The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Source: Publisher

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.
Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

I have always been fascinated in Jack the Ripper and I was definitely really excited to read The Name of the Star. I couldn't wait to see what Maureen Johnson would write. Rory is in a new place. She is trying to get used to a new place and find people to get along with. She isn't the most popular girl, but she doesn't hide who she is. I loved her sense of humor and overall her personality is easy to relate to and I liked her. Jerome and Rory were both cute together. I found Jerome's fascination with the murders to be reasonable and even entertaining as he speculated what would happen next. Jazza was a very sweet character and I loved how she genuinely cared about Rory. I loved Stephen, Callum, and Boo. They each have their own personalities and a different back story. Stephen is also very swoon worthy and I can't wait to read more about him as the series continues.

The plot is exciting and full of history and details about London, Jack the Ripper, and the culture. It didn't drag the book, but actually made it more interesting. The descriptions of the East Side of London are full of details and really helped me understand where the murders happened and were happening. The pacing of this book was spot on, I never felt that it dragged or felt rushed. The secret police were very interesting and I liked how the story was a balance between paranormal and contemporary fiction. This story is really unique and surprised me at times. Maureen Johnson's writing is fabulous as always and I can't wait to read more from her. This story is full of fascinating characters, a gripping plot, and a unique premise. I am so excited to dig into the next book in this series, when it comes out. I recommend this book to fans of Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly and Maureen Johnson's previous books. It comes out on September 27th.

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

Source: Bought

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

I enjoyed 13 Little Blue Envelope a lot and I was excited to read The Last Little Blue Envelope, since it was announced. Ginny is a character that I enjoyed a lot. I also liked that the relationships from the other books were continued. I loved learning more about Richard and Peg and seeing more about Richard. I liked seeing Keith again. He was just as fun as the first book. Oliver was a great new character and even though he was an asshole at times, you couldn't help but loving him. The plot was just as mysterious and exciting as the first book. I loved that I got to see more of Europe through Ginny again. This is a very cute and fun story that I am sure that anyone would enjoy. If you have not read the first book, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, go and buy it now and be sure to pick up this book too. I am sure that you will enjoy the adventure, excitement, and just a hint of romance, while on a trip around London.

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Source: Bought

When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.

I absolutely loved 13 Little Blue Envelope, the first time that I read it, and I was really excited to re-read it the second time. I was excited to find it just as magical and surprising as the first time that I saw it. Ginny is a very likable character. She is very easygoing and sweet. I liked that she became more confident a as time went on. Aunt Peg is a very flaky character whose personality reminded me of my mom at times. Kieth was very charming and I liked him at times, but other times I didn't trust him at all. The plot of 13 Little Blue Envelopes isn't the most realistic plot, but it definitely is fun, exciting, and amusing. I loved that I got to discover Europe through Ginny's eyes and it felt like I was wandering around Europe too. Johnson's writing is witty, thrilling, and one of a kind. I recommend this book to fans of Johnson's other books, E. Lockhart, and Robin Benway. I also suggest having the second book The Last Little Blue Envelope on hand, because the ending is rather sudden and unresolved and you will want to read what is next.

Giveaway!

Lately, I have gotten a few duplicates that need a new home, so it is contest time.
These are the books up for grabs:
I will admit that I loved each of these books, which is probably why I already have a copy, when I was sent these. Just fill out the form below by October 31st for the chance to win all three books. Also it is open international.

Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 19/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 18/20

Overall: 92/100 or A

Scarlett's life is as crazy as ever. She is now Mrs. Amberson's assistant and has to do anything that she ask for, which is usually dropping off scripts to her brother Spencer and doing Mrs. Amberson's shopping for odd food. Scarlett has to make friend with Chelsea, a Broadway Star that is Mrs. Amberson's new client. Scarlett is trying to juggle her sophomore year class, a lab partner that is a bit too nice, and she is also trying to get over the boy who broke her heart. Her family is in a million different directions. It is surprising that Scarlett has has time for herself with everything that is going on in her life.

Scarlett Martin is a character that I can relate to so much. She is insecure about what she wants to do in life. She is also lovable and really caring. Her brother Spencer is really funny and I love his humor. I loved that he tried out for Crime and Punishment, which is a tribute to Law and Order. Lola and Marlene also became a bigger part of the story. I liked learning more then what Scarlett sees. Max was an interesting addition to the series, I loved what I found out about him and hope to learn more. Murray is the most awesome dog ever. The plot of this book was just as exciting and funny as the last book. I found myself laughing so much during this book. This book was really original with it's great characters and the wonderful plot. Maureen Johnson is a fantastic writer that knows how to write such a great book. I recommend this to anyone that likes Maureen Johnson's other books.