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Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…
Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.
If you are looking for a book like Twilight, then you will probably enjoy this book. To be honest, parts of it seem so like Twilight, I found myself comparing the two over and over. I like the character Ever, but her friendships need more. Again, you have teen true love without knowing why (until the end). I guess I can't shake the feeling that it has already been done.
Likes: Ever, Ever's strained relationship with her aunt (I really like her aunt's insight into lost at the end), Riley and her costumes
Dislikes: Liking a guy without knowing why AND without knowing him, the flowers get tired toward the end as well, the end scenes with Drina feel fragmented and confusing to me (I had to re-read just to see if I missed something and each time I hadn't - which to me is worse than if I had!)
Overall: If you liked Twilight, and you want another teen true love fix. Try Evermore. It is the first in a new series, so there will be more to keep you going.
Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place.
I loved this book. It is futuristic but could lead to wonderful discussions about our own society. The premise may sound violent, but Suzanne Collins finds to way to show humanity in the violence her characters are forced into. I liked this book so much it might become the center of a whole unit for Advanced Reading next year!
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
This was a student suggested book. It has been passed several times in my Advanced Reading class. While it is really good, as an adult, I just wanted it to go deeper. However, for teens I think it does go there. It is an honest book about what teens go through. Many 8th graders will understand it, but it is probably a high school book.
Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.
This is classified as an "Adult" book. This book sells as an adult book because the main character is an adult. However, many, many teen-agers read it and many love it.
The beginning is HORRIBLY slow. But, the whole second half of the book is worth it. I loved this book and the character Wanderer. I really hope that Meyer's re-visits this world in a sequel (like really, really hope!!!).
Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty - especially if they learn of her Sight - and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.
Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.
Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost - regardless of her plans or desires.
Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.
Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.
I really enjoyed this book. My Advanced Reading class has opened my eyes to Young Adult Fantasy, and now it is all I want to read! Aislinn is a wonderfully, strong female character. She's determined to have a life that she wants and deserves, and I truly respect her for finding a way.
However, this is more of a high school book. Teaching 8th grade is tricky, some students are just more mature than others. Many of my students read H.S. books though, so I do try to differeniate between the books.
I love the Twilight series. There's been so much about it this year that I don't feel the need to post the summaries of the books. Stephenie Meyer's characters are just so attractive (and I don't mean their looks). I found myself drawn into the stories, and I actually had to read the whole series twice before I was ready to move on to something new.
**Breaking Dawn would be considered more of a high school book to me, but many, many middle schoolers have read this book and been able to handle the material fine.**
