Where There's A Wolf, There's A Way by Lisi Harrison

Where There's A Wolf, There's A Way by Lisi Harrison ☆☆☆

I gave the first two books of the series a higher score. While I did find most of the story trivial, it was a fun, mindless read. These books came in handy after reading especially soul-crushing books where I needed a mental vacation in literature. Having borrowed this book months ago, I decided to finally read it after Hunger Games and it took me forever to get through this.

My main problem with the first book grew exponentially in this one. I do not like brands, or name brands. This series is all about being "new" and "hip" so it constantly throws out information about the latest "hit" songs, the UGG boots, and every clothing label or accessory label known to man. That gives me a headache. And while it might be fun for pre-teen label queens in the making, what impact would the book have ten years from now on the next generation? None that I can see.

It still has great characters and there are some interesting developments about them that rap up from the second book, but I don't think I could read a 4th book when they decide to put one out. I love the characters and I like seeing them in book form battling societal norms rather than short cartoons online, but this book just lost the momentum for me. It'd problem get 2 stars if I didn't love the characters.

The Ghoul Next Door (Monster High 2) by Lisi Harrison

The Ghoul Next Door by Lisi Harrison ☆☆☆☆

This sequel to Monster High was definitely better than the first book. It was full of so much intrigue and lighthearted humor that I couldn't put it down. Not to mention the boys in the book are absolutely to die for (pun possibly intended).

While the first book involved alternating points-of-view of Frankie Stein and Melody, this sequel adds the third point-of-view of Cleo. And even with three separate POVs it is still clear as ever to read. The addition of little pictures of the "narrator" above each of their chapters make it even easier to follow along with who is being featured. There is also a fourth point-of-view for a heart-breaking two page chapter involving Billy, who I adore so much. I am looking forward to seeing even more of him the next book. He better play a bigger role! :)

As lighthearted as it is, like the first it is true to high school life. It may contain monsters and puns galore, but it focuses on friendships and fitting in more than anything else. In this book in particular, the most popular girl has to cope with losing her friends, boyfriend, and social position by giving them an ultimatum they decided to protest; Frankie has to deal with the nervousness of letting her friends down as well as her growing emotions for the boy of her dreams; and in the end, Melody is faced with news that could change her entire life in a cliff-hanger ending. This is a great book at looking at all those potentially destructive emotions that everyday teens face in a way that keeps the seriousness on the back burner.

My only complaint about these books is label dropping. I know absolutely nothing about fashion and there are so many clothing labels I have to look up just to keep up. And fashion aren't the only labels dropped, it's almost like there are merchandise sponsors, haha!

Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Monster High by Lisi Harrison ☆☆☆☆

I have to say that I am in love with the dolls and jumped at the chance to read this when it was recommended to me. Draculaura is a vampire who loves pink and whose favorite subject is creative writing. I am a creative writing major who loves pink and vampires. Match made in heaven!

Despite that, this book isn't one of my favorites. It was hard to get into for me and I was just forcing myself through it. When Harrison finally started introducing who the characters really were then it got more interesting, finally ending with a cliff hanger (I have the sequel in my stack already).

This book uses the alternating points of view of a human named Melody and a newly created monster named Frankie Stein, who is of course, the grand-daughter of the Frankenstein monster. I seem to be reading a lot of alternating points of view books lately and I find that interesting, especially because it isn't something I would particularly choose, yet it seems to be working for the most part in the books that I have been reading. And no, I'm not choosing this style purposely. :)

Monster High has a great subject matter. It isn't just about blending classic monsters and horror tales with modern teen life. It's about acceptance, accepting who you are inside, how you look, the whole package. And in Frankie's case it's also about learning that sometimes hiding for protection is part of that acceptance. For an issue that teens face every day in accepting their own bodies, it's an excellent theme mixed with an interesting monster plot that's sure to amuse.