"...her secret is patience..." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Showing posts with label YA Superlative Blogfest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YA Superlative Blogfest. Show all posts

Friday, December 30, 2011

Class of 2011: Best in Show




Best Repeat Preformance of 2011: Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
Summary:
Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Quotes: 
“Hey anyone who thinks a non-military–grade rappelling cable can support the weight of two grown men and a miniature donkey deserves to fall off a cliff.”

“I mean she's Cleopatra... shouldn't she and Antony have known better? They were so different..." 
   "Variety is the spice of life" 
   "And from a thousand miles apart" 
  "Absence makes the heart grow fonder” 

“Hamish smiled and rubbed his hands together. "Sure we can. What do you say? Pigs in a Blanket?" He leaned over the cool counter and raised his eyebrows at Gabrielle.
  "The only way I'll get under a blanket with you is if both of us are on fire," she told him.” 

Why I love this book:
I read a lot of YA Paranormal. I like me a good fantasy, just like any other read out there. But mystery has always been my first love and this series is one of those stories that just keeps getting better. I had such a blast figuring out all the little plot twists and turns. Also, the characters in this book are fabulous and got even better with book 2! If you haven't read this series, you need to!

Much love, 
Valia 

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Class of 2011: Elements of Fiction



Most Envy-Inducing Plot of 2011: Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick  
Summary:
It could happen tomorrow . . .

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.



Quotes: 
- “Those brain-zapped kids weren’t the only - or maybe even the worst - enemy.” 


Run, she told herself. Run, you idiot, run. 
    But she didn't. She couldn't. She just... couldn't.”

Why I love this plot:
The simple truth is I wanted to write this book. Seriously, my dad has been throwing the whole electromagnetic pulse thing at me for years but I could never quite grasp it into an idea that stayed. Well, this book definitely did that. The plot is real, full of twists, and breathtaking enough to make you think twice about the way our world can be in a blink of an eye. I would definitely put this on your TBR list if you haven't already. 

Much love, 
Valia 

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