Book Review: Forget-Her-Nots

Author: Amy Brecount White

Released: March 2nd 2010

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

# of Pages: 384

Summary: (from Goodreads)

When someone leaves three mystery flowers outside her dorm door, Laurel thinks that maybe the Avondale School isn't so awful after all — until her own body starts to freak out. In the middle of her English presentation on the Victorian Language of Flowers, strange words pop into her head, and her body seems to tingle and hum. Impulsively, Laurel gives the love bouquet she made to demonstrate the language to her spinster English teacher. When that teacher unexpectedly and immediately finds romance, Laurel suspects that something — something magical — is up. With her new friend, Kate, she sets out to discover the origins and breadth of her powers by experimenting on herself and others. But she can’t seem to find any living experts in the field of flower powers to guide her. And her bouquets don't always do her bidding, especially when it comes to her own crush, Justin. Rumors about Laurel and her flowers fly across campus, and she's soon besieged by requests from girls — both friends and enemies — who want their lives magically transformed — just in time for prom.

Laurel, a young teen, is still grieving for the loss of her mother. Despite this loss, her father, haunted by the memories of their home, decides that it would be in the family's best interest to get a change of scenery. Thus, Laurel is installed at Avondale School. And although Laurel is adjusting to these changes, things just are not how she images they should be. When Laurel is given the chance to connect with her mother on a small level by giving a presentation on the Language of Flowers, she jumps at the chance. This small presentation ends up having a huge impact on her life as she soon discovers that every flower has a meaning and like flowers, appearances can be deceiving.

Forget-Her-Nots is a beautifully written and very visually pleasing novel. It is not often that I find a novel that by the end leaves me with the feeling that it was both educational as well as entertaining. But somehow this is exactly what Brecount White has done. I was completely fascinated at the depth of knowledge that Brecount White shows to her readers. The whole novel is paced nicely in a way that both kept my attention and continued to surprise me with its flower references.

To be honest, I am completely enchanted with Forget-Her-Nots and its author. The novel was adorable and filled with humor and powerful messages that leave the reader with a nice tingly feeling. While the novel is aimed a younger readers, it is possible that readers of all ages will find something to pique their interest. I will admit that as an older reader, I did have a little bit of difficulty relating to Laurel and some of her friends. However, this difficulty was very easily overlooked due to the rest of the novel's enchantment. If you are looking for a cute novel that will give you something to think about long after you have finished the last page, then look no further. Forget-Her-Nots is an enchanting novel that will completely change the way you look at flowers and their hidden meanings.

Author Interview: Tricia Rayburn

Today The Neverending Shelf is happy to welcome Tricia Rayburn. Tricia is the author of the novel, Siren. 

Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything—the dark, heights, the ocean—but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge. That is, until Justine goes cliff-diving one night near the family’s vacation house in Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day.

Though her parents hope that they’ll be able to find closure back in Boston, Vanessa can’t help feeling that her sister’s death wasn’t an accident. After discovering that Justine was keeping a lot of secrets, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor, hoping that Justine’s boyfriend might know more. But Caleb has been missing since Justine’s death.

Soon, it’s not just Vanessa who’s afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes host to a string of fatal, water-related accidents in which all the victims are found, horrifically, grinning from ear to ear.

Vanessa turns to Caleb’s brother, Simon, for help, and begins to find herself drawn to him. As the pair try to understand the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance—and will change her life forever.

A seductive paranormal romance full of unexpected twists, Siren is certain to make a big summer splash.
 

Describe your book in five words or less.

Siren’s a spooky, seductive mystery.


What has your road to publications been like?

It’s been a pleasant surprise! My first book, The Melting of Maggie Bean, was actually my MFA thesis; it wasn’t until I finished the story and was in a final meeting with my advisor that I considered pursuing publication. And then I had no expectations—which made the offer all the more exciting when it came!


What was the most challenging aspect of writing "Siren"?

Letting go of reality as we know it. I’d never written a story with any sort of supernatural element before, so that was a fun—but occasionally challenging!—experience.


Why did you choose to write for young adults?

As a writer, I seem to relate better to young adult characters. I’ve written more “adult” fiction before, and while I enjoyed it, I never connected with those characters in quite the same way.


What is one question that you've always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

I don’t think anyone’s ever asked me if there’s something else I’d do professionally if given the chance. But if they did, my answer would be absolutely not! Creating engaging stories for young readers is the very best job I could’ve ever hoped to have.

Want to find out more about Tricia and Siren? Please visit her at:

• Website
• Blog
• Twitter

And be sure to stop by Teens Read and Write for the next stop on the blog tour to find out more about Tricia and her novel.

The Shelf Report

The Shelf Report explores the really cool stuff that comes weekly in my mailbox. As well as what I have read and plan on reading for the week. It also includes any cool events that are going on around The Neverending Shelf and the blogosphere. The Shelf Report is inspired by Kristi's In My Mailbox and Sheila's It's Monday, What are you Reading?

For Review: 

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1) by Cassandra Clare 

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation by Matt Myklusch

All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at an orphanage in New Jersey. But his life changes forever when he meets an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic things in the world originate--including Jack.

Matt Myklusch's JACK BLANK AND THE IMAGINE NATION combines action, humor, adventure, heroes, villains, and superpowers for a knockout epic story.

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

Avery Hood is reeling from the loss of her parents--and the fact that she can't remember what happened to them even though she was there.

She's struggling to adjust to life without them, and to living with her grandmother, when she meets Ben, who isn't like any guy she's ever met before.

It turns out there's a reason why, and Ben's secret may hold the key to Avery finding out what happened to her parents...

But what if that secret changes everything she knows about--and feels for--Ben?

Bought:

Legacies (Shadow Grail, #1) by Mercedes Lackey, Rosemary Edghill 

Spirit White has survived from a deadly car crash that has killed her mother and father and her sister. She has been discovered by a school with special talents, called magic. A couple of months after staying, people begin to disappear, some vanish to be never seen again, so Spirit and her new friends begin the investigation. But will they find out the truth of what is going on? Or will Spirit and her friends suffer a terrible fate from which they don't know about yet?




The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey, #2) by Julie Kagawa

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Starlighter (Dragons of Starlight, #1) by Bryan Davis

Dragons are enslaving humankind and a black egg signals the end of the world. Jason Masters must journey to another realm and join forces with a slave girl named Koren to rescue the captives and save two worlds from destruction.What if the Legends Are True?

Jason Masters doubted the myths: people taken through a portal to another realm and enslaved by dragons. But when his brother is taken, he must uncover the truth and find the portal before it's too late. Once he's through the portal, he meets Koren, a slave in the dragons' realm, who struggles to destroy a black egg prophesied to doom all mankind. Jason and Koren must work together to save their two worlds before the dragons learn that their secrets have been discovered. In Starlighter, bestselling author Bryan Davis masterfully weaves fantasy and inspiration into a captivating novel for young adults.

Sea Glass (Glass, #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man now her prisoner has switched souls with Ulrick.

In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain...



Read this Week:

• Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
• Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters, #1) by Michelle Zink
• Graceling (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy, #1) by Kristin Cashore
• Fire (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy, #2) by Kristin Cashore

That is all for me this week. Hope everyone had a wonderful book week.

Book Review: Storm Glass

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Released: May 1st 2009

Publisher: Mira

# of Pages: 488

Summary: (from Goodreads)

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed…powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

Since being captivated a few months ago by Snyder's dystopian novel, Inside Out, I decided that it might be time to give her fantasy novel, Storm Glass, a chance. And I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised.

Readers of Tamora Pierce will quickly discover that they have found a kindred soul in Snyder. Her words flow effortlessly from the page creating a breath-taking world that readers will never want to leave. It is a world that is easy to bask in. The details are full bodied and utterly enchanting. This can also be said of the characters. Opal, Kade, and the many characters from Snyder's previous series, the Study series, make up one amazing group of characters. They are funny, serious, and just plain fun to read about. With this full and diverse group of characters, readers will quickly discover a favorite to root for.

Storm Glass is a quick paced novel that kept me glued to its pages.  And while I must admit that I have yet to read Snyder's previous Study series, I can guarantee that the world that has been introduced to me is being begged to be further explored. And these novels will be devoured as soon as I can get my hands on them.

Read-A-Likes

Ever got done reading a book and was like WOW... I could read this type of book all day long... but you end up having a hard time trying to find a similar book? Well, Read-A-Likes (as named by Kristen of Bookworming in the 21st Century) is here to help.

What are Read-A-Likes?

Quite simply, they are books that share similar themes, characters, and/or plots. And although, it may not be an exact match, these books have enough in common to please most readers.

How do the recommendations work?
Easy. I take one novel and suggest two or three novels that read similarly. If you have not read the "If You Like" novel, have no fear. Read-A-Likes can be used in any combination. For example, if you have read one of the "Try One of These" novels, and are looking for something similar, try either one of the "Try One of These" novel(s) or the "If You Like" novel.

If You Like:

Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness, #1)
by Tamora Pierce

Call it fate, call it intuition, or just call it common sense, but somehow young Alanna knows she isn't meant to become some proper lady cloistered in a convent. Instead, she wants to be a great warrior maiden--a female knight. But in the land of Tortall, women aren't allowed to train as warriors. So Alanna finds a way to switch places with her twin, Thom, and take his place as a knight in training at the palace of King Roald. Disguising herself as a boy, Alanna begins her training as a page in the royal court. Soon, she is garnering the admiration of all around her, including the crown prince, with her strong work ethic and her thirst for knowledge. But all the while, she is haunted by the recurring vision of a black stone city that emanates evil... somehow she knows it is her fate to purge that place of its wickedness. But how will she find it? And can she fulfill her destiny while keeping her gender a secret?

Try One of These:

Graceling (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy, #1) by Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight — she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an ext...more Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight — she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme, and in her case horrifying, skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace — or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away... a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Fire (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy, #2) by Kristin Cashore

Fire, Graceling's prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells.

Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.

Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.

Wondering what makes it a companion book/prequel? Fire takes place 30-some years before Graceling and has one cross-over character with Graceling, a small boy with strange two-colored eyes who comes from no-one-knows-where, and who has a peculiar ability that Graceling readers will find familiar and disturbing...




Storm Glass (Glass, #1) by Maria V. Snyder


As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed…powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

If you have any suggestions for additional Read-A-Likes for these novels, I would love to hear them.

Or if have a novel that you would like to find Read-A-Likes for, please contact me.