Demon in My View

Demon in My View


By: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Reviewed by: gothiclolitamaiden, 16
Rating: Really liked it


“Seventeen-year-old Jessica Allodola discovers that the vampire world of her fiction is real when she develops relationships with an alluring vampire named Aubrey and the teenage witch who is trying to save Jessica from his clutches.”

I was slightly disappointed when I read Demon in My View. I enjoyed Hawksong immensely, and thought that it was a fairly well-written book, but Demon in My View does not quite match up to it. Both books are rich in descriptive detail, a trademark of the author’s style, but Demon in My View suffers from a couple of flaws that Hawksong did not possess.

The first flaw is the characters. They have the same sarcastic wit as those in Hawksong, but some of the characters in Demon in My View are Mary-Sue-ish and therefore less believable and relatable. Jessica and Aubrey are the two characters who exhibit these traits most of all. I will concede that it is a short novel, and that there is little time for character development, but both Jessica and Aubrey are intelligent, attractive and haughty, which does not make them very likable characters. There are few other characters (partially due to the fact that the novel is relatively short), and they don’t appear very often, so they are not developed.

Despite some problems with the characters, the plot is very interesting, and the portrayal of the vampire world is different (no sparkles). The vampire world as described by Atwater-Rhodes is savage, brutal, and lawless, far from ideal.
Demon in My View is worth reading for Atwater-Rhodes’ beautiful prose and riveting plot, but if you’re looking for fully-developed, complex characters, look elsewhere. I liked reading it, even if I had some issues with the characters.


Recommended to: Vampire, horror and fantasy fans 13+

The Overlord Protocol

The Overlord Protocol


By: Mark Walden
Reviewed by: Yaz, 16
Rating: Didn't like it


I read the first two chapters... and then the last three or so. And to be perfectly honest, I didn't feel like I had missed anything important. BAD THINGS happened to Otto, our brilliant hero, and he and his friends managed to SAVE THE DAY just in time. I enjoyed the first book--with some reservations--and hoped that the second book would keep the dry humor but do a bit better in the areas of plot and character development. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

I enjoy twists and turns as much as the next reader, but I begin to be irritated when Bob begins as the bad guy, then turns out to be not so bad afterall since Fred is looking pretty evil, which suddenly changes when Sylvester does something REALLY NASTY which actually turns out to be all in pursuit of defeating Wilhelm who may or may not be the REAL bad guy. If Sylvester is telling the truth. Which we don't know.

Younger teens might like it--I believe many of them do--but it just wasn't quite enough to grab me.


Recommended to: younger teens

Chosen (A House of Night Novel)

By: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Reviewed by: gothiclolitamaiden, 16
Rating: Didn't like it


“Dark forces are at work at the House of Night and Zoey Redbird's adventures at the school take a mysterious turn. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on humanity. Zoey finds herself in the unexpected situation of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster. Just when it seems things couldn't get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres. But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely affects the truth...”

Once, while I was reading Chosen, I asked myself: why am I still reading these books, even though I’ve had negative opinions of the first two in the series? Then I remembered. I wanted to see if Zoey could continue to date three different guys without any of said guys finding out about each other. I’ve started to see some very disturbing themes in the series, and I just had to write a review to vent, so bear with me.

I still think that Zoey is a Mary Sue. Nothing she did in this book redeemed her. If anything, I think she became more irritating. She has no self-control at all. Some teenage girls don’t, but that’s not an excuse. She doesn’t just have three boyfriends, she makes out with all of them and on more than one occasion and sucks their blood. The girl gets one whiff of blood and she loses all control. I realize that vampires love blood, but I thought she could resist her impulses. In Chosen, Zoey is just a bunch of hormones, which gets highly maddening. She can’t confront her boyfriend dilemma, even though she should just do some thinking and figure out which one she actually loves, or if she doesn’t love any of them and just lusts for them. Aargh.

Is it just me, or are all of the characters in the series either beautiful, talented, or athletic? The authors seem to have no tolerance for unattractive characters, since most of the characters who aren’t drop-dead gorgeous have dropped dead thus far. Is there some kind of rule that vampires have to be inhumanly beautiful? If Nyx is such a gentle, loving Goddess, shouldn’t personality matter more than looks? Can’t we have a plain, homely, but kind and generous vampire who survives? Because of all of the characters are beautiful and talented, it’s kind of hard to relate to any of them. None of them are realistic, especially Zoey. I’ve decided that the only character worth reading these books for is Grandma Redbird. Grandma Redbird should totally be the main character, but since the authors love young, beautiful heroines, I’m afraid it won’t happen. I’m also afraid that Grandma Redbird might kick the bucket in the next book. Mentor figures usually die in or around the third book (except Dumbledore) and Grandma Redbird is (unfortunately) overdue. *Sniff* The feminist themes in this book are similar to feminism on steroids. These books are so feminist they are sexist. Allow me to explain. Vampire boys, in the world of the House of Night, can really only be warriors. They hold almost no power, and their job is to protect the female vampires. Female vampires are high priestesses, which puts them in charge most of the time. Why can’t there be female warriors, or male priests? Why do all of the warriors have to be huge, strong men? Vampire society in the House of Night series is not equal, only reverse-sexist, and that is rather disturbing for me. Before I read these books, I thought that a world ruled by entirely females might not be such a bad thing, but after reading these books, I’ve changed my mind. Society should shoot for gender equality, not total matriarchal domination.

I’m also beginning to wonder where Zoey’s older sister and younger brother went. They were mentioned in the first book, briefly, but I don’t believe they were named. It’s beginning to bug me, and I hope that they play a role in the next book. I’m also hoping that maybe Zoey will confront her mother about her controlling stepfather, instead of complaining about him. But she never confronts anything in an effort to solve her own problems (especially not the three boyfriends problem), which tends to get her in trouble.

And in this book, there are still typos and overuse of certain words, including “hateful,” which is still getting on my nerves. Perhaps a better editor is in order? An editor who could have told the authors that all of the romantic scenes between Zoey and boyfriend number three have cheesy lines that sound like something out a cheesy “romance” novel?

If I have anything positive to say about House of Night, it’s that the books are pretty suspenseful and funny, but the bad outweighs the good. The books are great quick, easy reads, but not the most thought-provoking literature. Better vampire books are out there, and better characters too.


Recommended to: No one, not really. Some vampire fans, if you're looking for an easy read. 14+

Whisper in the Dark

Whisper in the Dark


By: Joseph Bruchac
Reviewed by: Yaz, 16
Rating: Really liked it


I usually like higher level of reading such as adult thriller and such. However, this book does not have an age limit. If you know any tweens and teens who are reluctant to pick up a book - this is definetly the one for them. Intrigue, mystery, and a fast-moving plot make it hard to put down.

Having the Native culture infused by a respected Native author makes it that much more interesting for kids.This is another one you don't want to read alone in the dark. Or maybe you are the type that loves to be scared out of your wits.

If so then by all means read it under those conditions.A couple of things were not that great however. The end was good enough to qualify as an acceptable horror story but overall the book was too slow and there were some typos throughout the book. I think many teenagers will like this book. Ill give you guys a tip, you should read it in the night to make it better!!


Recommended to: 11+, Everyone

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo


By: Stieg Larsson
Reviewed by: Yaz, 16
Rating: It was amazing!


I I actually read this book a while ago. However, it is one i definetly have to share with you guys! I dont want to give away too much though. This is definetly a book you want to read uninhibited.

At first I wasn't sure what to make of this book and it took me a little while to get into. But soon I was mesmerized and couldn't put it down. The plot was intriguing and extremely unique, as was the author's voice. Blomkvist and Salander seemed so real and were very likable, probably because they are not your typical hero and heroine.

I hope that the movie is made available to the US soon in English subtitles even though it could not possibly replicate the book. A very satisfying read. This is definetly one of my favorites. I recommend this to everyone.


Recommended to: EVERYONE!!!

Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely


By: Melissa Marr
Reviewed by: gothiclolitamaiden, 16
Rating: Really liked it


“Seventeen-year-old Aislinn, who has the rare ability to see faeries, is drawn against her will into a centuries-old battle between the Summer King and the Winter Queen, and the survival of her life, her love, and summer all hang in the balance.”

While most young adult fantasy, horror and romance authors are buying into the vampire craze, some authors just stick to what they write best, which I am immeasurably grateful for. When I’m tired of reading Twilight clones (looking for the diamond in the rough, which I haven’t found yet), and posting mean reviews about said clones, I pick up something like Wicked Lovely and try to relax my inner critic. Wicked Lovely was a refreshing experience, and a great addition to the modern/urban faerie tale genre, which has been quietly growing and thriving under most peoples’ noses.

I was impressed with Melissa Marr’s writing style, especially because this is her first novel. Wicked Lovely is both eloquent and coherent, and there are few character stereotypes to be found. Aislinn is a strong heroine, though she doesn’t exactly start out that way. She learns to stand up for herself, come to terms with her identity and abilities, and to take control of her own life, with help from her friend and love interest, Seth, who is a solid character in his own right. Keenan is a fairly well-developed character, but I’m afraid I cannot say the same of his mother, Beira, who is a somewhat boring villain.

Marr also hints at a wider political game going on in the faerie world, which I’m looking forward to reading about. The writing is very descriptive and almost poetic at times.

It’s obvious that Marr took some influence from Holly Black, a prominent author of modern/urban faerie novels, but she doesn’t copy Holly Black at all. Marr creates her own story and her own style. For example, Wicked Lovely has some mature content, but not nearly as much as Tithe, Valiant and Ironside by Holly Black. Holly Black likes portraying the dark, gritty side of things, and Marr does too, but not as much as Holly Black, which doesn’t really detract from Wicked Lovely too much. Wicked Lovely manages to be dark without being too dark.

In conclusion, Wicked Lovely is definitely worth reading. It isn’t derivative, it’s well written and it has a solid cast of characters (with a few exceptions).


Recommended to: Fantasy fans, teens of both genders. 13+ for a bit of content.

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have


By: Allen Zadoff
Reviewed by: Lynna, 17
Rating: It was amazing!


There's something about this book that just makes you want to keep reading, keep reading, keep reading... then, bam, it ends and you're not exactly anticipating more... you're actually quite satisfied. This is the kind of book that you would enjoy from the beginning until the very end. There are books in which I have read where the ending just pretty much basically SUCKED. There are others in which I adore, and then the ending just doesn't leave me content. But this book, it's a whole different story. I loved it.

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have was amusing, to say the very least. I absolutely love the writing and tone - you just want to meet the author after reading this book. It's about a high school sophomore named Andrew Zansky who is, well, fat. Extremely fat, overweight, and not too healthy with his dangerous potential asthma attacks. He falls in love with a girl named April, and all of a sudden he cares about how he looks, how people see him, how he sees himself. He tries to climb the social ladder but ends up meeting with trouble after trouble while trying to get April's attention.

This book has a lot of twists and turns of events; people would never guess the ending, people like me at least. As a high school student, I found this book very relate able as far as social cliques. Although this book seems exaggerated, I can never be too sure because I haven't personally gone too every high school in the world to be able to judge for myself. Either way, this comical twist of a book keeps you reading and enjoying. The story makes you think more about the struggles Andrew has to go through and rethink about people who are struggling about weight. You can't just trust someone wholly, and sometimes what seem true may be very, very deceiving. Moral of the story: it's the inside that counts. And as cliche as that sounds, it's nevertheless very, earnestly, honestly true.


Recommended to: high school students

The Sign

The Sign


By: Raymond Khoury
Reviewed by: Yaz, 16
Rating: Hated it!


I started reading The Sign but couldn't get past chapter 10.The setup was taking far too long; going back and forth from character to character was tiresome. Also, the plot was not only is thin, but barely believable, and I lost count of how many bad guys the main character kills.I read the Last Templar and the Sanctuary, and enjoyed them, but this was horrible. The characters were poorly developed, and the plot was weak. It seems like Mr. Khoury just wanted to quickly share his political and religious beliefs and needed to write a book to do it. Highly Disappointed!!!! I do not recommend "The Sign" for anyone looking for a good thriller or mystery to read.


And then we get to the pacing of the novel. The hero has about the first 20 pages to himself. And then doesn't show up again until two thirds of the way through the novel. I found myself struggling not to put the book down.

If you are a fan of action, I'd probably say skip this one. There are plenty better.


Recommended to: No one really

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight


Directed By: Christopher Nolan
Reviewed by: Lizzie, 17
Rating: It was alright...


Batman faces off with a new villian, in Gotham City. His name is Joker, and he is isn't your typical criminal, either.

Sure, it was one of the coolest movies of 2008, but is it really worth the hype? Seeing all the advertisments and etc, I did feel some what excited. As it is, the other batman movies were a major disappointment. So I watched it, and let me tell you, I was on the edge of my seat.

After finished watching it, I realized it wasn't something I could watch over and over. Why? Well, I felt that it was more talking than action. Hence, the fact that Batman is a detective comic, but still.

Rachael was a major pain in the behind. The actress picked for her, was...not good looking. Her face looked like a pig, or something. I felt that her Charector was not needed in such a big movie. She had no unique role, only the love triangle between Harvey and Bruce. Which, was pretty pathetic.


Batman...was okay. I didn't like that deep voice they gave him, it sounded like he had a cold or something. I felt Batman had no character development, just the same ole' same o. He's between the line of questioning should he continue being Batman? Yup, we have heard that drama before. Joker on the other hand, was cool. I believe, he was the only reason for Batman being a so called success. I mean he was the only interesting thing in the whole plot. Is that a crime? I dunno.

The plot itself? Interesting, only if your watching it for the first time. That's how I feel about it. It was like watching CSI New York, only difference is, you got a dude dressed in a costume, mixed with a Dangerous Clown.

So yeah, It's not something I could get all excited for, over and over.


Recommended to: DC/ Batman Fans

Blue Moon

Blue Moon


By: Alyson Noël
Reviewed by: Lynna, 17
Rating: Really liked it


I thought this would be another rip off of New Moon, because the series is similar and come on... Blue Moon? New Moon? Coincidence, no.

This was still a good book to read. I guess I'm really into stuff like this. And for those who are reading the Immortals series, this book is far better than you think. There's actually more than what the back has to say.


Recommended to: Any teens