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Category Archives: Arieltopia
Louder than Words by Plissner
This is a story of an underage high schooler who learns to speak again after a terrible tragedy through intense physical contact. Read: sexual acts.
Louder than Words
by Laurie Plissner
Merit Press
December 2012
The young lady loses her whole family in a car accident, loses her memory and loses the ability to speak. A young man who can actually read her thoughts comes along and wins her heart and in the end her ability to speak back for her. Along the way, she also learns about the truth of the accident.
This isn’t your normal love story. This is smut with under age characters.
[SPOILERS]
This is not a book for teens. Not only does it have violence (Sasha is saved from imminent sexual assault), and massive quantities of cussing (including all the way up to many, many F words), but also includes explicit sexual activities up to and including oral sex. In the end, she learns to speak BECAUSE of the sex. This is an awkward chapter of the current sex-solves-everything book fad, along with the 50 Shades series, Twilight’s non-stop lust-a-thon in books 3 and 4 and so on. Sex is so degraded by the way it is inappropriately lifted up that readers can’t possibly be satisfied with real world love. When you find that sex is abusive, like in 50 shades, or doesn’t heal all wounds, like in this book, you are left more empty than before.
This book is smut. Teens should not read it because the violence, language and sexuality is inappropriate for their age and adults should not read it because reading about two under age lovers is also inappropriate.
This is the second book I’ve read from Merit Press and it’s clear to me that they are interested in pushing the boundaries of books about children and teens. The language, sexuality, and violence in the books they publish are simply unexplainable. I recommend you keep your teens (and yourself) far away from this publisher.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he turns real life into stupid cartoons, writes on Christianity, Zombies, and whatever else he wants and posts Bible studies from his classes at church.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Tempestuous by Askew and Helmes
Popularity is conditional. We’ve all seen them fall. Miranda Prospero, is one of those fallen.
Tempestuous
A Twisted Lit Novel
By Kim Askew and Amy Helmes
Merit Press
January 2013
After her social life’s tragic demise, former “IT” girl Miranda is left working the “Hot Dog Cabob” with her new dweeby coworker: Ariel. During yet another awful shift at the food court of the local mall, a ginormuous snow storm sweeps in, trapping everyone in the mall overnight. To make matters even better, they’re trapped in with a thief who has broken in though the computer store! Miranda is left with a quiet and sarcastic loner named Caleb all night- literally. The two are handcuffed together. Again making things worse: the “IT” crowd, that used to practically worship Miranda, is locked in with them. This is going to be a loongg night…
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and had a great time romping around the mall with these unforgettable characters. One thing parents may be concerned about are the usage of curse words. For instance, the “s-word” frequently and an example “her hellish s___s” are used in the book. Other than that the book is wonderful.
Unlike in Exposure, another twisted lit novel (see my review of it here) I have not read the Shakespeare play that this novel is based off of. I plan on reading The Tempest soon though, so that I can find all the little allusions and similarities that are sure to be there, like they were in Exposure.
I would recommend this book to middle schoolers and up to read, based on individual maturity and parent’s discretion. This book was wonderful to read and I hope to be seeing many more twisted Lit novels published In the future.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Exposure by Askew and Helmes
Skye Kingston, a shy girl who hides behind her camera more often than not, is a typical teen novel protagonist. She’s gorgeous, but doesn’t know it. She’s terrified by the high school “royalty”, and even has the common crush on the hot, jock, Craig. Everything seems like the happy, mundane usual high school life for Skye, until a boy named Duncan dies at a party.
Exposure
A Twisted Lit Novel
By Kim Askew and Amy Helmes
Merit Press
January 2013
During a game of flashlight tag in the woods, he goes missing, and the police find his body the next day- with signs of foul play. After Skye overhears a suspicious conversation between Beth, Craig’s crazy girlfriend, and Craig, her whole world is turned upside down.
This book is a modern retake on Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. As one of the few youth who have read Macbeth, I found this book hilarious. Small hints and allusions to Macbeth made this heart-stopping mystery even more enjoyable. Such cleverly placed similarities include: Craig Mackenzie, called “Mac” by his team mates, to Macbeth himself. There are obviously many others, but part of the fun of reading this book is finding the allusions and comparisons. This book does include cussing. EX: the “S-word” appears very frequently (at least once per chapter, and that’s being conservative). Taking that into mind I’d recommend this book to teens, depending on maturity levels of the individual, maybe sophomores and up for most parents. However, considering g the fact that worse conduct in books has been discussed and read by my peers, 8th grade or 7th grade may be more feasible. Again, parent’s discretion.
I also would highly recommend reading Shakespeare’s Macbeth before reading this so you can find those hidden laughs throughout the story. If it seems too “old timey” or “lame” then read this first, and then the play. You’ll want to after you read Exposure.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Sketchy Behavior by Mangum
This is a story about a young sixteen-year-old girl named Kate Carter whom spends most of her free time sketching those around her. When asked to sketch someone in her art class by having a description read to her, she unknowingly sketches a wanted murderer and is what causes authorities to be able to bring him in.
Sketchy Behavior
by Erynn Mangum
Zondervan
August 2011
Afterwards her once normal life is turned upside down. She is now followed around by two police men and the detective that came and read the descriptions. Now Kate is a celebrity, and hiding from any of the murderer John X’s friends. Who would have thought a simple project in art class could cause so much trouble, and assassination attempts?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a mysterious fun-filled read. Kate’s spunk and sarcasm will leave readers smiling, and her friends’ and parents’ dramatic antics will make you appreciate your more than likely less dramatic parents a little bit more. (It did for me anyway) Teens and young adults alike will enjoy this book and all of its unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed this book a lot and hope that any other readers do also.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Waterfall by Lisa Bergren
The book, Waterfall by Lisa Bergren, is a salient story about the Bettarini sisters.
Waterfall
River of Time Series
by Lisa Bergren
David C. Cook
February 2011
Gabriella and Evangelia Bettarini have been spending their summers Italy following their Etrusian Archelogist parents for years. After the girls’ father dies (before the book starts) their mother finds the site that she has been spending her whole life searching for, meaning the girl are going to be stuck in the middle of no where all summer again. Shortly upon arrival, the girls discover handprints inside one of the tombs that fit their hands and are transported to 16th century Toscana. Gabi wakes up to find that she and Lia have been separated, and that a gruesome battle is taking place outside the tomb. Upon the end of the battle, Gabi exists the tomb and, mascerading as “Lady Bettarini of Normandy” is taken into the care of Marcello Forelli, the future lord of a nearby castle. Will she be able to locate her younger sister, Lia and escape this crazy place of corsets and war, or will she be stuck here forever? Read this book to find out.
Waterfall is an intriguing tale that has every element I typically look for in a book. With its nonstop spunky feel, the reader is lead through 16th century Italy in the middle of the great wars between Siena and Florence through the eyes of a quirky 17-year-old girl from the 21st century. The book is humourous. An example is Gabi’s thoughts as she exits the tomb and spies Marcello for the first time, “He was certainly the first man I’d seen holding a real sword and in full-on knight gear-tunic, tights, breastplate, the whole enchilada. Somehow he made the look work.” The book does have some grotesque scenes in it, they are in a war after all, but not to the extreme were it would interfere with the story. I would recommend this book to high-school boys or girls still because of those few scenes and higher level vocabulary used by Bergren. This book states the idea that something that at first seems horrible or strange may come to be one of your favorite things, or places, of all.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
Poison by Zinn
Who would have thought trying to kill someone would end a friendship.
Poison
by Bridget Zinn
Hyperion
March 2013
Through many twists and turns, Kyra, a potions master, is on the run from her former fiancé and palace guards because she attempted to assassinate her former best friend, Princess Ariana. She has to do so in order to save her kingdom, on the verge of destruction, regardless of conflicted feelings over hurting her friend and saving her world. For the first time ever, during the assassination attempt, Kyra’s poison dart misses its target. Kyra, now on the run for 3 months, has been looking for an opportunity to try again. She may have found her chance, if only little Fred would get lost. After trying to ditch her hilarious sidekick numerous times, he always finds her again and “forgives” her hasty departures. So now Kyra is stuck with a traveling companion who has no idea the danger they are both in or who Kyra really is. How can Kyra save her kingdom by not only killing Ariana, but also dragging Fred down with her? If He is caught with her, he will also more than likely be hanged for being an accomplice.
Poison, by Bridget Zinn is an amazing book now that I’ve finished it. However, reading the first several chapters was difficult and confusing to follow. It is a clever and quick-witted tale about a courageous heroine that will win the hearts of many readers, after they figure out what in the world is happening. I would recommend this book to any adventurous reader up for a guard-ditching, wood-romping tale about loyalty to one’s home compared versus self-preservation. I agree with the teen/tween rating because there are some scenes where people are knocked out or killed. (Not in a way that would cause parents worry; more in a Harry Potter style “Stupify!” and they fall over, in this case poisoned darts instead of wands.) By the end of the story even the most unemotional readers will be laughing out loud at Fred, and cheering Kyra on as she dodges former friends and unwanted reunions with her fiancé.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Voyage Of Lucy P. Simmons by Mariconda
Have you ever wondered if your house was magic? At times such as when you desperately need a place to hide and those shadowy corners and hiding spots seem to appear out of nowhere? For Lucy P. Simmons this is true, and she’s still learning how to use it.
The Voyage Of Lucy P. Simmons
By Barbara Mariconda
Katherine Tegen Books
October 2012
This book is about a young girl named Lucille Prudence Simmons and her sailor family. When the story first opens Lucy is treated with a surprise trip on the sea on their family’s little sloop. While out a fog surrounds the boat and Lucy’s father loses sight of the house. Despite his wife’s urges to go back towards the shore immediately, he continues because he’s heard someone crying out for help farther out. After this trip out, Lucy soon finds herself under the care of her greedy Uncle Victor and his wife. They are supposed to care for her until her Aunt Prudence can come be her permanent guardian. She suspects that he may be trying to take her family’s estate and money. When she does some snooping, she thinks her home may be magic. Lucy struggles with living with her uncle and finding out what exactly could have happened that day on the water. Sirens? Magic? She’s not sure. Lucy begins her journey to find her aunt and answers.
I enjoyed this story but have one complaint: The ending. I don’t feel as if the main problem or conflict of the story was resolved at the end of the book. This leads me to believe that there may be a sequel but I don’t know for sure. I would recommend the book for fans of the Magic Treehouse Series that have perhaps gotten just a bit older, so I would guess advanced fifth grade readers and older. I recommend it to Magic Treehouse fans because of the magic/adventure/tween protagonist elements. The only thing that parents may worry about is the fact that some of the characters grow up in a messed up home and run away to escape their drunk and abusive father.
Arieltopia, Young Adult Editor, is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Crossed by Allie Condie
Cassia Reyes is a sweet girl. She does as she is told and has never questioned the Society before. That’s about to change.
Crossed
By Ally Condie
Dutton Juvenile
November 2011
In the Society the officials make the decisions for you. Who you will marry, what your career will be, and even when you will die. Cassia is matched with her childhood friend Xavier in the first book, Matched, but her plans change when she finds out that her real match is to Ky, someone she knows but has never thought of that way. After spending time with him, though, Cassia falls in love with Ky, to Xavier’s dismay.
Ky is not allowed to be with Cassia because his father committed a crime, which makes Ky an Aberration. To remove Ky from the picture, the Society takes him to be killed in a so-called humane way: in battle, along with other Aberrations and Anomalies (the people who committed crimes,) given guns that have no ammo in them and sent to defend the borderlands from the Enemy.
Ky and two of his new friends escape and they run for the mountains. Ky plans to go back for Cassia once he can figure a way back to the Society. But Cassia isn’t waiting around to be rescued; she has run away to find Ky by enlisting herself in a labor camp nearby were the rumored battlefields are. On the way, she hears rumors about an organization called the Rising that is said to be consisted of people who survive by without the Society and are trying to take down the Society. Will Ky and Cassia ever find each other again? And if they do, will they be able to survive or find the Rising?
In book one, Cassia begins to realize how much better life would be without the Society. Now, in book two, she begins to act and break free. This is displayed perfectly on the covers of the books. The society is the bubble. Cassia begins to break out of it in the second book, but in the first she is trapped. This book is packed with adventure and romance.
Like many popular love triangle books (read Twilight,) the Matched trilogy takes readers on a ride through self discovery and through decisions that will shape all involved. Unlike some books (Twilight, again,) the heroine is not a wimpy whiner who sits around for seasons at a time frozen, unable to act until her love comes back for her. Cassia becomes a well rounded character through the first two books as she starts to act on her own outside the commands of the Society.
The series borrows heavily from 1984, which is a good thing as every generation needs the message wrapped in generational language. Unlike 1984, love is the focus here and fans of science fiction may find it slow going at times. In fact, the biggest concern about the third book is how Ally Condie will finish the series in only one book. In Crossed, very little time passes from start to finish and most of the time is spent in one location. Some will be disappointed with the quick finish to the book, when the Rising finally comes into play only to have the story end on a cliffhanger.
Arieltopia, a twelve year old, probably at the low end of the intended age market said, “I absolutely loved this book and the descriptions were terrific. I can not wait to read the next one and find out what happens next. The complex story structure insures that the reader never becomes bored. There is always something happening and some sort of looming terror nearby. The entire time I was reading the book I was filled with apprehension and suspense. I recommend this book for Middle Schoolers and up.”
Scott Asher said, “I found a complex science fiction world reminiscent of 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 with a love story good enough to keep young readers interested. Overall, a very good series so far and I am looking forward to the conclusion.”
Arieltopia is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
Scott Asher is the founder and administrator of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he cartoons and writes on Christianity, Zombies, and anything else he wants to.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor by Chuck Black
This book was about Sir Quinlan and his journey to find himself and the Prince. In his hometown of Burkfeild Quinlan is known by Twitch because he often will twitch the muscles on his face. Quinlan’s parents died nine years before the story and his best friend Tav’s family took him in. Burkfeild is a peaceful isolated town with a rather large haven established just inside. Paythas are introduced to the town (sent by Lucius who is the the dark knight) and they begin to infiltrate the haven.
Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor
by Chuck Black
Multnomah Books
October 2010
Quinlan is recruited by Sir Baylor into the secret unit of knights known as the Swords of Valor. Then during the first mission tragedy strikes and all fingers are pointing at Quinlan. The knights disband ending all of the heroic deeds they had accomplished. alone Quinlan wanders the kingdom and meets a mysterious silent warrior. The warrior offers Quinlan the chance to redeem himself. Will he be able to reunite the Swords of Valor or will the knights lose the most important battle of all?
This was a really good book and I can not wait until I read another one. You do need to read the fourth book, Lady Carliss and The Waters Of Moorue, before reading this book because some of the events from that book are discussed at the beginning of this book.
I would recommend this book to somewhere beginning around third or fourth grade and up. Nothing in this book would cause parents to be upset or worried. I recommend this for parents who would like a series of books to read with their children that teach a good lesson. I think reading these books (or parts of them if you are short on time) during Sunday School would be interesting as well.
This book is obviously a Christian book but it has such an interesting way of telling the story I think even roudy school boys would be able to sit still long enough to hear the story.
I think that everyone needs to get this series RIGHT NOW!!! 
Arieltopia is an 12 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland In A Ship Of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
Twelve year old September (yes that IS her name) used to have a normal life until her dad had to go and fight in a dumb war and her mom had to go work. One day as she washes the dishes she is met by the green wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket) who invites her on an adventure letting her know that her help is needed in fairyland.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
by Catherynne M. Valente
Feiwel & Friends
May 2011
A new Marquess rules the land and has “gotten rid” of good queen Mallow. The Marquess is as unpredictable as she is cruel and once she wants something she will get it, or it’s to the lions with you. And the new thing the Marquess wants is something that only September can retrieve. Will she get the item and be back in seven days time or will all of fairyland be stuck under her rule forever?
I would recommend this book to 5th through 8th graders. There is nothing parents would need to worry about. This book was really good! I can not wait until the author writes a sequel. I hope you enjoy this book and find my review helpful.
Arieltopia is an 11 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Alexis and the Sacramento Surprise by Erika Rodgers
Alexis and Kate find out that Miss maria is adding a bunch of mechanical dinosaurs that really move into her nature park. They are very excited for her because this might save the theme park. she might get enough people to come so that she will not have to close down her nature park. Then every night the dinosaurs have moved and their tracks are in the mud leading from where the dinosaurs where to where the dinosaurs are now. They suspect a news reporter that they catch snooping around the park where the dinosaurs are in the middle of the night is causing all of the trouble. They come up with a scheme just to be sure though…
Alexis and the Sacramento Surprise
Camp Club Girls
by Erika Rodgers
Barbour Books
March 2010
This book was really good and I would recommend it for anyone who liked a good mystery. This is the third of fourth book in the Camp Club Girls series and you would need to read the first book to understand who the charecters were. There is nothing parents need to worrry about and I think just about any girl in elementary school would like this book. When I say elamentary school I mean somewhere around second through fifth grade. My little sister is eight years old and she recently started reading the series so littler kids can read it.
Arieltopia is an 11 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann
Though her panic is real, Noelle ST. Claire is uncertain what danger she is fleeing. Images and fragmented memories have scared her out of her highly privileged and wealthy home. For some odd reason she leaves hoping for a remote and safe home instead.
A Rush of Wings
by Kristen Heitzmann
Bethany House
Reprint October 2010
Noelle arrives at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch owned by Rick Spencer and his somewhat careless brother, Morgan. This causes a lot of trouble ( advanced readers should be able to pick this up but for every one else I will break it down for you: two brothers, only one pretty girl) Beautiful, vulnerable, yet strangely secretive, Noelle is an enigma the two contrasting brothers seek to unlock. But as they reach the secured wall she lives behind the past becomes a full memory. One that Noelle can no longer hide from.
This book was amazing. I could not put down the enchanting story. There are a few things that could worry some parents but the book pretty clearly explains that those are the wrong choices. Middle schoolers and high schoolers would like this book and probably some adults. This book was obviously Christian and I think everyone who reads this book will like it. This is the important thing though, there are some points in the book that you may deem the book boring and try reading it later but that is one of the ways that the climax of the story is so interesting. The fact that Wow! look at everything that’s happening then a dramatic drop and then everything starts to slowly rise. It will get half way there…then fall again. Then it will slowly rise and…SCORE! It will get there! Trust me when it gets there you want to be reading that is a really exciting book. My only problem with the book is that before I read this I had finally decided what book was my favorite. Now I have to reevaluate everything against this book
Arieltopia is a founding book blogger for BookGateway.com and has generously provided this review. She is an 11 year old avid reader – usually going through a book a day – who gives readers a unique perspective on Young Adult, Teen Fiction, along with adult fiction: an actual teenager’s perspective.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
