Review: Lie to Me by Angela Fristoe

Summary:
With a Truth Telling gift that has never worked, Phoebe Matlin accepted long ago that she was broken.

Then one simple lie changes everything and suddenly the whisper of liar is ripping through her. Some lies, though, cover darker truths than Phoebe ever imagined.

But knowing when someone is lying is the easy part. It's convincing everyone else that's the problem.

Publication Date: December 2012
Source: YA Bound

I wasn't sure what to expect when starting Lie to Me. The concept sounded interesting and I figured I'd settle in for a fun and light YA paranormal read. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the story and how the author didn't shy away from tacking tough issues. The characters were relatable and although the plot had paranormal aspects, it had a very contemporary feel.

Phoebe isn't very likable at the start of the book. She's mouthy and puts up a wall around herself. I liked Phoebe's tough girl attitude, but I could imagine some readers being put off from it. I would recommend giving her a chance because she definitely grows on you as the story progresses. I really came to like her by the end of the novel.

I never read a story about a truth telling gift and this idea really made the book stand out in my mind. The paranormal elements of the plot were really well done. The gifts were easy to understand and didn't have a set of complex rules to go along with them. I'm interested in reading subsequent books from the perspectives of Phoebe's sisters. I especially liked Lily and I'm curious to see what secrets she's hiding from her sisters. 

The love interest wasn't my favorite character in the book. I just felt he was too weak for a strong girl like Phoebe. However, I enjoyed how the author depicted him in a realistic manner. Readers won't have a hard time imagining Nathan as someone they knew in high school.

There are several different plots going on in Lie to Me. Over the course of the book, Phoebe is dealing with her complicated friendships, a budding romance with her crush, a school rival and coming to terms with her emerging gift. I liked how the book gave a complete snapshot of Phoebe's life. This kept me interested enough to finish the book in only a couple of sittings. By the end, I was on the edge of my seat as Phoebe tries to help a friend that she's know is lying to her. 

I would definitely recommend this book to YA readers. The series had plenty of potential and I only see it getting better and better.

Rating; 4.5/5 Stars

Review: Undeadly by Michele Vail

Goodreads Summary:

The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she's shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite boarding school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. 

Life at Nekyia has its plusses. Molly has her own personal ghoul, for one. Rick follows her there out of the blue, for another...except, there's something a little off about him. When students at the academy start to die and Rath disappears, Molly starts to wonder if anything is as it seems. Only one thing is certain—-Molly's got an undeadly knack for finding trouble....

Publication Date: November 20, 2012

This is one of the tougher books I’ve reviewed lately. I’m pretty sure I liked it, but a few things left me wanting more. It was also one of the first YA books I’ve read in a long time that felt very young to me and lacked the crossover appeal of other novels in the genre.

What I Liked: Molly was a good protagonist. She wasn’t the typical Mary Sue and I liked her spunky side. She was outspoken and toughened up as the story progressed. The early scenes were fun to read with her family and she had some laugh out loud lines.

The world building was probably the best part of the book. I liked how necromancy, reaping and Egyptian god worship was a normal part of modern society. Although the first few chapters had a lot of information dumping, it was still interesting to read about.

The imagery was also well done in the book. Some of the descriptions reminded me of a B-movie about zombies. The scenes with the ghosts and the zombies were over-the-top, but in a fun way.

What I Didn’t Like: The slang was too much. If Molly said “Whatevs” one more time I felt like I was going to do harm to my Kindle. The dialogue wasn’t only full of slang, but the narrative as well. At first it didn’t bother me, but by the end it was overkill.

I didn’t feel like there was enough progression in the book. The ending felt rushed and left too many open ends. The romance was pretty much non-existent and I wanted more character development for Rick and Rath.

I would probably give the second book a try. I didn’t love the book, but a lot of the elements were unique enough that I think there’s potential in the series.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of Undeadly for review!

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Goodreads Summary:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Publication Date: November 15, 2011

I can’t believe I’ve missed out on this incredible book for so long! I LOVED IT!!! Everything about it was amazing and I am freaking out that I have to wait for the sequel until next year.

Shatter Me is one of those books that readers seemed to be split on: they either love it or hate it. I think what some people hate about it is what made me fall in love with it. I love the beautiful and flowery prose and I thought the strikethrough sentences were an interesting writing technique. I’ve never felt completely inside a character’s head, the way I did with Juliette.

The characters were incredible. Juliette was an amazing protagonist and I loved how she sounded half-crazy most of the time. Her descriptions transported me to this dark and disturbing dystopian world. Her terror jumped off of the pages and I sympathized with her horror over her abilities.

 

The love interest was handsome, mysterious and protective—the perfect YA male lead. The scenes between Adam and Juliette were smoldering and her need for him was desperate and beautiful. Most villains in books can come across as one dimensional. This is certainly not the case of Warner. He was so compelling that I loved every single scene he was in.

I can’t say enough amazing things about this book. I sometimes find hyped books fail to live up to their expectations, but Shatter Me certainly surpassed mine.

 

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Goodreads Summary:

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Publication Date: August 31, 2010

I had delayed reading this book for a long time because I had mixed feelings over The Mortal Instruments series. I read the first book and although I liked the plot, I didn’t feel a major connection to the characters. Clockwork Angel was a far better read in my opinion and I really fell in love with Tessa, Will and Jem.

The action starts immediately in Clockwork Angel and the mysteries begin to build. I was eager to find out what happened to Tessa’s brother and also uncover the secrets surrounding Will and Jem. I loved the bromance thing the boys had going on as well as their individual interactions with Tessa.

Will was certainly a swoonworthy YA male lead. He’s arrogant, handsome and mysterious. I liked Jem, but I felt Will’s character dominated every scene he was in. I melted during a few scenes between him and Tessa.

The setting was intriguing as the different powers of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders are introduced. It was interesting to read about the politics of the different groups and how order was maintained in this world of magic. The Magister was a good pick as a villain and his acts towards humans and Shadowhunters were chilling.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and steampunk. I’m hoping to start the sequel soon since I’m dying to know what happens between Tessa and Will.

 

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Review: All You Never Wanted by Adele Griffin

Goodreads Summary:

With my eyes closed and Alex's core friends all around me, it was like I'd become my big sister, or something just as good. And so who cared if they were calling it Alex's party? One thing I knew: it would be remembered as mine.

Alex has it all—brains, beauty, popularity, and a dangerously hot boyfriend. Her little sister Thea wants it all, and she's stepped up her game to get it. Even if it means spinning the truth to win the attention she deserves. Even if it means uncovering a shocking secret her older sister never wanted to share. Even if it means crying wolf.

Told in the alternating voices of Alex and Thea, Adele Griffin's mesmerizing new novel is the story of a sibling rivalry on speed.

Publication Date: October 9, 2012
 

This was a gripping story about the complex relationships of two sisters. The book alternates points of view between Thea and Alex and readers are able to witness each sister’s inner struggles.

Alex is the more likable of the two sisters. She has her share of problems. She’s having anxiety attacks and has an eating disorder. An event at an internship is hinted at causing her problems. However, once it was revealed what had happened, I kind of didn’t get why it affected her in that way. I was certainly thinking it was something way more traumatic.

Thea is loony tunes. She was definitely demonstrating characteristics of a sociopath. As horrible as Thea was, her chapters were hard to put down. Her desperation is clear as she basically sets out to destroy those around her in the name of popularity.

The secondary characters were just okay and paled in comparison to the richly drawn sisters. There was a weird insta-love thing that went down which I didn’t completely buy into. I liked the hopefulness of the one sister’s ending, but didn’t like the open-endedness of the other sister’s.

Overall, a good book full of tension and memorable main characters.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars  

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this novel for review!

Review: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Goodreads Summary:

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

Publication Date: October 2, 2012

When I saw the description of this book, I was beyond excited. Give me Kresley Cole and a tarot themed apocalypse story any day of the week! Although I really loved this story, a few of the characters kept this from being a five star read for me.

The story gripped me from the get go. I dare anyone to read the first chapter and not want to read this novel. After the strong introduction, it dragged a little as the novel focused on Evie and her high school melodrama. However, after the first 100 pages, things picked up again as the Flash decimates most of the population (this isn't a spoiler since this is revealed in the first few pages).

The descriptions of Evie's visions were vivid and disturbing. It was chilling as she described the visions of the other Arcana. There was plenty of suspence too since there are several mysteries Evie must figure out as part of her destiny. Evie wasn't the most likable character. However, I think her weaknesses demonstated how much she grew throughout the book.

The main thing I hated about book was the love interest Jackson. I honestly had no idea what Evie saw in him. When he isn't insulting her, he's sipping from a flask and talking about himself as "ole Jack." In one scene, he actually yells at her for not putting out for him. Blech! Usually if I hate the love interest, it's a deal breaker and I end up disliking the book. However, the story was so strong, I still enjoyed it immensely.

The ending was so good! I can't wait to see what happens next. And who knows? Maybe Jackson will grow on me or a new love interest will pop up.

Rating: 4/5 Stars  

Review: The Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed and Larkin Reed

Goodreads Summary:

"I was sixteen the first time my grandmother died . . ."

Sarah Parsons has never seen Amber House, the grand Maryland estate that's been in her family for three centuries. She's never walked its hedge maze nor found its secret chambers; she's never glimpsed the shades that haunt it, nor hunted for lost diamonds in its walls.

But all of that is about to change. After her grandmother passes away, Sarah and her friend Jackson decide to search for the diamonds--and the house comes alive. She discovers that she can see visions of the house's past, like the eighteenth-century sea captain who hid the jewels, or the glamorous great-grandmother driven mad by grief. She grows closer to both Jackson and a young man named Richard Hathaway, whose family histories are each deeply entwined with her own. But when the visions start to threaten the person she holds most dear, Sarah must do everything she can to get to the bottom of the house's secrets, and stop the course of history before it is cemented forever.

Publication Date: October 1, 2012

What a perfect time of year to read this super creepy book! I haven’t read a good book about a spooky house in a long time and I really enjoyed this novel about the mysteries surrounding the Amber House.

The novel is told from the point of view of Sarah, a teenage girl who has just attended the funeral for her grandmother. While her mother sets out to sell the family home, she decides to throw Sarah a sweet sixteen birthday party. Sarah has other plans since she agrees to help Jackson, a boy who lives on the estate, to search for a set of lost diamonds that are said to be hidden within the house.

This book had something for everyone. There was romance (a hint of a love triangle between Sarah, Jackson and the senator’s son Richard). The mystery and suspense aspects were the strongest as Sarah tries to unravel the secrets of her ancestors. Also, there were paranormal touches as Sarah begins to see echoes (past memories) contained within the house.

 

The characterizations were expertly done. Sarah felt like a real teen girl and it was interesting to witness the growing conflict between her and her mother. Her little brother Sam was endearing and I loved every scene he had with Sarah. The love interests were mysterious, but I liked that quality about them.

When I saw the book had three authors (a mother and two daughters trio), I had some hesitation. Novels with too many hands in it can sometimes feel like the story doesn’t flow well. This is certainly not the case with the Amber House. It’s superbly written and the descriptions were eerily beautiful. One section in particular about a mother spider gave me the chills and I couldn’t get it out of my head.

 

I wasn’t expecting the novel to be part of a trilogy. It felt like a standalone, so I was surprised to find out there are planned sequels. I’m anxious to see what happens next!

Rating 5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book for review!

Review: The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

Goodreads Summary:

A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

Publication Date: September 1, 2012

The Dark Unwinding is one of my favorite character driven novels of the year. I loved the world that Katharine’s Uncle Tully created and enjoyed the growth we saw in Katharine during her time amongst the villagers. I loved the gothic feel blended with the steampunk elements.

Katharine is pretty unlikable at the book’s start. It may turn off a few readers. However, I enjoy books that feature protagonists that undergo a change for the better. I felt her flaws made her relatable and made her interactions with the wary villagers cringe-worthy to witness.

Uncle Tully is probably one of the most memorable characters I’ve come across in a long time. I loved the author’s depiction of an autistic man during that time period. It was heart-breaking to think of how he could be sent away for his differences. Each time he interacted with his niece, I felt a little choked up.

Lane is a good romantic lead. He’s protective of Uncle Tully and he had plenty of mystery surrounding him. The romance was secondary in the novel, but there were a couple of very sweet scenes.

One of my complaints was that the mystery element of the plot was fairly predictable. A twist I didn’t see coming would’ve been a pleasant surprise. The ending was open-ended which leads me to believe a sequel is in the works.

This was a quick and intriguing read that kept me up until the wee hours to finish. I’m excited to see what else will be released in the future by this amazing debut author.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book for review!

Review: The Twisted Window by Lois Duncan

Goodreads Summary: 

The new guy at Tracy’s school is handsome, intense, and desperately needs her help—but there’s something about him that isn’t quite right
 
High school junior Tracy Lloyd is unsure about the new guy in school. Brad Johnson is attractive, smart, and polite, but Tracy can’t help but feel he watches her too closely. Then one day Brad confides in Tracy a horrible secret: His little sister Mindy has been kidnapped by his stepfather, and he needs Tracy’s help to get her back. But even as Tracy commits to a plan to help her vulnerable new friend, details emerge that suggest nothing is what it seems.
 
The Twisted Window is a zigzagging thriller that keeps readers guessing up until the final page. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Lois Duncan including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s personal collection.

Publication Date: August 28, 2012 (Original Publication May 1, 1987)

When I was in middle school and high school, I loved the novels of Lois Duncan. Since it's probably been fifteen years since I last read one, I was curious to see how well the story would hold up. The copy I read for review is the updated ebook version published this year by Open Road. There were some aspects of the novel that kept me reading while others that really left me wanting more.

What I Liked: The characterization of Tracy and Brad was done very well. The alternating point of views were enjoyable and I liked the characters different takes on the same situation. Tracy is sympathetic and I could see how she uses Brad as a way to escape her own problems at home. Brad creeped me out from the get-go. Duncan describes him as an attractive golden boy, but he was too overeager and stalkerish to be considered normal. Although there was a certain level of predictability, the novel had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end. The final showdown was especially tense and I read the last half of the novel in a single sitting.

What I Didn't Like: The novel was obviously written in the 1980s. The slang is dated and many of the characters use landlines and paper phone books. To update the novel, there were these random cell phone references thrown in. It distracted from the plot and felt really forced. I think the publisher would have been better off just setting the plot in the 1980s and leaving the novel as is. The ending was also very frustrating. There were too many questions left unanswered and readers weren't given a satisfying conclusion to the events that took place over the course of the novel.

Rating: 3/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this novel for review!

Review: What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

 Goodreads Summary:

What's Left of Me tells the story of a fifteen-year-old girl fighting for her right to survive in a world where two souls are born into each body and one is doomed to disappear. Pitched as The Golden Compass meets Girl, Interrupted.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything

 Publication Date: September 18, 2012 

What’s Left of Me is one of those stories that will definitely stay with me for a long time. Although it fell short for me in a few areas, it was overall an enjoyable read with probably one of the most unique perspectives I’ve ever read. It reminded me in some ways of The Host by Stephenie Meyer, one of my favorite books of all time.

The narrator of the novel is the “recessive” soul Eva. Each person is born with two souls. By the age of ten, the dominant soul is supposed to take over while the other soul should disappear. However, in some cases, the soul does not disappear and the people become the much maligned hybrids. This happens with Addie and Eva.

It was interesting to be inside Eva’s head. Since Addie was dominant, it became frustrating to Eva that she was not able to control her body’s movements and the words coming out of her mouth. Addie’s frustrations were also clearly felt. Although she loved Eva, Addie only wanted to be “normal.”

Kat Zhang is an obviously talented writer. Her prose is clean and the pacing was crisp. Her characterizations of Eva and Addie were done well along with the secondary characters of Devon/Ryan and Lissa/Hally. As you can imagine, the dual soul thing was confusing at times, but Eva was able to tell the differences quickly. The book never explained how she developed the knack so quickly and I felt like maybe it was done to help move the novel along.

The world building was just okay for me. There were so many things unexplained that I felt it took away from the rest of the plot. It was not detailed how the dual souls came to be and why society was so terrified of them. The government is spending all of this money and resources to eradicate hybrids without a convincing reason.

I was on the edge of my seat for the second half of the novel. The book kept me guessing and I was pleased with the ending. Zhang is definitely a writer to watch and I look forward to subsequent novels.   

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy for review!

Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Goodreads Summary:

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

Publication Date: August 28, 2012

 

Speechless is one of the better young adult novels I’ve read lately that deals with teen bullying. I believe the author successfully captured the voice of high schoolers and the mistakes you can easily make when trying to fit in with the popular crowd.

Chelsea is certainly unlikable at the beginning of the novel. It reminded me of Mean Girls in a way. Chelsea is pretty much the mouthpiece for best friend Kristen and has no problem taunting others to stay in Kristen’s good graces. After a pretty heinous incident that involves a boy almost being beaten to death because of Chelsea’s big mouth, she takes a vow of silence. Since Chelsea turned in the boys involved in the attack, she’s ousted from the popular crowd and becomes the target of bullying.

Chelsea’s refusal to speak makes for an interesting set-up. I inwardly cringed at many of the scenes where her former group of friends harassed her and she had to remain silent. I loved how this vow and her downgraded status led to her friendships with Sam and Asha. Another thing I loved about the novel was the strong characterization of the secondary characters.

The romance between Sam and Chelsea was adorable. It felt like a realistic progression and not instantaneous love between the two after meeting. I liked how the diner crew took Chelsea under their wing. It was good to see her grow as a character and wait for the moment when she would finally decide to speak again.

My only fault of the novel would be that the character who prompted her silence was not given more of a voice. I would have loved more about him and his relationship with Andy.

The prose was clean and pacing was well done. I breezed through the novel in only a couple of sittings. Chelsea’s journey is an emotional one and I think most people will be pleasantly surprised by this novel.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel for review!  

Review: Blink Once by Cylin Busby

Goodreads Summary:

West is a high school senior who has everything going for him until an accident leaves him paralyzed. Strapped down in his hospital bed, slipping in and out of consciousness, West is terrified and alone. Until he meets Olivia. She's the girl next door-sort of. A patient in the room next to his, only Olivia can tell what West is thinking, and only Olivia seems to know that the terrible dreams he's been having are not just a result of his medication. Yet as West comes to rely on Olivia-to love her, even-certain questions pull at him: Why has Olivia been in the hospital for so long? And what does it mean that she is at the center of his nightmares? But the biggest question of all comes when West begins to recover and learns that the mysterious girl he's fallen in love with has a secret he could never have seen coming.  

Publication Date: September 4, 2012

 

I love when you find a book that has the ability to surprise you. Blink Once was definitely that kind of novel for me. It was a refreshing change for several reasons and I am curious to see what else the author has written.

The first thing that I liked about the novel was the POV. It was done in first person with the narrator being a 17 year old boy who has lost the ability to speak due to a serious biking accident. Most of the novel features his inner thoughts as he relays his horrifying dreams and the conversations he overhears while recuperating in a rehabilitation center.

The previously athletic West lies paralyzed with only the ability to communicate through a series of blinks. His frustrations are apparent and his only respite is through visits with another patient named Olivia. He falls in love with the mysterious girl and she helps him through his harrowing ordeal. Their scenes together were touching even though I wasn’t a huge fan of Olivia’s character.  

The twist was a surprise and not one I completely expected. I felt like a few questions were left unanswered after the reveal, but it did help explain a lot of the odd observations made by West during the first 3/4 of the novel.   

The ending was a mixed bag for me. It wasn’t exactly happy, but I thought it had a hopeful message. It dragged a little too at the end which was strange since I found the rest of the novel’s pacing was done very well. It was also nice to read a standalone novel after reading so many series lately.  

I would highly recommend this novel. The prose was beautiful and West was a captivating narrator.

Rating: 4/5 Stars 

Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for review!

Review: Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett

Goodreads Summary:

Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make…1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.

3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.

(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)

(Sorry. That was rude.)

Publication Date: August 28, 2012
 
Confessions of an Angry Girl had a misleading title and description. When I read the blurb, I was unsure of how much I would like the main character Rose. I pictured an aggressive and rude character who blamed the world for her problems. I’m super glad that I gave this book a shot because I loved the narrator! This story turned out to be a touching coming of age story that addressed some important issues teens face as they enter high school.

Rose enters her freshman year of high school feeling like an outcast. Her father had died only months earlier and her best friend had become obsessed with being popular. I loved how Rose wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in and didn’t cave to peer pressure even when some of the choices she made weren’t the most popular ones. It bothers her that she doesn’t fit in, but she’s not willing to change who she is to do so.

The novel dealt with a lot of issues that are relevant to the high school set. Rose is the target of a cruel bully and tries to ignore it in hopes that she won’t make things worse. She’s also worried about her friend rushing into sex with her loser boyfriend. Then, Rose begins to fall for an older guy, but doesn’t know what his expectations are since she’s not ready for sex.

The romance was touching, but it was very slow moving. Although Rose’s emotions were clearly felt, I never felt like readers got to know much about Jamie. It was also hard to cheer for their romance when he was involved with such a witch like Regina.

The pacing was a little slow at times, but then the ending was way too abrupt. The novel felt like a standalone, so I was certainly surprised to see there would be a sequel. However, I would definitely read the next in series to see what happens with Rose, Jamie and her group of friends.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel for review!

Review: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

Goodreads Summary:

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky — and unending — lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.

Publication Date: August 28, 2012 

I really enjoyed the premise of this novel. I haven't read too many reaper novels and the concept reminded me of the Existence series by Abbi Glines. Although the reaper in this novel didn't have a dark edge like Dank, it was still an enjoyable read centered around a sweet romance.

Each chapter alternates between Finn and Emma's point of views. I like books that do this because I think it's fun to experience a different perspective on the same situation. The characters were all richly drawn, but I just wish there was a little more depth to Finn and Emma. Besides being so in love with each other, I never felt like I really got to know them. However, the secondary characters, including the other reapers and Cash were interesting and complex. I could see their stories surpassing the tale of Emma and Finn.

World building was done exceptionally well. Fuller does an excellent job of helping the reader picture the Inbetween and Hell. It was also easy to sympathize with Finn as he sacrificed so much for Emma's happiness. His reaping scenes were hard to read at times.

As far as the romance, it had all of the characteristics of an epic love story (forbidden romance and insurmountable odds of being together). I thought the couple's scene together were very touching, especially the one where Emma breaks out her dad's old record player. However, I felt like it was too saccharine at times. Maybe it's the cynic in me, but the ending left me with mixed feelings. Not sure if I loved it and wouldn't have minded a twist that I didn't see coming.

Overall, a book that I would definitely recommend. I'll definitely be on the look out for the future books in the series.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled for an advanced copy of this book for review!

Review: The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

Goodreads Summary:

Chloe Saunders is fifteen and would love to be normal. Unfortunately, Chloe happens to be a genetically engineered necromancer who can raise the dead without even trying. She and her equally gifted (or should that be 'cursed'?) friends are now running for their lives from the evil corporation that created them.

As if that's not enough, Chloe is struggling with her feelings for Simon, a sweet-tempered sorcerer, and his brother Derek, a not so sweet-tempered werewolf. And she has a horrible feeling she's leaning towards the werewolf...

Definitely not normal.

Wow is all I have to say. It's been awhile since I've been this into a series. I literally went from one book to the next and finished the trilogy within a few days. I really loved the storyline and Chloe Saunders and Derek Souza are officially on my list for all-time favorite book characters.

The Reckoning brought everything together that's been building in the previous two Darkest Powers books. The big showdown with the Edison Group takes place, but not before several betrayals and attacks on the lives of our beloved supernaturals. Several scenes were so chilling that I felt myself getting freaked out as I read late at night. Royce especially scared me and my skin crawled every time he showed up.
  
(Spoiler Alert) A resolution was finally reached between the triangle of Simon, Derek and Chloe. I think werewolf romance stories can be a hard sell. Who could really be attracted to basically an overgrown dog? But for some crazy reason, it works in this series. Derek has so many swoon-worthy moments when it comes to his relationship with Chloe. One of my favorite scenes is when he made her go into the overgrowth to protect her from the other werewolves. And their almost kiss moments made the final scenes all the more amazing. ***

There were a couple of unanswered questions at the end, but it looks like some of the Darkest Powers characters are supposed to pop up in the Darkness Rising series. I've added the first book to my TBR pile and I hope it's as good as this series!

Rating: 5/5 Stars  

Review: The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Goodreads Summary:
If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl — someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I’m as far away from normal as it gets. I’m a living science experiment — not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization call the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters. I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control: I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

Now I’m running for my life with three of my supernatural friends - a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch - and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

Publication Date: April 28, 2009 

Book Two of the Darkest Powers Trilogy starts immediately where we left off in the last book. Chloe is being imprisoned by the Edison Group because of the genetic enhancements that make her powers difficult to control. The beginning of the book was great for revealing more about the Edison Group and introducing characters that would later become important to the plot.

Once Tori and Chloe escape, the novel really takes off. They meet up with Derek and Simon and come across a whole bucket load of problems. They have to try and find the boys' father with limited resources and while still running from the Edison Group. There were so many great elements of suspense and horror during their journey that I couldn't put the book down.

Simon is still being treated as a potential love interest for Chloe, but I just don't see it. She just has way too much chemistry with Derek to end up with anyone else. My favorite part of the book was when they became separated from Tori and Simon and had to travel on their own to a friend of Simon and Derek's father. I loved how he was constantly pushing her to do the right thing while also being very protective of her.  She also knew exactly what he needed as he began his transformation into a werewolf and it was so sweet for her to refuse to feel revulsion as his body went through some scary changes.

Second books in trilogies are often full of fluff, but I'm happy to say that this is another captivating novel in this amazing series.

Rating: 5/5 Stars   

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Goodreads Summary:

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

This was a very good book with the difficult task of tackling a world where angels and demons are trying to control the fate of humans. Angel and demon books can come off as hokey at times, but Higgins does an excellent job of world building. A few of the characterizations fell short for me, but overall a very enjoyable read.

What I liked the most was the chemistry between Kaidan and Anna. On the road trip they take together, you can feel the sexual tension between them. Bad boys always make interesting love interests and Kaidan fits the bill. He's sexy and dangerous and is basically pimped out by his father. Anna's internal struggle between good and evil creates plenty of suspense as you don't know what path she'll choose.

The pacing of the novel was good with enough action (especially in the second half) to hold my interest. I loved the appearance of the other Nephilim offspring and was able to sympathize with them since they were basically tortured into servitude by their fathers. The author didn't shy away from uncomfortable and horrifying visuals to get her point across.

I really liked Anna's relationship with her adopted mother Patti, but then I felt she lost credibility when she allowed her 16 year old daughter to travel across the country with a half demon she was meeting for the first time. (Spoiler alert) Another thing that bothered me was the practically insta-love that Anna experienced with Kaidan. I really didn't feel like he earned her affection and wished she showed a little more backbone. It was sort of off-putting for her to be happy on the night he stayed in the hotel room and wasn't out man whoring for the night. Plus, her seemingly endless depression after only a couple of days with him made me want to shake some sense into her.

I'm curious to see where this series goes and hopefully we'll see more growth from both Anna and Kaidan.  

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Review-Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer Armentrout

Goodreads Summary:

Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.

Publication Date: November 29, 2011

I have a complex relationship with science fiction themed novels. Whenever I hear aliens I either think of cheesy Star Trek episodes with ray guns and bad special effects or the hilarity of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. After I read The Host and absolutely LOVED it, I decided to give more sci-fi novels a chance. Someone recommended Across the Universe which I thought was okay, but I wasn't blown away. I was BLOWN away by Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout. I loved it so much that I'm seriously contemplating starting a Daemon Black fan club (if there isn't already one lol).

What I Liked: Daemon, duh! Seriously though, Armentrout created the perfect male hero (anti-hero?) with Daemon. He's arrogant, gorgeous and also happens to be an alien. I usually don't like jerky guys in books, but his guard is up with good reason. I loved his protectiveness about his sister (and later Katy) and this definitely helps endear him to readers. Plus, the chemistry between him and Katy was amazing!

Katy was a great protagonist for the story. She's tough and doesn't put up with his crap just because he is good-looking and has "issues" (I'm looking at you Anastasia Steele).

The plot was exciting and the pacing excellent. The Arum was a good choice as villains and the ending was the perfect set-up for the next book. The Kindle version I purchased also included bonus chapters from Daemon's POV which was also very enjoyable.

What I Didn't Like: That the book ended =)

Rating: Five out of five stars