This is a great graphic novel for tweens and teens. I don't think I've read too many graphic novels for this age group that really presents a caucasian teen growing up in a poor household with a single dad. But that is what Cam's life is like, as his dad can only afford him a piece of cardboard for his birthday. Put on your imagination caps for this book, because only then will you be able to enjoy the strange and fun creations made by Cam and his new box(ing) friend. Or even the evil creations made by the greasy, bully Marcus, and the fun turn of events when these creations backfire on him. Either way, it's an odd tale, but it's a great lesson in letting go and making friends.

I suppose this series wrapped itself up alright. It's wasn't the ending I was expecting, but I guess I should have. I think I was hoping for a more dramatic change, or maybe all the suffering caused by WICKED really did lead to a cure. I don't know how teenagers would react to the ending of this book, but it's kind of strange thinking that the world will now be repopulated by the Immunes, and the teenagers we have followed througout the series, while the rest of the world is dying off from the Flare. It's definitely a more realistic ending! I guess the 3 star rating is due to the fact that the story lost steam after a while and all the mystery was gone. This last book is filled with guns, shooting, and a really tough time for Thomas. Most of the series has been one I think both genders would enjoy, but this last one is one that is definitely geared more towards boys. All in all, it was a good series. I may wait a bit to read the prequel that just came out though.

I will just say that while it was not nearly as good as the first book (which still gives me chills when reading it), it is an imaginative continuation and expansion on the world Shusterman created in "Unwind". There is a lot more detail and investigation that goes into how the world came to allow unwinding. You also meet a new character, Cam, who added a new element and plot twist to the story. I can't wait for the final installment, even if I think the first book can very well do just fine on its own.

I only got so far when much more enticing books arrived on my desk. Sorry "Team Human" I may never pick you back up. You just didn't hold my interest enough.

Not only was this book recommended by a fellow friend and Goodreads user, I needed something to read of Shusterman as I eagerly awaited the release of "UnWholly". I super-loved "Unwind" so much. This book series, also by Shusterman, was also unique and a fun read, but what started off great kinda just took a turn for silly and ridiculous. This is a story about two teens dying in a car wreck and getting knocked off course away from the light, ending up in a sort of limbo for children. It's a dark plot and it starts off really great, and the theme of "skinjacking" or possession was also a creepy twist. So why are they fighting a pirate who sounds like Sloth from the Goonies who strings up children from their feet to "chime" them? No one feels pain in this limbo. Another strange turn was when two of the main characters get sealed inside a pickle barrel for a couple weeks. Uh, okay. Anyway, it was a brilliant idea, and it does play out pretty nicely, but the dark vibe I got from it at first was ruined by too many juvenile and goofy happenings. It ended on a note that I can accept and not feel I have to read any more in the series. Oh well, on to "UnWholly"!

I really love the new Spiderman Miles Morales. I was worried at first, because it seems he wasn't going to have the same sense of humor, but once he dons the costume he feels a bit more free to be snarky. I'm a bit dubious that someone can be turned into a superhero twice by being bit by a science-enhanced spider, but the way they work it out in the Ultimates timeline works pretty well. I'm very excited to read more about Miles! He certainly is a unique hero and I'm glad Marvel is mixing up the genre with someone who isn't white!

"A Monster Calls" is more of a work of art and a tale to be told rather than a novel or a book. It's a quick read, but so much is packed into the pages that you're left a bit stunned, teary-eyed, but applauding this book for telling its tale.

Ahhh, this book is just what I needed. A fresh, original, teen, fantasy fiction that kept me reading and kept me guessing. Not only is it fantasy, but a murder mystery. Those were the top, major layers. It is also a book about emotions, accepting who you are, understanding that parents make mistakes too, the weight of truth and lies, and when to set love aside because there are more pressing matters (like war) to tend to at the moment. Also, keep your dictionary handy, this one has a barrel of great SAT words!

I don't think I can quite pinpoint what really made me love this book the most. Seraphina was a wonderful character, and while you just wanted to yell at her, "Just tell Kiggs the truth and kiss him!" all her decisions and actions made sense to me. All the characters were wonderful and original in this book. And there's dragons (+5000 Angie points)! Dragons that can turn into humans! The dragons also had an original spin, not doofy or awkward (coughFirelightcough), on them. The best way to describe them is to quote another review I saw, "They're like Vulcans from Star Trek." They dislike emotion and embrace math and logic. Don't worry, not all the dragons are like that, or else it wouldn't be such an adventure! And also, where would this story be if Seraphina didn't have to hide the fact that she is half dragon? Yup, think about that, and then read this book because it's awesome!

Well whattya know, this book was pretty snazzy! I judged the cover too harshly, since it looks like your basic, teen, occult romance novel. Occult? Not really. It's a time travel romance! Time travel and spies! And the romance doesn't involve the annoying love-triangle. Nope. One girl, multiple time lines, and her life is in danger in the time line Jackson can't jump back to. Instead he's stuck in 2007 when his girlfriend hadn't met him yet, but he's starting to learn more about his abilities and his Dad's true identity... I can't wait for the next one!

I really loved all the dragon parts. The dragons were majestic, quirky, and fun! The people...well, I guess they were okay, but I couldn't get into Creel's character. I totally loved how she used her inspiration from Shardas's stained glass windows in her embroidery. As an artist, I loved the imagery in that. Creel's character was odd for me. She seemed a bit cliche, and also very juvenile for 16. This book is shelved in the juvenile section at my library, and the writing style is definitely a good read for tweens. So why doesn't the main character's age reflect that? For romance purposes with Luka? I dunno. Also, Amalia was a very predictable villain. I didn't really HATE her, I was mostly just annoyed by her. Okay, I feel I'm giving more abuse to the book in this review than it deserves. It really was a cute, fantasy book about dragons that dragon lovers of all ages can enjoy, but I won't go so far as to say it's a classic or anywhere near Patricia C. Wrede's Dealing with Dragons series.