Gena Showalter Reviews

Added June 11, 2006

Oh My Goth

Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: MTV Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: July 4, 2006
Genre: Young Adult: Girl's
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 1-4165-2474-6
Author Email/Website: www.genashowalter.com
Reviewer: Safiya Tremayne
Rating: 8 Gargoyles

Jade Leigh is used to standing out. A Goth, she is a nonconformist and fights for her right to be an individual. In a school full of Barbie clones (people who just go with the flow rather than be themselves), her desire to be herself lands her in unimaginable trouble. Instead of detention or suspension, the principal convinces Jade's father to let Jade take a special field trip. One that will supposedly help her to overcome her problems. There's just one catch...this trip involves a virtual world.

Being stuck in a virtual reality wouldn't be quite so bad if she was still unique, but in this reality, everyone is a Goth. Except, for her best friends who are all dressed like Barbie Clones, hate her guts, and love her arch-enemy Mercedes. How do you convince people you're stuck in a virtual reality and nothing is right? How do you remain true to yourself when you suddenly get to live the life you might have envied? Do you turn to your arch-enemy, who is also stuck in this virtual reality nightmare? Do you trust the new guy Clarik who stands out among the Goth Clones but seems to have his own agenda?

Wow. This is one amazing book. Showalter pulls readers in, gives them a ride to remember, and plenty to think about. The adventure never seems to end and neither do Jade's questions about herself, this world, and how to get out of this nightmare.

Fantastic fun from a dazzling author, Oh My Goth should not be missed!

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Added August 16, 2004

The Stone Prince

Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: HQN Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: September 2004
Genre: Romance: Paranormal
Format: Paperback
Price: $6.50
ISBN: 0373770073
Author Email/Website: www.genashowalter.com
Reviewer: Ayden Delacroix

Katie James was tall, sassy and spoke her own mind. Growing up with five brothers, she wasn't a wilting flower. In fact, she often referred to herself as her father's sixth son. A renovator, Katie had a knack for knowing which houses to buy and renovate. In fact, her latest acquisition was simply amazing. An old Victorian with large gardens, but it was one garden in particular that persuaded her to buy it. A pleasure garden filled with statues in various erotic poses.

One in statue called to her like no other. He was a magnificent specimen of a man. Too bad he was made of stone. One night after much deliberation, she kissed him.

Turned to stone by his jealous brother, Jorlan en Sarr was from another world. A world where warriors ruled and women obeyed. Freed by Katie's kiss, Jorlan knew he had to find a sorcerer to return him home. Oh, and make Katie fall in love him.

It wouldn't be hard falling in love with him. Not hard at all. There was just no way she would roll over, let him make love to her, and then leave her. She wanted a lasting relationship on Earth. With her family. Was it too much to ask?

With only fourteen days to make Katie fall in love with him, Jorlan does his best to win her over without losing his heart. Too bad it didn't work. But will he be able to convince her of his love in time? Especially now that his brother has returned to make sure he fails?

Sexy, fun, emotional and riveting, The Stone Prince is a gem. Ms. Showalter is a gifted writer who brings a sense of reality to her tales. Not once did Katie become a simpering, delicate flower once Jorlan made his desire known. She stuck to her decision, remained sassy and strong and refused to be bullied into changing her mind. The dynamic between Jorlan and Katie was remarkable, full of sparks. And the familial relationships were wonderful as well, with everyone learning more about respect for others as the story progressed.

Gena Showalter is one author I will be reading more of in the future. As for The Stone Prince, it is one book I highly recommend.

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