Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

I didn't expect to like this book.  Artemis Fowl came to my attention during a time when a lot of other teen or young adult novels were becoming wildly popular, and they all seemed too alike for my taste.  However, I like the dark side of young Master Fowl.  I like the strange way the character sucks you in to the story, despite the fact that he really is the bad guy of the tale.  This story centers around a brilliant 12 year old boy who masterminds a plan to rob fairies of their gold.  It's like nothing you've ever read before, even if you consider yourself to be an expert on fairies or teen novels.  This one is dark, interesting, and yet amazingly addictive.  I, for one, will be searching for the next in the series.  Five smiles and a wink for the twist I spent the entire book trying to figure out. Do yourself a favor, and check out this fast read.

Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

This first book in the Drake Chronicles was a freebie being offered on my nook.  Always being interested in new authors and their writing styles, I gave it a chance.  This book was fun and entertaining, a quick read that could easily become someone's guilty pleasure. The book follows the Drake family, vampires, and their family troubles.  The story is much more geared toward teenagers, in that it stays in the teenage realm and doesn't venture into adult topics (like some other vampire novels).  Harvey is obviously a more green writer, her style is developing and is not perfect.  That being said, I'm planning on getting the other Drake Chronicles soon because her characters were well developed and interesting.  This one earns 3 smiles.

Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is back and this time he's Roman!  My excitement for this book began when I finished The Lost Hero and realized that this book must exist.  I was not at all disappointed. Percy is better than he has ever been, with more confidence.  Mr. Riordan also does an amazing job, once again, at keeping our Greek and Roman mythology accurate and interesting.  Percy's new pals, Hazel and Frank, are two of my new favorite people.  My only complaint?  The 3rd book in this series isn't currently in my hands (although it just hit shelves last week).  Five big, huge smiles.  Coincidentally, this book is also highly recommended for teens.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson fans, rejoice!  The Greek mythology you crave is back and better than ever, because this time Roman mythology is coming with it.  Meet Jason, Piper, and Leo: three all new demigods that you will adore.  The story is heart pounding, the characters are lovable, this is simply a MUST READ.  Be warned, however, there is a sequel and you will want to read them together!  5 smiles for this new favorite.

The Fire by James Patterson

The highly anticipated 3rd book in the popular Witch and Wizard series for teens finally made it into my hands this month.  Once again, Mr. Patterson has brought a story with such passion and intrigue that teens everywhere will be scrambling and begging to keep reading.  In a style similar to Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins), this conclusion explodes the traditional happy ending and replaces it with something more realistic.  The characters you love are back, and their enemies are stronger than ever.  Teens and adults alike should read this one to find out how their favorite heroes, Whit and Wisty, will survive.  5 big smiles.

Guilty Wives by James Patterson

James Patterson has done it again.  This time bringing us an amazing story of the strength of one woman's dedication to truth and justice.  Abbie finds herself in a french prison, trying to keep her spirit amidst turmoil.  Her story is fast-paced, scary, and fierce.  I found a woman I can learn from in this book of trials, and that I wasn't expecting.  5 big smiles for Mr. Patterson.  Well done, sir.

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

Rarely in life do I find a book that I am torn between handing to everyone I know or rereading until the cover falls off.  This is that book.  I hesitated to pick up a book about God and faith, although I'm a faithful person.  I shouldn't have hesitated.  Whatever you believe, the Shack is a good place to start.  Confronted with a letter that appears to be from God, a man must decide if he will journey to the place of his nightmares.  What happens when he makes the choice helps people everywhere answer questions about faith and religion.  Read it. 5 Big Smiles, plus a teary face...which popped up for me more than once.
www.theshackbook.com

Summer of Fire by Linda Jacobs

This is a fictional story that parallels the true story of the Yellowstone forest fires of 1988. The story begins slowly, but eventually the tug off the characters and the shortened chapters bring you in. The excitement and energy of the end just didn't justify the slow beginning for me. This one earned only one smile.

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

In the style that is fast becoming classic Picoult, this book brings family to the forefront of your mind as you wonder what you would do in their shoes.  This time, the story follows the dysfunctional family of a man who literally lived with wolves as they make the hardest decision of their lives.  The novel will pull at your heart and sense of values; making it a great read for book clubs or a group of friends.  Read it, then pass it along because this one is sure to spark conversations.  5 smiles, plus a small tear drop...even my eyes watered on this one.

Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline

Lisa Scottoline brings an exciting thriller that will leave the back of your seat cold and lonely as you perch on the edge.  The story is face-paced and intense, reading like an action movie.  There are some scenes that will be almost inconcievable, especially for people who don't happen to know a pair of identical twins, but it never fails to entertain.  A hearty 4 smiles for this book, highly recommended.

Toys by James Patterson

In my opinion, even a weak James Patterson book is better than a strong book by most authors.  That being said, this was not my favorite book by Mr. Patterson.  The story line seemed a bit "been there, done that" to me.  I felt as though this was a story line that has been explored, in a similar manner, by other movies or books in the past.  However, James brought a new twist to the story and managed to tell it in such a way that I was still engaged and loved the characters. Combine that with an ending I adored, and this ended up being a four smile book...with a wink for the ending.  Nice work, Mr. Patterson, nice work.  Fans of science fiction or of Mr. Patterson should add this one to the list.