Carrie Jones Interview

Carrie Jones is the author of New York Times best selling Need, and it's sequel, Captivate. This series is about a girl, Zara, moving to a new town after the trauma of the death of her father. In the new town Zara notices a mysterious man stalking her, with a huge secret. Zara is also caught in the middle of love triangle, both sides of which fiercely protective of her.

TBF: What was your road to becoming an author?
CJ: I wanted to be a writer at a young age, but ended up being a newspaper editor. I started writing down the stories I was telling to my daughter. I realized I enjoyed writing stories more than I enjoyed being a journalist. I went back to school to pursue a masters and soon had a book published.

TBF: What is your inspiration for writing?
CJ: A huge variety of things inspire my from hate crimes to music videos.

TBF: What is your biggest challenge as an author?
CJ: Waking up in the morning.

TBF: Describe your writing in 3 words?
CJ: Action packed , creepy, romantic

TBF: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?
CJ: Live the biggest life you can live; it will make you a better person and it will help your writing. Study people, stories are about human relationships, the more you study relationships, the more you bring to your story.

TBF: How do you create your characters?
CJ: The characters pop into my head and some of them are based on people I had a crush on.

TBF: What are some of your favorite authors?
CJ: Sherman Alexie – I really enjoy his poems.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain-Parent book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Bree Despain
• Pages-384
• Genre-Urban Fantasy/Werewolves
• Series-The Dark Divine book 1
  
• Age-12 to 17
  

Bree Despain has written an interesting book that centers around werewolves. This is the third series I’ve read about werewolves and it was just as captivating as the other series. The story revolves around a family whose father is a Pastor, it was refreshing to read story where you expect the family to have above average life coping skills, and you observe they struggle with the same issues many families struggle with. The Dark Divine contained a few twists and turns that held my curiosity and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The Dark Divine also exposes the readers to kids who don’t have the easiest life. Daniel ,one of the main characters, who struggles to make is on his own after he left a difficult family situation. There is some romance as the teenagers begin to connect. The violence is somewhat graphic as when various people get stabbed. Overall a good read that many teens will enjoy, especially girls who enjoy a bit of romance.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain-Teen book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Bree Despain
• Pages-384
• Genre-Urban Fantasy/Werewolves
• Series-The Dark Divine book 1
  
• Age-12 to 17
  

The Dark Divine is a fantastic mix of myth, sexy bad boy, and stories from the bible. Grace was a headstrong girl who stuck to her beliefs and was a great character to follow throughout The Dark Divine. Daniel, the sexy bad boy, is really one my favorite boy characters, I enjoyed watching him struggle with his identity and his past, despite everything he pressed on. Jude, the brother, was also interesting, being the perfect son but struggling against his past, and Daniel. The mythology was an interesting mix of paranormal fantasy and religion, which I found especially appealing since you don’t find it addressed in a lot of teen paranormal books. The role of ‘pastor’s daughter’ was well done in this book, it seemed real, unlike the cheesy version I find in most books. My biggest complaint was the ending, I just felt it was too easy for Grace. At times I felt The Dark Divine could have gone a little bit faster but in the whole I truly enjoyed, definitely a favorite of mines this year.

Princess in the Spotlight: Princess Diaries II by Meg Cabot-Teen book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Meg Cabot
• Pages-256
• Genre-Realistic Fiction
• Series-Princess Diaries series book 2
  
• Age-11 to 16
  

Princess in the Spotlight: Princess Diaries II by Meg Cabot continued to follow Mia's dramas of being a princess and trying to be an average high school girl. Although before I found Mia's character funny, this time around she seemed more of a drama queen. I did find though that Cabot did a great job making her a normal teenager, in both her actions and voice. I found myself disliking the best friend, Lily, more and more as the Princess in the Spotlight: Princess Diaries II progressed, she was just too controlling of Mia, for my taste. Cabot did start the book on a great foot though that really reeled you in. If you enjoyed the first book this is no let down!

Princess in the Spotlight: Princess Diaries II by Meg Cabot-Parent book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Meg Cabot
• Pages-256
• Genre-Realistic Fiction
  
• Series-the Princess Diaries series book 2
  
• Age-11 to 16
  

Princess in the Spotlight: Princess Diaries II is a light read which focuses on teenage girls, their obsession with themselves and boys. Mia, the main character is very likeable and fun which keeps the story interesting. Though nothing goes beyond a kiss in the book, there is mention of various birth control methods, testicular cancer and other topics related to sex, for these reasons I would recommend this Princess Diaries the Spotlight: Princess Diaries II for girls who are at least thirteen. There is no violence and the language is fine. Though there aren’t any strong life lessons Mia has good morals overall which is nice to see in teenage girls.

Princess in the Spotlight: Princess Diaries II by Meg Cabot-Summary

Quick Facts

• Author-Meg Cabot
• Pages-256
• Genre-Realistic Fiction
• Series-The Princess Diaries book 2
  
• Age-11 to 16
  

This is the sequel to the original Princess Diaries where Mia was the crowned Princess of Genovia. Mia is still adjusting to life as a princess and her first interview does not go as well as she had hoped; now she must try to make amends to her friends and school faculty. Grandmere is in town and ready to continue Mia’s princess’s lesson’s which is another thorn in Mia’s side. Mia’s mother also has some exciting news! Read Princess in the Spotlight:Princess Diaries II to see where Mia’s adventures lead her

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain-Summary

Quick Facts

• Author-Bree Despain
• Pages-384
• Genre-Urban Fantasy/Werewolves
• Series-The Dark Divine book 1
  
• Age-12 to 17
  

Grace Divine is the daughter of the local pastor, the one to set an example for the others. But then Daniel comes back to town, ant things change. Daniel was her brother, Jude’s, best friend until the night Jude was found half dead, the night no one will speak of, the night that Jude never forgave Daniel. Jude warns Grace to stay away but old feelings arise leading Grace back to Daniel, and the secret that left Jude with scars. As Grace learns more and more of the secret she finds she is neck deep in the middle of it, and a decision that she doesn’t know if she can make.

Autographed Book Giveaway: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Our Winner of Last Autographed Book Giveaway for The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong has been chosen! Congrats to Meghan R.!

We are now givingaway an autographed copy of Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.

To see what we thought of Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson see our Summary, Teen book review, Parent book review.

To enter the Book Giveaway fill out this form, you may enter ONCE a day, EVERYDAY, until the book Giveaway ends.

The Book Giveaway ends April 30th! Remember to sign up everyday

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L. J. Smith-Parent book review

Quick Facts

• Author-L. J. Smith
• Pages-272
• Genres-Vampires/Urban Fantasy
• Series-the Vampire Diaries book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening is one of the original teen vampire series, that has now been turned into a TV show. The book and the TV show vary quite a bit and in this case the TV show is a little more complex than the book. Stephan, a vampire, is taken aback when he goes to a new school and meets Elena, who reminds reminds Stephen of Catherine, a girl from his past. The story line is fine, there are no real life lessons or anything else to take from the books. Now that I have read over 6 different vampire series I can’t say there is anything in this series that distinguishes it from the rest. There is romance, but nothing more than a kiss and the language is fine. The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening is a little violent as one of the teachers at the school is found dead in a Halloween haunted house.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L. J. Smith-Teen book review

Quick Facts

• Author-L. J. Smith
• Pages-272
• Genre-Vampires/Urban Fantasy
• Series-the Vampire Diaries book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

The Vampire Diaries: the Awakening was an interesting vampire romance with a bit of a twist. Elena wasn’t as strong as I had hoped, overall she was a strong character, but she needed to be saved time and time again. I also found Stefan’s character too weak, always trying to fight his darker side, I just found him moping around a lot. One thing I did enjoy was trying to figure out Stefan’s secret past as it is slowly unraveled throughout The Vampire Diaries: the Awakening. The book also had a great twist at the end that left The Vampire Diaries: the Awakening with a cliffhanger ending. Still I found the book didn’t move fast enough, and the romance didn’t really catch my interest but that could also be because I never felt for the character. In all, if you want a vampire novel this could be your book but it just didn’t do it for me.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling-Parent book review

Quick Facts

• Author-J. K. Rowling
• Pages-672
• Genre-Fantasy
• Series-Harry Potter series book 6
  
• Age-all ages
  

J.K Rowling has done a fantastic job of continuing this complex story and moving the characters to the next level. The trio are now full fledged teenagers whose hormones are raging and are interested in the opposite sex. This creates tension among the three of them as they each delve into various relationships which leads to some kissing and the teenagers trying to understand their own emotions. Harry’s character matures to a new level as he and Dumbledore try to unravel the mystery of Voldemort, the innocent boy is now officially gone. At the end of the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince one of the main characters dies ( I don’t want to spoil everything) and it is a very sobering experience and could be a little frightening for some younger children. This again initiates a new level of responsibility and maturity for Harry. A fabulous series the only caution I give is for the age of the kids reading the books as the series progresses.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling-Teen book review

Quick Facts

• Author-J. K. Rowling
• Pages-672
• Genre-Fantasy
• Series-Harry Potter series book 6
  
• Age-all ages
  

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is just as thrilling and twisting as it’s predecessors. I do enjoy the more serious feel of this book as Harry draws nearer to his fight with Lord Voldemort. I also enjoy watching the characters dip in and out of romances as they reach maturity. The characters are just as funny and intriguing as they always are, Ron even funnier now that he is older. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is filled with just as much mystery as the other Harry Potters, and it keeps you guessing at the answers till the end. One of my favorite parts of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was learning about Lord Voldemort and the path he took to who he become the Darkest Wizard. J. K. Rowling’s plots are always so complicated and intricate, all her little pieces come together in mysterious and surprising ways. I must admit I find that the Harry Potter books only get better, a must read for all fantasy lovers.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling-Summary

Quick Facts

• Author-J. K. Rowling
• Pages-672
• Genre-Fantasy
• Series-Harry Potter series book 6
  
• Age-all ages
  

It’s a new school year at Hogwarts and when Harry, Ron and Hermoine visit Diagon Alley to pick up their school supplies they discover that Draco Malfoy is up to no good, now the question is what is who is Draco working for and what is he really trying to accomplish. When Harry arrives at Hogwarts Dumbledore has decided to take Harry under his wing and together they try to piece together the life of Lord Voldemort in an effort to understand what they are truly facing. When Harry decides to take potions class at the last minute he uses a copy of an old potions book that turns out to be a real treasure, but the question is who did it originally belong too… Delve into this Harry Potter adventure to discover the answers.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L. J. Smith-Summary

Quick Facts

• Author-L. J. Smith
• Pages-272
• Genre-Urban Fantasy, Vampires
• Series-the Vampire Diaries book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

From the moment Elena sees the new boy Stefan, she knows he has to be hers, there was a connection between them she had never felt before. When Stefan first sees Elena he is shocked by how much she looks like the girl from his past, Katherine. But even as they become closer their relationship is shadowed by the mysterious deaths throughout the small town and Stefan’s lack of trust in himself. Will the deaths be too much for them or will they find a way to trust each other?

Fallen by Lauren Kate-Parent book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Lauren Kate
• Pages-452
• Genre-Urban Fantasy/Angels
• Series-Fallen book 1
  
• Age-11 to 17
  

Fallen is about a teenager girl, Luce, who is sent a away to a boarding school after something bad has happened with a boy she was dating from her school. You don’t know what happened until much later in the book. Luce also sees shadows, which she realizes not everyone else sees, this secret is getting more and more difficult to keep from everyone else. While at the boarding school she meets a boy named Danielle who she feels she has met before, if only she could remember where. Fallen has a mystery about it as the answers to the questions above are revealed. Overall I enjoyed Fallen, though the lack of action made it seem a little slow in the middle of the book. There is a little romance as Luce and Danielle become friendlier, but not more than a kiss. The language is fine and there is very little violence until the end, and it is not graphic. No real life lessons in Fallen, but still an enjoyable read that will be mainly enjoyed by girls.

Fallen by Lauren Kate-Teen book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Lauren Kate
• Pages-452
• Genre-Urban Fantasy/Angels
• Series-Fallen book 1
  
• Age-11 to 17
  

I loved the dark feel of Fallen, and the questions that kept up throughout Fallen. But I was really irritated with Luce’s character, she was well developed but extremely weak, even in the climax she gave in too easily. The ending itself was pretty exciting, it made me want to read the sequel. I found the ‘fantasy’ part of this book was really well developed (not that other parts of Fallen wasn’t) little clues to the ending were littered throughout Fallen, and the ending came together very nicely. Some of the characters that were not one of the main characters felt underdeveloped, and too stereotypical when it came to their main traits. The romance was great, sizzling and kept me wanting more while still tearing me between Cam and Daniel. Fallen was not as fast as I would have liked though, always pulling you along with something to need an answer for or the chance of more romance. Fallen kept dragging me along with secrets, little tidbits, and mystery, but I was never interested enough to feel fully immersed. I enjoyed the idea but I felt it like the book was too slow for me to enjoy. The Mythology was great but Fallen still is not on the top of my list of books to recommend, it just didn't make for me. I did however really enjoy Lauren Kate's The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove.

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison-Parent book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Louise Rennison
• Pages-272
• Genre-Realistic Fiction
• Series-Confessions of Georgia Nicolson book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging is a British novel loaded with that the wonderful British sense of humor. The story revolves around teenage girls as they enter into puberty and become obsessed with boys. I reserve the book for older teens because there is quite a bit of sexual action with teenagers making out and feeling each other up and complete with paid kissing lessons. It’s a light read, however the books seems a little repetitious as the girls continuously obsess over the latest ‘sex god’ as they would call it. I really did enjoy the British sense of humor which kept me laughing the whole way through. There is a glossary at the end, which defines the British slang that not everyone is familiar with which was also very interesting.

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison-Teen book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Louise Rennison
• Pages-272
• Genre-Realistic Fiction
• Series-Confessions of Georgia Nicolson book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

I was laughing out loud as I read Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging, it was hilarious. Georgina, the main character would get herself in the most ridiculous situations that kept me reading. Georgina is a strong original character, and undeniably a high school drama queen. At times I found Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging moving a little slowly for me, it just didn’t fascinate me. If you want a book that will make you laugh I would definitely recommend this one.

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison-Summary

Quick Facts

• Author-Louise Rennison
• Pages-272
• Genre-Realistic Fiction
• Series-Confessions of Georgia Nicolson book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

This is the diary of Georgia, a teenage girl who lives in England. Georgia and her best friend Jas are all hanging out with their friends and finding those boys who they will deem as ‘sex gods’. Throughout the book you feel the highs and lows as the girls encounter various boys. In addition to her friends Georgia’s family; mom, dad and younger sister Libby play a big part in her life as well as her dog Angus who seems to be getting into trouble constantly. This book has that wonderful British sense of humor that will keep you laughing!

Fallen by Lauren Kate-Summary

Quick Facts

• Author-Lauren Kate
• Pages-464
• Genre-Urban Fantasy/Angels
• Series-Fallen book 1
  
• Age-11 to 17
  

For as long as Luce can remember, she has seen the shadows, they hide in the forests and near water, haunting her and they were there the night Trevor died. The night that resulted in her exile to Sword and Cross, boarding school with teen screw ups cameras watching the students . It is there she meets Daniel Grigori, and he is oddly familiar, but she can’t seem to put a finger on where she has seen him, unfortunately for Luce, Daniel seems anything but interested in her. Along comes Cam, a bad boy who makes her heart race and is attracted to her too. But Luce can’t get Daniel out of her head and is desperate to find out Daniel’s secret, but she doesn’t realize how much is at stake…

Fire by Kristin Cashore-Parent book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Kristin Cashore
• Pages-480
• Genre-Fantasy
• Series-The Seven Kingdoms book 2
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

Fire, by Kristin Cashore, is a very poeticly written story. The book is centered around Fire, a monster, but a very beautiful monster that is distrusted by many, and loved by a few. Though she is a monster she has the ability to tell right from wrong as human’s do and the book revolves around this characteristic. There is lots of romance in the book as many men are enchanted with her beauty and come to realize her real beauty more than just her physical looks. Fire does insinuate that people are having sex and one of the girls becomes pregnant. The language is fine, however there is some violence as this is a time of war, but nothing too graphic.

Fire by Kristin Cashore-Teen book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Kristin Cashore
• Pages-480
• Genre-Fantasy
• Series-The Seven Kingdoms book 2
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

Fire was filled with twists and turns set in a wonderful fantasy medieval environment. The action was good in Fire, unfortunately it was pretty slow till the last 150 pages. When the action did hit it was constant and always twisting and had me hooked until it was done. Fire’s character was a little too forgiving to seem realistic, even if the author had reasons to back it up, I found the character almost unfazed in the face of her friend’s betrayals. At times the book gets caught up on the little in Fire’s life letting it drag. The writing was still not my style so I never felt fully pulled into the story. I felt that sex was brought up too casually in Fire, and lost some of its value in a sense, in the story. I enjoyed the idea of the monsters and how it linked into the story, it was something new and refreshing which I also really enjoyed.

Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz-Parent book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Laurie Faria Stolarz
• Pages-272
• Series-Touch series book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

Deadly Little Secrets is a mix of mystery and teenage relationships as Camelia tries to figure out who could be her secret admirer. Camelia has several good friends and other boys who play a part in the story and keep you wondering who her secret admirer could be. A romance does develop between Camelia and Ben, a new boy at school, however their relationship doesn’t go beyond kissing. The language is fine. There is some violence at the end as Camelia’s secret admirer turns out to bea deranged boy that kidnaps her and holds her captive. The mystery of the book holds your attention, however I would caution against having kids read this who have had violent relationships in their life.

Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz-Teen book review

Quick Facts

• Author-Laurie Faria Stolarz
• Pages-272
• Series-Touch series book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

Deadly Little Secrets thrilled with the voice of a psychopath just waiting around the corners of the pages. I kept flipping through the pages, wanting to know what the stalker would do next, how far would he go? What I found especially interesting were the little sections the psychopath wrote, something about them drew me in. Still I wasn’t really surprised about who the stalker was, I felt the author could have done a better job making the stalker less obvious, but in turn, I catch on to twists easily. The main boy character was not as appealing as I had hoped and the romance needed work. I just didn't feel the sizzle in the romance, and Camelia, and Ben went from ignoring each to making out without an in between. Overall Deadly Little Secrets was good, one to check out if you want a bit of a thriller, but some of the other pieces were a little weak.

Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz-Summary

Quick Facts

• Author-Laurie Faria Stolarz
• Pages-272
• Series-Touch Series book 1
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

Camelia is a sixteen year old girl whose life has been changed forever when a boy named Ben rescues her from being hit by a car. When Ben shows up a school she discovers there are rumors that he is connected to his girlfriend’s death. Something about Ben keeps drawing Camelia to him. At the same time Camelia discovers she has a secret admirer who is leaving her notes and presents, the question is who is her admirer, could it be Ben or is it someone else?

Fire by Kristin Cashore-Summary

Quick Facts

• Author-Kristin Cashore
• Pages-480
• Genre-Fantasy
• Series- The Seven Kingdoms book 2
  
• Age-12 to 16
  

Fire is the last of her kind, a human monster who can control the minds of the humans around her not that she needs that with her alluring and exotic beauty. But her father abused his mind controlling abilities leaving her with the peoples hate. But now the kingdom is at war, and stuck in poverty, forcing them to use all their resources, including Fire and her abilities. It is up to Fire and Commander of the Army, Brigan, to save the kingdom.