Shadow Ops: Control Point: By Myke Cole

SHADOW OPS: CONTROL POINT

SUMMARY

Army Officer. Fugitive. Sorcerer.

Across the country and in every nation, people are waking up with magical talents. Untrained and panicked, they summon storms, raise the dead, and set everything they touch ablaze.
Army officer Oscar Britton sees the worst of it. A lieutenant attached to the military's Supernatural Operations Corps, his mission is to bring order to a world gone mad. Then he abruptly manifests a rare and prohibited magical power, transforming him overnight from government agent to public enemy number one.

The SOC knows how to handle this kind of situation: hunt him down--and take him out. Driven into an underground shadow world, Britton is about to learn that magic has changed all the rules he's ever known, and that his life isn't the only thing he's fighting for.

REVIEW

To be honest Peter V. Brett said it best when he said that this book is part Black Hawk Down part X-men.

I am not usually a fan of military style novels. Usually I find I’m inundated with terminology and acronyms that I’m unfamiliar with and by the time I’m comfortable with them enough to grasp the importance of each I’ve missed a good chunk of the entertaining aspect of the book.

That said, Shadow Ops is not the typical military fantasy/sci-fi. Yes, there were acronyms and new terminology for me, but Cole does such a fantastic job keeping the story moving while at the same time keeping the characters fresh and interesting that I never felt bogged down or impeded by the terminology.

Another impressive aspect of Shadow Ops were the powers and the way that Cole addressed them in the book. Unlike a number of other science fiction and fantasy books the talents of the powerful are not looked at with awe and respect, instead if you don’t turn yourself into the government for military service then you are deemed a selfer and paint a bulls eye on yourself. Cole does a great job integrating the different ideologies on this subject without sacrificing any excitement. Further, I was really very impressed with the depth of many of the characters such as Oscar, Marty, Theresa.

The only downside the book was that it was the first in a series so there a number of questions and issues that I would love to know more about. All in all, when the worst thing about a book is that you wanted to read more (and you understand why there’s not more on the subject), it seems pretty apparent that this a good book. Between the dynamic characters, the interesting plot, and the non-stop action this is a book that will suck readers in and keep them there until the book is done. Definitely a book I’d recommend and I personally can’t wait for the sequel.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Ace

Published: January 31, 2012

Price: $7.99

Graffiti Moon: By Cath Crowley

GRAFFITI MOON

SUMMARY

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

REVIEW

Graffiti Moon is fantastic book.

After reading the first few pages I knew I’d enjoy the book as it’s clearly well written but what I didn’t count on was how strong and emotionally charged the descriptions of the art work were. It was like reading about the masterpieces of our times from the minds of the creators. I know that sounds like a stretch but the thought processes of the art and the descriptions really were superb.

Of course if you’re looking for something more than just fantastic descriptions of interesting and deep art and well written and engaging poems then you can still enjoy Graffiti Moon as Crowley does a fantastic job creating an engaging story about the night of graduation between six friends that will leave readers absolutely riveted. The story is a combination of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist with deeper under roots, and a love of art. The similarity to Nick and Norah comes from the girls in Graffiti Moon spending the night looking for the infamous Shadow (similar to Nick and Norah looking for the band) and the love and adventure that all take place in one night.

Between the art descriptions and Leo’s poems I was hooked. That said there was so much more about this book that made it a must read. The characters were well developed and complex. The situations deep and engaging. And the story just well written and fast paced. This book did not take me long to read as the minute I picked it up I couldn’t put it down, and it’s because of this and the reasons listed above that I’d have no trouble recommending this book to anyone looking for a well written engaging book.

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Published: February 14, 2012

Price: $16.99

Working Stiff: By Rachel Caine

WORKING STIFF

SUMMARY

Bryn Davis was killed on the job after discovering her bosses were selling a drug designed to resurrect the dead. Now, revived by that same drug, she becomes an undead soldier in a corporate war to take down the very pharmaceutical company responsible for her new condition...

REVIEW

Some people may not like Working Stiff but I certainly did.

This is not a typical Rachel Caine book. It breaks from both the Weather Warden Series and the Morganville series and to be honest is a lot more action driven and gruesome (I know, impressive when considering both the previous series mentioned involve a hefty amount of killing, backstabbing, and destruction.)

This series instead focuses on characters that can be brought back from the dead. There is a new drug that can raise the dead, the only downside? The dead are reliant on the drug, if they don’t get it they literally decompose (not a pretty way to re-die (or die a first time for the matter.)) The story follows Bryn an ex-military girl who starts work at a funeral home.

The story quickly progresses and leaders to attraction, deception, and action packed heroics. Too be honest I was surprised by how many twists and turns Caine included in this first novel of the series. It felt like every time I was getting the handle on a new surprise Caine threw something else into the mix.

All in all a fun and exciting read. I can understand why some people didn’t like it though, it’s not exactly like Caine’s previous works, yet nor is it even remotely like other zombie novels out there. Caine once again creates engaging characters, fast plots full of surprises and twists, and a cliff hanger like ending to keep the reader on edge. While some people may be disappointed I certainly wasn’t and would very much recommend this to anyone with a pulse (sorry had to throw in a bad zombie joke).

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Roc

Published: August 2, 2011

Price: $7.99

Black Boy White School: By Brian F. Walker

BLACK BOY WHITE SCHOOL

SUMMARY

He couldn’t listen to music or talk on the phone without her jumping all over him about what they listened to up in Maine, or how they talked up in Maine, or how he better not go up to Maine and start acting ghetto.

Maine.

Anthony’s mother didn’t even know where it was until he’d shown it to her on a map, but that still didn’t stop her from acting like she was born there.

Anthony “Ant” Jones has never been outside his rough East Cleveland neighborhood when he’s given a scholarship to Belton Academy, an elite prep school in Maine. But at Belton things are far from perfect. Everyone calls him “Tony,” assumes he’s from Brooklyn, expects him to play basketball, and yet acts shocked when he fights back.

As Anthony tries to adapt to a world that will never fully accept him, he’s in for a rude awakening: Home is becoming a place where he no longer belongs.

REVIEW

Black Boy White School (BBWS) doesn’t have the most imaginative name, but it certainly gets to the point. The book follows Anthony (Ant) Jones as he is accepted in a mostly all white prep school in Maine. BBWS doesn’t skirt the tough issues as BBWS addresses death, fear, and racism all in a very straightforward manner. Issues such as KKK like groups, people using the N word, and different ways in dealing with being a minority are just some of the topics addressed in BBWS.

That said, this book is not just about racism, it is about finding yourself among a changing environment. And in this aspect Walker does a fantastic job by creating a well crafted and dynamic protagonist in Ant. Readers really get to see Ants emotions and the changes he experiences in each of his trips home. Each of these trips act as a nice barometer for Ant’s development, and to me it was each of these check points that really made the book exceptional.

Of course Ant wasn’t the only well written character, Floyd and George were also interesting characters that played pivotal roles in the story. Each acted as strong supporting characters that helped establish each of Ant’s different “faces”. That said, the only complaint I had about them was that I wanted each of them to have larger roles.

All in all Black Boy White School was a good book. It had a strong protagonist, great transitions that demonstrate the evolution of Ant, and strong well formed themes. Of course besides all of this the book is just plain well written. This is a not a happy go lucky book, but definitely something I’d recommend.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: HarperTeen

Published: January 3, 2012

Price: $17.99

Irises: By Francisco X. Stork

IRISES

SUMMARY

Two sisters discover what's truly worth living for in the new novel by the author of MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD.

TWO SISTERS: Kate is bound for Stanford and an M.D. -- if her family will let her go. Mary wants only to stay home and paint. When their loving but repressive father dies, they must figure out how to support themselves and their mother, who is in a permanent vegetative state, and how to get along in all their uneasy sisterhood.

THREE YOUNG MEN: Then three men sway their lives: Kate's boyfriend Simon offers to marry her, providing much-needed stability. Mary is drawn to Marcos, though she fears his violent past. And Andy tempts Kate with more than romance, recognizing her ambition because it matches his own.

REVIEW

I love Francisco X. Stork. Marcelo In The Real World and The Last Summer of the Death Warriors were some of the best non science fiction related YA novels I’ve read in years. Stork creates captivating yet realistic characters that contain a full range of emotions and persona. Besides that, Stork’s books are crafted in a way that will fascinate readers of all ages. The plots are intricate, the lessons deep, and the characters engaging.

It’s because of all of these things that I knew that I absolutely had to pick up a copy of Irises when it came out. Irises is the story of two sisters who have to come to terms with their secrets, futures, and sacrifices they are wiling to make after their father dies. The book addresses death, love, family, euthanasia, and the rights and wrongs associated with all of these issues.

And I have to say I really enjoyed it. The lesson was thought provoking and deep, the story interesting, the characters dynamic. That said, the speech pattern of the protagonists (Kate and Mary) caught me a little off guard. In Stork’s other books the characters felt real, their speech pattern was realistic yet a tad advanced. In Irises, I just felt like Mary and Kate spoke a little younger than they appeared. This bothered me a tad throughout the book, but to be honest I still enjoyed the book enough that I’d still easily recommend it.

All in all this was a great book. The subject matter is thought provoking, the characters dynamic, and the plot engaging and captivating. While I don’t feel it was better than Stork’s other books I’d have no problem recommending this fantastic book.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Published: January 1, 2012

Price: $17.99

The Bride Wore Black Leather: By Simon R. Green

THE BRIDE WORE BLACK LEATHER

SUMMARY

sIn the secret heart of London, under the cover of endless darkness, the Nightside caters to anyone with any unusual itch that needs to be scratched. But enter at your own risk. The party animals who live here may be as inhuman as their appetites...

My name is John Taylor. The Nightside is my home. I didn't plan it that way. In fact, I once tried to get away. But I came back. And now it seems I'm settling down, with a full-time job (in addition to my work as a very private eye) as Walker-the new Voice of the Authorities in the Nightside-and a wedding in the offing.

I'm marrying the love of my life, Suzie Shooter, the Nightside's most fearsome bounty-hunter. But nothing comes easy here. Not life. Not death. And for certain, not happily-ever-after. Before I can say "I do," I have one more case to solve as a private eye-and my first assignment as Walker.

Both jobs would be a lot easier to accomplish if I weren't on the run, from friends and enemies alike. And if my bride-to-be weren't out to collect the bounty on my head...

REVIEW

Say one thing for Simon R. Green, say he writes a darn fun book.

Say another thing for him, say he has done a fantastic job ending his extraordinary Nightside series.

This is the last Nightside book in the series. It is witty, full of fun and creative villains and weapons, and jam packed with action. Readers will be shocked to see John Taylor go head to head with old friends and enemies (no I can’t tell you who otherwise there would be no surprise in the book.) These action scenes are riveting and will captivate readers as John fights for his life in some of the most riveting battles in the series.

Green brings all of his tricks to the fold, as readers are reintroduced to characters from the entire length of the series. We see the Oblivian brothers, Alex, Cathy, Shotgun Suzie, Dead Boy, Razor Eddie, the Griffins, Julian Advent, Old Father Time, and dozens of other characters from the previous books in the series.

Of course while many of these characters do not play substantial roles (it would be to hard to incorporate all of them substantially in the story) they are still fun to read about. Green does a great job wrapping up the series. There’s more action than the last 3 books combined, there are unexpected twists surprises in the plot, and Green ends with a satisfying ending that will leave readers of the Nightside series happy (if not still a little sad to see it end).

That said, Green is famous for interweaving the characters from his other series into his current work (especially in recent years). Because of this it wouldn’t surprise me in the least bit to find we’re able to catch a glimpse or two of John and Suzie somewhere in Green’s upcoming books. So fan’s do not despair, the Nightside is not over, it’s just settled on a nice happy place to rest until Green reintroduces readers to dabblings of it in his future works.

All in all a great ending to a great series.

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Ace Hardcover

Published: January 3, 2012

Price: $25.95

Everything You Need To Survive The Apocalypse: By Lucas Klauss

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE

SUMMARY

Phillip’s sophomore year is off to a rough start. One of his best friends ditches him. His track coach singles him out for personalized, torturous training sessions. And his dad decides to clean out all of the emergency supplies from the basement, even though the world could end in disaster at any moment...and even though those supplies are all Phillip has left of his dead mom. Not that he wants to talk about that.

But then Phillip meets Rebekah. Not only is she unconventionally hot and smart, but she might like him back. As Phillip gets closer to Rebekah, he tries harder and harder to turn himself into the kind of person he thinks she wants him to be. But the question is, can he become that person? And does he really want to?

REVIEW

Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse is not what you might initially expect. It is not just another woe is me, the hardships of being a teenager book. Nor is it only a girl meets guy, guy falls for girls mayhem ensues book. This book is so much more.

Everything You Need is about belief and trust. It is about finding oneself and adjusting to the changes and actions of your friends. It is about love, loss, and forgiveness. And it does all of this while remaining fast paced, eventful, and captivating to the reader.

Klauss establishes these lessons/themes by creating engaging and realistic characters. Phillip is a wonderful protagonist. Klauss has established the disrespect and annoyance of a teenager, without coming across as too annoying or arrogant. While at the same time demonstrating the confusion and sense of loss that Philip feels from the death of his mother and throughout his self journey to find himself.

Mark is also an interesting character. While he’s only a minor character, his changes and influence send fascinating ripples in Phillip and Asher’s stories. I really liked the way that Klauss developed that storyline. Readers are truly able to witness the adjustments and choices that Phillip and Asher have to make to decide what they are each willing to do to keep the friendship alive.

That said, I didn’t love Farragut. I understand the importance of his character, and even why he was supposed to be aggravating and annoying, but something about him just irked me. I guess it should be a testament to the writing, but I just found myself jumping out of the story sometime when reading his lines and complaining to myself about how annoying he was.

All in all Everything You Need is a fantastic book. It takes an interesting spin on religion and the significance of belief, it is filled with interesting and realistic characters, and the story itself is well written and exciting. This is a fun book to read, and anyone looking for a well written non-science fiction YA book should definitely pick it up.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Published: January 3, 2012

Price: $16.99