REVIEW: Jessica's Guide to Dating On the Dark Side

My annual summer read-a-palooza has begun, and I kicked it off with a wonderful YA novel by Beth Fantaskey, Jessica's Guide to Dating On the Darkside. If you think the title sounds absolutely adorable, you're right. It sucked me in as I passed the release on an end-cap at the book store.


I wasn't sorry.

Too many readers who only think they know YA are missing out on books like Fantaskey's, assuming this is a Stephanie Meyer knock-off. More closely wed to better books like the House of Night series and other, lighter books with a teen-vampire theme, Jessica's Guide is brighter, lighter reading with deftly handled, age-appropriate humor. In many ways it could be seen as a direct opposite of the Twilight series, with great messages about body image, self acceptance, and confidence.

Fantaskey's novel opens at a desolate bus stop in rural Pennsylvania, where young Jessica Packwood notices a mysterious figure watching her. Jessica, who was born Antanasia Dragomir in Romania, soon discovers that she was born a vampire princess. Though she has been happy to live in obscurity with her adopted family in America, her destiny has come home to roost. Her parents confirm the wild tale that emerges: she was a vampire princess, and Lucius Vladescu-- the arrogant, pushy exchange student who claims to be her long lost fiance-- is. Now what? How can she possibly love this domineering twerp who sucks blood? She's a vegan, for crying out loud.

Fantaskey's teens sound like actual teens. Her Jessica responds to the pressures of her new found royalty, bossy fiance, and the possibility of an actual war with very believable wit, angst, and impressive common sense. The clever "guide book" angle works beautifully. I found the romance in this sly, smart book took a second seat to Jessica's growth as a person. She faces her senior year and the bizarre new pressures with her trusty copy of Growing up Undead: A Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, deftly handling what has become, too often, a phoned in theme for teens.

Brava! What a great way to kick off my summer reading season.

REVIEW: THE GIRL SHE USED TO BE

I don't do book reviews, just ask my other 'Nistas. When we talked about doing reviews on this site, I said, "Thanks but no thanks. I'm a reader and a writer, but not a reviewer."

But sometimes a book is so good, that it deserves to be shouted about from the rooftops. And for me, that book is THE GIRL SHE USED TO BE by David Cristofano.

Before I go any further, I feel I need to let you know, Cristofano and I are represented by the same literary agency, but other than that, we have no ties whatsoever. Of course, now I'm a major fangirl, but that's a whole 'nother topic.

This book was sent to me as a thank you gift. I was immediately drawn to the cover and the concept. So I took it with me to Orlando with the thought that I would read it over the week.

I almost finished it that day. And I was so moved and so haunted by the story that I seriously wanted to flip back to page one and start all over. Instead I gave the book to Maria so she could experience the book that melted my cold, black heart.

Melody Grace McCartney has had eight aliases over 20 years. She's lived eight false lives because at the age of six, she unfortunately witnessed a gruesome murder by mafioso Tony Bovaro. Whisked to safey under the Federal Witness Protection Program, Melody has never felt safe nor protected. Especially once her parents were assassinated twelve years into the program by the very family who they were supposedly being protected from.

Melody just longs to be Melody again, but knowing that can never happen, she decides a new identity is still better than the one she is currently living with, so she fakes danger, calls her Marshal for protection, and is again whisked off to safety.

Except this time, she's intercepted by the son of Tony Bovaro. He promises he will never hurt her, never allow harm to come to her as long as she is with him, and when he uses her real name--she can't help but believe him.

Jonathon Bovaro is the anti-hero in this poignant and riveting tale. He is violent and angry, but he is also honest, compassionate, and he has a plan to offer Melody freedom and protection within the family so that she no longer has to run. He never lies to her and she knows she can trust him--something she's never felt in 20 years on the run.

This story is a must read. It is compelling and heart-wrenching. I had no idea how Cristofano would end the story, but I was crying buckets by the time it was over. One day, I hope to write a story that will affect someone the way this story has effected me.

Buy it today. You won't be sorry.

Review of THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

As a writer, I find that when I pick up a novel, my reading is much more critical than it used to be. I find myself checking to make sure threads are resolved, that character motivation feels plausible and interesting, that the plot is progressing in a logical and well-paced manner, and so on.

Every once in a while, I run across a book that catches me up in the story, making me forget to check those things.

And even more rarely--every once in a blue moon, I'll find a book that literally knocks the wind out of me. That makes me gasp and laugh and cry. That makes me both excited to be an author and lamenting that I didn't write it.

I finished reading one of those books last night.

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. A young adult novel set in a dystopic future, where there is no more North America--only a place called Panem, with its gorgeous capitol and twelve outlying districts. Back in the day, the districts gathered together and rebelled against the capitol. The capitol defeated them soundly, even oblitering what used to be the 13th district.

Now, as part of the peace treaty terms, every year each district must draw the names of one boy and one girl, between the ages 12 and 18, to participate in a yearly event called the Hunger Games--a fully televized, commercialized fight to the death held in a massive terrained arena, to see which person will be left standing. That person will be lavished with prized goodies and food, as will their district.

The heroine, Katniss, is horrified when her younger sister's name is drawn, so she steps forward to take her place as the female candidate (called "tributes") from district 12, which hasn't had a winner in thirty years. A skilled hunter used to living off the land, Katniss will use her skills and fight to hopefully survive the Hunger Games.

Okay, I admit, the cover didn't do too much for me at first (once you read the story, the symbolism makes perfect sense). I'd actually bought the book a couple of months ago and hadn't cracked it open yet. But I'd heard such praise for this story that I finally couldn't resist and started reading it on Monday night. And once I picked it up, it was magnetic. Compelling. Riveting.

Basically, un-put-downable.

The author is so deft at weaving a story that doesn't overwhelm you with tedious worldbuilding details or slow pacing, but is still rich and lush in vivid details that suck you in. And the story, the characters--where to start? I'm so tongue-tied, I don't even know how to gush properly. LOL. It's a love story. A mystery. An action tale of survival. A cautionary warning of the effects of war on children, on families.

I loved reading about the flawed heroine...I felt like she was so tangible and fascinating. And the other main character in the story, a guy named Peeta who is the male tribute from district 12, is just as amazing to me. He's ambiguous, charming, and so realistic.

In the end, the best way to sum up my pleasure with this book is to say I wish I had enough money to buy a copy for everyone I know. LOL. Also, I'm requiring this as reading for my children--I believe they'll love it, too. This is one that will remain on my keeper shelf.

Oh, and I just found out there's a sequel coming out--YAY! I'm happy to hear that, because it ended with some unresolved issues.

So, has anyone else read The Hunger Games? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Or, have you recently read a story that just blew them away? Do share--I'm always looking for new recommendations!!

Review of GENERATION DEAD by Daniel Waters

Generation Dead is a young adult paranormal novel by Daniel Waters that came out in May 2008.

Phoebe, the heroine of the story, is a goth girl with a major crush...on a zombie. In this era, which seems to be set slightly in the future, saying the word "zombie" isn't PC--the current favored term is "living impaired" or "differently biotic." haha

Not that Phoebe's fellow schoolmates want, or accept, these "living-impaired" students, which are flocking to Oakvale in increasing numbers. And unfortunately for these new students, there aren't any laws that protect the rights of these teens who have come back from the dead (oh, and for some reason, it's only American teenagers who are returning).

But Phoebe can't help but feel drawn to the mysterious zombie, Tommy. Which is unfortunate for Phoebe's football jock friend, Adam, who's crushed on Phoebe forever. Nor is it accepted by fellow goth friend Margi.

And there are others out there who want to get rid of all zombies...permanently.

I read this novel in one day. It was killer awesome and very addictive--the dialogue and banter was quite funny and spot-on, but there were surprisingly dark moments in the story that gripped me, as well. It wasn't as gross as I thought it was going to be--the zombies weren't trying to eat brains or anything. LOL.

The story actually had a lot of heart and romance, and the subplot revolving around the rights of the zombies was quite emotional and gut-wrenching to read. I liked seeing how the first zombie came about and how society is trying to deal with their existence.

The bad guy in the book is soooo cruel, but very fleshed out and realistic. I loved to hate him. And the end of the book really threw me for a loop--I was NOT expecting it, but I really liked it! The ending also left some questions that I expect may be resolved in book 2 of the series--Generation Dead: Kiss of Life. That one comes out in May of this year.

I'm eager to pick up the next in the sequel (and it doesn't hurt that I looove the covers)!! Mr. Waters has written a fantastic story. Even if you're not into zombies, I hope you guys give it a chance!!

Review of Ophelia by Lisa Klein AND CONTEST!

I made a New Year's resolution to read more books (in fact, to read one a week). Ophelia, a YA novel by Lisa Klein, was the first book I completed in 2009. And I loved it so much, I had to write today's blog post about it.

Most people have either read Shakespeare's Hamlet, or have at least heard about it--Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, is haunted by his father's ghost that claimed to have been murdered by Hamlet's uncle...the very same man now occupying the throne, and who also just married Hamlet's own mother. Drama! Intrigue! Potential bloodbath!

Of course, since this is a Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet goes on a rampage, until there's, like, only one person left alive in the end...and it ain't Hamlet.

One of the people affected by this tragedy is Ophelia, Hamlet's love--in the play, she goes mad with grief after Hamlet accidentally kills her father, and she ends up drowning herself.

I always loved Ophelia and wished Shakespeare had written more about her. Well, he didn't, but Lisa Klein did. Starting from Ophelia's childhood, Klein explores Ophelia's upbringing--how she came to fall in love with Hamlet, the twists and secret plots that ultimately kept them from being together, and what happened to Ophelia when Hamlet went mad...and afterward.

Ophelia is a strong, empowering character who struggles to find her sense of purpose, as well as true happiness. I was gripped by the narrative and had a hard time putting the book down.

Even better, this novel breathes new life not only into Ophelia, but into the play itself. The author cleverly comes up with plot ideas that fit the frame of the original story. The language is vivid, beautiful, and evocative, but still a quick read.

I truly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who loves Shakespeare or Shakespearean-era stories. Huge, huge thumbs up to Lisa Klein for a wonderful tale.

PS--Klein has a new YA novel out set during the Civil War, called Two Girls of Gettysburg, and you'd better believe I'll run out and buy it, too!

OKAY, CONTEST TIME!!!

Who's your favorite Shakespearean character, and why? Leave a comment in this post telling me, and you'll be entered into a random drawing to win a $10 Amazon gift card (it'll be emailed to you).

Contest winners will be announced Friday morning on Gwen's post, so you have today (Wednesday, 1/14/09) and tomorrow (Thursday, 1/15/09) to leave a comment in this post and enter to win.

Good luck!

Having to do with goddesses and Boston

I just found a wonderful review of my upcoming release for Samhain Publishing. Megan at Fallen Angel Reviews had this to say about Oh Goddess:

"I would recommend Oh Goddess to all of my friends and family. If you’re looking for a hilarious and fun read with magic and love, then grab this fast; I promise you won’t be disappointed!"

I can't tell you how excited I am for the release of this baby. Not just cuz I wrote it--but because all author and editor proceeds are going to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis. The cause is near and dear to my heart of hearts and I want everyone to promise they will buy a copy or four and help a 'Nista out.

(p.s. Oh Goddess is totally pg-13 and has less sex (actually--no sex) than most YA's I've read which is why I'm okay with promo-ing it here.)

And another thing. I'm going to the New England RWA chapter conference in March. Tell me, if you had one full day to sight see--what would you do in Boston? Because I've never been and I want to make the most of my trip.

Rating your own books 5 stars--yay, or nay?

There's been a bit of a buzz lately on one of the writing loops I belong to about this very topic.

Some people say they've given their own novels 5 stars on various places, because they love their work and feel they have a right to cast their vote like anyone else.

Me? I won't be doing this when my books come out. Here's why:

1--I wrote the book. I'm naturally biased, because I think I'm brilliant. LOL. So where's my fairness in rating my own stuff? Sorry, but of course I want my book to have the highest ratings possible. (Hey, at least I freely admit it. Don't judge me!)

2--It smacks of desperation (and tackiness, if I can be honest), even if that's not your intent. If you need to rate your own material to help boost your ratings, perhaps send it out to more reviewers instead of "skewing" the results to your favor.

I'd love to hear arguments for both sides, so what do you guys think? Rating your own books--good or bad idea? Dish it, yo!

Review of MADAPPLE by Christina Meldrum

This week, I'm reviewing a novel called MADAPPLE by Christina Meldrum.

(Disclosure--Ms. Meldrum is a fellow author at Andrea Brown Literary Agency; however, I never met or talked to her before she requested a review from the Fictionistas. Okay, now that that's out of the way, on to the review!)


Aslaug is a teenager raised in near isolation with her eccentric mother. The windows of their home are covered with thick curtains to keep neighbors out--or perhaps to keep Aslaug and her mother trapped within. Their only forays out into the world are to forage for plants, during which time Aslaug's mother instructs her on science, botany, and language. But Aslaug has never seen her face in a mirror, has never been taught how to relate to other people, so she's uncomfortable within her skin as she blossoms into a young woman.

Then Aslaug's mother dies suddenly, and Aslaug's life is turned upside down. She's forced to think for herself--and to face the knowledge that her mother may have been mentally unstable. Eager to find her mother's family, to perhaps get answers about her unknown father, Aslaug flees her home. She finds her aunt and cousins in a nearby town, but all is not as she expected. Her relatives, who maintain a small charismatic church, hold the key to Aslaug understanding her mother and her own self. But the deeper Aslaug digs into the past, the more questions she reveals, and the more precarious her own situation gets.

For she must discover whether religious miracles have actually happened or not--both to her mother and to herself. And when Aslaug is arrested and accused of double murder, only uncovering the truth about her past, and present, can shed light on this case and determine Aslaug's fate.


It was difficult to write the above summary without giving away spoilers. I have to say, I can't possibly do this novel justice in just a few paragraphs. Ms. Meldrum's story is dense, packed with vivid emotion, characterization, and shocking plot elements. I was hooked.

A quick note: this book is definitely for older teens and adults--the thematic subject matter and language (though infrequent) may not be suitable for anyone younger.

Ms. Meldrum's writing is dense, but as the story goes along, you come to see that the prose effectively reflects Aslaug's mind, a brilliant girl raised by a brilliant, unstable mother. A girl who doesn't know how to connect with people, only with science, with ideas. For Aslaug views life through the lens of botany, language, science--the influence of her mother.

Though I went into this story not knowing anything about botany, Ms. Meldrum's reliance upon plants was vital to the storyline; fortunately, she was careful to make sure the reader understood what the plants were used for and how they played into the plot.

The narrative structure itself is clever, as well. The chapters alternate between illuminating the past in Aslaug's perspective, and the court proceedings of the double murder trial in the present time. It was very effective--as the trial progressed, Aslaug's backstory revealed pieces of the puzzle, answering questions for the readers even as it raised more.

After I finished the book, it haunted me, lingered with me for days. To me, that's the sign of a definite keeper. I highly recommend MADAPPLE.

Well done, Ms. Meldrum. I'm eagerly looking forward to your next novel.

Review of Stephenie Meyer's THE HOST

Hello, peeps! Today, I'm blogging a review of an ARC I received -- Stephenie Meyer's THE HOST (Little, Brown, May 2008).


THE HOST is Stephenie Meyer's first foray into the adult world, a futuristic novel set on Earth after a massive alien invasion. These aliens take over the bodies of humans (called "hosts"), but leave their minds intact.

Wanderer is the alien who has been implanted in Melanie Stryder's body. And while this alien is thrilled to experience earth for the first time (she's been to several other planets, such as the See Weeds), it's with great dismay and shock that she realizes Melanie hasn't evacuated the body--she's still in there, and she's not willing to leave.

Overwhelmed by Melanie's memories and her desperation to find her still-human family, who are hidden somewhere out in the desert, Wanderer finds herself also longing for these people--especially Jared, the love of Melanie's life. Together, they form an uneasy alliance and flee threatening outside forces, heading into the deadly desert to find these people.

The back cover of the ARC describes this story as "what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies." Both Melanie and Wanderer (nicknamed Wanda) are in love with the same man, causing tension and conflict between them as they war for control over both Melanie's body and Jared's love and attention.

I found the first part of this very large book slow to start (the novel weighs in at almost 650 pages). Ms. Meyer takes her time setting up the characters' feelings, histories, and stories. She lets the tale unfold at a leisurely pace, showing Wanderer's acclimation to Melanie's body, her realization that Melanie is still in there and is unwilling to let go, and Wanderer's eventual decision to pursue Melanie's family.

Eventually, though, THE HOST picks up and captures your attention--there aren't a lot of plot elements in here, and there are relatively few scenes/locales, but the characters' emotions are gripping and compelling to read as they interact with each other. Ms. Meyer has a talent for writing strong, gritty, fascinating characters who etch themselves into your mind, and I found myself turning page after page, unable to put the book down.

Because Ms. Meyer laid the groundwork so thoroughly by digging deeply into her characters, showing their pasts and how they evolve over the course of the story, you feel every emotion across the spectrum--severe hatred, selfless love, intense fear. Both Wanda's and Melanie's enraptured love of Jared illuminates their struggles and conflicts as they learn to care about each other, and I couldn't flip the pages fast enough to find out what would happen. The climax was unbelievably gut-wrenching for me to read (yes, I actually cried while reading it, it had sucked me in that deeply).

Even though the last part of the novel felt a little anti-climactic in comparison to such a climax, I'd still highly recommend THE HOST. A warning, though, to those expecting another story like the TWILIGHT series: this is a very different kind of tale. But if you accept it at face value for what it is instead of trying to compare it to her young adult material, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. For me, it was definitely worth the time.

Review of Shelley Adina's THE FRUIT OF MY LIPSTICK and a book giveaway!!!!

Thanks to everyone for entering the drawing for Nico Medina's Fat Hoochie Prom Queen! Rhonda wrote all the entries down and drew this name: cheryl!! Congrats, cheryl -- please email the Fictionistas at admin@fictionistas.com with your full name and mailing address so we can get your book sent out. We hope you enjoy!

Today I'm blogging a review of an ARC I recently read, Shelley Adina's THE FRUIT OF MY LIPSTICK (FaithWords, August 2008).



This is the second book in Shelley Adina's fun new YA inspirational chick lit series, the "All About Us" books. The series is billed as an alternative for girls who want hip books relevant to their faith. Think "Gossip Girl Finds Religion."

It's the second semester at exclusive Spencer Academy boarding school in San Francisco, and overachiever Gillian Chang is ready to kick some academic butt. With a difficult schedule, she certainly doesn't need any distractions.

Enter Lucas Hayes, the class brainiac and future physicist. She's thrilled when he asks her to help him prepare for a major science competition. As time goes on, she falls hard for him, and what's great is that he likes her too! But for some reason, she's never able to be the perfect girlfriend he wants.

Gillain starts spending more and more time with him, keeping more and more secrets from her friends. When she's accused of hacking into the exam database, even her friends wonder whether it's true. Can Gillian get out of this downward spiral?

I have to admit that I'm not a regular inspy reader. Some inspirational books are, shall we say, a little too preachy for me. But Shelley Adina hit a perfect balance. Her characters are strong Christians, and their faith is a big part of the story (and certainly helps her in her story journey), but she never really hits you over the head with it. It's just a part of their lives, just like shopping and cute boys are a part of their lives.

Shelley's conversational style draws the reader in. She does a fantastic job of drawing her characters, and it feels just like you're dishing with an old friend away at school.

I laughed out loud during many of Gillian's descriptions of her family, actually hearing my Asian husband's aunties' voices in my head. Shelley provides a fantastic glimpse into Chinese-American culture and the struggle of trying to fit into two different worlds.

One thing that I thought was really funny was the cross-promotion between Shelley and her friend, Camy Tang. Gillian and her suitemates are passing around the latest Camy Tang novel. (A shout-out to Camy...her books rock! Her recommendation of this series was the reason why I wanted to review this book, actually.)

Anyway, if you like inspy fiction or are looking for some good clean fun, check out THE FRUIT OF MY LIPSTICK. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I look forward to reading suitemate Carly's story, BE STRONG AND CURVACEOUS (January 2009)

To celebrate the release of the "All About Us" books, today we're giving away a copy of the first book in the series, IT'S ALL ABOUT US, to one lucky commenter. (Gillian's roommate Lissa's story.)

Just post, and we'll pick someone at random!

And be sure to preorder your copy of THE FRUIT OF MY LIPSTICK: