January 05, 2014

Review: Life Before Legend by Marie Lu

Life Before Legend (Legend #0.5)
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Pages: 41
Source: Paperback

Find out more about June and Day in this never-before-seen glimpse into their daily lives before they met in Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND series. As twelve-year-olds struggling to survive in two very different worlds within the Republic’s stronghold, June was starting her first day of school at Drake University as the youngest cadet ever admitted, and Day was fighting for food on the streets of the Lake sector. LIFE BEFORE LEGEND contains two original stories written by Marie Lu that give readers a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite characters in a thrilling new context.

Review: I really enjoyed the short stories about Day and June. We see how Day got his first kiss which was definitely an interesting story. We also see how he gets into messing with the Republic. Now the stunt he pulled wasnt as elaborate as we see in the other books but it definitely showed us that even at a young age he wasnt afraid to take on the Republic. We also get to see how June is at a younger age. And how she had a massive attitude problem which was getting her into trouble back then. We see her on her first day at Drake University and how she got into a fight on her first day. I liked this book a lot because we got to see June and Day at a younger age but also still showing that they were like they currently are at a younger age.

4 Stars!

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June 08, 2013

Review: Rise by Andrea Cremer

Rise (Nightshade Prequel #2)
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
Pages: 385
Source: Hardcover/Library

The sequel to Rift and the prequel to the New York Times bestselling novel Nightshade.

Everything Conatus stands for is at risk. Hoping to gather enough resistance to save their order, Ember and Barrow attempt a desperate escape. But fate offers little mercy. When their mission is exposed, the  couple face relentless pursuit by the supernatural horrors that act on the commands of Eira’s ally: the mysterious Bosque Mar. A shocking revelation forces Ember out of hiding, sending her back into the heart of dark magic at Tearmunn keep, where she must convince her old friend Alistair of her love or face dire consequences. Ember’s deception offers the only chance for the resistance to succeed, but what she discovers in the shadows beneath the keep will shatter her world and bring about the Witches’ War.

Richly sensual and full of magic, action and danger, Andrea Cremer's fifth book set in the Nightshade world is an edge-of-your-seat page turner.

Review: I really loved Rise!!! But I didnt love it as much as I loved Rift. I felt like there were some moments that were lacking. I mean, the whole book was interesting. But some stuff was seriously predictable and even though they should have been some huge scenes, they really didnt seem that huge to me when I saw them happening. And then some of the scenes where the group was traveling, or trying to figure out what to do next in regards to taking down Eira were also kinda boring. I mean it was interesting at some points, but many of those scenes had a hard time keeping my attention. 

Ok, so I wanna start with Ember and Barrow. I still really love these two together! They really are cute together and you can definitely see the bond between them! That being said, I felt like their relationship was just completely stalled after they went on the run. I mean they had a few moments together that were awesome, but it just seemed like after going on the run they really didnt progress in their relationship. It was pretty much just stuck in the same spot the entire book and that kinda saddened me. I was really looking forward to seeing their relationship grow in this book and it just didnt happen. On the topic of Ember alone, I definitely felt like she stepped up a lot in this book. She did the heavy lifting when she needed to in order to save and protect those she loved. But she also wasnt afraid to put herself in danger and do what she desperately didnt want to as well to help the resistance. I was very happy seeing her really step up in this book! 

Alistair... Man. Ok. I thought he was bad at the end of the last book. I swear my disgust with him went through the roof in this book... Seriously... He was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy to creepy whenever he thought about Ember. Oh, and he was still delusional when he thought there was no other person Ember could be interested in. I seriously just got grossed out and creeped out whenever I read any of Alistairs POV's! Also, I'm very sad at how much Bosque corrupted him. It was extremely sad. It was sad how many people Bosque and Eira corrupted in general. Another thing I found creepy, Eira and Bosque's relationship once it developed into something more. That creeped me out as well. Wasnt a fan of reading the intimate details of their relationship. 

I really did enjoy seeing how the Keepers (I see how they got their name now) and the Searchers came to be. It definitely filled in the blanks about their origins and whatnot. I definitely found that stuff the most interesting in the book. I also loved seeing the familiar words and places we learned about and saw and heard in the Nightshade books! Those similarities definitely tied those stories very well together! I'm definitely glad we got the prequel books to learn more about how the Keepers and Searchers came to be!

4 Stars!

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May 16, 2013

Review: Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Asunder (Newsoul #2)
Author: Jodi Meadows
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Pages: 406
Source: Hardcover/Library

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

Review: Overall, I thought this was a really good sequel to Incarnate. Though I did have things I liked and didn't like about it. Ok. So I'm gonna start with what I didn't like because it bugged me all throughout the book. Everyone still treated Ana like crap! Even after she tried saving so many peoples lives during Templedark they still treated her like crap just because it was her dads fault that the temple went dark. Even though she wasn't related to what he was doing besides being born in the only other time the temple went dark thanks to him. It was really disappointing! Only a few more people opened up to being friends with her. And then they started treating her even worse when more newsouls were born! It wasn't her freaking fault!!!!! UGH!!!! Can you guys tell it really bugs me that they still didn't make an effort to accept her?? 

Beyond that... I enjoyed the book for the most part. I was kinda sad that Ana kept doubting that she was capable of loving just because Li had told her she wasn't capable of it. I think she knew she had feelings and strong ones at that, but she didn't realize it much because she was told she couldn't. I'm glad she finally opened up to having feelings, but I'm just sad that it took her so long to realize she was capable of having them. I love how close Ana and Sam got! I seriously love these two together!!! Sam is just... Amazing to Ana! Despite the majority of the citizens of Heart still hating her, he didn't let it get to him. He was still right there by her side; supporting her, loving her! I'm so glad Ana has him in her life! I'm also glad that Ana opened herself up to him. It took time, especially with her issue of thinking she cant love, but she did it. I just loved seeing the growth in their relationship!

So all the research she found of her dads... I'm still not sure what to make of the stuff that he made to temporarily stop Janan and make the temple go dark. I really don't know what to think of that... The stuff with the Slyph though... I thought that was interesting. How we find out that they love music, that somehow it calms them or something. It was just so weird. It was even weirder that they listened to Ana when she told them to go away. I don't get why they love music or listened to Ana. Hopefully we find out a lot more about this in the next book. I also wasn't sure at all what to make of the stuff she was trying to stuff from the temple. It all just seemed so confusing with the symbols. I was pissed when the council told her she was no longer allowed in Heart after they got their hands on the stuff!!! They found out some of their own were plotting against Ana and doing horrible things, and those people were probably gonna do a lot worse with those books than Ana was just studying it. But yet she gets kicked out??? REALLY??????? Yeah I guess I'm happy that those people who plotted against Ana and the other Newsouls were taken care of, but Ana is pretty much harmless. All she ever tried to do was help anyone she could. But she gets thrown out just for having some of her dads research and temple books. I really hate the council! Ugh! On the brightside, Sam decides to go with Ana since she's forced to leave. He is such a fantastic guy to her! 

Now Cris, I wanted to bring him up last. I thought he was such a cool guy throughout the book. He became a great friend to Ana. But wow... His sacrifice at the end of the book... That was just amazing. He sacrificed himself to save Ana and Stef... And got cursed for doing it apparently. I think that was him who was the slyph outside the temple right? That's how I understood that whole thing. So if slyphs are people that have been cursed.... Oh man... This just opens up another huge can of worms... And that means Cris is one now!!!!! I just cant even wrap my head around this one. I really cant! 

4 Stars!

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April 11, 2013

Review: Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

Uses For Boys
Author: Erica Lorraine Scheidt
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Pages: 240
Source: Paperback/Library

Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical,  Uses for Boys  is a story of breaking down and growing up.

Review:  I'm gonna be honest. This book really wasn't my cup of tea. So lets start with the cover. Many people have stated this already but I feel the need to restate it, don't let the cover fool you! This book is not cute like the cover misleads you to believe. My first problem with this book is that I felt like all it was talking about was sex. Now as everyone knows, I don't have a problem with sex in YA books, as long as its in moderation. Honestly, I've even read some adult books that had more moderation than this. I felt like 90% of the book was sex. And that got on my nerves really fast. I felt like this book was severely underdeveloped. There was much more potential for this book but it just never happened. The author had a great idea for where she wanted to go with the book but it just never got there. 

So the main character dealt with an abandonment issue. Hence why she turns to guys and sex to feel loved and wanted. I honestly felt like all of this was immature. I mean Anna is made out to be all innocent and unknowing about sex in the beginning and then not to long after she's completely sexually active. And at that she was 14! I mean I know some people have had sex that young but I felt like it just went right along with the immature problem I had with the book! On top of that I felt like the entire book was rushed! I mean we kept going up in age every like 5 chapters. And most chapters weren't that long as it was. 

The only part of the book that I did feel was dealt with in a mature way was Anna's abortion at 16. That wasn't just a split second decision for Anna. She actually thought about it and decided that was the best option for her. This issue I felt was dealt with in a mature way and I was glad for that. But this and the slight change in Anna's maturity afterwards was not enough to change my overall rating of the book. It would need some overall improvement in story development for me to like it more. Like I said. This book just wasn't my cup tea. 

1 Star!

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March 08, 2013

Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Prodigy (Legend #2)
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Pages: 374
Source: Hardcover/Own

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

Review: I thought this was a fantastic follow up to Legend! I loved all the action and stuff that went on!! So we start off with Day and June on the run on a train to Vegas after escaping Day's execution. June and Day were both suffering. They both were having nightmares about the people they lost, not to mention Day was actually physically hurt. But then they met Razor and the Patriots and Day got all fixed up. Yay! Ok. So the Patriots play a big part in this book, along with the new Elector Anden. So I couldn't figure out what or why I had this feeling, but I had this feeling like something was off with the Patriots. I just had that feeling but I didn't know why, I honestly thought I was just being weird about it for some reason. But as I got farther in the book the feeling solidified itself. Most of the Patriots had good intentions for wanting to change the country, its just a certain one that ended up ruining the cause pretty much for everyone who was doing it for the right reasons. 

So June and Day. They get this mission to assassinate the Elector. Day, was all for it. He just despised the Elector whether it was Anden or his father. It didn't matter, he didn't like him. June on the other hand, had met Anden before, and after seeing him again and talking to him she felt in her gut that this plan to assassinate him wasn't right. Anden actually did want to change things, he wanted to undo things his father did and put the Republic back in order where things wouldn't be so bad. So I totally felt what June did about his assassination being the wrong idea. I might not like Anden (as someone June could be with) but as the Elector, I think he wanted to start doing the right thing. So I was supportive of calling off the assassination. Day on the other hand couldn't even figure out for sure if June was saying not to go through with it. He knew she wanted to stop something but he didn't know what until this assassination plan was in its final stages. But Day ended up going along with June stopping it because he knew that if she thought it was the wrong thing to do for the Republic that it was probably the wrong thing to do. I was also very proud of June for sticking through everything she had to go through just to make the Republic and Anden believe in her. What she did isn't exactly the easiest thing for someone to do. I was also glad she decided to stop the assassination. She was right about Anden and the assassination would have only hurt the Republic more.

I definitely felt like June and Day grew and matured throughout the book mostly. So the ending. THE ENDING!!! Ok. I think the ending killed me when it comes to Day. But I'll get to that in a minute. The Patriots. So we found out that Razor wasn't hired by the Colonies to assassinate the Elector but that he was hired by the Senators of the Republic (the same Republic of which he was also working for along with the Patriots). I was a bit shocked, but in the least bit surprised. I definitely wouldn't put it past the Republic to hire someone to kill one of their own. What I hated the most was that Razor tried to take all the Patriots down with him. Most of them were there because they wanted to see change in the country, not to be used in a ploy and then just discarded to the Republic like they never even mattered. Razor... He only thought about himself. Jerk! Now back to Day. We find out something so horrible (read for yourself to find out what) about him!!! Please say it isn't so!!! That made me so sad. What makes it worse is that he just got his brother back and now he has this thing to deal with, and on top of all that he breaks up with June and doesn't tell her whats going on with him. I really wish he would have told her. After all they went through and he doesn't even tell her that... I really cant wait for the third book!! I NEED to know what happens!!

5 Stars!!

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February 22, 2013

Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless (Unearthly #3) 
Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: January 22, 2013
Pages: 438
Source: Hardcover/Library

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

*Review contains spoilers. There is no way I could review this and not spoil something*

Review: So overall I thought this was a great ending to the trilogy... Except for one thing... But I'll get to that later. So we finally get to find out what Angela's purpose it in this book! That was so exciting! And I totally did not expect her purpose to be what it actually was (I'll spoil that later!) Lol! The war with the Black Wings comes to a head in this final book. And with it came a whole lotta surprises! So lets start off with the Black Wings and what they want. They want to be able to to control all the Triplare. And if they cant have that, they at least want the majority. The thing is, there is usually only 7 Triplare at most on the Earth at any given time. And 3 are already in the Black Wings control. And Clara, Christian and Jeffrey are the other three that aren't. So that left the question... Who is the 7th Triplare???? This... This question... Man. The answer seriously blew my mind. And the answer leads to Angela and her purpose. So as we all know, she and Clara were in Italy during the summer. Well. Angela was kinda seeing one of the Fallen, a guy named Phen. And it turns out, there relationship was more than just kinda seeing each other on and off. They well, you know. And guess what now!!! Angela got pregnant. And the 7th Triplare is her baby! I so did not see that coming. And her purpose was to tell Phen. That's what all her visions were about. I was just so caught off guard by this that it took some getting used to. So ya, the Black Wings wanted Angela's baby since it is the 7th. So the story took a turn into protecting Angela's baby at all costs after it was born from the Black Wings. Definitely not the storyline I expected, but it actually made it better. I was constantly wondering if Angela and Clara and Christian were gonna be able to protect him and what challenges they were gonna face doing it. And I wasn't disappointing. Angela ended up being taken to hell, leaving Clara and Christian to care for Web (the baby) until they went in after her. 

So... The boys... We all know I'm team Christian. So I was really happy with all the Clara/Christian moments throughout the book. They really grew closer and developed a real bond. I really wanted them to be together... But you know... I never seem to win any of these battles. The girl always seems to pick the guy I don't want her to be with... Sigh... I was so disappointed that Clara couldn't get over Tucker, especially with how close her and Christian got, and with the fact that you know they did hold some type of feelings for each other. But no matter what, she couldn't get over him (not that not getting over someone you're truly in love with is a bad thing...) But hey, the issues in her love life weren't the only boy issues she had. She also had her brother, who as we know from the last book just kinda took off. He ends up showing up, but like every time Clara sees him, he's just being a complete jerk. He was trying so hard to get away from his destiny as an Angel-Blood. And Clara tried to get through to him, but he just wouldn't hear it. But hey, when Clara goes to hell to save Angela, and finds him there too, then after being stubborn he finally lets her help him... Lets just say I'm not the biggest fan of Jeffrey in this book. 

And on top of all that... We find out some major family lineage in this book! So we find out that Christian and Angela are actually brother and sister. WHAT?!?! Totally didn't see that one coming. And on top of that, we find out which parent they share. And this ones even more of a shocker. Their dad. Which we come to find out, is none other than the leader of the Black Wings himself, Asael! Just... Wow... 

So I thought the ending was pretty epic. I mean a showdown with Asael (read it to find out what happened there), Tucker pretty much being killed by Lucy dropping him in a lake and Clara using all her glory to try and save him. It was definitely not the ending I was expecting, but it was still pretty good, even though she saves Tucker and they live happily ever after. :(

Though there's one thing I still don't get or understand. What was Jeffrey's purpose, other than starting a fire. Why would he have just that as his purpose??? I still don't get that. 

5 Stars!

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February 14, 2013

Review: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Just One Day (Just One Day #1)
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
Pages: 368
Source: Hardcover/Library

A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay
When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!

Review: I totally don't think I'm gonna do this book justice with this review, but I'll try. Lol. This is my favorite read of the year so far, and definitely my favorite contemporary so far (it's gonna take another mind-blowingly awesome book to kick this out of #1 contemp of 2013). So first of all, I'd like to point out that this book starts out in Europe and ends in Europe. I love Europe. I also loved that the main place in this book (besides Allyson's home in the US) was Paris. Everyone in their right mind knows I love Paris. But I also love Europe in general so it was awesome seeing Allyson in places like London and Amsterdam. It was awesome seeing someone around my age just going places in Europe, without being stuck in just one place. That made this book so much fun to read! I also got to learn a bunch of french in this book so that was pretty cool too! (If any of you know, I really like French and really hope to learn the language and speak it fluently.)

Now, onto Allyson and Willem's fun day in Paris. First of all, I totally don't condone getting on a train with a stranger and going to a different city than the one your supposed to be in... But hey. If thats your type of thing I'm totally not gonna stop you! I really thought this trip to Paris was cool. In so many ways. First of all, hot guy. Who wouldn't want to be wandering around Paris with a hot guy??? Second of all, they didn't plan their day. They just let things happen at will. I thought that was really cool. I mean if I went to a foreign country I would probably have a list of places I wanted to see, but I think I'd rather let things happen and have more of an experience than just a list I have to complete. I also thought it was really cool that Willem paid for a bunch of stuff for Allyson (LuLu) even though he didn't have to. They also just kinda got to know each other in their own way. They would open up about certain things, and just really talk even though they had only met each other hours before. I definitely don't think I could do that with a stranger. I don't know though, I could sense there was something between them. I mean Allyson was pretty open with her feelings but Willem... I really couldn't get a read on his feelings. So I really didn't know what to think of him when he just left her all alone. I wanted to hate him, but I felt like I shouldn't because we didn't know why he left her or if he tried to get back to her. But anyways. I thought this whole sudden trip to Paris with Willem was really cool though. Allyson really jumped out of her comfort zone to do this and it really ended up changing her life. I wish I could jump out of my comfort zone like that. I mean, I have jumped out of it recently, but nothing drastic like that. I kinda look up to her a little bit in that respect in having faith to just do it instead of chickening out or worrying about all that could go wrong. 

I really felt for Allyson when she went home, because I have totally been in the shoes she was in. She had no idea why Willem left her and she was pretty in love with the guy. I've been there. So I really understood her depression in the first few months of college, because I've been there (minus the college). Not to mention, she was studying something she didn't even want to study. Being a doctor was always her moms dream and her mom pretty much forced it on her. So I can see why she was also bombing her classes first semester. Its hard to be enthusiastic about classes you don't wanna be in. I was so glad when she changed her schedule second semester to something she liked more. I was also happy that Allyson made new friends once she let herself come out of the whole she had dug herself into. I didn't like however though that her parents blew up on her for it just because she wasn't studying what they wanted her to study. I was proud of Allyson for standing up to them though. Her mom seriously tried controlling every aspect of her life and if I was suffocated like she was I would probably end up doing the same thing. Its her life, not her parents, she should be able to study what she wants and do what she wants with her life. Shes an adult and can make adult decisions. I definitely though the Shakespeare class and the French class she took during the summer were really good for her. Those things really helped her find herself. Especially when she decided to look for him and went back to Paris to try and find him. I really feel like that was a big part of her finding herself. She needed to find him, to know what happened, but she also learned a lot about herself, changed herself to be like the girl she wanted to be, not her parents wanted her to be, and really just opened herself up to new experiences she never would have experienced before if she didn't find herself through this whole thing. I am definitely looking forward to Just One Year (Willem's story), especially with the ending of Allyson finding him. I need to know what happens after that. We better find out!

This was such a good book about love, stepping out of your comfort zone and finding yourself!

5 Stars!

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January 26, 2013

Review: Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Through The Ever Night (Under The Never Sky #2)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
Pages: 352
Source: Hardcover/Own

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

*Review does contain a few spoilers*

Review: This is an amazing sequel to Under The Never Sky! Definitely didn't suffer from second book syndrome. Lol. There were things revealed that I totally didn't see coming! So... Idk where to start. I guess with the beginning maybe? I was so happy that the beginning of the book brought Aria and Perry back together! I just love these two sooooooo much! I wasn't that much of a fan though of them hiding their relationship from the Tides when Perry took Aria there. I mean, I understand why they did it but I love me those scenes between those two so it kinda was a bummer for a bit. Lol. I was so glad that Perry and Roar were behind Aria when they knew the Tides didn't like her. I was surprised though that she did make a friend or two. I really wasn't expecting anyone to accept her. I guess not everyone is bad right? 

I was so behind Aria getting her Markings as an Aud. I thought it would have been good for her to have them, except that someone had poisoned the ink for her Markings trying to get rid of her. Not cool!!! Perry showed his true colors after that, he didn't care what anyone thought he just cared about Aria and finding the person who poisoned her! Which didn't go over well with the tribe. It was so bad that a quarter of his people just left. I felt so bad for Perry. What was he supposed to do? Let Aria be poisoned just because someone didn't like her??? I don't think so. The Tides had such a hard time keeping up with everything after those people left. Though I'm betting those that left probably had a harder time in the wild without a stable compound and food (unless they hunted it). What hit Perry the hardest though was that Aria had left right after the group of people left. She didn't want to cause anymore trouble. And Perry couldn't go after her because of his being Blood Lord and having a duty to his tribe. Poor guy. Then on top of that the Tides were raided, and the help that Perry sends for from Marron ends up in Marron and a group of his people getting refuge from the Tides. Marron's huge city was over run!!! The Rose and Night tribes over took his city! Those two tribes must have had a huge amount of people after banding together. Meanwhile, not only is Perry taking people in, but he's also trying to figure out how to move the Tides to a safer location because of the Aether destroying more and more of his land. Perry seriously couldn't catch a break! And on top of that, the tribe was against moving until they were forced into it after almost losing people because of the Aether destroying more than just land! 

In the middle of that Perry learned something intersting about Cinder though. Apparently he came from Rhapsody, which is a Pod. Cinder was a former Dweller as well. So how did he get the power he has if he was a Dweller before??? Actually, he said a bunch of people in Rhapsody could do what he could do, so the better question is how did all those people get this power???????

Aria... After being poisoned by someone within the Tides she decided it best to leave. Roar though, being a great friend left with her. I was so glad these two had each other after leaving the Tides. Aria throughout the journey to Sables land (in search of answers for the Still Blue, you know, cuz Hess is still blackmailing her) really continued to find a fantastic friend in Roar. Those two have a special bond. Not like Aria and Perry's bond obviously, but friendship wise, they have a very special bond! They really got closer during the journey and I'm so glad she had someone she knew she could count on, both to help her, protect her and be there for her. Though those roles got reversed when they reached Sable. When they get to the Horns, they find Liv... Remember how I wanted to know what happened to her? Well now I know. What shocks Roar though is that Liv went there on her own. And even worse, she actually looks like she wants to marry Sable. I cant even imagine the pain Roar was going through seeing that. Though I was very happy when Liv talked to Aria later about Roar though. Come to find out, she only decided to marry Sable for the help she was giving Perry by doing it. She really put her family first and I cant be mad at Liv for that. That was actually really honorable of her especially for the sacrifice she was making to do it. She admitted that it was hard seeing Roar knowing the feelings she still holds for him. I was very happy when she admitted that because it totally lead to some makeouts between Roar and Liv. Those two belonged together. Liv also tells Aria she'll do what she can to help get Talon back and to discover where the Still Blue is. It didn't last long though. Sable found Aria's Smarteye and contacted Hess and made a deal with him. To get to the Still Blue. And when Sable takes the Smarteye and Liv gets it back for Aria and Roar she got killed for it. I cant believe she got killed for it! I loved Liv in the little time I got to know her in this and Roar and Liv, I was really upset Sable murdered her! Aria then had to take Roar and jump into the river just to save them from being killed as well. Though she did manage to escape with her Smarteye and the recordings Soren (yeah, that Soren) made of Hess and Sables conversation. So quick thing with Soren, he contacts Aria with the Smarteye saying he's sorry about what he did (because the disease made him do it) and that he wants to get out of the Pods. She says she'll help him once he gets out only if he helps her in return by keeping her updated on whats happening in the Pods, with Talon and with Hess. These two actually worked great together. Yay. So back to recordings. The recordings said that Sable and Hess would go to the Still Blue together but that the ships could only take so many people so they both had to leave half their people behind. And they agreed to do it! Heartless much??? 

Aria found out through Soren that Soren himself, along with Talon and any others with the disease were being left behind in the Pods to die so Aria and Roar race back to the Tides to get Perry to help them save Talon and those people. Only when they get back they find out Sables people kidnapped Cinder for his ability with the Aether to get into the Still Blue. So Roar joins the party to go search for him while Aria and Perry go to the Pods and rescue Soren, Talon and the others. Meanwhile Perry is doing this knowing what happened to Liv thanks to Aria and Roar. This really shows how big of a heart and how selfless Perry is. He's just been told his sister is dead and is still willing to go save a bunch of "Dwellers" and his nephew instead of dealing with the grief of losing his sister. I was so happy that they got Talon back!!!! YAY!!! I'm very excited for Into The Still Blue to find out exactly how the Dwellers and the Tides get along now and what happens to Roar and the group looking for Cinder! I seriously cant wait!

5 Stars!

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January 24, 2013

Review: Shades of Earth by Beth Revis

Shades of Earth (Across The Universe #3)
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Pages: 369
Source: Hardcover/Own

The final book in the  New York Times bestselling trilogy, perfect for fans of Battlestar Galactica and Prometheus!

Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing.

FUELED BY LIES.
RULED BY CHAOS.
ALMOST HOME.

*Review is Spoilery, I tried to keep it to a minimum but I don't think it worked. Lol. So don't read if you haven't read Shades of Earth yet. But if you have and are ready to discuss by all means, go ahead! :)*

Review: OK, so for those of you who don't remember much from Across The Universe and A Million Suns, I'll link my reviews to them for a refresher (since it's been a while probably for most of us). So first off I want to address the new covers. I wasn't a fan of the cover change but for this specific book I actually don't mind it now because it actually fits with the book. After reading you I think some people will understand how I think it fits. Now. Shades of Earth totally ripped my heart out and put it back in whole a number of times. This book was an emotional roller coaster for me. So just to prepare everyone. This is going to be a very thorough review, including some of the questions I was asking myself while I was reading (I'll highlight those in blue). So its longer than normal. Also, I'm going at this review by talking about each major part of the book, instead of by character.

So lets start off with the beginning then. I really had no idea what to expect for Amy and Elder when they left Godspeed for Centauri-Earth. Things just started seeming off right away after them leaving. I mean things were hitting the shuttle as it was descending toward Centauri-Earth. And for some reason, I just didn't think those birds were what hit it. I also wasn't that much of a fan of the frozens waking up. The one who got put in charge (Amy's Dad Colonel Martin) just started controlling everything, just woke up and took over. I seriously disliked that. Especially when they had to evacuate the shuttle. The military (from the frozens) just took over and lead everyone where they thought they should go. I also really disliked how they treated the shipborn as they called Elder's people differently. The Earthborn acted like they were so much better than the shipborn and Amy's father pissed me off the most with that. He was talking to Amy about Elder like he would never be good enough for her just because he was a shipborn. While Colonel Martin was busy being a discriminating jerk though, something else was out there... Killing the people of the colony, not caring if they were shipborn or earthborn. It made for a very interesting mystery. It was obvious that the pteros (the birds) had caused some of the deaths but others were a mystery. A complete and totally mystery. I do have to say though, one scene where one of the people was dying was quiet gross. I wont say much but the guy was still alive while being eaten. It was just horrible... Though the autopsy performed on him after he died lead to some very interesting information. He had been injected with gen mod material, the same gen mod material that had been made on Earth. How did it get there???

While that was happening Elder was getting this feeling that Colonel Martin was hiding something. So he found a way to find out just what Colonel Martin was hiding by the lake, from a distance of course. He wouldn't actually go without Amy right? Lol. I was having this nagging feeling after everyone left the shuttle that Colonel Martin was hiding something and that he shouldn't be trusted, I didn't realize how true that was until Elder and Amy went and found what he was hiding. Come to find out, he was hiding another ship he found on Centauri-Earth, so what do Amy and Elder do? Investigate of course (I loved how much snooping these two were doing together). Lol. So this ship only lets humans in according to its fingerprint system. It really made me question (along with Amy and Elder) if its only for Humans to get in, is there something on the planet (besides those birds obviously) that isn't human??? What they found on the ship made me question a lot more. They found a plaque on the ship reading "On this site was discovered the first probe sent by the first interstellar mission from Earth in 2310 CE, providing the information needed to develop the first successful extra-solar colony, Explorer, 2327 CE." "This plaque is a memorial to those lost on Godspeed. 2036-2336 CE." People had landed on Centauri-Earth before Godspeed was even supposed to. And Earth thought Godspeed was dead because they had lost communication with them. This raised a lot of questions for me. Like why didn't Earth wait until Godspeed was supposed to land? It wasn't supposed to land until 2336, so why not wait to see if it was still out there? Why give up on it when it wasn't even at its destination yet even without communication? They realized because of no communication that the people on Centauri-Earth had probably noticed Godspeed arrived, but since they didn't try to land and couldn't communicate with them that they really thought everyone on the ship was dead. As we come to find out though later in the book, most of the people did want to land the ship, but was stopped by being put on Phydus. After realizing that though Amy and Elder found out that the ship had cameras on Godspeed, they knew what was happening on the it. They were watching the entire time. That... That really got to me. It was like ARE YOU FREXING KIDDING ME?? (using the word Elder uses). It also got me questioning what was really going on then. It really got to me knowing so much was off about the planet and what was on it and Amy and Elder were in the dark about most of it for a while. Am I the only one that felt pissed off about all of this? I hope not. I was happy though that amongst all this chaos though that Amy and Elder did find some time to be alone and just be together! They needed each other with all that was going on! So glad they got back on track!

It wasn't until someone else was killed not by a ptero and not by any of the weapons the military had AND the shuttle from Godspeed was blown up that I was suspecting something else was 100% living on the planet. That just solidified it for me. I just couldn't figure out what exactly it was that was there. There was also the question about Phydus. Amy discovered Phydus in all the victims, only one of which even had some actually in her system. Now we all thought Phydus was created on the ship right? So how did the planet get it??? Then there was also this glass filled with solar energy they found. How does that fit into everything? Come to find out. It was the reason Earth sent another group of people to Centauri-Earth. To make this stuff and send it back to Sol-Earth. Just for that, and they even enslaved their people to do it... We come to find out that the other life on Centauri-Earth are the descendants of the first colony sent there. Only their not humans anymore. They're hybrids with mutated DNA, thanks to the FRX of which Amy thought was supposed to help them on this new planet. The hybrids though start going after the colony after killing a few hundred people leading Elder to go to Godspeed on the autoshuttle they found with the ship to find the answers to getting rid of them. Only while he's on Godspeed they go after Amy, turning her into one of them. Because on of the people they trusted was a traitor, a hybrid. Ugh!!! Lets get one thing straight, I didn't like the hybrids much because they killed Amy's parents. But after they turned her they explained why they went after all of them, telling her about how the FRX placed them on a drug to keep them working and how they thought all of the new colony was loyal to the FRX I didnt hate them much. That lead Elder to actually help them, by taking out the space station of which the FRX is using to get to Centauri-Earth. Also, he gets everyone from Godspeed to go to Centauri-Earth since the ship is dying. So question... How did the people aboard Godspeed not notice a space station in orbit with them if they were there for hundreds of years??? Anyways, Elder sacrificed himself to save Amy and keep the FRX from doing anymore harm to the hybrids and his colony. He pushed Godspeed into the space station to destroy it. THIS RIPPED MY HEART OUT!!! Not Elder!!! Not after all he's done for his people and Amy!!!! 

Amy though, even with that in her head she still worked out a peaceful way for the hybrids and her colony to coexist on the planet, after the people from Godspeed brought the antidote to the phydus the hybrids colony was stuck on. I was very happy with the peaceful ending and how Amy told the FRX off when they tried to get in contact with them again. Very happy they could coexist and be on the same side against the FRX! And I was so happy with the ending for Amy! My heart was put back in whole! :D

6 Stars! 

You know I only go up to 5 so you know this book was over the top amazing for 6!

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January 08, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday [#70]

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

Prodigy (Legend #2)
Author: Marie Lu
Expected Publication: January 29, 2013

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

So I finished Legend on New Years Eve and OMG!!! I seriously loved it! Idk why I waited so long to read it because I'm seriously a fan! I'm glad I read it now though cuz now everything is fresh in my mind for when this comes out! 

What are you waiting on this week?

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November 27, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday [#66]

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

Through The Ever Night (Under The Never Sky #2)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Expected Publication: January 8, 2013

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

I absolutely loved Under The Never Sky! It was so unique and very well written. And it really pulled you in from the moment you started reading it! It is seriously one of my fave reads of this year! I'm absolutely dying to see where Aria and Perry's stories go next! :D

What are you waiting on this week?

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October 17, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday [#60]

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

Boundless (Unearthly #3)
Author: Cynthia Hand
Expected Publication: January 22, 2013

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfil her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

I am soooooo excited for Boundless! I loved Unearthly and Hallowed so much! This is definitely my favorite angel series!!! And oh man! After all that happened in the second book I am absolutely dying to get my hands on this!!!!! 

What are you waiting on this week?

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September 19, 2012

Waiting On Wedneday [#56]

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

Shades of Earth (Across The Universe #3)
Author: Beth Revis
Expected Publication: January 15, 2013

The final book in the trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis!

Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience. But this new Earth isn't the paradise that Amy had been hoping for. Amy and Elder must race to uncover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. But as each new discovery brings more danger, Amy and Elder will have to look inward to the very fabric of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been meaningless.

I can't wait for this! I absolutely loved Across The Universe & A Million Suns! And with the ending of A Million Suns I'm seriously dying to know what happens. Now I'm not exactly crazy about the new covers but hey, guess we have to deal. 

What are you waiting on this week?

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