Original Picture: JohnnyEnglish

You can find out more about In My Mailbox on The Story Siren (where the In My Mailbox meme started inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie).

Summaries are from Amazon.

For Review

The Weirdstone Of Brisingamen
A tale of Alderley

When Colin and Susan are pursued by eerie creatures across Alderley Edge, they are saved by the Wizard. He takes them into the caves of Fundindelve, where he watches over the enchanted sleep of one hundred and forty knights.

But the heart of the magic that binds them – Firefrost, also known as the Weirdstone of Brisingamen – has been lost. The Wizard has been searching for the stone for more than 100 years, but the forces of evil are closing in, determined to possess and destroy its special power.

Colin and Susan realise at last that they are the key to the Weirdstone’s return. But how can two children defeat the Morrigan and her deadly brood?

Spy Glass Maria V. Snyder
OMG! I may not have read the first two in the series but after reading about this one I can’t wait to start reading it. It’s not the first time I’ve read a series out of order (and I’m sure it won’t be the last). And I just love the cover!

An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice. After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she’s immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world. Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood – and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or know it could be they are lost forever.

What did you get this week? Happy Reading

Each Friday Book Reviews This Week takes a look at reviews published in the Young Adult book blogosphere to help us all find great new (or rediscover older) young adult books and while were at it celebrate the work of all the young adult book bloggers out there

Here’s a selection from this week (ordered alphabetically by title).

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce – reviewed by Lucie at The Book Girl

Breathing Underwater by Julia Green (audio book) – reviewed by Karen at Teenage Fiction For All Ages

Chosen (House of Night) by PC and Kristin Cast – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

Entangled by Cat Clarke – reviewed by Caroline at Portrait Of A Woman

Entangled by Cat Clarke – reviewed by Amber at The Mile Long Bookshelf

Finding Sky by Joss Stirling – reviewed by Dwayne at Girls Without A Bookshelf

Friend Is Not A Verb by Daniel Ehrenhaft – reviewed by Adele At Pernickity Snark

Half A Sister by Kelly McKain – reviewed by Iffath at LoveReadingX

High Jinx by Sara Lawrence – reviewed by Iffath at LoveReadingX

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel – reviewed by So Many Books, So Little Time

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – reviewed by Adele at Pernickity Snark

Paper Towns by John Green – reviewed by Ria at The Beaucoup Review

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers – reviewed by Kristi, The Story Siren

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barns – reviewed by Caroline at Portrait Of A Woman

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready – reviewed by So Many Books, So Little Time

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready – reviewed by Carla at The Crooked Shelf

Shadow of the Ninja by Andrew Matthews – reviewed by Mostly Reading YA

She’s So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott – reviewed by Jenny at Wondrous Reads

Summer (Beautiful Dead Bk 3) by Eden Maguire – reviewed by Asamum Booktopia

The Badness Of Ballydog by Garrett – reviewed by Jenny at Wondrous Reads

The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan – reviewed by Asamum Booktopia

The Declaration by Gemma Malley – reviewed by Rhiana Reads

The Duff by Kody Keplinger – reviewed by Kristi, The Story Siren

The Enemy by Charlie Higson – reviewed by Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller – reviewed by Dwayne at Girls Without A Bookshelf

The Forrest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan – reviewed by Asamum Booktopia

The Ghost and The Goth by Stacey Kade – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

The Iron Daugher by Julie Kagawa – reviewed by E.J. Stevens at From The Shadows

Trash by Andy Mulligan – reviewed by Becky, The Bookette

Uglies by Scott Westerfield – reviewed by CarlyB at Writing From The Tub

One Of Those Hideous Books Where The Mother Dies by Sonya Sones – reviewed by Sammee at I Want To Read That

Worldshaker by Richard Harland – reviewed by Kris at Voracious YAppetite

I know, I know I’ve only had my current grading system for a couple of weeks but I’ve decided I don’t like it – perhaps it’s me but because I have a terrible habbit of being shall we say a tad generous in some of the sections on certain books and in the resulting grade I didn’t feel it truly reflected what I thought of the book (why didn’t I see this coming lol) and in some cases involved me amending the marks later because I wasn’t happy.

Sooo, I’ve decided to simplify it – I’m kicking out giving each book a mark and replacing it with one simple overall Grade – no more breaking it down and working it out – horray!

Here, is the new grading system – I think it probably makes more sense, I hope it does!

Grade A*
This is the big one – resevered only for extra special books, if you read nothing else – read this one, pretty please. In other words I loved it!

Grade A
Consider this one the top of the pile, I really loved it and would recommend it to anyone.

Grade B
I enjoyed this book and I think you will too.

Grade C
I’m on the fence, I liked it but maybe felt dissapointed with some parts or I wanted more from it. It’s OK but I wouldn’t rush out and buy it. Keep an eye out for other reviews.

Grade D
There was something about the book that I ddn’t like and wouldn’t recommend it, that’s not to say it’s a bad book but a book that wasn’t for me – keep an eye out for other reviews.

Grade X
I really disliked this book – pease tell me you won’t pick it up or if you have to get it from the library – please!!! Of course this is just my opinion – check out other reviews!

To be honest I don’t think I will ever give out a grade X but it’s nice to know it’s there if I need it

What do you think? Any good?

Wow, I love the track in the background – how it grows over the course of the trailer and swells at the end. It’s a simple but effective trailer and I think it’s brilliant. And after reading about it on Good Reads – sounds fab!

What do you think?

Firelight by Sophie Jordan was published by Harper Collins Children’s Books on the 7th September 2010.

Original Picture: JohnnyEnglish

You can find out more about In My Mailbox on The Story Siren (where the In My Mailbox meme started inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie).

Summaries are from Amazon.

Just one this week, but it sounds really, really good

For Review: Burning Secrets by Clare Chambers
An intense and thrilling teen mystery set on a tranquil island where all seems perfect…

An explosive thriller that tingles with brooding menace and ignites as the clues fall into place…

What did you get? I’m off to find out! Happy Reading

Each Friday Book Reviews This Week takes a look at reviews published in the Young Adult book blogosphere to help us all find great new (or rediscover older) young adult books and while were at it celebrate the work of all the young adult book bloggers out there

Here’s a selection from this week (ordered alphabetically by title).

A Certain Slant Of Light by Laura Whitcomb – reviewed by Carla at The Crooked Shelf

A Field Guide To Heartbreakers by Kristen Tracy – reviewed by Adele at Pernickity Snark

Accomplice by Eireann Corrigan – reviewed by Kate at Chicklish

Angel by L.A. Weatherly – reviewed by Asamum Booktopia at Chicklish

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

Candyfloss by Jacqueline Wilson – reviewed by Shakira at Chicklish

Carpe Corpus (The Morgabville Vampires #6) by Rachel Caine – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder – reviewed by Sammee at I Want To Read That

Finding Sky by Joss Sterling – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

Firelight by Sophie Jordan – reviewed by Carla at The Crooked Shelf

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan – reviewed by Becky, The Bookette

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel – reviewed by Jenny at Wondrous Reads

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel – reviewed by Caroline at Portrait Of A Woman

Jessica’s Guide To Dating On The Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey – reviewed by Asamum Booktopia

Killer Strangelets by C T Furlong – reviewed by Karen at Teenage Fiction For All Ages

Kiss Of Death by Rachel Caine – reviewed by Kay at Dead Book Reading

Knife by R J Anderson – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

My Rocky Romance Diary by Liz Rettig – reviewed by Luisa at Chicklish

My So-called Haunting by Tamsyn Murray – reviewed by Sammee at I Want To Read That

My So-called Haunting by Tamsyn Murray – reviewed by Rhiana Reads

My So-called Haunting by Tamsyn Murray – reviewed by Sophie at So Many Books, So Little Time

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer – reviewed by Adele at Pernickity Snark

Pink by Lili Wilkinson – reviewed by Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

Princess For Hire by Lindsey Leavitt – reviewed by Kristi, The Story Siren

Prisoner Of The Inquisition by Theresa Breslin – reviewed by Becky, The Bookette

Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon, Dean & Nathan Hale – reviewed by Jenny at Wondrous Reads

Scarlett Dedd by Cathy Brett – reviewed by Jenny at Wondrous Reads

Scarlett Dedd by Cathy Brett – reviewed by Iffath at LoveReadingX

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus – reviewed by Carla at The Crooked Shelf

Strange Neighbours by Ashlyn Chase – reviewed by E. J. Stevens at From The Shadows

The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols – reviewed by Lucie at The Book Girl

The Double Life Of Cassiel Roadnight by Jeremy Valentine – reviewed by Sophie at So Many Books, So Little Time

The Hunt (Dark Touch) by Amy Meredith – reviewed by Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

The Maze Runner by James Dashner – reviewed by Sophie at So Many Books, So Little Time

The Moth Diaries by Rachel Klein – reviewed by Iffath at LoveReadingX

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – reviewed by Liz at Chicklish

The Wings Of Leo Spender by Jerome Parisse – reviewed by Sophie at So Many Books, So Little Time

Trash by Andy Mulligan – reviewed by Caroline at Portrait Of A Woman

Young, Loaded & Fabulous by Kate Kingsley – reviewed by Iffath at LoveReadingX

Author: Jackson Pearce

Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books (3rd June 2010)

Pages: 344

ISBN: 978-1-444-90058-3

Grade: A (89 / 100)

From Amazon
The story of Scarlett and Rosie March, two highly-skilled sisters who have been hunting Fenris (werewolves) – who prey on teen girls – since Scarlett lost her eye years ago while defending Rosie in an attack. Scarlett lives to destroy the Fenris, and she and Rosie lure them in with red cloaks (a colour the wolves can’t resist), though Rosie hunts more out of debt to her sister than drive.

But things seem to be changing. The wolves are getting stronger and harder to fight, and there has been a rash of news reports about countless teenage girls being brutally murdered in the city. Scarlett and Rosie soon discover the truth: wolves are banding together in search of a Potential Fenris – a man tainted by the pack but not yet fully changed. Desperate to find the Potential to use him as bait for a massive werewolf extermination, the sisters move to the city with Silas, a young woodsman and long time family friend who is deadly with an axe. Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas and the bond they share not only drives the sisters apart, but could destroy all they’ve worked for.

Review
From the moment I read the blurb I just had a feeling I would love this book, this isn’t the first book I’ve read which takes existing and well known characters and reveals more about them. The other if your wondering isn’t a YA book – it’s called Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West which takes the well known characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and tells us much more.

Of course Sisters Red isn’t about the Wicked Witch of the West (or any witches for that matter) but it has the same principal taking a well known (and loved) story in this case Little Red Riding Hood and making more out of it, going much deeper into the depths of the characters, recasting them if you like.

In this case it takes Little Red Riding Hood and makes it a much darker story where the ‘evil wolf’ isn’t just one wolf but a type of wolf, and there are lots of them. It starts by almost retelling a part of the fairy tale and then showing us where the tale could lead on and boy does it lead on.

From the very first page it had me hooked, it has everything to make it appeal to everyone – action and exciting fight scenes for the boys and a tale of love for girls (though I’m the first to admit I like a good love story too).

There were points that I felt I knew exactly what was coming, although I wasn’t always correct and as for the ending I’d thought of it and then dismissed it only to find the story swung back round to it (if that makes any sense let me know!).

I think anyone could pick this up and have a great time with Sisters Red and I believe there is a follow up book in the pipeline, if there is I can’t wait!

Characters: 18 / 20

Plot: 16 / 20

Ending: 17 / 20

Writing Quality: 19 / 20

Enjoyment: 19 / 20

Total Mark: 89 / 100

What does this mean? Check out my grading system.

I have to say that this trailer is awesome (and I really don’t use that word very often) – everything about it is exciting and interesting and after seeing it for the first time last week I just can’t wait to read Clockwork Angel.

What do you think?

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare was published in the UK by Walker Books on the 6th September 2010 (officialy today).

A week after the challenge was set here’s my response to Adele’s (Pernickety Snark) challenge asking how we write reviews. (I never could do things quickly) After reading (and watching) some of the other responses it’s no wonder my reviews don’t come out as well. Anyhoo (loving this word lately) here is how I somehow produce a review.

When I started Books 4 Teens back in January (I can’t believe it’s been around 7 months ago – it was the end of January) my review process was very simple – read the book and then at the first opportunity review it (which was normally the next day).

This very quickly became unworkable – by the time I’d gotten to the end of the book I couldn’t remember what I was going to say about something at the beginning. So now whilst reading a book I take notes as things come to me – by the end I normally have about 3 pages (A5 size) of notes they normally say things like ‘loved ….’ or ‘awww’, ‘… really?’ etc.

I then use these notes along with my memory of the book to create the review which I normally post on my next review posting slot (here’s where it looks like I’m losing the plot lol). I always post reviews on either a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. This is so I keep Monday, Friday and Sunday free for the regular features and memes that I take part in – I don’t post more than once each day. (Where’s that straight jacket got to?)

Each review consists of a summary normally from Amazon (I used to rewrite them – but what I came up with was never as good as the publishers own blurb) followed by normally around 4 paragraphs of what I thought about the characters, plot, pace and the ending (without giving anything away).

Finally I have started adding a grade to each review to try and sum up what I thought about the book which is based on assigning marks out of 20 for 5 categories – this leads to an overall score out of 100 which is converted to a grade between A* and G plus a U (somehow I don’t think will ever be awarded).

Wakey, Wakey – so that’s how I write reviews, how do you write yours – will you be taking up Adele’s challenge?

Each Friday Book Reviews This Week takes a look at reviews published in the Young Adult book blogosphere to help us all find great new (or rediscover older) young adult books and while were at it celebrate the work of all the young adult book bloggers out there

Here’s a selection from this week (ordered alphabetically by title).

And Baby Makes Two by Dyan Sheldon – reviewed by Sue at Chicklish

Almost True by Keren David – reviewed by Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

Bang Bang Your Dead by Narinder Dhami – reviewed by Iffath at Rhiana Reads

Betrayed (House Of Night #2) by PC And Kristin Cast – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

Burned, House of Night Book 7 by P.C. and Kristin Cast – reviewed by Isme at Chicklish

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Bind Up 1 – reviewed by Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Bind Up 1 – reviewed by Becky, The Bookette

Captivate by Carrie Jones – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

Cherry Crush (Chocolate Box Girls) by Cathy Cassidy – reviewed by I Want To Read That

Cherry Crush (Chocolate Box Girls) by Cathy Cassidy – reviewed by Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

Cherry Crush (Chocolate Box Girls) by Cathy Cassidy – reviewed by Iffath at LoveReadingX

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare – reviewed by Kristi, The Story Siren

Dark Life by Kat Falls – reviewed by Mel at Chicklish

Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham – reviewed by Amber at Chicklish

Diary Of A Wimpy Vampire by Tim Collins – reviewed by Asamum Booktopia

Elliot Allagash by Simon Rich – reviewed by Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

Fade by Lisa McMann – reviewed by Asamum Booktopia

Fallen by Lauren Kate – reviewed by Iffath at LoveReadingX

Firelight by Sophie Jordan – reviewed by Jenny at Wondrous Reads

Glee: The Beginning by Sophia Lowell – reviewed by Rhiana Reads

Half A Sister by Kelly McKain – reviewed by Ria at The Beaucoup Review

Immortal Remains by Rook Hastings – reviewed by I Want To Read That

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – reviewed by Sophie at So Many Books, So Little Time

Lifted by Hilary Freeman – reviewed by Luisa at Chicklish

My So-Called Haunting by Tamsyn Murray – reviewed by Amber at The Mile Long Bookshelf

Pastworld by Ian Beck – reviewed by Evie at Chicklish

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready – reviewed by Jenny at Wondrous Reads

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready – reviewed by Sya at Rhiana Reads

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready – reviewed by Iffath at LoveReadingX

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott – reviewed by Caroline at Portrait Of Woman

The Boneshaker by Kate Milford – reviewed by E. J. Stevens at From The Shadows

The Children Of The Lost by David Whitely – reviewed by Caroline at Portrait Of A Woman

The Double Life Of Cassiel Roadnight by Jenny Valentine – reviewed by Becky, The Bookette

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller – reviewed by Sophie at So Many Books, So Little Time

The Extraordinary Secrets Of April, May & June by Robin Benway – reviewed by Adele at Pernickity Snark

The Magician by Micheal Scott – reviewed by Caroline at Portrait Of A Woman

Trash by Andy Mulligan – reviewed by Lauren at I Was A Teenage Book Geek

Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick – reviewed by Kristi, The Story Siren

Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt – reviewed by Asamum Booktopia

Uninvited by Amanda Marrone – reviewed by Lyndsey at Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

You Wish by Mandy Hubbard – reviewed by Adele at Pernickity Snark

Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti – reviewed by Adele at Pernickety Snark

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison – reviewed by Karen at Teenage Fiction For All Ages