Saturday, September 06, 2008

Ink Exchange
by Melissa Marr

Ink Exchange is somewhat of a sequel to Marr's Wicked Lovely, except that it's from Leslie's perspective. Leslie knows nothing of the world of Faerie, she knows only her abusive homelife and terror and pain. She desperately wants to have something of her own, and decides to get a tattoo.
But Leslie doesn't know the true nature of the world she lives in, nor does she understand the true nature of the tattoo she decides upon. And little does she know, a single tattoo will give her exactly what she wants, and change her life forever.

Ink Exchange was definitely a good read, though it didn't seem to come to a final resolution. The story faded out when it seemed it was leading to a larger conflict. Nonetheless, a good read for teen girls.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Monday, September 01, 2008

Raising the Griffin
by Melissa Wyatt

I picked this book up because of the title. It had the word griffin in it, and there was no summary on the back of the book. When I found out it was about a prince, I expected it to be some stereotypical fairytale, but it wasn't. Not at all.
Alex comes from a long line of royalty, but they haven't assumed the Rovenian throne in years, not since it was taken over by communism. But now he is called up to become a Prince, and his father to become King. Alex struggles to maintain his identity and freedom under the grip of his new duties. His is faced with many challenges, some that seem insumountable. But with steadfast courage and the help of those close to him, he realizes what it truly means to be Prince Alexei Varenoff.
This book was awesome, and I could hardly put it down at the end. The story is very grounded and real with a well-developed set of characters.
Recommended for all teens, 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.