YA Review: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Review: Glass Houses
Series: Morganville Vampires – Book 1
Author: Rachel Caine
No of Pages: 239
Release Date: 3 October 2006

WELCOME TO MORGANVILLE TEXAS. DON’T STAY OUT AFTER DARK.

It’s a small college town filled with quirky characters. But when the sun goes down, the bad comes out. Because in Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows – one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. The popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks on the school’s social scene: somewhere less than zero. And Claire really doesn’t have the right connections – to the undead who run the town.

When Claire heads off campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don’t show many signs of life. But they’ll have Claire’s back when the town’s deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood...

My Thoughts:

I had high hopes for Glass Houses, but it didn’t really live up to my expectations.

Claire is a nerd, she’s sixteen and already in college. She moves to Morganville which is the closest college she is willing to go to that’s near her home, because she also wants to escape her parents, but what teen doesn’t?

When she gets to Morganville though Claire is faced with more than just being top of the class; extreme bullying, violent abuse and vampires are added to her list of worries. Claire can never seem to catch a break. One thing after another after another seems to be going on and it’s only until she moves into the Glass House that she finally is able to make a few friends that things can start to mildly resemble normality.

Claire for me wasn’t very interesting. Trouble follows her everywhere she goes it seems and at the start I felt sorry for her but it got old really quickly to the point where I was thinking “not again”. Caine wrote some cringe worthy stuff when it came to the extent of the bullying Claire faced at the hands of the cheerleaders.

Eve was probably my favourite character in the entire novel, purely because she was the rocker chick that didn’t want anyone to know she cared. She is the epitome of cool because she has a heart to go with her smarts.

Glass Houses also introduces us to some traditional vampires, and by traditional I mean blood-sucking, evil, human controlling fiends. These vampires are very similar to the mafia, expecting protection money so the humans can feel safe.

What detracted from Glass Houses for me was the intense bullying situation. Claire was nearly set on fire in the back of a van at one stage and no one does anything! A few school girls held her down as someone held a lighter to her clothes. Who does that? What kind of people are these? It was infuriating for me to visualise not because of the situation, but what kind of teenage girls would set someone on fire and not face any repercussions? What was the response to this atrocious act? That Claire needs to stay out of her way. She was pushed down a flight of stairs and laughed at, not helped because of the fear of this teenage girl. Even her over-protective parents who came rushing to see her when she didn’t answer their phone call just dismissed it.

For me Monica had too much power. It was more than just Queen Bee she was getting away with things that are illegal. Beating people is illegal, soliciting hit-men is illegal, ordering policemen to shoot people is illegal, and arson is illegal. Not just mean, but against the law and she was just getting away with it. It was unrealistic and it annoyed me that it was the only thing interesting about this book but also the most far-fetched.

I think I will continue this series, just to see where it goes and to find out what happens after the major cliff-hanger at the end, but I am not going in with high-hopes.

3/5

June YA Read: ANY book from the Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Cain

Once again you have the choice of any book you like from the Morganville Vampires series.

For June's YA read feel free to read and review ANY book from the series.

Review Deadline: 30th June 2011

(Don't forget to add a BWB banner somewhere in the review to be considered for the Top Reviewer)

Vote for July's YA title

These are the selections for the July adult titles, all descriptions are from Goodreads. Feel free to vote using the side bars or the comments section below.

13 to Life by Shannon Delany


Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.  It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…

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Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz 

When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it carried on board the men and women who would shape America: Miles Standish; John Alden; Constance Hopkins. But some among the Pilgrims were not pure of heart; they were not escaping religious persecution. Indeed, they were not even human. They were vampires.The vampires assimilated quickly into the New World. Rising to levels of enormous power, wealth, and influence, they were the celebrated blue bloods of American society.

The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times. Then a popular girl from her school is found dead... drained of all her blood. Schuyler doesn't know what to think, but she wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Could those vampire legends really be true? Steeped in vampire lore and set against the glittery backdrop of New York City, Blue Bloods will be devoured by Melissa de la Cruz's legion fans.

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Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day...

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

  

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City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

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Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

Infinite Days--Freatured Review

Lenah used to be a vampire. Rhode who has loved her for many years, gave her wish to make her human. With this ritual and with intent, she became human.


She is 16 year old girl who has finally awakened from a long sleep. She is at a boarding school called Wickham. Her best friend is Tony , who happens to be an artist. She have lived for many hundreds of years and is afraid of her coven coming after her.

She has been in love with two men : Rhode and Vicken for different reasons.

This is a different vamp book , and like that she is smart and different from other girls. I don't why she is attracted to the hottest guy on campus. I understand that they at boarding school ( pet peeve) and we are introduced to Justin's parents before they make out.

I understand that she has never done it as a human but did it as vamp. She has been taken back to England and turned back into vamp by Vicken . She is back with the coven and appears stronger and still has her soul. She is still dreaming about Rhode. Interesting what Vicken wants to be human too and still has that vampire bond with her.

It seems that all the men/boys are all in love with Lenah. I get that she is the main character but to have Justin, Tony, Vicken, and Rhode to all be in love with her was a bit much.

I found her transformation very glossed over and that she is able to have special abilities and still retained her soul from being human.

Justin her human boyfriend was okay but I was more interested in the past loves of Rhode and Vicken.

I did like the cliffhanger on this book and will most likely read the next book.

Book Review = 3/C


I bought this book and this is my Honest Review

June YA Selections

Here are the Blog with Bite polls for the Young Adult June Selection. As always, vote for the book that you personally want to read. Thanks! As always, summaries of the books are from goodreads.com.

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black - Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, Dana decides she’s had it with being her mother’s keeper, so she packs her bags and heads to stay with her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Soon, she finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone wants something from her, even her newfound friends and family. Suddenly, life with her alcoholic mom doesn't sound half bad, and Dana would do anything to escape Avalon and get back home. Too bad both her friends and her enemies alike are determined not to let her go . . .

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher- Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony - The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.

Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help.

Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance that readers will devour.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready- When her boyfriend dies a most untimely death, Aura--who can see ghosts--is forced to reconsider her relationship with the living and dead in SHADE.







Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead- St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Wondrous Strange - January YA BWB Book

Blog with Bite's January YA Feature is Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

The review deadline for the feature is January 30th so pick up your copy today!

 

 

From Author's Web Site:

Kelley Winslow is living her dream. Seventeen years old, she has moved to New York City and started work with a theatre company. Sure, she's an understudy for the Avalon Players, a third-tier repertory company so far off-Broadway it might as well be in Hoboken, but things are looking up—the lead has broken her ankle and Kelley's about to step into the role of Titania the Fairy Queen in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Faeries are far more real than Kelley thinks, though, and a chance encounter in Central Park with a handsome young man will plunge her into an adventure she could never have imagined.

For Sonny Flannery, one of the Janus Guards charged by Auberon, the King of Winter, with watching over the gate into the lands of Faerie that lies within Central Park, the pretty young actress presents an enigma. Strong and willful, she sparks against his senses like a firecracker and he can't get her out of his mind. As  Hallowe'en approaches and the Samhain Gate opens, Sonny and Kelley find themselves drawn to each other—and into a terrible plot that could spell disaster for both New York and Faerie alike.

This debut novel that puts a fresh new spin on classic fairy lore. Wondrous Strange blends a gripping plot with fully-believable characters, fascinating ideas and just the right amount of romance to create a story that is vivid, thrilling and engaging.  Readers of Herbie Brennan, Holly Black and Melissa Marr will find a new favorite in Lesley Livingston.

Ballad - HBIC Editor Review - Parajunkee

H B I C R E V I E W  - by Parajunkee

I have fallen in love tonight.  I have fallen in love with a voice, the voice of an author named Maggie Stiefvater.  Before now I hadn't had the pleasure of reading any of Ms. Stiefvater's works and now I feel like I have missed out. Such a shame that I have been wasting so much time...when I could have been partaking in the perfection that is the prose of Maggie Stiefvater. (That was me being poetic)

Ms. Steifvater weaves a tale of fairies, unrequited love and the chilling end-all of death. Ballad focuses on the story of James, whom was introduced in Lament. James has followed Dee to boarding school, his love for her almost unbearable as she avoids him in their first weeks in school.  They were best friends and now Dee is acting strangely and he barely sees her anymore.

James is a sociable lad though, and he makes friends and carries on without her.  But, Dee is always on his mind and when they happen to run into one another the meetings are almost painful. During this time Dee is becoming more and more unstable and James is being pestered by a strikingly beautiful yet, very dangerous girl that calls herself Nuala. James is pulled in two directions - and the two paths that stretch before him both seem to end in pain and death.

I must state that before reading Ballad I did not read Lament. I think I wasn't paying attention. My fellow BWB companions said here read this Rach - and so I read.  I'm actually kind of glad that I read Ballad first. I'm never one to read in order.  Odd but that is me.  I feel I might have found a new perspective because of my reverse reading.  My reverse perspective found me hating Dee.  I was introduced to the broken character that she was.  A girl whom James was madly in love with but whom couldn't even open the lines of communication with him.  Each time he would reach for her, she would do something stupid or selfish which would have me hating on her even more and falling harder for James.

Ms. Stiefvater's characters had so much depth I felt as if they are real and could walk in upon me at any moment. The intricacies that are James and Nuala made them so believable and relatable that I mourned their passing as the last page came to a close.  Even the side characters of Paul and Sullivan were striking in their depth - considering Paul was used as a comic sort of character - but was so much more.

The only flaw I found with this book was near the ending I found she circled around the inevitable a little too long when she could have just plowed through to the end.

Parents have no fear when passing this on to your child. There is a bit of violence, and a smidge of cursing.  But nothing that they wouldn't see on prime time.

My Blog with Bite Rating is 4 of 4

Discussion Questions

Question #1 - What do you think about stereotypical characters? Do characters like "Honey bun" - the evil stepmother & Shelby - the teen acting out, bother you, or are you accepting of them?

Once, a long time ago, I was a troubled teen with an evil stepmother. It is easy to identify with a teen who feels the step-monster is out to get them…. whether she actually is or not. However, the completely spineless father and the fact that none of the characters had any characterization beyond “rich” did bother me. Also, as for acting out…. Shelby was nowhere near that. I work with 90 + kids a day who could give a better example of acting out, but then I work with gang members, druggies, biters, cutters, drama queens, princesses, nerds…. real high school kids. - She Reads

I find it hard to say characters are "stereotypical" in a book. The author wrote the character's personalities to best fit the story. Readers can relate and better understand the stereotypical characters. Besides, the story would have been totally different had the stepmother not been evil and the teen been a happy, obedient child. I don't think the characters in this particular story was a generalization of their groups. Not all stepmothers are evil, and not all teens act out. They just did in this story. So I guess I'm accepting of the characters the way they were written. - All Things Print

I think the characters seem to part of fantasy books or not even having a mother i.e. disney movies. It seems that teens do act out, but not all teens. - My Five Monkeys

It really depends on how the stock characters are used, I guess. Sometimes it's easier to use an archetype that everyone is familiar with in order to jump start a story or to keep a story moving instead of bogging it down with unnecessary details, but other times, using the stock characters can water down the story. Honey Bun is a good example of that- for someone who's so evil (at least from Shelby's point of view anyway) she does things that are ultimately in Shelby's best interest, even though Shelby doesn't feel like it at the time. - What book is that?

Teens do act out. Its in our nature as human beings expressing ourselves to rebel against the system (I sound like a punk rocker) even when that system is parents. Now depending on parents whether they be bone heads or level heads makes a huge difference on how kids are behaving acting and dealing. - Tinasbookreviews

I don't mind stereotypes. Stereotypes are usually there for a reason. If a character acts out abnormally, people can't relate to that character. What teen can't relate to a pain-in-the-butt step-mom or dad? I know when I was a teenager - way, way ago - my parents divorcing and the subsequent dating bonanza led to some pretty crazy behavior on my part. - ParaJunkee

I don't have a problem with stereotypes, eveyone knows what they mean and it immediately identifies a type of person. Unfortunately relationships with stepmothers and Shelby really exist, therefore I find it easy to accept them.

- Book Whisperer

Question #2 - How did you feel about the immediate attraction and relationship between Shelby and Austin? Do you think it worked in this story or not?

I like that there was a friendship first, but it happened too soon in my humble opinion. It worked but it seemed to missing something in Austin. I didn't feel that he was real like other book characters that I have read previously. - My Five Monkeys

Okay, this quetion addresses one of the issues I have with the book. I was really disappointed in the lack of punch when the two characters met. Just because they are teenagers doesn't mean that the awesomness of love at first sight (or attraction, whatever floats your boat) can't be powerful. There was no power in the "love at first sight" theme in this book. None. Zippo. Maybe a slight sizzling, but oh so forgettable. I wish it would have worked in the story. I think the story would have been ten times better had the attraction at first sight been more... more. - All Things Print

The nearly immediate attraction was more palatable in this story than in some other recent vamp stories I’ve read. She at least did pause and have some misgivings when she discovered what he was. It was just automatic lust…err love. - She Reads

Yes and no, I think it was a bit rushed like OK boom romance but it was also predictable we knew once Shelby got passed the fear he was going to be her dream boat! - Tinasbookreviews

This was actually one of my favorite parts of the story, and usually is one of my favorite parts of any romance or love story. I think it definitely works in this story, especially since the whole shebang is set at summer camp, where flings and romances are always cropping up all over. The brevity of the book almost necessitated a kind of whirlwind romance for this pair, and I think it worked for them. - What book is that?

Unlike in many other stories that everyone can relate there is usually a reason for the relationship to be immediate. I felt that this was really thrown at the reader, and while I like the relationship and what we know of Austin and Shelby's characters I felt it was very brash.- Book Whisperer

Personally, I didn't feel the relationship. But, I know how it is to be a hormonally challenged 15 year old. The second a boy gives you a compliment, you think you are in love. Do I think this is the lasting type of forever kind of love? Nope, didn't get that impression. In fact, I think by Austin's actions those feelings might be a bit deeper on his part - or is he just feeling indebted because he got Shelby thrown into that camp? Guilt can be a big motivator. - ParaJunkee

Question #3 - What did you think about the attempts the camp staff made to connect with Shelby? Were they at all effective? Did the staff have a point in their position on her personal life?

I didn't like the staff and felt that they were trying to do their job, but not all teens open up to a staff member. Sometimes they get things done through gardening or art. I understand that they were trying to help, but sometimes they aren't always trained in that field. - My Five Monkeys

I feel that Mr. Winters with his hippie, grandfather like gardening could have actually helped Shelby if he’d been given the chance. However, the pace of this book and the immediate consequences of Shelby being moved to the desert torture camp stopped that dead in its tracks. The other camp staff were just like all the rest of the characters – stereotypes of clueless camp counselors. - She Reads

I've never been to a so-called brat camp. I have no personal knowledge of what the counselors would be like at such a camp. But it bugged me how A. they never listened to her, and B. they only perception they had of Shelby came from her parents. What was Shelby's take on her personal life? Did she ever have a chance to speak up for herself? Nope. That always bugs me when a character has no say whatsoever.

I do have to admit though, that I did appreciate the counselor's advice about her mother and the issues involved with that. I also thought that the letter writing idea was genius. - All Things Print

If felt that Shelby was trying to piece her life back together in a situation that was not easily allowing her the space to progress. I got the impress Davis was trying to lead the reader softly into a relationship of a stepmother that was not open to having Shelby in the picture. It seemed as though the author want a terrible relationship, but wrote it lightly making it seem less. So yes, to answer the question I think she did need help, and the staff had Shelby's best interest at heart. I also feel that she progressed while at camp, and started moving in the right direction to begin moving on.

- Book Whisperer

Having had my own share of simultaneously hilarious and awkward summer camp experiences I can definitely relate to the portrayal of the counselors at the camp. Even though Shelby's at "brat camp" and is supposed to be seeing the error of her ways and all that jazz, the counselors there are usually present in some capacity at every camp, ever. With regards to their attempts to connect with Shelby, though, I think their biggest accomplishment was in helping Shelby to realize that moderation is not necessarily a bad thing, and that maybe some self reflection isn't so horrible, either. A huge part of growing up when you're a teenage is admitting that the grownups around you might have a point in their opinions, and that's definitely something that happens to Shelby over the course of her camp experience. And hey, Shelby's decisions so far had caused her nothing but problems, so maybe trying things a different way wouldn't be so bad. - What book is that?

This is actually the one area I thought the book was a bit serious, the staff did try but I think they based it off wrong perceptions. - Tinasbookreviews

I have a pathological phobia of psychoanalysis. Chew on that mister shrink! I think people are too hooked on their self-help novels and Dr. Phil. I really think people should stop listening to what other people have to say about their lives and start figuring out how to fix it themselves. The camp counselors in this novels sounded like they were working form lines off of talk show. Which is basically what these group sessions turn out to be. I believe the people in group sessions get more help from the other "victims" than from the therapist...but that is my opinion. - ParaJunkee

Question #4 - What is your opinion on parents who send their kids to reformation camps - the ones who need to be "reformed" and the ones who don't?

I hold a middle ground position on this one. I work with “at-risk” students…. otherwise known as the bad kids…the ones that actually do act out. While I don’t recommend that every student who challenges the rules and/or wants to be an individual be sent away to a camp of some kind, there are kids who need more help than their parents can give. Alternatively, I wish that parents could also be sent to camp when their kids go…. they need to work through as many issues as their kids do. Camps and other reform type programs shouldn’t be used just to get a kid out of your hair. The staff (who are actually highly trained and qualified) should be allowed to help the kids that need them. - She Reads

Is it okay for me to not have an opinion? I guess I was raised that if you have kids, they are your responsibility. Problems and all. Would I ever send my child to a brat camp? Probably not. Do I think badly of other parents when they do? No. It's their children and they can make whatever decisions regarding their upbringing that they want to. Who am I to judge? - All Things Print

If they can afford it, then I don't hold anything against them. But I won't be able to send my kids to camp like that, but then I'm not a millionaire. Maybe the reformed kids need their parents around, and not always to sent somewhere. - My Five Monkeys

WOW...don't get me started, some of these kids this is a last stop before jail or detention centers. Unfortunately though a lot of parents are lazy and don't want to deal with serious problems their children are having. - Tinasbookreviews

In real life, I do most of my work with students with special needs, some of whom experience a wide variety of behavioral and mental health issues. I can say with all seriousness that there are families out there who are truly at the end of their ropes when it comes to dealing with these issues and are looking for help from any available source. With that said, I think in real life a lot of these boot camp type places are scams, where the staff have no training or knowledge or anything that would help them with these kids. The camp that Shelby went to seemed a lot more like sleepaway therapy than anything else, so I'm not sure how helpful it would be to anyone who didn't really want help. Isn't the first step of solving a problem admitting that there is one? -What book is that?

This could be a very "touchy" subject. I have my own beliefs when it comes to raising my children, but for most if you discipline your children when they are young you don't seem to have this much trouble when older. Now there are those special occasions where life causes a hiccup in the balance, such as loss and tragedy in a childs life, in this case I do believe that a camp such as what Shelby was at could be beneficial. Lastly, as for discipline and beating the mean out of your kids, like the desert camp, they call that a Military School.

- Book Whisperer

Based on the philosphy, if you can't fix it yourself, send it off and let someone else deal with it. This may work for your malfunctioning XBOX - but for a teenager? These parents should be ashamed of themselves! - ParaJunkee

Question #5 - Do you wish there would have been a bit more mystery regarding Austin being a werewolf, letting us get to know his character first and then the big reveal?

The problem with this question is that it assumes that we were able to get to know any of the characters. I feel that Austin and Shelby received the most characterization, but are still fairly flat. I don’t think the early (if you count half-way through the book as early) reveal would affect this at all. - She Reads

Oh yes..more mystery..not telling her right within the first night/day. - My Five Monkeys

Yes, I do. The whole reveal went so quick! I practically blinked and all of the sudden he's a werewolf. There was no lead-ups, no mysterious happenings.. it was quite disappointing. I didn't even have time to wonder what he was, or ponder on why he wasn't quite acting "human". - All Things Print

Honestly? Not really. I mean, the book was a short one, and drawing it out too long would have not really been in the best interest of the story. I would definitely have appreciated getting to know Austin's character a little more, but I don't think Shelby not knowing there was something different about him would have helped with that. -What book is that?

I feel like the reader really misses out by not being able to learn more about Austin, or the fact that his character was MIA in a lot of the book. This is where I feel the length of the book, did not allow for the kind of character building necessary for an excellent book. - Book Whisperer

YES....I would have loved more Austin and less Prada.... - Tinasbookreviews

Yes, I think the author could have kept of the "who is the wolf" suspense a little bit. There was really no sidetracking at all. - ParaJunkee

Question #6 - Do you think this novel has enough momentum for a sequel? There was some hinting at the possibility (the scratch), do you think this would be a good follow-up?

I'm divided on the sequel question. One one hand, I wasn't interested enough in the characters or the story to continue on with another book. On the other hand.. I would love for Heather Davis to try again and hopefully write a better story this time. So if she does write a sequel, I might read it just to give her another chance. - All Things Print

I do think it left the door open another book, and seeing where the relationship goes from meeting at the camp. I do like to think it would be nice to see what happens to shelby and the scratch. It was nice to see that they got in trouble for kissing a couple more times.- My Five Monkeys

My first thought was that this novel felt like it belonged to a much longer story. Almost like the author and/or publishers either just divided a larger novel (one with more characterization and deeper story) into two parts. In this scenario, the first book is just set up. Maybe a sequel will give us a second half that will be more what we are looking for? - She Reads

I don't know.. Really I think the author did a good job for her first book, and I have read series that the first book was not all that, then a sequel went through the roof. Although, I can say that if there was a sequel I would definetly give it a try. - Book Whisperer

Any book can be a follow up! I hope Heather does write a sequel and "go there" on more daring and serious topics....... - Tinasbookreviews

I definitely think there's the possibility for a sequel, since there really isn't any explanation of the scratch or its implications offered at the end of the book. I don't know if there's enough left over material or unanswered questions to merit a sequel, but I can see the potential if the characters are allowed to grow and develop a little bit more. - What book is that?

I really don't feel it does. The relationship between Austin and Shelby is not something that I see deepening. I can see maybe it taking a turn (or Shelby taking a turn :) which could progress into a series. But from what I read, it doesn't scream sequel. - ParaJunkee

My Five Monkeys adds - Would I let my daughter read this book?? Yes

She Reads adds: I do wish there was more mystery in the story overall.

Interview with Heather Davis - author of Never Cry Werewolf BWB Feature

Heather Davis is the author of the paranormal teen novels Never Cry Werewolf (HarperTeen hardcover, September 2009) and The Clearing (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, April 2010).

Heather is co-founder of www.BooksBoysBuzz.com a popular teen fiction blog she shares with five other YA authors. She loves writing empowering, transformational stories where anything is possible.
Visit her at www.heatherdavisbooks.com
(Source: Amazon.com) 

 BWB: Tell us a bit about the book?

HD: Never Cry Werewolf is a teen paranormal romance geared toward younger readers.  It's a sweet, funny, light read.  It's purely for fun and entertainment -- and it has a good heart.


BWB: What drew you into the paranormal genre?

HD: My father was an English teacher and my mother is a flower child/new age hippie.  Paranormal was the obvious choice.


BWB: What do you like best about werewolves?

HD: I love the idea that everyone has two sides to themselves - a public and private side, I guess.
With werewolves, just like every human, there are ugly parts that never see the light of day, quite literally.

BWB: Did you base the main character Shelby Locke off of a real person/ actress, or is she completely fictional?

HD: No.  Shelby is a pure figment of my imagination, though I do know many teen girls that share her attributes --  including the teenage me.


BWB: Which character do you most relate to in Never Cry Werewolf?


HD: Shelby, for sure.  When things in your family change - for Shelby, her mother dying and a new, not-so-nice stepmother coming onto the scene - and your family doesn't discuss it with you, there is a sense of powerlessness that can overwhelm you.  That is certainly the case for Shelby.


BWB: Is there going to be a sequel to Never Cry Werewolf?


HD: I really hope so.  At lot of readers are writing me asking that question!  And for me, I have
a sequel in my head already.

BWB: Have you ever attended a brat camp as a teen?


HD: No, but I attended a lot of camps over the years.


BWB: What made you decide on writing a YA novel?


HD: I wrote 5 adult novels before I started writing YA.  I was partly inspired by a student
I had when I was substitute teaching at an elementary school.  Thinking back, my first short
story ever published (in Cricket Magazine) was for younger readers.  I guess it was meant
to be.

BWB: How did you become a writer?


HD: Many, many hours of practice, I guess.  I wrote plays and short stories all of my life, and
found novel-writing as an adult, but storytelling has always been part of who I am.  I was a
film major in college and intended to be a screenwriter/filmmaker.

BWB: How do you get your ideas for your books?

HD: They start as little blobs of ideas for characters or situations.  They glom onto other
blobs and grow into a story.  That probably doesn't mean anything to anyone -- but, it's like when I read an article in a newspaper or see something happen on the street and I start to think about it.  Soon, it's growing into a connected idea or series of events and situations.

BWB: Who is your favorite author?


HD: No fair!  That is too difficult a question to answer.  Currently in YA, I would have to say
Libba Bray or Scott Westerfeld.  I love writers whose stories carry the reader away.


BWB: Was the publishing process hard for you and what would you recommend for writers trying to publish?

HD: Yes.  I had been writing novels for six years before I found an agent and sold Never Cry Werewolf.  I would recommend that writers trying to publish find a critique group and get some solid feedback on their work -- really focusing on improving their craft before they worry about the selling part of writing.  That, and spending a lot of time "butt in chair" -- the only way to get better at anything is spending time doing it, right?

BWB:  Are you planning to write anything besides a possible sequel?

HD: Yes, my book for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, THE CLEARING, comes out in April 2010.  It {is} for slightly older YA readers and is a much more serious work.  People who are looking for something dark, brooding and emotional will really connect with it, I think.  It's a paranormal time-travel romance about a modern girl in love with a boy living in the endless summer of 1944.  After that, who knows?  I have several other projects underway!


All of us at Blog with Bite would like to thank Ms. Davis for taking the time to answer our questions.  We really appreciate it and wish you tons of luck with Never Cry Werewolf and The Clearing.

What did everyone think of the interview.  Do you believe everyone has a dark side like Ms. Davis says...the part of you that only comes out at night? We didn't see much of Austin's wolf in the book, but he sure scared Shelby.  If you found out your "love interest" was a were would you be able to embrace his dark side or run screaming into the underbrush?

Blog with Bite site has launched!

Blog with Bite is a group review effort. The reviewers of BWB love the Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance genres and are united to bring you the best reviews possible. We will also be discussing the book and looking into new and exciting authors in our beloved genre.

This joint effort will expose your blog to new readers and new friends! Join today.

The current BWB book is Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis.

Synopsis: Shelby’s been making a few mistakes lately, primarily with the boys. But, her stepmother is really overreacting, especially when she suggests to her father that they send her to brat camp! Her entire summer ruined, prom cancelled – in exchange for weeks in the wilderness with a bunch of other dysfunctional teenagers.

At camp Shelby meets Austin Bridges III, very mysterious…and awfully cute. But, Austin isn’t just your run of the mill hottie. He’s also got a few problems – well they are at brat camp – and he needs Shelby to help him out. Shelby can’t turn down a boy in need, but she might just get into a lot of trouble for this one.
If you are interested in joining BWB and review Never Cry Werewolf, go to the web site and sign up!

The deadline for signing up for Never Cry Werewolf is Sept 21st so get on over there! A new book will be chosen quickly following sign-up deadline.