ARC Review: The Bane Chronicles, by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Maureen Johnson

The Bane Chronicles (The Bane Chronicles #1-10), by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, and Maureen Johnson

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy, Short Stories

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: November 11, 2014, by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Format: ARC



Goodreads Summary: A Collection of Ten Short Stories centred around Magnus Bane. Each short story is going to be published as an ebook followed by a Full Single Print Coming 2014

Ever wondered about the enigmatic, mysterious warlock Magnus Bane? The only character to appear in every Shadowhunter book, Magnus has a past even more shrouded in mystery than his present. I’ve teamed up with acclaimed YA writers Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan to create the Bane Chronicles, the back (and front) story of Magnus told in ten linked tales.

Look for short stories like Vampires, Scones and Edmund Herondale; The Rise and Fall of the Hotel Dumort; Saving Raphael Santiago and What To Buy The Shadowhunter Who Has Everything (And Who You’re Not Officially Dating Anyway). Each story will be available as an ebook on a monthly basis starting April 16 with the tale of What Happened In Peru. 

Each story will be released monthly online for the next ten months — and then for those who don’t read e-books, the full print collection will be available in bookstores and wherever else books are sold after the Chronicles have been finished.


Review:

   *Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or taken.*

    

     For my awesome review! (I know many of you are anxious to read this gorgeous set of short stories featuring the one and only warlock that began it all!)

     Magnus Bane has always shared a special place in my heart alongside many of my other favourite male (and female) characters. But something about Magnus is different than most. Magnus is the most kick-ass, hilarious, but loving warlock that you'll ever read about. Reading about him in TMI and TID was awesome, but we've always been questioning his awesomeness more than anyone else's. Here, we get to read ten full awesome stories from his POV written by some of the best YA authors living. 

      This is a collection of ten short stories that regard Magnus's past, present and future, including some of the events that we've been questioning since the start of Cassandra Clare's magnificent writing. Valentine's fall, Magnus's romance with Camille, why he was banned from Peru, everything with the French Revolution, his first date with Alec... This book has it all in one physical compartment.

       I know that you guys want me to give you some snippets of the book.. But I'm afraid I can't give you that. ;) 

       This book was racing from the start. What Happened in Peru was one of the most anticipated stories for me, and it really was fantastic. From that story on, each story built me with more anticipation for the next and so on. I never wanted this collection to end. Cassie, Maureen, and Sarah are really all talented writers, and you could see everything shine in this beauty. 

       Ew, ew Cassandra Clare releasing another--

        I'm sorry to say this, but you people who think that Cassandra Clare is a bad person for writing more Shadowhunter books are darn WRONG. Don't like what she's doing? Don't pay attention. No one's paying you for putting your anger and comments into the public. THANK YOU. *calms down* 

           :'( This book was phenomenal. It wasn't perfect, but it was great and enjoyable and kept me lost in Magnus's world for 505 pages. (Yes, 20 pages added into the hardcover because of sizing and stuff.)

Some stories were weak, and there were moments when I could've yawned, but the introduction of new characters that interacted with Magnus that we never met before in the main series is awesome, and so is seeing some action and mystery in one bundle of excellence.

            Magnus was... beautiful. Geez, I love him so much. (Wins award for #FavouriteWarlock) This guy excites me so much that I can probably pee myself. x) When I found out that I was getting an ARC of this, I literally began to cry because... it's Magnus and Cassie Clare. Getting an ARC before you mundanes the rest of the world reads it? *CANNONBALL*

              And yes, we did meet many new characters. Axel, Edmund, Lilly, Dolly, JAMES HERONDALE are just some to name a few. PLUS, WE ALSO HAD AN ENCOUNTER WITH TESSA AND WILL AND JEM.

                 OH! AND JACE, ALEC, ISABELLE, AND CLARY! WOOT WOOT!

                 I can't even tell you the number of times I ended up squealing while reading this book. I can't wait for you mundanes the rest of the world to read it! You mundanes You will love it! So maybe... get part 1? *grins sheepishly* Magnus, pretend I'm Camille and let's get married, kay?

Pawn, by Aimée Carter

Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1), by Aimée Carter

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Dystopia, Romance

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: November 26, 2013, by Harlequin Teen

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed)



Goodreads Summary: YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Review:

  "For the rest of my life, I would have someone else's face, answer to someone else's name, live someone else's life. But at least I would be alive. I breathed in slowly, forcing myself not to panic. I was still me, wasn't I? I still felt like me. I still thought like me. They couldn't take that away no matter what the did to my body. I might have looked like Lila Hart, but I was still Kitty Doe."

    I have read Aimée's books through The Goddess Trilogy, and I have found that she's a great talented author that really has a passion for creating great characters and stories with great premises. Pawn was awesome, and so kick-ass and adventurous.

    It's been seventy one years since America has disintegrated into ashes, and the world has changed so much. Being a VII can change everything. For Kitty, if she becomes one, she can become part of the most powerful family in the country. She would be Masked, formed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who got murdered. She's basically taking her place, and she would be adored. She must stop the rebellion that Lila fostered and the one that got her killed.  

    This was mainly an action novel with sass. Kitty, the protagonist had sass and class and was all badass. I loved her.

        Here, we finally have a dystopian novel that shows many sorts of originality. We normally don't find that and get remakes of The Hunger Games, but here, Aimée Carter has come up with something awesome and that gets readers thinking. Getting your whole life planned out for you when you're seventeen doesn't seem like a reality to me.

   

        The plot was very well-formed. The book was fast paced and got to the point in a matter of chapters. It was a very quick read that got me thinking. I recommend it, absolutely. 

         Kitty was absolutely likeable, but I had a problem with the other characters. I didn't like the romance (even though it was hardly there for like 5% and the rest was action) and Benjiy (however you spell his name) was a total ass who was selfish. The bad guys were pretty awesome, and written nicely. 

         The other disadvantage in my eyes was that the world was unexplained. I didn't catch too much about the world and why everything has come to be. Hopefully, in the next two books, the author will make it more clear to us on the "why" part of things. 

          The ending of this book was very captivating, and I am truly looking forward for the sequel that's coming soon!

A Little Like Love, by Cheyanne Young

A Little Like Love (Robin and Tyler Series #2), by Cheyanne Young

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: August 1, 2014, by 336Love

Format: eARC





Goodreads Summary: Robin and her niece Miranda have decided to stay in the tiny but friendly town of Salt Gap, Texas while they figure out what to do with their lives. With only a picture to go by, Robin goes on a scavenger hunt through town trying to discover the link between her late grandfather and coincidence that brought her to the same place. 

She’s still afraid of relationships, so when the hot cowboy Tyler starts to get a little too friendly, she’s more than happy to spot all the red flags she can find to help her avoid liking him. Like the waitress Elizabeth and her weirdly close relationship with Tyler. But as Miranda is quick to point out, they’re on a journey guided by fate and that can only mean one thing – if she’s meant to find love in Salt Gap, it will happen with or without her permission.

A Little Like Love is part two of the Robin and Tyler Series. It is a novella at approx. 20,000 words. This is a CLEAN New Adult story.

Review:

  *Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*

      You need to pick up this and the first novella of this series immediately, especially since this is being released tomorrow. I love reading anything by Cheyanne, and I'd probably read her grocery shopping list. I am now on my way to read everything she's written. 

        After reading part 1 of this three-novella trilogy, I was instantly in love, and looking for more.

        And after reading my review, you'll probably understand why. :)

        Robin and her niece Miranda have finally settled in Salt Gap, Texas, where they previously ended up after Robin had a major breakdown which brought her far away from her home in Houston. She ends up renting a house from Tyler, the cowboy that has always liked her more than a little, and things have gotten even more romantic. He wants to go on a date with her, but she refuses, and then when he starts getting friendly with a waitress, Robin realizes that she actually may have feelings for him.

        I love Tyler oh so freakin' much. My love for him from the first book until now went like this:

        But I've always seen his good side to things. That man is so adorable and so devouring. Reading his catch phrases to Robin just made me feel like a little kid all over again. Adorable and everything I am looking for in a hot fictional hottie. Plus, he's a country boy, which makes everything even better!

        The plot in this book has developed to be something great. The whole novella was fast-paced and racing. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen, and how the amazing couple's relationship would grow and become beautiful. I'm very excited to now see how this awesome series is going to end!

        My only tiny problem with this book was the character of Robin. I like her, sure, but at times she's too selfish and I didn't seem to like her personality and the way she handles her relationships. She's the type to wait for people to beg her to be with them, lurking for attention. I know people like that in reality, and I don't think I'd like book protagonists to be that way, too. But she was very realistic.

        The character of Miranda will always be my favourite. She's kick-ass, utterly hilarious and sarcastic. She's the type that many of us can relate to because of her witty personality and issues.

         But really, I love all of the characters in this series, one way or another. Cheyanne always makes them relatable and sarcastic!

          In conclusion, this racing sequel to A Little Like Fate was awesome. It's funny and has a beautiful romance! No second-book syndrome here! Third book, come to me!

Review: September Girls, by Bennett Madison

September Girls, by Bennett Madison

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Publication: April 22, 2014, by HarperTeen

Format: Paperback Edition (borrowed)





Goodreads Summary: September Girls is a stunning coming-of-age novel about first loves, oblivious parents, sibling rivalries—and mermaids. This imaginative and painfully honest book garnered five starred reviews, including one from ALA Booklist that proclaimed it "a rare and lovely novel, deserving of attention from discriminating readers."

Whisked away by his father to an unusual beach town in the Outer Banks, Sam finds himself having the summer vacation most guys dream of. He's surrounded by beautiful blonde girls, and, better yet, they all seem inexplicably attracted to him. But there's definitely something strange about the Girls. They only wear flats because heels make their feet bleed. They never go swimming in the water. And they all want something from him.

Sam falls for one of the Girls, DeeDee, and begins an unexpected summer romance. But as they get closer, she pulls away without explanation. Sam knows that if he is going to win her back, he'll have to learn the Girls' secret.

Bennett Madison, critically acclaimed author of The Blonde of the Joke, brings a mix of lyrical writing, psychologically complex characters, and sardonic humor to this young adult novel. September Girls is perfect for fans of the irreverent wit of Ned Vizzini and the seductive magic of fairy tales retold.

Review:

"We have learned that we are beautiful. All of us. We are all beautiful. To those who may read this: we are more beautiful. No matter how beautiful you are, we are more. We just are. It's just the truth. We are the most beautiful. No one has ever told us otherwise."

  This book isn't for everyone. We can all see that through the many negative reviews on Goodreads. I can kind of see why, but either way, I'm against all of the hate. I really enjoyed reading this book. 

   Male-perspective? Slight amount of paranormal mixed with a lot of heart-pounding romance? Peculiar things happening? I'm in. Bennett Madison has absolutely introduced a whole new concept and level to YA fiction that almost no author has done before. This book was dreamy, racing and fresh. 

   I've been wanting to read this for a long time. Despite the low 3.01 GR average rating, I didn't care. I didn't care if I'd become the black sheep or the opposite. I just wanted to give this book a try. And turns out, I loved it!

   Sam is living a boring life. He's never really done anything with a girl, and his mom left when he was young. He's never have had change during his life, and when his father announces a vacation to the beach, Sam and his brother realize that this is going to bring the best memories of their lives. Unexpectedly, beautiful girls are everywhere. Turns out, Sam falls in love with DeeDee, one of the beautiful blondes who soon pulls back with no explanation. Sam realizes that he has to find out the truth behind DeeDee and the other girls's lives.

    This was Sam, during the beginning of the book:

     

   And this was Sam, towards the end of the book:

       He really lived his life through those few weeks, I must say. But in the end, Bennett Madison really did create an awesome summer romance with a twist. I don't usually enjoy mermaid books (ALMOST NEVER) but this was a definite change that made me happy. Mermaids are probably the concept that I usually stay away from, but this captivated me.

       Is it weird that I didn't even know that this was about mermaids? I knew that it was paranormal, but I expected some shape-shifter stuff. The concept surprised me, and surprises are good and petrifying at the same time. 

       The flaw that this book really had was its weirdness all throughout. The book itself was really weird. The characters were strange (especially the girls who were very obsessed with lust and each other) and the idea was too. It had its moments where I just wanted to go, "Mind-f*ck much?" because Madison resembled this idea in a strange motion. I must say that he carried everything on better by the end. 

        The plot was good. Simply good. It definitely was a race throughout. So much was happening in the middle and a lot of mystery was added. I got pretty freaked out in the end, because Sam himself went a little mad. The book itself was fast-paced and easy to read. (AND LOOK @ THAT BEAUTIFUL COVER, THOUGH.)

         Sam was a hilarious character. He was witty and mysterious at the same time, and very steamy and hot. I fell for him immediately and my love didn't let go even through the end. 

          The girls, including DeeDee, were somewhat strange. Alright, we all knew that. I wish that Madison would've made them a little less weird. I didn't see them as heroes. Instead, they seemed to be villains who didn't give a shiz about anyone and anything. They just wanted flings and kisses. Selfishness, much?

          By the end, I pretty much really enjoyed this book. It had its flaws and weirdness, but I really like it and definitely recommend it, but not for everyone, as you can see from the negative reviews. 

  

ARC Review: Midnight Thief, by Livia Blackburne

Midnight Thief (Midnight Thief #1), by Livia Blackburne

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: July 8, 2014, by Disney-Hyperion

Format: Paperback Edition (Printed ARC)






Goodreads Summary: Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.

But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull.

Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.

When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

Review:

*Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

  Well. Since I've been in the mood for fantasy reads lately, I decided to go with this one. And it was spectacular. I've seen mixed reviews about this book. The majority are pretty negative, but I just blocked those away from mind. The point that got me afraid the most was that there barely was any romance whatsoever. 

   I usually never read any books that don't include romance. I adore romance and the feelings that fictional men give me. *gushes* I never really get to go through a reading experience where the protagonist(s) are falling in love. This was a first, and I thoroughly enjoyed the uniqueness that Livia Blackburne created. She isn't your average author. She has formed a fantasy series that (a) has no insta-love, (b) has no love triangles, (c) is diverse. What more can we be looking for?

    WHEN READING THIS BOOK, YOU WILL GO THROUGH THE FOLLOWING FEELS:

-fear, because you are afraid for the badass protagonist, Kyra, well because, she's badass and does badass things, and risks her life for others.

-tears, because Tristam is just so heart-throbbing and caring and has the feels for Kyra. You will cry in happiness and in sadness because of the fact that Kyra almost died, a few times.

-anger at the author because she just left us wanting more, especially after a crazy large action scene. We also have QUESTIONS that weren't answered. *yells* And anger because we'll have to be waiting another whole freakin' year for the sequel. Meh.

-happiness, because every book has those moments where you just want to gush inside out and you feel like the rest of the world is crashing on top of you when you realize that everything's fictional.

       So, if you'd like to go through some, or all of those feels listed above, then you'd probably like to read this book, a bunch of times over and over again. Or not, and you'll be the friendless and sad loser who's really missing out. It's either or, but I recommend to go through the first thing. *winks*

        In this book, Kyra is such a badass character, like you can't even imagine. (One of the most, ever.) In the beginning, we quickly meet Kyra and get to know the person that she is. She grew up as an orphan, living on the streets of Forge, begging for food and money. She one day meets fourteen year old Flick, who quickly becomes like an older brother to her and teaches her how to live, how to fight, and how to survive. Today, Kyra is still struggling to pay rent, but she's thankfully okay. When the leader of the Assassins Guild offers her a cryptic fearful job, she at first regrets it, but then finds that it's for her own good, at least for a while. James is utterly attractive and mysterious at the same time, and his rules need to be played by Kyra or else there'll be consequences. Tristam, a knight in the Palace, loses his best friend through a murder taken by the Demon Riders. He vows to get back at them, and with that said, he'll do anything. Fate unexpectedly puts Kyra and Tristam together, and they're supposed to be enemies. But joining teams together is even better. And well, they soon find out a terrifying shocking secret about Kyra's past that sure will change everything for her future.

        Fantasy is my new favourite YA genre. There, I said it. Livia Blackburne has almost perfected writing a YA fantasy novel, and in fact, that's very hard to accomplish. In order to create a beautiful fantasy read, you must have a beautiful world setting that captivates readers. And bam, she did it. Although the world of this book was very mysterious and we don't really know much about it, I loved it. It's a mystery if it's dystopian, but it's fascinating. The use of fantasy creatures like Demon Riders and the cats were very well thought-out and impressive. I normally never did fall for that kind of stuff but it was mastered here.

         I very much indeed liked the plot. The beginning was striking and captivating, just like any beginning should be. I was hooked by the first page. There was ACTION on the first page. Like really, when does an author do that? Well, in Midnight Thief that did happen... :) Moving on, this book steadily kept its pace at a good level and we had many awesome action scenes, which is a must in a fantasy novel. But by the middle, right before Kyra and Tristam met, the story went a little downhill and I was very afraid to see what would happen next. That was the only flaw, but it kept me bored for at least 75 pages. These type of things usually don't bother me, but the middle part of the book really didn't get me addicted like the other parts did.

          By the end, I loved this book. The ending was just majestic and perfectly formed. It ended with unanswered questions and kept me wanting more. 

            The characters were my favourite part of the book. Kyra was so easy to relate to and even through her struggles, she was still a strong person. She had so much strength in her personality and took everything seriously. She was one of the most emotionally strong heroines that I've ever read about. Move over, Celaena Sardothien, we have another badass in town. :)

             Tristam was pretty brilliant as well. He was a very soothing character. You need a shoulder to cry on, he was there. He was one of those sympathetic characters that gave the struggling people a boost. 

              This book was a definite piece of fantasy literature brilliance. It had its labyrinth moments, but I definitely recommend it to everyone. You don't read fantasy but are looking for a good plot? Then still read this. Especially for those who are looking a change in plot. There's not much love here!

We Are The Goldens, by Dana Reinhardt

We Are The Goldens, by Dana Reinhardt

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Mystery

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: May 27, 2014, by Wendy Lamb Books

Format: Hardcover Edition (Borrowed)





Goodreads Summary: Nell knows a secret about her perfect, beautiful sister Layla. If she tells, it could blow their world apart.

When Nell and Layla were little, Nell used to call them Nellayla. Because to Nell, there was no difference between where she started and her adored big sister ended. They're a unit; divorce made them rely on each other early on, so when one pulls away, what is the other to do? But now, Nell's a freshman in high school and Layla is changing, secretive. And then Nell discovers why. Layla is involved with one of their teachers. And even though Nell tries to support Layla, to understand that she's happy and in love, Nell struggles with her true feelings: it's wrong, and she must do something about it.

Review: 

  "I wanted to twinkle underwater like the lights of the city."

   This was one of mine and even Buzzfeed's most anticipated books of 2014. When I found it at the library a few weeks after it was published on May 27, I ran straight for it and grabbed it with my all-mighty strength. (LOL, yeah right.)

    After reading, I'm very glad that I've decided to read it. It was a novel of change, change from all of the mainstream books that are out there. This was a very well-written book. It's not the type that you'll want to re-read (at least I don't think so) but it's a pretty fun read that's sure to get you enticed in reading more from this splendid author.

     I just wanted to let you know that this isn't your average fluffy contemporary read. We Are the Goldens is more of a darker contemporary read. In some ways, it has the aspects of those that deal with abuse and rape (especially because how the characters were feeling at times, *cough*Layla*cough.* We usually never get those type of books in the stores. 

      The concept of this book was very well planned out. The author made the characters deal with very harsh problems that really affected them. A very naughty teacher, signs of depression, obsession, this book was full of everything.

       Second-person narratives aren't my favourite. I wasn't really glad that this book was written that way, Nell speaking to Layla through diary entries/letters/whatever it was, but we all have our favourite ways of books being written. With that said, the plot was kind of dull as well at times. 

        I don't know. Did some people think that this book was a roller coaster? Because for me, it wasn't. 

         For some people, I could see why they gave it a 5 star rating or a 4.5 one. This book stood out for some people because they have different tastes in drama contemporaries. For this book, it basically matters on what you like the whole time. The story was written extremely well, yes, but the plot at times didn't seem to get anywhere. There were no plot twists until the end and I found that this was dragging to much onto Nell's side when her sister is the main story here. The romance between Nell and Felix in the end just shouldn't have been added. We all know that we liked them JUST as friends! What was this, "Friends With Benefits?" 

         My utterly most favourite thing about this book was the relationships and friendships. The author absolutely made this the most BRILLIANT part of the book. She just mastered an A+ in friendship here. 

         The way Nell looked up to Layla really shows the truth behind the way most little siblings look up to the oldest ones. I'm the oldest sibling, and this book really gave us an idea from the minds of the youngsters. 

         I liked Nell, a lot. She was very independent and smart. In fact, she was more wiser and smarter than her bitch of a sister, let me tell you that. I'm not going to begin ranting on why I hate Layla, but by the end of the book, you'll realize that she was a s*ut and just went in the way of everything and messed everything up for everyone. She really showed that life isn't fair. 

       The parent-child relationships in this book was wonderful. For once, we had a wrecked-but-beautiful family over here, which rarely occurs in books. In a lot of novels, when the protagonist is going through something, the parent isn't even spoken of! 

          

         Overall, this book had its flaws and imperfections and all, but it was worth it to read without any doubts. If you liked anything by Carol Lynch Williams, then this will be a much-lighter breeze for you.

A Little Like Fate, by Cheyanne Young

A Little Like Fate (Robin and Tyler Series #1), by Cheyanne Young

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: July 1, 2014, by 336Love

Format: ebook






Goodreads Summary: Robin Carter made a promise to her grandfather on his deathbed: to stop killing herself climbing up the corporate ladder and to follow her heart- wherever it may lead. Her plan is to quit her life and hit the road in the middle of the night. When her knocked up teenage niece begs to come along, the pair find themselves stranded in the middle-of-nowhere Texas. Too much alcohol and one redneck festival later, she’s starting to regret everything until she trips over a handsome cowboy named Tyler. Whether it’s the alcohol or his sexy southern voice that sways her, she doesn’t know. But she’s going to find out.

Review:

*Review copy provided by author, Cheyanne Young, in exchange for an honest review.*

 I don't usually ever pick up books that are found in the NA genre, but when I do, I usually find that I made a good choice. :) And this was another of those cases! Cheyanne Young has absolutely stunned me with another of her beautiful novels!

    I've never read a NA novella, and this was a great start. For a book with 25, 000 words, you don't really expect much to happen, but Cheyanne Young always makes sure that we're on the edge of our seats, wanting more at the end of each chapter. The stories that she creates are just beautifying.

    "Oompa, loompa, doompidy dailure. Robin Carter is a total failure."

     My first thought after finishing this book? Hilarious and sarcastic. This author is such a master at making her readers laugh. I must admit, I usually keep a very serious face and feeling when reading books (I sit there reading with a poker face 24/7) but there are a few occasional books that make me laugh so hard. And this was one of them! Cheyanne is awesome, just awesome, at mastering sarcasm, and you could really see it through her witty characters. 

     Robin made a promise to her dying grandfather--to follow her dreams and do whatever she wants. She quits her life and heads onto the road with her pregnant niece, to wherever it'll take them. They end up in the middle of nowhere in Texas, far from their home in Houston, and Robin begins to regret everything until she meets hot cowboy Tyler, who definitely has his eyes on her.

     Robin was a very kick-ass protagonist. She was a rebel and didn't give a shiz on what people thought of her, even her stubborn hilarious niece, Miranda. She stayed put on their situation and always kept smart and had a good head on her shoulders. For a twenty-five year old, she could still act like a total teenager, and still be a mature boss at the same time. I loved her!

     Miranda was another total awesome chick. Although she was very dumb to let all of those bad things happen to her, she had that special something about her that not a lot of characters have or show.

     I love TYLER. Him and Robin are going to make a spectacular series, I can tell. Not much to say about him, especially because we've only just have gotten to know him, but I really like him and Robin together. 

      

     The only flaw that this book came to have was the plot in the beginning and the fact that something tiny was missing. I understand that this was the beginning of the novella series, but I wish that a teensy bit more would've happened, specifically in the romance aspect of the book. The beginning of this novella was very slow, and a little hard to get into. But I kept going hence the dark thoughts surrounding me and I made it and I ended up loving the book. It ended up awesome! From there, the plot picked up! 

      In conclusion, this novella was great! I'm absolutely pleased with the outcome and I'm eagerly waiting for the sequel! I recommend this to everyone looking for a light contemporary romance!

These Broken Stars, by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

These Broken Stars (Starbound #1), by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Dystopia, Science-Fiction, Romance

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Publication: December 10, 2013, by Disney-Hyperion

Format: Hardcover Edition





Goodreads Summary: It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

Review: 

"Tarver is so certain I'm me, I'm his girl--but how can he know? I want to believe him. Sometimes I almost do. I want to believe I'm more than imaginary smoke drifting from an imaginary chimney. But for the scrape of fabric against my bare, raw skin as I dress, I would think myself no more than a memory."

  

  There are rare times when you can possibly classify a book as "beautiful." But, this book was, inside and out. This was an addicting, gorgeous book that went through a whole different stage than most sci-fi dystopia books do. This was literature brilliance.

   I'm so glad that I requested an ARC of the sequel from the publisher. I NEED IT ASAP.

Lilac LaRoux is the daughter of the richest man alive. Tarver is just an ordinary soldier, a guy who knows better than what it seems. When the humungous spaceliner that they live on, the Icarus, crashes into the nearest planet after its yanked out of hyperspace, Lilac and Tarver realize that they're the only two around. They must work together to find help and rescue and survival, and at the same time, they fall in love into each other's arms, but never knew it until the end. Lilac hears whispers calling their names, and mysterious sightings of people and supplies have been shown around. They must figure out the secrets behind the reason why they were thrown onto the planet, before it's too late.

    We've all read those sci-fi dystopias where people live in ships heading towards a new safe planet after the Earth was demolished. But then of course, something comes in the way of the happiness, and action and a trilogy of romance with a love triangle begins. NO. This book is something completely different, thrilling and more beautiful. This is These Broken Stars, an unique YA novel that has never been done before. This is about a powerful, thrilling romance and survival story that will cause you to bite your fingernails until their tips. You will laugh, cry, and scream with Tarver and Lilac as they find out the truth behind everything and still struggle to survive, because hey, crashing into an unknown terraforming planet is difficult, right?

     This idea was unstoppable. The two fantastic authors have just created a masterpiece right here, and I recommend it truly to everyone out there. It has a mix of everything for everyone and isn't your typical YA novel. It's something more and bolder. The concept and idea was just amazing.

     Before beginning the novel, I was very afraid to see the outcome of this book. I knew that I've never read anything like it. The first time for everything can either end up good or bad, aren't I right? But from the start, I had an insta-love moment with this book. From the moment Tarver and Lilac set eyes on each other, I knew that this book was going to end up being one of my favourites; and look where we are now!

      As I went on with the book it got better and better. I needed some clarification with things, though. Why are they on this ship in the first place? How did Tarver get onto the ship? Why an army if they live on a spaceliner? More information on how the spaceliner looks please, and the purpose of this whole spaceliner/hyperspace thing? An answer to those questions, and I would've been good.

       There wasn't a moment in this book when I wasn't bored. It was thrilling and amazing the whole time and I couldn't set the book down. It was like a drug that you get this addiction effect from. You like awesome and thrilling plots? Go for this, and for the other reasons as well.

       Tarver and Lilac were perfection. They were such amazing characters, you can't even imagine. In my eyes, their connection was just unbeatable. You can't possibly take another set of characters and compare them to Tilac. (OTP) I'm sorry, Fourtris, but you've just got beaten by the newest couple in town.

        Their situation was like, if you're here, I'm there for you. The love and beautifying thing they had going on since the moment they met (but they just couldn't admit it until they couldn't stop kissing each other, hehe) was one of the most enjoying parts of the book, not that everything else wasn't.

         "But just now, as we wait for the engines to kick in, all of that is far away. For a moment the image before us is frozen: our world, our lives, reduced to a handful of broken stars half lost in unchartered space. Then it's gone, the view swallowed by the hyperspace winds streaming past, blue-green auroras wiping the afterimages away. Until that's all left of us."

        So.. Can I be part of that world?

   

     Hey, that looks like Lilac!

     Yes, so the world-building in this book was also perfect. I really felt like I was part of the world that Tarver and Lilac were living in, and we actually feel like we absolutely ASAP need to be in that world or else we'll suffocate ourselves. Yeah. It's that mind-crazing. 

      This book was unbelievably amazing. It's one of the best of the year, and certainly one of my all-time favourites. Sadly, the sequel isn't from the POV of Tarver and Lilac. :( Hopefully the next pair will be just as KICK-ASS.

Flame, by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Flame (Sky Chasers #3), by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Science-Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, Dystopia, Romance

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: January 7, 2014, by St. Martin's Griffin

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: In the thrilling conclusion to the Sky Chasers series Waverly, Kieran, and Seth struggle to survive on-board the New Horizon—and take down their enemies before it's too late.

Waverly and the other members of the Empyrean have scattered, and their home ship has been destroyed. Their mission to rescue their parents didn't go as planned, and now they're at an even greater disadvantage: trapped with their enemies on the New Horizon, trying to find a way to survive. Kieran has been pulled under Anne Mather’s wing, but is she really trying to make peace, or just using Kieran to build her own power? Meanwhile, Waverly is taken in by a mysterious old man who wants to help her bring Anne Mather down—but the more Waverly cooperates with him, the more dangerous her position is, and the more at odds with Kieran she becomes.

Seth's situation is even worse. After setting out from the Empyrean on his own, with only a vague strategy to guide him, he is a fugitive aboard the New Horizon. He's doing what he can to challenge the power of Anne Mather, but he's badly hurt, and getting sicker.

Will Seth ever see Waverly again? Will his health hold out long enough to help her topple their enemies? And will Waverly find a way to unite with her friends before they all fall? Nothing is sure and every moment is a risk in this explosive finale of the Sky Chasers series.

Review:

  From a thrilling start to an okay middle, we all expect either the good or the bad for the ending. I'm very proud to admit that Amy Kathleen Ryan has done it again with Flame. This was a heart-pounding thrilling ending to the trilogy, and she just topped it off with the perfect ending that we never would've imagined happening in the first book. 

   I'd really like to begin talking about that ending first. So this was my reaction when I was done with the book:

     I just couldn't believe it came out like that. I guess you could say that it was a sad ending in a way (if you like Waverly and have your ships for her) but I say that it was the best ending that was suited for this trilogy. I mean, I never saw it coming from the start. It was a major plot twist that just flipped things around from the ordinary. Waverly was absolutely suited to have that kind of ending. She was too spoiled and everything had to revolve around her during the past times, so now it's her turn to not be happy. (Oh em gee I sound so mean, but I really hate Waverly.) I was going to give this book a 3.5/5 star rating, but when the amazing ending showed up, I just had to give it a 4. 

       As most series go, this book started off where Spark ended. The previous book didn't have a huge plot twist or surprise at the end, so it's not like we start off with a huge action scene or anything. Everything's chill but you still are asking the book many questions, that you really want to be answered by the end of this book. And I have to admit, all of my questions were answered, and that's the magic of Amy Kathleen Ryan. So the Empyrean has been destroyed, and everyone's scattered around everywhere, basically. It's like the aftermath of a war or natural disaster. People are depressed, people are crying, and some people are still looking for revenge and evilness to get back on people. The key thing in this book is the people's survival. Some children are totally orphaned, and others are happy. It's an up and down situation, and supposedly Waverly and the other main characters are trying to create peace and make everything back to the way it's supposed to be, and part of making peace is bringing Anne Mathers down. Haha, you must be thinking:

        And guess what? She... well you'll have to go onto my Goodreads review to see that spoiler if you really need to. :) Just let me begin with my Waverly-hate on this matter. So we all know that Anne and Waverly have been enemies from the start, right? Well when something happens to Anne, Waverly gets all sad and holds her hand and feels so much pity. Pity, you ask? Yes, pity. *grumpy cat face* I just don't freakin' understand! You're enemy is dying living, and YOU'RE HOLDING HER HAND AND FEELING PITY? Anne was a total bitch and I have to admit that they both deserved to DIE. I finally let my anger out on that matter, phew.

          The plot was pretty slow in the middle. The beginning and ending were absolutely awesome and Ryan definitely knew how to captivate us in and out. Since this was the ending, so many things were happening and our questions were getting answered all throughout the book, so I will never classify and say that I was bored with this book, because that's just *Last Book Sin*. 

           But I do have to say that the characters were hideous. For a while, I have never seen such a horrible group of characters-- and that really saddens me to say. We all depend on characters, love characters, and relate to characters, but in this book, I cannot even say that we were close to at least disliking them, I was hating them so much that I wish I could've traded them in for some other people. This was probably because of their stupidity, choices, and emotions. Every character, and I'm pointing to you, Waverly, was stupid. These people did not know what to do in the worst case situations and somewhat went on the bad people's side. It just confuses me! And their mood swings, UGH. Waverly's all nice and happy then she turns so cruel and mean. 

          "At one time, Waverly and Lena had been close and had even belonged to the same book club. They used to laugh together at one witty novel or another, giggling at passages, eyes alight as they imagined the green pastures of preindustrial England."

           Oh, I understand why they're not close anymore... *creepy grin*

            But there was one character who really stood out and shined in this book for me, and that was Seth. I used to hate this guy in the previous books, but I actually really love him.

                 Just like that. 

                 And I don't really want to get started on the romance because of Kieran and Waverly. Since I hated both of them, I didn't really see any nice connection because Waverly was a) trying to fight but was really bad or b) being cranky. So I don't know.

                  So the characters took out one major star from the book, and you probably know that I have hated them since the beginning, but Waverly has gotten worse during every book. But in conclusion, the ending was absolutely spectacular and was a very enjoyable read.

                   "What do I have that you could possibly want?" Waverly said, pulling her cardigan closer around her. He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "I want what everyone wants: peace." "Seems to me everyone wants power," Waverly shot back.

N is for Alyson Nöel

     Spring is finally here! Alyson Nöel's books' colours remind me that summer is finally coming, and that I have to catch up on more of her books! So... N is for Alyson Nöel, an extraordinary young adult author. 
   
   First off, lets start off with the single novels, Art Geeks and Prom Queens, and Kiss & Blog. Art Geeks and Prom Queens is about sixteen-year old Rio Jones, whose mother is a supermodel, who moves from bright New York to sunny California, where everything is about being popular. When she meets Kristi, a beautiful, rich cheerleader, Rio doesn't have one guess that she'll become her friend, but she does. At first as Rio is having a great time, she never realized that you don't cross Kristi...
   
   I've been wanting to read this one for a while, and here I did, and I really loved it! Rio was smart, fun and everything a girl would want themselves to be like. I really liked this book because Rio put confidence in herself and was independent. She stood up for herself against the stupid girls who think the world revolves around them. It's the perfect girly book that will keep you running away from those who turn your world upside down!

   Next off, we have Kiss & Blog, another single novel. Kiss & Blog features Winter and Sloane, two best friends ready for high school, where they make a pact that they will become noticed. When Sloane gets the real life, and ditches Winter, Winter needs to realize that friends should stick together, even in their times of need, and to get revenge. 

  Kiss & Blog was one worthy read. I enjoyed this book a lot, it was a fun, girly, chick-lit for any teen, lovers of The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants. Winter was a really strong heroine, but I hated her Sloane! ! I knew she was up to something! Although Alyson Noel was stronger in Art Geeks and Prom Queens, I enjoyed this book as well.

  Radiance. Radiance is a four-part series written for a tween audience, by Alyson here. Riley Bloom has crossed into the afterlife, the Here, where time is always Now, because of her death in a car accident, that also took the life of her parents, but left her sister, Ever, behind. She's picked up a happy new life where she's been assigned a job, to become a Soul Seeker, and fight ghosts with her "teacher," Bodhi. This time around, both Riley and Bodhi have to find the mysterious Radiant Boy, a ghost that's been haunting a castle in England for centuries. 

   Radiance and the rest of the series made my heart literally swim, and fly, in this case. Alyson showed that she could write both fantasy, and romance, in one, to truly satisfy her readers. I enjoyed the series very much, and I hope that Nöel will soon start a series on a new concept. 

   Last but not least, Evermore. Evermore is about Ever, who lost her parents and her younger sister, Riley (Yes, there's a relation.) in a car accident. As she comes back into Earth, she realizes that she could see people's auras and know someone's life story by simply touching them. She is brought to a new high school where everything changes when she meets Damon. Damon draws Ever into his world of secrets and mystery and falls in love, when she finds he's like her, an immortal.
   
   Evermore was amazing. Damon and Ever truly showed physical romance, that you can't keep apart. Nöel wrote as if in a way that she takes Ever's role in life very seriously. GO EVERMORE!

   I chose Alyson Nöel because she's a great inspirational author for young readers, showing that you could be anything you want to be, and that dreams can simply come true. I adore her books, and will definitely keep on reading the rest of the Immortal series very soon!


QOTD: Who is your favourite author, and why? 
   

L is for April Lindner

   Bonjour! L is for an awesome author, April Linder, author of Jane and Catherine, two books that are based on classic stories, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, but with a twist!

   Okay, so lets start off with the first book she wrote, that was the best one, Jane. Jane takes place in a world, similar to ours, where Jane Moore is forced to drop out of an East Coast Collage after her parents' sudden death. 

    Uh huh, so you are listening! Anywho, Jane takes a nanny job at the estate of famous rock star, Nico Rathburn. Independant and confident, Jane soon begins to enroll a romance with the hunky star, and begins to discover a mystery about the estate. Torn between love and mysteries, Jane has to decide whether love should be taken a chance with, if a secret unfolds in between.

      

    This is how I felt after I finished this book. Jane was the perfect book for me, because I adore romance, and a little mystery in-between. Nico might've sounded stubborn, but he turned into a great male character. So, the lesson of this book is to take a chance with love, because you may have found the "one."

    Next, Catherine. Catherine was released this year, prior to Jane, kind of as a spinoff to Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte. Catherine takes place with two points of view, Catherine's, and Chelsea's, in two different time periods, the 80's and I guess, modern day? 

     Catherine is your average teenager, with a not-so-average life. Her father owns an underground nightclub, The Underground, in Manhattan. When she meets the mysterious Hence, she falls in love immediately with the talented musician.  But when their love is tested by a true amount of fate, can the two still be together by the end?

     Chelsea always had believed that her mom died of an illness years ago, but when she discovers a letter her dad's been hiding from her for years, a letter stating that she went missing, Chelsea has to go seek for her, and the first place she goes to, the place where it all began, The Underground. Taken in two points of views, two different lives, April Lindner truly showed her side of things in this novel.

     Catherine surprised me. I truly thought that it'd be five stars, but I gave it four, because it wasn't as strong as Jane. Although Jane was better, I still enjoyed Catherine very much, with the romance, mystery, and time periods. A great story for any teens seeking a good mystery-romance novel.

      Overall, I dedicated this post to April Lindner, because she is a fantastic author. Her storylines actually place you in her stories, filling you with thousands of thoughts keeping you awake for hours. Jane and Catherine fufilled my requirements of a great book, and went beyond. 

Question of The Day: What is your favourite classic book? Do you think that there should be a spinoff book, such as Jane or Catherine?