Book Review: The Trust by Tom Dolby

 
The Trust by Tom Dolby

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publish Date: February 1, 2011

Hardcover, 320 pages
Young Adult, Book #2 Secret Society

My Review:
Why I read this:  I read the first book and couldn't wait to read this one.


How is the novel driven:  Character and action, though this is more action-driven just like the first book.


My thoughts: If you haven't read the first book, Secret Society I highly recommend you do before reading The Trust.  You will have a much better understanding of the characters and the situations that take place in The Trust if you read Secret Society.


The Trust picks up shortly after Secret Society leaves off and you learn much more about Phoebe, Nick, Lauren and Patch.  This book follows the core four as they journey to find a way to leave The Society.  Further character development occurs and I enjoyed getting to know them more and seeing more of the inner workings of The Society.  The Trust moves along at an exciting clip though sometimes I felt it moved too fast and I missed some things.  

The Trust makes an exciting second installment in the Secret Society series and I look forward to the third book which will be out next year.


My Rating: 4.0/5.0

About the Book:
Once you get in, you can never get out....

It’s a new semester at the Chadwick School, and even with the ankh tattoos that brand them, Phoebe, Nick, Lauren, and Patch are hoping for a fresh start. Each day, however, they are reminded of their obligations as new Conscripts in the Society. The secret group that promised they would achieve their every dream has instead turned their lives into a nightmare. The teens try boycotting, skipping the gatherings, and avoiding other members and plan to go to the police with details of Alejandro's and Jared’s deaths, but the Society finds sinister ways to keep them in line. While they search for the elusive truth about the Society, they will have to work against it from within.

The Trust is an alluring glimpse behind the facade of a life of entitlement, where secrets aren’t merely fun—they’re deadly.

About the Author:
Tom Dolby is the author of the novels The Sixth Form and The Trouble Boy. He was born in London, raised in San Francisco, and now divides his time between Manhattan's West Village and Wainscott, New York. He is a graduate of Yale University, where he received his BA in the history of art. This is his first book for young adults.

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FTC Information: I received this book from Around the World Tours for review.  I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any money from these because of NC laws.  I put them solely for people to check out the books on a retail site.

Book Review: Bitter Frost by Kailin Gow

 
Bitter Frost by Kailin Gow

Publisher: The EDGE

Publish Date: June 1, 2010

Paperback, 240 pages
Young Adult

My Review:
Why I read this:  I read an earlier book by Kailin Gow (The Phantom Diaries) and the cover of this one captivated me.


How is the novel driven:  Action primarily with some good character development.



My thoughts: An interesting book, but be prepared for a cliffhanger ending.  The next in the series just came out last month so it's ready to be read - I suggest you have it handy - I'm going to have to get it soon.

I really enjoyed this fairy story.  Brenna is an interesting character.  She has had dreams for years of dancing with another boy and she feels like she has led a different life, but nothing seems different until her 16th birthday.  I like how she interacts with Kian and Logan.  I like Kian and Logan as characters as well.

Brenna's journey into Feyland is eventful and I liked watchcing the adventure and danger as it unfolded.  I enjoyed getting to know Logan and Kian and the situation that makes the love triangle of sorts.  Ms. Gow writes a variation on the fairy-story so this doesn't feel like the same old story (and I have read a lot of fairy stories lately).

The book reads quickly and the conclusion while a cliffhanger is really good.  I can't wait to read the next book - Forever Frost and will look forward to the conclusion of the series Silver Frost next year.



My Rating: 4.0/5.0

About the Book:
All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived among them...beautiful fairies living among mortals and living in Feyland. In her dreams, he was always there the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. When Breena turns sixteen, she begins seeing fairies and other creatures mortals don t see. Her best friend Logan, suddenly acts very protective. Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. That's fine and all, but for the fact that humans rarely survive a trip to Feyland, a kiss from a fairy generally means death to the human unless that human has fairy blood in them or is very strong, and although Kian seemed to be her intended, he seems to hate her and wants her dead.

Book 1 of the Frost Series
Book 2: Forever Frost - September 2010
Book 3: Silver Frost - 2011


About the Author:
Kailin Gow is a bestselling author of young adult books. Her books have been recommended by the Parent Teachers Association, PBS Kids, The Alliance for Mental Health, homeschooling associations, and best teen books list. Kailin Gow has traveled extensively including a visit to Romania and Dracula's castle. An authority on youth culture and women's issues, she has mentored teen girls in areas of growth, relationships, and self-esteem development.

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Trailer for Bitter Frost


FTC Information: I received this book through Traveling ARC Tours for review.  I have Amazon links on my review pages but I do not make any money from these because of NC laws.  I put them solely for people to check out the books on a retail site.