karliahquinn's review
1.0
These authors continue to trot out tired stereotypes of people. A big yawn.
marisas1985's review
4.0
For the student or person who is looking for a more challenging read this book seems to be perfect with a captivating story line that talks a LOT about cake. The larger words and the need to read through the lines are a good way to get the young reader thinking, learning and enjoying a good book. The mention of delicious desserts throughout the book lightens the feel of the story. If you are a homeschooling parent the larger words would be excellent to use for spelling lessons either before your child reads the book or while they are studying it.
The characters in this story, Will, Parker, Jillian and Chantal (also the narrators’) are all entering their senior year of high school and this story takes place during the summer between grade 11 and grade 12. The four of them are all top in their class as far as grades go and therefore the words they use, the plotting and the follow through is easier for them than the average student because of their intellect which is reflected in their thoughts and actions.
All in all I found this book rather enjoyable. It was well written and well detailed which surprised me because many books I’ve read aimed at the 8th grade audience don’t build up the main characters as well as Mar’ce Merrell did. Although I did enjoy this book I did find it difficult to get through because of the monotony of cake preparation and how much space the preparation of these cakes took up in the story. This book comes in at 328 pages and I am certain that nearly all of them have a mention of cake or cupcakes or both. In the end the cake becomes more metaphorical for friendship and how it brings people together. This story also has a surprise twist at the end which I was able to get through much more quickly than the middle portion.
I look forward to more from this Author.
Read my full review of this book here:
http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.ca/2012/09/ya-content-review-wicked-sweet.html
The characters in this story, Will, Parker, Jillian and Chantal (also the narrators’) are all entering their senior year of high school and this story takes place during the summer between grade 11 and grade 12. The four of them are all top in their class as far as grades go and therefore the words they use, the plotting and the follow through is easier for them than the average student because of their intellect which is reflected in their thoughts and actions.
All in all I found this book rather enjoyable. It was well written and well detailed which surprised me because many books I’ve read aimed at the 8th grade audience don’t build up the main characters as well as Mar’ce Merrell did. Although I did enjoy this book I did find it difficult to get through because of the monotony of cake preparation and how much space the preparation of these cakes took up in the story. This book comes in at 328 pages and I am certain that nearly all of them have a mention of cake or cupcakes or both. In the end the cake becomes more metaphorical for friendship and how it brings people together. This story also has a surprise twist at the end which I was able to get through much more quickly than the middle portion.
I look forward to more from this Author.
Read my full review of this book here:
http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.ca/2012/09/ya-content-review-wicked-sweet.html
paperbackstash's review
4.0
This book was SO cute. Took a few chapters to get into but it had an endearing adult-like quality to it despite being for such a young age. So while the kids will adore it, parents will also be able to get into it and laugh out loud at times as well if they want to join in, preview the book before the children read it, or just read it for entertainment value.
Basically it's a family reunion where two young kids don't want to be around their weird relatives, hilarious and realistic the way they did it. The worst they try to avoid are their redneck relatives, the woman always cooking things with pig feet and ferrets and their many offspring, all ending with the name "Bob". Cute story and some of the lines are funny no matter for which age group. The monsters were funny and a country corniness that matched the plot perfectly.
It excelled with the two mains being so funny, sarcastic, and realistic kids put amidst dysfunctional family madness, while being bored out of their minds, being forced to eat yucky relative food, and endure family "bonding."
As every age group of this does, most chapters end on suspense annoyance, but this is toned down compared to Goosebumps and the like. Also, the monster ends up genuine but creatively done and certainly unique, again tying with the country bumpkin scene. Cute. I really dig this author team (two women friends writing together). Their suspenseful tales for kids work well as it's clear they have a lot of fun with the genre, the stories, the writing style which hints and winks at all ages, and the enthusiasm shines through for the adventures they write.
Basically it's a family reunion where two young kids don't want to be around their weird relatives, hilarious and realistic the way they did it. The worst they try to avoid are their redneck relatives, the woman always cooking things with pig feet and ferrets and their many offspring, all ending with the name "Bob". Cute story and some of the lines are funny no matter for which age group. The monsters were funny and a country corniness that matched the plot perfectly.
It excelled with the two mains being so funny, sarcastic, and realistic kids put amidst dysfunctional family madness, while being bored out of their minds, being forced to eat yucky relative food, and endure family "bonding."
As every age group of this does, most chapters end on suspense annoyance, but this is toned down compared to Goosebumps and the like. Also, the monster ends up genuine but creatively done and certainly unique, again tying with the country bumpkin scene. Cute. I really dig this author team (two women friends writing together). Their suspenseful tales for kids work well as it's clear they have a lot of fun with the genre, the stories, the writing style which hints and winks at all ages, and the enthusiasm shines through for the adventures they write.
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