Hunger: By Jackie Kessler

HUNGER

SUMMARY

Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home—her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power—and the courage to fight her own inner demons?

REVIEW

In a world filled with snacks, fast food, and deserts it is not surprising we have encountered large numbers of obesity in both men and women. But for every yin there is a yang, and in this case our world has created a problem just as serious as obesity, anorexia.

Hunger speaks out for these silent sufferers and it does so with magnificent grace.

Hunger was the first young adult fantasy book I’ve read that has dealt with this issue. That said I’ve read other books that have dealt with eating disorders, but none with the level of detail and understanding that Hunger exhibits. It is cruel, painful, and strikes home with startling accuracy.

Hunger tells the story of Lisabeth, an anorexic teen who just got appointed to the role of hunger/starvation as one of the four horsemen. Kessler does a fantastic job of paralleling Lisabeth’s struggle for confidence in her position as Hunger with her realization and confrontation of her disease.

In my opinion this is what makes Hunger such a fantastic book, the creative way that Kessler demonstrates the struggles of anorexia and other eating disorders while still retaining an interesting story. Kessler doesn’t fold under the pressure of a making this disease look easy to beat either. Anorexia is a disease that stays with the person for years if not forever, and constantly requires support and will power to deal with it. Kessler shows all of this in intricate detail, and really allows the reader to experience the thoughts and struggles Lisabeth and other’s afflicted with this disease fight everyday.

Because of these brutal truths and the sensational way that Kessler lays them out, I think everyone should read Hunger. It should be a school reading book to show the struggles people deal with on a daily basis. I know that the book isn’t that long and many will see it’s size as not worth the money, but readers should do what they can to read this brutal but fantastic book, it will be worth it once you finish.

RAITNG

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Graphia

Published: October 18, 2010

Price: $8.99

Bloodthirsty: By Flynn Meaney

BLOODTHIRSTY

SUMMARY

Some vampires are good. Some are evil. Some are faking it to get girls.

Awkward and allergic to the sun, sixteen-year-old Finbar Frame never gets the girl. But when he notices that all the female students at his school are obsessed with a vampire romance novel called Bloodthirsty, Finbar decides to boldly go where no sane guy has gone before-he becomes a vampire, minus the whole blood sucking part.

With his brooding nature and weirdly pale skin, it's surprisingly easy for Finbar to pretend to be paranormal. But, when he meets the one girl who just might like him for who he really is, he discovers that his life as a pseudo-vampire is more complicated than he expected.

This hilarious debut novel is for anyone who believes that sometimes even nice guys-without sharp teeth or sparkly skin-- can get the girl.

REVIEW

Are you tired of vampire books? Well Flynn Meaney certainly is.

In her debut novel, Bloodthirsty, Meaney introduces us not to a dark and cold night, with a pale, gaunt, yet strikingly handsome young vampire, but to Finbar, a pale, skinny, non-athletic teenage boy, who happens to be smart, kind, and incredibly unpopular. Finbar’s undesirable qualities are even more apparent when contrasted with his handsome, popular, and athletic twin brother Luke, (he even got a better name), who also happens to be the football star at their old high school.

Now after having moved to New York, Finbar decides to reinvent himself, and what better thing to reinvent yourself as than the most popular, sexiest thing out there, a vampire. So he works on his brooding stare, stays out of the sun (not to hard as he’s actually allergic to it), and remains blasé. But when Finbar actually meets a girl who may like him for him, he has to decide whether to keep up the charade, or risk exposing his geeky unpopular side.

All in all Bloodthirsty was a good book. I actually wasn’t expecting it to be original or good, but it really surprised me with its original storyline and good pace. The characters were well developed, the plot wasn’t so hokey that I couldn’t follow the story (I was expecting this to be the problem, but it really wasn’t), and the book was well written. It’s not going to appeal to everyone, and I’m sure some people wont even pick up the book from looking at the title, but this really is a fun young adult book, and I think if those hesitant to pick it up should give it a chance, Bloodthirsty wont let them down. As for me I can’t wait for Meaney’s next book to come out.

RATING

8 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Poppy

Published: October 5, 2010

Price: $9.99

The Death of Joan of Arc: By Michael Scott

THE DEATH OF JOAN OF ARC

SUMMARY

Joan of Arc was not burned at the stake in Rouen, France in 1431. She was rescued from certain death by Scathach the Warrior.

The truth about that day is revealed in the last will and testament of William of York, and it will leave you wondering: does Joan of Arc still walk the earth? Michael Scott’s first-ever exclusive ebook short story delves into the world of the bestselling series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel and offers readers a never-before-seen lost story—the story of two warriors who would become sisters.

REVIEW

The Death of Joan of Arc is short, good, and cheap.

The first thing you have to understand about this short story is that it is short. I know you think you know what I’m saying, and consider me an idiot for having to reiterate this, but there is no other way to describe it in full. The story is 12 pages long and close to a quarter of it is used to set up the story and state the perspective it’s based on.

That said this kindle only short story is a decent buy for fans of Michael Scott’s Nicholas Flamel Series at $0.89 a copy. The story itself will mean nothing to readers who have not read the series, but for fans who have read the series, this will be a fun opportunity to enjoy watching Scathach and Joan in action.

All in all The Death of Joan of Arc is a short cheap reminder for fans of the next Nicholas Flamel book. While I felt this story could have been better, I would certainly read a book of short stories in the Flamel series, but until then I’ll wait for the next book in the series.

RATING

7 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published: August 24, 2010

Price: $0.89

The Scorch Trials: By James Dashner

THE SCORCH TRIALS

SUMMARY

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.

The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

REVIEW

James Dashner took the nation by storm last year with his New York Times Bestselling young adult novel The Maze Runner. It was hailed as original, action-packed, and a fantastic read for kids of all ages.

Now in this season of sequels Dashner is back with The Scorch Trials, the much awaited sequel to The Maze Runner.

The Scorch Trials begins minutes after The Maze Runner ends. The Gladers are finally out of the Maze and are ready for the nightmares to end. But WICKED isn’t ready for their trials to end. Now instead of the maze WICKED is giving the Gladers a new trial, the Scorch Trials. They must travel across the Scorch, the ravaged aftermath of this post-apocalyptic Earth, and survive against the disease ridden cranks, people inflicted with the incurable disease, the Flare.

But the catch is if the Gladers don’t make it across the Scorch in time they wont make it at all, as WICKED has infected them all with the Flare. Now as they trek across the Scorch, Thomas and the other will be tested in ways they have never experienced, making the Maze seem like paradise when they’re done.

Fans of The Maze Runner will be shocked as dozens of secrets are unearthed for every secret revealed from The Maze Runner. Dashner does a fantastic job of employing intricate twists and turns in the story, making it so even the most astute reader wont be able to guess what’s happening next. Because of this, the break neck speed of the book, and the attachment readers will feel with Thomas, this book is a great read.

The one thing I would warn readers about beforehand though is that this book doesn’t solve everything. In fact, it creates more questions that it answers secrets. Because of this some readers may want to opt to wait for the third book before reading The Scorch Trials. But most likely if you’ve read The Maze Runner, than you’re already hooked into the series, so just be aware that the minute you finish The Scorch Trials you’ll be counting down the days to the third book in this epic series.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published: October 12, 2010

Price: $17.99

Cinda Williams Chima Interview

CINDA WILLIAMS CHIMA INTERVIEW

Cinda Williams Chima is the sensational author of the Heir and Seven Realms Series. Her books have been nominated and won numerous awards, including earning places on the New York Times Children's Series Bestseller, USA Today, and Indie Bestseller lists. She most recently published the second book in her Seven Realms Series, The Exiled Queen, and will be touring across the US for the Exiled Queen book tour.

She recently graced us with her presence and answered some of our questions about her bestselling series. Here's the interview.

Whatchamacallit Reviews: What made you want to be a writer?

Cinda Williams Chima: When I was in school, my writing was one of the first things I received positive feedback about. Also, books changed my life.

WR: Most author have a number of books they write before they get published, what was the premise of your first book you wrote before you got published?

CWC: Actually, The Warrior Heir was the first book I finished as an adult. And it eventually got published, after four years of revision. I did write romance novels in junior high school in which I ended up with the cute guy.

WR: How did you develop the idea for The Seven Realms series?

CWM: I had written the first two books of a high fantasy trilogy for adults that I never finished. It was called the Star-Marked Warder, and was set in the Seven Realms. So after I finished The Dragon Heir, I knew I wanted to write more books for teens. I had this entire world created, the culture, the conflict, the characters, a map. And so I took two of the characters back to when they were teens--Han Alister and Raisa ana'Marianna.

WR: What’s your writing process usually like, do you usually outline?

Are you part of a writers group?

CWC: I do not outline. I've tried it, and it doesn't work for me in fiction. Of course, when you write like I do, it requires lots of revision. I do belong to several critique groups. It's really important to get feedback on your work from thoughtful people before it goes to an editor or agent. Also, writing is a lonely business, so it's nice to hang out with friends who understand it.

WR: The first book in the Heir series, The Warrior Heir, reads as if it was a standalone novel, was it originally meant as a standalone novel or did you always know it was going to be part of a series?

CMC: I wrote The Warrior Heir and The Wizard Heir before either was published. I stopped, then, knowing I could have the world's longest unpublished series. I knew that publishers are reluctant to take on a series from an unknown author. Hyperion bought The Warrior Heir as a stand-alone. They bought Wizard when The Warrior Heir did very well. And then I wrote The Dragon Heir. I like doing sequential stand-alones that can be read in any order. However, the story arc of The Seven Realms series goes over the four volumes, so they are not stand- alones.

WR: What’s been one of the weirdest experiences you’ve had since becoming published? Have you gotten any odd gifts from fans?

CWC: No odd gifts. But I do hear from fans who have read my books so many times, they are the ones who find the errors in them. Or ask questions I can't answer.

WR: How did you decide to write from Han and Raisa’s point of view in The Seven Realms series?

CWC: I wanted to feature a strong male and a strong female character. It's also cool to alternate POV because then the reader has more information than either of the protagonists--and that can set up tension.

WR: Of your books who’s your favorite character to write?

CWC: I don't think I can choose. Sometimes a minor character can really take over, though--like Leesha Middleton in the Heir series. She was supposed to be a walk-on in The Warrior Heir and ended up returning for each book. And Cat Tyburn in the Seven Realms series--she's so deliciously tough.

WR: The Exiled Queen ends with a large number of unsolved issues, what can you tell us about the next book in the series and when can we expect the next book in the series to come out?

CWC: The Sword of Hanalea should release in fall of 2011. I'm finishing the line edits on it now. I guess I'd describe it as one crisis after another--a real roller-coaster. The fourth book is called The Gray Wolf Throne, and I'm almost done with a first draft on that.

WR: After reading The Exiled Queen I felt like Hayden Fire Dancer’s character was so intricate and his story so interesting, and yet we don’t get to read nearly enough about him, would you ever consider writing a book from Dancer’s point of view?

CWC: Of course. I love Dancer. I wish I had more time to spend on each character, but the books are long enough, lol

WR: What’s next on the horizon for you? Besides the Heir and Seven Realms series do you have any plans for any other new series you’re working on?

CWC: I'll be writing two more Heir books after the Seven Realms series. And I have an idea for a new series after that, but it's still--um--under development.

WR: Where and when can fans come see you in Austin?

CWC: I'll be at the Texas Bookfest. On Saturday, October 16 I'm participating in a Zombies vs Unicorns Smackdown from 6-7:30 p.m. at the AAMP Building. Sunday October 17 from 11 a.m. to noon I'm on a panel, Portals to Imagined Worlds at the Capitol Extension. Afterwards I'll be signing books at the Authors' Tent. Hope to see some of you there.

WR: And where can other fans hear more about your books?

CWC: Well, The Demon King is now available in paperback, and The Exiled Queen released September 28.

Excerpts from each of my books are available on my website, www.cindachima.com. Help for writers can be found under Tips for Writers, including a document called, “Getting Started in Writing for Teens.”

I blog at http://cindachima.blogspot.com/, where you’ll find rants, posts on the craft of writing, and news about me and my books.

The Exiled Queen: By Cinda Williams Chima

THE EXILED QUEEN

SUMMARY

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean danger isn’t far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

REVIEW

With teens turning to vampires, angels, and whatever other craze is out there it’s refreshing to read an author who’s not succumbing to the popular crazy of the day.

Cinda Williams Chima is such an author.

Cinda Williams Chima is a fantastic writer who improves with each novel she writes. Her Heir series was a New York Times Children’s Series Bestseller, as well as appearing on a number of distinguished lists including the USA Today and Indie Bestsellers lists. Her most recent series, The Seven Realms Series, has also received much praise and thus far includes The Demon King and The Exiled Queen.

In The Exiled Queen Chima starts the story immediately where The Demon King leaves off. (If you haven’t read The Demon King yet, let me first say you should, and second that you shouldn’t read the next few paragraphs, but should just know this is a great series that anyone looking for a great book should read.) For those who have read the first book in this epic series The Exiled Queen begins with all the main characters traveling to Oden’s Ford to study wizardry, military training, and hide from their enemies. Where the first book sets up the story be introducing the characters to one another, the plot really thickens in The Exiled Queen. Different and strange alliances seem to develop and new and powerful characters are introduced to the story. Besides that more divisions and plots to overthrow the government and current standing are discovered as the plot thickens in this captivating book.

And yet while the plot is incredibly intricate and detailed one of my favorite aspects of The Exiled Queen are the characters that are developed in the book. Fire Dancer, a character who could by all rights have a book all of his own, is given a greater part in the story. The Bayer twins (especially Fiona) are allowed to room to develop their own plots and schemes. And new characters such as Crow are introduced to the fray.

All in all The Exiled Queen is a fantastic book that I just couldn’t put down. The action swells with each successive chapter, the already vibrant characters grow even richer, and the plot is full of intricate and complex schemes that just make the book so captivating that anyone who picks it up wont be able to put it down until the very last page. Making The Exiled Queen a must read in this season of sequels.

RAITNG

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Published: September 28, 2010

Price: $17.99

Behemoth: By Scott Westerfeld

BEHEMOTH

SUMMARY

The behemoth is the fiercest creature in the British navy. It can swallow enemy battleships with one bite. The Darwinists will need it, now that they are at war with the Clanker powers.

Deryn is a girl posing as a boy in the British Air Service, and Alek is the heir to an empire posing as a commoner. Finally together aboard the airship Leviathan, they hope to bring the war to a halt. But when disaster strikes the Leviathan's peacekeeping mission, they find themselves alone and hunted in enemy territory.

Alek and Deryn will need great skill, new allies, and brave hearts to face what's ahead.

REVIEW

After reading Behemoth, I have to say Westerfeld truly is a master of his genre.

Westerfeld who’s shown impressive versatility in writing through numerous other bestselling young adult novels including The Uglies and The Midnighters series, is back again with this sequel to his hit book Leviathan.

Leviathan and Behmoth follow the actions and timeline of World War I, but with a few changes. First the Allies use bestial technology, creating large warships and other war technology by splicing together different animal DNA. And the Axis have developed mass war machines, far superior to even the machines we have today.

Behemoth starts up right after the events of Leviathan, but with a bang! Literally that is, as the Axis has created a sort of lightning cannon, that can literally tear the airships like the Leviathan apart, and tries to demonstrate on the Leviathan in the first few pages of the book. Alex manages to save the Leviathan but in the process gets himself shot and put under arrest. From there he and his crew plan an escape. But before he can escape one of Dr. Nora Darwin Barlow’s (Darwin’s granddaughter) mysterious creatures hatches and makes an impression on him, forcing him to carry the creature with him as he escapes.

All this excitement happens in the very beginning of the book, giving potential readers just a taste of how just how action packed this book really is. Of course the excitement isn’t even the best part of Behemoth. Westerfeld does a fantastic job of growing the characters in the fantastic sequel. Fans will rejoice as they’re able to see Alex’s character evolve from a spoiled rich kid, to that of one of self sacrifice willing to do what’s best for the people.

It’s these sensational details that have allowed Westerfeld to create another New York Times bestselling novel in Behemoth. The plot twists are exciting and intricate, the characters are well written and filled with exquisite imagery, and the excitement never stops in this fantastic sequel to Leviathan, making it a must read in this year of sequels.

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Published: October 5, 2010

Price: $18.99