The speed with which I read this book speaks highly to how enjoyable it was.

The story picks up right about where Blue Bloods left off, with the grand Four Hundred Ball approaching. Mimi Force, not finding the upcoming ball to be enough, decides an even more exclusive after party would be an excellent idea. The Ball is already for blue bloods only, but she intends the party to be for the most select. Hurting people, after all, is Mimi's idea of fun. Best friend Bliss doesn't agree.

Elsewhere in the world, Schuyler is in Venice with best friend Oliver, searching for her grandfather, which was Cordelia's last request. Their trip is rapidly approaching a fruitless end when she spies her mother. The same mother who's been in a coma in NY all Schuyler's life. The chase leads not to Allegra, but to a pensione where a professore normally lives, though he hasn't been home in awhile. The locked door opens for Schuyler, providing them with their first clue. Informed that the Professore never misses a Biennale, Schuyler and Oliver head out hoping to find him there.

After more faster-than-human-sight chasing, Schuyler chases down the boy she suspects to be her grandfather, offers the words Cordelia left with her, and wakes up some time later in a foreign bed. She has indeed found Lawrence Van Alen, but as predicted by Charles Force, he wants nothing to do with what she's told him. Schuyler heads back to the states without him.

Back at home things go from crazy to worse. The Ball, the after party, her feelings for Jack Force. Bliss is suffering nightmares and blackouts, waking up places she has no recollection of coming to, always mere steps from danger. Though no one believes her she's sure Dylan is still alive, though after Kingsley Martin arrives at school and admits to having saved her from drowning, she starts to believe she must be mistaken after all.

Mimi, undone by her brother's interest in Schuyler, is growing frantic. She and Jack share an immortal bond, made difficult by their current human relationship. She's ready to reform it, yet Jack remains reluctant. She thinks up a plan to get Schuyler out of the way only to be discovered by her father. Her next plan backfires even more horrendously, leaving her life in the hands of an enemy.

This is an extremely quick-moving story, with surprises at almost every turn. I can't wait to see what else she has in the works.

Prom Nights From Hell: Paranormal stories by five extraordinary authors

Reviewed in starred order:

Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper (5 stars)

by Kim Harrison

"Fantabulous. He's a psycho. I left prom with a knife-wielding psycho. Can I pick 'em or what?" Taken before her "coin was flipped," Madison blames the R.E.A.P.E.R. squad for the screw-up which has left her body in limbo. But what can you do other than swear "Son of a dead puppy," and let the powers that be sort out this mess. Very creative plot; I wish this short story was a lengthy YA novel. Hmmm, maybe I should find that corsage.

Kiss and Tell (4 stars)

by Michele Jaffe

"Foxy girls know that silence may be golden - but only for 4 seconds." So says How to Get - And Kiss - Your Guy, the self-help book Miranda Kiss purchased to hook her crush. During her limo pickup, Miranda receives more than "live in the mo'" boy adivce offered by young Sibby Cumean. This teen package comes with spunk, attitude, oracle tellings, and men with guns. Good thing Miranda has unexplained superpowers and a thing for helping out the good guy. Filled with light adventure and playful teenspeak, this short story is a must read for boy-crazy girls.

Mary is hunting Sebastian Drake, the son of Dracula, so it's understandable that she's aiming an Excalibur Vixen crossbow 285 FPS with a twenty-inch long Easton XX75 (the tip, formerly gold, now replaced with hand-carved ash) where Sebastian's heart would've been if he were human. And if her aim is successful, she'd not only save her best friend who is under the vampire's thrall from certain fate, but the outcome might make Dracula peeved enough to reveal himself. Mary isn't alone in her quest; her father is a mad-scientist seeking a cure for vampirism and she's found a sidekick in falling for her bestfriend's-ex-boyfriend's-friend. Now all she has to do is steady her aim.

...if there's any justice, that is.

There are three things that Fanboy wants more than anything in the world. The first is a mint condition Giant X-Men. Fanboy, who lives with his pregnant mum and "step-fascist" doesn't have many friends in high school. He's a straight A student, a fan of graphic novels, allergic to gym class. He thinks of himself as the smartest kid in school, and is a little annoying to tell the truth. Goth Girl is an outsider too, with few friends and something of an attitude. She is determined not to be just another 'body' for the boys at school to leer at.

Goth Girl and Fanboy go to the same school, but they meet online, after Goth Girl takes mobile phone footage of Fanboy being bullied in gym class and emails it to him anonymously. They bond over their love of graphic novels, and so begins an awkward teenage friendship.

The author really captures the angst of being a 15-year-old, the confusion and uncertainty, the feeling of not belonging and thinking that the whole world is out to get you. I liked how Fanboy almost seems to mature (just a little) towards the end of the book, and how you can see things changing even though he doesn't acknowledge them. Some of the characterisation here was a bit lazy though - it's becoming an annoying stereotype that all female goth teenagers self-harm, and Fanboy is an archetypal geek who secretly lusts after the most popular girl at school like every other boy there.

The subtle details are where this book won me over, like the complexities of Fanboy's relationship with his mum and stepfather, and the way that the two main characters deal with their teachers at school. Read it if you want to relive the horrors of high school in gory detail, or just to be thankful that you're not 15 any more.

Every bit as amazing as it's prequel, if not more so. To do this book real justice I may have to go back and read it again...for reasons I can't really go into without ruining too much, I read it a little too fast.

Picking up where we left off at the end of Twilight, Bella is now recovered from her attack, still dating Edward, and now has a job at a store in town. Life seems pretty much perfect, except for the minor detail of her still not having what she wants.

Despite her wishes, the Cullens have planned a Birthday party for her, and while she's displeased, she tries to cut them some slack, once Edward points out that they've not been able to celebrate a real birthday in over a hundred years. And party-lover or not, she has to admit they've gone all out.

But, clutz that she is, it isn't long before disaster strikes in the form of a paper cut, leading to Jasper having to be dragged from the house, the rest of the family (other than Carlisle) quickly following after. Once she's been stitched up and bandaged. Edward brings her home, and his gift to her makes the night perfect despite the badness. In fact, she can't imagine a better birthday.

But it isn't meant to last.

Abandoned, Bella spends the next handful of months in a daze. At a complete loss, Charlie has know idea how to help her. But she refuses to leave Forks, and so all he can do is watch her struggle on.

Eventually, sparks of life return, as Bella vows to become reckless, purchases two used motorcycles, and heads down to La Push to see Jacob Black about fixing them. While there, she remembers how much she liked being around Jacob, and her visits quickly turn into a regular thing. Between them, and the sound of Edward's voice in her mind with each reckless act, Bella begins to feel alive.

And then Jacob turns on her.

Life quickly becomes on trial after another, as Bella refuses to let Jacob go, and after a mid-night visit does some hard thinking to piece the puzzle together, much to the chagrin of his new friends. Then a cliff-diving stunt gone bad sets in motion a whole 'nother set of events, even more incredible and harrowing.

Even more than Twilight, New Moon will leave you eagerly awaiting what comes next.

(Next installment due out October 2007)

________________

Meyer created a craze with these books, to be sure. Highly Recommended. If you fell in love with Twilight, you'll definitely want to keep reading. If you haven't read Twilight, definitely read it first.

Egg is a geek. Preferring the life of a loner to that of the typical teen, Victoria Jergen has named and styled herself after the heroin of her favorite sci-fi movie, Terminal Earth. With multiple peircings, painted eyebrows, a shaved head, and a wardrobe that always includes a white cloak, Egg is definitely not run-of-the-mill. Her AP schedule, excellent grades, actress mother, special effects designing father, and phenomenal photographic eye make up the rest of the equation. She always does her homework, she always has an answer, she never says hello, and she likes to eat alone. Until Max.

When Max Carter shows up in AP History suddenly, and smelly, has the answers, and proves to be more than her match, Egg's world begins to slide. Suddenly she isn't "the one" anymore, and suddenly she's acquiring interest in something beyond her self-imposed reality.

At first she takes the same cool attitude towards Max as everyone else, with some minor deviations. When her wishes work too well, she finds herself suddenly questioning what she truly wants. As more and more aspects of her every day routine begin to crumble, Egg begins to re-evaluate who she is, and why. Slowly she takes steps to become who she knows she ought to be. Victoria. Human. Flawed. A dreamer, with a lot of talent. An observer and an activist. A friend.

Some painful truths are stumbled upon, some harsh lessons are learned, but through it all Egg/Victoria remains strong. She's a lovable, unique girl---definitely geeky---and will probably find a place in the hearts of readers world-wide.

_____

This was the first of Castelluci's books that I read. I liked it enough to keep an eye out for her name from then on. It definitely filled a niche. I think there are a lot of teens out there who probably really needed a story like this.

When I saw Barry Lyga's bulletin on MySpace about getting a copy of the ARC for his newest book, I jumped on it. And I jumped right in without reading any of the blurbs. Which I generally tend to do if a book grabs me in its first sentence. So by the time I realized where it was all headed, it was too late to stop or go back or put it down. Because it's a great story. And I give unending kudos to Barry for writing it. And I know there are going to be a lot of people who are going to be up in arms.

Josh Mendel attends South Brook High--a school familiar to anyone who's read Fanboy. Josh's High School life has been made up mostly of avoidance. Five years ago his life changed forever, and everyone knows, and he's sure everyone thinks of it every time they see him.

He walks the halls, he plays ball, but that's pretty much where school ends for him. It's pretty much where life ends for him.

At 12, Josh was ahead of his years. Mature, smart in a way most people couldn't understand--himself included, as it just seemed normal to him. When his gorgeous, and young, History teacher, saves him from a pinch one day when school closes due to an insane snow storm, that's it. The pivot point. But he doesn't know it yet.

Life at home hasn't been fun. He's not allowed to play video games, his parents have been arguing. So when Mrs. Sherman asks for Josh's help for a Grad School project, both he and his parents, or his mother at least, are relieved. Josh will have somewhere to be after school, his mother can work without guilt, his father can rest assured his son isn't spending too much time home alone.

At first, Josh spends his afternoons at school. Then at Mrs. Sherman's apartment. Eventually, he's usually eating dinner there.

He becomes an Xbox wizz. George, Mrs. Sherman's husband, comes home after days testing games, to watch Josh play. Eve, Mrs. Sherman, becomes his friend. She treats him like an adult, instead of a child. He figures it can't get any better.

And then she kisses him.

Here comes the up-in-arms part. This is a book about molestation. About a boy who had a relationship with his 24-year-old teacher. About a boy who, on his 13th birthday, went too far in the closet with his best friend Rachel, and could never bring himself to face her again, thus breaking up the four musketeers. And did I mention he thinks it's all his fault?

Even looking back, it's hard for Josh to figure out when things changed. It's all just one long mesh and merge. School, apartment, teacher, friend, video games, making out. The final progression. Indeed, Josh and Eve had plans for an outing, meant to take place just days after the whole ordeal comes to accidental light.

Josh doesn't want to talk. To his parents, to the cops. He promised never to tell, knows how much trouble Eve could get in. Even confronted with the names of boys Eve came on to in the High School, which prompted her transfer to his Middle School, Josh doesn't want to talk. To betray Eve.

But it all comes out. Legal pads full of his handwriting, detailing it all. Because he remembers everything.

School becomes a nightmare. Especially after Eve's testimony ends up on the internet. No names of course, but he knows they know. George makes a light night appearance in his backyard to pummel him. The 13-year-old.

So I suppose it's no surprise that for the next five years Josh wants as little do with people as possible. Wants only to get the hell out of town. Who wouldn't? I'm sure he'd get out of his own story if he could. Just like some readers may want to get out of his story. But will find themselves pulled in. Because it's that good. And it's that worth it.

After all, making it through, arriving at the other side, that's what it's all about.

Chill was born with a bum leg, but that never stopped him from doing anything. In the fifth grade, a new boy came to school and tried to get everyones' respect by picking on Chill and his leg. That didn't go over so well, and Chill just came out looking as cool as ever, while the new kid got what he asked for.

Now, It's sophomore year, and Chill and his best friend Shane get a new english teacher who Chill hates. The new teacher, Mr. Sfinkter, doesn't like Chill very much either. But Shane idolises Mr. Sfinkter, as he's published three books, and Shane dreams to become a writer as well. Sadly, Chill is right; Mr. Sfinkter is manipulative, demeaning, and a downright bully. How will Chill show Shane and everyone else the man that Mr. Sfinkter really is? You can't even begin to imagine.

Even though this book is very short, it's surprisingly intense. When I picked it up, I didn't know what to expect. I just knew that the book looked cool, and like it'd be a good read. It defiantely was, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I can't wait to read the rest of the Orca Soundings Series.

When Ben Wolf goes for his yearly physical prior to Cross-Country season, he gets some rather unexpected news. the worst sort of unexpected news really. But Ben has always felt that he wasn't meant for a nice, long life on this earth, and takes the news about as in stride as anyone can. His doctor is none to pleased, dragging him to a specialist, and swearing him to twice weekly therapy for his silence and pass on the physical. Ben, being 18, knows the decision is his, and threatens legal action should his family find out.

Instead of returning to Cross-Country, where he's a shoe-in for the State Title, Ben turns out for football, much to the amusement of the other players, and bemusement of the Coach. For a pint-sized guy, he's quite the surprise as it turns out. And for a large part of the season, he's their best-kept secret. The Horseshoe Bend game, which will surely go down in Trout History gives him one of the best moments of his life.

Meanwhile, outside school, he's somehow landed the girl of his dreams. A thing he'd never conceived as a possibility. But dying made him bold. And is now tearing him to pieces. Not only does she like him, she forsees a future with him. One he won't be there for. She tells him so secrets so huge he knows he should reciprocate, and yet by that time it seems too late.

The more the year progresses, the more Ben finds that attempting normalcy when the reality is anything but really wasn't a good idea. And they tried to tell him. The doctor, the therapist, the next therapist, Hey-Soos. heck, even town drunk Rudy McCoy has confided an earth-shattering secret in him, and he still can't get the guts to come clean.

He does though. Starting with Rudy, as it happens. And then Coach. And Cody.

Sometimes it goes much better than he could hoped. Sometimes it's about the worst thing ever. Dying aside. Worse than that, even.

While it would seem that this would be a sad tale and a depressing read, it was uplifting throughout and largely funny, with its supremely serious interludes thrown in at just the right junctures. Definitely a recommended read for all.

Benji sees the world in shades of angel and demon, which makes it, more often than not, a rather scary place. While his father may be less trouble than his mother, less abusive, less of a demon-magnet, in order to live with him Benji had to leave his personal angel, Lacie, behind.

Being in a new school suits him, though, as it's easier to disappear when no one knew you were there to begin with. Being labeled a freak is fine with him. As long as no one takes any notice. As long as no one tries to get close. As long as he can hide inside Dogboy.

But when Benji takes a liking to Rianna Moore, things get a little more complex. She isn't like them, but she travles with the in crowd. They don't really see her, but they certainly know she's there. Which makes Benji a bit less of a shadow. And his feelings make him a bit less dead. And wanting to be near her makes it all a bit less safe.

Eventually, the demons start to show themselves. It turns out they're everywhere, and when you've got your own too...well, they travel with you. No matter how much you might want to leave them behind.

But just because they can follow you, and get inside you, and affect you, doesn't make them you. And this is what Benji has to discover. This is the only real path out.

Of all of James' books, I liked this one the best. Most likely because every time he writes one, they just keep getting better. And while they all come with a bit of a harsh face, there is always a light shining through.

________

This is my review from MySpace and my Library website, which earned a comment from Brian, and is basically what started us talking. With Perfect World, James finally solidified his name in the minds of those who decide who's who in YA literature. In fact, our Library copy of the book walked off as soon as we put it out. At this point, it's mysteriously reappeared.

Benji's story really resonated with me. This is the a sort-of flip-side to Perfect World. Highly recommended.

If you appreciate a darker sense of humor, this is a book for you. If not, you might only end up wanting to throttle the cast.

Sarina Summers is perfect in every way. Except for her pinky fingers. Their slight crookedness mars her style, and so when she is 16, she gets drunk and has her mother break them.

Nicole Hicks lives across the street, and has idolized Sarina her whole life. Her mother is nicer, her life is better. As long as you keep her happy, she'll return the favor. And all Nicole wants is to keep this balance. So much so that she intentionally fails 10th grade, thinking it will better her chances for a friendship, when in fact it proves to be her undoing.

Bitty Jack Carlson grew up in a small town, on a Summer Camp. Summers, she attends. The rest of the year, she's home-schooled. The year Sarina attends, life changes forever.

Caught using a hairdryer in an unusual fashion by Bitty Jack's father while he's changing a light bulb, Sarina cries abuse. Camp maintenance workers are no longer allowed into cabins without staff invitation, and her father is not allowed to work in them at all during summer, but otherwise, things mostly blow over. Until years down the line when Bitty Jack is dating Sarina's first boyfriend, and Sarina's life is coming apart at the seems.

Sarina hatches a plan to get Stewart back. The plan? Out herself as an abuse survivor at a Take Back the Night rally, where both Stewart and Bitty Jack will be there to hear. The back-lash causes the Camp to come under siege by the Press and thus ends the Carlson's have always known. So when Nicole Hicks climbs through Bitty Jack's window late one night with her own plan, rather than being afraid, Bitty Jack is mesmerized.

She has few details. They need to hijack the mascot uniform from Stewart. That's all she knows. From the President's Box she looks on, and as we wait for Nicole's plan to hash out, we come to find Bitty Jack had one of her own.

____

This is definitely the oddest book I think I've ever read. I picked it up mainly because of the title. The story was interesting, and definitely darkly humorous, but also kind of disturbing. If dark humor is your thing, I imagine you'd get a kick out of it. If it's not, I'd probably stear clear.