She turns to Will and is surprised when he rebuffs her and her request to set her parents straight. What is going on? Is he throwing her over for the living too?

Why I started this book:

I requested a copy from the publisher which I got.

Likes:

• Will’s college situation. Last book he barely managed to graduate, but because he told his mom about his gift, he could stick around town instead of leaving. His mom wants him to get higher education, but you’ll see how well that works out.
• The yummy makeout sessions between Will and Alona. Love them.
• There are more ghost talkers and the one Will meets is pretty, which immediately sets Alona on edge. Their new fledgling romance takes a big hit and he’s completely clueless as to why until some ghosts tell him. Hehe.
• Alona’s attempts to control her sass because it makes her fade from existence are funny as they’re done very very grudgingly.
• The dual POV approach works very well in this book because Will and Alona spend a lot of the book on separate adventures with overlapping parts.

Dislikes:

• The very bad thing Alona does by accident. I’m not a big fan of it myself. It's a little scary (as far as an idea goes) and as she can interact already with Will (the only living character who counts as far as I’m concerned *g*) it's not really needed. It does provide major drama and plot movement, but I’m not sure what it spells out for the next book in the series. Let’s just say I hope things return to how they were and don’t remain the same. (Is that allusive enough to whet your appetite? lol) Oh and I feel bad for the mother.

Last Minute Thoughts: When's book #3 come out?

Buy: Queen of the Dead (A Ghost and the Goth Novel)

Rating: 4 Treasure Chests

• Photos Queen Q Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
• Back of Book United States Stamps
• Body Works Books & Video Gym, Workout & Yoga Exercise & Fitness
• Photos Grateful Dead G Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
• Riverboat Queen Birdhouses Bird & Wildlife Accessories Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living

Related posts:

1. Review: The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

by First Mate Keira

Title: The Ghost and the Goth
Author: Stacey Kade
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 304 pages
Grade Reading Level: Grades 6-10

Summary: Alona Dare used to be the most popular girl in high school. She was pretty, athletic, a cheerleader, dating a cute boy, tight with her BFF, and crowned Homecoming Queen 3 years in a row. Now she’s dead. Alona expects to find the whole of Groundsboro High School and her family in a turmoil of grief but finds instead her friends are trash talking her, her BFF openly making out with her boyfriend, and that the only person who can see and hear her is a goth boy from school she never talked to while alive. Determined to gain Will Killian’s help in getting to the bright white beaches of heaven, she haunts him until he caves... but his help comes with a price. Alona’s got to keep the other ghosts away from him and inadvertently steps into the role of his spirit guide.

Why I started this book:

I requested an ARC for Queen of the Dead because it sounded cute; not realizing it was a sequel at the time. As soon as I did, I went to the library and checked out book one, The Ghost and the Goth, so I would be up to speed.

Likes:

• Alona and Will are stereotypical high school clique characters on the surface but dig a little deeper and you’ll find they are multilayered. Alona’s perfect life is not so perfect. Will’s goth tendencies are not what they seem.
• Alona’s vanity and superficial comments are funny. Got to love a girl who’s still concerned about her appearances in the afterlife. She’s also very insightful and smart. I like how her feelings for Will change throughout the book when she begins to notice things about his appearance (good teeth, broad chest, strong biceps…
• I like how ghosts are more substantial around ghost-talkers. It certainly makes the romance between Alona and Will easier and super sexy. I always wondered how a ghost and a human would interact in a ghost romance. Love it.

Toss-Up:

• I’m not sure how I feel about the chapters alternating between Alona and Will. I tend to like my narratives to be a little more cohesive than that, but overall I was appreciative of how easy it was to find out what characters were thinking in different situations.

Dislikes:

• Alona’s mother’s inability to act like a grownup or a parent, and her father’s inability to stick up for his daughter to get her out of a situation where she has to act like the mom to an alcoholic because it would go against his second wife’s wishes and make his life more difficult.
• And along the same vein... Even though they’re handled lightly and not a huge drag, the story also covers suicide, bullying, sexual orientation, and blackmail. Topics I don’t usually go for.

Buy: The Ghost and the Goth

Rating: 4.5 Treasure Chests

The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade (2011, Paperback)

US $16.99

28d 17h 21m

• Boxes Tweety Warner Bros. Animation Characters Animation Art, Characters Collectibles
• Pepe Le Pew Warner Bros. Animation Characters Animation Art, Characters Collectibles
• School Bus International Harvester Hybrid Cars & Trucks
• Warner Bros. Animation Characters Animation Art, Characters Collectibles
• Queen Q Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia

No related posts.

by First Mate Keira

Title: Shadow-Kiss (Vampire Academy Series, Book 3)
Author: Richelle Mead
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 443
Grade Reading Level: Grade 9+

Summary: Lately Rose has been seeing her dead friend around St. Vladimir. Mason’s ghost, if that was what she was really seeing was messing with her and screwing up her trials. Nobody else saw him. So her only explanations were crazy or incompetence. Neither she wants to own up to, but given her lack of options there’s only one way to really go. On top of that, Victor Dashkov is being tried for his crimes but without any of the key witnesses there! If only Dimitri or somebody could get them to the royal court to ensure he was sent to Moroi prison. Oh and Moroi around the school were showing up bruised and injured, but to a one, they are all quiet about what happened to get them that way. What on earth is going on?

Why I started this book:

It’s the next in the series and I had read the previous two. Mead does a lot of exposition and telling in the first couple of pages so anybody can hop into the series at any point in time and know without a doubt what was going on both in story arc and world building.

Likes:

• Who wouldn’t love getting to beat up on a teacher? Rose and her fellow dhampirs get to do just that with all their training instructors during their trials. Rose gets matched up with Lissa’s boyfriend, something she’s not happy about and when Mason’s ghost shows up causing her to lose focus and get Christian ‘killed’ it causes big, big trouble for her.
• Adrian. Love him. He gets the quartet (Rose, Christian, Lissa, and Eddie) to the royal court so they can testify against Victor.
• Rose and Dimitri lying at court. Victor smirking knowingly in the background and his parting shot.
• SPOILER… I’m probably the only weirdo who will like this but I was glad when Dimitri was changed into a Strigoi. It sucks. It’s super angsty. It totally means more drama. For those reasons I love it. I also know somehow, probably with spirit, Dimitri will be changed back into Dhampir or at least Moroi. But this is conjecture. I have more books to read before I can know this for sure.

Dislikes:

• The Moroi torture brigade at the school all trying to figure out how to use compulsion. Now if we’re going to talk about crazy that’s crazy and also beyond stupid…in more ways than one since they are the reason the Strigoi can access St. Vladimir’s in the first place. I was surprised that Rose didn’t go kick all of them in the teeth when she learned that.
• I’m not a big fan of the whole head-hopping business. I get that it’s part of Rose’s shadow-kiss abilities, but I’d much rather focus on her and her story than Lissa’s.

Buy: Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, Book 3)

Rating: 4 Treasure Chests

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (2008, Paperback)

US $4.99

1d 14h 6m

Vampire Academy: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (2008, Paperback) Like New

US $5.50

4d 15h 25m

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead - Excellent Used Cond

US $9.99

6d 10h 27m

SHADOW KISS BY RICHELLE MEAD LTSP NF !! VAMPIRE

US $3.50

6d 15h 42m

RICHELLE MEAD - SHADOW KISS. PARANORMAL.MED PB.

US $8.58

7d 1h 48m

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (2008, Paperback)

US $5.00

12d 11h 23m

Mead, Richelle: Vampire Academy 1-4 (PB/HC) Frostbite Shadow Kiss Blood Promise

US $26.95

21d 16h 52m

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead Vampire Academy Novel Paperback

US $6.00

21d 18h 28m

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (2008, Paperback) Vampire Academy Novel

US $4.99

24d 13h 28m

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (2008, Paperback)

US $16.99

28d 17h 17m

• Ghost Orchids Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• Maybelline Eye Shadow Makeup Store
• Clinique Eye Shadow Makeup Store
• Mountain Rose Herbs Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
• Eragrostis Purple Love Ornamental Grasses Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery

Related posts:

1. If You Love the Vampire Academy Series: Dimitri or Adrian? (Poll & Discussion)