Friday, January 21, 2011

Book Review: Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

Kathryn and Brooke are both amazing singers and are motivated to win an annual music competition that offers scholarship money. Though they used to be friends, they are now bitter rivals. Told from both the point of alto Brooke and soprano Kathryn, the novel makes us root for both. But only one can win. Who will it be?


RIVAL is an engaging look at the reasons friends become enemies and how bad blood sours other aspects of their lives. Though I initially had more sympathy for Kathryn, Brooke grew on me. Her characterization as the queen bee who doesn’t care about the popularity game felt unique and fresh, even if her daddy issues were fairly standard YA material. Kathryn can also be pretty clueless, especially when it comes to her one friend. The poor guy let her totally treat him like a doormat. Do unto others, Kathryn, do unto others…

Debut Author Sara Bennett Wealer keeps the tension and stakes high, resulting in a quick, satisfying read and a nail-biter of a final showdown.

RIVAL comes out in hardcover on February 15, 2011. Find out more about it at the author’s website.

Fun fact:  Sara is a fellow Kansan - and she went to KU.  Go Jayhawks!
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18 comments:

  1. StaciJanuary 21, 2011 at 12:27 AM

    This one sounds good. There seems to be a lot of great YA out there lately!

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  2. Caroline Starr RoseJanuary 21, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    Go, Sara!

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  3. Mrs. DeRapsJanuary 21, 2011 at 1:39 AM

    I can't wait to read this one...It's on its way in the mail. Thanks for the review.

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  4. Pam (@iwriteinbooks)January 21, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    This looks like a lot of fun! Love the cover, too...

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  5. bermudaonionJanuary 21, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    This sounds like a good one and I love the cover too.

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  6. SaraJanuary 21, 2011 at 3:01 AM

    Hey there, to a fellow Kansas girl! Thanks so much for the great review! I'm thrilled you liked RIVAL! Rock Chalk, Jayhawk and all that! :-)

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  7. Beth S.January 21, 2011 at 3:02 AM

    I'm really looking forward to this one!

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  8. CassJanuary 21, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    :D Nice review.

    Can't wait to read this! Sara already knows. ;)

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  9. Dazzling MageJanuary 21, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    I really want to read this! Thanks for the short review. =)

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  10. CarlaJanuary 21, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    I totally agree. I LOVED this book and it was all thanks to YOU. Lenore, I see lots of baileys and cocktail drinking in our future :)

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  11. kay - Infinite ShelfJanuary 24, 2011 at 3:26 AM

    Oh, it sounds good! I'm always in for a new take on the queen bee, and it's always engaging to follow two different characters.

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  12. Bonnie @ A Backwards StoryJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Gorgeous cover! And this one sounds really interesting :)

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  13. ZibileeJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    I haven't ever really read a book about friends who become enemies, but I know that I have had a few! I think the book sounds great and I bet it's one that I would like. I am glad you enjoyed it!

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  14. KatieJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    This sounds great! I love the idea of a queen bee who doesn't care about popularity. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  15. JamieJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:56 AM

    This looks really interesting! I've never heard of it before but I can't wait to read it! I'm digging the cover too!

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  16. ShelleyJanuary 27, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    At least it's girls competing for a scholarship instead of for a boy! Betty and Veronica could learn a lesson.

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  17. JenniferJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    This sounds like an intriguing read. I enjoy a little competition every now and then. And the cover is totally gorgeous.

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  18. VivienFebruary 5, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    I was able to get an ARC of this copy. Enjoyed it as well. I'm also a fellow Kansan :)

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