Public Sky [1]

PUBLIC SKY NOVEMBER 2010 [I]
Where YOUR opinion matters, fellow book lovers!

When you visit Borders, Barnes and Noble, Indie bookstore or about any other stores that sell books, in the teen (or adult) section, you see books about vampires, werewolves, mysterious creatures and stories that involves danger that thrills the readers. What are your thoughts on this? Why do you think that teenagers these days (okay, I'm a teenager myself, but still) somehow prefers stories similar to Twilight over...say, The Catcher in the Rye (by J.D. Salinger)?

First, I want to explain that I did not asked this question because I dislike paranormal stuff. I like them, but the shelves are just covered with it. Everything gets predictable and to be blunt; a BIT boring because I like reading varieties.

So here are the answers! (It's by chronological order; whoever answered me first got to be on the top of the list. I just copied their answers, did not shorten or lengthen anything). Comments or email me for your thoughts about either Public Sky and the question above! :)


CATHERINE RYAN HYDE (Author of Pay it Forward)
I think it's a way of coping with the fact that the world is a frightening place. This is what they always say about kids and "Little Red Riding Hood" type stories and about adults who watch horror movies. If you're anxious in a non-specific way, it's comforting to watch someone face a very identified danger and triumph over it. Personally, I'm not very interested in such titles. I prefer to read realistic fiction.

WENDY TOLIVER (Author of Lifted)
Yes, paranormal romance is really big right now, and all you have to do is visit a bookstore to see that. I personally believe this is because teens like exploring imaginative, exciting and dangerous characters, settings and situations. That said, I get emails almost every day thanking me for writing something "real," and when I reach for a new book to read, I don't care whether it's about vampires or someone who could very well go to your high school, as long as it keeps me turning the pages. A good book is a good book, simply put.

JENNIFER HER (A senior in high school and an awesome artist at DeviantArt)
Teens are interested in those kinda vampirey stories because of the forbidden romance or the thrill of the romance. I mean, that's what I think is a huge factor for high school girls or teenage girls. Then there's the out of the ordinary factor. Teens don't always or, should I say, prefer to have a thrilling, imaginative, and/or fictionally interesting plot rather than read a slow going (still fictional) story about normal teenage problems like Catcher in the Rye. That undergoing teenage problems stuff can also be found in any of the fantasy-ish books nowadays focused on young adults. So basically, modern books now that many teenage kids like to read are out-of-the-ordinary interesting, imaginative, keeps the readers focused on popular key factors like romance, and take readers away from reality, kinda.

CINDY RANGEL (A writer and blogger of Bookworm)
I'd say it's because of the suspense and drama that there is to those kind of books with danger in them. They're the kind of books that keep you at the edge of your seat, keep you guessing. Of course, also, each author is different and each author, I'm sure, does something to make their books interesting and individual. =)

ELENI XEKARDAKIS (Blogger of La Femme Readers)
I don't necessarily believe teens choose Twilight over the classics. It just so happens that the classics will always show up in classrooms. So, why not escape homework with a good cup of Edward and his sparkling face? Being a 25 year old English graduate, I unfortunately grew tired of the classics. Teachers would make you dissect the book until you no longer wanted to see it in front of you. However, literature such as the The Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders or Mice of Men will again remain classic. The messages and well-written quality will be hard to re-create. However, the relatable factor to the characters now a days just isn't there. We live in a world of cell phones, social networks, e-mail, television, etc. These books unfortunately lack the technological and word lingo we use today. Mainly, that's the reason why SOME teens prefer to pick up Twilight or any other supernatural novel instead of a respectable classic.

AMY HUNTLEY (Author of The Everafter)
Thrillers (and the paranormal) have a really long tradition. I think they're especially popular today because everything in our world is so, well, "explainable." Science has eliminated a lot of wonder and awe from the universe. While we love the effects of technology, the paranormal can help us escape into the unexplainable.

KHADIJA FRAIJI (Blogger of Black Fingernailed Reviews)
Well, i personally don't like 'Twilight' at all. The 'vampires' had too many characteristics of mythological fairies and instead of say.... 'vampires'. However i've always been drawn to the paranormal elements in stories, i think part of what makes it so appealing is the otherness. We all want something amazing to happen to us, i think teens are so drawn to vampires and werewolves not because their monsters but because they are something different, from the repetitive romance stories, i think it brings more edge into it. And edginess is always appealing.

JENNIFER MURGIA (Author of Angel Star)
To answer your question, and as an author of speculative fiction myself (Angel Star is about well .... angels!) I truly think there's a part of each and every teenager wishing a little bit of magic exists in the world. When I was a teen, I used to imagine the what-if's. What if vampires existed? What if I were a descendant of an infamous witch? The thoughts would constantly churn and churn and I think it stems from each person wanting to believe they are special, that for one moment no matter how brief or bizarre, we are here for a reason. Seeking out books with a paranormal element instead of realistic issues gives us an outlet to escape into a world unlike our own - and with permission. In one way or another books help us express ourselves, and allow us to step away from our daily routine. To live in a world we deep down wished existed is a gift!

KRISTINA MCBRIDE (Author of The Tension of Opposites)
I think the magic, mystery, and intrigue of these novels hold quite an allure for younger and older readers alike. It's a wonderful way to escape our own reality for a while. Plus, the super-cool covers just call out from the shelves!

JANETTE RALLISON (Author of My Fair Godmother)
When Catcher in the Rye first came out, it was a groundbreaking book because it was edgy, raw, and showed the discontent and disillusionment of teens. (By the way, I read the book as a teen and couldn't relate at all.) But now we have so many of those types of books that you can't walk through a bookstore without tripping over them. So I think teens now are looking for an adventure not a psychological analysis. Paranormal gives readers that adventure.

AMI BLACKWELDER (Author of The Hunted of 2060)
In response to your question, its funny you ask because my parents and I were discussing the same thing. My father says growing up he and friends loved Sherlock Holmes, Nancy drew, Hardy Boys, detective stories and books with kids solving crimes. But today, kids are enthralled with paranormal and we wondered what happened? Why did a switch from the real to the unreal occur and why did interesting books switch from being stories that encouraged rational/deductive reasoning to stories that revolve around thrills and romance?

I tend to think one of the reasons is of course media, and publishers themselves. Everyday we are bombarded with television and video game images. Most conjuring up the idea of the fantastical. Throwing the supernatural in our faces daily supports the idea of its popularity. Kids are easily influenced and want what is popular and cool. Buffy the Vampire and Angel as well as Charmed helped that idea along.

Publishers do the same thing, releasing primarily paranormal YA books today versus detective or crime solving stories for kids. This may have stemmed from the success of Harry Potter and Twilight and the story definitely pushed the paranormal world into the mainstream for publishers. As an author I can tell you honestly that there are many, many publishers who simply want paranormal romance YA novels. Forget other interesting books. Because they know they paranormal YA sells. If the product is all around you, the stories are bound to rub off on many kids.

Another reason is that kids are faced with many pressures today that our parents were not faced with and the kids are being spoiled and not taught how to cope with real life. In turn, kids turn for an escape and want to enter a world more entertaining and forget their worries and woes if only for a week of reading. Escape is a great motivator. But the fact that kids are reading to acquire this instead of doing drugs or alcohol is a great thing! I support that healthy way of fleeing from reality.

Perhaps also because times have changed as well. There is such a focus on sciences and maths for that matter in this day and age, that kids must feel overwhelmed with all the facts and so this release of enjoying the supernatural, or the opposite, must be stimulating. Kids are imaginative and perhaps a deep part of them longs to remember that creative part of themselves, holding onto their childhood for just moments longer when anything was possible and they could be anyone.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

"Turns out, my ability to see through paranormals' glamours to what they are underneath is unique. As in, no other human on Earth can do what I do."

My Rating: 9/10

Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication: 10/10/2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-198584-3
Page Count: 352
Age Range: 12 and up

Kiersten White's Official Web page

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White is certainly a page turner! Evie is a teenager that possess a power no other human does; the power to see through their glamours.

Take a vampire, for an example. Through normal human's eyes...well, they're your usual Edward Cullen. Gorgeous, model-like person. But through Evie's eyes...she sees them right to the rotten bones. Eww!

Reth, a faerie that takes much interests in Evie seems to be on Evie more and more these days.

Also, there's Lend, the half-human and half-water nymph who shift shapes. Evie takes interests in him, the only one who she can't really quite see through. As in...she only sees water.

..Suddenly everyone around Evie seems to be dying. Attacked. Absorbed, to be exact. And Reth seems to know what's going on.

Evie can't afford to lose anyone else since she never had much to began with...especially Lend.

What I like about this book: It was very fun to read! A good page turner that I couldn't put down. It was hilarious--Evie was sarcastic (and a sarcastic person is always an interesting person!) and witty. The paranormal part of it just makes it funner! Pretty, pretty cover...

What I dislike about this book: It was somehow predictable to me, which is why it's 9 out of 10. But other than that...it's good! :D

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love

"Them. I can't name Them. Not out loud."

-Maggie Stiefvater's The Hounds of Ulster

My Rating: 8/10

Publisher: Running Press Teen
Publication: August 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7624-3949-2
Page Count: 416 pages
Age Range: Young Adult

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love is a compilation of 13 short stories from Sarah Rees Brennan, Becca Fitzpatrick, Caitlin Kittredge, Karen Mahoney, Daniel Marks, Justine Musk, Diana Peterfreund, Michelle Rowen, Carrie Ryan, Maggie Stiefvater, Rachel Vincent, Daniel Waters and Michelle Zink.

The Assassin's Apprentice by Michelle Zink
The first story was one of my favorite stories from the whole book. It's about a girl named Rose who lost her whole family because of a devil named Bael--the devil murdered them all. Rose wanted revenge and that's when Asher came by to assist her.

Simple and sweet, I would love to read a whole book about this story. 10/10 <3 style="font-style: italic;">

Errant by Diana Peterfreund
This story is about Elise, a royal princess who will soon marry. There is a unicorn hunt that's necessary for her since her parents are long gone. Gitta, a unicorn hunter, met Elise because Gitta is paid to hunt for Elise. Gitta helps Elise discover that Elise doesn't need to be controlled by Elise's elite society and her to-be-husband (who's a cheater, by the way).

This story was okay...I like the meaning but not how the story was told. I just feel like some details weren't important, and some were missing. 6/10.

The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney
This is another one of my favorites! Moth is a vampire who's assigned to retrieve an Arabic book by her master. Adam, a Djinn (or, genie), also was after the same book. Adam needs it to put his dead girlfriend's soul to peace, after his girlfriend was killed by a psycho-magician. Together, Adam and Moth (after some arguments of who gets the book) fights Bilal (the magician) so that Moth can bring the book to Theo--Moth's master--after putting Adam's girlfriend's soul to peace.

The Spirit Jar was fast paced and lovely, and Moth's story was originally from The Eternal Kiss. 10/10 :D

Lost by Justine Musk
Lost is also one of my favorite story. Sasha was always good at finding things--she just can picture everything that needs to be found. Sasha thinks she never met Haiden, the mysterious guy who seemed to know her well and somehow Haiden teaches Sasha mystical things. Sasha was blindfolded and was told to find an X mark on the ground of the house she never stepped into before. Haiden was teaching Sasha to find lost souls. Sasha was special, and Haiden wants her to be by his side. Who was Haiden, and why did Haiden stopped her to eat the apple?

I think this story was very well written and sweet. I really don't want to spoil it for everyone, so I'll just say this is 10/10. :)

The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan
In the beginning, the story was very confusing--there's a lot of events in history that are mixed around (and that part is very interesting) and Brennan took Peter Pan into another level. Peter Pan is actually a spy for everyone who will pay, a thief and a kid. Ashley, whose ancestor was Wendy, was dragged along Peter Pan's adventure.

I love this story from the middle to the end, not from the beginning; good idea but in the beginning...it was just a bit random. 7/10

Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge
This is another one of my favorites! Kittregde wrote a ghost story--about a girl named Jo who's different and doesn't have a lot of friends. Her best friend, Ani, spends a lot of time making out with her girlfriend Deirdre and sometimes leaves Jo alone. There's a creepy house where everyone's told that there were millions of people died in the house, and Deirdre challenged Jo. Jo took the dare, and went in. There, she saw Nicholas who was very kind to her. Jo likes Nicholas--her like grows into need and what she thinks is love. Nicholas, though, was just using her. Nicholas isn't who he seemed to be, and Jo is in a big trouble.

This is one of the rare story that took a turn in a direction that I was not expecting. This happens very rarely, and for surprising me, I love this story. 10/10 XD

Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan
Hare Moon is a forbidden love story about Tabitha and Patrick; two individuals who lived in a different community (one gated and clean, the other forests and wildlife). Tabitha is the kind of girl no one would marry because there are better girls, but Patrick seemed to take an interest of her. Tabitha meets Patrick on the gate every day, praying Patrick will ask Tabitha to leave and explore the beautiful forests with him. But one day, Patrick stopped coming and Tabitha gave up wanting to marry, so Tabitha becomes a nun. Tabitha discovered a letter from Patrick (which Patrick used to tell Tabitha that he loves her) and wistfully yearn for him. Then one day Patrick came back, telling Tabitha that his family died from an unknown virus except him and his little brother. Patrick asks for medicine, and Tabitha took the risk to hide Patrick in the church. Tabitha betrays her community for love--and it will bring everyone misery...

I liked it very much and I'd love to read The Forest of Hands and Teeth (which was included--bits of it--in this short story). 8/10

Familiar by Michelle Rowen
This is another one of my favorites (maybe I have too many..but oh well!). Brenda's mom is a successful witch and wants Brenda to follow the tradition. Brenda doesn't really care...Brenda was told to pick a familiar--a pet which supposed to enhance witch's magic--and she picked Owen, a kitten that looked "half dead". Owen was a shifter--he wasn't supposed to be there. He was a guy, who needed his bracelet--which Brenda took--back to reclaim his place in his family. Even though they're not boss and familiar, there's a connection between them that wouldn't let each other get hurt, no matter how little Owen shows his care or how Brenda acts stupid.

This story was simple and focused, I enjoyed it very much! 10/10

Fearless by Rachel Vincent
Sabine is a mara, a girl who feeds when people dream of their fears. Sabine broke some rules and was sent to a similar place to a juvenile detention center. There's something wrong in that place--Sabine can sense it because the place is fearless. Something--something like Sabine--is sucking everyone's fear, making them abnormal (whereas a mara makes them think of the fears and make them normal). Nash, a bean sidhe (or banshee), Sabine's boyfriend helps Sabine to figure out what's happening and how to get Sabine out of trouble...

It was okay...7/10

Vermillion by Daniel Marks
Ghosts have missions--Velvet and Nick are assigned to team up with Amie to catch a soul that messes up with the living. Velvet and Nick are a couple, but Amie's trying to get in the way. There's something off about Amie, and Velvet wants to stop her without losing Nick. This story is about love, trust and whether someone can choose their paths well or not.

I love this story! 9/10

The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater
The story is about Bryant (not a real name of the main character) who lost a friend named Sullivan. Throughout the story, Bryant gives mystery about losing Sullivan. This story is more philosophical than any of the other story in the book. It defines true friendship and how one cope to losing it, being rebellious and wishful thoughts of wanting things to stay the same.

I like this story because it's more mysterious than the others--it's less romantic, less bloody or ghostly, and Stiefvater never mentioned what "they" are throughout the story, but when readers read this, I'm sure they'll want a follow up novel by Stiefvater. ;) 10/10

Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters
This is the last one of my favorites! The story is being told from Cal's perspective, who is the father of one of the girls that died. There was a car crash and Mandy (Cal's daughter) was in it. Before Mandy's trip, Mandy told Cal that Mandy thinks she's in love with Jake--her boyfriend. Then Mandy died. Every other teenager in the crash had seemed to wake up with a miracle. Some parents are happy that their children are safe and sound. Some, like Jake's parents, wants to leave the dead plain dead; it's strange to have your son die one day and alive but different another day. Jake's parents think he's a freak. Time passed and Mandy still hasn't woke up. The story is about Cal, waiting for his daughter to come home.

I love this story! Original and sweet! 10/10

Becca Fitzpatrick
In the ARC I received, Becca's story was TBA (to be announced) so...I didn't get to read it. :(

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

"I cried because everything was broken and I didn't know what to do."

My Rating: 10/10

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication: September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59990-510-5
Page Count: 208 Pages
Age/Grade: 12 and up/7 and up

Avery opened her eyes and she was drenched in blood. Her parents' blood. Avery didn't remember what happened, except that it was silver and it wasn't human--it didn't seem human.

There's the pitying stare from everyone in school and around her. There's Ron--the officer who found Avery in the forest. And Renee, her grandmother who feels like a stranger now.

Everyone backed off when suddenly a part of her hair turned blood red. But not Ben Dusic, the new guy in town.

Ben had silver eyes.

The killer that drenched Avery in her parents blood was silver.

Who was Ben?

Well, Ben turned out to be a werewolf. Despite what Avery knows about the color silver, she still lets herself to be close with Ben. Worse, she wanted Ben like Ben wanted her.

Avery believes Ben. She trusts him.

But what if Ben killed Avery's parents? Or the other families who lived near the forest that were killed?

Read Low Red Moon to understand how in life turning points are bound to happen when you're in love.

What I love about the book: It's sweet and simple, straight to the point but mysterious at the same time. I like how Devlin portrays the conflict in Avery's mind in times Avery has problems. This is a very good book--Twilight fans will enjoy reading this.

What I dislike: A bit cliche about how fast Avery is attracted to Devlin, like Twilight...in a way. But other than that part, I love this book! :D

I'm sure this will be a successful debut for Ivy Devlin!

Ivy Devlin's blog

The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos

"Why did every male believe that if a woman was upset, it was because of her monthly cycle?"

My Rating: 9/10

Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Publication: March 2010
ISBN: 9780578053394
Page Count: 280 Pages
Age Range: Young Adult

I joined Eleni's (from La Femme Reader) book tour for The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos.

The Emerald Talisman is a story about Julia. Julia who witnessed her mother went missing--but doesn't remember a single thing about it. Julia is also the girl who has the ability to feel others' emotions.

In the beginning of the book, Julia met with Nicholas in the woods. Julia had her work shift, and when her car broke down and her cell phone wasn't charged, she decided to just take a shortcut. The really crazy part was the shortcut is through the woods.

Julia fell for Nicholas quickly--either it's from kindness or from the way Nicholas is a bit harder to read. What she didn't know is that Nicholas is...well, half vampire. And Nicholas is a vampire hunter.

Then, there's Phil. Phil who brighten Julia's days sometimes. Phil who went missing.

What exactly is going on?

Pandos had brought a new story to the vampire section--one that involves the vampire hunter and even more danger to the public.

What I love about the book: The pace. It was hilarious--by now it's probably a bit obvious that I kind of like sarcastic remarks--and sophisticated. I like Julia's relationship with Jo and her family. It brings conflicts and also reveal them.

What I dislike: A bit cliche about how Julia was so attracted to Nicholas very fast and how Nicholas ignore them (no..not talking about Twilight. More about almost every other paranormal romance novels where the boys are dark and handsome and where the girls are clumsy and curious).

But it was good--not one-of-my-top-favorites-good, but good good. :D

The Emerald Talisman Official Website

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

"It had the same greasy sheen as oil, casting a rainbow of hues across the plane of the water as it was rippled gently by the waves. But there was something different about it, something she couldn't quite put her finger on."

My Rating: 10/10

Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication: March 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-177981-7
Page Count: 327 pages
Age: Young Adult (940L from Lexile Reading Level)

I am never one for a murder mystery novel, but The Body Finder grabbed readers as soon as the 2nd paragraph was read. "And then there was another sound. Something she couldn't identify. Yet."

Kimberly Derting had successfully written the perfect narrating voice for the perfect mystery story. I was hooked from the first page--perhaps it was the unusual style of writing (to me personally anyway); how it was beautiful and different but also purely intriguing with conflicts.

Violet Ambrose is the main character in The Body Finder. She's in high school, but the prologue started when she was 8, when Violet first discovered a 14-year-old girl's body.

It was always animals' corpse, that Violet found. But she just sense them--it's just there, in the back of her tongue, ringing in her ears. Violet calls them the echoes.

Violet is best friend with Jay, who has been with her ever since 1st grade. They were inseparable ever since. Over the summer, Jay has been idolized because he transformed into a hunk. Violet, who resists her thoughts that she wants to be with Jay more than friends is in deep conflict with herself.

Then one day Violet and Jay (and basically the rest of the school) gathered around the lake for a party. Jay and Violet drove one of the boats until Violet was attracted to something. Violet knows there's a body down there. But is she ready to find out whose it is, knowing the mental-breakdown she's about to face after wards?

Then Violet tries to find the killer. Jay would never let anything bad happen to Violet...

What I love about this book: This book has easily gained its place in my heart as one of my all-time favorites. The voice Kimberly Derting used as an author was exceptional; my words couldn't describe how much I love this book right now. I started reading at 1:34 and I finished a little after 4:30. I seriously couldn't put it down. I like how she actually used the 3rd person perspective and made it work (I usually prefer reading 1st person, really--because what is a story without the character's mind?). I also like how Kimberly wrote the perspective of the killer. It was really a thriller.

What I dislike about the book: Absolutely nothing. I enjoy everything, from the first page to the end. :D

This is highly recommended! Even if you dislike mystery, just try. Because in some aspects, this book has its humor. ;)

Kimberly Derting's Official The Body Finder page

Taurus Eyes by Bonnie Hearn Hill

"He has something to hide, and, for some crazy reason, he's afraid that I might discover it."

My Rating: 10/10

Publisher: Running Press Teen
Publication: May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7624-3671-2
Page Count: 288 pages
Ages: Young Adult

In Aries Rising, the first book of the Star Crossed series, Logan McRae is dealing with the Gears (a school group that dissed the teachers too far that it was far from pranks that are fun and enjoyable) and Nathan (the cute Leo senior who enjoys Logan's compliment). Click here for my Aries Rising review.

In Taurus Eyes, Bonnie Hearn Hill took a different approach. Still mystery--but rather than figuring out the secret members of the Gears, Logan is surrounded by ghosts.

Sure, Logan got accepted to the writing camp she was waiting so long for. This is a dream come true--to work with Henry Jaffa, her favorite author.

On the plus side, there's Jeremy who's handsome. Cold Taurus, yes, but when in relationship, Taurus are "faithful and loyal."

But if in Aries Rising there's Gemini Geneva, in Taurus Eyes there's the hot Texan Vanessa, an Aries. She doesn't seem to even like writing (or even give a damn about it) so Logan really wonders how she can be accepted to the writing camp.

Then Henry Jaffa (with the same sign as Logan, Aquarius), suddenly decides to switches everyone's topic around. Hence, Logan's knowledge on astrology won't really help her to get published in CRUSH, the teen magazine.

She got Sean Baylor, a famous musician that died falling off a boat. That's Jeremy's topic. You can't really start a battle with Taurus, cause you'll be losing it.

But Logan did, and she held on her own. Can Logan work together with Jeremy? The downside; everyone's been saying that they sensed Sean Baylor's ghost and hearing one of his famous song.

Why is Jeremy so cold? Why does he insists on writing about Sean Baylor so bad? Well, it turns out that Jeremy has a secret on his own. Great, just great; while Jeremy won't tell Logan what it is that drives his passion so bad, everyone related to Sean Baylor is making Logan stop researching.

Can Logan be friends with Jeremy? Will Henry Jaffa understands everything?

What I love about the book: Over Aries Rising, I love Taurus Eyes more because it was more mysterious. It was filled with more conflicts, it just intrigued me way more than Aries Rising. I also love how Bonnie Hearn Hill always relates the character traits to astrology, as if astrology is just the simplest way of explaining why a person is like this or that. :D

What I dislike about the book: Again, "the end", people! >:(
If Taurus Eyes didn't come out, I would want to wait for Gemini Night because there are some things with Jeremy that's just left hanging, and obviously I don't like having hanging stories in my head.

Bonnie Hearn Hill's Official Star Crossed series web page.