Category: Book Review

Book Review, out of sight out of time

Book Review: Out of Sight, Out of Time

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS BOOK #5 OF THE SERIES! Click links below to read my reviews.
Book 1: I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You 
Book 2: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Book 3: Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover
Book 4: Only the Good Spy Young

Title: Out of Sight, Out of Time
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Release Date: March 2012
Pages: 294
Series: Gallagher Girls #5
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan–an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.
Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book!! You know you love a book when you have a hard time picking up another read because all you want to do is go back to that book’s world again. I think I might go read over my favorite scenes when I’m finished with this review.

This is the fifth book in the Gallagher Girl series so I was already completely invested in these amazing characters. Cammie is amazing; I want to be like her. Her friends are unique and each bring something extra to the cast. Liz is a genius and so caring. Macey is funny, laid back, and the beauty consultant. Bex is usually the comic relief, but she plays a more serious role this time. She is smart and a kick-butt spy. And of course there’s Zach. He’s more open and less mysterious this time which made me like him even more. He is so great for Cammie.

Cammie has lost her memory of the summer which was practically four months of her life. Bruises cover her body and lead us to think something significant and awful happened to her. She is vulnerable and broken, opposite of who she was before the summer. It is heart wrenching to watch Cammie struggle with her memory. She wants to understand what happened and will search anywhere for clues.

This book was exciting and emotional; I loved every minute of it! It’s a perfect addition to an already amazing series.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: very mild ( bloody- 3)
Violence: mild/ moderate ( reference to torture, murder, fighting )

Book Review, DAC 2012, first date

Book Review: First Date

Kathryn Cooper

Title: First Date
Author: Krista McGee
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Release Date: January 2012
Pages: 336
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Addy Davidson discovers God’s unexpected plans for her life when a reality TV show turns her quiet existence on its head.
The orphaned daughter of missionaries, Addy is quite content to stay in the shadows and never draw attention to herself. But when she’s selected for a reality TV show to try to become the President son’s prom date-a show she didn’t audition for-she’s suddenly in America’s spotlight.
The lights, the make-up, the competitions, and the blogs discussing every move she makes all make Addy incredibly uncomfortable. But through her time at The Mansion, Addy comes to realize that first impressions aren’t always right, that hiding out may not be what God had planned for her life, and that her faith should affect everything she does. It may just be that her selection wasn’t random at all and that she’s on this show “for such a time as this.”

My Thoughts:
FYI: This is a Christian contemporary fiction. I know some people like to know that upfront.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and light. I liked the characters and wanted to see how it would all turn out. Addy wasn’t exactly happy to be on a reality tv show to win a date with the President’s son. This wasn’t just any date though; it was a date to Jonathan’s senior prom! The story line was so fun. The realty show started off with 100 girls from all over the nation, and basically Addy was the only one not excited and falling all over the first son. The villain in the story was great. He was annoying, mean, bitter, and laughable all at the same time.

I was a tad disappointed at the very end of the book. It’s probably silly of me though. If you don’t mind a small spoiler highlight between the ( ). ( I wanted Addy and Jonathan to kiss!! I would have been happy with just one. ) Okay I’m glad I got that off my chest. : )

This story is about friendship and overcoming your fears, and I enjoyed taking the journey with Addy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: none
Language: none
Violence: none

This is book #1 of my 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by The Story Siren.

blues eyes and other teenage hazards, Book Review

Book Review: Blue Eyes and Other Teenage Hazards

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Blue Eyes and Other Teenage Hazards!!!
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: Janette Rallison
Release Date: December 2011
Pages: currently eBook only
Series: Pullman High #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Cassidy knows everything about Chad–everything, that is, except how to get him to notice her. Someday, somehow, she vows, those deep blue eyes are going to look her way. In the meantime, she’s got plenty of other things to worry about.
Cassidy has always been happy to be the studious, reliable type–until Elise and her good-looking brother move into the neighborhood. Elise is determined to introduce Cassidy to the partying life. But will Elise’s Carpe Diem ways land Cassidy in more trouble than she’s prepared for? Can a girl be smart and have fun too? Cassidy is about to find out.

My Thoughts:
Janette Rallison wrote Deep Blue Eyes and Other Lies sixteen years ago, and she got the rights back to it a few years back. Deep Blue Eyes and Other Lies was written with characters that were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons. The book was one of my favorites as a teenager, but it was written for a Christian audience. She rewrote some parts, changed some names, and added some modern stuff like cell phones, and now it’s for any audience.

I loved this book all over again! Janette Rallison cannot go wrong in my mind. Her books are always enjoyable and so funny with cute romances. It was fun to read a familiar book with some new twists. The characters are funny and easy to relate to.

One of my favorite scenes was when Cassidy took her driver’s test, hilarious! The old man that administered her test reminded me of a guy I had to drive with during driver’s ed. He was totally paranoid. He would grab the steering wheel from me and slam on his brake all the time. I promise I’m not a bad driver; the poor man was just terrified.

A fun and enjoyable read! It’s on sale for $.99! Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: very mild ( a girl flipped off someone twice )
Violence: none
Other: teenage drinking and drug use

Book Review, legend of the inero dragon

Book Review: Legend of the Inero Dragon

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Legend of the Inero Dragon
Author: J.F. Jenkins
Publisher: Astraea Press
Release Date: January 2012
Pages: eBook only
Series: The Dragons Saga #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Twin brothers Jason and Matthias Inero are the favorite sons of the great dragon lord of fire. More often than not they get whatever they want. Matt wants to do great things for his people while Jason wants to go off and explore the world. Both can have what they desire, but not until they take a bride and enter into adulthood.
Enter Kat and Gwen, two girls from very different backgrounds. Kat is happy to leave her home when the royal guard comes to bring her to loving arms of her childhood sweetheart, Matt. Gwen on the other hand is livid to be taken from her farm only to be thrust into Jason’s life, and he’s not to thrilled with the idea either. They have one year to find happiness with each other, or else they will be placed at the mercy of the ruthless dragon lord Lynx. Favorite or not, dragon law must be obeyed.
As their nation begins to prepare for war against a neighboring tribe, the brothers find themselves as key components in the battle plans. A dark prophet has had a vision of Inero victory, but at what cost? Both must decide where their loyalties lie and what they’re willing to sacrifice – including each other – to achieve their goals.

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book! It was about twin dragon brothers, Jason and Matt. These dragons looked like humans most of the time though. Tradition dictates dragons of a certain age must be married to become men. On a certain date they would choose from a lineup of human girls to marry. Since they would choose from a lineup it was pretty much an arranged marriage. Choosing their bride would be the marriage ceremony, and immediately following could do married things. Most of Jason’s 100+ brothers took advantage of that fact, but Jason was different. He wanted to love his wife before they were intimate. I loved that about him. At the start of the book it was time for Jason and Matt to become men and get married.

This book had amazing chemistry between the couples! It was fun to watch two couples in completely different relationship situations. I wish I could discuss more, but I don’t want to spoil the read for anyone. Maybe I’ll choose this book for my book club when it’s my turn to host.

The story was told from the four main characters: Jason, Matt, Kat, and Gwen. It was fun to hear everyone’s perspective throughout the story. In other books switching POV sometimes annoys me because I don’t want to move from the action of a certain character, but in this book I enjoyed it. I loved all the characters and really wanted to know what they were thinking and feeling. The author did a great job!

I’ll admit I did have favorites. I really liked Jason and Gwen; they were awesome. I wasn’t happy with the ending though. Hopefully there will be more closure in future books. Overall a great read! If you love romance this book is definitely for you!

Note about content:
Let me explain my thoughts since this blog is called Clean Teen Fiction and everyone has a different definition of “clean” content. I don’t mind the mention of intimacy when the couple is married as long as it’s not detailed. I’m happy to report that I didn’t find anything inappropriate with this book, but a younger teen might not be interested in reading about arranged marriages and how that effects the relationship. 

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate ( mentioned a married couple had sex, wives talk together of seducing and rape in their arranged marriages, kissing )
Language: none
Violence: mild ( a teenage girl mentions abusive parents, murder )

*I received an eBook copy of this book from Opal at Astraea Press. Thank you! I am not paid for any of my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*

Book Review, bourne

Book Review: Bourne

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS THE 3.5 BOOK IN THE SERIES! 
My Reviews:
Book 1: Waterfall
Book 2: Cascade
Book 3: Torrent

Title: Bourne
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: Bergren Creative Groups
Release Date: February 2012
Pages: eBook only
Series: The River of Time #3.5
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

BOURNE, a novella (1/3 the length of a normal novel), picks up right where TORRENT left off…Find out what has happened to men returning from the battle, gravely wounded, to the Betarrinis, fighting for the men they love, and just who is hunting them next…



My Thoughts:
Oh. My. I. LOVE. This. Series!!! I cannot tell y’all that enough. This is my favorite series of all time. Everyone needs a book, even better when it’s a series, that really resonates with them. These books have everything I love. The setting in the middle ages in Italy is beautiful. I love that the main characters are also modern because of the accidental time travel so I can really relate to Gabi and Lia when they think things in the Middle Ages are difficult, strange, or out of their comfort zones. I can rave about the entire series all day, but let me get more specific to this book now.

This book is a novella which means it’s 1/3 the length of a normal novel. This was the only part of the book that made me sad . . . that it ended. I can read and re-read these books all day. It was also our first time to hear from Lia’s Point Of View. In the first 3 books we’d only heard from Gabi. I love Lia so it was great fun to hear from her. I look forward to the next book, Tributary, which I think will be all from Lia.

I love the romance and the romantic tension between the characters. Lia and Luca, Gabi and Marcello, Rodolfo and . . . any woman who looks at him. The kissing in this book is most definitely swoon worthy. The characters are so sweet and respectful, I just love it. I liked seeing a different side of Luca this time with more of a leadership role. He also showed some jealously and anger we hadn’t seen from him before. It made me like him even more to see more of him, and of course I still love his humor.

This book is great! Everyone who read the first three in the series needs to read it. If you love to immerse yourself in a great book, this series is for you.

Happy Reading!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( a married couple lie in bed together, we can assume a married couple has sex, kissing )
Language: none
Violence: moderate ( injuries, wounded, war, death )

Book Review, jeweler's apprentice

Book Review: Jeweler’s Apprentice

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Jeweler’s Apprentice
Author: E. Kaiser
Publisher: E. Kaiser
Release Date: December 2011
Pages: eBook only
Series: Five Gems #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

Fia Brithin is beginning an adventure.
On her first visit to the King Hanor’s palace, 16 year old Fia Brithin stumbles into a court intrigue. To keep the secret safe, the Chancelor sends her off as apprentice to a famous, and reclusive, high mountain jeweler.
…And straight into adventure.
Discovering gems with deep secrets and new friends with the same, Fia learns a whole lot more than just modeling wax. When to trust a stranger, and when not to; why not to try stealing from gem thieves; what heroism is, what royalty ought to be, and that the mountains themselves can sometimes be the greatest danger of all.
The first in a series, Jeweler’s Apprentice introduces protagonist Fia Brithin to the wide, wide world, and starts her on a journey toward adventures, and that difficult thing called growing up.

My Thoughts:
This was a nice story about a girl on an adventure. Fia is sent to be a jeweler’s apprentice in the mountains. I felt cold reading this book talking about all the snow. I’m thankful to live in Texas. 🙂

Fia meets some friends and enemies along the way. I couldn’t help but wish to know the characters on a deeper level. I felt somewhat disconnected from the side characters for some reason. I really enjoy some hint of romance in a story too so I was a little disappointed, but I know that’s just me. Maybe there will be more romance and depth to the characters in the next books of the series.

I definitely want to read the next books to find out what happens to Fia. The author shows promise with this story, and I know the next ones will be even better. I think tweens and younger teens would enjoy this book too.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: none
Language: none
Violence: none just some suspense

There is a GIVEAWAY for a copy of this ebook on the author’s website. Go enter now!! E. Kaiser Writes-a-Blog

*I received a review copy from E. Kaiser. Thank you! I do not get paid for any of my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*

Book Review, griffin rising

Book Review: Griffin Rising

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Griffin Rising
Author: Darby Karchut
Publisher: Paladin Timeless Books
Release Date: April 2011
Pages: 169
Series: Griffin #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever.Taking on the identity of father and son, Griffin and Basil forge a special bond where honesty and trust go hand in hand to secure Griffin’s destiny as a Terrae Angeli. Griffin’s belief in himself and the love of a mortal girl are the perfect combination in overcoming the darkest days of his life. But will it be enough for him to succeed?For Griffin, it’s time to angel up.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book, especially the length. Sometimes it’s wonderful to see a nice short book, this was less than 200 pages, that will be quick to finish instead of a 400+ page beast sitting on my shelf.

In the prologue Griffin, the main character, is 16 then it flashes back to when he was 13 when the book starts. After a few chapters he’s back to 16. I liked the background of Griffin’s life at 13 since this was after some traumatic times for him. It was nice to see Griffin’s growth from 13 to 16. Throughout the story there are journal entries from Griffin, his mentor, and later another character that may or may not be a girl Griffin’s age. 😉 The journal entries were a unique way for the author to show what went on in the minds of three of the main characters. I loved it! It helped the pace of the book move along too.

On a side note about Griffin’s name I really like when his mentor, Basil, calls him Fin for short. That is such a cute name, don’t you think? I really like Griffin and Basil and their dynamic. Basil and Griffin are Terrae Angeli or guardian angels. When they are “on call” they go out and rescue humans in need possibly from a car in a river or on the side of a mountain. Great stuff.

Overall a fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed getting to know Fin and look forward to reading more of his story in the next book of the series.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: mild ( a** 1, h*** 2, God 2, Bloody 4 )
Violence: mild ( briefly mentioned abuse of a kid, fighting, blood, injuries )

*I received a review copy from Darby Karchut. Thank you! I do not get paid for any of my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion. 

Book Review, chimera

Book Review: Chimera

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Chimera
Author: B.D. Swan
Publisher: B.D. Swan
Release Date: November 2011
Pages: 498
Series: none
3 STARS: I Liked It

Like most girls in high school, Kyanna Kash is caught between two guys. Unlike most girls in high school, only one of them is real. Or so she thinks.
The mysterious fainting spells bring on the recurring dreams. And it’s in those dreams where she meets the gorgeous soldier. yet, when her dreamed-up Adonis disappears in battle, Ky can never know his fate–her new medication stops the faintings.
But when she discovers shocking evidence that her soldier might be real, Ky is faced with a pulse-pounding decision: should she stop the meds to bring back the faintings? Time is of the essence, but returning to her dreams might carry grave consequences.

My Thoughts:
When I heard about this book the first thing I thought was I love the cover. Then I read the premise and loved the idea of the book. Interesting concept of living in a different world during dreams.

Ky seems like a normal teenage girl getting ready for senior prom with her boyfriend Lincon. This book felt like two separate books. When she’s awake she goes through fun high school stuff, hangs out with friends, dates her boyfriend. Then she has fainting spells where she dreams she’s in a completely different world. I love her dream world. I kind of wish the book was only in that world. It’s unique and the guy in that world is dreamy obviously . . . since she’s dreaming. I love all the scenes with Ky and her warrior man. Her dream world is a world in turmoil and war. The exploration of her dream world and the battles are exciting. I was frustrated with the fainting concept because it felt so unpredictable which made me anxious.

What I didn’t like was to me it felt slow. I’ve decided the reason for that was because the premise and prologue talk about Ky having dreams when fainting, and she doesn’t faint for the first 60 pages and doesn’t meet the 2nd guy mentioned until almost 150 pages into the book. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, but that really is just my personal preference. Some people might really like the way it all ended. Obviously I can’t talk about it in detail. You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate dialog ( a girl showed a guy her abs to get information, talk of girls planning to have sex on prom night, kissing, dialog used: cleavage, sexy, turned on, desire, lust, slutty )
Language: very mild ( a**-1 )
Violence: mild/moderate ( battle, injuries, death, ferocious animals )

*I received a review copy from B.D. Swan. Thank you! I do not get paid for any of my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*

Book Review, legend

Book Review: Legend

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: November 2011
Pages: 305
Series: Legend #1
5 STARS I LOVED IT!!!

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’ death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

My Thoughts:
Oh boy, it has been awhile since I read a book with this much violence. I’ve read a lot of light romance books recently. This book was INTENSE but in a good way. I really enjoyed it! It was fast paced and exciting.

The two main characters June and Day (I like these names.) are 15 years old and set up to be enemies. The voice changed between June and Day. Marie, the author, did a great job with that. I loved hearing both of their thoughts. It was interesting to see how different but similar these 2 teens were who grew up in completely opposite worlds, one wealthy and one poor.

June was great. She’s small but tough. I liked how she was confident, brave, smart, and kind. Day was awesome too. If I had to pick a favorite it would be him. I felt so sorry for the poor guy. His life had been rough, but he was still positive and funny. I looked forward to the scenes with June and Day together even if they weren’t exactly getting along. The raw emotions throughout were so realistic with everything that happened to them.

Legend had enough closure at the end with plenty left unsolved to keep me excited for the next book in the series. Great debut book by Marie Lu!

If you live in north Texas Marie Lu has a book signing with 3 other YA authors next week.
February 23rd at 7pm
Barnes and Noble in Frisco.
I hope I can make it! Anyone else going to be there?

Happy Reading!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing )
Language: mild ( h***-10, d***-6 )
Violence: moderate/heavy ( fist fighting, knives, guns, deaths, wounds, torture, plague victims )
Other: one instance of drinking wine

Book Review, fins are forever

Book Review: Fins Are Forever

Kathryn Cooper

THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN A SERIES. Read my review of the first book: Forgive My Fins

Title: Fins Are Forever
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: June 2011
Pages: 272
Series: Fins #2
Source: Library

On Lily Sanderson’s eighteenth birthday she’ll become just a girl–still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.
Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she’s almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily’s father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily’s former crush, Brody?
The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily’s past shows up–Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There’s a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?
Tera Lynn Childs’s sequel to “Forgive My Fins” offers another tail-flicking romance with plenty of fun, sun, and underwater adventure.

My Thoughts:
First let’s talk about the cover. I love this paperback cover version from Templar Publishing. It doesn’t come out until April. Here’s the hardback cover:

This one doesn’t work for me because she has blue/green hair and blue lips and blue eye makeup. The way I pictured Lily was with beautiful long blond hair that flows around her in the water and a natural beauty with minimal makeup. Which is why I love the paperback cover.

Fins Are Forever starts one week after the end of the first book, Forgive My Fins. I like how the story line picks up from there and keeps moving. I loved the romantic dilemma/ arguing that took place during the first book. It’s refreshing when the love interest couple hate each other in the beginning. This book didn’t have as much of that. I still was interested with the problems and decisions Lily had to face, and I wanted to see how it all would turn out for her and Quince.

We get to know Brody, Lily’s huge crush in book one, and Dosinia, Lily’s younger cousin, a little more. Both characters you might not like at first, but they just might grow on you.

Things are tense and suspenseful because there are huge decisions Lily has to make with non-negotiable time limits that affect her future. Lily is trying to do well on the SATs so she can get into college, and she still has to renounce her title as princess.

It’s a fun book! I really enjoyed it. What girl hasn’t pretended to be a mermaid?! With a backyard pool growing up I was a mermaid every summer. 🙂

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, mention of side characters making out )
Language: mild ( God-2, h***-2, d***-2, a**-1 )
Violence: none