Reviews: A Match Made in High School & Hourglass

A Match Made in High School - Kristin Walker
*February 4th, 2010 Razorbill

Kristin Walker's A Match Made In High School is a light-hearted and enjoyable read, both fun and funny. I whipped through this in one afternoon. Walker impressed me in a number of ways with this one. First off, although the concept itself isn't entirely new, she puts a unique spin on it and writes it in a way that's credible. Secondly, I liked the references to little tidbits of information that are a little out-there, a little more literary, which kind of elevates it in a sense. It's romantic, it's dramatic, it's high school and it's humourous - done well.

And the leading lady Fiona? I had moments where I disliked her, then there were moments when she grew on me. Basically, Walker has made her a dynamic character that readers can actually give a hoot about, which is great. And I especially appreciated the fact that it didn't follow the cliche, typical high school romantic outcome.

So sure, it's not exactly deep or controversial or thought-provoking. But if you're looking for some LOL fun, this is the perfect remedy. Fast, fresh and fun, A Match Made in High School is a wonderful debut from Kristin Walker.

Hourglass - Claudia Gray
*March 9th, 2010 HarperCollins

Claudia Gray provides a different take on vampires in her New York Times Bestselling series that began with Evernight. Hourglass is the third installment in the series, and is preceded by Stargazer. I really like the font they chose for the titles of these books. As for Hourglass, I didn't actually end up finishing it.

See, I started Hourglass and I'd been pretty into it - it was action-packed, it was original, etc. I got to Chapter 15 (page 212 of about 339) and stopped for a few days, and after that basically wasn't really able to get back into it. It's been a few months now, since then. On one hand, originally I had found it a pretty enthralling read up to as far as I got. On the other, after stopping, it just didn't hold the same calling any more. (Note - if I ever end up getting back into it and finishing, I'll come back and update this.)

I did like the fact that it was a different take on vampires and vampire hunters. I also liked the fact that there was a distinct sort of vampire mythology present. I also enjoyed the fact that it was very action-packed. So if you're looking for more vampires (or hunters) or action, Claudia Gray's Hourglass is one to check out.

*This is the second installment of mini reviews. The first, featuring Gayle Forman's IF I STAY and Laurie Halse Anderson's WINTERGIRLS, can be found here.

In My Mailbox [33]

Another brilliantly fun week this time around! First, I got Starlighter by Bryan Davis, which was another great surprise. The cover is pretty cool-looking.

And then I got two packages on the same day. First up was the prize pack I won from the awesome Kristin and Lauren through a contest on Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf (her blog's great fun, so check it out :) And this prize pack consisted of an autographed copy of A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker, pencils, gum, bookmarks, a ring, sticky notes, a t-shirt, and a megaphone. The swag is so creative - everything has A Match Made In High School on it, which is really cool. I'm thinking I might wear the t-shirt to school on Monday ;) Thanks so much, Lauren and Kristin! :)

My So-Called Afterlife by Tamsyn Murray was another prize, won from Rhiana Reads. Aren't the cover colors beautiful? And it's signed too, to boot! Thanks so much, Rhiana and Tamsyn!

So there you have it - my week in books. What about you - what was in your mailbox this week?

*In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

PS - If you're not following Lucid Conspiracy yet, might want to start soon ;)