BOOK REVIEW: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern

by: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

I first heard about The Night Circus at Comic-Con 2011 when Erin Morgenstern was signing posters at the Summit Entertainment Booth. Summit has picked up the rights to the novel to turn it into the next hit in the footsteps of Twilight. She was gracious in the quick moment that I had her personalize my poster. I later found out she was signing books the next day which I missed out on. Luckily, I joined her Facebook page and was able to win a signed copy and boy was I excited. I couldn’t wait until the book came in the mail and when it did I was not to be disturbed.

The Night Circus revolves around Le Cirque des Rêves a mysterious travelling circus that comes and goes without notice. We first meet magicians, Prospero the Enchanter and Mr. A.H. who begin a game of training of two protégés: Prospero’s daughter, Celia and an orphaned boy, Marco in the ultimate magical duel. The two must challenge each other by continually surpassing the other’s magical masterpiece using the respective methods and skills they learned from their mentors. The stage is set at the circus with the cirque family being used like pieces on a board. Unaware of the high stakes of the game, the two opponents slowly fall in love. As they try to end the challenge on their own terms, Le Cirque des Rêves begins to fall apart. Soon they realize maybe not everyone at The Night Circus is clueless to what’s going on.

This story captivates you from the first page to the last; leaving you craving to learn more about the world that you wish existed. Morgenstern’s debut novel carefully details each and every piece of the story clearing the way for you to imagine her exact vision. The Night Circus contains a romantic story that is not approached in the conventional way. While the reader hopes the magicians will end up together, it is not so easily seen and at times seems almost impossible. Many other characters are gently introduced at the right time and with just enough information to keep you satisfied on this journey. Morgenstern lays out the storyline and characters so precisely, that you are quickly enveloped into the world of Rêveurs. You travel throughout each chapter as if you are truly experiencing that moment.

The Night Circus is a remarkable read and one that I have been waiting for, for quite some time. It is a story that can be read over and over again without losing its enticing magic. I look forward to seeing it on the big screen as well as reading future works from Erin Morgenstern. Until then, I will be knitting my red scarf.

For more information on Erin Morgenstern and The Night Circus visit her Official Website and/or Facebook page.

BOOK REVIEW: Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Return to Paradise
Simone Elkeles

by: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

Return to Paradise, the sequel to Leaving Paradise, picks up eight months later with Caleb having another run-in with the law. As usual, he was not directly involved in this incident either, but being at the wrong place at the wrong time has made him guilty once again. Damon, his ex-transition counselor, makes a deal with him to join a program called Re-START instead of going to federal prison since Caleb is now of legal age. Re-START is a month long program where a group of teens travel around the Midwest telling their stories of how reckless driving has affected their lives. What he didn’t expect was Maggie being in the group. She resents him for not contacting her after he left and he puts on a jerk routine hoping she will move on because he feels she would be better off without him in her life.

It seems that fate continues to bring Caleb and Maggie together, but they must work through their problems if any relationship is going to work between them. Caleb’s attitude has completely changed from how he was in Leaving Paradise. At that time he had accepted what had happened to him and he worked on proving to others that he had taken responsibility for his alleged actions. He has now become cynical and confrontational with everyone especially Maggie. Any positive thinking he had before is long gone as he has no hope that his life will ever truly turn around. Maggie on the other hand has become a stronger person, but is in denial that she still has feelings for Caleb; feelings that, whether he likes it or not, he reciprocates.

The novel introduces us to four new characters that make the story more entertaining with their bickering, but also with the sharing of their own tragic tales. While Caleb and Maggie were beginning to overcome their issues with each other in Leaving Paradise, there were still many underlying problems that needed to be resolved. In the sequel, the Re-START program is instrumental in having everything come out into the open. You definitely have to read Leaving Paradise before moving on to Return to Paradise otherwise you will be missing some important key points.

Return to Paradise is the last book in the series and it wraps up nicely. We finally have the complete truth come out and appropriate actions are taken. The last couple of chapters are filled with all the pent up emotion that was being held by a secret for so long. Their families have much to digest, but each character is on the road to their own recovery. As for the romance side of things, well let’s just say that Caleb and Maggie finally find their Paradise.

I am always iffy when it comes to sequels, but Simone Elkeles managed to top the first novel. Everything about Return to Paradise is so raw and real. You want that happy ending to come, but this never started out like a fairytale, so at times it seems like it will not happen. Luckily, Elkeles does not disappoint and we are ultimately rewarded with an undeniable love story.

BOOK REVIEW: Dream Catchers by Sandy Lo

Dream Catchers
Sandy Lo

by: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

 

Dream Catchers is Sandy Lo’s second novel. Her debut novel, Lost In You was an engaging read and Dream Catchers follows suit. This is the kind of book you read and wish it was your own real-life story.

Dream Catchers is a coming of age story that follows Haley Foster, a sheltered twenty year old that comes from a wealthy family. As each day goes by she finds herself in the same routine, following what her parents expect of her and not really being able to explore what she wants to do with her life. The novel starts off with Haley getting ready to return home for the summer to intern at her father’s law firm. Both of her parents are lawyers and she’s well on becoming one herself. She decides to take the bus home instead of being chauffeured and manages to get stranded with the attractive, struggling musician type, but “has got to be bad news”, Jordan Walsh. He dares her to come to New York City with him to see how the other side lives. From the start these two clash, but without her wallet, cell phone and not wanting to get lectured by her parents she takes up Jordan on his offer. As they find their way to New York, she finds herself at a battle of the bands show, where Jordan turns out to be the lead singer of an up and coming rock band called Tortured. She is mesmerized by his stage presence and as the two start to get close, Haley begins to enjoy life and is torn on what to do after her two weeks of bliss come to an end.

Sandy was inspired by the band, 30 Seconds to Mars when she came up with the fictional alternative rock band, Tortured. The character name, Jordan was influenced by Jared Leto’s (lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars) character, Jordan Catalano from the 90’s classic TV show, My So Called Life. You will find many other similarities throughout the book, but make no mistake; Dream Catchers is full of originality.

Sandy Lo is a talented writer and should consider writing screenplays as her two novels are so vivid you can imagine them being played out on the screen. You will be on a journey that finds self-discovery, romance and plenty of laughs. Sandy’s attention to detail and witty dialogue is what makes her books feel so authentic. I’ve read Dream Catchers twice and it never gets old nor can I put it down once I begin. Fans of music inspired novels and avid readers of young adult fiction will be captivated by Dream Catchers.

For more information on Dream Catchers and Sandy Lo, visit her official website. “Haley’s Letter”, an original song featured in the book and written by Sandy, is also available on iTunes.

BOOK REVIEW: Indigo Blues by Danielle Joseph

Indigo Blues
Danielle Joseph

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

Indigo Blues is Danielle Joseph’s second novel following her debut, Shrinking Violet. The novel centers on Indigo Jackson whose ex-boyfriend Adam Spade penned a song titled “Indigo Blues”. The problem begins when his band, Blank Stare makes it big when the song becomes a mega hit. You can infer from the song title that this is no happy-go-lucky song. Fans of Blank Stare begin bashing Indigo and the media are in a frenzy to secure an interview with her, but she’s not interested. In fact, she’s more upset and annoyed than flattered. After all, why did Adam have to use her real name in a song about heartbreak?

Joseph tells the story through two perspectives, Indigo’s and Adam’s and manages to keep the storyline structure smooth. However, after finishing the book it almost feels like something crucial is missing. The events that happen are believable to an extent. Yes, reporters would want to talk to Indigo and fans of the band probably would be out to get her, but I’m not so sure her reactions would stay the same throughout the entire process. Also, for a band that is on top of the billboard charts they would be way busier than how they are portrayed in the book. In fact, I’m not so sure Adam would have had that much time to contemplate Indigo’s feelings. That may have been something he would do after he had written the song and before it was on the airwaves. The ending also leaves you with an unfinished feeling. I expected to see another chapter or an epilogue after the last words, but there was nothing. I don’t see Indigo Blues as having a sequel, so it really should have closed up any unanswered or lingering questions.

After reading and loving her debut novel, Shrinking Violet, I was wondering how Joseph could go from a fun young adult read to Indigo Blues. I actually decided to check out Shrinking Violet after reading Indigo Blues to see if this was part of the writer’s style or if this novel just didn’t make the cut. Turns out I was just disappointed with Indigo Blues. Joseph won me over with Shrinking Violet, but Indigo Blues seems more of a forced effort. Nonetheless, I am eagerly awaiting her next novel, Pure Red which is due out in Fall 2011.

If you have the time and just want to read a quick, light YA book then take your chances on Indigo Blues. But if you want something more worthwhile, I would recommend her first effort, Shrinking Violet.

For more information on Danielle Joseph, check out her official website.

BOOK REVIEW: Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Leaving Paradise
Simone Elkeles

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

 

 

Leaving Paradise at a first glance is about an unlikely love story. The story begins with Caleb Becker who has been at a juvenile detention facility for almost a year and is released early for good behavior. He landed there after being convicted of a hit and run which caused the victim, Maggie Armstrong, to be in and out of surgery followed by ongoing physical therapy sessions. If that doesn’t sound bad enough, it gets better when we learn that Maggie was Caleb’s neighbor and his twin sister’s best friend. Oh yes, the tangled web we weave. When Maggie finds out Caleb is released early, the trauma from that night floods back instantly. They hope to avoid each other, but as luck would have it they both become employed by the same sassy elderly lady who will teach them many of life’s lessons.

Leaving Paradise is not only a great dramatic story, but it really puts into focus what matters in life. Caleb and Maggie grow as respectable young adults through a tragedy that they shared together. When they have no one else to turn to they find themselves opening up to each other. I loved the addition of the elderly woman they work for, Mrs. Reynolds. She adds spunk and wisdom to a story that needs any uplifting moments that can be spared.

Simone Elkeles alternates between Caleb’s and Maggie’s perspective with each chapter. I think this works extremely well for this book because with everything going on, you don’t want to miss what the two main characters are thinking and feeling and you don’t. The characters are full of depth and you are completely in tune with what they have been through and how they eventually evolve. You side with one character at first, but after hearing the other story you become sympathetic for both of them.

Leaving Paradise is about doing the right thing; whether it’s forgiving an enemy, helping a friend in need, making someone happy or protecting a loved one. Finding out how matters are resolved in the end is what makes you eager to finish the last chapter of this novel. However, in this case the ending is left open for a sequel, so you are left hanging and anxiously awaiting the next book.

BOOK REVIEW: Lost In You by Sandy Lo

Lost In You
Sandy Lo

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

Boy bands: Most commonly comprised of 3-5 young and attractive guys who sing and dance about love and relationships. They were the obsession of many girls of my generation. I’m not going to lie, I was a fan. That is probably one of the main reasons I was interested in reading this novel. I wanted to see Sandy Lo’s take on this kind of story and I was quite impressed.

Lost In You is Sandy Lo’s debut into the writing world as far as novels go, but she also happens to be the President of Starshine Magazine, an online entertainment magazine with a focus on music. Her love of writing and music combined with having met some of the most prominent boy bands of our time led to Lost In You’s creation.

Lost In You follows Cooper Jackson, a free spirit with emotional baggage, who isn’t satisfied with her mundane daily routine, but she continues trudging along hoping to find something special. Everything changes when she attends a wedding in Florida where she meets Sound Wave, a notorious boy band. Who would have thought her life could change in an instant? Cooper finds herself attracted to not one, but two members of the infamous group: JT Madden and Ryan Latham and the attraction is mutual on both counts. Let the love triangle begin.

If you think this may be a cheesy read because of the premise then you are in for a surprise. This may be Sandy Lo’s first attempt at writing a novel, but this isn’t some extended fan fiction tale.  The characters are real and believable and you can’t help but get into the storyline. Lost In You gives insight to those who put celebrities on a pedestal. They are normal people and many do date non-celebrities especially those who aren’t interested in them for their fame. This is a contributing factor to why JT and Ryan are drawn to Cooper. Upon arriving at the wedding, she can’t even point out all of the group members or for that matter name one of their hit songs. The humor and turmoil in all the situations that Cooper finds herself in will keep you entertained.

Even if you are not a fan of pop idols this is a great read. While you may know where the plot is going, the journey along the way is fulfilling with its up and downs, relationship drama and of course the fairy tale ending. The only question is with whom?

For more information on Lost In You and Sandy Lo, please visit her official website.

BOOK REVIEW: Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter (Gallagher Girls Series, Book 4)

Only the Good Spy Young
Gallagher Girls Series, Book 4
Ally Carter

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

The Gallagher Girls book series is a New York Times Best-Selling Series. Why? Because they are the kind of books that you can’t put down until you are finished. When you do finish, you get frustrated waiting for the next one. In simple: they are an addiction. Only the Goody Spy Young is the fourth installment and I, along with many, MANY other eager fans, have been excited about this release since…well, since I finished the last chapter in the third book.

The series follows Cammie “The Chameleon” Morgan, who attends the Gallagher Academy, a private all girls school, that covertly acts as the training ground for future members of the CIA, MI6 and other undercover organizations that you will never learn about in your lifetime. The girls are trained in hand to hand combat, computer infiltration, multiple languages (and when I say multiple languages, I mean at least ten) and that’s just on a slow day. Most of the girls are legacies and have some of the most prestigious spies as parents. Cammie, along with her three best friends, are highly capable and have proven themselves in sticky situations. Only now it is worse. A secret and ancient terrorist organization wants Cammie and no one knows why.

Only the Good Spy Young continues on from Book 3, Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover, with Cammie in London. Fearing another attempted kidnapping, she is assigned strict protection detail until she returns to school. In that short time, a trusted friend is thought to be working as a double agent for the group that is out to get Cammie. Can she trust her friends, professors, fellow spies or her mysterious ‘is he or isn’t he’ boyfriend? Everyone has a different story and it is up to Cammie to figure out the score.

From the moment you begin reading it almost feels as if you are transported into the world of real-life spies. You get so involved that when there are chase scenes and instances that need quick thinking and gut instinct, you feel the adrenaline flowing through you and your heart begins to race. I can safely assume that 99.9% of the people who have read this series actually wish they could attend a school like the Gallagher Academy.

The phrase, “Everything isn’t always what it seems” is definitely fitting for this book. We begin suspecting ulterior motives of beloved characters and learning truths that you just did not see coming. With every page turn, there is a new twist and another secret is revealed. You are curious, but not sure if you are ready to know what is going to happen next. In the end, theories are either proven or squashed, but the voyage does not end here. No, we are left with another mission waiting to be completed, which is only natural because a Gallagher Girl’s job is never truly done.

Ally has consistently outdone herself with each new novel and the fourth installment is no different. The Gallagher Girls series continues to impress with intense detail, whirlwind adventures and action packed fun. Only the Good Spy Young is a thrilling read, leaving you with anticipation for Book 5. Until then you might want to join GGA (Gallagher Girls Anonymous) until you can get your fix.

For more information on Ally Carter, the Gallagher Girls Series and her other works visit her official website. Only the Good Spy Young will be released June 29^th, 2010.

BOOK REVIEW: RULES TO ROCK BY by Josh Farrar

Rules to Rock By
Josh Farrar
By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

Rules to Rock By is a smooth teen read for any reader (young or old) who has ever dreamed of being on stage and rocking out. The story follows Annabelle Cabrera, a twelve year old girl, who is living the rock star life albeit on a smaller scale. Her family suddenly takes her and her brother away from her new found fame to a smaller town, so that they can work on their own musical endeavors. Annabelle not only struggles to form her own brand new band, but most importantly how to express herself.

Dealing with teen angst, high school bullies, and the turmoil of a dysfunctional and musically inclined family, Annabelle struts on through with inspiration from her idol, Deerhoof’s Satomi Matsuzaki, her abuela, her teacher Mr. V and her former bandmate, Ronaldo. The latter being the one who gives her the first set of Rules to Rock By.

With her trusty bass, named Satomi (naturally), Annabelle begins to follow Ronaldo’s five Rules to Rock By. She forms The Bungles, her song writing abilities evolve and she learns the true importance of working hard to get what you want. All while she creates her very own sacred Rules to Rock By including: “Rock stars dare to dream. (And they dare to write cheesy rock star rules).”

Rules to Rocky By is worthy of being made into a movie. Filled with several references to the Beatles plus other classic rock icons, Josh Farrar’s Rules to Rock By is an uplifting quirky read that makes you antsy for a sequel right after you put it down. Farrar’s own musical experience gives his characters more depth and has you wanting to know these kids in real life.

Accompanying the novel is the soundtrack that encompasses an electrifying mix of indie and classic rock. Notably featuring teen musicians Justine Skyers and Sofie Kapur. Kapur, Hunter Lombard and Anders Kapur are members of The NowhereNauts (formerly Blame the Patient), a real-life teen band, who sit in on the soundtrack as the fictional band, The Bungles. Included tracks are covers from the Dandy Warhols and Miike Snow as well as original songs titled “What Would Joan Jett Do?”, “Hey Satomi” and “Rock Stars Don’t Blush”. The first single is a cover of Swiss punk band LiLiPUT’s “Hitch Hike” played by none other than Deerhoof.

Rules to Rock By, by Josh Farrar, will be in bookstores beginning June 22, 2010 and just like The Bungles, it is sure to be a hit. For more information on the Rules to Rock By novel and soundtrack visit the official website.

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