I've noticed with this book, some readers were miffed as there is no 'real villain' of the book. This was fine by me. There's no need for antagonists in every book read. I really enjoyed reading this one, the time travel was excellent and it made a real good adventure/science fiction book to read.

The plot was good. It flowed and didn't stop until at least towards the end. I really did enjoy the time traveling aspect of the story. Being a history lover myself, I loved how Shel and Dave traveled through different time periods where important historical events had happened it made for very interesting and sometimes dangerous or funny reading. I cringed when Dave was asked to join in the adventure, because I knew something bad was going to happen. (Something did happen, but am not going to reveal to keep this review spoiler free).

There was a mini mystery plot with this book, (regarding Shel's father) and although it was interesting, I found I preferred reading the time traveling part much more and the mystery part followed after - it just didn't seem as important, at least it felt that way while reading the book. Once the mystery was solved, it wasn't what I thought it would be. I expected a little more drama, maybe some action but it wasn't the case. So, I was mildly disappointed. It still did not deter me from enjoying this book though.

The characters were all right, nothing out of the ordinary or special. I actually enjoyed how Dave developed through the book more than Shel. His small love story was touching and provided a nice tender moment of the storyline. I'd have to say Dave is the most exciting character to follow between the two and although Shel becomes more interesting later on, I preferred them traveling together instead of separately.

Also, I have to note, I loved the ending of the book. It just seemed like such a perfect ending and one of the best I have read so far this year. I do admit, I did expect some sort of catastrophic event to happen. Yet I found that by the time I was finishing the book, it was a nice satisfying adventure to read. I think this is a perfect read for even those not really into science fiction but would love to read a great adventure as well!

You think you enjoyed Hush, Hush ? Crescendo is just as good as the first! there was so much piled into the book and the pace was steady so reading through this book will take hardly any time at all!

Things start off a little rocky between Patch and Nora, although the strong tension and chemistry is still there between them. You start wondering what Patch's problem is, because he starts acting like such a douche. Yet you can't help but like him because he just seems to be there for Nora when she needs him. But when he starts paying attention to Marcie it almost felt like a slap to the face or a knife to the heart (or both). If these kinds of feelings come out from the reader, then it just shows Becca Fitzpatrick is doing a great job in her writing style!

Not to mention, the more Marcie is mentioned, and the things she does just makes you want to seethe and grind your teeth. There's quite a few revelations about Marcie and there's another blindside move that I was not expecting. Still, I hate her as much as Nora and Vee do because she's just so...infuriating (for lack of a better term). Some of the things Marcie does just makes you want to go in and defend Norah (which annoyingly enough, she's always alone and Patch/Vee are conveniently gone). Sometimes though, I wish Nora could fight back - even though it's not really her personality to do so.

The plot of this book was excellent and the pacing was even. Readers might find Nora a little on the whiny side but the action, and the mystery just make up for all of that. Vee is always an extremely funny BFF to be with and her actions and quotes are just memorable. Nora and her make perfect partners in crime (although may result in disastrous consequences). The ending leaves on a huge cliff hanger, which can only mean, the next book will be even better!

I most definitely recommend this book for YA readers. Note, reading Hush, Hush is required and essential to understanding the series.

It helps if you had previously read Princess of the Midnight Ball. Characters from that book are featured here, and also it helps you understand, and get a better idea of characters, and the setting.

I enjoyed reading about Poppy. She's definitely not a typical Princess, and her aversion to dancing is certainly understood. I'm rather glad they chose this sister to feature in this story. She's certainly just as determined, and strong willed as her other older sisters that were mentioned in the previous book. She's most definitely not the needy whiny type of Princess, and one can't help but like her for these strong characteristics.

The supporting cast around her is also well done. I liked Marianne and the two made a fine friendship pair (well, they're cousins too). The chemistry between Poppy and Christian was there and I liked seeing them together - although as Ella(Ellen) came into the picture you had the urge to knock Christian upside the head with a baseball bat (although it's perfectly understandable why he's acting this way!) because he just seems to be the right one for Poppy (and also he became increasingly frustrating thanks to Ella).

It's hard to sympathize with Ella. She was hateful and typically a selfish brat. Although once you realize her background and how she came to be how she is, you might change your mind. To me, she just seemed like someone who wanted an easy way out and she just seemed a little too naive to take something without realizing it had consequences to go along with it.

Again, like Princess of the Midnight Ball, the setting descriptions are magnificent and well done. Everything is clearly pictured and well described (plus there's plenty of gorgeous dresses everywhere! and glass shoes!!!!! oh so pretty but sounded extremely painful!). The plot itself was good, although the ending had left a lot out in the open - like the issue with the Corley...that was closed, yet it was...open (get my meaning?). Perhaps there's more books to come featuring these Princesses and their ways of fighting evil? let's hope so, as it was a pleasure reading this book. The author's writing style is excellent and fun to read. I definitely recommend this, especially those that enjoyed Princess of the Midnight Ball.

What I really liked was the world building. The journey Rowan and Ivy go through was well described and their encounters with different characters was well done. I loved the different settings and their adventure seemed to get even more exciting as the book was nearing to a close. How the setting came about, and the introduction to this story was well done. I liked how the setting was established, with a nice concise history on how King Nightshade came about. It's almost told in a fairy tale narrative - which was well done, and there were plenty of witty phrases to enjoy (all throughout the novel as well). The idea of the bettles are interesting, but what I really liked was that the use of poison was all over the place in this land. It was different and I thought it was rather clever, definitely something you don't see in a lot of fantasy middle grade fiction out there.

The characters in this book were also well done. Ivy and Rowan do make an interesting team. The plot was good, although a little slow moving at first. However once Ivy and Rowan teamed up on their journey, it got more interesting thanks to the different settings described, and the various memorable characters they encounter on their journey (Poppy really stood out! I thought it was cute).

The idea of this book is a creative one. It's told with a nice whimsical flair to it, but it took a while to get used to this style of writing. I'm not sure why, but the pace seemed slower and with the writing style (perhaps it was a little too whimsical) the book just seemed to go at a snail's pace. That being said though, I still thought it was an enjoyable book and it does pick up the pace after a third of the story. I'll probably continue this series, I'd like to know what happens next, yet I'm not really in a rush to read it. I'd say take it or leave it with this book.

What I loved most about this book was the setting. I love just about anything New Orleans. The setting was richly described and I loved the cemetery scene, and especially the Mardi Gras scene. Everything about the setting was wonderful and the book swept me away with it. I loved the ghost story as it fits hand in hand with the setting so you have this underlying paranormal feeling (although I think it's not needed as New Orleans itself gives you that paranormal feeling anyways!).

I really liked Rebecca. I liked how her social status at her school didn't matter to her and she went on with life however she pleased. I liked how she didn't let snooty girls like Helena and Marianne dictate her life. Who annoyed me the most were Toby, Claire, and Amy. Toby because he was such a jerk and the urge to punch him in the face got stronger whenever he appeared in the book. Claire and Amy were immensely annoying because it felt as if they were with Rebecca out of convenience, and to have someone around to make themselves look better. I just couldn't stand their chatter and the way they tried to make Rebecca look stupid (although Rebecca hardly cared less about what they talked about most of the time - which I thought, was cool and why I liked Rebecca even more).

I'd have to say, Anton started to grow on me. He did seem like such a nice guy and he fit the similar mold to Rebecca - that he didn't care what others thought. So in that sense, they did look nice together.

The ghost story plot with Lisette was really interesting. It gave the story a good feeling of mystery and the setting helped a lot to give the plot a good creepiness factor. There's also a nice rich sense of history behind the book and it's well explained and thought out so it gives the reader a good comprehension on why things are like they are in the story. Although the mystery deepens as you progress through the book. The real action is at the last third of the book. The suspense really does build up - especially the Mardi Gras scene and I got so mad that these old families would ever think of such a thing to do against Rebecca.

What I particularly did not like is what in the world happened to Toby??!! he just disappears despite his actions??!!! I wanted him to get his comeuppance! I just thought the ending was a bit rushed.

Either way, the rich descriptive setting with a wonderful ghost story does make up for the shortcomings. It's a well written book and well worth the read. It's an excellent choice for those that like ghost stories or paranormal young adult fiction.

This was a fun read!! I really liked the idea of a cooking class with two very hilarious funny ladies featured. Naturally, the reader knows where this is going, especially when you find out what kind of a sidekick Eve is.

Annie is a fun to read character, she's come out of a divorce and she's a disastrous cook. She has her own kind of natural charm, and I like how she is the opposite of what Eve is (sexy, a little on the airhead side, filled with plastic surgeries and possibly lipos). However Eve's got her charm too - even though I found her at times a little too annoying and airheaded. It does provide for a lot of the comedy though, although I think her stupidity sometimes rubs off on Annie too.

The suspect list for this one wasn't so large, which isn't so bad. You aren't really kept guessing as to who the culprit is. The case itself was not the best, and not the most exciting, but I think how Eve and Annie investigate really makes up for this as they're always bound for disaster and it's quite entertaining to read. The ending for this case wasn't the best I've read. But nevertheless I thought it was all right. I do feel happy for Annie at the end, though.

The recipes in the back are worth a try, and they do look really good (have not tried it myself). However I'm willing to go for the next book only to be entertained with their antics and to see which disaster they'll meet up with next! Fans of cozy mysteries will like this one, it's a light right and easy to breeze through.

I heard this is a very long fantasy series (which is still ongoing), although it is divided into sets of trilogies so the collecting and reading order is easier. There is a chronological order, and order by publishing date and it's up to the reader which way to pursue.

I love how this book gives you a nice blend of magic, fantasy, and it's setting is in a fictional version of the British Isles. This is nice because not only do you have a solid established setting without too much world building, but it also focuses more on the fantasy/magic aspect so you don't have to worry much about the setting itself. Besides, I think a setting set in this particular time period is perfect for fantasy to blend into.

There is a little background history scattered here and there for the reader, to understand what the current world is going through so that it is more easy to understand. It's very similar to the world where the Christian Church wielded immense power, and a small group of people (you could call them 'pagans' if you wanted to) are either under immense persecution or in hiding practicing their own beliefs. Just add magic to these small group of people and you have the Deryni. I liked this aspect of the book. It gave it a more solid feel, nothing flaky or whimsical about it.

It was also nice to see the magic was not over the top, although I'm not sure what to say about some spell incantations. (Especially during the 'epic final battle') The spells are said out loud, and it almost has a lyrical rhyme to it although it seems like the magic users just think of the words to the spells randomly as if they're writing poetry. What irks me a little is since Kelson is technically a beginner when it comes to magic, how in the world did he manage to find the words to the spells? or is it just an innate skill they were born with? it's like a poetry battle, the one who says the best lines wins. It's different but I can't help but think it's a little childish, I thought it could have been much better.

The political aspect of the book is good and I enjoyed reading this. As a fan of intrigue in any royal court fictional or otherwise, it's always nice to see a bit of political infighting, backstabbing, betrayal, and all the rest. It is a typical story plot of 'Old King gets killed whodunit, younger inexperienced King comes in' but the writing style is good and the reader is kept interested with a rich assort of characters, the main ones with distinct personalities to make them easily identifiable.

The characters in the novel are well done. I liked how they were portrayed. My favorites would be Morgan, Kelson and Duncan. Kelson developed quickly and fast yet some parts of him still show he's still a boy growing up. I like Morgan and Duncan because although they're your average typical heroes, they make a great team. Charissa is the usual archetype of a villainess but her descriptions and personality fit the role well. The one character I did not like was Jehana, although she was a protective mother (overly protective) she annoyed me and her attitude was horrible. I liked how Kelson gave her a good tell off, it did put her back in her place as she was really starting to get to me during a certain part in the book. Towards the end, she still didn't get any sympathies from me.

This is a good read, and I think it'll be great for those who are into epic fantasy. Be prepared, it is a long series, and not completed yet. Rich in detail with an almost realistic setting it might also please those that like historical fiction, and who don't mind the deviation from real history.

I thought this was going to be a light read filled with magic and other kinds of happy excitement. It actually was the reverse. It's a bit darker than usual Middle Grade fiction, and it's not as happy as I thought. However, it was still a decent read and worth the time spent.

The plot was quite detailed for a book that is targeted for a younger age group. It's an interesting mix of several genres all in one. The time traveling aspect with photos is really interesting and I thought that was unique. The journey the three main characters undertake is also well done and fun to read. The setting is written in great detail, and it is evident there is a lot of effort and work placed in making this setting different.

The three characters have their own distinct personality. Kate is the eldest, who has way too much on her shoulders and I'm surprised she hasn't keeled under all the pressure throughout the book - which is admirable, she's extremely strong mentally and is a very protective towards her two younger siblings. Michael was a fun character to read, with his obsession with dwarves, I liked how he developed throughout the book. Emma was my favorite character though. She was the one with the punch, and the spark that kept this novel going. I loved her personality! she was the one with the memorable quotes and put downs, and she didn't seem to be afraid of anything - although sometimes she did let things get to her head. She's just as strong as Kate, however she doesn't have a lot on her shoulders or enough to worry about - at least it doesn't seem to bother her if she is faced with a situation. I'm not sure what to say about Dr Pym. I think I'd have to wait until the rest of the series pans out to get a proper opinion. I did take a liking to Gabriel though! he was a such a great character and provided the strong silent archetype in this book. (There seems to be a lot of archetypes in this novel, by the way).

It's a long book, and sometimes the details in the book does slow the pace down. Although the time traveling idea was fun, how it was explained, and the consequences of it doesn't seem to effect the characters or the storyline. Suddenly through the second half of the book, the plot seems to be extremely confusing and there seemed to be so many twists and turns through time that you can't think straight and it feels like one jumbled mess. This is definitely a book meant to be slowly, for lack of a better term, 'digested' in order to get the main point across. There is just so much information to take in, that by the end of the book you're still wondering if you really got the main idea. Or not. Another thing that bugged me were some of the characters just disappear and you don't read up on them at the end. So what became of them? perhaps that question will be answered in the next book. (I hope so!)

I'd say this book is what you would call an adventure of epic proportions. It's certainly not a light read, but one meant to be read slowly to take in the massive amounts of information, twists and turns through time, and all the action and adventure. Although a 'heavy' read, it's still worth it and it was a great adventure with lots more to come.

I'd have to say, before you actually dive into this book and enjoy it, to really *fully* enjoy this book to the maximum, it's best if you familiarize yourselves with the Romantic Poets. Here I'm talking about the real famous ones: Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, and John Keats. Make Shelley a female and then you get the main cast of So Shelly. It's also best if you also take a quick read through of Lord Byron's life just for the extra background information.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the Romantic Poets and their transformation into three high school students in a contemporary setting was just amazing and very well done. At first I was skeptical because I haven't seen this done before and thought this might be a flop. But it wasn't. It was extremely well done and the portrayals of Lord Byron,and John Keats were great and I'd say, probably hit the bulls eye when it comes to accuracy (well, close enough). Although I can't say the same for Shelley (since he became a she for this story). Still all three characters were really good and fun to read.

Byron really was the main star of this book. He was dashing, exciting to read, had a rather peculiar and rather dysfunctional life but it didn't matter. He still oozed charm, and you couldn't help but like him even though you knew he was a selfish self centered jerk that really was just out for himself. The things he's done in the book might make you either shake your head, widen your eyes at his audacity, or just make you say: 'Whatta guy'.

Yet there was also Keats, who was central to this story as well and the complete opposite of Byron. They become the odd couple yet manage to have an odd but interesting friendship. Byron takes the reins, and Keats just follows but it's deeper than that as the story progresses. I liked how this developed, in fact, I really liked all character development in this book. The characters are very real and three dimensional - although Shelly not so much I wonder if it's because she was made a girl in this book so she had to act differently? her development was there as well but I didn't think it was as great a magnitude as the other two.

The plot was good, albeit slow. However, I think with this book, although there is a mystery behind it, the main focus was on the main characters and their relationships and dynamics. The plot was really secondary here. That being said, I don't think the book is really for everyone. (Plus, there's some content matter in there not really meant for younger teens, this is for the older teen bracket). Would I recommend this? yes and no. Yes, because I thought it was a good read however I myself love the poets mentioned. So perhaps this book would be best for those familiar with the three. Those new to this should give it a try anyway, but background information will help.

I liked this book, it's different, although a little slow moving. The plot does move slowly and gradually takes the reader along for the ride. Which is not too bad sometimes. I did like the writing style of the book. It is in some parts, a bit description heavy but I liked it because it gave the setting a rich detailed picture and gave the story more substance.

The actual plot and the origins of Daniel is one of the most interesting I've read. Yes, these types of paranormal monsters are overdone, but the origins behind Daniel and his history is definitely different and worth reading about - plus it got me reading into that kind of mythology. I have not come across something like this so far, so reading about this is definitely something refreshing and new.

There is a bit of budding chemistry between Daniel and Grace. It's there but not quite as passionate or exciting as some of the other YA couples I have read in the past. Daniel does have a certain charm to him as a brooding bad boy and Grace being your typical smart good girl is a typical cliche romance and while yes, it's been done before it's not so overdone as their relationship starts to grow slowly - so it gives it a realistic feel to it. (No, they don't fall in love overnight and declare their undying love a la Romeo and Juliet) (Which is good!)

Grace as a character and main heroine is ok...I did not have much of an opinion of her. She does not really stand out as some of the other main girls I've read in the past but she's certainly readable, it's just she does not stand out as much from the rest of them. Jude on the other hand got me really angry, he was a selfish twit and when it's all revealed in the end the urge to stomp on his face was pretty strong. Oh and Pete. Wow you're a jerk. A pretty handsome charming one, but still a jerk - which makes you ugly all of a sudden.

I'll be picking up the next one because it's got me all so curious about what's going to happen next. This book is meant to be read slowly and to take things in slowly it's worth a read through as although there are some things that are the same in every YA paranormal you see, there are some vast differences which puts this from the rest of the pack.