Janet Lee Carey: Dragon's Keep

Meh...I was hoping for a bit more, and the end seemed rushed and trite. The heroine is not as strong as potentially she could have been, and the strings were too neatly tied up. Interesting combination of historical and fantasy--and I liked the dragons and pips almost more than the heroine. Good stylistic read, but the story wasn't totally captivating.

Gail Carson Levine: Ever

Read this in two hours on the way to Seattle. Kezi and her will to survive, mixed with Olus' infatuation/love for her was an interesting combination that was an awesome read! I love strong heroines!

Rob Thomas: Rats Saw God

Bad title. Amazing read. The vocabulary is extremely challenging, and the story isn't one commonly told. While teen angst is rampant, the real nature of this young man's story ("first time," total heartbreak, realization of his own potential, etc.) is written in a way that young people will totally love. It is also HILARIOUS and snide and facetious all in one. VERY R rated though! :)

Carolly Erickson: The Hidden Diary Of Marie Antoinette

I am on this Marie Antoinette urge, and am even listening to the 17-disc biography of her life (which Sophia Copola's film adaptation is based on). This was interesting in its fiction, but also because of its attempt to follow parts of her story that were applicable. Again, the ending was not fun, but what is one to expect from a story of a woman whose life was ended by the guillotine?

Ann Rinaldi: The Red-Headed Princess

Meh...Not bad, but anti-climactic. It ended just where I wanted it to begin...

Esther Friesner: Nobody's Princess

Super Awesome!!!
Helen of Sparta as a young girl, obstinate, fiesty, spirited, and an awesome herione. I can't wait until Nobody's Prize comes out--this book just leaves the reader hanging wondering what will happen to Milo and Helen! (I also finished this in about 1 day--300 pages, but a super-quick read!)

Carolyn Meyer: Loving Will Shakespeare

meh...

Not what I anticipated, and the ending was not at all pleasant--though I should have anticipated that ending. Anne Hathaway was not nearly as strong as I would have liked to have read her....

Frank Portman: King Dork

Ok. The writing is brilliant. Bitter and angsty just enough, the main characters experiences are so Houlden-esque it is astounding. As one of the comments on the jacket indicate, this is truly today's modern version of The Catcher in the Rye. The ending came out of nowhere though, but since the majority was so satisfying, the negatives (few and far between) were easily overcome. Exceptionally sardonic and edgy, with talk of B.J.s and the horrors inflicted on those not lucky enough to be one of the "socially normal."

Shannon Hale: Book of a Thousand Days

Not the princess who is the heroine, but rather the servant girl! Interesting, and almost Asian (if that is the correct vicinity) feel to this "fairy tale." A "mucker" girl who knows the songs of healing learned from her mother serves a princess who is locked in a tower for seven years because the princess refuses to marry the king her father wishes...
Exciting climax, and a fun ending. Great read!

Libba Bray: The Sweet Far Thing

Book 3--DO NOT READ SPOILERS ONLINE!!
I made that mistake, and though it ticked me off, it was an amazing ending...I am crossing my fingers for a fourth!