I have read a good number of other fictional books, such as a few of Margaret Peterson Haddix Shadow children books, I've read all of the Artemis Fowl series and am currently reading book 4 of 5 of Rick Riordans Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I have gotten more into naruto recently, but I'm really not trying to bleed it in. If I am, I'm just not realizing it.

Try to focus on creating your own writing style and a focus, themes, objectives of the book.