The Mermaid's Mirror isn't the only novel to bear L.K. Madigan's name: She also wrote a contemporary novel called Flash Burnout. It's one of my favorite YA books of all time. Part of this is because much of it centers around two of the main characters' photography class and assignments. "Flash burnout" actually refers to overexposing... Continue Reading →
There are few people who know as much about Old English as Dr. Rebecca Barnhouse. Not only is she an author, but she also teaches medieval literature at Youngstown State University in Ohio. (Yours truly is a former student.) In the following guest blog, Dr. Barnhouse explains the roots of her fascination with medieval literature (Beowulf,... Continue Reading →
Happy book birthday to our featured title this week, The Coming of the Dragon by Rebecca Barnhouse! Our thanks to her for answering our questions -- and giving us a peek inside her vast knowledge of mythology. Plus, she answers a question about YA that's been building since a little book called Twilight was published. __________... Continue Reading →
While we usually feature YA on Novel Novice, we also like to highlight noteworthy Middle Grade titles, as well. All this week we'll be focusing on The Coming of the Dragon by Dr. Rebecca Barnhouse, who teaches in the English Department at Youngstown State University. Her latest book was written and edited as Young Adult,... Continue Reading →
I must say, I'm a little ill that a number of great authors were beat out this week by ... Justin Bieber? Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Torment by Lauren Kate and Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick all made the top 10, but were ranked lower than the king of coifs. Ugh. CHAPTER... Continue Reading →
Synopsis: Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for... Continue Reading →
It looks like the vampire craze is finally dying a natural death (hah!) but fallen angels are on the rise in YA lit. Circling in the waters nearby are mermaids. While L.K. Madigan's The Mermaid's Mirror is our favorite mermaid book, it's not the only one. (Heck, even Stephenie Meyer has been toying with the idea!) Here are a... Continue Reading →
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff is easily one of the most bizarre and macabre books (let alone YA) I've ever read. And I'll admit it: I totally judged this book by its creepy and twisted cover. I mean, sharp metal implements hanging over a vintage baby carriage (aka death trap)? How can you not love that messed up juxtaposition? Here's... Continue Reading →
Mermaid mythology has been around for centuries, and L.K. Madigan does a great job of weaving it into her latest novel, The Mermaid's Mirror. After its main character, Lena, discovers she is half mermaid, she seeks out her mother, who she's always known as Lucy. Her full name is Melusina -- a mythical water creature... Continue Reading →
Cassie Clare may not be at the top of the best sellers list this week, but she's in good company with Lauren Kate, whose sequel to Fallen -- Torment -- was released this week. The paperback version of Fallen also made the list, in addition to the paperback of Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush. Fans must be gearing... Continue Reading →
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