Review: Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

Release: May 13, 2014

Source: ARC from publisher

Summer, boys, and friendships gone sour. This new series has everything that perfect beach reads are made of!

Gemma just got dumped and is devastated. She finds herself back in the Hamptons for the summer—which puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friend that she wronged five years earlier. Do people hold grudges that long? 
When a small case of mistaken identity causes everyone, including Hallie and her dreamy brother Josh, to think she’s someone else, Gemma decides to go along with it.

Gemma's plan is working (she's finding it hard to resist Josh), but she's finding herself in embarrassing situations (how could a bathing suit fall apart like that!?). Is it coincidence or is someone trying to expose her true identity? And how will Josh react if he finds out who she is? 

Most people judge a book by their cover. I know I do this many times. But what drew me to this book was the title.

While long, the title is cute, charming, and creative.

At the Nashville Fierce Reads tour stop, Katie actually said that her idea for this book came from the titles. So there's something to be said about a good title. 

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend is all about broken heart and mending bonds. Gemma did something awful to her friend, years ago. After a terrible break up with her boyfriend, Gemma returns to the Hamptons and runs in to her ex-best friend, Hallie. From then on, she determines to win back Hallie's friendship. Things don't go as planed, though. 

Overall, this book was a fun, quick, and entertaining read. Perfect for Summertime. I think Gemma is a very relatable character. While she is not perfect, I understand her motivation. What frustrated me, though, how many times Gemma had to "cover up" her mistakes. Unfortunately, I felt that the side-characters were rather bland. I wanted more from them, and from the Hampton setting. There was a lot of potential, and the book fell short. 

Still, that ending? So twisty! I guessed part of that twist, halfway through the book, but there was another aspect of the twist that had my mouth opened in confusion. With that cliffhanger ending, I definitely plan to get my hands on the next installment. I didn't take this book seriously, and I didn't have high expectations. Perhaps that's why I managed to enjoy the book.

ALSO,  Katie is also Morgan Matson. How did I not know this? I didn't know this until the Fierce Reads tour stop, which is embarrassing for someone like me. I don't know if this is on par with her "Morgan Matson" works, but I'm excited to read more of her work. 

Review: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line

Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line 

by: Rob Thomas and Jennifer Grahm

Release: March 25, 2014

Source: Audiobook/Purchased

Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption. She’s traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case.

Now it’s spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave. When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person’s case; the house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica’s past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined.

I only started watching Veronica Mars last year, in the midst of the kickstarted frenzy. I thought, a TV show that can garner so much love and support from fans must be good. And the fans were right. I loved the TV show, even if the third season wasn't exactly a satisfying conclusion.

But that didn't matter anymore, because the movie was going to come out and tie up all the loose strings.

Like most "marshmallows", I loved the movie and was thrilled to discover that a book series would be released. These books follow the events of the movie, so if you haven't seen the movie, then you probably shouldn't read this book. And if you haven't watched the TV show, what have you been doing with your life? Go now and watch! I promise that it will make reading this book so much more entertaining.

As for The Thousand Dollar Tan Line--it was a great book. A fun, quick, and entertaining read. I picked up the audiobook, mainly because Kristen Bell was narrated. I was not disappointed. Kristen does an amazing job with tone infection, and voicing other characters. Some were done better than others, of course, but never once was I turned off by her narrative style.

In this book, Veronica is just as strong, and determined, as ever. Support cast--Mac, Wallace, Weavil, and Dick--all return. If I had any complaints, it's that I wished to see more Weevil and Dick. Both of them could have certainly played a big part in the investigation, but each character has only one scene and that's not enough. I wanted more. I also missed Logan, even if he had good reason to not have a physical presence. Overall, the movie and this book confirmed how much love I have for Veronica, and the other characters. I was pleasantly surprised by a return of one character, and I hope she shows up in future installments. I won't say who this character is, though, because I think it's best to be surprised.

As for the plot, it definitely took some unexpected twists and turns.  There were a couple of CRAZY twists at the end, when it appeared that the case was solved. And I enjoyed every minute of listening to it unfold.  Trust me, you don't want to be spoiled.

So as a fan of Veronica Mars, I love this book. And I think most Veronica Mars fans will love it to. If you choose to read the book, without having watched TV show or film, I don't think you'll be as blown away. I don't think you'll enjoy it to it's fullest potential. After all, this book is for the fans (as it should be).

Review: The One

The One by Kiera Cass

May 6, 2014

Source: Purchased 

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The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

There are some books that have deep meaning and emotional impact. Then there are other books that serve as pure entertainment. The One is definitely the latter.

With The One Kiera Cass has completes a trilogy that is considered a mash-up of The Bachelor and The Hunger Games. The trilogy revolves mainly around one young America Singer, chosen to be brought to the palace to compete in a competition for the Prince's hand in marriage. She leaves behind her former lover, Aspen, and finds herself actually falling for the young Prince. The question of who America ends up with is answered in this final installment, and I am overall happy with the way things turned out.

This world, set in the distant future, has fallen back into a monarchy and a very rigid "caste" system that segregates families into a line of work. For example, America's family is part of the fifth caste that makes up the artistic contribution to society.

To be honest, I had a hard time believing that this system could be in place for so many years without rebellion. To be fair, there are rebels attacking the palace, but I never got a sense that they were a real threat. There were two groups of rebels--Southern and Northern--both with different objectives. I did not find the rebellion to be as big of a threat, and I felt as if there should have been more objection and protests for change.

It is the lack of world building that makes this series seem diluted and watered down. This series is obviously more focused on the romantic aspect, rather than dystopian. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it makes the series feel superficial.

Of course, I have to admit that these books are addicting. They are easy to read, and I actually find America to be a strong protagonist. Sure, she makes stupid mistakes, but I feel as if her actions in The One were more calculated and more mature. She wasn't as rash or reckless as in The Elite. She proved herself as a worthy candidate for Prince Maxon's hand. I also appreciated that the remaining girls got to actually bond. Cat-fights aren't as common in this book, and instead, we see friendships begin to blossom and we get a better idea of what the other girls are like. This was probably my favorite part of the book.

If you haven't read the first book, I do suggest to you give it a chance. Keep in mind, though, that is a far cry from typical dystopians. It reads more like a contemporary romance, but it's what makes the book unique. And addictive. I can see why so many have fallen in love with this series, even if I am not head-over-heels in love with it. The issues previously mentioned became glaringly obvious once I closed the book, but I can still appreciate The One (and The Selection trilogy as a whole) for entertaining me.

Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Release:  September 10, 2013

Source: eARC from publisher

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Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Eleanor and Park was Rainbow Rowell's major hit. I adored it, and it's actually one of my favorite books of 2013. So, when Rowell announced she had another book coming out this year, I was eager to get my hands on it. I needed this book.

For those who don't know, Fangirl is about a fangirl. The fandom? Simon Snow. But Cath is more than just a fangirl--she writes fanfic, and is perhaps one of the most well known online fanfiction writers out there. In short, this book is a journey toward self discovery, independence, and purpose. Cath deals with facing her first year of college, and begins to forms meaningful relationships outside the fandom of Simon Snow. This doesn't mean she loves Simon Snow stories any less, and it doesn't mean that it's any less important. Cath just learns to live life, and she learns to enjoy the time she has. It's something that many forget about, in the midst of our busy and hectic lives.

Anyone who has read this book can get the sense that Simon Snow has some striking similarities to Harry Potter. There are even fascinating tidbits from the Simon Snow books, as well as sections from Cath's own Simon Snow fanfic. These bits at the end added something extra to this book, and made me fall in love with it even more.

I adored the characters: Cath, her father, Levi, and even Wren. They had me smiling and laughing with each page that I turned. Cath is likely one of the most relatable characters I've come across, because she's so much like us bookworms. We all fell in love and grew up with the Harry Potter series, just as Cath grew up with Simon Snow, and that connection struck a cord. I found the pacing of this book perfect, and the writing just as good as in Eleanor and Park (if not better).

Here is my only issue with Fangirl, and to an extent, Eleanor and Park: Rainbow Rowell has a tendency not to end her books with finality. I felt the ending of Fangirl to be abrupt, without any definite conclusion. Sure, I can imagine what happened, and Rowell gives us clues as to how they happened, but I wanted something more. I wanted a more neat and tidy ending, and I didn't get it. It is the only major flaw to a story that I think is full of heart, perhaps more heart than Eleanor and Park.

Review: Level 2

Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

Release: Januar 15, 2012 

Source: ARC provided by publisher*

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Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow drones, Felicia passes the endless hours reliving memories of her time on Earth and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and Neil, the boy she loved.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber is found dead, and nobody but Felicia recalls that she existed in the first place. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, Felicia learns the truth: If she joins the rebellion to overthrow the Morati, the angel guardians of Level 2, she can be with Neil again.

Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself at the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.

Level 2 was undoubtedly unique. The idea for purgatory is simple enough, but Appelhans manages to make it extremely unique. In this world, in Level 2, people are placed in memory chambers where they relive memories from their past life--mostly the good and rarely the bad. These good memories can also be traded and used as currency to relive other people's memories. I definitely found the premise intriguing.

At the center of the story, though, is Felicia. She died just before her 18th birthday, and now she's reliving memories and mourning the loss of those she loves. Specifically, she mourns the loss of Neil, her boyfriend. This kind of situation could lead to excessive angst, moaning, and a "woe is me" mentality, but Felica is a strong and compelling character. When strange things start happening in Level 2, when a boy from her past appears and tells her there is a rebellion, she is quick to step into action (although hesitant to trust the boy). The boy, Julian, says he knows where Neil is and if she helps him, he can reunite the two lovers.

What follows is a story full of twists, turns, and flashbacks.

There are times when flashbacks become too much, to the point where it becomes the main story, but this never happens in Level 2. Every flashback, every memory, serves to paint a picture of Felicia and her relationship with Neil. It also depicts the toxic and complicated affair she once had with Julian. Both boys represent two points in Felicia's life, and serve as a foundation for her character arc.

And now, the big question: team Neil or Julian? Despite the things he did, and being overall un-trustworty, I think Julian is a more well-rounded and interesting character. Neil never stood out and he never caught my interest (which made it hard to understand why Felicia kept obsessing over him). I'm hoping to see more development with Neil in the future. So for fun, I'd stick with Julian. For being sweet and dependable, though, Neil is your guy.

Overall, Level 2 was a quick, face paced read, but it never seemed too short. Given the length, this is definitely a plus. And with that twisty, cliff-hangery (yet satisfying) end, I am dying to read more!

RATING: 4 SLICES

*receiving ARC from publisher, in no way, affects my opinion of the book*

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

Review: Something Like Normal

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Release: June 19, 2012

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When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

Something Like Normal is a very honest and poignant look into how war affects a person--both physically and emotionally.

Travis has just returned from Afganistan to find his world turned on its axis. Haunted by the death of his friend, he finds everything unfulfilling as he battles the onslaught of flashbacks and nightmares. It isn't until Harper comes back into his life that things actually get back to "something like normal."

YA books are rarely written from the male perspective. So, I'll talk about Travis. Travis doesn't seem himself as a hero after the war. In fact, the war has made him feel less of a hero because he survived and his friend didn't. It was easy to sympathize with him. I also found Harper a refreshing character, who compliments Travis in many ways. However, I felt she was a little quick to forgive Travis. You'll have to read to find out the "whats" and "whys" of what Travis did.

And the romance between Travis and Harper was...sweet, but I couldn't help comparing them to other couples who had more chemistry. The chemistry is present in Something Like Normal, it's just not intense or in your face. Maybe that's a good thing, because this isn't about the romance. It's about recovering from war, and the effects war has on every-day people like Travis. This whole story is exceptionally "normal", but something about it makes it stand out. My biggest complaint comes from the fact that it ended too soon. Doller took the "easy way" out to by using a letter to tie up the loose ends. I wanted to read about the things the letter describes. I wanted to see Travis slowly recover and come to terms with what he experienced. I wanted to see more of Travis and Harper.

So, if you are looking for a quick contemporary read, check this book out. After the hype on various blogs, I was (admittedly) a little disappointed, but there's still a lot to like about Something Like Normal. It's greatest assets is overall believability. The events described in this book are things that happen every day. It's not dramatic. It's simple and honest, and a book I can heartily recommend.

RATING: 4 SLICES 

Recommendation: Pushing the Limits

 Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry 

Release: July 31, 2012

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So wrong for each other...and yet so right.


No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.  Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

If I had to describe what Pushing the Limits is like, I'd say it's a mix of Anna and the French Kiss romance, with a twist of rawness ala Pretty Amy. For those who haven't read either book, let me explain...

Echo has a lot on her plate to deal with: an overbearing father, a step-mother she hates with a baby on the way, and a suppressed memory of her mother (who tried to kill her). That's just to name a few of the issues that Echo is facing in Pushing the Limits.

And then there's Noah. His parents died in a house fire. Since then, Noah's grades have plummeted and he and his brothers have been put into the foster care system. Unfortunately, an outburst with his first foster parent now negates Noah's right to see his two younger brothers. He is doing all he can to win them back from a supposedly abusive family. He wants to help them remember the life they once hand.

Both characters are so broken and in search of "normalcy"--I couldn't help but love them as individuals and as a couple. Echo thinks the key to finding normal lies with a broken car and lost memories of her mother. Noah thinks that he can find normalcy if he gains custody of his brothers. The counselor ends up putting these two broken teens together and what follows is an intense, roller-coster relationship, that had me smiling, laughing, and crying along with them.

Honestly, this book is phenomenal. Noah and Echo's relationship develops rather quickly, but I found their chemistry so real, that it didn't bother me at all. There's an understandable connection. But I will admit that, at first, Echo does borders along the line of excessive angst. However, Noah's strength and determination helps Echo remember and helps her stand on her own two feet.  I also found the mystery behind Echo's mother, and the mental and physical scars she inflicted, to be intriguing. Sometimes, withholding information from me (the reader), turns me off from a book. This wasn't the case with Pushing the Limits. With each breakthrough, my compassion for Echo grew--along with a hatred for Echo's father and stepmother. The ending was sweet, with all the loose ends tied. Simply put, I loved this book and I highly recommend it!

Thank you, HarlequinTeen for the e-ARC

RATING: 5 SLICES 

Review and Giveaway: Nighspell

Nightspell by Leah Cypess 

Release (paperback): May 29, 2012

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Here be ghosts, the maps said, and that was all. 

In this haunted kingdom, ghosts linger—not just in the deepest forests or the darkest caverns, but alongside the living, as part of a twisted palace court that revels all night and sleeps through the daylight hours. Darri’s sister was trapped in this place of fear and shadows as a child. And now Darri has a chance to save her sister... if she agrees to a betrothal with the prince of the dead. 

But nothing is simple in this eerie kingdom—not her sister, who has changed beyond recognition; not her plan, which will be thrown off track almost at once; and not the undead prince, who seems more alive than anyone else. 

In a court seething with the desire for vengeance, Darri holds the key to the balance between life and death. Can her warrior heart withstand the most wrenching choice of all?

Nightspell got a number of mixed reviews, so I was a bit nervous when I got a copy form Leah Cypess for her paperback promotion. What if I didn’t like it? What if I, in fact, hated it? This fear forced me to push reading it off, in favor of other books until I couldn’t avoid it any longer. 

What Darri finds, though, is a rather withdrawn and not-so-innocent sister who has secrets of her own...

And fortunately, I enjoyed Nightspell!

Nightspell is the companion to Cypess' first book, Mistwood. You don't have to read Mistwood to understand and enjoy Nightspell. I didn't have to. Both books, however, take place in a very unique and interesting setting: Ghostland.

Yeah, my eyebrow raised at the name, too. A more unique name could have been thought up, but oh well...it is what it is.

Anyway, this world is, as you might guess, full of ghosts. But not just any ghosts. They are ghosts of people who have been murdered who can only be relieved by avenging their death. These ghosts can also take on very life-like forms (if they choose) making it hard to distinguish between the two. And now the delicate balance is strained.

Nightspell stars off with a bang. Darri, a Princess from a foreign country, has decided to travel and take the place of her younger sister, Callie (who resides in Ghostland as the promised bride to the Ghostland Prince, once she is old enough). Darri simply cannot imagine her precious and innocent younger sister in a land filled with the dead.

This book isn't full of action, but there are still many twists and turns that I didn't expect. For those who are interested in court intrigue and mystery, this might be the book for you. But I can't write a review without addressing some of the book's faults...

First, is a lack of connection with Darri. This story alternates between three POVs (Darri, her brother Varis, and her sister, Callie). It's safe to say, though, that Darri is the "star". For some reason, I didn't connect with her, or the love she claimed to have for her little sister. Neither was I convinced of Darri's supposed "barbaric" upbringing, according to Ghostland residents. My biggest gripe, however, lies with the "death" of two particular characters. I didn't mind their death, just their killer's motivation. Even after Cypess explains, I still didn't completely understand the whys and hows.

There is also a noticeable lack of romance. And actually, I'm glad that this differed from typical YA books in that way. Usually, though, a lack of romance ought to be replaced by a strong human bond/connection. The relationship between Darri and Callie was supposed to substitute for the lack of romance, but like I said, it fell short. It lacked depth. I was also somewhat disappointed by ending....

Sure, there are ways that Nighspell could have been more policed and the writing more effective. But I still recommend Nightspell to certain readers who enjoy fantastical world-building and ghosts. 

RATING: 3.5 SLICES 

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY: Leah Cypess was kind enough to provide a signed hardback copy. Enter below to win, or head to your nearest bookstore for a copy. The paperback version is now out. Sorry, giveaway is open to only US entries. Winner has 48 hours to respond with mailing address. If I get no response, I reserve the right to choose another winner. 

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Recommendation: This is not a Test

This is not a Test by Courtney Summers 

Release: June 19, 2012

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

- - - -

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?

- - - - 

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

Review: For Darkness Shows the Stars

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund 

Release: June 12, 2012

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

- - - - -

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.Inspired by Jane Austen's persuasion, 

"For Darkness Shows the Stars" is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it

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First, I will say this: you do not have to read Persuasion to read For Darkness Shows the Stars.  In fact, the book might be more enjoyable if you did not read it. But before I get ahead of myself, I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book despite a few glaring issues.

For Darkness Shows the Stars is a retelling/futuristic interpretation of Jane Austen's last published book: Persuasion. At the heart of the story is duty to family, duty to heart, and (most importantly) second chances. There are a lot of similarities between Elliot North (of For Darkness Shows the Stars) and Anne Elliot (of Persuasion). Both are admirable characters. They are not unique, they do not "stand out", but they are both exceptionally real. 

Years ago, a genetic experimentation lead to a phase called the "reduction". Those who went through the experimentation process became "reduced"--unable to speak, think, and act properly. They lack normal mental capacity. After the reduction, scientific experimentation was prohibited and it is now seen as an act of defiance against God. These reduced people often produce reduced offspring, but every once in a while, a normal child is conceived. These are considered "Posts". Elliot North, the main character, is neither of these. She comes from a family of Luddites who shunned the scientific experimentation during the reduction, and as a result, found themselves responsible to care for both the Reduced and the Posts. It's a society that very much resembles the slavery/post slavery period with plantains, servants, workers, etc.

This is all an interesting concept, but confusing at first, and that is one of my first complaints. I loved the world, but I felt a little overwhelmed by all the facts and a little confused by the facts that were left out in the beginning. Once I understood, though, I was completely and utterly engrossed. 

Elliot, as I said, is the daughter of a Luddite. When she was younger, she befriended a Post boy named Kai. They were friends, and Elliot fancied herself in love. In a series of events, Kai left and Elliot made the decision to stay for the sake of her family. When Kai comes back into her life, the flurry of memories and emotions make her present situation infinitely more complicated. I'll spare the details and just say I loved Kai and Elliot. I could FEEL Elliot's heartbreak, I could FEEL the chemistry. There are times when I wanted to throw the book because of how Kai treated Elliot and vice versa, but I couldn't stop reading. 

I would also like to compliment Peterfruend's writing. There are moments that made me want to highlight passages because they were that good! And I loved reading the letters between Kai and Elliot when they were younger. It made their past seem that much more real...

Unfortunately, there is one letter that did not measure up to my expectations: the very last letter Kai writes to Elliot. It's written in the present, and it's beautiful in itself. The biggest disappointment comes from he fact that I read Persuasion first. In persuasion, Wentworth writes a letter in which he confesses everything. I will spare the details, but I will say this: the letter in For Darkness Shows the Stars didn't measure up. It's hard to explain why without giving spoilers, but the letter was probably my biggest disappointment of the whole book (hence, my rating). 

I encourage everyone to read this book, though: fan of Persuasion or not. Again, the beginning is a bit rough to get through, but I think the pay out is worth it in the end. 

RATING: 4 SLICES

Recommendation: Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Release: June 5, 2012

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

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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 

Review: The Goddess Test

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter 

Release: April 19, 2011

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED.

NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN. 

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she suceeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.

IF SHE FAILS..

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I've seen rave reviews about this book, but honestly, I didn't like it.

The book starts off with Kate Winters moving into an unfamiliar city and caring for her very sick mother. I had no issues with this, because I'm pretty close to my mother. I could relate to Kate's desire to stay beside her mother day in and day out.

By the time Kate starts her new school, though, things become incredibly conventional and unrealistic. Kate is no beauty queen, no social butterfly, but she immediately catches Dylan's eye and his ex-girlfriend (Ava) is jealous. This jealousy leads Ava to do something pretty reckless, and Kate eventually makes a deal with a mysterious man to save her life. If this sounds a little weird and crazy, then yes, it is.

Turns out, the mysterious man is Henry (aka Hades). He wants Kate to live in his manor for a few months out of each year. That's his deal for saving Ava's life.

What I don't get is why Kate makes the deal in the first place. And I don't get why Ava suddenly becomes friends with Kate. And don't get me started on the fact that Henry is a virgin! Really? I think that could have been left out and it would have bumped my rating up a half a star. Oh well. I also didn't like how almost every person was connected to a Greek god or goddess. Again, very contrived.

Also, supposedly, Kate isn't grated immortality. Not yet. No, the simple mortal has to go through a series of "tests" to see if she is worthy to be Henry's queen. I won't spoil this book for those who still wish to read it, but I found the tests incredibly disappointing. Not to mention, lame and out of place because these tests are based off the seven virtues and this does not mix with greek mythology.

I'm not against Greek mythology. I find it fascinating. What Aimee Carter seemed to suggest in this book, however, is that these Greek gods and goddesses were "perfect" and that is why they are immortal. If you take a look at Greek mythology, you find that Greek gods and goddesses are just glorified human beings. They all are jealous, power-hungry, selfish, and far from "virtuous".

*rolls eyes*

Honestly, I don't think I will be continuing with this series. I hate writing negative reviews (and I don't write them often) but I really didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped.

RATING: 2 SLICES