Please enable JavaScript
All Books | Page 47 | LitPick Book Reviews
All Books
Water to Burn
Katharine Kerr
Synopsis: Just when Nola O'Grady thinks she has it all...

Nola's the new head of the San Francisco branch of the Agency, the psychic organization so secret that even the CIA doesn't know it exists. What's more, for some mysterious reason, Interpol has assigned her lover, Israeli secret agent Ari Nathan, to her new bureau as her permanent "bodyguard."

But everywhere she looks she sees a Chaos manifestation spying on her. Inexplicable "rogue waves" are sweeping innocents to a watery death befreo she can save them. She has two increasingly dangerous searches on hand, for Rob Ezekiel, the supposedly dead prophet from Ari's past, and for the mysterious "Brother Belial," head of the Chaos cult they had managed to take down.

To top it off, her brother Michael is dragging Nola and Ari into his attempt to rescue his girlfriend from a radioactive alternate dimension.

How is Nola supposed to serve the forces of Harmony and maintain the balance between Chaos and Order when she can't even keep her own family under control?

Publication Date: 08/02/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Epic Fail
Claire LaZebnik
Synopsis:

Pride and Prejudice goes Hollywood in this winning romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen’s classic. In her teen fiction debut, the author of Knitting Under the Influence goes back to high school for a tale of sisters, misinformation, and star-crossed love.

Will Elise’s love life be an epic win or an epic fail?

At Coral Tree Prep in Los Angeles, who your parents are can make or break you.

Case in point: As the son of Hollywood royalty, Derek Edwards is pretty much prince of the school—not that he deigns to acknowledge many of his loyal subjects.

As the daughter of the new principal, Elise Benton isn’t exactly on everyone’s must-sit-next-to-at-lunch list.

When Elise’s beautiful sister catches the eye of the prince’s best friend, Elise gets to spend a lot of time with Derek, making her the envy of every girl on campus. Except she refuses to fall for any of his rare smiles and instead warms up to his enemy, the surprisingly charming social outcast Webster Grant.

But in this hilarious tale of fitting in and flirting, not all snubs are undeserved, not all celebrity brats are bratty, and pride and prejudice can get in the way of true love for only so long.

Publication Date: 08/02/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Fostergirls
Liane Shaw
Synopsis: Her name is Sadie, but she might as well be called Fostergirl. That's how everyone thinks of her. Sadie doesn't care. In fact, she'd be happier if they didn't think of her at all. Her goal is to go unnoticed and disappear until she reaches the age of sixteen and can apply for legal emancipation. Now she finds herself in another new high school, another new group home—number thirteen, but who's counting? This time there's a girl at her school named Rhiannon, who won't let her be invisible and insists on being her friend, and a guidance counselor, who won't give up trying to find out why Sadie has such a hard time in English class. Their belief in her might be able to restore Sadie's belief in others, and maybe even herself. But a person from her past and a shocking accident threaten to turn Sadie back to the safety of her self-imposed isolation.
Publication Date: 08/01/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Mallory in the Spotlight
Jennifer Kalis, Laurie Friedman
Synopsis:

The world is a stage for Mallory McDonald! When Mallory tries out for a part in the school play and gets the lead, she is super excited. But not everyone shares her enthusiasm, especially her best friend Mary Ann. In fact, the more excited Mallory gets, the less excited Mary Ann becomes. Mallory can't understand why Mary Ann is acting so strange. Even though the lights are shining bright, is there something Mallory's not seeing? Can Mallory find a way to play the roles of leading lady and best friend?

Publication Date: 08/01/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Double or Nothing
Dennis Foon
Synopsis:

Raise the stakes and feel the heat.

Kip is addicted to the pure adrenaline rush that hits when the stakes are high and the bets are laid down. His gambling addiction uses up his money, his mother's money -- and then their real trouble begins.

Dennis Foon's believable portrait of a teen caught in a gambling addiction crackles with suspense and a foreboding sense of where Kip will land.

Originally published in 2000, this remarkable novel has been updated to reflect new technology and the rise of online gambling.

Praise for the previous edition of Double or Nothing:

New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age "Our Choice" List, Canadian Children's Book Centre South Carolina Young Adult Book Award finalist

"This edgy novel believably captures the nightmare of compulsive gambling."
-- Horn Book

"Compelling characters . . . a fast-moving plot with plenty of crisp, authentic dialog."
-- Booklist

Publication Date: 07/28/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
The Life in the Angel Carving
Synopsis: Miranda is a bright spirit who is trapped inside an angel carving on an English church. When disaster strikes her city, she falls through a gateway into the beautiful world of Arbarron in the Artex galaxy. There, the power of the twin suns turns her stone body into a flesh and blood one. Arbarron's very existence is threatened by a mysterious dark force and Miranda races to find a solution. Her perilous quest takes her on an amazing adventure through Arbarron and into the far reaches of outer space. Can she discover how to save her new home in time?
Publication Date: 07/26/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Wolfsbane
Andrea Cremer
Synopsis: This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.
Publication Date: 07/26/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Worlds Apart
Luke Loaghan
Synopsis: "As one's world seems to break down around you, honesty seems quite out of reach. "Worlds Apart" is a story of David, a young man facing high school with his world falling apart around him. With gang war running rampant around him in 1980s New York City, it doesn't ultimately seem hopeful for his future. A coming of age thriller that deftly works in supernatural elements, "Worlds Apart" is a unique and much recommended read." - Helen Dumont, Midwest Book Review. The high school prom was the worst night of David's life, and twenty years later, he's unable to get over high school. But given the tragic circumstances of that night, who could? There are nine student deaths at Stanton High School every year. Surviving senior year has never been so stressful. In the 1980's, crime, gangs, and violence, have taken over New York City, making life a challenge for any student. The story follows David from the first day of his senior year, all the way to graduation. Doubts, a lack of direction, and regret are weighing heavily on his mind. He is a musical prodigy confused about college, life, and career choices. He can't trust his classmates at his ultra-competitive high school, where the goal is Harvard (no matter who gets hurt in the process.) Delancey is the girl of his dreams, but she is out of his league. The SATS, choices for college, school dances, and the prom, all start to overwhelm David. A fellow student, obsessed with the metaphysical world, befriends David. David must give the musical performance of his life in order to win back the girl of his dreams. An unforeseen supernatural plot twist leads the reader to a thrilling and suspenseful ending. Worlds Apart is a modern day retelling of the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Publication Date: 07/20/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Pearl
Jo Knowles
Synopsis:

Bean (née Pearl) and Henry, misfits and best friends, have the strangest mothers in town. Henry's mom Sally never leaves the house. Bean's mom Lexie, if she is home, is likely nursing a hangover or venting to her friend Claire about Bean's beloved grandfather Gus, the third member of their sunny household.

Gus's death unleashes a host of family secrets that brings them all together. And they threaten to change everything―including Bean's relationship with Henry, her first friend, and who also might turn out to be her first love.

Publication Date: 07/19/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Small Town Sinners
Melissa Walker
Synopsis:

Lacey Anne Byer is a perennial good girl and lifelong member of the House of Enlightenment, the Evangelical church in her small town. With her driver's license in hand and the chance to try out for a lead role in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin, Lacey's junior year is looking promising. But when a cute new stranger comes to town, something begins to stir inside her. Ty Davis doesn't know the sweet, shy Lacey Anne Byer everyone else does. With Ty, Lacey could reinvent herself. As her feelings for Ty make Lacey test her boundaries, events surrounding Hell House make her question her religion.

Melissa Walker has crafted the perfect balance of engrossing, thought-provoking topics and relatable, likable characters. Set against the backdrop of extreme religion, Small Town Sinners is foremost a universal story of first love and finding yourself, and it will stay with readers long after the last page.

Publication Date: 07/19/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
I Believe in Werewolves
Melissa Stevens, Rob M. Miller, Linda M Lovecraft, Mikel B Classen
Synopsis: Teeth, fangs and claws, rent flesh, and howls in the night send fear as the creatures that were once men bring terror and death to those they encounter. Werewolves, vicious demons of the night, hunt for prey as their hell curse drives them to a destiny undreamed by them as men. Netbound Publishing is pleased to announce what will be the first in a series of horror collections that will become an integral part of their “Night Terrors” imprint. I Believe In Werewolves will make a believer out of you. We've gathered together the best in independent horror authors to create a fresh and exciting anthology that will leave you wanting to howl at the moon. Your screams will fill the night as you read from one story to the next, each more terrifying than the last, as Werewolves feast on your nerves. Includes: Afternoon Tea by Jennifer Tucker, Winter Moon by John Irvine, Justice Comes With The Moon by Jeremiah Coe, The Hunger Within by Elizabeth Kolodziej, Werewolves Of Mauvin by Robert A. Read, The Reunion by Melissa Stevens, No Poaching Allowed by Rob M. Miller, Lily's Angel by Shawn Pfister, The Lycaning by Lori R. Lopez, Parenting - Not For The Faint Of Heart by Scott M. Goriscak, Lakota Justice by Blaze McRob, For The Good Of The Fatherland by Mary L. Underwood, Queen Of The Dogs by Lee Pletzers, Once Bitten - Not So Shy by Sirrah Medeiros, Lie Canthropy by Jerry McKinney, The Seventh Son by Melissa Stevens, Mouretta by Linda M. Lovecraft, Solitary by Michael Bertolini, Wolf Killer by Mikel B. Classen, The Investigation by Jennifer Tucker
Publication Date: 07/15/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Flat Broke
Gary Paulsen
Synopsis: Kevin struggled to overcome his knack for lying in Liar, Liar, and now he's back for another round of mayhem and misunderstandings in this financial comedy of errors. In Kevin, Gary Paulsen has created an appealing teen boy character who is just as human and fallible as his readers.


From the Hardcover Library Binding edition.
Publication Date: 07/12/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Dreams of Significant Girls
Cristina Garcia
Synopsis: Brought together each summer at a boarding school in Switzerland, three girls learn a lot more than just French and European culture. Shirin, an Iranian princess; Ingrid, a German-Canadian eccentric; and Vivien, a Cuban-Jewish New Yorker culinary phenom, are thrown into eachother's lives when they become roommates. This is a story of 3 paths slowly beginning to cross and merge as they spend the year apart, but the summers together. Through navigating the social-cultural shoals of the school, developing their adolescence, and learning the confusing and conflicting legacies of their families' past, Shirin, Ingrid, and Vivien form an unbreakable bond.

Like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this story takes readers on a journey into the lives of very different girls and the bonds that keep them friends.
Publication Date: 07/12/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Sass and Serendipity
Jennifer Ziegler
Synopsis: For Daphne, the glass is always half full, a situation is better managed with a dab of lip gloss, and the boy of her dreams—the one she's read about in all of her novels—is waiting for her just around the corner.
For Gabby, nothing ever works out positively; wearing any form of makeup is a waste of study time, and boys will only leave you heartbroken. Her best friend, Mule, is the only one who has been there for her every step of the way.
But when the richest boy in town befriends Gabby, and Daphne starts to hang out more and more with her best and only friend, Mule, Gabby is forced to confront the emotional barriers she has put up to stop the hurting. And for once, her sassiness may fall prey to her definition of stupidity.
Publication Date: 07/12/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Bad Taste in Boys
Carrie Harris
Synopsis: Someone's been a very bad zombie.
Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate! She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town  . . . and stay hormonally human.
Publication Date: 07/12/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
The Summer I Learned to Fly
Synopsis: Drew's a bit of a loner. She has a pet rat, her dead dad's Book of Lists, an encyclopedic knowledge of cheese from working at her mom's cheese shop, and a crush on Nick, the surf bum who works behind the counter. It's the summer before eighth grade and Drew's days seem like business as usual, until one night after closing time, when she meets a strange boy in the alley named Emmett Crane. Who he is, why he's there, where the cut on his cheek came from, and his bottomless knowledge of rats are all mysteries Drew will untangle as they are drawn closer together, and Drew enters into the first true friendship, and adventure, of her life.
Publication Date: 07/12/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction

Pages



RECENT BOOK REVIEWS