Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke {review}

Wink Poppy Midnight
by April Genevieve Tucholke
♦publisher: Dial Books
♦release date: March 22nd, 2016
♦hardcover, 352 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦stand-alone
♦sounce: from publisher for honest review

Every story needs a hero.
Every story needs a villain.
Every story needs a secret.

Wink is the odd, mysterious neighbor girl, wild red hair and freckles. Poppy is the blond bully and the beautiful, manipulative high school queen bee. Midnight is the sweet, uncertain boy caught between them. Wink. Poppy. Midnight. Two girls. One boy. Three voices that burst onto the page in short, sharp, bewitching chapters, and spiral swiftly and inexorably toward something terrible or tricky or tremendous.

What really happened?
Someone knows.
Someone is lying.

Review: I make it no secret---I like my stories bizarre and a little bit twisted. Stories that lead you off one way and then explode your mind with things you might never have seen coming, and in completely off-the-wall ways. I like them haunting, enchanting, mind-boggling. Stories like Never Let Me Go, The Accident Season, The Walls Around Us,...undeniable weird and eerie, but completely awesome.  Yes, what I'm saying here, is that Wink Poppy Midnight falls right in line with these wonderful examples of books that are just my taste. Weird, wild, heart-crushing. Absolutely loved every page.

The dynamic of these three characters feels like an enigma, you get an inkling from the get-go (and the synopsis lends to this as well) that you're going to get more from these characters than they initially seem. Midnight seems lonely and a bit tortured, longing to get away from his unhealthy "thing" with Poppy and gets swept along in Wink's whimsical fairy tale view of everything. Poppy seems to lay everything out so straight that there could be no denying her brand of evil. And Wink keeps you guessing if she's just spacey or incredibly naive or just above it all--or maybe something else.

There are times when the writing is literally like reading poetry, with a very defined repetition and rhythm that really hammers the thoughts, feelings, or vivid imagery that each character is trying to convey home.  I loved the use of alternating POV and the short chapters, each one like little intense bursts of voice and thought. Sigh---just writing this review makes me want to read it again right this second. I know this brand of weird won't be everyone's cup of tea, especially with a somewhat not-exactly-cut-and-dry ending.  But this was definitely my kind of book.

*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*

April Genevieve Tucholke is the author of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and its sequel, Between the Spark and the Burn. She loves classic horror movies and coffee. She has lived in many places, including Scotland, and currently resides in Oregon with her husband.

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Becky's View: The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar
♦publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
♦release date: March 21st, 2013
♦hardcover, 314 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦series: The Art of Wishing, book 1
♦source: from publisher for honest review

He can grant her wishes, but only she can save his life.

Margo McKenna has a plan for just about everything, from landing the lead in her high school play to getting into a good college. So when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the chance to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Why should she put her life into someone else's hands?

But Oliver is more than just a genie -- he's also a sophomore at Margo's high school, and he's on the run from a murderer. As he and Margo grow closer, she discovers that it will take more than three wishes to save him.

A whole lot more.

Review:

The Art of Wishing initially drew me in with an absolutely adorable cover and a story about a paranormal being that we hardly ever see in YA fiction: genies!  And yes, we're talking about the 'rub my lamp and get three wishes' sort of genies.  Only this time, Genies have come a long way and been given a fun modern twist.  This story reads almost like a contemporary story: a high school senior, Margo, who is big into theatre and singing gets passed over for her dream part in the high school play for a mousy, untalented sophomore, only everyone else seems to think she is incredible and Margo just can't figure out what could be going on.  She comes to find out the part-stealer has had a little help in the way of a mysterious new boy who is suddenly always around.  

Margo was a little tough to take a first.  Its clear that she is talented and experienced in singing and theatre, but she knows it and the cocky way she reacted to not getting the part made her hard to root for.  Slowly she shows her strengths and grows on you as you get to know her character and some of the things going on in her life (including a very unique dilemma with her and her parents), as she throws herself into the part she did get and becomes closer to Oliver, her new friend who also happens to be a genie.  She has discovered the ring that is his "lamp", so to speak, and now she has three wishes coming.  He tells her they will be his last wishes to ever grant and he sort of chose her because he thought she would be smart and make good wishes, but I was never really sure why he though so highly of her right off the bat.  She does actually play it smart and her character grows as she attempts to make wishes that will not disappoint Oliver's confidence in her.  The stakes are upped when she finds out exactly why these will be his last wishes and the story takes a dark and dangerous turn.

The ending was full of suspense and what happens actually took me quite by surprise!  The Art of Wishing was a fun quick read, light and humorous at times, with a little darkness slipped in; an interesting take on genie legend, and a sweet love story. 

Find Lindsay Ribar online: Website  •  Twitter

Purchase The Art of Wishing:  Amazon  •  Book Depository  •  Indiebound

Becky's View: The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress

The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress
♦publisher: Dial Press
♦release date: Decemeber 6, 2012
♦hardcover, 440 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦standalone
 ♦source: from publisher for honest review

An action-packed tale of gowns, guys, guns –and the heroines who use them all.

Set in turn of the century London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligent and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician's assistant. The three young women's lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man.

It's up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder–and the crimes they believe may be connected to it–without calling too much attention to themselves.

Set in the past but with a modern irreverent flare, this Steampunk whodunit introduces three unforgettable and very ladylike–well, relatively ladylike–heroines poised for more dangerous adventures.

Review:  Look at the cover of The Friday Society. Looks fun, doesn't it?  Looks like a fantastic Steampunk romp (yes, romp... I believe that is the perfect word for this book) through London, featuring three strong, kick-butt characters with distinct talents that are about to set off an adventure, no matter who or what tries to stand in their way. Well, dear readers, what you see is what you get.  Well, except for Nelly (the girl with the playing card)---her character is way more joyful and sparky that she looks there.  But everything else? Perfect. And call me crazy, but I love when a cover perfectly depicts the story inside. 

With an author that also has one foot in acting and directing, I think it would be awesome to someday see this one played out on stage or screen! The atmosphere and imagery is wonderfully described, whether it was a grand crowded party, a mystical magician's act, an intricate piece of weaponry, or a grisly murder scene, Kress's words conjured just the right picture in your mind. 

I loved all three main characters,  all of them are overflowing with attitude and spunk.  Each one has their own strengths and distinct backgrounds: Cora, a lab assistant, has an incredible knack with gadgets and machinery and very practical head on her shoulders.  Nelly, a magician's assistant, has a crazy fun silliness to her while still being incredibly sharp, a flamboyant fashion sense (she adores her stage costumes!) and uses her escape-artist talents both on and off the stage.  Michiko is the most introverted of them, partly because she barely speaks the same language, but also because she has been trained in the art and mentality of a samurai.  She is constantly flabbergasted by how much these two crazy girls she's become friends with like to talk. Each has their strengths and weaknesses, but it was fun watching them grow and learn to trust eachother.  The men in their lives are an interesting mix, most of them a little hard to like (except for Raheem, the magician. I loved his fatherly relationship with Nelly and how he encouraged the girls.)

My few complaints were these:  a few draggy moments in the pacing, a few times where the dialogue seemed just a little out of place, and one or two instances where the silliness put one toe across the line to utter absurdity.  Also, monologuing villians tend to bother me. BUT despite these few minor setbacks, The Friday Society was one entertaining, humorous read that I highly recommend!  This is currently a stand-alone, but I definitely wouldn't mind going on a few more adventures with The Friday Society!

Find Adrienne Kress online:  Website  •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Purchase The Friday Society: Amazon  •  BN.com  •  BookDepository  •  Indiebound

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

The Friday Society
by Adrienne Kress

hitting shelves December 6th from Dial Books

description:
An action-packed tale of gowns, guys, guns--and the heroines who use them all

Set in Edwardian London, The Friday Society follows the stories of three very intelligent and talented young women, all of whom are assistants to powerful men: Cora, lab assistant; Michiko, Japanese fight assistant; and Nellie, magician's assistant. The three young women's lives become inexorably intertwined after a chance meeting at a ball that ends with the discovery of a murdered mystery man.

It's up to these three, in their own charming but bold way, to solve the murder--and the crimes they believe may be connected to it--without calling too much attention to themselves.

Told with Adrienne Kress's sharp wit and a great deal of irreverence, this Steampunk whodunit introduces three unforgettable and very ladylike--well, relatively ladylike--heroines poised for more dangerous adventures.

My thoughts: This book just sound FUN. Murder mystery, steampunkery, badassery---just a great fun combination.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

The Art of Wishing
by Lindsay Ribar

hitting shelves March 21st, 2013 from Dial Books for Young Readers

description:

Margo McKenna has a plan of attack for everything, from landing the lead in her high school musical to dealing with her increasingly absent parents. But when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the opportunity to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Especially since Oliver--not blue-skinned, not bottle-dwelling, but a genie nonetheless--can see more than what she's willing to show him. With one peek into her mind, he can see the wishes that even Margo herself doesn't know she wants.

But Oliver comes with more than just mind-reading abilities, a flair for magic, and the prettiest eyes Margo's ever seen. Someone from his past is hunting him--someone bent on killing him, along with all the other genies in the world, for the sake of honor. And as Margo soon discovers, it will take more than three wishes to save him.

A whole lot more.

My thoughts: Who can resist such a completely amazing cover? Not me!! Genies!! How awesome is that? Not a paranormal being you see much, and especially not in the form of a hottie with pretty eyes...so I'm really excited to see how this story plays out! 

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

The Treachery of Beautiful Things
by Ruth Frances Long

hitting shelves August 16th from Dial Books

description:
A darkly compelling mix of romance, fairy tale, and suspense from a new voice in teen fiction

The trees swallowed her brother whole, and Jenny was there to see it. Now seventeen, she revisits the woods where Tom was taken, resolving to say good-bye at last. Instead, she's lured into the trees, where she finds strange and dangerous creatures who seem to consider her the threat. Among them is Jack, mercurial and magnetic, with secrets of his own. Determined to find her brother, with or without Jack's help, Jenny struggles to navigate a faerie world where stunning beauty masks some of the most treacherous evils, and she's faced with a choice between salvation or sacrifice--and not just her own.

My thoughts: COVER!! :D...ok, the story sounds good too, but really---it's the cover that drew me to this one. Can't be helped.

Waiting on Wednesday - Secrets & Temptations Edition

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for. For my WoWs, I'll be choosing a Sooner (books released in the next month or so) and a Later (books further out). Here's what I'm eagerly anticipating:

Sooner:
The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers
by Lynn Weingarten

hitting shelves on December 27, 2011 from HarperTeen

description:
When her boyfriend breaks up with her on the first day of sophomore year, Lucy has no idea how she’s going to make it through homeroom, let alone the rest of her life. Enter three stunning girls with a magical offer Lucy can’t refuse. All she has to do is get a guy to fall in love with her in the next seven days, and then…break his heart and collect one of his brokenhearted tears. As the girls teach Lucy how to hook a guy (with the help of a little magic), she quickly discovers how far she is willing to go—and who she is willing to cross—to get what she wants.

Fans of Lauren Myracle, Jodi Lynn Anderson, and Meg Cabot will love this tale of breakups, friendship, new crushes, and magic. Told with wit and charm, The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers is sure to be one of this winter’s most irresistible reads!

My thoughts: This one seems to me like it will have the feel of Practical Magic, and I was a BIG fan of that one. Plus---this cover ROCKS.

Later:
Temptation of Angels
by Michelle Zink

hitting shelves March 20th, 2012 from Dial Books for Young Readers

description:
Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance...

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

My thoughts: Michelle Zink. For me, that's all the reason I need. Her Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy made me a faithful fan and if she wants to publish her grocery list, I will read it. LOL. Ok, maybe not, but I am definitely stalking this book.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.


Dragonswood
by Janet Lee Carey

hitting shelves January 5th, 2012 from Dial Books

description:
Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.

My thoughts: Dragons, witches, fairies, and what sounds like an epic journey. This is a high fantasy that is calling my name!! And of course..that cover is outstanding!