Review: Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Title: Vicious
Author: V.E. Schwab
Publisher: Tor
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Source: Library
Find it Here: Amazon, Goodreads

A masterful, twisted tale of ambition, jealousy, betrayal, and superpowers, set in a near-future world.

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

In Vicious, V. E. Schwab brings to life a gritty comic-book-style world in vivid prose: a world where gaining superpowers doesn’t automatically lead to heroism, and a time when allegiances are called into question.

My thoughts:

Before all the hype started to grow for Vicious I knew I wanted to read it. I read Schwab’s The Archived and immediately fell in love with her writing style, knowing that I would read pretty much anything else that she wrote. So when I heard about Vicious I was all aboard and got it from the library as soon as it became available to me.

Here’s a basic run down of the story. Eli and Victor are college roommates and best friends. Both are fairly smart and have bright futures ahead of them. Eli discovers that one can attain “extra ordinary powers” or become an EO through a near death experience. So Eli and Victor force themselves into near death experiences to become EOs. Without giving away any spoilers, 10 pass and the two are mortal enemies and Victor has made it his mission to take Eli out!

Almost every single character in this book is a terrible person. They almost have no redeeming qualities. Eli is out trying to fulfill what he believes to be his “God-given mission” and is just doing absolutely horrible things. Victor wants to do horrible things to Eli in the name of vengeance. Never a good reason. I think my favorite character is Sydney because she really struggles with right and wrong throughout the book. She has this innocence about her that, even though it doesn’t make Victor change his mind about anything, it really makes him take a good hard look at what he’s doing. And with everyone doing absolutely terrible things the whole time, it was refreshing to read from her perspective at times.

No spoilers, but the ending is definitely what made Vicious so good for me. It was very satisfying! If you’re a fan of Schwab’s other book I would definitely recommend reading Vicious!

Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: February 04, 2014
Source: ARC

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.
In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

My thoughts: 

It’s probably coming as no surprise that I’m just going to rave about Cress! Marissa Meyer and her Lunar Chronicles are very popular here in the blogging community and on Goodreads. Not only is she one fantastic writer but she is also so very nice in person! She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

I don’t know how it’s possible but I continually like the next book in the series more than the one before it. And since I thought that Cinder was an amazing re-telling of Cinderella and I gave it five stars, all the rest of the series has subsequently received 5 stars as well because they are epically amazing! I’m not going to go into a lot of details about Cress because I don’t want to give away any spoilers.

1. Characters: So good! Cress continues both Cinder and Scarlet’s story lines and manages to weave Cress into it! I also love Cress and her little romance that she’s got going on with someone I shall not name (even though it’s pretty obvious) and it’s totally the typical damsel in distress theme and it totally works! Cress totally reminds me of Rapunzel from Tangled just a little smarter and a little more naive.

2. Plot: It’s so intriguing! Cress has the story line that continues from Scarlet and now suddenly they run into Cress who is prisoner in a space satellite! The story just flows so seamlessly with the separate storylines, all the characters and a lot of action!

3. Romance: I’m a big fan of the romance in the Lunar Chronicles. No love triangles, no one fighting over each other and no insta-love. These characters get to know each other and find out the goods and the bads before they decide they’re head over heels in love.

So if you love this series so far then you’ll love Cress! It’s almost out! Just be a little more patient and then when it’s released, read it as soon as you can!

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's USA
Source: ARC via ALA
Find it Here:  Goodreads, Amazon

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

My thoughts:

Whoa, whoa, WHOA!!!! Now I understand what all the hype is about and why everyone is loving this series sssssoooo much!! And why is it that Throne of Glass has been sitting on my shelves for almost a year and a half? I picked this book up at ALA 2012 having no idea what it was. There was just this pile of books sitting on a table and the publicists told me to take one! So I did and a year and half later….whoa!!!!

The story of Celaena is as fascinating as the world she lives in. We meet her at a death camp where has been sentenced for being a world famous assassin. She works in the salt mines and has surprisingly survived this place for a year when the Prince of Adarlan has an offer she just can’t refuse. She goes to the castle to compete in a five month competition in the hopes of becoming the King’s champion which means she would still be an assassin just killing the people that the King wants her to kill. And then there’s the mystery of where all the magic went when the King banned magic and why it all disappeared so quickly! This world is going to be quite fascinating when we get more into the history of it because apparently there are also magical beings that most people believe don’t exist anymore! We’ll see about that.

I am not usually a big fan of love triangles especially when they just pop up out of nowhere. But the love triangle in Throne of Glass is a pretty good one. Both Prince Dorian and Chaol (the captain of the guards) keep their distance from Celaena because they know that she is dangerous and possibly going to try to escape. But as they both spend more time with her they both get to know her better and see the person she really is and they both start to fall in love with her!! Yes, it’s good and it happens slowly and I am literally torn between the two of them. They both have their strengths and weaknesses but yet both of them can be really good for her. I’m definitely interested to see where the love part of the story goes in Crown of Midnight!

Celaena is such a great heroine!! She’s likable, funny, strong, sensitive, kind and an animal lover! She’s funny at all the right moments and serious when she needs to be. She’s not one of those annoying sarcastic characters that I've been seeing a lot of in YA recently. You know the character: something as serious as life and death is happening but the main character always makes some stupid, witty comment in her mind like, “I’m about to fight the lord of the giants. No big deal. It can’t be much harder than climbing the rope in P.E.” I hate shit like that. I want to punch characters like that. And Celaena is NOT like that at all!

I loved Throne of Glass so much! It’s an instant favorite series for me! And from what I've heard Crown of Midnight is just as good and as exciting! It’s a really quick read and for those who love fantasy out there, it is now part of the top five that I would recommend in fantasy!

Review: Game by Barry Lyga

Title: Game
Author: Barry Lyga
Series: Jasper Dent #2
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: Purchased
Find it Here: Goodreads, Amazon

Billy grinned. “Oh, New York,” he whispered. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, the son of history’s most infamous serial killer, Billy Dent.
In an effort to prove murder didn't run in the family, Jazz teamed with the police in the small town of Lobo’s Nod to solve a deadly case. And now, when a determined New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz’s door asking for help, he can’t say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple–and its police force–running scared. So Jazz and his girlfriend, Connie, hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer’s murderous game.

My thoughts:

Game is the second book in the Jasper Dent series and sequel to I Hunt Killers. I’m going to try my hardest to make this review as spoiler free as possible! Okay, so that’s not going to happen and there are going to be a few spoilers from the first book.

Game takes off relatively close to where I Hunt Killers ends and just dives right back into Jasper Dent’s crazy life. Because of all the help that Jazz was able to give to his local police department, a detective from New York would like his help catching a serial killer that has been roaming the streets of New York City. The detective believes that there’s nothing really special about this killer but Jazz might think that his father is really the one behind all these murders. Of course, in typical Jazz style, he goes off on his own mission and ends up in quite the predicament which make the ending such a crazy cliffhanger and so OMG!!!

Game has all the same main characters as I Hunt Killers which is awesome because Howie is just so funny! But we don’t get very much of Howie because he doesn't accompany Jazz to New York City. Connie is an okay character and I don’t think she really adds a lot to the story. I would have to say that some of my favorite parts were the short chapters from the point of view of the anonymous killer. Those parts were just very gruesome, disturbing and very creepy.

Even though I did feel like some parts of the book were a little slow, I enjoyed the story very much. The last few chapters just had me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait to find out what happens to Jazz in the next book!

Review: Gilt

Title: Gilt
Author: Katherine Longshore
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Source: Library/Purchased

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

My thoughts:

There is just something about historical novels that just enrapture me! Especially the Tudor Era! I love discovering more about kings and queens and beheading people for the smallest of actions. It’s a quite fascinating.

I was definitely enthralled by this story of Catherine Howard told by one of her closest friends named Kitty. Catherine Howard is one of King Henry VIII’s later wives and this story just goes to show how old he really was and the long term effects of his jousting wound had on his marriage and the country in general. Anyone who ever working in his court was always under scrutiny and their every action was watched under a microscope. They never knew who was going to turn who. It’s all very interesting!

Kitty is an interesting character. She’s the plainer more subdued version of her friend Catherine Howard and she’s not obsessed with getting to court like all the other girls her age. But, of course, when the opportunity to go to court arises she does not turn it down. The whole book is pretty much about keeping Catherine Howard’s affair a secret from the King’s spies. I knew what was going to happen in the end but the getting there was really intriguing! I sometimes found myself hoping that they wouldn’t get caught but like I said, I know the history of King Henry VIII and his wives. But I still loved it!!

All in all, Gilt is one of my favorite reads of this year so far! It is definitely a great story to get myself lost in!

Review: The Indigo Spell

Title: The Indigo Spell
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #3
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Purchased

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

My thoughts: 

Richelle Mead is hands down, by far my favorite paranormal author! And I'm pretty sure this is how all my reviews of her books start. She is just one phenomenal writer and she continues to blow me away with her books! Do you guys realize that The Indigo Spell, The Fiery Heart and Gameboard of the Gods are all published this year?!? Man, Richelle Mead sure was working hard last year! 

The Indigo Spell was just another great installment in the Bloodlines series! I loved the sexual tension between Sydney and Adrian! It just continued to build and build until there were a few hot and steamy moments that made me want to cheer. I think it's so funny that she's always telling herself that she can never be with someone like Adrian because he's a Moroi but when it comes down to it she just can't control herself or her feelings! She has huge feelings for Adrian and I really hope they win out in the end. 

I'm also intrigued by all this magic that is being introduced to the series.  The Vampire Academy world is so vast and I'm continually surprised by all the new aspects that are coming out of the woodwork.  But this magical element is just so awesome and how Sydney is taking to it.  If she thinks that she doesn't really like the Moroi then she really doesn't like the magic and she continues to resist! But I have a feeling that the magic is also going to win out in the end. Oh, this series is just so amazing!!!

Needless to say, I cannot wait for the Fiery Heart!!! I will be there, at the bookstore, on release day, ready to dive into the next installment of the Bloodlines series!!

Review: The Madman's Daughter

Title: The Madman's Daughter
Author: Megan Shephard
Publisher: Balzar & Bray
Source: Library/Purchased

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

My thoughts: 

Now I don't normally say how much I loved a book right off the bat but let me tell you guys!!! I LOVED The Madman's Daughter!!!! I was hooked from the very first page.  It's almost as if I could feel the dark atmosphere emanating off the pages as soon as I opened the book! It blew my mind! 

I'm a big fan of anything horror and dark and gruesome and The Madman's Daughter serves it ten fold. Set in London in the 19th century already creates a sense of foreboding and a sense that something is creeping around the corner.  I was absolutely fascinated by this very elusive rumor that is swirling around about the main character's, Juliet, father.  He's some sort of freak of a doctor that was trying to make his own creatures by surgically biding two or three other animals together.  Believe me, it's a gruesome as it sounds! But I couldn't put the book down! I was constantly surprised by each new discovery that Juliet made and that ending!!! OMG it is so shocking!!! I'm pretty much dying for the next book!

I still can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book! There is romance, mystery, horror, literally scary scenes and so much more that will have you on the edge of your seat!! I know a lot of young adult readers don't really enjoy horror but if you do, then this is a must read!!

Review: Scarlet

Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #2
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Source: Purchased

The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

My thoughts:

The Lunar Chronicles is genius! Marissa Meyer is a fantastic writer who crafts together a very original world, science fiction, fairy tales, mystery, romance and fascinating characters. It's definitely one of my absolute favorite series that keeps me chomping at the bit for more!

I didn't even know this was possible but I liked Scarlet more than Cinder! I gave Cinder a 5 star raving review because it was awesome but there is something that can be said about an author who can build on the awesomeness of her first book, intertwine two separate stories and create an even bigger mystery that has me on the edge of my seat!

Scarlet is a great new addition to the mystery of the Lunars and the missing princess. The mystery of her family's involvement was very intriguing and what made it even better was the mystery of her origins which is revealed toward the end of the story. The bigger mystery surrounds Wolf and who he really is. Is he good or bad? We don't know and it's so infuriating! I also love that the story takes place in France. And I love that Iko is back! She is one of my favorite characters.

Another home-run for Marissa Meyer and I just can't wait to see what she has in store for the rest of the series!

Review: Defiance

Title: Defiance
Author: CJ Redwine
Series: Defiance #1
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Source: ARC from Publisher

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

My thoughts:

I have only just discovered that I really love fantasy about last year when I read The Girl of Fire and Thorns and it literally blew my mind. I've been on the hunt for other fantastic fantasy novels ever since because I seem to have this thirst that only really great fantasy novels can quench! The cover of Defiance just screams epic adventure and I knew it was going to be a must read for me!

Defiance is not really the typical fantasy novel in the fact that it takes place many, many years in the future when the world has become a barren wasteland instead of taking place in an alternate world. But it almost seems like it takes place in a completely different world because of how much the world has changed. Instead of towns and cities, there are only these little settlements that have rulers who don't really like each other very much.  People who live there have reverted back to a very old fashioned way of living. And in the miles between these settlements there are a lot of barren wastelands that are plagued by some very vicious creatures called the dark ones.

There is just something so appealing about the male hero and protector in fantasy novels! Maybe because they're almost like a throwback to Arthurian times and they're these iconic knights in shining armor characters. They just twist my heart and make me fall hard! Logan is definitely worthy of being one of the Knights of the Round Table! He is protective, fiercely loyal, strong and compassionate all while being hot and irresistible! And then Rachel is a rare female character who doesn't annoy me. I see her as this woman with two sides. She plays the good little girl while she's in public but while she's at home her father has taught her to be a fierce warrior and how to take care of herself! And she's not a whiner! She rises up to become Logan's equal instead of someone she has to depend on.

Defiance was definitely one of my favorite reads of 2012. It's an adventure with twists and turns around every corner. And that passionate love story had me on the edge of my seat just waiting for them to take their relationship to the next level! If you love fantasy and you have not read Defiance yet, DO IT!!!! So good!

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #1
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Source: Purchased

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

My thoughts: 

When I bought this book, Marissa was on her book tour and Cinder and just been released. I knew there was a lot of hype surrounding Cinder but for some really it just didn't appeal to me.  I had never read anything dealing with cyborgs and honestly I thought the was weird-striking-but weird, nonetheless. So I bought the book in April of last year and I'm telling you, it sat on my shelf for a least 6 months and my blogger friends kept asking me if I had read it yet! I pretty sure I read it just so that I could say yes when they asked me again. Even though I wish I had read it earlier and that I hadn't waited so long, I'm glad I read it later because it was really fresh in my mind for when I read Scarlet!

I cannot believe how completely involved I got into Cinder! I loved the futuristic setting, the mystery of the moon colony and the Lunars' powers, the part cyborg people, the cultural Chinese elements mixed in with a heart warming boy meets girl story. Cinder is a very exciting adventure that had me turning pages until the very last chapter!

I can honestly say that I liked, if not loved all the characters. Cinder in very endearing and charming in the way that she is somewhat an airhead and a tomboy with a little sarcastic wit. She is so likable and one of those characters that I wish was a close friend in real life. Kai is definitely the embodiment of prince charming; he is a swoon worthy gentleman! But above all my favorite character is Cinder's bot personality Iko! She was definitely the comic relief and had me rolling with her blunt statements! 

Cinder was a true highlight of 2012 and had me anxiously awaiting the release of Scarlet! It's really a very unique novel in a sea of YA novels that tend to feel the same. If you're reading this review and you STILL haven't read Cinder, read it right now! Right this minute! 

Review: The Archived

Title: The Archived
Author: Victoria Schwab
Series: The Archived #1
Publisher: Hyperion
Source: ARC from publisher

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

My thoughts: 

As soon as I read the synopsis for The Archived I knew that I would pretty much do whatever it took to get my hands on a copy! Luckily they were giving them out like candy at ALA so I didn’t have to resort to biting anyone to get a coveted copy; I just had to ask. I love the smoky mystery of the cover and a world where souls sit on shelves like books!

There were so many great aspects to this story! Discovering this world where the archived souls were housed was so interesting and figuring out how order and seniority worked with those who worked at “the library”. And then we get the mystery of the very old apartment building that she just moved into. And then the question of why another Keeper has been assigned to the same territory as Mac and why are there so many Histories running around? So many great questions are explored in this first installment of this very exciting new series!

I really loved the dynamics between the characters and their relationships with each other. Even though Mac is not close with her parents it’s evident that she is devastated by the death of her grandpa who also trainer her. Every time there was a flash back to one of their conversations I found myself getting chocked up and moved by their relationship.

 
Some of my favorite parts of the book were when Mac was doing a little detective work and trying to figure out the mystery of what happened in her apartment building many years ago. I love reading about other times, especially being able to see past memories. 

This is such a great book and I think it will appeal to many readers! It has a great adventure and an exciting mystery that did not disappoint me!

Review: Burn for Burn

Title: Burn for Burn
Author: Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
Series: Burn for Burn #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Source: Library

BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

My Thoughts:

As soon as I heard that Jenny Han was writing another book and that it was going to be another series I knew I was going to read it and that I was going to love it! I definitely loved Burn for Burn and I didn't mind the shifting perspectives. At first I got the characters kind of confused but I caught on pretty quickly.

 
I was so excited to hear that this book was going to be about girls who get revenge on those who had wronged them! For the longest time I've wanted to read a Mean Girls style book and Burn for Burn gave me just what I had been looking for. Of course, I wasn't expecting the Carrie-style scene at the end but that just made it more awesome! So the three girls: Lila, Kat and Mary. Lila wants revenge on the boys who can’t take no for an answer, Kat wants revenge on her gossip spreading ex-bestie from middle school and Mary wants revenge on the guy whom she liked but humiliated her so bad she moved away. I think those are all pretty valid reasons for revenge. And it’s pretty genius that they worked it out so one of the other girls gets revenge on the person instead of them and that they all eventually have a hand in it. Oh and did I mention that the book takes place on an island? It’s called Jar Island and they’re the people that stay after all the tourists leave. 

I really did love this book. I felt like I was in on all the revenge planning and rooting them on or crossing my fingers that they wouldn't get caught while they were exacting their plans! But now I’m wondering if there is going to be a supernatural element added because there is definitely something strange going on with Mary. I want to make a prediction and say that she is actually living alone and that she ran away from her parents. This is definitely the Mean Girls/Heathers book I was looking for and I was not disappointed.

Audio Book Review: Outpost

Title: Outpost
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland #2
Publisher: MacMillian
Find it here: B&N, Goodreads, Mysterious Galaxy
Source: Audio Book provided by MacMillian Young Listners

Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn't fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.

My thoughts: 

I was so excited to get started on this audio book right after I finished Enclave because of that ending! I'm going to try to write this review as spoiler free as I can and I hope that I succeed! If you haven't started reading this series yet then you need to! Absolutely!!

Now that Duce and Fade have been brought to the outpost and have found a safe place to live, Duce is struggling to fit in. The people of Salvation expect her to act like a woman in the traditional sense meaning that men only to the hunting and the fighting and the women wear dresses and do all the cooking and house cleaning. Since all Duce ever wanted to be was a huntress, this is really hard for her to except.  Meanwhile, Fade and Duce are somewhat on the outs making Duce feel even more alone and isolated.

Duce is such a strong female character and she never truly conforms into what these people expect her to be. She holds on to huntress nature and has to prove herself worthy of being able to protect the town.  Event though I really like Fade, he is really sensitive sometimes! As soon as he feels a little bit hurt or rejected, he runs off, hides away and doesn't talk to anyone.  He kind of reminds me of a girl! I also think it's funny that they have to keep reassuring each other that they really do like each other.  It's obvious that they trust each other with their lives, but they're unsure of the part of their relationship that involves feelings.  And the zombie-like creatures are getting even crazier! I hope in the third book we really get to know what's going on with then and really learn more about their origins!

The Razorland series is such a great apocalypse series and one of my favorite dystopians right now! It's full of adventure, romance, people fighting to survive and blood and guts! And the reader of this series is great! Her voice has the perfect amount of toughness for Duce while still being a girl! I give the Outpost audio book 5 hearts for literally having me on the edge of my seat while I was driving my car!

Review: Enclave

Title: Enclave
Author: Anne Aguirre
Series: Razorland #1
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Find it Here: B&N, Goodreads, Mysterious Galaxy
Source: Purchased

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn't like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

My thoughts:

I wasn't sure what Enclave was about when in first came out. Well, obviously since I didn't even read it until I received the audio book of Outpost. I thought, well great, another dystopian that will probably disappoint me. It is definitely a book that took me by surprise and made me wish that I had read it sooner!

The world building in Enclave is fantastic! I imagine that the enclave is somewhat like a world that children would create. If a bunch of children were left to learn how to survive and fend for themselves, I imagine that the College enclave is what has evolved from that beginning. I was so fascinated by the various roles that the citizens played; especially the word keeper or the one who keeps all the artifacts from the old world. Breeders, hunters, builders and elders are what create this society where its citizens don’t live past the age of twenty-five. I wanted to know more about this world and how they ended up living in the New York City subway tunnels!

I loved the characters! They’re so strong and fierce! The ones that the readers meet, the ones who have names, are the strongest of their generations and aren't even allowed to have a name until they make it to a certain age. Everything they do is about survival and nothing more. Duce is a no-nonsense type of girl and wants more than anything to be a huntress. She knows her way around a pair of knives like it’s no one’s business! I love Fade too! He’s this stonewall of a guy who doesn't let anyone in until he knows he can trust them with his life because that’s the type of world that they live in!

Some of my favorite parts were after they made it to the surface! Duce had never known or even seen any kind of modern convenience so it was quite entertaining when she discovered a sink or a faucet or a toilet or a couch. And then to see all the different types of people that they ran into and to see how they managed to survive in various ways! It’s really quite fascinating! I really don’t have any complaints about this book and it brought up so many little sub plot that can be expanded to further the series. I give Enclave 5 hearts because I have so many questions about the zombie-like “freaks” that fight and I can’t wait to know the rest of the story!

Review: The Golden Lily

Title: The Golden Lily
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #3
Publisher: Razorbill
Find it here: Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Mysterious Galaxy
Source: Purchased

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

My thoughts: 

I want to start this by saying that Richelle Mead writes the most amazing stories! I have yet to read one of her books that I don’t like! I've read all the Vampire Academy novels, the first and second in the Bloodlines series and I’m getting ready to start the second book in her Succubus series. I love them all! I just can’t get enough! You can bet that I will be buying the first book in her newest series, Gameboard of the Gods!

So pretty much in The Golden Lily, vampire hunters are after Sonia because they don’t believe that she is truly restored and Sydney is fighting her inner conscience about possibly using magic. That’s pretty much all that happens. Little side stories here and there, Adrian trying to be a better Adrian and of course the awesome ending and DIMITRI!

I love when I get to immerse myself with this world that I love so much. At first, Sydney was just an okay character for me when we first met her in the Vampire Academy series. But now I’m really starting to love her! She’s always looking out for other people while constantly reminding herself that she needs to keep everything professional because it’s her job. I also love her internal struggle and conversations with herself about magic. I knew it was just a matter of time before she gave in! The one thing that always annoys me is when she thinks she needs to be on a diet because being a size 2 isn't skinny enough. I HATE that! I wanted to give Adrian a big high five when he told her that she could stand to gain a few pounds! And speaking of Adrian and Sydney together!! We’re finally getting some sparks and passion! Dimitri is, of course, perfect and I just love how he always plays the protector role!

Needless to say, Bloodlines is one of my favorite series and The Golden Lily was just spectacular! I have to give The Golden Lily 5 hearts because I am on the edge of my seat waiting for The Indigo Spell!!

Review: Picture the Dead

Title: Picture the Dead
Author: Adele Griffin, Lisa Brown (Illustrator)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Find it here: Goodreads, Mysterious Galaxy
Source: Picked up at ALA

Jennie feels the tingling presence of something unnatural in the house now that Will is dead.

Her heart aches without him, and she still doesn't know how he really died. It seems that everywhere she turns, someone is hiding yet another clue. As Jennie seeks the truth, she finds herself drawn ever deeper into a series of tricks and lies, secrets and betrayals, and begins to wonder if she had every really known Will at all.

My thoughts:

There is something so haunting and creepy about this book yet so inviting at the same time! The illustrations, the mystery, the letters from other characters and the narrative of the story mixed all together make it one of the most unique books I've ever read! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books written with mixed media. 

When Jennie is very young her parent die and she moves in with her aunt, uncle and two older male cousins. One of her cousins, Will, begins to like her and they become engaged.  But before they can get married, he is sent off to fight in the Civil War.  The book begins with Jennie and the family receiving a letter that Will has been killed in battle just as her other cousin returns home very injured.  And so begins the mystery of how Will really died and why she is being haunted by his ghost.  

Jennie is a really great character. She's been through a lot with the death of her parents, the death of her twin brother and living with relatives who don't really want her around.  But she stays strong through all these adversities and is able to pick up on the small signs that the ghost of her betrothed is haunting her and as it turns out for a good reason! Throughout the book Jennie picks up little nick knacks around the house and little pieces of evidence that she keeps in a scrapbook. What I loved is that I would turn the page and be able to see all the things that she picked up because they would be illustrated. 

Picture the Dead was such a fun read! The mixture of the illustrations, the mystery and the story made it very interesting to read! I give Picture the Dead 5 hearts for being a very unique and memorable read!

Review: A Discovery of Witches

Title: A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Series: All Souls Trilogy #1
Publisher: Penguin Books
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
Source: Purchased

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

My thoughts: 

I remember thinking when A Discovery of Witches came out that I absolutely have to read that book because it sounds so amazing! It was getting rave reviews and I love books that deal with witches and magic. So why did it take me so long to finally read it!? I have no idea but I'm definitely kicking myself for not reading it sooner! 

I love the whole aspect of the story that there's all these family secrets and the fact that Diana does not want to be a witch and choose not to participate in all these witchy things.  So she run to the opposite of witchcraft which is facts, history and studying things that have evidence.  She is super smart and doesn't let anything get in the way of her studies and research.  She is also very determined.  She has a tough time coming to terms with notions that she could possibly be the chosen one and that her magic and relationship could bring about the biggest change known to her supernatural kind.  

Matthew is such a great character and one of my favorite vampires of all the vampire books that I've read. He is such a gentleman and deeply rooted in old fashioned chivalry while being very fierce and protective at the same time.  He is the ideal vampire. And he's smart and sexy to boot.  Even all the side characters were really great! They all have their own very unique personalities and while I was reading some of the vampires, I truly believed that they had been living for over a thousand years! The characterization in A Discovery is Witches is phenomenal! 

I love that A Discovery of Witches is a mix of supernatural creatures instead of focusing on just one. If witches can exist why not vampires? Even though it is a pretty long read, it is richly detailed and very interesting.  I give A Discovery of Witches 5 hearts for finally portraying vampires how I always imagined them to be.  And can I say new book boyfriend? Most definitely!

Review: The Crown of Embers

Title: The Crown of Embers
Author: Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns #2
Publisher: GreenWillow
Realease Date: September 18, 2012
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
Source: ARC, ALA

In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy.

My thoughts: 

I have been itching to write this review since the day I finished The Crown of Embers! After reading the last page I literally wanted to fan myself with the book because I’m pretty sure that ending gave me a heart attack! When I first started reading The Crown of Embers I was worried that it wasn’t going to live up to The Girl of Fire and Thorns because it is one of the most epic fantasy books I’ve ever read! If you’re having these same hesitations then don’t!! The Crown of Embers is a great sequel and you won’t be disappointed!

Elisa is still this really great heroine that we met in The Girl of Fire and Thorns! Even though she is now considered more beautiful and shapely than before, she doesn’t allow it to go to her head. She still carries all the great qualities that makes me want to cheer for her! I was really hoping to see her be this great queen that her sister knows she can be but then as I thought about it, a foreigner isn’t going to be so easily accepted as ruler of Joya d’Arena. She has to work for it which is what Elisa does best! When it comes to Elisa’s sister, Elisa is a stronger woman than I! The whole situation (no spoilers) shows Elisa’s strength of character and the fact that she puts the kingdom’s need before her own.

The romance! OH the Romance!!!! Talk about a slow, slow burn! Sometime I was yelling at the book, sometime I was squeeing with excitement, at one point I was almost crying and then again I had to fan myself with the book! I love that I was able to experience all these emotions while reading The Crown of Embers! Hector is one hunk of a royal guard and Elisa’s deserves a man who is loyal and kind-hearted like him!

The world building was just as fantastic in The Crown of Embers as it was The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Elisa experiences a whole new area of her country while she is on her journey. The ending of that whole situation had me shocked and saying “WTF!!” Needless to say, I will be in agonizing anticipation for the release of The Bitter Kingdom! I give The Crown of Embers 5 hearts for being a heart pounding adventure romance, pretty much part of the best fantasy trilogy I’ve ever read!

Review: The Probability of Miracles

Title: The Probability of Miracles
Author: Wendy Wunder
Publisher: Razorbill
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
Source: Goodreads First Reads

Campbell Cooper has never been in love. And if the doctors are right, she'll never have the chance. So when she's told she needs a miracle, her family moves 1,500 miles north to Promise, Maine--a place where amazing, unexplainable events are said to occur--like it or not. And when a mysterious envelope arrives, containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies, she finally learns to believe--in love, in herself, and maybe even in miracles, as improbable as they may seem.

My thoughts: 

I never really planned on reading this book until I heard the amazing reviews! Even though the story was really sad and I had a feeling what was going to happen at the end, I tried my hardest not to get involved in the main character. But it wasn't that easy! I was so involved that by the end tears were just streaming down my face. I couldn't help it! This book just blew me away and I thought it was just absolutely amazing!

Since I had a feeling what was going to happen at the end I tried to distance myself from Campbell. I didn't want to go to the extreme of not liking her but I didn't want to feel for her so that her story wouldn't make me so sad. But as it turns out, it was really hard not to like her! She's awesome, sort of a rebel and she works at Disney World! She is also rational about her disease and her chances of survival. Since she was so easy to like I was really hoping that she would survive in the end. I also really liked her family. Her grandma pretty much made me cry in every scene she was in. All the characters are really likeable which really made me enjoy the story!

I honestly can say that there wasn't anything that I didn't like about the book. Of course I had hoped for a happier ending but then I guess this book wouldn't be so memorable. If you're really looking for a good book that's going to have you absolutely blubbering by the end then I definitely recommend this book to you! I give The Probability of Miracles 5 hearts because even though Campbell's story is sad she really made an impact on everyone she met!

Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns

Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Author: Rae Carson
Series: Fire and Thorns #1
Publisher: Green Willow
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
Source: Purchased

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

My thoughts: 

Even though The Girl of Fire and Thorns was published in 2011, it is definitely one of my favorite reads this year! It literally blew me away! I can’t even tell you how many times my jaw dropped after reading some of the scenes! I loved this book so much that I really hope my review does it justice!

The premise of the book is so interesting and unique! Rae Carson has quite the imagination and a gift for storytelling. I was absolutely enthralled with the world that she built and the history that was attached to the kingdoms that she created! Even though I thought the beginning was a little bit slow, it eventually picked up and then there was just adventure after adventure!

Elisa has to be one of my all-time favorite heroines! First of all, she starts out as being one of the most unlikely people to save her nation. She is chunky, she likes to eat, she doesn’t consider herself very athletic and she is very religious. She carries the Godstone which means she is meant to do something great but she has no idea what that entails. The only reason she thinks she thinks she valuable is because of her vast knowledge of war strategies. She thinks of herself as a very average girl who could possibly have an extraordinary future but because she has been left in the dark for most of her life, she is very unsure of herself.

Before I got to meet Humberto, I really liked the King. I thought he was really nice to her and that they could grow to love each other. Then she met Humberto and I could have cared less if she went back to the King. He was so in love with her that I just wanted her to stay forever! I have to say that my favorite scene was when she went back to the Kingdom and introduced herself as the leader of the Rebels. That whole part gave me chills and I literally wanted to stand up and cheer for her!

The Girl of Fire and Thorns is one of the best books I have read in a long time! Carson is a fearless writer who is not afraid to kill of some characters. It’s something I really admire because her story is about war and unfortunately, people die during war. Not everyone gets a happy ending. The ending, thank God it wasn’t a cliffhanger, really leaves it open for the next stage in Elisa’s story!

The Girl of Fire and Thorns is exciting, adventurous and heartbreaking! I give it 5 hearts because it is just one of the most epic and intense books I’ve read!!