'The Evolution of Mara Dyer' (#2 of the Mara Dyer Series) by Michelle Hodkin

It was only a few months ago that I was introduced to Michelle Hodkin and her first novel and the first book of this series, 'The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer'. (If for whatever reason you missed it my review of that title can be found here.) And if you haven't read that title yet, I'd suggest stopping here for now and picking that one up.

For those of you who are already familiar with this series, you won't be disappointed. Now I've read some reviews that accuse 'The Evolution of Mara Dyer' of being somewhat slow, dry, or even whiny - but I can't imagine they were reading the same book and I certainly don't agree.

This title is the perfect 'book two'. Not only do we learn more about the main characters and get an opportunity to revel in their love story but, by the end of the novel, Michelle does a fantastic job of beginning to uncover the whys and the hows of what is really happening to them.

For what it's worth, I'm highly anticipating the third installment of the Mara Dyer series, 'The Retribution of Mara Dyer' due out in fall of 2013. It's a new, vivid take on 'boy meets girl' with a dash of science fiction/fantasy thrown in for good measure. If you liked the first, love this kind of YA, or just crave a good love story, this one is for you.  

Not to Miss List: Autumn, 2012

Like the live-stream corgi puppies on the Pet Collective's YouTube channel, there are some thing you shouldn't miss this fall. For a taste of what I'll be doing as the weather cools off take a look at the list below:

• Early September, Doctor Who Season 7 kicks off with Asylum for the Daleks
• September 27th, "The Casual Vacancy", by J.K. Rowling
• October 9, "Red Rain", by R.L. Stine
• Mid October, "Redemption", Chosen #4, Denise Grover Swank
• October 23rd, "The Evolution of Mara Dyer", by Michelle Hodkin
• November 8, "Fairy Tales From the Brother's Grimm; A New English Version", by Phillip Pullman

Pullman hit the list mainly because of the powerhouse His Dark Materials. While I can't say I was absolutely in love with how the Pullman series ultimately ended (a little too heavy on the religious pushing for me), I'm insanely interested in seeing what he can do with a few classic fairy tales. 

Lesser known authors, that in my humble opinion you should be reading if you aren't already, also have entries coming. I'm truly looking forward to the captivating and creative continuations that Denise Grover Swank and Michelle Hodkin are sure to put out with their next efforts.

Then there's the could be great, could be horrible, but nostalgia inducing adult fiction entry from one of my favorite authors from way back when I was still in elementary school: R.L. Stine.* I'm still not sure how that one is going to pan out seeing as I've never read any of his adult novels but even still, I'm eagerly anticipating this title so that I can find out what he can do outside of the child-oriented Goosebumps series. J.K.'s book is on there for much the same reason.

Lastly, you'll have probably noticed that I've been a little sneaky and popped the upcoming season premier of Doctor Who into the top slot of what should be a list of book recommendations. Truth be told, I'm just trying to turn the entire world into Whovians. (And I'm chomping at the bit  for an official schedule announcement - come on BBC! Give us a date already!!)

*I know, you were probably thinking I'd say J.K. Rowling but while I did read through all her Harry Potter entries and I am certainly looking forward to what she can do outside of the young adult arena, I'm sad to say I experienced them mostly during my college years and am much less concerned about her ability to appeal to a slightly more.. um... 'adult' population.