Review: Meant to Be

Meant to Be by Laruen Morrill
Release: November, 13, 2012
Source: eARC from publisher

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Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question. 

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be

"Cute" does not even begin to describe this book!

On a spring break class trip to London, Julia is determined to take in some culture. What she didn't expect was to find love. After all, she already knows who she will end up with: her childhood crush  Mark Bixford. She believes he's the perfect match for her in every way...

Then the straight-laced, straight-A, student is paired with Jason and things get interesting.

Julia's voice just oozes off of these pages. She's honest, direct, and even a little funny! Throughout the whole book, I couldn't stop comparing it to Anna and the French Kiss. Sometimes, comparing two books means the death of one, but this isn't so. Both have so much charm and humor, it's hard not to to love them both.  The whole time I was reading, I  had this ridiculous smile on my face...and I am still smiling just thinking about Julia and her London adventure.

I also really liked Jason. He's not your stereotypical "bad boy" or "class clown". There are many more layers to him than he'd ever like to admit. But they are there and it makes him that much more realistic.

 Was the book predictable? Yes. Did I care? No. Sometimes you just need something lighthearted and fun. This is one of those books and I cannot recommend it enough.

RATING: 5 SLICES

Recommendation: This is not a Test

This is not a Test by Courtney Summers 

Release: June 19, 2012

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It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self.

To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live.

But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside. 

When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

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How do I even BEGIN to describe my experience while reading This is Not a Test?

First off, this book is not for the faint of heart. This book is a zombie novel, yes, but the intensity rests on the inner conflict and desperation of a group of teens just trying to survive. Sure, this book has some blood and gore, but it's not the focus. It's not the purpose.

This is Not a Test is a book about Sloane Price. She suffers from abuse and depression. All she wants is to die when the zombie apocalypse begins. In a series of events, though, she ends up with a small group of people from school and they make a fort at Cortege High. What does Sloane have to live for, though? Her sister ran away, her mother's dead, and there's absolutely no hope for her.

And as the story continues, that hope begins to diminish even more. People die, people who didn't deserve to die, who unexpectedly fell prey to zombies or other threats. What I find interesting, however, was that by the end, there was a sliver of hope. The ending was bittersweet--more bitter than sweet--as Sloane begins to realize the worth in living.

This book had me in a wreck. I cried, I gasped, and I found myself so invested in this group of mismatched and flawed teens. There's Cary, the "leader", impulsive Trace, and his sister Grace. There's Harrison, the crier, Rhys, the strong but silent guy, and (of course) Sloane. They are an unlikely group of people, and their interactions alone made this a fascinating read.

What book review would be complete without mentioning Courtney Summer's brilliant writing? I got shivers and I had a strong desire to read her beautiful (and gruesome) prose out loud. It's THAT good. The fragmented and choppy sentences made for a very intimate read that complement the pace of the book.

I will end by saying that I'm not usually a huge fan of zombie novels. I don't mind blood and gore (being a nurse) but I'd rather not read about it. So, take it from a non-zombie lover: this book is MUST READ. This is the first book of Courtney's that I've read and she now has a fan for life.

RATING: 5 SLICES

Recommendation: Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Release: June 5, 2012

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Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. 

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. 

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart

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I absolutely loved this book. Go. Buy it now.

Ah, but you're here for a more substantial review. Aren't you? *sigh* Well, excuse my attempt, because about 90% of this will be gushing praise.

Shadow and Bone employs fairly cliched plot devices: an orphaned girl, a dormant power, and a main character that is destined to save her world.  Despite this, Shadow and Bone is incredibly unique and...magical. In fact, I get jealous when thinking about this book and its impressive story--which I will now try to explain (because, honestly, the summary doesn't do the book justice).

Alina is normal. She's an orphan and a (not so very good) apprentice mapmaker. She grew up with her childhood friend (and crush), Mal. When the two of them attempt to travel across "The Shadow Fold" with their regiment, Alina reveals a dormant power that brings hope to the citizens of Ravka. And just like that, the poor orphan girl is whisked away to the capital to be trained as a Grisha: one of the magical elite that practice the "small science".

What I loved most about this book was how Bardugo was able to literarily translate Light vs. Dark to words on a page. It's quite impressive and, as I said, makes me seethe with jealousy. I also really enjoyed the characters. Alina may see herself as a nobody, but she eventually grows to embrace her unique power. Not only that, but she accepts herself as worthy of love and respect.

I also found The Darkling awfully mysterious and fascinating. Did I expect the plot twist in the second half of the book? Yes, a part of me did. But it was really interesting to see how the characters reacted. And Mal. Oh, Mal. He makes very short appearances, but every time, I found myself smiling. He is never far from Alina's heart, making his presence felt with each page I turned.

I could honestly go on and on about how amazing this book was! But seriously? Go and see for yourself!

RATING: 5 SLICES 

Recommendation: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 

Release: December 2, 2010

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Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

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Anna and the French kiss got a lot of buzz upon its release. And for the longest time, I ignored it.

Why, oh why, did I do this? *sigh* Because, to be perfectly honest, Anna and the French managed to rekindle my love for YA contemporaries. It's that awesome of a book. Is it cliched? Perhaps. But cliches are not always bad if handled by an author like Stephanie Perkins.

In Anna and the French Kiss, Anna is forced to spend her senior year away from her home, her family, and friends. She's sent thousands of miles away to a boarding school in France. Wait a minute. France? I WOULD HAVE DIED TO GO TO FRANCE. e'hem. Anna is far from pleased, however, and wants more than anything to be "home".

Anna's encounter with Meredith, Josh, Rashmi, AND Etienne (*SWOON*) is where the story really begins. Slowly, but surely, Anna falls for the already taken Etienne. And honestly, guys, I WANT to say more but it would take all the fun out of this book. 


Suffice to say, I loved the characters, I loved the romance (Anna and Etienne have such great chemistry), and I loved that Stephanie Perkins chose Paris as the stetting. If you are looking for something light and fun that will warm your heart, do yourself a favor and read Anna and the French Kiss. Or read it again, if you want to. My only gripe is that both Etienne and Anna were sometimes indecisive about their feelings for each other (more Etienne). This could have made the book incredibly predictable, boring, and long-winded, but somehow Perkins managed to weave together a magical story. These faults I find make Anna and Etienne incredibly flawed and real. Which I like. 


*sigh* If only the cover could convey how awesome this book is! I think the cover is pretty...meh. 

RATING: 5 SLICES 

Recommendation: The Girl of Fire and Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Release: September 20, 2012 

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Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one. 

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

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

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

Most of the chosen do.

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This book, quite simply, was amazing. I don't know how else to describe it. 

Elisa is the youngest daughter, supposedly destined for something great. She's never believed it, though, constantly drowning her doubts in food and comparing herself to her older sister. Her prettier and well-spoken sister. 

When Elisa is arranged to marry the King Alejandro, I admit, I felt this was going to be a pretty predictable read. But it wasn't. Elisa's journey is full of twists and turns and she meets people along the way that I grew to love: Humberto, Cosme, and others. The last 100 pages, no joke, made me cry and I applaud Carson for taking the road less traveled!! It was an ending I didn't expect and, at first, it didn't settle well with me. I wanted to throw my book because I was upset! 

And then I thought about it, and smiled. 

Carson obviously knew what she was doing, and I trust that Elisa and her relationship between her possible love interest will be more developed in the second book. This first book was merely a view into Elisa's fascinating world and Elisa's growth as a character. She goes from someone who is overweight and full of self-pity, to a Queen people can look up to. It was so very satisfying to see this growth. 

RATING: 5 SLICES 

Recommendation: A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Release: 9/15/2012

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At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting— he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd— whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself— Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.

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I am well aware that the book I am recommending isn't YA. And if I'm to be completely honest, I don't consider it to be Middle Grade either (although it's often categorized as MG).

A Monster Calls is a poignant tale about a young boy, Conor, who has a reoccurring "dream". A monster, resembling a Yew tree, comes to him at night and tells him three stories--each more ridiculous than the next. But there's a catch. In the end, Conor must come face to face with his own grief and tell the monster his story (a bitter and revealing truth he has thus far refused to admit to himself). Telling you what this truth is, though, would spoil the whole book, so I will say this: READ "A MONSTER CALLS". It is a phenomenal book that had tears gushing down my cheeks by the end.

This book didn't have outstanding characterization or plot. But that's not the point. A Monster Calls depicts the universal experience of struggling between holding on and letting go. It profoundly affected me, and I found myself highlighting my kindle because there were so many meaningful quotes. I'm not kidding. Words can't express how much I ADORE this book. So do yourself a favor and get a copy now (and have some tissues handy). You won't regret it.

RATING: 5 SLICES 

Recommendation: The Assassin and the Desert

The Assassin and the Desert by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass 0.2)


The Assassin and the Desert was, perhaps, even better than the first e-novella by Sarah Maas. It follows the feisty heroine, Celaena Sardothin, as she endures her punishment for freeing slaves in book one (costing her master a lot of money). Let me say that I am glad she was punished. There’s nothing fun about seeing a character get away with everything--and believe me, Celaena suffers a great deal of humiliation in this book. In fact, she learns a thing or two about humility. It makes her even more endearing to me, and my heart breaks when I know that, by novella 4, this assassin will be captured and forced to work in the Salt Mines. 

Let me also say that the world building is TOP NOTCH. It doesn't get better than this. Sarah Maas has a way of creating a world without "dumping" information on the reader. The spidersilk, the Red Desert, and Xandria are all smaller pieces of a bigger and more intriguing world. You certainly don’t want to miss this! I really, REALLY hope that Sam is in “Underworld”, though (the third novella). He was sorely missed. I wasn't too upset, though, because Sarah managed to create another super awesome character: Ansel. She’s such a cool gal, obviously troubled by her past. But she felt so REAL, and she really grew on me (just as she grew on Celaena). 

May I have more, Sarah? Please? 

RATING: FIVE SLICES 

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Recommendation: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord by Sarah J. Maas
Released: January  13, 2012

On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

I had the pleasure of reading S.J. Maas' first draft of Queen of Glass on FictionPress. With that said, I am slightly biased in my recommendation of The Assassin and the Pirate Lord--the first of four novellas that chronicle Celaena Sardothian's life as an infamous assassin. She's young--only 16--but fiery and full of passion. That is what I like about Celaena. She is SUCH strong heroine, but still full of many faults. From the Assassin's Keep to the Pirate Lord's lair, Sarah weaves together a story that is just play FUN. It’s face-paced and an enjoyable peek into the life of Celaena. It’s more than a Cinderalla retelling-it’s a fantasy novel of epic proportions that you don’t want to miss. Look for Throne of Glass coming out August 7, 2012

RATING: 5 SLICES