Review: Shadow Train (The Tracks #3) by J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel

Shadow Train

(The Tracks #3)

By J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel

6/4/13

HCI Teens

Middleburg's teen martial artists scramble to reunite the broken shards of the powerful and mysterious Shen ring, in an effort to locate their missing friend Raphael and avert worldwide disaster but it won't be easy. A pack of government agents, a secret order of Chinese kung fu masters, and a family of vengeful fallen angels stand in their way. Amid the struggle, tensions between the two teen gangs flare once again when one of the Flats kids gets jumped and put in the hospital. Zhai and Ignacio, the leaders of the rival factions, struggle to maintain peace and continue their quest for the ring shards amid the rising tide of confrontation. Meanwhile, Middleburg's leading ladies Maggie and Dalton put their differences aside in an effort to wrest their friend Aimee from the clutches of the sultry and seductive Nephilim, Orias. But when a powerful fallen angel learns that Orias has imprisoned his father Oberon, a new supernatural menace is unleashed on Middleburg, one that threatens to bring all the conflicting factions together in one final, deadly conflagration. The only hope is that Middleburg's missing teen hero will somehow reappear and find a way to set things right but he's been gone for over two months, without leaving a single clue as to his whereabouts. As the situation grows more dire, all of Middleburg wonders: where is Raphael Kain? With mighty doses of kung fu, eastern mysticism, and star-crossed love, "Shadow Train" is the most poignant, romantic and explosive book in The Tracks series thus far!

I received a review copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Other books in The Tracks Series

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I’ve immensely enjoyed reading J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel’s YA series, The Tracks and I’m sad to see it ending. All the kung fu action, romantic entanglements, supernatural thrills, and captivating mystery come to an explosive head in this awesome conclusion. Picking up a few months after the events in Ghost Crown, the rival gangs of Middleburg find themselves in the middle of what could be a world disaster in Shadow Train. The Flats gang is desperate to find their missing leader Raphael and when one of their own is put into the hospital by a member of their rivals, the two gangs are out for each other’s blood. Meanwhile, Aimee is under Orias’ spell and barely remembers her true love Raphael. The Flatliners, the Toppers, Orias, a group of fallen angels, a pack of government agents, and a mysterious and dangerous ancient Chinese order are all on the search for the shards of the mystical Shen ring and its power. One final showdown could be the end of or the salvation of Middleburg.

Over the span of three books, Gates and Keel have crafted a wonderfully layered and endlessly exciting story full of kickbutt characters, addicting romance, and cool supernatural elements. I always walk away from these books completely entertained and impressed!

 Like books one and two, Shadow Train has fantastic world-building and enthralling storytelling. Gates and Keel are a great writing duo, who has seamlessly and cohesively blended their talents. In this third book we are taken, not only to the magical and mystical areas of Middleburg, but to the depths of Hell, 19^th century America, early 20^th century Ireland, and an eerie, deliciously chilling in between world, and each of these settings is laid out with rich, vivid details and feel so real. The mystical and supernatural elements are a fun blend of refreshing originality and cool re-imagining. There’s such a well-crafted atmosphere in these books that feels both darkly whimsical and chilling.

One of the things I love most about this series is the diverse, eclectic cast of characters. Over the span of this series, Raphael; Aimee; Nass; Dalton; Zhai; Kate; Maggie; and the other characters have kept me entertained, charmed, and on my toes. These are all likable, believable, relatable characters with such organic and great character growth and development. I’ve come to be completely vested in their journeys, relationships, and individual stories, and they’ve come to feel like old friends.

At almost 500 pages, Shadow Train is a longer book, but thrillingly fast paced and never boring. The last quarter of the book is especially exciting and had me anxiously turning pages. And the explosive and electrifying final showdown is big and epic and makes for a hell of a satisfying ending.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I couldn't have asked for a more epic and enthralling conclusion to The Tracks Series! Shadow Train is explosive, entertaining, and full of chills and thrills. I'm sad to see this series ending, but have enjoyed the exciting ride and definitely think it's a must read series!

MY RATING

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Review: Rory (Ghosts of Palladino #1) by Ciye Cho

Rory

(Ghosts of Palladino #1)

August 10, 2013

Format: eARC

Source: from author

Far beyond heaven, earth and hell is a city known as Palladino, a place ruled by ghosts and filled with demons, magic, and all sorts of darkly beautiful things. A city where no one can ever escape.
Eighteen-year-old Rory is a cake decorator who makes stunning confections. But no amount of frosting or miracles can save her when a demon kidnaps her—and carries her to Palladino. Here, Rory ends up in a deadly charm school where young women are forced to become companions for the Ghost Lords. And for her to survive, Rory must become everything that she isn’t: graceful, elegant... and perfect.
But nothing is what it seems in Palladino. Not the magic. Not the ghosts. And definitely not Martin Marius, the bizarre Ghost Lord-slash-inventor who is drawn to Rory. For amid a thousand machines and a hundred cats, Martin holds a secret that could change everything. A secret that could either free Rory... or destroy her.

 I received a copy of this title from the author in exchange for my honest review

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I adore Ciye Cho's mermaid series, Florence and Luminaire, so when he asked me to review his new book, Rory, I was definitely intrigued. Then I saw the gorgeous cover and I just knew this was one book I had to read. And Ciye did not disappoint! Rory is just as fun and stunning as I hoped it would be...

Eighteen year old cake decorator, Rory, lives a wary life. All her life, her mother warned her about the demons in the dark that snatch girls away and take them to a place they can't escape. Rory, of course, never believed her mother, that is until a demon with colorful glass wings almost captured her one dark evening. Rory's mother saved her life, but at the expense of her sanity. And on another dark night, Rory is successfully captured by the winged demon and taken to Palladino, a city of ghosts. In Palladino, Rory, like other captured human girls, is trained to be a lady and eventual companion to one of the Ruling Lords.

What I love most about Ciye Cho's books is his imaginative and beautiful storytelling, and Rory is definitely both imaginative and beautiful. Cho has created such an enthralling and original take on ghosts and the afterlife in Rory. I've never encountered a world of ghosts and premise quite like this one! Cho, once again, excels at vivid, layered world-building. The wondrous city of Palladino is laid out and crafted with such fantastic detail and it is eerily enchanting in the most thrilling way. Cho is so great at creating worlds that have the perfect balance of whimsy, beauty, and darkness, and Palladino is a shining example. We don't get to explore all of Palladino in Rory, but the places Cho does take us (particularly Cavendish Castle and the Jade Castle) are bewitching and intriguing with their unexpected nooks and crannies. And I look forward to discovering and exploring more of Palladino in future books.

Another thing I love about Cho's books, is his ability to create such well-developed heroines. Rory is super relatable, capable, witty, and equal parts strong, vulnerable, brave, and impetuous. She feels real and is easy to root for. I like her a lot and can't wait to watch her grow even more as a heroine. There is one, very minor, thing that I found annoying about Rory, and that's her overuse of the word alas...but, again, this is just a small, silly issue and definitely does not distract from her awesomeness. There are several great supporting characters, all well-developed and intriguing, including a faceless winged demon, a talking cat, and a charmingly gruff Ruling Lord. I do, however, wish some of the supporting characters' background information and history were explored more in-depth, but hopefully more is learned in future books. There are only slight, subtle romantic elements (which I totally didn't mind!) in this first book, and I'm excited to see where all the possible romantic entanglements might go.

Rory's journey in Palladino takes her, and us readers, to some unexpected and twisty places. I really enjoyed discovering this ghost-city with Rory, uncovering all its dark secrets and places of breathtaking beauty.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Rory has everything I've come to expect from and admire about Ciye Cho's books: a great heroine, stunning world-building, and a wonderfully imaginative story. Cho is a smart and highly entertaining storyteller, and Rory kept me captivated from beginning to end. Readers looking for a different kind of ghostly tale should definitely give Rory a read!

MY RATING

Ciye Cho

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Ciye Cho lives in Australia and works as a graphic designer. He writes YA novels in his free time--and his head is often lost in the clouds or some place far from reality. Ciye’s other works include “Florence” and “Luminaire”. To learn more about the Florence Waverley series, please click here.

Review: 45 Pounds (More or Less) by K.A Barson

45 Pounds (more or less)

by K.A. Barson

Pub Date: 7/11/13

Pub: Penguin

Format: ARC

Source: pub

Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:
She is 16. And a size 17. Her perfect mother is a size 6. Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid. So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months. 
Welcome to the world of infomercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.  
And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up! 
"Deliciously relatable with a lot of laughter on the side." -- Rita Williams-Garcia, New York Times best-selling author.

I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review

I've always had issues with my weight, from the time I was in middle-school, all through my teen years, to even now. I was never one of the skinny girls who could just shop anywhere and find super cute clothes...so when I read the blurb for K.A. Barson's 45 Pounds (More or Less) I just new it would be relatable, and relatable it was! This YA Contemp is not only wonderfully relatable, but also funny, thought-provoking, and unexpectedly touching.

Sixteen year old Ann is a size 17 and not comfortable in her own skin. Her perfect size six mother, who is not subtle about her disappointment in Ann's weight, doesn't help Ann's situation. When Ann's aunt asks her to be a bridesmaid in 10 weeks, Ann decides she'll lose 45 pounds and fit in the perfect dress. Desperate, Ann turns to an infomercial weight loss program, which doesn't turn out to be the miracle it claims to be. A new summer job, best friend issues, family drama, and the cutest boy Ann has ever seen, all collide, creating one busy summer for Ann.

45 Pounds (More or Less) was such a fun, cute summer read! This YA Contemp isn't just about Ann's weight loss struggles, it's about family, friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery, but it isn't cheesy or too after-school special over-the-top. This is a quick read, easily consumed in one sitting, and once I began reading I didn't want to put it down. Barson writes with a smart, witty voice and has created such a likable, refreshing main character.

Ann's struggle with losing weight, her relationship with her family, and her awkward interaction with the cutest boy ever, are all so relatable and written in such an authentic way, with such charming humor. Barson deftly explores important and heavy issues, like eating disorders, bullying, and dysfunctional and broken families with a seriousness such issues deserve, but in a way that keeps the story from ever getting dark. Whether or not readers have struggled with weight issues, Ann's addicting, often hilariously cringe-worthy experiences are irresistibly entertaining and easy to relate to. Ann's home-life and various family relationships are thought-provoking and written with care.

I loved Ann a lot and saw so much of myself in her. I felt like I was standing right there with her through every awkward encounter, every painful experience, and every squee-worthy accomplishment. In many ways, Ann is pretty average, not insanely smart or wickedly snarky or a total outcast, but it's this average-ness that makes her so likable and endearing. I was easily caught up in the relationships between Ann and her various family members, especially between she and her mother, and found myself moved, surprised, frustrated (and lots of other feels) by them. However, one thing that bugged me was the way Ann often treated her younger siblings with unwarranted and unfair annoyance and impatience.

I really liked how the subtle romantic elements played out in 45 Pounds (More or Less). The romance doesn't dominate the story at all and is sprinkled throughout in just the right amounts of organic doses. The “cutest boy Ann has ever seen”, aka Jon, is super likable and the perfect mix of sweet, charming, quirky, and swoon-worthy. I loved every scene and interaction between Ann and Jon!

45 Pounds (More or Less) ends on such a wonderful, refreshing note.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: 45 Pounds (More or Less), with its authentic voice and awesome main character, was such a delight to read! I walked away from this book with the biggest smile and look forward to reading more from this debut author.

MY RATING

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K.A. Barson

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K.A. Barson graduated from Vermont College of Fine Arts with an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. She and her husband live in Jackson, Michigan, surrounded by kids, grandkids, unruly dogs, and too many pairs of shoes. 

Review: Viral Nation by Shaunta Grimes

Viral Nation

by Shaunta Grimes

7/2/13

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Format: eARC

Source: Netgalley

After a virus claimed nearly the entire global population, the world changed. The United States splintered into fifty walled cities where the surviving citizens clustered to start over. The Company, which ended the plague by bringing a life-saving vaccine back from the future, controls everything. They ration the scant food and supplies through a lottery system, mandate daily doses of virus suppressant, and even monitor future timelines to stop crimes before they can be committed.
Brilliant but autistic, sixteen-year-old Clover Donovan has always dreamed of studying at the Waverly-Stead Academy. Her brother and caretaker, West, has done everything in his power to make her dream a reality. But Clover’s refusal to part with her beloved service dog denies her entry into the school. Instead, she is drafted into the Time Mariners, a team of Company operatives who travel through time to gather news about the future.
When one of Clover’s missions reveals that West’s life is in danger, the Donovans are shattered. To change West’s fate, they’ll have to take on the mysterious Company. But as its secrets are revealed, they realize that the Company’s rule may not be as benevolent as it seems. In saving her brother, Clover will face a more powerful force than she ever imagined… and will team up with a band of fellow misfits and outsiders to incite a revolution that will change their destinies forever.

I received an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Sixteen year old Clover, a highly functioning autistic teen, and her older brother, West, live in a post-apocalyptic U.S. Sixteen years earlier, a virus wiped out most of the world's population and now survivors live in walled cities (there are fifty in the U.S.), and must rely on a daily dose of meds to keep the virus from returning. This miracle cure was brought back from two years into the future and distributed by the Company, and now the Company controls the country, its rations; jobs; and rules. Clover earns a coveted spot at the Waverly-Stead Academy, but when she refuses to part with her beloved service dog, Mango, she is denied entrance into the Academy and is instead drafted as a Time Mariner, where she is sent two years into the future to bring back news and information. But when her brother's life is endangered, they must go on the run, go up against the powerful Company, and maybe even start a revolution.

Shaunta Grimes' Viral Nation is an innovative, highly entertaining read with a great mix of post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and sci-fi elements. There's so much about this book that I really liked- from the fresh premise, memorable heroine, and smart storytelling, Viral Nation kept me thoroughly enthralled.

The post-apocalyptic/dystopian setting and premise is shocking enough to be interesting and entertaining, but never feels unbelievable or illogical. The way the U.S and its people, government, and structure react and change because of the catastrophic virus makes total sense; this is a bleak and highly controlled future world that could actually happen. This believable premise, along with Grimes' complex and well thought-out world-building, make for a truly captivating story. From the very first pages of the prologue I was hooked, and the unexpected twists and thought-provoking material kept the storyline fresh and kept me intrigued from beginning to end.

Clover is a memorable and refreshingly different kind of YA heroine. Her autism clearly sets her apart from other YA heroines, but in ways that may surprise readers. I'm always for heroines and heroes who are different and unique in ways that often leave them ignored or looked over and are given the chance to shine. These kinds of heroines are especially important and needed in YA, so that's one reason why I loved Clover. But I also loved the fantastic way Clover is depicted and used in Viral Nation. Clover's autism has an organic and logical purpose for the storyline and isn't simply used to make her stand out. And the author's thorough knowledge about autism and autistic children gives Clover a wonderful authenticity. But her autism doesn't define Clover either; her intelligence, courage, resilience, and curiosity make her such a likable and believable heroine. One of the most important relationships in the book is between Clover and her service dog, Mango, and Grimes does a great job of creating such a deep, loving, and profound bond between these two.

I only had one real issue with Viral Nation, an issue that kept me from giving it 5 cupcakes, and that issue deals with the time traveling aspects of the story. The actual idea of only being able to time travel two years into the future and back, and its purpose to the story, were cool, however, the mechanics behind the time traveling and its effects were a bit confusing and lacking. This issue obviously didn't keep me from really enjoying the rest of the book though.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Viral Nation is an entertaining and addicting debut with an unforgettable heroine. Shaunta Grimes is a fresh new writing talent who has definitely gained a fan in me. I will impatiently be awaiting book two!

MY RATING

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Shaunta Grimes

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Shaunta Grimes has worked as a substitute teacher, a newspaper reporter, a drug court counselor, and a vintage clothing seller. No matter which direction she strays, however, she always comes back to storytelling. She lives in Reno with her family, where she writes, teaches, and perpetually studies at the University of Nevada.

Review: Proxy by Alex London

Proxy

(Proxy #1)

by Alex London

6/18/13

Pub: Penguin

Format: ARC

Source: pub

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Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death.
Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.
Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid.

I received an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review

Alex London's Proxy has one of those premises that could either go really, really bad or go really, really awesome...thankfully, this book is all awesome! Any expectations I had were surpassed and I walked away from this book greatly impressed and thoroughly entertained.

Set in a bleak future, Proxy is a modern day The Whipping Boy. In this world you're either a have or a have not, there's no middle ground and the difference between the two is huge. The super rich Patrons live in a world of lux, every desire granted, every need met. Patron children often have a Proxy, a poor counterpart who takes the punishments when the Patron misbehaves. Knox is a Patron and Syd is his Proxy. Since the age of four, Syd has taken the punishments for every crime, wrongdoing, and naughty thing Knox has done, and he's done a lot. But when Knox is responsible for the death of a friend and Syd is sent to prison, their two very different worlds collide. The two must work together to save themselves and maybe the country.

Proxy is an edge of your seat thrill ride with explosive twists, complex characters, and excellent storytelling. Excitingly fast-paced, with deftly crafted chapter cliffhangers, this book keep me turning pages until I finished in the wee hours of the morning. Proxy is a multi-layered, multifaceted story brimming with action, romance, sci-fi elements, and breathtaking insightfulness

The dystopian like setting in Proxy seems, at first, like many other dystopian settings in YA books, but London has infused his world with such refreshing innovation, awesome gizmos and gadgets, and shocking hierarchy and social practices, that it quickly feels new in completely enthralling in unexpected ways. The immediate complex and layered world we find Syd and Knox in is, for the most part, greatly developed and laid out. The separate sections of the rich and the poor are each thoroughly explored and we are given a comprehensive and complete look at this world as a whole. My one big issue with the world-building is a lack of detailed backstory or history. There are definitely tidbits sprinkled throughout that explain how and why the country has become how it is, but I wanted something more specific to give me a wider understanding of the logical reasonings behind this world. Does this lack of sufficient history distract from the story being told? Absolutely not! And I really think this is more of a personal preference kind of issue.

The idea of Patrons and Proxys is such a wildly thought-provoking one and London really runs with this idea and takes it to some compelling places. There's a lot of poignant social commentary organically woven with the action, romance, and sci-fi elements. This is a story that will encourage discussion and serious thought on a wide array of topics.

London has created a wonderful cast of intriguing characters. Syd has such complexity and depth, and he's easy to relate to and like. Syd is gay and London has incorporated this part of Syd into the story in ways that feel natural and authentic and important, but not as if his sexuality is used for shock value or as an easy storyline tool. You really don't see gay main characters in YA books that aren't strictly contemporary, which is a shame, so I love that London offers such a relatable, well-developed gay character to readers. Now, Knox is a whole different story! Not gonna lie, I pretty much loathed this dude in the beginning of the book. He's arrogant, selfish, thoughtless, spoiled, pretty much a douche...BUT, he's supposed to be. I don't think we're supposed to like him at first. And I appreciated how consistent his character development is; yes, he grows and matures, but in ways that feel believable. Bravo Mr. London for creating a character that I hated (and wanted to kick in the balls) then tolerated then warmed up to then genuinely liked then had mad respect for *slow clap*

The ending? THAT ending! Y'all I have a love/hate relationship with the ending of Proxy. It's unexpected and explosive and heart-wrenching and powerful and made feel ALL the feels, but I just don't know whether I love it or hate it. Either way, it's a helluva way to end the book.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Proxy is a wonderfully complex story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. If you're looking for a fast-paced, exciting read that will both thrill you and make you think, than definitely pick up this book. Alex London has gained a new fan and I will be impatiently awaiting the next book!

MY RATING

Alex London

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Alex London writes books for adults, children and teens. At one time a journalist who traveled the world reporting from conflict zones and refugee camps, he now is a full time novelist living in Brooklyn.

Review: Invisible by Marni Bates

Be sure to check out my review of Awkward, a companion book to Invisible.

Invisible

by Marni Bates

6/25/13

K-Teen

Format: eARC

Source: Netgalley

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Jane Smith has survived three years of high school without making a single enemy, all by keeping a low profile. Not even her three best friends, Kenzie, Corey and Isobel, can say the same. But with Corey dating the lead singer from ReadySet and Kenzie in a relationship too, being invisible tends to be lonely. But now she's written an article for her school newspaper that has accidentally snagged the attention of some celebrities. Turns out, people get really upset when their innermost secrets are splashed all over the front page. And new her well-ordered life is being blasted to hell, with results that are wildly unexpected.

I received an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review 

I really enjoyed Marni Bates' first book set at Smith High, Awkward, and was really excited to jump back into this world and hang with its characters in Invisible. And while Invisible didn't wow me as much as its companion, I found it an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Invisible focuses on Jane Smith, one of the BFF's of Awkward's heroine Mackenzie. Mackenzie, her new popular boyfriend Logan, and her and Jane's other BFF, Corey, all play important roles in Invisible, but this book is Jane's time to shine. Quite, reserved, studious Jane is tired of living in Kenzie and Corey's shadows as they remain famous (Kenzie) and date rock-stars (Corey), and after an altercation against a bully and the chance to write a front page story for the school newspaper, Jane just may get her chance to stand out. But writing that front page story means being stuck with photographer Scott. Cute, infuriating, smug Scott. And when a story never meant to be made public is “accidentally” published, Jane gets more recognition than she ever wanted.

What I loved about Marni Bates' writing and storytelling style in Awkward, was how authentic and relatable it was. Bates does a fantastic job of crafting a high school setting that feels incredibly real, which is carried over in Invisible. I really enjoyed immersing myself back into the world of Smith High and all its awkward, funny, cringe-worthy, and been-there-totally-know-how-that-feels moments. The teenage dialogue is often spot-on and rarely feels contrived or forced. Yet, Invisible lacked the fresh, smart humor that Awkward was dripping in. Invisible definitely has its funny moments, but its humor just didn't sparkle or captivate like I hoped it would.

Bates explores some serious topics, like bullying; homophobia; and self-esteem issues, throughout Invisible, but I was disappointed in how these things are, for the most part, glossed over and given very little attention. Bates definitely sends out a positive message about acceptance and tolerance, but I think, overall, the book lacked real depth and was overly cutesy.

I really loved Jane in Awkward and liked her a lot in Invisible. Her shy, logical, always aiming to please and avoid confrontation personality is relatable, and it was fun seeing her break out of her shell throughout Invisible and really come into her own. There were definitely times though when I wanted to reach through the pages, shake her and scream “Stop letting people walk all over you! Stand up for yourself woman!”. Jane's love interest, Scott, was disappointing. He had his sweet moments, but he was mostly an arrogant jerk. One of the characters that surprised me in a good way was mean girl Chelsea. Bates gave Chelsea a lot of depth and development for a mean girl. I loved that, even though she is often bitchy and snobby, I totally get why characters are enamored with her. She isn't just all pretty clothes and a pretty face, and people aren't simply scared of her; she has an addicting charismatic charm, without ever resorting to being cheesy or out of character. I look forward to discovering more about Chelsea in Notable.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Invisible is a cute, fun read with a likable heroine and hip story. I really enjoy Marni Bates' entertaining and fresh writing style and storytelling, and always look forward to her next book. Invisible and its companion, Awkward, would make great summer reads!

MY RATING

Marni Bates

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Marni Bates still can’t believe she falls in love with fictional characters for a living. Her career began during her freshman year at Lewis & Clark College, when she wrote her autobiography, Marni, for HCI’s Louder Than Words series. By the time she graduated, she was on the New York Public Library’s Stuff for the Teen Age 2010 List and had made her fiction debut with her young adult novel, Awkward.Marni is still adjusting to life in sunny Los Angeles, California. When not writing in front of her air conditioning unit, she can be found rollerblading, bargaining at garage sales, reading romance novels, and watching copious amounts of TV—strictly for artistic inspiration, of course. She loves hearing from readers and hopes that you will visit her at www.marnibates.com.