Hunger Games: First Teaser Trailer

So it's the moment we have all been waiting for...the release of the first teaser trailer from the Hunger Games out in theaters March 2012. Check it out. Now I know it's not really much to go by--running, trees, bow and arrow; but I have a good feeling about it. I already like the atmosphere (dark, confining, scary, claustrophobic) and the energy, and I like Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. I also like the narration. It really fits. I would have loved to see Peeta and Gale though (I know, I know, we did get those photos in Entertainment Weekly but I am still not sold yet). I would like to see the interaction and chemistry between the three leads...I would also like to see District 12. And Prim. And Cinna. Okay. Okay. Am I asking for too much?!

Review: Uncommon Criminals, Heist Society #2

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short 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 . . . 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 and 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.

I enjoyed Ally Carter's first book in the Heist Society series, Heist Society, which I discovered thanks to reading Carter's Gallagher Girl series (teens+spies; it's like Alias set in high school, only without Marshall ((whose absence is truly missed)). Carter has again settled on a satisfying thrilling blend, in this case teens who double as professional thieves. I will provide advanced warning that this series (along with the Gallagher Girls) does require some suspension of disbelief; I mean Katarina Bishop isn't even 16....and she's....robbing the Henley? Stealing Monets? (or in this case the Cleopatra Emerald). Just let it go, don't get too bogged down in the plausibility of any of this. It's a whole lot of fun.

I actually liked the second book even more than the first, which I felt occasionally dragged at times. Uncommon Criminals is a quick, light, FUN, entertaining read. It also dived deeper into the psyche of its teen protagonists which I appreciated. (Although I would still appreciate some additional back story on Hale/his parent's/their relationship.) I liked seeing the relationship between Katarina and Hale fleshed out further; with the introduction of jealousy and the reinforcement of loyalty and friendship. Also; KISSING! Katarina and Hale are a refreshing YA couple; in that they are still traversing the careful line between friendship and something more in a very believable and realistic way. It's nice to see a YA heroine who does not immediately fall apart at the first heated glance and forget everything else for a boy. There's no denying the chemistry and affection between Hale and Katarina but I liked that it did not become the focal point of the entire story (I'm looking at you Bella Swan.) Carter's Heist Society series is great because it never forgets what it's about; thieves, and their elaborate plots and plans are set against a particularly glamorous background this time around: Monte Carlo. This second book also provides a richly layer exposition about Kat's father/Uncle and their own tangled relationship and history. I'll be looking for Kat and her crews next adventure!

Book Review: Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Angel, Cassandra Clare

Genre: Supernatural/Historical Fiction

Rating: 4.5/5

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: Jem, 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.

I really enjoyed Clockwork Angel, just as I knew I would having devoured all three of Clare's books in the Mortal Instrument series (although Clockwork Angel is being touted as a "prequel" to the Mortal Instruments series the only real connection seems to be the continuing mythology and lore of the shadowhunters, although it is possible that the following books will build on this.) First of all, I loved that it was set in Victorian England. I'm a sucker for any kind of historical fiction and outside of the glitzy 1920's of flappers and prohibition, Victorian England is a favorite time period. I thought Clare developed the gloomy, cold, gray world of London to perfection and I found I was constantly cold while reading as a result (there's literary realism for you.) The book is action packed and offers a satisfying cocktail of action, character development, and unexpected plot twists (one was particularly shocking, although I wouldn't dare spoil you.) Clare continues to create a fully formed dark underworld of the supernatural variety, peppered with warlocks and vampires (and for those who have read the M.I. series, Magnus Bane makes a surprising appearance.) It should be noted that Clockwork Angel is darker and more violent than the M.I. series, and is not for the squeamish. I found myself particularly unnerved by the automatons and their eeriry hybrid machine/human form.)

Although Clockwork Angel is a truly enjoyable read, at times I found Tessa grating, particularly her internal monologue and I wished she was a stronger character. Additionally, my only other issue was the "love triangle" glorified on the cover flap. I simply could not see WHY Tessa would want to be with Will (beyond his luminous beauty) and the relationship between Jem and Tessa seemed more "friends" and "true love." There also was no real conflict or drama between the two boys over Tessa. It was more Jem acting like a friend/human being and Will kissing her passionately one moment and insulting her/refusing to speak with her the next. Don't get me wrong, I like the tortured bad boy with a mysterious past as much as the next girl, but we never had a chance to understand why Will was the way he was. My hope for the next book is that the love triangle is either fleshed out further or there is a very good explanation for Will's hot/cold behavior (or you know, both.) The cliffhanger ending leads me to believe Clare is planning on exploring Will and his dark secrets, so I have hope that he can be redeemed as a character I can root for. I'm already anxiously waiting for book 2's arrival!

Welcome!

This serves as your introduction to the wonderful world of young adult literature and all things hip, new, and exciting (we try anyway.) Whether you are looking for a recommendation on a new YA book to read or just want a place to come vent about the emotionally needy and borderline psychotic relationship between Bella and Edward, gossip about the release of Mockingjay (Team Peeta or Team Gale?), or discuss the book to TV transition of Pretty Little Liars; look no further, you've come to the right place.