Review: Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole

Title: Arcana Rising

Author: Kresley Cole

Series: The Arcana Chronicles #4

Publisher: Valkyrie Press

Publication date: August 15th 2016

Format: Kindle 

Genre: YA | Fantasy | Dystopia

Goodreads

Losses mount and deadly new threats converge in this next action-packed tale of the Arcana Chronicles by #1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole. 


When the battle is done . . . 

The Emperor unleashed hell and annihilated an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe struck back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies. 


And all hope is lost . . . 

With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare. 


Vengeance becomes everything. 

To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before?

My thoughts:

That ending. Whaaaaaat. I’m just blown away right now. 

 

 

I was scared I would be disappointed with this book considering so much has happened over the series so far. I just couldn’t imagine much more happening. But no, stuff happened. Stuff happened and it blew my mind.

This book was a perfect blend of character and plot development. While not as much happened in term of the fight between the Arcana, new alliances were formed in unexpected ways and a lot was revealed about the characters.

I do have to mention that I’m so glad I read Day Zero before this. It made such a big difference to the story to know what went on with each character before they made an appearance in Arcana Rising. Some new characters made an appearance and it was so much less confusing having already read their situation.

I am a little disappointed that Cole didn’t reveal a secret that I’m sure a lot of readers are wondering about…Jack. I need to know! I’m so much more excited for the next book because of Jack. I need to know what his deal is. I won’t say anymore for fear of spoilers but there are so many questions after reading this. I need my answers.

Also, this book ends on a cliffhanger. Guys, I think Evie has issues. I’m so intrigued as to what’s happened with her. It’s so weird - I was reading just assuming Evie was her usual self and then just BAM - nope turns out everything has just been turned on its head.

I honestly have no idea where this series is going to go from here. I love it.

My rating: 10/10 

Kresley Cole:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

Series Spotlight: Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness

 

Series: Chaos Walking

Author: Patrick Ness

Publisher: Walker

Publication date: 2008 - 2010

Format: Paperback

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Book 1 Summary:

Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.

 My thoughts:

I finished this series about a week ago now, novellas included, and up until now I just can't believe I put off reading it for so long. My sister read it before me and she doesn't read anywhere near as much as I do and a few of my friends started it a while ago. I've been told so many times to start it and I just had so many other books to read that I put them aside. It was pretty stupid of me considering how much I loved reading this series. At least I didn't have to wait for sequels to come out - I already had the complete series sitting on the shelf.

 

This series pretty much had everything I love in a book throughout the whole trilogy. It had some of the most amazing characters I've come across yet, great action, brilliant writing and suspense to the likes of which I've never felt before whilst reading.

 

What stood out to me most though, was the fact that each book stood out on its own. Usually in a series, especially a trilogy, I expect at least one book to fall through a little bit and act as a 'filler novel' but it wasn't the case with Chaos Walking. Each of the three books offered something new. Each time the characters were a little different, the setting was a little different and the plot was no worse for wear because of it. The protagonists served as the anchor for all three books while everything changed around them the whole time they were struggling to stay alive.

 

Todd and Viola have made their way into my heart - honestly, they are two of my new favourite characters of all time. I adored the way they worked together and any time they were separated I was just on the edge of my seat waiting for them to meet each other again. It wasn't even in the romantic sense necessarily, they just worked. I would believe it when they said they could do anything together if they put their mind to it and it would break my heart when one of them falls in some way and the other picks them back up with a heartfelt speech about how they never gave up on each other before now and they wouldn't start. 

 

The character development in this series is breathtaking. The Todd at the beginning of the trilogy is a different person entirely to what he becomes at the end of the series. Best of all, it didn't happen too fast and it happened with good reason. After every major event in each book, Todd learns something new and just steadily grows up. It's amazing to read.

 

Like I mentioned before, the suspense in this book is something else. Thank goodness my sister had already read the series because I was going around the house ranting and raving about something that was happening or about to happen and how I couldn't bear it if it all goes down the way I think it will. She just laughed at me. For all three books, no matter what, 'oh my God, OH MY GOD!' was constantly going through my head. 

 

If you couldn't tell already, this series is one of my favourites now and I strongly urge you to get it if you haven't already. I love it. Please, please give it a go.

 

My rating: 10/10

 

Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

 

Title: Inside Out

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Insiders #1

Publisher: Mira Ink

Publication date: January 2011

Format: Paperback | 315 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody.

One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I just to my job and try to avoid the Population Control Police, who dream of recycling scrubs into fertiliser. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? It's not like it's dangerous…

Well, turns out it is. Because I know ever corridor, pipe and shortcut I've become the go-to girl to lead a revolution. I know if we find a gateway to Outside it'll be suicide plain and simple. But guess who likes a challenge?

My thoughts:

Inside Out follows the story of Trella, one scrub among thousands whose job it is to clean out the pipes that make up the 'Inside'. While some scrubs take pride in their work, Trella can't help but feel like she doesn't belong when she sneaks around the pipes and catches glimpses of the Uppers. Because of Trella's knowledge of all the shortcuts and ways around the pipes, she soon becomes the figurehead needed to lead a revolution and change the scrubs lives for the better.

Trella was a great character. She had such a fiery personality and I really enjoyed reading her interactions with the other scrubs. Trella did kind of push people away in order to protect herself and while it was annoying at times, it was also endearing once I realised why exactly she does it. 

However, a lot of the characters, in my opinion, were lacking a lot of depth. I didn't find Cog and Riley to be relatable at all - they always came into the story where they were needed and never provided any additional support to the plot. I didn't connect to them at all and I feel that it was purely because they weren't around enough, especially Cog. Cog appeared frequently in the beginning of the book but afterwards he wasn't heard from at all. Both Riley and Cog were characters I didn't end up caring about so in the end, I wan't anxious about what might happen to them.

I have to admit as well, I lost interest in the plot very quickly. There was no issue with finding it predictable or unoriginal just because I couldn't bring myself to care enough to think about it. I think there wasn't enough suspense for me. I recognised where the author really tried, for example, countdowns to somebody's execution. But if I don't like the character in the first place, it's not going to affect me greatly if he was executed so it didn't really work. 

Overall I wouldn't really recommend this read. There have been a lot of good reviews for it though, and this is only my opinion, so check it out if it looks interesting.

My rating: 4/10

Maria V. Snyder:

Goodreads | Blog | Facebook 

Insiders:

1. Inside Out
2. Outside In

Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Wither

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Series: The Chemical Garden #1

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: March 2011

Format: eBook | 368 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden’s genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden’s eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

My thoughts:

This book had been on my wish-list since it came out now and I've only just picked it up. I remember it getting so much hype when it came out and it put me off a little because I didn't want to read it straight away and end up disappointed. I have to say though, for the amount of praise I remember it getting from reviewers, I actually don't understand why after reading it. It was an okay read, but not as fantastic as people made it out to be. To each their own I guess - it's their opinion. 

What I didn't like most about this read was that it seemed a little disjointed at quite a few moments in the plot. For a start, I would be midway through a chapter and in a new paragraph the time has progressed by a few days or even months with no warning. And even then, looking at the book as a whole, the whole idea of the virus killing off women at 20 and men at 25 didn't really make sense. I know it's made up and everything, but there has to be some elements that make it believable - it didn't sit well with me at all so it made the whole story and characters hard to relate to. 

Rhine is a pretty good character in my opinion, except for a few choices that got me a little frustrated with her. She tried to look out for everyone and I sympathised with her when unfortunate events occurred. She was determined and she had her strengths but she was also caring and it made me root for her. The problem I had with the characters was Gabriel and Linden. Gabriel made no impression on me whatsoever! I have no idea if it's because he doesn't play enough of a part or if I didn't like his personality in general but I pretty much didn't care about what happened to him. But Linden was something else. I thought he was an incredibly weak character. Both in his personality and the way he was portrayed by the author. I hated him. He had no clue about what was happening and it didn't endear me to him one bit - he just seemed like a sheep following his father around waiting to be told what to do. Plus, he was supposed to be in love with Rhine, but everything he came out with was completely unbelievable to me - he just rubbed me the wrong way in every way possible.

What I did like about this read, and it's what kept me going, was the level of suspense and intensity involved. Everything that happened led up to Rhine's escape - it led to some really exciting and tense moments where I just had to find out what happened no matter what I felt about the characters involved. I also thought it was suitably creepy at times, especially Linden's father, which gave the read a great level of urgency.

Overall this read was pretty much meh for me. The more I think about it, the more I can't believe I finished it - harsh, but true. I don't think I'll be reading on in the series but as always, this was just my opinion and a ton of people really love this series so check it out.

My rating: 4/10

Lauren DeStefano:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

The Chemical Garden:

1. Wither
2. Fever
3. Sever

Review: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Title: Unwind 

Author: Neal Shusterman

Series: Unwind Dystology #1

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: June 2009

Format: Ebook | 352 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Connor, Risa, and Lev are running for their lives.

The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.

My thoughts:

Well that was certainly an intense read.

When I read the summary of this book I was immediately intrigued. It had the capacity to be such a great story in every way, from the creepy factor, to the fear and suspense behind characters almost being 'unwound'. While this read wasn't perfect, it did a pretty good job of reaching it's potential so I did enjoy it for the most part.

The main characters were exceptional. I loved Lev's depth, Connor's courage and Risa's intelligence. They made a pretty good team even when they weren't together which made up for a good chunk of the book. The story and the characters are what made this book for me.

However, there were a couple of things that frustrated me a little. There were quite a few characters that I had started to really enjoy getting to know but as the read went on, they were featured less and less. I also really didn't understand Roland as a character. I appreciate that he was a big part in the plot development, but he didn't fit right as a character in my opinion. I don't know if it's because I didn't like him, or the fact that I thought he didn't have enough of a backstory for me to fully understand where he was coming from. Aside from that, I really hated the ending. It seemed really rushed to me so I wasn't satisfied with it.

 

What I loved most though was how many times this read surprised me. What happened with Lev was completely unexpected. I was totally unprepared for that. Also, I was a little taken aback by how creepy this book got towards the end. And I mean that in the best way possible. I love me a creepy chapter or two.

 

Overall this was a good read. It had it's good moments even though I found it a little frustrating. 

 

My rating: 7/10

 

Neal Shusterman:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

Unwind Dystology:

1. Unwind
2. UnWholly
3. UnSouled
4. Undivided

Review: Noble Conflict by Malorie Blackman

Title: Noble Conflict

Author: Malorie Blackman

Publisher: Doubleday

Publication date: 6 Jun 2013

Format: Hardback | 374 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Years after a violent war destroyed much of the world, Kaspar has grown up in a society based on peace and harmony. But beyond the city walls, a vicious band of rebels are plotting to tear this peace apart. It is up to the Guardians - an elite peacekeeping force - to protect the city, without ever resorting to the brutal methods of their enemy.

When Kaspar joins the Guardians, he has a chance encounter with a rebel - a beautiful girl named Rhea. Haunted from that moment on by strange visions and memories - memories that could only belong to Rhea - he realises he hasn't been told the truth about what the rebels really want, and what he's really fighting for.

 

 

My thoughts:

I'm a huge fan of Noughts & Crosses so when this book came out, I picked it up straight away. My immediate concern though, was that I would compare it to Noughts & Crosses and be disappointed because honestly that book was amazing.Although I did compare it to Malorie's previous books, this one really stood out on its own. It wasn't so different to any of the other books but it definitely came across in a different light.

 

What I didn't like about this read most of all was that it wasn't up to par with Malorie's previous books in terms of the shock factor. I loved, loved, loved the fact that Malorie never failed to make me gasp in shock. I never predicted what was going to happen and what did happen was always something that would have never crossed my mind. There wasn't any of that with this book. It wasn't as intense and when things eventually started to get going, I didn't really feel connected to the characters enough to really care either way. 

 

I also pretty much hated the ending. To me, it was one of those endings that feels completely unresolved in all aspects. I understand that it leaves a reader to use their imagination, but I don't feel that Malorie pulled it off in that regard. 

 

That being said, Noble Conflict still had a lot to offer. There was action right from the beginning so I had no problem turning the pages. The plot was captivating and I didn't see what was coming until it did.

 

Overall I found this read pretty much okay. It had its issues but it also had some gripping, tense moments that I enjoyed. 

 

My rating: 5/10

 

Malorie Blackman:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Review: The Bane by Keary Taylor

Title: The Bane

Author: Keary Taylor

Series: The Eden Trilogy #1

Publisher: Keary Taylor Books

Publication date: March 5th 2013

Format: Kindle | Netgalley

Genre: YA | Dystopian | Sci-Fi

Goodreads

Before the Evolution there was TorBane: technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter.  It had the ability to grow new organs and limbs, to heal the world.  Until it evolved out of control and spread like the common cold.  The machine took over, the soul vanished, and the Bane were born.  The Bane won't stop until every last person has been infected. With less than two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction.

 

Eve knows the stories of the Evolution, the time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable to recall anything but her name.  But she doesn't need memories to know this world is her reality.  This is a world that is quickly losing its humanity, one Bane at a time.

 

Fighting to keep one of the last remaining human colonies alive, Eve finds herself torn between her dedication to the colony, and the discovery of love.  There is Avian and West – one a soldier, one a keeper of secrets.  And in the end, Eve will make a choice that will change the future of mankind.

My thoughts:

Unfortunately, this book was my first DNF (did not finish) since I started blogging. I've spent a while thinking about whether it would be fair to actually post a review since I didn't finish the book, but I've decided to just keep it a short and simple review instead of none at all.

 

First off I would encourage you to give this book a go - the reasons I didn't like this book are just my opinion and it doesn't mean you'll feel the same way, as is evident in other reviews of this book. 

 

The main reason I couldn't finish this book was the writing. I just couldn't connect to it on any level and a lot of the time it just frustrated me. It was basically just too many short sentences and not enough depth. As a result of my problem with the writing, I couldn't connect to the characters - not even on the most basic level - I didn't like them. Eventually there wasn't enough reason to carry on and here we are...

 

Again, just my opinion, and as a last point, the book was incredibly fast paced which is one thing it had going for it, but for me, it wasn't quite enough. 

 

My rating: DNF

 

Keary Taylor:

Goodreads | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #3

Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: August 25th 2010

Format: Paperback | 455 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Kat, her family, friends, and entire District 12.

 

 

My thoughts:

So it's taken me this long to finish the series. Don't judge me :P To be honest, I've waited so long to finish these three books that I don't really know what to do with myself now.

I really enjoyed this book. The most disappointing thing to me though, was that I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire. I could guess a lot of what was going to happen so it lost a bit of the excitement and intensity I loved in the previous two books. 

To get all of the problems I had with this read out of the way, I also found it to be lacking at the end. I found the ending a little rushed, especially when it came to the Capitol's fight. It all seemed a little too easy in a way - too quick. And I was hoping that whoever Katniss ended up with would have some heart wrenching speech to give before the book ended happily ever after - I was denied the lover's speech!

However, the book was still one that I couldn't put down, and when I had to, it took over all of my thoughts. The plot was still incredibly intense - everything is balancing on the thinnest thread and chaos is threatening to reign. A lot of lives hang in the balance and not finding out who Katniss ends up with until the end drove me crazy. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was very happy with the choice by the way.

I was also really happy with the characters. They were just as loveable as ever, and Katniss was just as strong as ever. They were all really well written and I can't believe what happened to some of them - brought me to tears. Peeta was just as sweet and Gale was a little more involved which I enjoyed. 

 

Overall, I really liked reading this one. It was chocked full of suspense and action with just the right amount of romance - enough that it keeps you wanting more from the characters, but not too much that it takes anything away from the main focus of the story. 

 

My rating: 8/10

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Series Rating: 7/10

Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #2

Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: Sep 2009

Format: Paperback | 472 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol -- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

 

 

My thoughts:

Oh my, what an amazing read that was. Excuse my fangirling while you read this review.

For one, I'm still trying to get over what actually happened. I did not expect that at all! Not any of it! Honestly, it was kind of a worry of mine that this book would get a little predictable - for me, this book would be completely ruined if I guessed even a tiny bit of something happening. But no, everything took me completely by surprise. I am so happy I have the last book already because I would not have been okay with waiting for the last book to come out like so many people had to.

I mentioned in the review of the first book in the series that I wished Gale was in the story a little more. I still feel that way to be honest - he was around a lot more but I wanted to get to know his character better than I did. I loved Gale when he was around though, and Peeta too. My God Peeta has to be the sweetest guy I've ever had the pleasure of reading about - the things he says to Katniss, so honestly too, just make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

The new characters introduced were brilliant. I fell in love with Finnick straight away. He appeared to be arrogant from the moment Katniss met him, but he slowly revealed his insecurities and weaknesses and I loved him for it. And I have to mention Haymitch - a lot more was revealed about his past and why he is the way he is. I think he became even more relatable and I started to understand his actions in this book - I actually thought Katniss is a lot like him in quite a few ways.

 

This book is just packed with suspense. When I got towards the last quarter I just gave up and stayed up into the early hours of the morning to finish it, I just couldn't resist - I tried to fall asleep and it was just calling to me...

 

Overall this was a fantastic book full of action and surprises that will get you on the edge of your seat biting your nails. I need to go and find out what happens now.

 

My rating: 10/10 

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #1

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: Sep 2008

Format: Paperback | 454 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads

Winning will make you famous. Losing means certain death.

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed.

When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. 

My thoughts:

What can I say about this book that hasn't been said already? It's fantastic.

I have read this one before but since I haven't gotten to the second book in the series I thought I would do a series spotlight on it. I'm a little glad that I've waited so long to start reading the series again - I feel like I've gotten past the hype of the books coming out and the film enough for me to concentrate on how I feel about the story itself and not how it will live up to my expectations. 

This book though, is honestly one of the brilliant ones that can be put on your shelf forever and only be taken down to be read over and over again. The writing sucks you in straight away with the build up of suspense from the beginning of the book. First it's a build up to the reaping, then to the actual games, and then to the after the games where you realise that was only the introduction the series.

I did feel like I didn't have enough time to get to know most of the characters aside from Katniss and Peeta. Gale, for example, wasn't mentioned that much but I think that will change in the next book. What I did get from the characters though was great. I loved the fight in Katniss and her stubborn desire to make the best of things and keep her family going. Peeta was just a sweetheart…end of. Loved him.

The plot was definitely what stood out most. It really does have the shock factor - you don't know what to expect when you're reading and I still have no idea what to expect from the next two books.  It's also incredibly original. There's no worrying about whether you'll be disappointed with something you've seen over and over in a YA book. 

 

Overall this is definitely one of my favourite books and I seriously can't wait to find out what happens next. Plus, if you haven't seen the film already, go see it.

 

My rating: 10/10

 

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Review: Gameboard of the Gods

Title: Gameboard of the Gods

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Age of X #1

Publisher: Penguin

Publication date: 04 Jun 2013

Format: Kindle | Netgalley

Genre: Adult | Dystopian

Goodreads

 

 

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills. 

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realise that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board. 

My thoughts:

I was dying to get my hands on a book by Richelle Mead so when this book popped up on netgalley I was thrilled. For the first book I've read by Mead, she sure left an impression.

I loved everything about this book. The first thing that stood out to me was that it was slightly complicated. I felt like I was thrown into the deep end until about half way through the book. I was out of the loop a lot of the time but I was desperate to find out what everyone was talking about. The language was sometimes confusing and it took a while to get used to, but it really made me think and it added to the world building a whole lot. I can tell some readers are going to need a bit of patience when this book comes out - it's definitely well worth it when you finally find out what's going on though.

The plot is definitely what got me most of all. It was flawless. Absolutely chocked full of action and suspense, balanced perfectly with a bit of complicated romance and a whole load of secrets to boot! Also, even though this book had a fulfilling ending where everything seemed to be resolved, I still have a lot of questions. A lot. I really need to find out what happens now and the first book hasn't even come out yet as I'm writing this review…#booknerdproblems

I loved all of the characters involved as well. Both Justin and Mae were really well rounded characters that had their strengths and their flaws. Justin made me laugh and he also made me sad at times, he just seemed so desperate in the 'he's doing the best he can' kind of way. He was definitely really endearing sometimes, but he also made me want to facepalm a lot. I always love characters to have their flaws though - makes them more relatable. 

I basically felt the same way about Mae. I loved her backstory and personality too. Her relationships with other characters and the way she interacted encouraged a whole lot of emotions on my part. She's a powerful character that doesn't seem to be afraid of tough situations or making mistakes. I definitely love both Justin and Mae.

Overall I can't fault this one. I'm definitely going to be picking up my own copy when it comes out and I really encourage you to do the same.

My rating: 10/10

Richelle Mead:

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Book Tour & Giveaway: The Breeders by Katie French

Title: The Breeders

Author: Katie French

Book Tour: Kismet Book Tours

Publication date: August 1st 2012

Format: ebook

Genre: YA | Dystopia

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Sixteen-year-old Riley Meemick is one of the world's last free girls. When Riley was born, her mother escaped the Breeders, the group of doctors using cruel experiments to bolster the dwindling human race. Her parents do everything possible to keep her from their clutches-- moving from one desolate farm after another to escape the Breeders' long reach. The Breeders control everything- the local war lords, the remaining factories, the fuel. They have unchecked power in this lawless society. And they're hunting Riley.

When the local Sheriff abducts the adult members of her family and hands her mother over to the Breeders, Riley and her eight-year-old brother, Ethan, hiding in a shelter, are left to starve. Then Clay arrives, the handsome gunslinger who seems determined to help to make up for past sins. The problem is Clay thinks Riley is a bender-- a genderless mutation, neither male nor female. As Riley's affection for Clay grows she wonders can she trust Clay with her secret and risk her freedom?

The three embark on a journey across the scarred remains of New Mexico-- escaping the Riders who use human sacrifice to appease their Good Mother, various men scrambling for luck, and a deranged lone survivor of a plague. When Riley is shot and forced into the Breeder's hospital, she learns the horrible fate of her mother—a fate she'll share unless she can find a way out.

My thoughts:

I love dystopia reads but I didn't expect this one to be as good as it was. Don't get me wrong, I was really excited to read it - from the summary it seemed to have the makings of a really enthralling read. It went way beyond what I was expecting though.

From the very beginning I fell in love with the characters. I thought Riley was the perfect mix of vulnerable and the strong, stubborn heroine type. She made me feel for her with her constant selflessness and her need to help others. She was restricted from doing what she wanted for fear of being taken to the Breeders but she made the most of what she could do in the meantime. 

Her little brother Ethan was just the cutest. I adored how Riley tried her best to look after him - their interactions were the real heart warming parts of the story. And Clay. What can I say about Clay other than he was swoon worthy. He makes so many sacrifices in this book - not just for people he cares about, but for himself too. He was another tortured soul in the story. 

The rest of the supporting characters in this book were equally well written. Where they were meant to make me cringe they did. And where they were meant to make me smile, they did. This was one of those reads where you immediately know you don't have to worry if you'll like the characters from the very beginning, you just know you will.

The plot starts off really different to what the book ends up like. It doesn't take long at all for it to get going and in the meantime I enjoyed getting to know the characters a little. It's full of action and suspense - it really doesn't get boring for a minute. It's all about survival so you know it has the means to have you gripping the edge of your chair.

The writing wasn't the best but it was all about the story with this book. I loved it so I definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of dystopia. Give it a go.

 

My rating: 8/10

 

 

Katie French:

Katie French imagined herself an author when her poem caught the eye of her second grade teacher.

In middle school she spent her free time locked in her room, writing her first young adult novel. Though her social life suffered, her love for literature thrived. She studied English at Eastern Michigan University, where she veered from writing and earned an education degree. She spent nine years teaching high school English.

Currently she is a school counselor, doing a job that is both one of the hardest things she’s ever done and the most rewarding. In her free time she writes, reads great books and takes care of her two beautiful and crazy children. She is a contributor and co-creator of Underground Book Reviews, a website dedicated to erasing the boundaries between traditional and non-traditional publishing. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two children.

 

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

 

Now for the giveaway!

 

Every tour host is offering the chance to win one of 10 eCopies of The Breeders! Just enter below:

 

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Review: Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Title: Crewel

Author: Gennifer Albin

Series: Crewel World #1

Publisher: Faber and Faber

Publication date: 04/10/2012

Format: Paperback - 384 pages

Genre: YA - Science Fiction | Dystopian

 

 

An extraordinary girl.

Sixteen-year-old Adelice is a Spinster. She can weave time and matter. But no one knows just how talented she is.

A dangerous love.

Guild Ambassador Cormac Patton has taken a shine to her. The Guild demands loyalty…even in love. So Adelice's handsome, mysterious valet Jost poses a dangerous threat to her place at the Coventry.

A deadly secret.

Everyone at the Guild has their secrets. But Adelice is about to unravel the deadliest one of all, a sinister truth that could destroy reality as she knows it...

My thoughts:

This was definitely so much different to anything I've ever read before. I loved how original the story line was. It was so intricate in the details that sometimes I would have to read over paragraphs just to make sure I didn't miss anything important. I actually didn't know what to expect with this one so I picked it up with no initial thoughts as to how it would be - I went in with a completely blank slate since the premise of this book was so strange at first.

What I loved about Crewel the most was that I really had to use my imagination whilst reading it. There were parts of the book that were a little bit more complicated than the usual books I read so I would piece everything together using my imagination. It was definitely a good consequence of such an original story - it's like if you pick up a book with a vampire as the protagonist. As soon as you realise that he/she is a vampire, you immediately have some sort of image come to mind, whether it's something similar to Edward from the Twilight films or something similar to Dracula, you have that image there already. But with Crewel, you have no idea what is being described looks like - you simply dream it up and it's brilliant.

This was the kind of book that I always see to be divided into three parts. The beginning was great - the settings were being described and the characters introduced. The world of Spinsters is explained and the story starts to get interesting. But then the middle is where I had a problem. It slowed down to a big extent about halfway through the book. I actually got bored with all the explanations and training involved - it was definitely essential to the story, but I thought it could have used a little more excitement to keep me reading. The ending was something else entirely though. I wasn't expecting it so it came out of nowhere for me - I loved it. It took the book in a whole new direction.

I really enjoyed the characters. I thought Adelice had a fiery personality but was still calm and collected where she needed to be. I immediately took a liking her and her family so, of course, I was rooting for them a long while. As for the rest of the characters I really felt as if a lot of their personality was held back. I have a feeling things are going to be very different with the characters in the next book of the series - we'll have to wait and see.

All in all I thought this was a great read. It was one of the more original books I've read and that deserves a lot of credit. I can't wait for the next book in the series - it's a shame I have to wait so long with the sudden change in the story at the end. It was such a big cliffhanger.

My rating: 8/10

Gennifer Albin:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Book Tour & Giveaway: The Scourge

 

 Title: The Scourge

Author: A.G Henley

Goodreads | Amazon

Kismet Book Touring

Seventeen-year-old Groundling, Fennel, is Sightless. She’s never been able to see her lush forest home, but she knows its secrets. She knows how the shadows shift when she passes under a canopy of trees. She knows how to hide in the cool, damp caves when the Scourge comes. She knows how devious and arrogant the Groundlings’ tree-dwelling neighbors, the Lofties, can be.

And she’s always known this day would come—the day she faces the Scourge alone.

The Sightless, like Fenn, are mysteriously protected from the Scourge, the gruesome creatures roaming the forests, reeking of festering flesh and consuming anything—and anyone—living. A Sightless Groundling must brave the Scourge and bring fresh water to the people of the forest. Today, that task becomes Fenn’s.

Fenn will have a Lofty Keeper, Peree, as her companion. Everyone knows the Lofties wouldn’t hesitate to shoot an arrow through the back of an unsuspecting Groundling like Fenn, but Peree seems different. A boy with warm, rough hands who smells like summer, he is surprisingly kind and thoughtful. Although Fenn knows his people are treacherous, she finds herself wanting to trust him.

As their forest community teeters on the brink of war, Fenn and Peree must learn to work together to survive the Scourge and ensure their people’s survival. But when Fenn uncovers a secret that shatters her truths, she’s forced to decide who and what to protect—her people, her growing love for Peree, or the elusive dream of lasting peace in the forest.

 

My thoughts:

I can honestly say that this read pleasantly surprised me. I found it to be a really nice, sweet read that was mostly character based but for some action with plenty of zombies.

What I loved most by far, was the characters. They were incredibly loveable and relatable. I fell in love with Fennel the moment I started reading. I also fell in love with Peree from the second he became involved in Fenn's story. The characters are incredibly transparent in a really refreshing way. The moment a thought came to any of them they just came out with it - it did make the read slightly predictable but it wasn't in a discouraging way. 

 

I thought it took a little while to get going in terms of the plot but once it did I found it hard to stop reading. The plot wasn't altogether amazing but since I loved the characters I found myself rooting for them the entire way regardless of what they were doing.

 

The ending for me was quite a bit rushed. It felt really out of place in some parts - it could have done with a lot more detail in the last chapter or so.

 

To be honest, I actually don't have anything more to say. This book isn't brilliantly written and it could do with a lot of work in terms of predictability and the ending, but the characters  were so wonderful to read about - really well-rounded and full of depth.

 

I think anybody who is a fan of dystopian reads should give this one a go - it gave me a nice surprise since I couldn't stop reading.

 

My rating: 7/10 

 

About the author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

 

A.G. Henley is the author of the young adult novel, THE SCOURGE. She is also a clinical psychologist, which means people either tell her their life stories on airplanes, or avoid her at parties when they’ve had too much to drink. Neither of which she minds. When she’s not writing fiction or shrinking heads, she can be found herding her children and their scruffy dog, Guapo, to various activities while trying to remember whatever she’s inevitably forgotten to tell her husband. She lives in Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.aghenley.com

 

  

So on to the giveaway!

 

30 daily winners can win an eCopy of The Scourge! You can enter with the Rafflecopter widget below:

 

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Review: Chosen Ones

Title: Chosen Ones

Author: Tiffany Truitt

Series: The Lost Souls #1

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Publication date: April 10 2012

Format: eARC 

Genre: Dystopian YA

 

 

Life is bleak but uncomplicated for sixteen-year-old Tess, living in a not-too-distant future where the government, faced with humanity's extinction, created the Chosen Ones, artificial beings who are extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.When Tess begins work at Templeton, a Chosen Ones training facility, she meets James, and the attraction is immediate in its intensity, overwhelming in its danger. But there is more to Templeton than Tess ever knew. Can she stand against her oppressors, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

My thoughts:

Chosen Ones was a little bit of a roller- coaster ride for me. I spent most of the read trying to decide whether or not I like it because the pace of the story kept changing so much. 

I enjoyed how I was sort of thrown into the deep end of the story. It starts off with no explanation of the world the protagonist, Tess, is living in and just dives right into the action. It was nice in a way because it was intriguing and I wanted to find out more about this different world that punishes women for being infertile and leaves the children to suffer for everyone's mistakes. But it did leave me thinking I'd missed out an entire book in a series.

A lot was explained after a while with memories, flashbacks and letters so it was left to the reader to put the pieces together which was really different and enjoyable. I just felt that the book as a whole was out of order in some way which is why I can't decide if I like it or not.

The plot was nice to read. It wasn't original so much, but it was still pleasant. A lot of it was incredibly fast paced which I always enjoy and it left me turning pages which is always a good thing! I did find the ending to be way to abrupt for my liking - it really did come out of nowhere and seemed entirely too rushed.

Chosen One's characters were another confusing point for me. I didn't really understand Tess as a character because she changed too drastically for my liking too early into the book. She was such a strong and sometimes stubborn person that I felt she wouldn't be easy to change if change needed to happen - and it did. The fact that she was of one mind one second and of another a page later with no in between occurrence made her too hard to relate to in my opinion. 

And then there was James and Henry. Henry was another character who seemed to be something else entirely different to what he turned out to be. He was also a little bit too much on the sidelines for a character who was supposed to be important in the end. James, however, was my favourite character. He was just James the whole way through and didn't become anything else or change completely - he only became more sure of himself and his actions - yeah, I loved James.

Overall this was an average read for me although it did have it's intense and heart stopping moments. 

My rating: 5/10

Tiffany Truitt:

Goodreads | Blog | Twtter | Facebook

Books in the series:

1. Chosen Ones
2. Naturals

 

Early Review: Possession by Elana Johnson

Title: Possession

Author: Elana Johnson

Imprint: Simon Pulse

Publication date: 6/7/2011

My rating: 5/10

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Summary:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

---

My thoughts:

This is a hard one to review mainly because it was one of those books that just don’t agree with me and I find hard to really get into for no distinguishable reason.

I did like quite a lot of aspects of the book. I loved the snarky main character who doesn’t take no for an answer and works for what she wants. I loved the tone she used when presenting the story. It had a sort of sarcastic sense of humour which is what I really love.

So it wasn’t really the characters that I didn’t like. It wasn’t the story line itself either. It was a nice idea; a world with advanced technology that essentially rules everybody’s lives and a life filled with rules that are just made to be broken.

I just think that the story didn’t flow very well and it sort of stopped and started again like an old car trying to start. It started very well to the point of me thinking that this could potentially turn out to be an amazing story, but then it just ran out of steam. It was really disappointing when everything started to become predictable and clichéd at points.

Also, in parts of the story a relationship between two of the characters started to develop. That’s fine and all but not when it just comes out of nowhere. I felt that the characters falling in love just happened with no development in between or any sort of beginning to the relationship. It just turned straight into the ‘I love you’ phase….that’s not realistic, not at all, so I was extremely put off. The story just didn’t develop enough for me. It’s a shame really.

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About the author:

 (I just have to mention how much I looooove Elana’s hair!!)

My debut novel, POSSESSION, will be published by Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster) on 6/7/11.

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