Doll Bones - Book Review

Doll Bones
by Holly Black, with illustrations by Eliza Wheeler

What is it about:
Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them. Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing... and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice.

But one night the girls pay Zach a visit, and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences. Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – who claims that it is made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity...

What did I think of it:
Yes, I know. I still haven't read the last book in the Modern Faerie Tales trilogy. But once again an author was unjustly hated on by people, so I bought one of her books as my way to support her. And the beautiful cover illustration drew me into picking it up right away.

In my opinion this story is less spooky tale than it is a story about friendship and growing up.

Zach is at that awkward age where you still want to play with your toys, but the outside world is starting to try to push you into growing up. When his father throws his toys out he is convinced he has to stop playing. His two best friends Poppy and Alice want his help with dealing with a haunted doll however.

The journey they make is one that is wonderful, and full of danger and adventure, as well as being a journey both in the physical and psychological sense. I rooted for them to find a way to conclude their adventure in a way that would make it possible for them to move forward together while still holding on to the good things of their childhood.

The haunted doll is a beautiful paranormal touch to this otherwise contemporary tale of friendship and finding your place. A lot of the things the three of them struggle with were familiar and reminded me of myself when I was that age. This book is definitely a keeper.

Why should you read it:
It's a touching story about friendship and growing up with a hint of the Paranormal


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Valiant - Book Review (repost)

I did a reread ofthis book, but pretty much still agree with my review from 2014 (except that I now have read the first book), so here's a repost.


Valiant (Modern Faerie Tales #2)
by Holly Black

What is it about:
When seventeen-year-old Valerie runs away to New York City, she's trying to escape a life that has utterly betrayed her. Sporting a new identity, she takes up with a gang of squatters who live in the city's labyrinthine subway system.

But there's something eerily beguiling about Val's new friends.
And when one talks Val into tracking down the lair of a mysterious creature with whom they are all involved, Val finds herself torn between her newfound affection for an honorable monster and her fear of what her new friends are becoming.

What did I think of it:
This is the second book in a series, but as it has different characters than the first book (as far as I understand) it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first book, but I didn't feel like missing out on anything.

I will confess being surprised by how dark and gritty this book is. I've gotten used to YA books that shy away from really serious topics, but this book takes you down in the underbelly of society. There's drug use, abuse, bad language, and more. It made for intense reading and I really liked it, but I can understand how some people could be disturbed by the grittiness of this book.

For me the darkness of the world building fitted with the story. I was drawn into the events and couldn't escape until I finished the book. I liked getting to know Val, and to see how she handles being out on the streets. The people she hooks up with are also very intriguing, and the events that unfold had me guessing at what was going on, and what would happen next.

There were some things I'd have wanted to read more about. Especially Ravus, one of the creatures Val encounters, didn't get enough scenes in my opinion. He does play a rather important role in the story, so I wanted to learn more about him, and see more interaction between him and Val.

That grumbling aside I really enjoyed this book and finished it way too fast. I will most certainly try to get hold of the other books in this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a dark and gritty YA Faerie Tale in a modern setting

Tithe - Book Review

Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales #1)
by Holly Black

What is it about:
Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms - a struggle that could very well mean her death.

What did I think of it:
I was not a fan of The Cruel Prince, but I read Valiant, the second book in a trilogy, in 2014 and really enjoyed it. It was perfectly readable as a standalone, but when I saw this omnibus that contains all three books would be released I pre-ordered it. When it arrived I immediately dove into the first book: Tithe

Ant this is my kind of faerie tale.

Kaye returns to the place she grew up, and when strange things start happening to her she tries to find her childhood friends, who may or may not be imaginary. When she stumbles upon a wounded faerie and helps him her life gets even more complicated and she is made aware of Faerie and its different factions.

Kaye is both world wary and naive at the same time. It was an interesting mix and I really liked her. It was more difficult to see what the motives were of those around her. As she gets mixed up with faeries from a couple of different factions, she will have to decide who to trust and what she will do with the secrets she uncovers.

You bet I was hooked soon after starting this book and I read it in almost one sitting. What a cool story and world building. This is what The Cruel Prince could have been if Cardan hadn't been the bully he is.

You bet I did a reread of Valiant soon after finishing this book, and I'll read the last book in the trilogy soon as well.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool YA with Urban Faeries.


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The Cruel Prince - Book Rant

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1)
by Holly Black

What is it about:
Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

What did I think of it:
*spoilery*

I should have known this book would push my pet peeve buttons. With a title like The Cruel Prince, and with a gazillion people sighing dreamily over Prince Cardan, I should have known!

But I loved other books by Black, and if Cardan was a love interest: how bad could he be?

Yeah...

This book mixes two of my biggest pet peeves:
1 - Poor bully only bullies because he is bullied himself.
2 - He only bullies her because he likes her!

If you are bullied and decide that bullying others who have nothing to do with you being bullied is your way to cope, you're not a "poor bully", you are a jerk!
If you bully a girl because you like her, you don't deserve her, and she should realize she deserves much much better than you!

So yes: I hated Cardan, and could kick Jude for feeling sorry for him and feeling attraction. And don't get me started on the other participants in this messy drama. There's Locke who tries to win Jude's heart, but his intentions were so clear, that I wondered why it was in there except for it being an easy way to give Jude information about a certain plot point, and to add some extra love drama.

That I did actually read the whole book, was because I liked the worldbuilding, some of the other characters, and some of the storylines. And - I confess - I was curious if things were indeed as obvious as I thought they were. All in all I don't think I'll read more books in this series. Cardan and Jude can go bully each other for all I care, but I'm not staying to watch this train wreck.

Why should you read it:
If you like bullies enemies to lovers, and can stick it out for a few more books, maybe you'll like this.


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Geektastic - Book Review

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd
by Holly Black, (Editor), Cecil Castellucci (Editor), M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Greg Leitich Smith , David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Tracy Lynn, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfeld, Lisa Yee, Sara Zarr, Hope Larson (Illustrator) and Bryan Lee O'Malley (Illustrator)

What is it about:
Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside) and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.

With illustrated interstitials from comic book artists Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O'Malley, Geektastic covers all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you're a former, current, or future geek, or if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic will help you get your geek on!

What did I think of it:
When I saw this anthology I just had to get it. Being a geek myself, I was very curious about these stories.

As this is an anthology I'll give my thoughts about each story. There's also some comics between the stories, but these were all one page and entertaining filler.

Once You're a Jedi, You're a Jedi All the Way by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci
At a gaming convention a Jedi and a Klingon wake up next to each other. Can two people from different fandoms be friends or is this a recipe for disaster? This was a really fun read. I very much enjoyed the humor and the story. I could relate with the Jedi the most, but the Klingon was a cool character as well.

One of Us by Tracy Lynn
A cheerleader wants to learn about geeky things to understand her boyfriend better.
Another fun story. The geeks (and cheerleader) in this story were a bit stereotypical, but I liked how the cheerleader and one of the geeks got more character as the story progressed.

Definitional Chaos by Scott Westerfeld
A gamer guy and his ex have to take a journey together.
This story didn't work for me at all. I didn't like either character and DNFed.

I Never by Cassandra Clare
A girl goes to a get-together to meet the guy she fell in love with online.
I very much enjoyed this story. It's both sad and sweet and touches on the problems you can encounter when people take on a different persona online.

The King of Pelinesse by M.T. Anderson
A boy goes to meet the author of his favorite Fantasy serial.
I didn't like this story. There are other reasons for wanting to meet the author than you think at first, and I didn't like some things that were implied.

The Wrath of Dawn by Cynthia and Greg Leitcich Smith
A girl is set up with a blind date by her stepsister for a Buffy Singalong.
This is a nice story. It's about feeling left out and overlooked. Very recognizable for more than just geeks.

The Quiz Bowl Antichrist by David Levithan
A group of teens is competing with other students to win the Quiz Bowl.
Another really nice story. I liked the lead character. He's struggling with who he is and where he belongs.

The Quiet Knight by Garth Nix
A teenage boy tries to find happiness in Live Action Roleplay.
I loved this story. I could really understand how the lead character feels, and I rooted for him to find a place and people to belong.

Everyone But You by Lisa Yee
A peppy girl has to move from Ohio to Hawaii.
Another really cool story. I loved reading how Felicity struggles to belong, and how she slowly starts to realize that being popular isn't the same as being happy.

Secret Identity by Kelly Link
A girl confesses to someone about a meeting in a hotel.
Both the way this was written and the story itself didn't work for me. I DNFed.

Freak the Geek by John Green
Two girls are singled out as freaks because of being geeky.
This is more about friendship and identity than the actual bullying. I enjoyed it.

The Truth About Dino Girl by Barry Lyga
A girl who's obsessed by another girl learns the truth.
Started out fun, but finally turned into something I really didn't like.

This is My Audition Monologue by Sara Zarr
See title or what it is about.
Didn't work for me because of the way it was told and because of the story.

The Stars at the Finish Line by Wendy Mass
A boy and a girl compete in being the best.
I loved this story, it's very sweet. I could really understand the boy's motivation and feelings.

It's Just a Jump to the Left by Libba Bray
Two young girls grow up in different ways.
This story was sad and I could really relate to the lead character. It's about that awkward time when you're partly still a child, but are also growing into adulthood and how you handle all the feelings that come with it.

Overall this is a really good anthology with lots of stories I could relate to. I can advice this to anyone who considers him/herself a geek.

Why should you read it:
It's a great anthology about being a geek.

The Iron Trial - Book Review

The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1)
by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

What is it about:
Most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial.

Not Callum Hunt. He wants to fail.

All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. If he succeeds at the Iron Trial and is admitted into the Magisterium, he is sure it can only mean bad things for him.

So he tries his best to do his worst - and fails at failing.

Now the Magisterium awaits him. It's a place that's both sensational and sinister, with dark ties to his past and a twisty path to his future.

The Iron Trial is just the beginning, for the biggest test is still to come . . .

What did I think of it:
Having really enjoyed the books of both Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, I was curious if a book they wrote together would be just as enjoyable.

And I can tell you: this is a really cool read.

I love how this story plays with existing tropes and puts those up side down at times. There were several times I thought I could see where the story was going, but then Black and Clare would surprise me again.

When reading this book you can't escape comparing it to a certain other series about a boy being send to a school for magic. And there certainly are similarities, but enough differences that this book can easily step out of the shadows of that certain series and deserve a fan base all of its own.

I really liked Callum. He's sneaky, flawed and a troublemaker, but I could relate. I also liked a couple of the other students, and fell in love with a minor character I hope to see more of in upcoming books.

All in all I very much enjoyed this book and I will most certainly keep an eye out for the next book, because I want more.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool and entertaining read for Middle Grade and up

Valiant - Book Review

Valiant (Modern Faerie Tales #2)
by Holly Black

What is it about:
When seventeen-year-old Valerie runs away to New York City, she's trying to escape a life that has utterly betrayed her. Sporting a new identity, she takes up with a gang of squatters who live in the city's labyrinthine subway system.

But there's something eerily beguiling about Val's new friends.
And when one talks Val into tracking down the lair of a mysterious creature with whom they are all involved, Val finds herself torn between her newfound affection for an honorable monster and her fear of what her new friends are becoming.

What did I think of it:
This is the second book in a series, but as it has different characters than the first book (as far as I understand) it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first book, but I didn't feel like missing out on anything.

I will confess being surprised by how dark and gritty this book is. I've gotten used to YA books that shy away from really serious topics, but this book takes you down in the underbelly of society. There's drug use, abuse, bad language, and more. It made for intense reading and I really liked it, but I can understand how some people could be disturbed by the grittiness of this book.

For me the darkness of the world building fitted with the story. I was drawn into the events and couldn't escape until I finished the book. I liked getting to know Val, and to see how she handles being out on the streets. The people she hooks up with are also very intriguing, and the events that unfold had me guessing at what was going on, and what would happen next.

There were some things I'd have wanted to read more about. Especially Ravus, one of the creatures Val encounters, didn't get enough scenes in my opinion. He does play a rather important role in the story, so I wanted to learn more about him, and see more interaction between him and Val.

That grumbling aside I really enjoyed this book and finished it way too fast. I will most certainly try to get hold of the other books in this series.

Why should you read it:
It's a dark and gritty YA Faerie Tale in a modern setting

Black Heart - Spoilery Book Review

Black Heart (Curse Workers #3)
by Holly Black

What is it about:
In a world where Magic is illegal.

Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object - including a person - into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked?

For one thing, it means being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and getting ready to join the family business herself. Though Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prisoner in a posh apartment and threatening not to let her leave until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. Too bad she can't remember where she put it.

The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? Or is everyone just out to con him?

Time is running out, and all Cassel's magic and cleverness might not be enough to save him. With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all.

What did I think of it:
Warning: I'm going to get a bit spoilery about the end.

I very much enjoyed the other two books in this trilogy, and overall I also really enjoyed this book.

It's well written, original, and with characters I really could root for. Cassel is getting himself in a difficult position, working for the law, while also getting involved with Lila and her criminal family.

I was drawn into the story from the start and was eager to find out how Cassel would get out of everything intact, and if he and Lila would reconcile. Overall I was loving the book, even though there were some unnecessary side quests, that took attention away from the main story.

And then I came to the end...

Now, I don't need a tidy ending. Often when people complain about an open ending, I love that ending, because it gives me the opportunity to fantasize about what happens next. So it wasn't so much the fairly open ending that bothered me.

What bothered me was that basically Cassel was back where he started from in the first book. So he got the girl, rides off into the sunset, blah, blah... But apart from that: nothing. He's been running for three books to escape the life he's living, only to end back at square one.

Maybe this is what Black wants to show the reader. Maybe this is about the inevitability of your fate. Still... I thought it sucked. So after really loving these books and rooting for Cassel, I was left feeling bummed.

I love Black's writing enough to continue reading books by her, and I will most probably also reread this trilogy, because apart from the ending it is a great read, but I will secretly imagine a different ending.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool Paranormal YA read.

Red Glove - Book Review

Red Glove (Curse Workers #2)
by Holly Black

What is it about:
After rescuing his brothers from Zacharov’s retribution, Cassel is trying to reestablish some kind of normalcy in his life.

That was never going to be easy for someone from a worker family that’s tied to one of the big crime families—and whose mother’s cons get more reckless by the day. But Cassel is coming to terms with what it means to be a worker, and he’s figuring out how to have friends.

Except normal doesn’t last very long. Soon Cassel is being courted by both sides of the law and is forced to confront his past—a past he remembers only in scattered fragments, and one that could destroy his family and his future. Cassel will have to decide whose side he wants to be on, because neutrality is not an option. And then he will have to pull off his biggest con ever to survive…

What did I think of it:
I loved the first book in this series, and this book is a worthy sequel.

I like Cassel, his first instinct is to look out for himself, but he is trying hard to learn how to deal with having friends. His attempts are pathetic at times, and he fumbles a lot, but that only makes him more likeable.

I loved the story in this book. Some things that took Cassel a long time to figure out, I thought were pretty clear, but the story is good and complex enough that it didn't bother me.

And the ending...

Boy, talk about raising the stakes for the last book in the trilogy!

All in all I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to getting my trotters on the last book to see how the story will play out. I will also certainly read more books by Holly Black.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable Paranormal YA read.

Top Pearls 2013 - part 2

Today the second and last part of my and Voodoo Bride's Top Pearls 2013 list.
Here are another 12 books that we really enjoyed reading this year, and that I can advice to anyone looking for an awesome read.


Shards & Ashes - Anthology
This anthology with Dystopian YA stories is a must read for anyone who loves Dystopian YA.

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
A really cool, grim and realistic Post Apocalyptic YA read.

Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy
This BDSM romance isn't just a perfect read for the Holidays. It's a hot and delightful story any time of the year.

Between by Kerry Schafer
A beautiful Paranormal story about dreams, penguins and dragons.


Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson
The best book yet in a very enjoyable and entertaining Urban Fantasy series.

Omens by Kelley Armstrong
A Paranormal thriller that keeps you reading. Armstrong proves she can do a lot more than write about werewolves.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
An amazing, gritty, and grim YA about vampires. A must read for anyone who loves YA and vampires.

Runemarks by Joanne Harris
This YA Fantasy is cool and full of suspense and magic.


(Deadly) Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
A really suspenseful Paranormal YA about werewolves and the human nature.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
A hauntingly beautiful YA read.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
An awesome Post Apocalyptic YA with vampires

Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison
A dark and intense Paranormal Romance.



And that's my list of Top Pearls for 2013!

I hope you will have a wonderful New Year's Eve, and I wish you lots of happiness and awesome reads for 2014!

Top Pearls 2013 - part 1

Here are 12 of 24 books we read this year that we wanted to give a shout-out, because they're really cool.
I haven't included the books that (will) have their own shout-out and giveaway post (except one).

Click the titles to go to my review, and stay tuned for part 2!


Alliance Forged by Kylie Griffin
This is a wonderful Fantasy Romance with a swoonworthy hero according to Voodoo Bride.

Absolution by Susannah Sandlin
A Paranormal Romance with yet another awesome hero, and with a solid action storyline that made this a great read for both Voodoo Bride and me.

100 Days in Deadland by Rachel Aukes
This zombie retelling of Dante's Inferno is so cool I bought a print version after I finished reading the ebook.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
An awesome Post Apocalyptic YA.


Horde by Ann Aguirre
The epic conclusion of an amazing Post Apocalyptic YA trilogy.

White Cat by Holly Black
A cool Paranormal YA about a boy who grew up in a family of con men.

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Who knew books about angels could be this awesomely gritty? A great Post Apocalyptic YA.

Elysian Fields by Suzanne Johnson
The third book in a really cool UF series that keeps getting better and better.


Alien Research by Gini Koch
A great addition to a SF series that is cool, funny, and a pleasure to read.

The Outside by Laura Bickle
Words are not enough to tell you how awesome this 2nd book in a Post Apocalyptic duology with Amish and vampires is.

Forsaken by the Others by Jess Haines
What makes an already amazing UF series even better: Zombies!

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
A really fun and suspenseful Paranormal YA.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown - Giveaway (closed)

I have two signed copies of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black, and only one of them is dedicated to me.

So if you want a chance to win a signed (slightly read) copy of The Coldest Girl In Coldtown:

- Leave a comment
- Leave a way for me to contact you
- Do so before December 8th 2013

The winner is Blodeuedd

Open internationally to anyone who's legally allowed to enter this giveaway.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown - Book Review

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
by Holly Black

What is it about:
Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and Gavriel, a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

What did I think of it:
I am in love with this book!

It has everything I love in a good Dystopian YA read: It's well written, has great world building, a lead character that I can root for and it's gritty and grim.

Tana is a great character. She isn't the 'special' heroine you see so often in Dystopian YA stories. She is insecure, makes mistakes, terrible things happen to her (And not just to others. Ok, she's lucky to survive the massacre that kills most of her friends, but that's about it.), but she keeps struggling on and manages to overcome the obstacles that keep getting thrown in her way.

And then there's Gavriel. He is such a cool character. The way Black writes him is incredible. I was intrigued by him and even if the story hadn't been as awesome as it is, I had wanted to keep reading to find out more about him.

Luckily though the story is absolutely awesome. It's intense, grim, gritty and had me on the edge of my seat. I started reading this book shortly before I had to go to work and had to put it down when I was several chapters in. I can tell you I counted the hours until the end of my workday so I could continue my reading.

There's only one negative thing I can say about this book: It's a standalone as far as I understand and that saddens me, because I could read lots more about these characters and this setting. So to get my fix I'll just have to reread this book often.

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome Dystopian YA read with vampires.

White Cat - Book Review

White Cat (Curse Workers #1)
by Holly Black

What is it about:
Cassel comes from a family of Curse Workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn't got magic, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail - he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

What did I think of it:
This was a really cool read.

Back when this book was first released I heard others rave about it, but somehow it didn't speak enough to me to pick it up. Cut to a few years later and this piggy decided to give White Cat a chance after all.

And I'm almost sorry I didn't pick it up sooner.

This book surprised me in a pleasant way. It's original and intriguing and I didn't even mind the present tense most of the time. I really liked the sneakpeek into the life of conmen I must confess. The story was really suspenseful and took me by surprise a couple of times.

Cassel is a nice enough character, but I must say I was more intrigued by the characters around him and by what was going on, although I have to confess I grew to like Cassel more and more along the way.

The way this book ends it can be read as a standalone, but it also opens a door to the next book, promising even more suspense and action and you can bet I'll be getting my trotters on it soon.

Why should you read it:
It's a really intriguing Paranormal Young Adult read.