Review: The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

 

Title: The Agency: A Spy in the House

By: Y.S. Lee

Series: A Mary Quinn Mystery

Publisher: Candlewick Press
BookWhisperer Rating:



Book Description:
Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners -- and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust -- or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets -- including those of her own past.
This debuting novel is the first of a new series, and a far cry from the BookWhisperer’s typical read. I have to say that I was questionable about what my review would be for this book, and I can say without a doubt that I am a new follower. This mystery and suspense novel about a young girl rescued from the gallows to become a spy in a male driven world is quite exhilarating. Mary is a character with fierce drive and canny bravery in a time when women were subordinate and protected as the weaker species. This character will give readers a run for their money. Lee made sure to include the romance fans in this novel with her light hearted romance between characters. I exceptionally admired how she used bits of this romance for moments of release from the suspense of the true story line, but did not let the minor romance overrun the story in its entirety.  Lee is a fan of irony, and you will be impressed with the outcome of this mystery.

What are you waiting for????

Silver Borne was released today…… What are you waiting for rush our and buy it… I DID!
Fifth book in the Mercedes Thompson series. I CAN’T WAIT TO GET STARTED….

Cover Alert: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Stephenie Meyer just announced the release of a new book that will be a Eclipse Novella. This novel will be told in the Voice of Bree Tanner, the young girl that Victoria makes Vampire in the end of Eclipse. This book scheduled to release in June was never intended to be a stand alone book, but Meyer’s is dedicating this book to ALL THE FANS. Can’t wait to get my hands on this book.

Review: Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale

Title: Calamity Jack

By: Shannon and Dean Hale

Illustration: Nathan Hale

Publisher: Bloomsbury Books (January 2010)

BookWhisperer Rating:

Book Description:

A sequel to the highly acclaimed Rapunzel's Revenge, team Hale has delivered an all-new, hilarious tall tale about Jack, his beanstalk…and his best-friend-with-wicked-braids, Rapunzel.

Jack likes to think of himself as a criminal mastermind…with an unfortunate amount of bad luck. A schemer, plotter, planner, trickster, swindler…maybe even thief? One fine day Jack picks a target a little more giant than the usual, and one little bean turns into a great big building-destroying beanstalk.

With help from Rapunzel (and her trusty braids), a pixie from Jack's past, and a man with inventions from the future, they just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of good people ….

 Calamity Jack is layed out such as a comic book. This is my first introduction to a book of this nature. While it is not going to be added to my favorites list anytime soon I did find this book interesting and the story was easily followed. I have not read the first book in this series Rupunzel’s Revenge, but I do not feel that it was necessary to have read the first book to understand or enjoy this particular book. Not much thought is required to follow a story such as this one, therefore it makes for a quick and easy read.

Review: Before I Fall by Laren Oliver

Title: Before I Fall

By: Lauren Oliver

Publisher: Harperteen (March 2nd, 2010)

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

Book Description:

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

After months of anxious waiting I was very distraught to have struggled with this book as much as I did. I loved the storyline; a young girl with a sudden death relives her last day seven times to learn the true value of life. I am not a girly girl type, and I feel that this book was aimed more for a character of that nature. I believe that this book has rose about for the younger generation, but I am unable to truly give a awesome review. Reading the preface I was excited, but once I begun the story and meeting characters I was turned off early on. Look for this book to be a future Second Chance giveaway at the Book Whisperer, because I would love for someone else to be able to give this book better credit than I was able to.

Undercover Book Lover Amazing Contest

Pick Your Publisher Contest…. Winner will win three books from offered publishers. For prizes check it out here.

This Contest Ends April 22nd, 2010… Don’t miss out on your chance to win.

Cover Alert

Jeaniene Frost and her Night Huntress World Series just posted the new cover for Eternal Kiss of Darkness which is the second book of the series. I have not been lucky enough to read First Drop of Crimson, but I can’t wait. If this series is half as good as the Night Huntress Series we are definitely in for a treat. I just can’t believe we will be waiting to 2011 for another Cat and Bones book.

   Book #1                                                                         Book #2

Second Chance: Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett

If you are new; here is the rundown the BookWhisperer believes in every book having a fair chance, so all of the book that I feel I am unable to give a GOOD REVIEW I offer it in a giveaway called Second Chance Giveaways. This is my way of handing the book over to someone else that will be able to give it the credit it deserves. No book is for everyone, so if you are interested in giving this one a try comment on this post and you will be signed up.

I cant really say that I per say disliked this book, but I did not like it near as much as I was hoping. So lets she what someone else can do with it.

Rules:

*Must be US resident

*Comment on this post and you are entered.

*If you do not include your email address entry will be thrown out.

*Must be a follower of my blog

*This contest will run to 04/30/2010 I don’t give a time, so if I have already posted a winner that day I am sorry. I blog when I have time for it.

Winner of Second Chance Contest

It’s take time again for selection of a winner. The winner for the Second Chance Contest for Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher is……………………………………………

Mandy @ Mandy Can Read 

I have emailed for the winners address, you have 72 hours to respond or I will be forced to pick another winner..

 

Review: Clearing by Heather Davis

Title: The Clearing

By: Heather Davis

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (04/2010)

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

Book Description:

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

 

My first introduction to the author Heather Davis was in a book review of Never Cry Werewolf. The Clearing was nothing like Davis’s first debut novel, but was entertaining all the same. The idea of a mist between world and a love with no boundaries is always a promising read. The particular novel is a very quick read. The story was well written, but I found myself in moments of wandering that I struggled to keep my attention focused. Amy is a very special girl with a bad history, and that was easy enough to follow. As well as, Henry having prayed and somehow caused his world to stand still is also another intrigue concept. Although, the flow of the story was not complete fluent causing my mind to wander. Davis ended the story in such a fashion that I could see a sequel, and I did enjoy this story enough that I would give it a try.

Nightshade Trailer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer is scheduled for release October 19th, 2010

Book Description:

While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

I can across this trailer for the book:

I am anxious to get may hands on this book…. I love the cover and I love the description. Another interesting note I noticed on the website there are already two more books scheduled in the debuting series.

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron King

By: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen (February 2010)

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

Book Description:

MEGHAN CHASE HAS A SECRET DESTINY— ONE SHE COULD NEVER HAVE IMAGINED…

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of this amazing debut novel. To say that this is a new addition to my favorites list would be an understatement. The Iron King is unlike anything else that I have read. I truthfully found myself questioning the book in the first couple chapters because of the amount of fantastical components, but then found myself over a hundred pages in and addicted to the story. Kagawa has created a incredible mystical world that forces even the most conservative readers to use their imagination; bringing them into Meghan Chases world without any effort. 

I love all of the character of this story; which was not anticipated as the cast list of the story grew so long. My heart would break with Meghan when a character would leave or get lost in the journey. I found myself on a roller coaster of emotions with her as the story progressed, and was unable to put the book down wanting to know what would happen next. My favorite aspect of this book would have to be the forbidden relationship. I can not wait to see the outcome of Ash and Meghan. I was addicted to the hard core character of Ash from the first introduction. I think this series holds much more to come by way of character and turmoil. Meghan and Robbie relationship is one that also holds much of my interest, and I hope and pray that we have not seen the last of this character.

Readers will not find this story lacking with the action packed progression that The Iron King takes you will find yourself zipping this this book. Just when I thought that I would have a minute to breath and relax with the characters; something big was just around the corner. I loved the many open ended conflicts through out this book; I believe Kagawa has a well laid plan and that many things we have not seen the end of. This was a very well crafted book that I see promising a incredible series of books to come. You will not be wasting your time on this book, and it was be a great loss not to read. Make sure this book is on your list.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a meme brought us by the Story Siren. This is a way for book bloggers to preview that books they receive, and thus add to your TBR piles.

This week I have receive several new books, check em out!

Just Like That By Marsha Qualey

Published by Speak Books (2005)

Book Description:

Danger. Just Like That is about all the dangerous things in everyday life: keeping and telling secrets, friendship, family, love, and thin ice.

Plot wise, it’s about high school senior Hanna Martin, who takes a late-night walk by a lake near her Minneapolis home and has a life-changing encounter with two doomed teenagers.

 

Shark Girl By Kelly Bingham

Published: Candlewick Books (2007)

Book Description:

On a sunny day in June, at the beach with her mom and brother, fifteen-year-old Jane Arrowood went for a swim. And then everything — absolutely everything — changed. Now she’s counting down the days until she returns to school with her fake arm, where she knows kids will whisper, "That’s her — that’s Shark Girl," as she passes. In the meantime there are only questions: Why did this happen? Why her? What about her art? What about her life? In this striking first novel, Kelly Bingham uses poems, letters, telephone conversations, and newspaper clippings to look unflinchingly at what it’s like to lose part of yourself - and to summon the courage it takes to find yourself again.

 

Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

Publisher: Candlewick Press Books (April 13th, 2010)

Book Description:

Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen activism is her life, so she leaps at the chance to visit her hippie godmother, Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with nature for the first time — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam there.

But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a grouchy old moose, to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter, to a hot but hostile boy named Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness — but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart?

The Boy Who Climbed to the Moon by David Almond

Publisher: Candlewick Press Books (April 13th, 2010)

Book Description:

There are some strange ideas floating around in Paul’s apartment building. There’s Mabel, who now calls herself Molly and whose brother hides under a paper bag. Then there’s Clarence, the poodle who things he can fly….

But the strangest of all is Paul’s. You see, Paul believes that the moon is not the moon but a great hole in the sky. How on earth (or not on earth) is he going to find out whether he’s a crackpot or a genius? With a few equally crackpot (or genius helpers and a very long ladder, that’s how.

 

Polly’s Pink Pajamas by Vivian French

Publisher: Candlewick Press Books (April 13th, 2010)

Book Description:

Polly adores her pink pajamas. She wears them all day long! But of course she can’t wear them to Fred’s party, so all her friends lend her something of theirs. Just as she’s ready to leave, Polly catches a look in the mirror — and somehow the too-short polka-dot dress and tiny checkered cardigan and the long striped socks don’t make the fashion statement she’d hoped for.

Many thanks to all of the publishers for the books that I receive…. I love reading and reviewing all of them.

 

Review: Token of Darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Title: Token of Darkness

By: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Publisher: Delacorte Press (02/2010)

BookWhisperer Rating:

Book Description:

Cooper Blake has everything going for him—until he wakes from a car accident with his football career in ruins and a mysterious, attractive girl by his side. Cooper doesn’t know how Samantha got there or why he can see her; all he knows is that she’s a ghost, and the shadows that surround her seem intent on destroying her.

No one from Cooper’s old life would understand what he can barely grasp himself. . . . But Delilah, the captain of the cheerleading squad, has secrets of her own, like her ability to see beyond the physical world, and her tangled history with Brent, a loner from a neighboring school who can hear strangers’ most intimate thoughts. Delilah and Brent know that Cooper is in more trouble than he realizes, and that Samantha may not be as innocent as she has led Cooper to believe. But the only way to figure out where Samantha came from will put them all in more danger than they ever dreamed possible.

This is one of several books that I have read by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, and she never fails to produce very interesting stories. I really enjoy an author that is capable of leading the reader through a story, and still surprise them with an unexpected ending. Token of Darkness includes four key characters that were all equally likeable.  This book was 197 pages of non stop action; that will surprise you when you find yourself at the last page.

The only downfall I find to this author is her books are very quick reads without anything exceptional. I find myself finishing the story, and while I have enjoyed I have nothing that  jumps out at me and holds in interest past the ending. This is your perfect book if you enjoy simple and quick reading.

Makeover

Hey guys have been jumping back into my books, but I decided The BookWhisperer was due for a new look, so if you see some problems let me know I have changed the background and header and will be working on buttons if there is anything else that doesn't fit that I need to take a look at. Please don't hesitate to mention. I forget things all the time... Enjoy all of you and thanks for sticking with me. Feeling so much better and life is defintely trucking along.

Love you all!!!!!

Review: Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Title: Numb8ers

By: Rachel Ward

Publisher: Scholastic Inc (02/2010)

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

Book Description:

Since her mother’s death, fifteen-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else’s, a number pops into her head - the date on which they will die. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, Jem avoids relationships, but when she meets a boy called Spider, and they plan a day out together, her life takes a new twist and turn. Waiting for the London Eye, she sees everyone in the queue has the same number - something terrible is going to happen.’

  Numbers was originally released in the UK, and was released this year in the US. I have been anxious to get may hands on this book for sometime. Rachel Ward offers a very creative story of a young girl with the gift of sight. Although, her sight if of a fairly add nature. Jem, whom is the main character in Numbers, has the ability to see when a person will die. The main character is a bit of a loner, and really attempt to almost ostracize herself from the rest of the world. Only this becomes a little complicated when she befriends, for lack of a better word, a thug from school. When this relationships begins to grow Jem finds herself unable to turn her back on him. Even though it appears his days may be limited, and there is nothing she can do to stop it. 

The dialect in this book can be teadious at times seeing as how it originated in the UK, but altogether I enjoyed reading this story. Jem is easy to sympathize with, and living a life that she has no choice but to endure. Her friends Spider took some time to admire, but as the story progressed I found myself interested in his character as well. I felt that Ward did an excellent job creating a story of suspense that will keep the readers guessing long after the last page. I have read there is going to be a second book in this series, and I am anxious to see if readers in the US will get a chance to read this one as well.