Speed Reviews - YA Fiction

If you've been keeping up with me this week, I've got some more speed reviews of books I read a year or more ago.

Stolen Voices by Ellen Dee Davidson
Stars: ****

Summary: Life in Noveskina is perfect until Miri discovers she has no Talent, and therefore faces life among the lower classes. As Miri searches for her Talent, she discovers a sinister secret about Noveskina. Will she have a chance to speak out before they come for her voice? - from Ellen Dee Davidson

Even though it's been a while since I read this book, I remember it very clearly. I really enjoyed it. It's along the same lines as The Giver by Lois Lowry. In this particular world, almost everyone develops a talent as they mature that dictates what they do with their future. Anyone who matures without a talent is an outcast at the lowest class.

I think this would make a great read in school. Perhaps even after studying The Giver to study the similarities and differences between the two worlds. It's a shame I didn't review it right away so I could give a more indepth review. Please don't be put off by my short review.

Buy Stolen Voices at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

The Chosen One: a novel by Carol Lynch Williams
Stars: *****

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family - from Good Reads

Another one that I remember well even though it's been a while. I was excited when I got a copy to review of this book because of the great things I'd heard about it. It wasn't over-hyped, just talked about enough by trusted book bloggers.

I know Polygamy books seem to be quite common now but in 2009 when this was published, they weren't quite as common. This was a dramatic novel that kept me reading the way a good novel should in my opinion.  I remember not wanting to put it down for long. At just over 200 well spaced pages, it's a quick read so expect to read it in one or two sittings. A great ending! Be sure to check out the more in depth reviews linked below.

Other Reviews: (note: any giveaways mentioned are long over) Book Addiction, Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin?, Maw Books, The Story Siren, Booking Mama,

Buy The Chosen One at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*Both books were received in exchange for a review if I finished them. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

Ruined by Paula Morris

Stars: ****

Teen Fiction
309 pages
© 2009 Point (Scholastic)

Summary: Rebecca's dad has to go out of the country so she is sent to temporarily live with her Aunt in New Orleans, a few years after Katrina. She's snubbed at the prep school and doesn't seem to fit in until she meets Lisette. Only one problem, she's a ghost. She also meets Anton Grey, a boy from the boy's prep school. He seems to be the only person who's nice to her other than Lisette. But there's more to the story which Rebecca slowly uncovers until she's right in the middle of it.

I thought this was a good ghost story with some great information on New Orleans and the aftermath of Katrina. I have seen quite a bit of negative reviews of this book but other than the cover, I don't see what's wrong with this book.

I found it quite intriguing, and although I guessed the twist ending, I don't necessarily count that against a book made for teens since I'm an adult. I think ages 14-16 would like this the best.

Anyone who frequents my blog knows I'm not great at reviewing fiction because I never know how to explain plot, characters, theme etc. I did like the character Lisette the best and I really felt sorry for her. I also identified with Rebecca and how she felt as an outcast in New Orleans.

I liked that the book had a romantic aspect but that it wasn't a big focus of the book like it is in many teen novels. It was a nice change.

Links of Interest: YouTube Book Trailer,

Other Reviews: Girls in the Stacks (some may consider it a spoiler), Reading to Myself, Tiny Little Reading Room, Today I Read, WordBird, Books and Other Stuff,

Buy Ruined at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

BISP Month: The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

Stars: ****1/2

Egmont USA (April 2010)
YA Fiction

Summary: Jess Parker never really fit in. Until she receives an invitation to join The Cinderella Society (TCS). She gets swept up in their world and life but there's a bigger picture. The purpose of TCS is to help combat The Wickeds. Jess starts to wonder if she's the wrong person for the job. Full description here.

I was a little apprehensive about this book as I figured it would be about a bunch of good looking girls who are cliquish. That was before I read the description of course. It turns out this is the perfect book for showing girls can accomplish anything and shows a full understanding of the way high school works. Although I doubt any such Cinderella Society really exists, there are Wickeds (the mean, bullies) and Reggies (regular people) and though there might not be Cindys (the Cinderella Society, trying to stop the Wickeds from bullying the Reggies), there are those who help others. As a bully target, I identified with Jess and Heather in the book.

I'll admit I"m not great in reviewing fiction, mostly because I review nonfiction more. I want to make sure not to give away too much of the book but it would be really cool if The Cinderella Society and it's mother organization really existed. As part of turning into a Cindy, Jess gets a makeover, but it's not your average makeover. Jess has to study and figure out what her style is. Then she is helped to look more like she feels inside. This is not a making you up so much that you aren't who you really are kind of makeover. Also, although Jess's low self-esteem makes her think she's not attractive till she's all made up, a boy tells her that he noticed her way before her makeover, showing that she underestimates how beautiful she really is. Unfortunately this is common for teenage girls. Well actually, girls and women of all ages.

If you'd like to read an excerpt, you can find out here. If you are looking for a more in depth review with talk about plot, characters and more, check out some of the other reviews below from fellow bloggers.

BISP Month stands for Body Image and Self Perception Month and is an event run by Once Upon a Bookcase. Participating blogs have reviews, interviews and more.

From Once Upon a Bookcase:
"For the whole of July, I and several other bloggers will be reading YA novels that cover body image and self-perception issues, from eating disoders and obesity to physical disabilities, disfigurment, and general self-esteem issues. [...] BI&SP Month is about looking at how authors deal with this sensitive subject, and to try and make people realise there is no perfect body image, that you're perfectly beautiful as you are."

Links of Interest: Kay Cassidy, The Cinderella Society, BISP Month, Kay Cassidy on Twitter,

Other Reviews: Juiciliciousss Reviews, Cindy's Love of Books, Shooting Stars Mag, Book Crumbs, The Page Flipper, Reading Keeps You Sane,

Buy The Cinderella Society at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

* I won this book at a blog giveaway and was not compensated in any way for my review.

The Book of Knowledge by David Michael Slater

Stars: ****

CBAY Books (2009)
Teen Fiction/ YA Fiction
10 and Up (the ages given but labelled as YA)

Summary: The second book in the Sacred Books Series. It continues right where the first book left off. Between the various attempts on their lives, the assault on their father, and a shocking discovery about their deceased mother, Dex and Daphna have endured enough for a lifetime. They barely have enough energy to stand, let alone save the world. Unfortunately, they don't have a choice. If they work together, the twins might stand a chance of discovering the truth about The Book of Nonsense. But are they really working together?

First I must caution that this book is controversial. I don't want to give the story away at all but the story gives an unusual explanation for a major bible story that certain people might find offensive. It's not bad in any way but if you are very devout in your Christian beliefs and believe every word of the bible to be exact truth, you may not like this book. You can read a bit more about that at Beaverton Valley Times.

Personally I found it interesting and thought-provoking. It truly has me thinking about my beliefs, even though that was not the intention of the book at all. I don't participate in book clubs because I generally have no interest in discussing books after I read them (other than to provide a review.) However this is one of the few where I'd like to exchange emails with another adult who has read this book.

Although I think the Book of Knowledge (and The Book of Nonsense,) could perhaps use a bit of work, in general I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to Book Three which says a lot as I don't normally read series. It keeps you thinking and wondering what's going to happen next and I can never guess correctly what's going to happen which I like.

If you're interested, I read this book during the Clean Away the Clutter Readathon but as part of an activity for Dewey's 24-hour Read-a-thon I talked about seeing the Sacred Books Series made into movies.

Links of Interest: My review of The Book of Nonsense (Book 1), David Michael Slater,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy The Book of Knowledge at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Dancing with Ana by Nicole Barker

Stars: ***1/2

The Golden Road Press (2009)
Teen Fiction
170 pages

Summary: Beth has a great life, a loving family and three best friends. Beth and most of her friends decide to go on a diet but it gets a little out of control for Beth. 

The title says it all. Ana is short form for Anorexia and Beth is indeed dancing with it. She doesn't quite develop into full Anorexia needing hospitalization and treatment but she does get quite close. Luckily she realizes what she is doing to herself and is able to stop. With true Anorexia, the person doesn't see what they are doing to themselves because they have warped view of themselves.

I think the fact that Beth comes from a good family shows teenage girls that struggles with diet and even eating disorders can happen to anyone. The story was simple and it's short enough that the story doesn't get too in depth. For some this may not be a good thing but I think it's perfect for teenage girls. When it comes to reading about struggles, a lot can be too much.

Although the story is mainly about Beth, a bit about her friend Rachel is covered. It's a sub-plot I guess. Adding a bit about her seemed to make the book not too monotonous. The book doesn't only cover Beth's struggle with weight loss either. It includes her romance with her boyfriend Jeremy and her relationship with her friends, teachers and parents.

Recommended for girls 12-16, especially if they struggle with their weight, (whether their weight is above normal or not.)

Links of Interest: Dancing With Ana,

Other Reviews: Nose in a Book, Missy's Book Nook, Kay's Bookshelf, Miss Remmer's Review, Tales of a Book Addict, Crazy for Books, Diary of an Eccentric, Cheryl's Book Nook,

Buy Dancing With Ana at Amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*I received a copy of this book for review. All reviews are honest and are not affected in any way by how I received the book.

How To Steal a Car by Pete Hautman

Stars: ****

Scholastic Press (2009)
Teen Fiction (Young Adult)
176 pages


Summary: The first car was an accident. Kelleigh didn't plan on stealing it, it just sort of happened. But the rush of the experience, the excitement of it all, it gets to Kelleigh. Her life seems to be a crazy mess, and stealing cars helps Kelleigh forget about how her lawyer father is defending a rapist, her parents don't have the best relationship, her best friend is annoying her more than ever, and the guy she likes is lukewarm towards her. Stealing cars is a release. The only problem? She can’t stop.

I have to admit it's the title that made me want to read this. I love how Kelleigh is writing an essay for school about stealing cars while she is doing so. She uses what she knows and what others tell her about stealing cars and we see a paragraph here and there sparsed inbetween the text. I think it's a creative way to get it in there. Seeing the whole essay at the end would have been a poor choice and doing it this way made it much more interesting.

Although the book is about stealing cars, it's not as shocking and wild as I'd thought it would be which isn't necessarily a bad things. It means it's still good for younger teen readers and is something new, not a teen book form of Speed or The Fast and the Furious. As Pete Hautman says on his website:

"Ever see that movie "Gone in 60 Seconds," or play the video game "Grand Theft Auto?" It's nothing at all like that."

The book was an interesting, fun and quick read but I think it could have been a bit better. I don't want to spoil anything but the ending wasn't how I was expecting it and it felt like we were being left hanging a bit. It's a good read if you want something a bit different.

Links of Interest: Pete Hautman, Pete Hautman Says (blog), Minnesota Public Radio (audio of author talking about book, reading from book etc.),

Other Reviews: Pop Culture Junkie, The Compulsive Reader, The Book Muncher,

Buy How to Steal a Car at Amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

I am an Emotional Creature by Eve Ensler

Stars: ****

Villard [Imprint of Random House] (2010)
Teen Fiction (but more like nonfiction)
176 pages

Summary: Eve Ensler (author of The Vagina Monologues) writes fictional monologues and stories inspired by girls around the globe.
Among the girls Ensler creates are an American who struggles with peer pressure in a suburban high school; an anorexic blogging as she eats less and less; a Masai girl from Kenya unwilling to endure female genital mutilation; a Bulgarian sex slave, no more than fifteen, a Chinese factory worker making Barbies; an Iranian student who is tricked into a nose job; a pregnant girl trying to decide if she should keep her baby.

This book was both amazing and shocking at the same time. These monologues could easily have been written by the teen and tween girls themselves. Eve Ensler did a great job of channeling what girls around the world are thinking.  One could easily mistake these monologues as being by many different teen girls but Eve Ensler crafted them after traveling the world, witnessing events and listening to real conversations. She mentions that sometimes they were inspired by an article, experience, memory, dream, wish, image or moment of grief or rage.

The monologues are short, some in poem form and so it's a quick read, a book you could read a little here and there, except for one thing. It's raw, and emotional, and hard to read at times. So you can't just read a few pages and go back to playing with your children. Your mind will stay on the subject you read about. You will think of your own children (especially if they're girls) in the same situation and shudder.

It's also a needed book. The plight of girls around the world has been hidden for too long. Eve Ensler subtitled her book well by calling it The Secret Life of Girls Around the World.

Eve Ensler is also the founder of V-Day:

V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery. 

Vgirls is a sub-website of V-Day just for girls. When you click that link you will be taken to the website but first it shows a special presentation that covers exactly what the book is about. I suggest if you have any interest in this book at all that you click the link and check out the beautiful presentation. It's a bit long but it's AWESOME! All the words in the presentation are from the book.

Related Links: You can view a large portion of this book online at Google Books, V-Day.Org on Twitter, Eve Ensler Bio,

Other Reviews: Reading Rocks,

Buy I am an Emotional Creature at Amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

The Amanda Project: invisible i by Stella Lennon

Stars: *****

Harper Teen (2009)
Teen Fiction
352 pages

Summary: When enigmatic high schooler Amanda Valentino disappears, her friends vow to find her. But once the teens follow clues that might lead to Amanda, they realize that everything they thought they knew about her was false. As they compare notes on their missing friend, the mystery of where - and who - Amanda is deepens.

The Amanda Project actually started out as a blog (http://www.theamandaproject.com) where readers can write stories, post art and share theories about Amanda (which may be used in later books.) They can also design and buy clothing an accessories inspired by Amanda and read regularly updated content. You can find out more about how the project is becoming a book series this The Amanda Project page.

As for the story itself, I enjoyed it. I read this book pretty fast which I usually do when I enjoy a story. I don't normally read series as I've mentioned before but I could see myself getting the rest of the books when they come out just so I can find out who Amanda is! If you don't like cliffhangers though this may not be for you. In some series, you can read just the one and never go back to the series again and you'd be fine. However, not with this one. The story doesn't end in invisible i.

I find that in lots of teen or tween mysteries, the answer of what's going on is obvious to me. Well I can say without a doubt that after reading this book, I still have NO idea what's going on. That's a good thing! I like how the story starts. Book one is told by Callie, one of the three main characters and we find out everything as she finds it out, not before. I find when I know something before a character does, it bothers me.

I also like the underlying story about Callie. Not everything is about Amanda. We find out some facts about Callie's life in the past and present and follow her along as she breaks free of a life she doesn't want to lead and becomes her own person.

A little note about Stella Lennon. There is no Stella Lennon. The books in The Amanda Project series are being written by quite a few different authors (as each one is told from a different point of view) and they wanted all the books to sit on the shelf together so they are writing under the pseudonym Stella Lennon.

Links of Interest: Melissa Kantor, The Amanda Project, Browse Inside (read the WHOLE book online for free!),

Other Reviews: Bites, Tower of Books, Juiciliciousss Reviews, Blogging Bout Books,

Buy The Amanda Project: invisible i at Amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

* I received an Advanced Reader's Edition of this book for review. How I got the book does not affect my review in any way. All reviews are honest.

The Real Real by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

Stars: *****

Summary: When Jesse O'Rourke gets picked for a "documentary" being filmed at her school in the Hamptons she's tempted to turn down the offer. But there's a tuition check attached to being on the show, and Jesse needs the cash so she can be the first in her family to attend college. All she has to do is trade her best friend for the glam clique she's studiously avoided, her privacy for a 24/7 mike, and her sense of right and wrong for "what sells on camera." . . . At least there's one bright spot in the train wreck that is her suddenly public senior year: Jesse's crush has also made the cast. As the producers manipulate the lives of their "characters" to heighten the drama, and Us Weekly covers become a regular occurrence for Jesse, she must struggle to remember one thing: the difference between real and the real real.

WOW! I received an ARC copy of this book from Good Reads. It's the first YA novel by the bestselling authors of The Nanny Diaries. I've been focusing on nonfiction so much lately I haven't read much YA but I'm glad I did. Although this book is for 14 and up, I think any young adult (up to 26 maybe) would enjoy it too. The characters live in The Hamptons of New York so their families either work near the rich and famous or work for the rich and famous (like cleaning their houses.) As the only "celebrity" I've ever met is Robert Munsch*, I can't relate personally to this lifestyle. However the characters of Jesse and Drew, except for seeing celebrities around town, are a bit more like me.

The summary seemed interesting, especially since I watch reality TV. I know it's not all real as they do makeup and wardrobe and change things to make sure people want to watch the show (like showing certain parts and not others etc..) but if reality TV is really like this book, I don't ever want to watch another reality show again. I wasn't in tears at the end but I had a terrible look on my face that would tell anyone seeing the face that I was horrified. I would never spoil an ending but I must say that this wasn't a "oh that's so horrible thank goodness it's a book" look but a "oh that's so horrible, this is happening to me, I'm the main character.. oh wait, no I'm not, it's just a book" look. In case anyone can't understand that, what I mean is, the book was so good, especially near the end, that I felt I was in it. This, to me, is what makes a fiction book a 5 star book. When I have to remind myself that it's just a book, it's a good book.

Something else that makes the book unique, is that instead of Chapter 1 or Chapter 4 it's Reel 1 and Reel 4 and then later it changes and the last chapter heading changes again. They all make sense with the storyline.

I thought the characters were well thought out. I learned a lot about each one and we are shown things later on that we wondered about at the beginning. We see them at their best and their worst and everywhere in between. It is because of this that one character that I didn't like in the beginning, I ended up liking (and I think you will too.)

* Don't get me wrong, Robert Munsch is an awesome author, I just mean, that's one out of how many famous people???

Others Reviews
Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
Garden of Books (For Teens)

Buy The Real Real at Amazon.com

Bran Hambric: The Fairfield Curse by Kaleb Nation

Stars: ***1/2

This review is a part of the Bran Hambric Book Blog Tour.

Summary:
Bran Hambric was found locked in a bank vault at six years old in a city where magic is banned, with no memory of his past. For years, he has lived with one of the bankers, wondering why he was left behind -- until one night, when he is fourteen, he is suddenly confronted by a maddened creature, speaking of Bran’s true past and trying to kidnap him.

Bran finds that he is at the center of a plot that started years before he was even born: the plot of a deadly curse his mother created…and one that her former masters are hunting for him to complete.

Here's the book trailer:


I decided I wanted to read this book because I like books about magic and it sounded interesting. I read the first chapter for free online and was hooked so I asked for a copy. I must say it wasn't as good as I was expecting. I think my problem with it was the names of some of the characters were just ridiculous (ie. Balder and Baldretta) and there is even a sentence that include "balder dashed".

Also the beginning of the book seems a lot like Harry Potter (the first one.) A magic boy lives with non magic folk, (in BH, they know of magic but it's illegal and don't speak of it while in HP they don't know of magic at all,) and is treated poorly. The people he is living with are not his blood relatives and he doesn't remember his mother. The boy doesn't know he's magical until he's older (age 14 in BH and 11 in HP.) Doesn't this all sound familiar? I'm not saying the ideas were copied. I don't know if Kaleb Nation has ever read or seen Harry Potter but it is similar. Shortly after Bran finds out he's magical though the book becomes very different from Harry Potter. As mentioned above, magic is illegal in the city of Dunce, no mages allowed.

I liked the second half of the book the best. After the first few chapters, before the second half of the book, I found it a bit slow going, with too much of annoying Sewey and his family and not enough Bran. It's nice to see a different take on a fantasy book for kids that includes magic though. In this one, magic is still all around but it can't be shown freely around either.

You can read the first FOUR chapters for FREE!

Kaleb Nation will be doing an in person tour around the USA starting Sept 19. See dates and places on his website.

The Bran Hambric Online Tour is taking place Aug 30-Sept 19 at the following locations:

Sunday, August 30th Jenn’s Bookshelf Homespun Light Monday, August 31st StevenTill.com Dolce Bellezza Bobbi’s Book Nook Tuesday, September 1st The Looking Glass Review Edward-Cullen.net Beth Fish Reads SMS Book Reviews James Holder’s YouTube Channel Wednesday, September 2nd Bookalicio.us Reading Rumpus Katie’s Literature Lounge Ultimate Bookhound Thursday, September 3rd Brimful Curiosities Charlotte’s Library Friday, September 4th BriMeetsBooks.com Bran Hambric by Kaleb Nation Saturday, September 5th Library Lounge Lizard Sarah’s Random Musings Saulchichas GreenFyr.com Sunday, September 6th Cindy’s Love of Books Monday, September 7th Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf Grasping for the Wind Life After Twilight vlog channel Tuesday, September 8th Shooting Stars Magazine Mrs. Magoo ReadsLori Calabrese Writes Wednesday, September 9th The Brain Lair Dulemba.com The Children’s Book Review TV Watch Online Thursday, September 10th The Friendly Book Nook Book Journey Stephanie’s Written Word Home School Buzz Spidurmunkey.com Friday, September 11th The Inside Scoop With Chandelle Booking Mama Saturday, September 12th Zoe’s Book Reviews Lit for Kids Sunday, September 13th Never Jam Today A Bibliophile’s Reverie Monday, September 14th Café of Dreams Marta’s Meanderings Galleysmith.com A Book Blogger’s Diary The Reader’s Quill Tuesday, September 15th a book in hand MistiSchindele.com Not Just for Kids Wednesday, September 16th Write for a Reader CumpulsiveReader.com Thursday, September 17th Howling Good Books The Written World Friday, September 18th Always Riddikulus YA Books Central Saturday, September 19th Ms. Bookish Into the Wardrobe

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland

Stars: ****1/2

Teen Nonfiction

Ages 14+

240 pages

ISBN 13: 9781554511594
Softcover $12.95

Summary: As a child in a small rural village in Sierra Leone, Mariatu Kamara lived peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Rumors of rebel attacks were no more than a distant worry. But when 12-year-old Mariatu set out for a neighboring village, she never arrived. Heavily armed rebel soldiers, many no older than children themselves, attacked and tortured Mariatu. During this brutal act of senseless violence they cut off both her hands. [read more]

The Bite of the Mango is another case of the book I should have picked up earlier than I did. When I first received the book I didn't realize it was a true story. This is a very sad story. I will tell you that the ending is pretty happy. I mean it's not like all her wildest dreams came true or something and I don't want to specify exactly what happened (so as to spoil it) but a lot of sad and disturbing things happen in this book.

The only thing that bothered me at all with the book was the cover. As is mentioned in the summary, Mariatu's hands were severed. Yet it is hands holding a mango on the cover. I thought this a little odd, maybe it's just me. I did like that the title of the book is mentioned in the book and it makes sense. There is nothing worse than a book with a bad title, one that doesn't make sense.

The book doesn't only address the war that went on in Sierra Leone and the casulaties of that war. It also addresses what little has happened to help those still in the country. Mariatu wrote this book to get the word out about what was happening and to clear up some misconceptions that were in some articles about her.

"I mulled over the teacher's comment as we drove home that evening. She
wasn't the first one to suggest a book about my life. I couldn't imagine many
people would want to read such a book, even if I could figure out how to write
it. At least, though, I fell asleep thinking, a book could dispel the myths that
had built up around me." - pg 196

Here is a book trailer which shows real photos from Sierra Leone and shows the author as well.

For More Information about the book, check out Annick Press.

For More Information about the plight of Sierra Leone and how Mariatu is trying to help, check out The Mariatu Foundation.

The Book of Nonsense by David Michael Slater

Stars: ****


Summary: The book is ancient, ravaged and full of utter nonsense. But the moment it enters Daphna and Dexter's lives, bizarre things begin to happen. Why is their father, who found the book, suddenly so distant? Is the old man who took it from him some kind of hypnotist? Why is a giant, red-eyed boy menacing them? And what does their thirteenth birthday have to do with all this? Daphna and Dexter can't stand each other, but they'll have to work together to learn the truth about the Book of Nonsense - before their lives come apart completely.

I'm sure most of you have seen reviews of this book already on other book blogs. I didn't get my copy along with everyone else, I got one later from the author, the last hard copy actually.

If you don't know, this book is designed for ages 10 and up but is considered teen fiction, probably because of the violence. There's not a whole lot but there is some for sure.

The story is quite different from what else I've read and I for sure the plot gets a 5/5 but it wasn't as well written as I was expecting which is why it has a 4/5. I'm not sure I can pinpoint anything wrong with it per say, it's just not amazing which is what a 5/5 is.

I like how it alternates between being told by Dex and by Daphna so that you can see what each is thinking. There is a lot of talk about books and book collecting and if the reader doesn't like books much and this is one of few books to read, they might get bored with the book talk. However those interested in magic and unusual things would like it.

I read this a few weeks ago so I'm having trouble remembering what to write as I'm sure any fellow book bloggers who may be reading this will understand. Be sure to check out the other reviews listed below for more opinions, they're not all good!

Links of Interest: David Michael Slater's Website, Interview with David Michael Slater at Breeni Books

Other Reviews: Lesa's Book Critiques, Cheryl's Book Nook , A Reader's Respite, A Bookworm's World, Bobbi's Book Nook, Sharon Loves Books and Cats, Sophisticated Dorkiness, Breeni Books, Berger's Book Reviews

Buy The Book of Nonsense at Amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews 

* I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All reviews are honest.