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Merissa (13194 KP) rated Silhouettes in Books
Dec 14, 2017
Silhouettes by E.L. Tenenbaum
Silhouettes is an amazing story about two young teenagers who end up tied to the world they no longer inhabit. Brooke and Tyler run in different circles when they're alive, but when they are dead, they spend time with each other - trying to figure out just what is going on. The differences in their lives are distinguishable and obvious. Not only do they have time together, but they find out about each other's lives, and see the heartbreak and sorrow that those left behind are dealing with. With many a poignant insight, this book is guaranteed to make you think, if not make you cry!
This book is outstanding, so much more than I thought it was going to be (and yes, I know that is vaguely insulting to the author! I'm really sorry!!!) Written from Brooke's point of view, you stay with her as she learns more about those around her than she knew when she was alive. The twist wasn't really a twist, as it became obvious early on. HOWEVER, that really isn't the point! Whether or not you figure it out, it's the emotions that it brings that make the real impact. I was a bit worried it might become preachy, but it never did. So many things are said that hit home to me, but one line that is amazing is simply this: "You don't have to die to be dead inside."
Overall, this book is one that everyone should read at some time in their lives. It's not 'just' a Young Adult book, it is simply a book where the two main characters are teenagers. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book swept me away. The scenes are full of impact and flow smoothly from one to the next. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is outstanding, so much more than I thought it was going to be (and yes, I know that is vaguely insulting to the author! I'm really sorry!!!) Written from Brooke's point of view, you stay with her as she learns more about those around her than she knew when she was alive. The twist wasn't really a twist, as it became obvious early on. HOWEVER, that really isn't the point! Whether or not you figure it out, it's the emotions that it brings that make the real impact. I was a bit worried it might become preachy, but it never did. So many things are said that hit home to me, but one line that is amazing is simply this: "You don't have to die to be dead inside."
Overall, this book is one that everyone should read at some time in their lives. It's not 'just' a Young Adult book, it is simply a book where the two main characters are teenagers. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book swept me away. The scenes are full of impact and flow smoothly from one to the next. I really can't recommend this book highly enough.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Okja (2017) in Movies
Jan 10, 2018
Solid Film
In their efforts to be cost efficient and profitable, the Mirando Corporation creates a breed of "super pigs" that will be able to feed more homes per pig. One pig in particular, Okja, is being raised by little Mija (Seo-hyeon Ahn) in the mountains of South Korea. When the Mirando Corporation come to claim what is theirs, Mija will stop at nothing to get her best friend back.
There is a lot to like about this film, but one primary thing bothered me overall. At one point, Okja takes an extremely dark turn that I was neither ready for nor did I think was absolutely necessary. People that have seen the film probably know exactly which part I'm referring to. It was merely a piece of an overall delightful puzzle that just didn't match.
Solid acting performances abound in the film and it's not just the big names carrying their weight. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal (almost spelled his name right on the first try!) were really in tune with their respective zany characters. As a viewer the two show you that they are more than mere cardboard antagonists, but rather there were layers and levels to their characters that left you with insight. Of course that can't be pulled off without a solid actor/actress behind the helm. Ahn's performance as Mija was stellar. To be able to exemplify such strength and weakness in the same role takes real talent. My personal favorite of them all was Kim's role played by Choi Woo-Shik. His humor is subtle yet sidesplitting. He accomplishes a lot in the small amount of time he's on screen.
This films captures your attention both in its originality and a consistently entertaining pace. Even during the scenes with heavy dialogue, the film managed to hold on to its unique feel that captured my attention in the first place. Prepare to run the gauntlet of emotions as it goes from funny to heartbreaking to heartwarming to just plain sad at times. So glad I saw what I think has the potential to become a cult classic. I give it an 84.
There is a lot to like about this film, but one primary thing bothered me overall. At one point, Okja takes an extremely dark turn that I was neither ready for nor did I think was absolutely necessary. People that have seen the film probably know exactly which part I'm referring to. It was merely a piece of an overall delightful puzzle that just didn't match.
Solid acting performances abound in the film and it's not just the big names carrying their weight. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal (almost spelled his name right on the first try!) were really in tune with their respective zany characters. As a viewer the two show you that they are more than mere cardboard antagonists, but rather there were layers and levels to their characters that left you with insight. Of course that can't be pulled off without a solid actor/actress behind the helm. Ahn's performance as Mija was stellar. To be able to exemplify such strength and weakness in the same role takes real talent. My personal favorite of them all was Kim's role played by Choi Woo-Shik. His humor is subtle yet sidesplitting. He accomplishes a lot in the small amount of time he's on screen.
This films captures your attention both in its originality and a consistently entertaining pace. Even during the scenes with heavy dialogue, the film managed to hold on to its unique feel that captured my attention in the first place. Prepare to run the gauntlet of emotions as it goes from funny to heartbreaking to heartwarming to just plain sad at times. So glad I saw what I think has the potential to become a cult classic. I give it an 84.
Merissa (13194 KP) rated Hell & High Water (THIRDS #1) in Books
Jun 27, 2017
Hell & High Water (THIRDS #1) by Charlie Cochet
Hell & High Water is the first book in the THIRDS series by Charlie Cochet. It starts with Dex putting his work partner behind bars for shooting a Therian in the back in cold blood. Of course, this doesn't go down very well with others in the police force so he gets beaten up for his trouble on more than one occasion. He also gets shunted out of his job into a new one with the Therian force, called a promotion to help it go down easier. When he gets there, he realises that his new team is in trouble, and he has some big boots to fill. This is also whilst they have an ongoing investigation, plus the tensions within the team.
This book had me laughing out loud with Dex's comments and snark, whilst in the next breath, my heart was breaking for him/them/her (whichever one of the team that was being spoken about). Although Dex could be called high maintenance, his humour is his shield and he wields it with precision! He has a brain and eyes, and isn't afraid to use them - seeing connections and things that others are trying to hide. There isn't a lot of unnecessary drama with Dex, the drama that is there is usually for a reason. Sloane doesn't want a new partner, but is on his last warning. To his surprise, Dex is accepted by most of the team quicker than he would have thought possible. To his dismay, he finds that he also likes him, although he doesn't want to.
This book is excellently written, and will draw you in as you stay with Dex as he goes through everything. The pace is smooth throughout, building up to the climax that will leave you breathless. Full of emotions, whether they are 'good' or 'bad', as a reader you will experience a whole gamut of them. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. Highly recommended, and I can't wait to continue with this series.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book had me laughing out loud with Dex's comments and snark, whilst in the next breath, my heart was breaking for him/them/her (whichever one of the team that was being spoken about). Although Dex could be called high maintenance, his humour is his shield and he wields it with precision! He has a brain and eyes, and isn't afraid to use them - seeing connections and things that others are trying to hide. There isn't a lot of unnecessary drama with Dex, the drama that is there is usually for a reason. Sloane doesn't want a new partner, but is on his last warning. To his surprise, Dex is accepted by most of the team quicker than he would have thought possible. To his dismay, he finds that he also likes him, although he doesn't want to.
This book is excellently written, and will draw you in as you stay with Dex as he goes through everything. The pace is smooth throughout, building up to the climax that will leave you breathless. Full of emotions, whether they are 'good' or 'bad', as a reader you will experience a whole gamut of them. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. Highly recommended, and I can't wait to continue with this series.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
SummerLGrant (185 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale - Season 1 in TV
Aug 2, 2017
Very true to the book, any expansion feels like a natural evolution (3 more)
An amazing cast bringing the characters to life
So good at tugging at all sorts of emotions
Relevant, now and always
Everyone needs to watch it
It comes from a small but powerful book. So disturbingly close to how reality could be it's not really surprising how relevant it is to what's happening in the world. Although tackling hard topics, often with harsh outcomes, the show treats every dark twist and turn with empathy - the writers don't want to shy away from the important issues but at the same time they don't want us to flinch and stop watching because it's important that we see.
There are some differences to the book, of course. The main one being June, she's stronger in the show, more determined. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because they had to make adaptations in order for it to work on the screen and I think they way they've done it is genius. She doesn't come across as an entirely different character, if you compare her to the June from the book it's more like they mostly travelled the same path but made a few different decision along the way. Along with this stronger June comes a bit more hope, is it possible that she'll be able to escape? Is it possible that she'll meet Moira, Luke and Hannah again? Can there really be an end to the regime in Gilead?
Each of the characters are strong and memorable, brought to life by a brilliant cast of people. One minute you can be sympathising for them and the next absolutely loathing them. Not only is that a sign of how good the acting is but also how amazing the writing on the show was. A tense show that builds up throughout the series, while it never feels over-packed it is full of messages for all of us to take to heart and keep in mind.
With a second season confirmed it's now going beyond the scope of the book and that's exciting, we get to see where June's story goes and with the open-ended way the book finished who knows where it'll go.
There are some differences to the book, of course. The main one being June, she's stronger in the show, more determined. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because they had to make adaptations in order for it to work on the screen and I think they way they've done it is genius. She doesn't come across as an entirely different character, if you compare her to the June from the book it's more like they mostly travelled the same path but made a few different decision along the way. Along with this stronger June comes a bit more hope, is it possible that she'll be able to escape? Is it possible that she'll meet Moira, Luke and Hannah again? Can there really be an end to the regime in Gilead?
Each of the characters are strong and memorable, brought to life by a brilliant cast of people. One minute you can be sympathising for them and the next absolutely loathing them. Not only is that a sign of how good the acting is but also how amazing the writing on the show was. A tense show that builds up throughout the series, while it never feels over-packed it is full of messages for all of us to take to heart and keep in mind.
With a second season confirmed it's now going beyond the scope of the book and that's exciting, we get to see where June's story goes and with the open-ended way the book finished who knows where it'll go.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated If I Fall, If I Die in Books
May 10, 2018
Will Cardiel and his mother live together in Thunder Bay. To Will's knowledge, he has never been outside of his house. He has never been to school, never had a friend, and has never been to a family members for the holiday. His mother has taught him everything; how to create masterpieces on canvas, how to write a check and how to answer the door for all the different delivery people who visit their house.
When Will hears a loud bag Outside, he is determined to find out what it is and why his mother insists he stays Inside. Will's Mom, Diane, is agoraphobic and the idea of Will or herself going Outside sends her to a place, Will calls the Black Lagoon. When Will finally makes it Outside, he's not sure what the big deal is. He find himself on the Outside more and his mom gets sucked deeper into the Black Lagoon.
Michael Christie writes an interesting quirky novel that keeps the reader guessing about where they are. While the location of most of the book takes place in the town of Thunder Bay in Canada, but the Cardiel's have named each room in their house after a major city. The Basement is Toronto, the Kitchen is Paris, Will's Room is New York, Diane's Room is San Francisco, the Living Room is Cairo and the Bathroom is Venice. Inside and Outside are capitalized throughout the book as if they also are their own little towns.
I have never met anyone who has agoraphobia before. Diane reminded me of Joan Cusak's character on the show Shameless. When she was first introduced into the show, she could not leave her house.
While Will is Outside, Diane tries all she can to relax. Will these two be able to both live their lives in a reasonable manner? Is there any way for Will to enjoy the Outside without sending his mother so far into the Black Lagoon, she may never return. This is a beautifully written book, but it gave me many mixed emotions throughout.
**I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.**
When Will hears a loud bag Outside, he is determined to find out what it is and why his mother insists he stays Inside. Will's Mom, Diane, is agoraphobic and the idea of Will or herself going Outside sends her to a place, Will calls the Black Lagoon. When Will finally makes it Outside, he's not sure what the big deal is. He find himself on the Outside more and his mom gets sucked deeper into the Black Lagoon.
Michael Christie writes an interesting quirky novel that keeps the reader guessing about where they are. While the location of most of the book takes place in the town of Thunder Bay in Canada, but the Cardiel's have named each room in their house after a major city. The Basement is Toronto, the Kitchen is Paris, Will's Room is New York, Diane's Room is San Francisco, the Living Room is Cairo and the Bathroom is Venice. Inside and Outside are capitalized throughout the book as if they also are their own little towns.
I have never met anyone who has agoraphobia before. Diane reminded me of Joan Cusak's character on the show Shameless. When she was first introduced into the show, she could not leave her house.
While Will is Outside, Diane tries all she can to relax. Will these two be able to both live their lives in a reasonable manner? Is there any way for Will to enjoy the Outside without sending his mother so far into the Black Lagoon, she may never return. This is a beautifully written book, but it gave me many mixed emotions throughout.
**I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.**
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated The Supers )The Supers #1, Dreamspun Beyond #6) in Books
May 14, 2018
GREAT book, good narration
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted the AUDIO file of this book.
Flynn joins Blaine's paranormal research group, and they visit an abandoned hospital. Things get real creepy and the guys are faced with a possession, a haunting a tragic love story and a twist I did not see coming!
Another one of those books that kinda creeps up on ya and you have no idea, not a single clue about how its all gonna go down!
While there is immediate attraction between Blaine and Flynn, it takes a while for them to act on it.
The story of Room 204 builds at an even pace and there were points where I had to rewind, and double check that Blaine had in fact, called Flynn David. The story of Room 204 (that's how I heard it, with a capital R, if that makes sense!) did not play out how I was expecting it to!
It's a little . . . fluffier. . . than other books I've read of Michael (Three Wishes) but it is a DreamSpun Beyond and they are generally so. Just enough heat and passion between Blaine and Flynn to keep the heat level high, but not scorching. Right for this book.
Kenneth Obi narrates.
Mostly, I enjoyed Obi's narration. His reading voice is clear and deep and he got over the emotions of Blaine and Flynn in all the right ways, in all the right places.
His voice for the 204 ghost comes across as really REALLY nasty in some places, though, and that is probably why I did not see that ending coming at me.I thought the ghost was going to be a bit more vengeful.
And the voices Obi gives to Blaine and Flynn are far too similar for my crappy hearing to make out the difference between them, so I struggled a bit keeping up with conversations between them
BUT!!! I will give Obi another go, as this is the first of his work I listened to.
5 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
4.5 (rounded down to 4) overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Flynn joins Blaine's paranormal research group, and they visit an abandoned hospital. Things get real creepy and the guys are faced with a possession, a haunting a tragic love story and a twist I did not see coming!
Another one of those books that kinda creeps up on ya and you have no idea, not a single clue about how its all gonna go down!
While there is immediate attraction between Blaine and Flynn, it takes a while for them to act on it.
The story of Room 204 builds at an even pace and there were points where I had to rewind, and double check that Blaine had in fact, called Flynn David. The story of Room 204 (that's how I heard it, with a capital R, if that makes sense!) did not play out how I was expecting it to!
It's a little . . . fluffier. . . than other books I've read of Michael (Three Wishes) but it is a DreamSpun Beyond and they are generally so. Just enough heat and passion between Blaine and Flynn to keep the heat level high, but not scorching. Right for this book.
Kenneth Obi narrates.
Mostly, I enjoyed Obi's narration. His reading voice is clear and deep and he got over the emotions of Blaine and Flynn in all the right ways, in all the right places.
His voice for the 204 ghost comes across as really REALLY nasty in some places, though, and that is probably why I did not see that ending coming at me.I thought the ghost was going to be a bit more vengeful.
And the voices Obi gives to Blaine and Flynn are far too similar for my crappy hearing to make out the difference between them, so I struggled a bit keeping up with conversations between them
BUT!!! I will give Obi another go, as this is the first of his work I listened to.
5 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
4.5 (rounded down to 4) overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Tokyo Heat (Nights #3) in Books
May 14, 2018
another scorching hot one!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book three in the series, and you really SHOULD read book one, One Night, first. This is a continuation of Gabe and Cam's story. And it's a 5 star read! Book two, The Escort ain't too shabby either!
A year ago, Cam and Gabe decided one night would never be enough. Then Gabe says those three little words and Cam's world implodes, and he runs.
I loved One Night, made a new shelf for it and everything. But, while still a great, sexy read, I found this one lacking in the emotions i expected with someone running when told I love you.
Oh! Don't get me wrong, these guys still burn high, and hot and long. I just didn't feel connected to Cam as much as I did to Gabe. Because we get Gabe dealing, or rather NOT dealing with the fact that Cam ran, but we don't get much of Cam after he runs, you know??
BUT OH.MY.GOD! When Cam pulls his head out of his ass and gets his act together and finally realises what that pain in his chest is?? That it's what he's feeling for Gabe?? He redeems himself in spectacular fashion! **that fanning again, girls!**
I saw something going on between the two guys who own the company Gabe works for. I wonder what's going on there and whether they will get a story?? It's not book 4 or 5, cos I have those all lined up ready to go, but I HOPE they get a story!
Ah, you know what?? Stuff it! I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page because of that not connecting to Cam thing. But now I'm typing it up, I think that's just CAM, you know?? He doesn't want you to know what he feels for Gabe, what he's dealing with while they are apart. He wants GABE to know, just how deeply he loves him. He DOES love Gabe, he just never thought he could love anyone.
So! Upgrading to...
5 even more scorching stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book three in the series, and you really SHOULD read book one, One Night, first. This is a continuation of Gabe and Cam's story. And it's a 5 star read! Book two, The Escort ain't too shabby either!
A year ago, Cam and Gabe decided one night would never be enough. Then Gabe says those three little words and Cam's world implodes, and he runs.
I loved One Night, made a new shelf for it and everything. But, while still a great, sexy read, I found this one lacking in the emotions i expected with someone running when told I love you.
Oh! Don't get me wrong, these guys still burn high, and hot and long. I just didn't feel connected to Cam as much as I did to Gabe. Because we get Gabe dealing, or rather NOT dealing with the fact that Cam ran, but we don't get much of Cam after he runs, you know??
BUT OH.MY.GOD! When Cam pulls his head out of his ass and gets his act together and finally realises what that pain in his chest is?? That it's what he's feeling for Gabe?? He redeems himself in spectacular fashion! **that fanning again, girls!**
I saw something going on between the two guys who own the company Gabe works for. I wonder what's going on there and whether they will get a story?? It's not book 4 or 5, cos I have those all lined up ready to go, but I HOPE they get a story!
Ah, you know what?? Stuff it! I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page because of that not connecting to Cam thing. But now I'm typing it up, I think that's just CAM, you know?? He doesn't want you to know what he feels for Gabe, what he's dealing with while they are apart. He wants GABE to know, just how deeply he loves him. He DOES love Gabe, he just never thought he could love anyone.
So! Upgrading to...
5 even more scorching stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Building Bonds (Kiss of Leather #1) in Books
Apr 24, 2018
great start to the series.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I have a soft spot for male/male romances, and a soft spot for BDSM books. Stick the two together, and you have a sure fire winner!
What I particularly enjoyed about this one, was that Kyle had, up to now, no interest in the BDSM world! His friend, Marshall, recommended him to his previous Master's new business venture, a club. Kyle is a master at BDSM hardwear; crosses, benches and the like but has no interest in using them, he just makes them. He tells himself this often enough, he'll begin to believe it! That is, until he comes face to face with Gavin. Kyle can no longer deny his feelings. Gavin is Sir, Master to his subs. He believes in the full and total submission of his subs. Kyle pushes ALL of Gavin's buttons and then some!
Master Josh, and Master Derek are joint business partners with Gavin, and we get a little, but not much, insight into their lives. I'm hoping that somewhere along the way we will get more of Master Josh and his partner, his sub, David. Master Derek has his story up next.
What I also really liked, and, being honest here, cos you know I gotta say, was this: the relationship moves at SPEED between Master Gavin and Kyle. Ordinarily, I wouldn't like that, more so in a BDSM book, but it felt right and proper for Master Gavin to fall so utterly in love with the shy sweet man that is Kyle.
Laying down of future books happens too, and I can't wait to read them! I have a feeling that all these guys, those we have already met, and those we haven't, are going to fall in love fast and deep and HARD and I cannot wait!
I've read a couple of Ms Knight's books before, I like the way she concentrates more on the emotions involved in BDSM, rather than the actual physical parts.
Great start to the series!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I have a soft spot for male/male romances, and a soft spot for BDSM books. Stick the two together, and you have a sure fire winner!
What I particularly enjoyed about this one, was that Kyle had, up to now, no interest in the BDSM world! His friend, Marshall, recommended him to his previous Master's new business venture, a club. Kyle is a master at BDSM hardwear; crosses, benches and the like but has no interest in using them, he just makes them. He tells himself this often enough, he'll begin to believe it! That is, until he comes face to face with Gavin. Kyle can no longer deny his feelings. Gavin is Sir, Master to his subs. He believes in the full and total submission of his subs. Kyle pushes ALL of Gavin's buttons and then some!
Master Josh, and Master Derek are joint business partners with Gavin, and we get a little, but not much, insight into their lives. I'm hoping that somewhere along the way we will get more of Master Josh and his partner, his sub, David. Master Derek has his story up next.
What I also really liked, and, being honest here, cos you know I gotta say, was this: the relationship moves at SPEED between Master Gavin and Kyle. Ordinarily, I wouldn't like that, more so in a BDSM book, but it felt right and proper for Master Gavin to fall so utterly in love with the shy sweet man that is Kyle.
Laying down of future books happens too, and I can't wait to read them! I have a feeling that all these guys, those we have already met, and those we haven't, are going to fall in love fast and deep and HARD and I cannot wait!
I've read a couple of Ms Knight's books before, I like the way she concentrates more on the emotions involved in BDSM, rather than the actual physical parts.
Great start to the series!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
The first thing that I found curious was that the author does not begin with when Sophie first discovers who she is, but instead begins with what incident propels her to switch to the paranormal-reject-filled boarding school, Hecate Hall - also affectionately known as "Hex Hall." The incident shows the softer side of Sophie, so it is easy to predict the choices she makes throughout the rest of the book.
Hecate Hall is similar to any other high school, just with a paranormal twist. The werewolves can still talk and walk upright, so they are not considered true shapeshifters. The fairies don't have to hide their wings, can turn into balls of light for travel, communicate through mirrors, as well as many other traditions of legend - but all seem to be pretentious snobs. The witches are divided into dark and light, and Sophie is unknowingly cast as a dark witch, though she can't guess how, which puts her in the line of fire from the other three dark witches on campus, who swing from classic "mean girls" to her best friends unpredictably. Plus, what school would be complete without the resident "hottie", whom Sophie can't help but fall for, especially since fate keeps putting the two of them together. And finally, two vampires also reside at school - though they are not considered equals - Sophie's roommate, Jenna, as well as a teacher condemned into hiding, none other than Lord Byron, the poet. While Lord Byron's role turned out to be a major disappointment, Jenna seemed to be the one with all of the secrets, even as she is repeatedly blamed for the new deaths cropping up.
Sophie is easy to like, with a fantastic sense of humor and strong moral sense. The flip-flopping emotions of the cast of characters matched the average teenager well, and made for many entertaining situations. The many surprises that saturated the plot made the book engaging, and I look forward to reading about what Sophie does with her new-found information about herself in the next book, Demonglass.
Hecate Hall is similar to any other high school, just with a paranormal twist. The werewolves can still talk and walk upright, so they are not considered true shapeshifters. The fairies don't have to hide their wings, can turn into balls of light for travel, communicate through mirrors, as well as many other traditions of legend - but all seem to be pretentious snobs. The witches are divided into dark and light, and Sophie is unknowingly cast as a dark witch, though she can't guess how, which puts her in the line of fire from the other three dark witches on campus, who swing from classic "mean girls" to her best friends unpredictably. Plus, what school would be complete without the resident "hottie", whom Sophie can't help but fall for, especially since fate keeps putting the two of them together. And finally, two vampires also reside at school - though they are not considered equals - Sophie's roommate, Jenna, as well as a teacher condemned into hiding, none other than Lord Byron, the poet. While Lord Byron's role turned out to be a major disappointment, Jenna seemed to be the one with all of the secrets, even as she is repeatedly blamed for the new deaths cropping up.
Sophie is easy to like, with a fantastic sense of humor and strong moral sense. The flip-flopping emotions of the cast of characters matched the average teenager well, and made for many entertaining situations. The many surprises that saturated the plot made the book engaging, and I look forward to reading about what Sophie does with her new-found information about herself in the next book, Demonglass.