JESSICA RULES THE DARK SIDE
by Beth Fantaskey
Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1 edition (January 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0547393091
Source: BEA
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

My Thoughts:

Once I finished JESSICA'S GUIDE TO THE DARK SIDE I knew that this story could not be over in just one book, so you could imagine my immense joy when I found out that Beth Fantaskey was writing Jessica's and Lucius' continuing adventures in JESSICA RULES THE DARK SIDE.

Upon returning into Jessica's world we find the newly married princess struggling with her role as a ruler. She is constantly doubting herself her ability to stand beside her husband as they prepare to become King and Queen. When their very vocal rival is murdered all stakes point to Lucius. Now, Jessica will have to prove to their elders that she is capable of managing her kingdom while her beloved husband is locked in solitary confinement. Will she be able to prove his innocence before it is too late? She will have to trust someone, will it be the dangerous stranger her husband calls brother? or her family of advisers? Time is running out and easy choices are not in the cards for Jessica. As if ruling a legion of vampires isn't difficult enough?

I really enjoyed this novel and was pleased with this story. It was wonderful to get back into this world that Beth Fantaskey has created with clever plot development infused with wit, romance and suspense. Spending more time with Jessica and Lucius is just what I wanted and I was not disappointed. I was not sure how this story would be told with the emphasis being that Jessica was now a married woman, but Beth did a great job giving you enough to keep your heart racing. In fact this story was enhanced with another couple that I adored and hope that they eventually have a book of their own because witnessing their relationship provided the romantic relief that I truly enjoyed.

If you were a fan of JESSICA'S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE then this sequel will please you and leave you quite satisfied

If you go into Kepler's you will see this display of which you can add your experience of why you broke up with someone.

Teen Event: Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket) and Maira Kalman

Thursday, February 2, 7:00 p.m.

Why We Broke Up

Menlo Park Council Chambers, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park

I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened.

Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.

The good news is that Kepler's is giving out signing line tickets with every copy of the book you buy from them. And these tickets will be numbered. So the earlier you buy the book, the less time you will spend in line waiting to meet and get your book signed by Daniel and Maira. Can’t get better than that!

The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (January 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0525478817
Source: Purchased
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

My Thoughts:

John Green has created something of a masterpiece with THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and I seriously cannot rave more about this amazing novel than I already have to anyone that has a flippin' pulse, so for all those zombies out there with an internet connection, this if for you.

Let me just start off with letting you know that I am a cancer survivor. Yes, years a go the big C had it's grip on me and for almost a year I did not know how the story of my life would play out. It was a very dark time and there were moments that completely enveloped me in sorrow and pain, but time passes and what I felt before is but a mere memory. Is it a Survival instinct? or having a major Cleopatra complex (Queen of Denial) I do not know, but what I do know is that THE FAULT IN OUR STARS brought forth alot of feelings long denied and forgotten. I cried buckets while reading this book but I also laughed so much that it hurt and with that I will always be grateful for this wonderful novel of putting everything in perspective.

What can you say about a story that involves teens dealing with cancer? Besides the fact that it is not fair, it sucks and it is just plain wrong. I could go on an on with unacceptable nature of how a young life should never be cut short but that's not what this book is about. What matters and what is true about John Green's current literary gem is the non-flinching look at making the most of your life despite that fact that your infinite days are definitely numbered.

Hazel is a teen living with terminal cancer and living on borrowed time due to a miraculous new drug. It is a lot to shoulder especially when you cannot live like a normal teen and go to school, attend sleep overs or even go shopping without your constant companion of an oxygen tank. Hazel's loving and protective mother thinks it's best to enroll her in a support group for teens and one day Hazel's life is completely and irrevocably changed when she meets Augustus Waters: dashing, devil may care, cancer survivor extraordinaire.

Through their interactions and quick witted exchanges it is clear that something special is developing between them. I could not seem to get enough of their endearing conversations and would always be left a little teary-eyed either through laughter or a particularly heart squeezing moment. Leave it to Mr. Green's genius in creating an author and oh so pivotal novel within this story that enveloped those two characters in a unique plot twist that was sheer brilliance.

It is not to say that the story itself is simply made of awesome sauce but John Green has an amazing knack of creating characters that are beyond memorable, you actually care for them, want to be their friends and have them in your life. It is just that simple. And you can't argue that his dialogue is the stuff that dreams of made of. Gosh I wish I could just root around his brain and pluck out a few words that would make me seem a better reviewer, but that might impair Mr. Green so will cast that notion aside and just say that I love this novel to bits and think everyone adult, teen and zombie alike needs to read it.

Sneak a Peek Saturday is a feature that I like to indulge in because I cannot wait to read the tasty tid bits that are put out there for us ravenous readers to enjoy.

This Saturday I have selected STARTERS by Lissa Price. The cover for this book is so startling that you cannot help be mesmerized by it and then when you read the synopsis you are left wanting. The chilling book trailer video was just released and it makes me want to read this novel even more.

03/13/12
STARTERS
by Lissa Price
ISBN-13: 978-0385742375
Delacorte BYR, 352 pages.
Amazon, B&N, Goodreads

STARTERS WEBSITE

Just click on the book cover and enjoy the sneak peek

In the future, teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to be young again. One girl discovers her renter plans to do more than party--her body will commit murder, if her mind can't stop it. Sixteen-year-old Callie lost her parents when the genocide spore wiped out everyone except those who were vaccinated first--the very young and very old. With no grandparents to claim Callie and her little brother, they go on the run, living as squatters, and fighting off unclaimed renegades who would kill for a cookie. Hope comes via Prime Destinations, run by a mysterious figure known only as The Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to seniors, known as enders, who get to be young again. Callie's neurochip malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her rich renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, even dating Blake, the grandson of a senator. It's a fairy-tale new life . . . until she uncovers the Body Bank's horrible plan. . . .

John Green

Friday, January 27, 7:00 p.m.
The Fault in Our Stars
Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway St., Redwood City

ATTENTION ALL NERDFIGHTERS: John Green is coming to the Fox Theatre on January 27 to celebrate his new book with his brother, Hank. Be prepared for a night of music, readings, comedy, free posters, fancy programs, and vlogbrother mayhem! This will be unlike any other reading or booksigning. Come and be entertained.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS:

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

This is a ticketed event; and it is sold out.

Food and drinks are available in the lobby. No outside food and drinks will be allowed in the theatre.



I cannot wait to attend this event because I believe it will be one of the highlights of this year.

Restock Yara's Bookshelves: What Happened and Why We Need Your Help!:

Members of the book blogging community have joined together to help restock Yara's bookshelf.

Please take a few minutes and stop by to visit Yara's Bookshelf to see if there is something you could do to help. New or gently used books are fine and more than appreciated. There is a book list for Yara and also a list for her boys.

Then take a look at Lani Woodland's Blog to see how authors are helping out: http://www.laniwoodland.blogspot.com/2012/01/helping-out-friend.html

Dress Me Up: District 8, Textiles

Fois Gras: District 10, Livestock

Fast Track: District 6, Transportation

Hook and Line: District 4, Fishing

Stone Cold: District 2, Masonry

Smoke and Ashes: District 12, Coal Mining

Agro: District 11, Agriculture

Mahogany Magic: District 7, Lumber

Harvest Moon: District 9, Grain

Riveting: District 3, Technology/Mechanics

Electrify: District 5, Power

Luxe and Lush: District 1/The Capitol, Luxury

Are these the shades that you expected to see from the collaboration? Do you think it is missing anything or are you surprised by any of the shades? Sound off below!

The shades will be available in March. $5.99 each at sallybeauty.com.