Review ~ The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

TITLE: The Fault in Our Stars 

AUTHOR: John Green
COPYRIGHT: 2012
TYPE: young adult
PAGES: 318
SERIES:  no

REASON FOR READ:

Besides sitting on my TBR pile forever this book has kind of blown up all over the web and I thought I should join the masses and see what all the fuss was about.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
Hazel

Augustus Waters

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Her parents

His parents and family

Isaac and Monica

What is this story about?

Well the summary about sums this up. Hazel has cancer in her lungs that while not growing are not going anywhere. Breathing is hard for her and she constantly feels as if she is drowning. She has become a self-imposed recluse until she meets Augustus Waters at a support group.

When is this story taking place?

No idea really could be at any modern time

Where are we at during this story?

Mainly in Hazel’s neighborhood and yes Augustus lives there as well. But we do manage to go to Amsterdam.

Why is the character acting the way he is or why is this happening?

They are 2 young teenagers in love who one has cancer and it is how anyone would act and behave when they find out shocking news.

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

SO NOT GOING TO RUIN THIS FOR YOU

Will there be another?

No

Favorite part or line from story:

The quotes in general are wonderful but I love “the world is not a wish making machine”

Okay? Okay.

Overall thoughts:

Wow I have no idea where I should begin with this story. Holy cow and crap my gosh it is an emotional roller coaster. That one will have to finish in one setting so starting it at 10pm before bed is a really, really bad idea b/c you have to finish it. I also understand how a lot of adults can’t handle this book b/c they believe the teens are wise beyond their years. And I get that. I think what wrapped me up and wouldn’t let me go was the way the characters accepted death. Adult or child some people are just those people who can accept that nothing is going to change and be okay with it.

Others can’t handle it. While reading this book I found that I was crying during it and yet forgetting that these were teens. Would it have made it sadder yes but to be honest it was sad enough without having to remember that they were only teenagers. What hooked me was the depth of the characters to think this wisely during a time of mourning and death.

It is hard to image that someone so young can be so wise but then again if you had nothing to do all day but watch Top Model and sleep and contemplate your death don’t you think you would pick up a book or attempt to sharpen your mind? Then again I don’t doubt that it might be too much to ask of a teenager.

I did want to have more angst (if that is even possible) more this isn’t fair life sucks. But then again Hazel’s had this for a while folks so she might have already done the sucks life isn’t fair and I’m done crap.

Needless to say I have learned during my numerous years of reading to just sit back and enjoy the book. Not to over analysis it or look too deeply. This book is beautifully written about 2 people who have all the odds stacked against them and how they deal with an unfair draw. They didn’t roll over and die they fought in the way they knew how to best. It may work for you or it might be an eye roll book for you. All I know is that when I read this book it worked for me at that moment in time who’s to say in a week it would be the same.

FINALGRADES:
Plot/Story: A (a hard read but a good one)

Character Development: B There was a little growth
Emotional Reaction: A holy cow

Final Grade: A-

Would you recommend this story? Yes

Is this a part of a reading challenge? Yes New to me Author and Yearly challenge

Review ~ The Shape-Changer's Wife by Sharon Shinn

TITLE: The Shape-Changer’s Wife
AUTHOR: Sharon Shinn
COPYRIGHT: 1995
TYPE: fantasy
PAGES: 215
SERIES:  no

REASON FOR READ:

It has been sitting on my TBR pile FOREVER and I though eh why not

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

From the national bestselling author of The Samaria Trilogy...this is the novel that launched Sharon Shinn's career and inspired Peter S. Beagle to call her "the most original writer of fantasy since Robin McKinley." 

Aubrey was a student of the fine art of wizardry. But the more knowledge he acquired, the more he wanted to learn. He traveled in search of the greatest master of all, the gifted shape-changer Glyrenden. From him, Aubrey expected to discover the secret of long-lost spells and the mysteries of arcane magic. 

But there was one discovery he never expected, a mystery he risked every thing to solve. Her name was Lilith...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
Lilth

Aubrey

Glyrenden

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Royle

The King

2 other wizards

Eve

Orion

Arachne

And other villagers

What is this story about?

The story is about a young wizard who wants to know everything he can about magic. The one thing he doesn’t know is shape changing. So he leaves his current teacher to study und Glyrenden and learn this new skill. Things do not go as he expects when he falls in love with the shape-changers wife who has a mystery of her own.

When is this story taking place?

Not a real time frame it takes place over 3 years

Where are we at during this story?

Mainly at Glyrenden’s house but we do travel throughout the kingdom (very little)

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

B/c I read a spoiler and it ruined the fantastic writing of this author and the story building I am not going to do that here. So please know the mystery is the best part and watching what happens is the beautiful part of this story.

Will there be another?

No

Favorite part or line from story:

I have to admit my favorite part was when Aubrey learns how to shape shift to other animals and his thoughts on it.

Overall thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was confusing at first and honestly started to figure out what the big mystery was pretty early on however, I did enjoy how the author spins the tale and let it slowly unravel with the reader as we learn through Aubrey what was happening. Aubrey was fun to learn through and experience things and I enjoyed his interactions with others.

FINAL GRADES:
Plot/Story: A

Character Development: A
Emotional Reaction: A

Final Grade: A

Would you recommend this story? Yes I think it was well written and honestly I would even go so far as letting a teenager read it as their “first” fantasy novel.

Is this a part of a reading challenge? New Author challenge 

Review ~ The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

TITLE: The Lying Game
AUTHOR: Sara Shepard
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: young adult
PAGES: 307
SERIES:  yes

1. The Lying Game

2. Never Have I Ever

3. Two Truths and a Lie

REASON FOR READ:

I heart PLL and this is by the same author so I thought eh why not give it a try. Plus come on twins with one dead and the other “taking her” place was too good to pass up.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there's nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It's enough to kill a girl all over again. But I'm about to get something no one else does--an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma's desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me--to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she's the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, care-free daughter when she hugs my parents goodnight? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
Emma

“Sutton” Told from her POV but she’s dead

Laural

Char

Mads

Ethan

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Garrett – dead Sutton’s boyfriend and Char’s ex

The Twitter twins

Nisha

The parents of Sutton

And random others

Did it flow with the last volume was it a connection story or did it just start a new story with same characters? (Only use if in a series)

Started out fresh this is the first book…

What is this story about?

Well Sutton is a rich girl who discovers she has a twin that no one knows about. Actually scratch that, I think that is more TV show then book. In book Emma sees a Snuff video of Sutton being strangled. She researches it and discovers she has a twin. After facebooking her said twin asks Emma to come and see her. But when Emma comes she discovers that Sutton is missing maybe dead. Now Emma is stuck pretending to be Sutton with someone else who knows that Sutton is dead and will do anything to keep Emma in the role.

When is this story taking place?

I want to say senior year school

Where are we at during this story?

Arizona I believe

Why is the character acting the way he is or why is this happening?

She is very scared and has no idea if Sutton is really dead or alive. However, she does discover Sutton is really dead and now has to figure out who killed her.

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

Emma let’s the gag slip to Ethan who talks her into keeping up the ruse of her being Sutton until they can figure out which one of Sutton’s friends’ killed her or if her own family did… or was it someone else she played a lying game on

Will there be another?

Oh yeah

Favorite part or line from story:

I have to admit the parts where Emma meets and interacts with Ethan were my favorites. I think they are cute together.

Overall thoughts:

I liked it more than PLL mainly b/c there were actually redeeming characters in this one. Not everyone is evil or out to get someone. Emma seems sweet and Ethan is a cute character that doesn’t look as if he has it in for anyone. Plus the parents seem like decent people. I am curious enough at this point to continue reading the books. And not just b/c they have some drama attached to them I actually want to know more about Sutton and Emma as well as figure out who is actually trying to kill her.

The TV show didn’t have that spin. In the show Sutton remained alive so I have no idea who (for lack of a better word A is) and I want to know. That’s how PLL kept me hooked and I have to admit that is how this book hooked me as well. Too bad the show didn’t follow the book better I think it would’ve lasted longer.

FINAL GRADES:
Plot/Story: A I think it was original and enjoyable

Character Development: B+ Emma is very washy and very much a frightened character I want her to dig in a little and discover who she is and how to be a better Sutton or at least be more of an Emma
Emotional Reaction: A I was very much invested in Emma and if she would live

Final Grade: A- it is getting there

Would you recommend this story?

Sure I actually think I would recommend this book to a younger girl then the PLL series.

Is this a part of a reading challenge? No sadly I am just adding it to my 50+ books to read this year.

PS this will be a Page to Screen as soon as I get a chance to type that Review out....

Review ~ #PLL Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

TITLE: Unbelievable 

AUTHOR: Sara Shepard
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: young adult
PAGES: 335
SERIES:  yes

1. Pretty Little Liars

2. Flawless

3. Perfect

4. Unbelievable

REASON FOR READ:

Well come on I read the first 3 and had to know what happens. PLUS I love me some PLL show so I wanted to catch up on the books.

SUMMARY (from back of the book):

Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her uberconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars-because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much. If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one. 

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
(OMG who isn’t?!)

Hanna

Aria

Spencer

Emily

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Again I ask who isn’t?!
Sean – Aria’s boyfriend

Mike – Aria’s brother

Aria’s mom, dad and dad’s girlfriend

Mr. Fitz AKA Ezra – Aria’s forbidden love

Lucas – new one that was just introduced

Hanna’s mom

Officer Wilden – Hanna’s Mom’s boyfriend

Mona – Hanna’ BFF

Mona’s new BFFs

Melissa – Spencer’s sister

Spencer’s parents

Emily’s sister, mom, dad

Maya – Emily’s girlfriend

Did it flow with the last volume was it a connection story or did it just start a new story with same characters? Yeah actually it really did. It picked up right where we left off and ran with it. There were a lot of pieces to try and fit together, but the author did a fantastic job of doing that.

What is this story about? It is about 4 girls who lost their BFF in 7^th grade and now someone is harassing them with all their dirty little secrets

When is this story taking place? Junior year of high school

Where are we at during this story? Rosewood High and neighborhood

Why is the character acting the way he is or why is this happening? The girls are trying to figure out who A is and navigate through the roughest prep school ever. Add to that they have the CRAPPIEST parents known to man.

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

A is dead
The liar's lives seem to be going back to normal

Will there be another? yes

Favorite part or line from story:

I have to say the part with Hanna and Lucas are really cute and I think this might be the relationship that the show uses for Haleb (Hanna + Caleb)

Overall thoughts:

HOLY CRAP. Well shitballs I didn't see this coming and I really, really want to go into the differences between this and the show. Needless to say I guess in the books

SPOILER ALERT

Toby is freaking dead for good. That was as shocker. Jenna knew what Ali was going to do and planned it with her b/c Toby was molesting her WTF?! Then as if that wasn't enough Mona is A (which she was in the show so no shocker there) but in the books SHE FREAKING DIES she's dead seriously and yet there is still another A OMFG as if that wasn't enough Hanna's mom is moving to SINGAPORE seriously?! so Hanna now has to live with her dad and horrible step everything. Aria's mom finally realized what she did was HORRIBLE and freaking Meredith is prego with Aria's new 1/2 sibling MIND BLOWN.

SPOILER OVER

Needless to say this book kept me up WAY past my bedtime

FINALGRADES:
Plot/Story: A this one blew my freaking mind

Character Development: B the girls are still making the same damn mistakes and yet they seem to be learning from them
Emotional Reaction: A there were a lot of OMG did she? No she didn’t? Freaking A she did? How in the hell is that going to work? Moments.

Final Grade: A

Would you recommend this story? Sure if you like to read about drama but I for sure wouldn’t let girls younger than 15 read it.

Is this a part of a reading challenge? No.

Review ~ #PLL Perfect by Sara Shepard

TITLE: Perfect AUTHOR: Sara Shepard
COPYRIGHT: 2007
TYPE: young adult
PAGES: 298
SERIES:  yes

1. Pretty Little Liars

2. Flawless

3. Perfect

4. Unbelievable

REASON FOR READ:

Well come on I read the first 2 and had to know what happens. PLUS I love me some PLL show so I wanted to catch up on the books.

SUMMARY (from back of the book):

Aria can’t resist her forbidden ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing her BFF. Emily is freaking out over a simple kiss. And Spencer can’t keep her hands off anything that belongs to her sister. Lucky me. I know these pretty little liars better than they know themselves. But it’s hard keeping all of their secrets to myself. They better do as I say …. Or else!

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
(OMG who isn’t?!)

Hanna

Aria

Spencer

Emily

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Again I ask who isn’t?!
Sean – Aria’s boyfriend

Mike – Aria’s brother

Aria’s mom, dad and dad’s girlfriend

Mr. Fitz AKA Ezra – Aria’s forbidden love

Lucas – new one that was just introduced

Hanna’s mom

Officer Wilden – Hanna’s Mom’s boyfriend

Mona – Hanna’ BFF

Mona’s new BFFs

Melissa – Spencer’s sister

Spencer’s parents

Emily’s sister, mom, dad

Maya – Emily’s girlfriend

Did it flow with the last volume was it a connection story or did it just start a new story with same characters? Yeah actually it really did. It picked up right where we left off and ran with it. There were a lot of pieces to try and fit together, but the author did a fantastic job of doing that.

What is this story about? It is about 4 girls who lost their BFF in 7^th grade and now someone is harassing them with all their dirty little secrets

When is this story taking place? Junior year of high school

Where are we at during this story? Rosewood High and neighborhood

Why is the character acting the way he is or why is this happening? The girls are trying to figure out who A is and navigate through the roughest prep school ever. Add to that they have the CRAPPIEST parents known to man.

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

It hasn’t Hanna is in a coma after figuring out who A is and being hit by a car.

Aria’s boyfriend Ezra is locked up for having sex with a minor

Spencer is going crazy

Emily is shipped off to Iowa for being gay

Will there be another? yes

Favorite part or line from story:

I have to say the part with Hanna and Lucas are really cute and I think this might be the relationship that the show uses for Haleb (Hanna + Caleb)

Overall thoughts:

Okay I absolutely hate to think of it like this but DANG YO I actually got sucked into this one. I mean reading til 2 am kind of sucked into. The storyline is finally moving at a very quick pace. I think I know who A is (solely based on the show) but I can see how they got there maybe. I loved, loved, loved that Ezra got what happens to you when you sleep with a minor (again I have always hated that storyline and think it sends the wrong message so send hate to my twitter). I absolutely HATE the parents of all the girls in this book. OMG on TV they are all likeable and while the parents might do something wrong it is always in the best interest of the girls never to hurt them. But Ella kicking Aria out of the freaking house with no where to go but here boyfriend’s place is just ridiculous I mean hotline that bitch seriously. YOU CAN”T DO THAT IF YOU ARE REALLY THAT PISSY ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND CHEATING ON YOU AND YOUR 7^th GRADE DAUGHTER NOT TELLING YOU THEN LEARN TO GROW UP!!!!! Anyway let me move pass this I mean my gosh. The book was really good and I can see that it is like the show and yet wow so not like the show which is refreshing at times.

FINALGRADES:
Plot/Story: B I think the author is fantastic to be able to keep all the lies, secrets, and girl’s backgrounds straight. Hell I’m starting to think A is Sara Shephard ;)

Character Development: B the girls are starting to grow up. They are still making bad choices but at least they are semi-thinking them through.
Emotional Reaction: A there were a lot of OMG did she? No she didn’t? Freaking A she did? How in the hell is that going to work? Moments.

Final Grade: B+

Would you recommend this story? Sure if you like to read about drama but I for sure wouldn’t let girls younger than 15 read it.

Is this a part of a reading challenge? No.

Friday Favorites ~ #8

Friday Favorites Hosted by: Tressa’s Wishful Endings
Description: Friday Favorites spotlights a favorite author, book, series, publisher, cover, blog, etc. Basically whatever bookish thing that you love, recommend, and want to tell others about. Just pick one and link up to Tressa’s post each Friday to share

This week is my review of my new favorite book! 

TITLE: The Monstrumologist

AUTHOR: Rick Yancey
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: Young Adult
PAGES: 454
SERIES:  Yes

1. The Monstrumologist

2. The Curse of the Wendigo

3. The Isle of Blood

4. The Final Descent

REASON FOR READ:

They actually looked very interesting and I just couldn’t help myself. To add to the fact that I enjoyed The 5^th Wave that Mr. Yancey wrote so I thought I would try his other series.

SUMMARY (from the back of the book):

Monsters are Real

Will Henry is the orphan apprentice of a doctor with an unusual specialty: monstrumology, the study of monsters. When a midnight visitor brings them the body of a young girl entwined with the corpse of an Anthropophagus, it is the start of the most mysterious case of Will Henry’s life. Anthropophagi are headless monsters whose razor – sharp teeth are in their stomachs - and they are supposed to be extinct in this part of the world. Now Will and the monstrumologist are in a race against time to put a stop to the plague of monsters before they kill again.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Who are the MAJOR Characters?
Will Henry (12 year old orphan) apprentice

Dr. Pellinore Warthrop the monstrumologist

Who are the MINOR Characters?

Dr. Starr

Mrs. Bratton

Alistair Warthrop (in memories)

Captain Varner

Erasmus Gray (grave digger)

Father and Mother of Will Henry (in memories)

Dr. Karnes (way to many alias to mention)

Malachi Stinnet (the preacher’s son whose family is killed)

Constable Morgan

Numerous unnamed men who hunt the monsters

The narrator at the beginning (Rick Yancey)

What is this story about?

This is a diary of young Will Henry and his life living with Dr. Warthrop. We learn about numerous different monsters but this particular story centers around an Anthropophagi. We are lead to believe in the beginning that the author (Rick Yancey) has been given these diaries from a man in a nursing home to help discover who “Will Henry” really is. From there we are sucked into the world of Will Henry as he attempts to discover who he is, why he has ended up here in this home, what it all means, and survive as he grows into the role of assistant to the monstumologist.

When is this story taking place? 1888

Where are we at during this story? New Jerusalem

Why is the character acting the way he is or why is this happening? These are the diaries of Will Henry so it is a way for Will Henry to come to terms of his environment.

How does it get resolved (SPOILERS MAY BE INCLUDED)

Boy howdy things pick up with the Stinnet’s deads. Karnes shows up to help hunt the Anthropophagi this leads to an interesting if you will “final” show down. The mystery gets wrapped up in a neat yet rather dirty way.

Will there be another? Yes the next in the series is called The Curse of the Wendigo

Favorite part or line from story: I have to admit the favorite part for me was the end. It was so suspenseful that I couldn’t put it down until I knew if they were successful in their hunt or not. Who would die or who wouldn’t (I won’t spoil it and give it away) but stick with this b/c it only builds in plot.

Overall thoughts:

I was a little taken back at the sheer amount of gore and description of the monsters and the blood for the age range this book is focused on . That being said OMG I absolutely enjoyed every single second of it and couldn’t wait to read it. It was pure torture to walk away to do things. I stayed up until 2 reading this and that in itself is very rare. I definitely can’t wait to read the next one

FINALGRADES:
Plot/Story: A It was engaging enough that it kept you hook. I wanted to know what would happen next to Will Henry. This story was good pace, the times I felt like it could drag another character was brought in that helped moved the story forward.

Character Development: A Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop made this story really work. Their chemistry and reliance on each other as the story progressed became the key to making this relationship work. Will Henry is the main character that you connect with and I felt tired when he did, horror when he did, and sheer emotional breaking when he did. Mr. Yancey did a great job making the reader connect to Will Henry yet at the same time connect to the Dr. which at times was really hard to do. The characters also grew throughout this book which gives me hope that they will continue to progress as the series goes on

Emotional Reaction: A As I stated above I was very attached to the characters and felt the emotions that they felt especially Will Henry.

Final Grade: A

Would you recommend this story? Yes I highly recommend it.

Is this a part of a reading challenge? My yearly challenge.

Review ~ The Returned by Jason Mott

TITLE: The Returned

AUTHOR: Jason Mott
COPYRIGHT: 2014
TYPE: contemporary fiction
PAGES: 352
SERIES:  no

REASON FOR READING: 

Saw the show and had to see what the book was about.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Harold and Lucille Hargrave's lives have been both joyful and sorrowful in the decades since their eight-year-old son, Jacob, died tragically in 1966. In their old age they've settled comfortably into life without him…. Until one day Jacob mysteriously appears on their doorstep—flesh and blood, still eight years old.

All over the world people's loved ones are returning from beyond. No one knows how or why, whether it's a miracle or a sign of the end. Not even Harold and Lucille can agree on whether the boy is real or a wondrous imitation. But as chaos erupts around the globe, the newly reunited family finds itself at the center of a community on the brink of collapse, forced to navigate a mysterious new reality.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

I was actually surprised by this book. I thought it was well written with enough tension to keep me hooked with this book. The show wasn’t as good but atlas I shall save that until a later review. Instead let’s focus on the book

THE PROBLEMS:

To many different POVs

Too many back stories that didn’t tie into the main story

I found it hard to really connect with anyone and just when I did we would switch POV

Never heard Bellemey’s side of the story until the end by then I no longer cared

Harold was too old to believe that he could be worth help and sick enough this shouldn’t have worked.

THE WINS

I enjoyed seeing the story from Lucille and Harold’s POV after all the main part of the story was about them until it was skipped around and around again to other POVs

The tension and the buildup was done nicely

The plot moved smoothly once one got the hang of the POV hopping

I enjoyed reading it and though it didn’t make me think too much it did make me question what would I do if I this situation actually started occurring

Are you keeping it or passing it on? I will pass it on simply not a re-read for me

Goodreads grade: 3 stars

Would you recommend this book? Yes I have to say that I would recommend this book solely based on the way it makes you question yourself. 

Review ~ The Scourge by A.G. Henley

TITLE: The Scourge
AUTHOR: A.G. Henley
COPYRIGHT: 2012
TYPE: young adult/ebook
PAGES: 242
SERIES:  yes #1 in the Brilliant Darkness series

1. The Scourge

1.5 The Keeper

2. The Definance

REASON FOR READING:
I actually thought about reading The Keeper first b/c it sounded interesting then I have this OCD thing that requires I read books in order so I had to start with this one.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

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.(

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

I find that I am really struggling with writing this review. First off it wasn’t a bad book, but at the same time I felt like I rolled my eyes a gawd awful lot while reading. You have a blind water girl who can go walking through zombies without any trouble due to her blindness. But just in case we have a keeper that shoots any of the zombies that come near her. Add to it if she falls asleep they try to eat her. Her keeper likes to tell on her yet secretly yearns for her. The council hates that she does something decent to another group of people so they punish her by sending her out to get water all alone. SCREW YOU, don’t like what I did get your own damn water since it’s me or the old chick who isn’t sticking up for me. So peace love and chicken wings is how I apparently would’ve acted but since I’m not a scared, blinded, 17 year old I guess I will just do as I’m told and sleep with the damn zombies knowing I will die and you will have no water bearer any longer *insert eye roll*.

Don’t get me started on the race issue… oh you have dark skin born to a white family oh darn let’s send you down to be a groundling cause only dark skinned babies live on the ground. White or light skin well guess what they can live in the trees away from all danger, but apparently have no way to store water or gather it when the zombies are about *insert eye roll*

Don’t fall in love with your keeper (so let’s fall in love with our keeper)

Good night it was like this the whole time

Oh and let me know forget that when we finally learn the whole stinking premise of what the damn scourge/zombies are *insert MAJOR EYE ROLL* seriously?! Seriously?!

I pretty much skimmed after that.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
pass time to move on

Goodreads grade: 2 stars

Would you recommend this book? no

Review ~ The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

TITLE: The Truth About Alice
AUTHOR: Jennifer Mathieu
COPYRIGHT: 2014
TYPE: young adult/ Ebook
PAGES: 208
SERIES:  

Doubt it

REASON FOR READ:

Rec’d from Netgalley looked really interesting had to read it!

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

I am a little mixed on this book. On the one hand I did very much enjoy it which then made me feel guilty for enjoying reading about how 4 freaking people ruined one girl’s life. On the other hand it was fascinating how Ms. Mathieu was able to portray 4 different perspectives on how to destroy one life. I was blown away at how anyone could think or act like this. Then admit to what I deemed to be an interviewer how they know it sounds bad but eh there you go. Worse part of the whole thing I can seriously see this happening in our schools today and the parents are just as guilty as any of the dang teenagers.

THINGS I LIKED:

I enjoyed and yet felt guilty watching how the story unraveled from a rumor to a full on attack of this girl.

I loved learning the truth of the rumor as the story went and to see the insecurities of the people who were helping to spread the rumor.

I absolutely adored that one person saw Alice for who she was and was a true friend to her. And even when she pushed him away she realized it herself.

I loved that he was a true friend that did what he did because he genuinely cared for her and loved her.

I actually appreciate that Alice had the grit to see it through and confront some of the people who started it and kept the flame alive.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

I also admit it was hard to keep reading 4 to 5 different versions of what was happening, when it was happening, thoughts, ideas, and guilt. Every chapter was a different POV.

None of the POVs were from Alice which might have been interesting to hear her version of what was happening.

I really hated the end ( I won’t spoil it but I expected a different outcome) ½ of me is glad my outcome didn’t occur the other half thought it wrapped up way to easy.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?

Pretty good I will keep it and spread the love by giving it to some teenagers that need to know what the effect of a rumor can do to someone else.
 

Challenges:

New Author Challenge

52 Book challenge

Review ~ Pivot Point by Kasie West

TITLE: Pivot Point
AUTHOR: Kasie West
COPYRIGHT: 2013
TYPE: young adult /e-book
PAGES: 343
SERIES:  yes

1. Pivot Point

2. Split Second

REASON FOR READ:

EVERYONE has been talking about it so I thought I should give it a try.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Okay I’m going to say it right off the bat. I LOVED THIS BOOK. Okay end of story that’s my review… no? Fine

I thought it was a fresh take on an idea that I’ve been very interested in (Sky High anyone?). It had good characters, a nice plot, a hell of a twist, and a mature female lead that is usually hard to find in this genre. While it wasn’t perfect it was darn near close enough that finding a flaw for this review is going to be hard.

THINGS I LIKED:

I loved Addie, she is mature and even when she wasn’t at first she for sure grew into it.

I loved the compound and all the mysteries and secrets involved with that.

I loved the paranormal talents and how they were all mind related (lie detection, persuasion, memory erasing, mood alteration, etc.) verses some kids flying and what not. Good twist on that end

I loved that she can’t see into the future and make it clear that there are too many variables to change the future. The catch is she can see the outcome of a choice

I loved seeing 2 different choices and the freaking outcomes

I also adored the fact that both choices SUCKED and I wasn’t sure which one she would pick

I loved the plot, the pacing, and the voice.
I loved that I figured out who the bad guy was right at the time Addie did (now keep in mind I suck at figure out who the bad guy is unless it is Scooby Doo)

THANK YOU MS. WEST for not making this a freaking LOVE TRIANGLE I so heart you right now!

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

Now the hard part… b/c I loved the book so much this is going to be hard.

If I had to pick one I would say it was a little jarring at first to read one chapter of choice A and one chapter of choice B. Even though I knew she was “searching” I still took a few chapters to figure out the switching back and forth.

Otherwise it was hard.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?

Keeping and seriously debating about re-buying it in hardcover edition. Not to mention I have recommended it to EVERYONE I meet.
 

Challenges:

New Author Challenge

52 book challenge

Reviewing Next:

The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

Review ~ Unwind by Neal Shusterman

TITLE: Unwind

AUTHOR: Neal Shusterman

COPYRIGHT: 2007 
TYPE: ebook
PAGES: 335
SERIES:  

Yes 3 so far

Unwind

UnWholly

UnSouled

REASON FOR READING: 

I have to say the summary alone is what hooked me on to this one

SUMMARY (from 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.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

I really did enjoy this book. I would say that it is a hard read simply due to the material and it is hard to read that people would unwind kids for body parts. The thing that killed me was when we are present with a kid as he is being unwound. It was deep and very disturbing. I just wow this is a book that will haunt me for a while if not for a long time.  I like how even though he shows the bad part of the un-wounding he also shows a positive part to the unwinding. The really disturbing part was the fact that the parts we used still have memories of those that we took them from. I had a hard time following the world at first and wow then all of the sudden I was Connor, Risa or Lev and I was finally understanding the world. Once that clicked the book moved so smoothly and quickly that I was actually shocked that it was over. It had a nice wrap up and yet enough of an opening to leave for other books or it could have simply been done. For sure a book I will start recommending to everyone. 

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping

Goodreads grade: I ended up giving it 4 stars because I truly enjoyed it but not enough to go back and re-read it and re-read it.

Would you recommend this book? Yes

Review ~ The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

TITLE: The 5th Wave

AUTHOR: Rick Yancey
COPYRIGHT: 2013
TYPE: ebook
PAGES: 457
SERIES:  

Suppose to be but no release or title for book 2

REASON FOR READING: 

I heart me some alien books and well this just had a very interesting premise so I figured why not.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up 

THOUGHTS/OPINION:

Okay let me say this books was AWESOME up until the last 5 pages or so. I mean literally had me rooting until the end then I wanted to toss it (which hindsight would be a good reason to buy it in paperback instead of kindle). Cassie was a little annoying at first but with all the flashbacks I finally started to get her and understand her. You might go so far as to say I started to connect and enjoy her. I even connected with Ben AKA Zombie and started to love his growth and development. Because honestly in a YA it's hard to find that and yet both of them started to grow and develop into young adults I could start to admire. Hell I will be honest and admit I loved the love story between Cassie and Evan (there's a secret that is involved with both that I guessed easily and hell you will too.) Yet i enjoyed watching these two come to care for each other in a deeper way then a simple crush. 

I will not spoil the end for you other than to say I FLIPPING HATE LOVE TRIANGLES or the freaking premise of it when there is ABSOLUTELY NO FLIPPING POINT. Seriously and then to make Cassie act like a dumb little crapper after she had grown up so much all over a flipping boy. MY GOD SHOOT ME NOW. 

I am done.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Well hell I loved it until the end but alas I will keep it only to review it if and when the next comes out.

Goodreads grade: I ended up giving it 4 stars b/c I did enjoy it all the way until the end.

Would you recommend this book? Yes