Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Review: Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20306804-falling-into-place
Falling Into Place
by Amy Zhang
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Publication Date: September 9th 2014
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780062295040
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Edelweiss

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On the day Liz Emerson tries to die, they had reviewed Newton’s laws of motion in physics class. Then, after school, she put them into practice by running her Mercedes off the road.

Why? Why did Liz Emerson decide that the world would be better off without her? Why did she give up? Vividly told by an unexpected and surprising narrator, this heartbreaking and nonlinear novel pieces together the short and devastating life of Meridian High’s most popular junior girl. Mass, acceleration, momentum, force—Liz didn’t understand it in physics, and even as her Mercedes hurtles toward the tree, she doesn’t understand it now. How do we impact one another? How do our actions reverberate? What does it mean to be a friend? To love someone? To be a daughter? Or a mother? Is life truly more than cause and effect? Amy Zhang’s haunting and universal story will appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver, Gayle Forman, and Jay Asher. (Goodreads)
I was super curious to read Falling Into Place, as I’ve heard really good things about the book, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the story. Having finished this book, which definitely did not disappoint, I am really looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Falling Into Place is the story or Liz Emerson, the most popular girl in her school’s junior class, who decides to use Newton’s 3 laws of motion to run her Mercedes off the road and take her own life.  What would the world be like with Liz? How many people’s lives would have been different? This is the story of the how and the why.

The main character in the story, Liz, and her two best friends, Kennie and Julia, were extremely hard characters to like. These girls were the definition of ‘mean girls’ and ‘bullies’. They were cruel and vindictive and often times did bad things to people just to make themselves feel better. Some of the things that they had done to people in the past were really hard to read about. Liz was obviously the leader of the little group, and she was quite the bully in her own right. And in the beginning of the book you are really going to hate these three girls; Liz especially. But as you get through the book, you come to see that the lives for these girls are far from perfect, and while you don’t agree with what they do, you come to understand them a bit, and at times, can even relate to them. That didn’t really make me like them much more, but I felt I understood them better. These girls needed help in the worst way possible, and unfortunately, it takes something drastic happening for each of them to realize that.

Falling Into Place discusses a lot of issues that teenagers face today, including sex, drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, depression, bullying and all the repercussions on these actions. All of these issues were very well detailed as well.

The story was told between flashbacks and present day, after the accident. The story has many different narrators, ones that have had some kind of interplay with Liz in some form or another, but there was one specific narrator for Liz, and that person came as a bit of a surprise. This book was a really quick read for me; I read it in just a few short hours. Most of the storyline was super uncomfortable to read at times. However, the story was very addictive, and I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what was going to happen next.  The writing in this book was highly addictive.

Overall; while I didn’t care for the characters in this book at all, the story was so compelling that I couldn’t put the book down. It’s definitely a book that makes you stop and think, and I hope that people that read the book will do just that.



Monday, September 29, 2014

Review: Tabula Rasa by Kristen Lippert-Martin

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17311628-tabula-rasa
Tabula Rasa
by Kristen Lippert-Martin
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Publication Date: September 23rd 2014
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781606845189
Genre: Young Adult| Sci-Fi
Source: Edelweiss

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The Bourne Identity meets Divergent in this heart-pounding debut.

Sixteen-year-old Sarah has a rare chance at a new life. Or so the doctors tell her. She’s been undergoing a cutting-edge procedure that will render her a tabula rasa—a blank slate. Memory by memory her troubled past is being taken away.

But when her final surgery is interrupted and a team of elite soldiers invades the isolated hospital under cover of a massive blizzard, her fresh start could be her end.

Navigating familiar halls that have become a dangerous maze with the help of a teen computer hacker who's trying to bring the hospital down for his own reasons, Sarah starts to piece together who she is and why someone would want her erased. And she won’t be silenced again.

A high-stakes thriller featuring a non-stop race for survival and a smart heroine who will risk everything, Tabula Rasa is, in short, unforgettable. (Goodreads)
Tabula Rasa is a book that starts off with a bang, and keeps going from there. This book will keep you on the edge of the seat, and your fingers flying through the pages.

Having undergone multiple surgeries to erase her memories, Sarah has almost no recollection of her past life. When her last surgery, the one that will clear her slate forever, gets interrupted, and the hospital she is in is overrun by a group of elite soldiers who are intent on killing her, Sarah’s new life may come to an end before it even begins.

Sarah was a really interesting main character. Having little to no recollection of the things that happened in her past should have impaired her, but it didn’t. She was somehow able to figure out exactly what she needed to do to survive. She was kind of a hard character to connect with, as at times she really came off as indifferent, which I know was a side-effect of the procedures that she had. But she really did start to grown on me throughout the story, and by the end of the book, she had totally won me over.

I kind of have a thing for nerdy computer guys in novels, maybe I’m a bit biased because I am married to one, so I thought Thomas was a really great character. The way he could work a computer was very impressive, and he had some super awesome skills to work with. Together, he and Sarah make a really great pair, and the growing relationship between the two was super adorable.

This book is described as The Bourne Identity meets Divergent, and having read the book, I can definitely see the comparison. This book would also make a great movie. The storyline was highly addictive and it kept me flying through the pages. The book is packed with action and suspense that left me on the edge of my seat throughout almost the whole book.

Overall; I found Tabula Rasa to be a very entertaining read. Kristen Lippert-Martin definitely has a hit on her hands with her debut novel, and I’m really looking forward to reading more by her in the future.



Thursday, September 25, 2014

Review: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19367070-illusions-of-fate
Illusions of Fate
by Kiersten White
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Publication Date: September 9th 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780062135896
Genre: Young Adult | Historical | Fantasy
Source: From Publisher for Review

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Downton Abbey meets Cassandra Clare in this lush, romantic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White.

“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.”

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray. (Goodreads)
I was super excited to read Kiersten White’s newest release ‘Illusions of Fate’, as I really enjoyed her Paranormalcy trilogy, and I couldn’t wait to see what adventure she had for us next.

When Jessamin left her small island home in Melei to come to the dreary country of Albion to study at an illustrious school, she never thought things would be as hard for her as they are. Judged by her dark skin and called an island rat by her peers, she’s come to despise the people of Albion. But things get interesting when she meets Finn, a young lord who shows her that Albion’s nobility is not exactly what it seems, and that secrets can be deadly.

Jessamin was a really interesting main character. Living around all of the nobility in Albion, she was just an island girl trying to do better for herself. That was very admirable. She was determined to go to school and prove to everyone that she can be just as smart as anyone else, and she wasn’t going to let anyone stand in her while she proved that point. I loved that she was so different from everyone else, and she didn’t let the fact that she was different bring her down.

I think I’m a little bit in love with Finn, as he was oh-so-swoon-worthy. I was intrigued by him throughout the novel, even when he was being super mysterious and keeping secrets. I wanted to know what those secrets were. I love that he treated Jessamin so differently than everyone else. He really cared for her. They were a great couple together.

The storyline and world-building for the book was really creative; I can’t say that I’ve read anything like it before. I was really surprised that this book wasn’t the first in a series, but a standalone novel instead. White could have totally expanded this story into many more books. But I also like that it was a standalone, and I enjoyed the feeling of closure at the end of the book. There is a bit of a twist at the end of the book that I should have seen coming, but totally didn’t. I loved the last few pages of the book. I closed the last page with a huge smile on my face.

Overall; I thought that Illusions of Fate was a really interesting read. I went into it not really knowing what to expect, but I found the story to be unique and entertaining. I can’t wait to see what White comes up with next!

Happy Reading!



Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #166 - The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17788681-the-stars-never-rise
The Stars Never Rise
(Untitled Series #1)
by Rachel Vincent
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: June 9th 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Press
ISBN: 9780385744171

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17788681-the-stars-never-rise

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | The Book Depository

Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.

When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.

To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?

Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her. (Goodreads)


Brutal Church? Black-Robed Exorcists? Green Eyed Fugitives??
Count me in!!
I really enjoyed the books that I read in Vincent's 'Soul Screamer's' series,
and I'm really looking forward to seeing what this new series has in store for us.

Is it June 2015 yet???

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Review: Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20419044-messenger-of-fear
Messenger of Fear
(Messenger of Fear #1)
by Michael Grant
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Publication Date: September 23rd 2014
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9780062207401
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: From Publisher for Review

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I remembered my name – Mara. But, standing in that ghostly place, faced with the solemn young man in the black coat with silver skulls for buttons, I could recall nothing else about myself.

And then the games began.

The Messenger sees the darkness in young hearts, and the damage it inflicts upon the world. If they go unpunished, he offers the wicked a game. Win, and they can go free. Lose, and they will live out their greatest fear.

But what does any of this have to do with Mara? She is about to find out . . . (Goodreads)
I was super curious to read Messenger of Fear, as I’ve not read anything by Michael Grant before, but I’ve heard many good things about his books. Messenger of Fear was definitely an interesting read.

Mara has no memory of how she came to be an apprentice of The Messenger of Fear, a young man who dresses in black and can see the darkness that brews in even the purist of hearts. When someone does goes unpunished after they’ve done something wrong, The Messenger of Fear will track them down, and offer them to play a game that they can’t possibly refuse. If they win the game, they are free to go. If they lose, they have to live out their greatest fear. But how did Mara end up with The Messenger? Read the story to find out!

I was curious throughout the whole story as to why Mara was with The Messenger. What had she done that was so bad? Could it have been so bad, considering that she was a pretty likeable character? She couldn’t remember anything at all, so throughout the book I was trying right along with her to figure out what exactly was going on, and at times, this was pretty frustrating. 

The Messenger was really mysterious. He doesn’t actually talk much during the book, but the more you read the story, the more you get to know him. What an awful job to have as the Messenger; to have to see all of the terrible fears of the wrongdoers, while also bringing justice for the wrong that they had done. The job sounds both terrible and rewarding. I’m looking forward to getting to know more about the Messenger as the series progresses.

While Mara’s story is the main part of the novel, there are also three other stories that are intertwined in the pages. These stories show just how evil some people can be in life, and it’s sad to see just how evil they can be. To be honest, some of these stories were really difficult to read, and I felt bad for what each of these secondary characters had to go through. It was heartbreaking at times.

The storyline for the book was very fast paced, as well as engaging. I read this book in just a few short hours; it definitely held my attention. The storyline was super creepy, and in some parts, very disturbing. It’s interesting how the storyline includes bullying and the repercussions of bullying someone. I always hope when reading a book like this that some kid will read the book, and will reconsider ever bullying someone. That is my hope, anyways.

Overall; my first experience with a Michael Grant book was definitely interesting. This novel kept me guessing as I turned the pages. I’m curious to read the next book in the series when it is released.



Monday, September 22, 2014

Review: Day 21 by Kass Morgan

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20454076-day-21
Day 21
(The Hundred #2)
by Kass Morgan
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Publication Date: September 16th 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780316234559
Genre: Young Adult | Dystopian | Sci-Fi
Source: Netgalley

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No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.
It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries...or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Bellamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship, Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself.
In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can -- together. (Goodreads)
I was super excited to start reading Day 21! I had read The 100 right before starting the book and I couldn’t wait to get back into the story, especially after that cliffhanger ending in The 100. I was definitely not disappointed after reading this book, and I enjoyed the book just as much as the first book.

The story is told from the same character’s point of views as in the previous novel. Clarke is still doing her best to take care of everyone, and succeeding at that. I liked Wells a little more in this book than I did in the previous book. He’s definitely starting to become more of a leader than a follower, and he does a pretty great job as a leader. Bellamy is more determined than ever to find his sister, even despite the setbacks that are keeping him from her. Glass is determined to be with her love, and is willing to do anything to be with him, even some pretty dangerous things. These characters keep the story really interesting, and I enjoy reading the story from each characters perspective. 

There are also a lot of secondary characters in this series that you will come to care for as well; like Luke, who is super sweet, and Sasha, who is a new character that is introduced in this book. There are also some characters that you are really not going to like so much.

The storyline for the book stays true to what happened in the previous book, and I really enjoyed getting back into the world that Morgan created. I love that while this book is a fantasy novel, it feels so very realistic; something that could totally happen in the future. The book ends on quite a cliffhanger, and I’m dying to know what is going to happen next!

Overall; I am really enjoying this series so far. Day 21 is a great addition to this series. I’ll be waiting impatiently to get my hands on the next book in the series, as I have TONS of questions that need answers as soon as possible!



Friday, September 19, 2014

Review: The 100 by Kass Morgan

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19161855-the-100
The 100
(The Hundred #1)
by Kass Morgan
Website | Twitter

Publication Date: March 18th 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780316234498
Genre: Young Adult | Dystopian
Source: Netgalley

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No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now.

Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents -- considered expendable by society -- are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission.

CLARKE was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. WELLS, the chancellor's son, came to Earth for the girl he loves -- but will she ever forgive him? Reckless BELLAMY fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only pair of siblings in the universe. And GLASS managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth.

Confronted with a savage land and haunted by secrets from their pasts, the hundred must fight to survive. They were never meant to be heroes, but they may be mankind's last hope. (Goodreads)
I was super excited to finally read The 100, as I have had the book on my to-read list for quite a while now. Now that I’ve read the book, I’m hooked, and I can’t wait to start on the next book in the series!

Hundreds of years after Earth had been destroyed in a nuclear war, people live in space in large, city-like spaceships. But with resources decreasing and the population increasing, life on the ships will not be able to go on much longer. The only chance for survival is to see if the long abandoned planet can be habitable again, and who better to test this than 100 juvenile delinquents who are all set to die anyways.

Clarke, who was Confined (imprisoned) for treason, even though it really wasn’t her that did the treason; it was her parents. Wells, who is in love with Clarke, and committed a massive act of defiance in order to follow Clarke to Earth to keep her safe. Bellamy, whose will do anything that he has to do to keep his sister safe, which he proves in the beginning of the story when he does something drastic so that he can go to Earth with his sister. And Glass, who was also supposed to go to Earth, but manages to escape back onto the ship, where things are just as bad for her when things start falling part on the ship. Each character has their own back-story that we get to read as flashbacks throughout the novel, and not everyone has a happy story. They were all really interesting characters, however, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know them more in the next book in the series.

The storyline for this book was really creative and kept me hooked as I turned the pages. I read the book in one day, and I didn’t want to put it down at all. The storyline felt very realistic as well, it’s something that I can see happening in our future, and that’s always a little terrifying to me. Seeing life on the spaceship was definitely interesting as well.

I have not watched the TV show based off the book, so I can’t compare the book to the show at all. But the show does look as interesting as the book, so I may check that out as well.

Overall; I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected to! And now I have to start the next book in the series, Day 21, as soon as possible to see what is going to happen with these characters and this story!

Happy Reading!



Thursday, September 18, 2014

Review: Made For You by Melissa Marr

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20419003-made-for-you
Made For You
by Melissa Marr
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Publication Date: September 16th 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780062011190
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Paranormal
Source: Advance Review Copy

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Bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely books Melissa Marr’s first contemporary YA novel is a twisted southern gothic tale of obsession, romance, and murder. A killer is obsessed with Eva Tilling. Can she stop him, or will he claim her?

When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva.

For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling. (Goodreads)
I was super excited when I heard that Melissa Marr was coming out with her first contemporary YA novel. I had read Marr’s ‘Wicked Lovely’ series in the past and had really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to seeing what contemporary story she had up with. I definitely was not disappointed when reading this creepy thriller!

After being hit by a car one evening, Eva wakes up in the hospital confused, with little memory of what happened to her. She also discovers that she awoke with an ability to see people’s death whenever people touch her. Is this just a side effect of her brain injury, or something more? When her schoolmates start turning up murdered, Eva realizes that her gift is exactly what she needs to use to help track down this killer, and stop more innocent murders.

Eva was a really interesting character. I sympathized with her for everything that she had been through, it couldn’t have been easy. But with the help of her friend Grace and a friendship rekindled with her old friend Nate, she manages to learn to cope with everything that happens. She’s a very determined character, and I liked that about her. Her friendship with Grace was awesome, and the romance between her and Nate was super cute as well.

The story is told from alternate viewpoints, but mostly through Eva’s character. I always think that the multiple viewpoints are interesting because it always feels like we are getting more insight not only about the story, but about the different characters as well. It’s always interesting to get inside the characters heads for a while.

The storyline for this novel was super creepy, and left me feeling more than a little paranoid after I closed the book. And, despite the slight paranormal feel to the book, it felt very realistic. It also definitely kept me guessing on who the bad guy was throughout the story as well.

Overall; I really enjoyed reading Made For You! I’m really looking forward to seeing what story Mrs. Marr comes up with next.




Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #165 - Save Me by Jenny Elliott

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20945113-save-me
Save Me
by Jenny Elliott
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Publication Date: January 6th 2015
Publisher: Swoon Reads
ISBN: 9781250061478

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20945113-save-me

Available for Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Debut-novelist Jenny Elliott’s thrilling romance, chosen by readers, writers, and publishers for the first list in the new Swoon Reads imprint, pours on the tension and danger in an addictive combination that will keep you turning pages!

Something strange is going on in the tiny coastal town of Liberty, Oregon. Cara has never seen a whale swim close enough for her to touch it—let alone knock her into the freezing water. Fortunately, cute newcomer David is there to save her, and the rescue leads to a bond deeper than Cara ever imagined.

But then she learns something about David that changes everything, and Cara is devastated. She turns to her best friend for support, but Rachel has changed. She’s suddenly into witchcraft, and is becoming dangerously obsessed with her new boyfriend….

Cara has lost her best friend, discovered that her soul mate is off limits, and has attracted the attention of a stalker. But she’s not completely alone. Her mysterious, gorgeous new friend Garren is there to support her. But is Garren possibly too perfect? (Goodreads)


Wow! So this book sounds pretty intense, right??
And the cover is pretty gorgeous as well.
I'm really looking forward to checking out this book and debut author!
Hurry January!!

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Review: Get Even by Gretchen McNeil

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20483075-get-even
Get Even
(Don't Get Mad #1)
by Gretchen McNeil
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Publication Date: September 16th 2014
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780062260857
Genre: Young Adult | Mystery
Source: Edelweiss

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The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars in Gretchen McNeil’s witty and suspenseful novel about four disparate girls who join forces to take revenge on high school bullies and create dangerous enemies for themselves in the process.

Bree, Olivia, Kitty, and Margot have nothing in common—at least that’s what they’d like the students and administrators of their elite private school to think. The girls have different goals, different friends, and different lives, but they share one very big secret: They’re all members of Don’t Get Mad, a secret society that anonymously takes revenge on the school’s bullies, mean girls, and tyrannical teachers.

When their latest target ends up dead with a blood-soaked “DGM” card in his hands, the girls realize that they’re not as anonymous as they thought—and that someone now wants revenge on them. Soon the clues are piling up, the police are closing in . . . and everyone has something to lose. (Goodreads)
Get Even is the story of four girls with nothing in common that form a group, ‘DGM’, as a way to get revenge on the bullies and mean girls that terrorize their private school. But even though these girls work together to get revenge for the people that can’t defend themselves. But when one of their targets turns up dead and secrets about themselves start coming out, the group they started begins to slowly unravel.

The four main characters in the story, Olivia, Margot, Bree, and Kitty, have absolutely nothing in common. Despite that, they manage to come together and form the group ‘Don’t Get Mad’ as a way to get revenge on the bullies that pick on the helpless that can’t defend themselves. I love that these girls wanted to get justice for the people that were bullied. I also liked that each of the girls were so different from each other, and even one having been bullied herself. They were a really diverse group of girls, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know them more as the series goes along.

I really, really enjoyed the storyline for the book. I found it to be extremely engaging, and it kept me engrossed throughout the whole book. I loved the mystery and the fact that when I finished the book, I still had no freaking idea who the bad guy was. I’m completely in the dark. Just when I suspected someone, I was proved wrong.  ARGH!  The book ended with a massive cliffhanger. MASSIVE! It’s kind of killing me that I have to wait until next year to get the next book in the series. I need it NOW!

Also - this book would make a really awesome tv show. Just sayin’!

Overall; I really enjoyed this book! It kept me guessing and turning the pages and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Get Dirty, out May 2015!

Monday, September 15, 2014

Review: Blackbird by Anna Carey

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20483089-blackbird
Blackbird
(Blackbird Duology #1)
by Anna Carey
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: September 16th 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9780062299734
Genre: Young Adult | Mystery | Thriller
Source: Edelweiss

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This twisty, breathless cat-and-mouse thrill ride, told in the second person, follows a girl with amnesia in present-day Los Angeles who is being pursued by mysterious and terrifying assailants.

A girl wakes up on the train tracks, a subway car barreling down on her. With only minutes to react, she hunches down and the train speeds over her. She doesn’t remember her name, where she is, or how she got there. She has a tattoo on the inside of her right wrist of a blackbird inside a box, letters and numbers printed just below: FNV02198. There is only one thing she knows for sure: people are trying to kill her.

On the run for her life, she tries to untangle who she is and what happened to the girl she used to be. Nothing and no one are what they appear to be. But the truth is more disturbing than she ever imagined.

The Maze Runner series meets Code Name Verity, Blackbird is relentless and action-packed, filled with surprising twists. (Goodreads)
I was super excited to read Blackbird, as I really enjoyed reading Anna Carey’s ‘Eve’ series, and I was curious to see story she was going to come up with next with Blackbird.

Blackbird is the first book in the ‘Blackbird Duology’. The story is about a girl who wakes up on a train track with no memory of who she is or how she got there. All she knows is that there are many people want to kill her, and she has no idea why, but she’s determined to figure it out and stay alive in the process.

The main character in the story, whose true identity we never really learn, was a bit of a badass. Even though she was lost and confused, in a city she didn’t know and with no idea of who she was, she still managed to take care of herself. She was very determined to figure out who she was and how she got into the situation that she was currently in. I can’t even imagine going through what she had been through.

The story is told through a second-person narrative, which is helpful when you have a couple of mysterious point-of-views that you want to keep mysterious, but is also a bit confusing at times when you don’t really know who you were following.

The storyline for the book was really mysterious and suspenseful. It actually reminds me of a movie that I watched many, many years ago that that had a similar storyline and the movie totally freaked me out. The last few chapters in the book were insane, and I was left with SO many questions that I really, really need answered. (Thankfully we don’t have to wait too long until the next book in the series is released.) At only 256 pages, this book made for a really quick read. I was so engrossed in the story that I read the book in just one day.

Overall; I really enjoyed reading this fast paced thriller. I’m anxious to get my hands on the next book in the series so that I can get answers to the questions that will be plaguing me for weeks to come.



Thursday, September 11, 2014

Review: The Iron Trial by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20578940-the-iron-trial
The Iron Trial
(Magisterium #1)
by Holly Black
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& Cassandra Clare
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Publication Date: September 9th 2014
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780545522250
Genre: Middle Grade | Fantasy
Source: Netgalley

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From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a riveting new series that defies what you think you know about the world of magic.

From two bestselling superstars, a dazzling and magical middle-grade collaboration centering on the students of the Magisterium, an academy for those with a propensity toward magic. In this first book, a new student comes to the Magisterium against his will -- is it because he is destined to be a powerful magician, or is the truth more twisted than that? It's a journey that will thrill you, surprise you, and make you wonder about the clear-cut distinction usually made between good and evil. (Goodreads)
I was super excited to finally read The Iron Trial because it is written by two really awesome writers; Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. I’m not a huge fan of middle grade books, but this book was SO good. I will definitely be ordering a finished copy of this book to share with my son! I’m going to attempt to write this review without giving too much away, but I urge you all to check out the book for yourself!

Once a year, a few chosen children with magical abilities receive an invitation to participate in a special test called The Iron Trial. All of the children that participate in the trial want nothing more than to pass, and gain admittance into the Magisterium, a school of magic. All expect for Cullen Hunt, who has been told all his life by his father to stay far, far away from magic. But even though he purposely fails all of his tests at the trial, he still manages to gain admittance into the Magisterium, and once he is there, he begins to question everything he’s ever been told about magic.

The three main characters in the story, Callum, Tamara and Aaron, are all really well written characters. I found Call to be the most relatable character, as he was snarky and sarcastic most of the time, and I really love that in a character. I enjoyed following the journey with these three characters and watching them grow and mature throughout the book. Also, they were all pretty funny. I laughed so many times while reading this book, and I absolutely adore books that make me laugh.

I really liked how creative the storyline was for this book. I was worried that it would have the same feel as the Harry Potter books, but I didn’t really get that feeling at all as I read the book. I also liked that while the book was a fantasy, it still dealt with issues that kids deal with today; with bullying being a big part of the storyline. It definitely makes the book more relatable. Also, the world-building for the novel was awesome. I loved the world that Clare and Black created! At only 304 pages, this book made for a really quick read. Besides that, the storyline was so engaging that it kept me hooked as I turned the pages.

Overall; The Iron Trial is a wonderful beginning to what should be a spectacular series. I really did not expect to like this book as much as I did. It was a really great read.  I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series in the future!



Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #164 - The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22504702-the-wrong-side-of-right
The Wrong Side of Right
by Jenn Marie Thorne
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Publication Date: March 17th 2015
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780803740570

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22504702-the-wrong-side-of-right

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Fans of Sarah Dessen and Huntley Fitzpatrick will enjoy this smart debut young adult novel, equal parts My Life Next Door and The Princess Diaries.

Kate Quinn’s mom died unexpectedly last year, leaving Kate grasping. But when the totally unexpected shows up in her living room, Kate must confront another reality she never thought possible—or thought of at all. Moving in with a politically powerful family she never knew she had, joining a presidential campaign in support of a man she barely knows, and falling for a rebellious boy who may not have the purest motives—this is Kate’s new life. But who is Kate? When what she truly believes flies in the face of the campaign’s talking points, Kate must decide. Does she turn to the family she barely knows, the boy she knows but doesn’t necessarily trust, or face a third, even scarier option?

Set against a backdrop of politics and family conflict, this is a story of personal responsibility, delicious, complicated romance, and trying to discover who you are even as everyone tells you who you should be. (Goodreads)

Sarah Dessen meets The Princess Diaries?
COUNT ME IN!
I love the synopsis for this book.
It sounds like it's going to be a really great read.
I can't wait to check it out!

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Review: Atlantia by Ally Condie

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21944884-atlantia
Atlantia
by Allie Condie
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Publication Date: October 28th 2014
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780525426448
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Penguin First to Read

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Can you hear Atlantia breathing?

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above—of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self—and the powerful siren voice she has long hidden—she has nothing left to lose.

Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother’s death, her own destiny, and the complex system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths. (Goodreads)
Atlantia is the first book that I’ve read by Ally Condie, although I’ve had her ‘Matched’ series on my to-read list for quite a while now. I jumped on a chance to review Atlantia, not only because I had heard great things about the author, but because the story sounded completely fascinating. I definitely was not disappointed.

Rio has wanted nothing more her whole life than to live Above; to touch dirt, breathe fresh air, to see the sun in the sky. After her chance to go above is gone in an instant when her twin sister decides to go above instead, leaving Rio forever stranded below. Feeling abandoned by the only family she has left, and hiding a massive secret about herself, Rio devises a plan to join her sister once and for all in the Above.

The characters in the novel were all very interesting, especially the main character, Rio. At times you couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, because she had pretty much been abandoned by everyone that she loved. But she was also really strong, and she never gave up on herself. I always find that admirable in a character. I love, love, love the family bond that Rio has not only with her sister, but especially with her mom. Also, her relationship with True was super cute.

The storyline for the novel was very creative. While I can’t even imagine living in a world underwater, everything was described wonderfully and it all felt very realistic. The descriptions of the living environment in the Below were really well thought out, and very creative. I liked that the book kept me guessing as well; mostly why some characters did some of the things that they did. I needed to know why; it was so frustrating to be in the dark! I also really liked that this was a standalone novel, but I do did have a few questions after I closed the last page of the book. I don’t want to say that anything was left undone, I’m just curious as to what happened with a few things.

Overall; I really enjoyed reading Atlantia, and I can’t believe that I waited so long to read something by this author! I’m definitely going to be reading more by Condie in the near future.



Monday, September 8, 2014

GIVEAWAY: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

The Young Elites
(The Young Elites #1)
by Marie Lu

In Stores October 7th!

Visit The Young Elites Official Website


Available for PreOrder:
Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Nook | IndieBound | Apple | Kobo

Check out an excerpt from this book!

Check out my Review for this book!


Some hate us, think us outlaws to hang at the gallows.
Some fear us, think us demons to burn at the stake.
Some worship us, think us children of the gods.
But all know us.

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.
Marie Lu is the author of the New York Times bestselling Legend series. She spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing Assassin’s Creed, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with one boyfriend, one Chihuahua mix, and two Pembroke Welsh corgis.

Learn More at her Official Website

Marie’s NYT-bestselling Legend series will be available in paperback after September 7th. Reviews on the Legend series:

“Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.” –The New York Times

“Marie Lu’s dystopian novel is a ‘Legend’ in the making.” –USA Today


“An action packed-love story full of inventive details
.” -The Los Angeles Times



LEGEND. PRODIGY. CHAMPION. ELITE.
Don’t miss a word.
Enter for your chance to win the full list of Marie Lu titles
including the complete Legend trilogy and the all-new release The Young Elites.



Prizing & samples courtesy of Penguin Books USA
Giveaway open to US addresses only

Giveaway Rules:

  • One (1) winner will win the Elite Prize Pack
  • Open to US Addresses Only.
  • Giveaway ends September 18th.
  • Winner will be contacted via email.
    If you do not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
  • By entering this Giveaway, you are agreeing to the terms listed above.

    Good Luck!!
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Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821111-the-young-elites
The Young Elites
(The Young Elites #1)
by Marie Lu
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Publication Date: October 7th 2014
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780399167836
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Review Copy

Add to Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt. (Goodreads)
The Young Elites is the first book that I’ve read by Marie Lu, and now that I’ve been introduced to her awesomeness, I can’t wait to read more! I was super impressed by this book, and I’m kicking myself for not having read anything by Lu sooner.

A decade has passed since a deadly illness crippled the nation, killing many and leaving some survivors with strange markings, and an even smaller few with special powers. The survivors are called malfetto. Adelina Amouteru is malfetto; her black hair and lashes turned silver, and she has a harsh scar in the place where her left eye once was.  After being rescued by a group of Young Elites, who are a group of malfetto with special powers, Adelina comes to realize that she’s not just a normal malfetto girl, but something different entirely.

The characters in the novel were all super interesting, especially the main character, Adelina. I had to sympathize with her for everything that she had been through in her short life. Though she battles throughout the novel with feelings of insecurity, put in her mind by her abusive father, she is still one of those strong heroines that I really enjoy. But while she is a badass, we see another side of her throughout the book as well, a side of her that wants nothing more than to be loved and wanted. She was a really interesting character, and I’m curious to go on another adventure with her in the next book in the series. The secondary characters in the novel are very well written as well. There are some characters that you’re really going to fall in love with, and some that you’re not going to love so much.

The storyline for the book was extremely creative and unique. I had seen the book described as X-Men meets Assassin’s Creed 2 meets Game of Thrones, and that description is very much accurate. I loved that each of the characters had different sorts of powers and used them all in different ways. I also enjoyed the world-building in the book, as it was very well described and I could picture it perfectly in my mind. The book ends with a cliffhanger, not a massive one, but enough to leave me pining for the next book.  I’m super curious to see where Lu is going to go with this story in the rest of the series.

Also, I urge you to check out Marie Lu’s Pinterest account, which has some really awesome photos and artwork that were her inspiration for the story!

Overall; The Young Elites is an excellent beginning to what will likely be a really fantastic series. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!