Release Announcement: On the Bright Side by S.R. Johannes

Today On the Bright Side by S.R. Johannes is released.  I haven't read this book yet, but I did read Untraceable and thought it was quite good.  This one looks to be an amusing YA read.

As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, SkyFones and InnerNets are all the rage. At her first Bright ceremony, G.O.D., the automated assignment system, spits out Angela Black, Gabby’s arch nemesis and longtime fencing rival. As a Bright, Gabby has to protect Angela, her assigned mortal, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven.

Back on earth, Angela starts hitting on Michael, Gabby’s crush and should-have-been boyfriend. Gabby’s pranks to quell the love are harmless at first until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, Celestial Sky Agent, Lawrence, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, steps into reveal that Angela has big problems, and what she really needs is Gabby’s help.

Determined to right her wrong and ease her mother’s grief, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to earth for just one day. But if Gabby’s not careful, her well-meaning mission just might shift the very foundation of Heaven, Earth, and every place in between, causing the danger of the dark side to roam free.

Untraceable by S.R. Johannes

by:  S.R. Johannes
published by:  Coleman and Stott
publish date:  November 29, 2011

16 year old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.

When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father.

Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.

This is one of the kinds of books I really like.  Grace is a strong female lead character, but she's still likeable.  She's strong through the wilderness skills her father taught her.  She's also strong in spirit and determination.  This book had good little tidbits of knowledge throughout that anyone, not just the young readers, should pick up.

The story was absorbing.  There were so many little subplots going on that the reader is hooked from the beginning.  It's a first rate thriller which is a little unique in YA, considering it's not paranormal or anything like that.  It's completely set in the real world.  I found that to be refreshing. 

I would definitely recommend this one.  However, if you're anti-love triangle...avoid it!!