Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Title:    Wither

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Pages:  368

Genre: YA/ Dystopian

Source: Simon & Schuster

In a world where modern science has evolved human beings into genetic time bombs — where males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty.  It has become a hopeless world where most have to resort to prostitution, force and violence.  Where young girls are thrust into polygamous marriages in order to keep civilization alive.  

When Rhine is kidnapped by Gatherers and forced to be a Bride to Governor Linden - she is forced into a world of wealth and privilege.  A new world that although she might not have chosen, she can live comfortable enough.  It also helps that she resembles Governor Linden's first wife, Rose, and that she is not sore on the eyes.  But Rhine can dream of only one thing.... Freedom.  She dreams of returning home to her twin brother and living out the rest of her days (the remaining four years) there.  She has no wish to be any man's bride, nor live competing with sister brides, and especially not of bringing a child into a hopeless world.

She knows that she'll have to be smart in order to break free and hopefully with the help of the new friend she finds in her assistant, Gabriel, she just might be able to find hope and the means to break free.

This is my favorite type of dystopia.  Where it's not overly incredible - where science took a wrong turn and altered the way things were.  Nothing too drastic.  Nothing involving bombs or the devastation of the planet.  Just some slight tweaks that can make a whole new world of difference.  That is what you'll find in Wither.

There were various different dynamics in this story that I really liked.  For instance, I loved the camaraderie between Rhine and her sister wives, Jenna and Cecily.  Although they had one main thing in common, Linden, they also found some peace with one another.  Even though all three girls felt differently about their marriage and their living situation, they still cared for each other and formed bonds.  There was also the Linden situation - an unwanted husband.  Although Rhine (and you, as the reader) want to hate him you find that you can't.  He is naive and unaware of exactly how ruthless and cunning the world and his father can be.  Not to mention his feelings for Rhine and, her sister wives, are true.  Then there is the relationship between Rhine and Gabriel - that although it never felt like love to me (at least not yet) can eventually become something stronger.  I think Rhine is too focused in this first book in the trilogy in finding freedom than she is finding true love.  I commend her for that.  

Ms. DeStefano's Wither is a story that will captivate you.  It will hold you from its first pages and spit you out at then end with only one thought:  I need more!   Rhine is a very strong and brave young woman.  Her oppressive situation is one that will have you at the edge of your seat (whether it be in anger, indignation, or just because you can't sit still from the excitement of it all).  I cannot wait to see what happens next.

My Rating:

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Title:     Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Pages:  272
Genre:  YA/Teen
Source: Purchased

“I’ve left some clues for you.

If you want them, turn the page.

If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? [via GoodReads]

This review might be a bit biased since I am a big fan of Rachel and David's prior novels.  So as I'm sure you can guess, I loved Dash & Lily's Book of Dares!   

Told through alternating POV chapters we get to meet Lily and Dash.  Lily is spending the holidays on her own this year.  Her parents and grandfather are out of town and she is left with her brother who is more into his boyfriend then what Lily is up to.  So she decides to leave a notebook with clues in the infamous Strand bookstore in New York City.  Luckily the notebook lands in the hands of Dash - who is smart and brave enough to decipher Lily's clues and they're off on a wonderful adventure.  A holiday adventure that will lead them not only to an awesome assortment of tourist infested NYC holiday spots, but also down a path of self-discovery and possibly... romance.    

What I especially loved about Dash and Lily was how opposite to each other they both are.  I guess it's true  when they say, opposites attract.  Dash hates Christmas - he's more of the brooding, "snarly" sort.  He lied to both of his parents telling each that he was spending the holidays with the other just so he could have some time alone.  Lily loves the holidays to the point where she's even part of a caroling troupe.  She hates the fact that this will be her first Christmas without her family.  Dash was more of the daring type - while Lily was more of a goody two shoes. And although the plot moves along because of the notebook and the different challenges it presents, the internal dialogue, notebook entries and discussions between the characters were a treat to read.  As with all Cohn and Levithan collaborations - the characters are witty, snarky, sarcastic and downright fun.  

This is the perfect holiday read.  It is clever, funny, and simply a joy to read.

My Rating:

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title:   Anna and the French Kiss

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Pages:  384

Genre:  YA/Teen

Source: Around the World ARC Tours

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited? [via GoodReads]

Anna and the French Kiss...  What a great title, don't you think?  I absolutely fell in love with this story - about American Anna being sent off to boarding school in none other than Paris.  With no friends or family in Paris - Anna finds herself alone and crying over her circumstance.  Luckily the girl next door hears her wailing and takes pity on poor Anna and invites her over for some hot chocolate (because really, hot chocolate is soothing to the soul).  Through her new friend she meets other kids that also attend the school, but she especially meets Etienne St. Claire.   Etienne - the perfect boy, he's cute, funny, smart, he's into history, has a British accent (which I find quite sexy), and he is a great friend to Anna.  

I loved the relationship between Anna and Etienne.  Ms. Perkins realistically captures this couple's relationship perfectly.  Although I do believe in love at first sight, that is usually not the case.  Relationships take time - sometimes they start through friendship and slowly evolve into more.  That is the case with Anna and St. Claire Etienne.  Two individuals who are not perfect, yet they are perfectly flawed.  I loved everything about them. 

Aside from the romance (le sigh), the descriptions of Paris are so stunningly visual.  I loved reading about the local hangouts, the museums, the restaurants, the theatre... but especially, the food.  I think I may just need a trip to Paris to verify facts (wink wink).

In conclusion, I can honestly say that Anna and the French Kiss lives up to the hype.  It really is awesome.  It is a sweet romance that will have you feeling so warm and fuzzy inside I guarantee you'll feel all yummy for a while just thinking about it.  One of the best books I've read this year.  I cannot recommend it enough.

My Rating:

When the Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer

Title:  When the Stars Go Blue
Author: Caridad Ferrer
Pages:  336
Genre:  YA/Teen
Source: Around the World ARC Tours

A dancer driven to succeed.

A musical prodigy attempting to escape his past.

The summer they share.

And the moment it all goes wrong.

Dance is Soledad Reyes’s life. About to graduate from Miami’s Biscayne High School for the Performing Arts, she plans on spending her last summer at home teaching in a dance studio, saving money, and eventually auditioning for dance companies. That is, until fate intervenes in the form of fellow student Jonathan Crandall who has what sounds like an outrageous proposition: Forget teaching. Why not spend the summer performing in the intense environment of the competitive drum and bugle corps? The corps is going to be performing Carmen, and the opportunity to portray the character of the sultry gypsy proves too tempting for Soledad to pass up, as well as the opportunity to spend more time with Jonathan, who intrigues her in a way no boy ever has before.

But in an uncanny echo of the story they perform every evening, an unexpected competitor for Soledad's affections appears: Taz, a member of an all-star Spanish soccer team. One explosive encounter later Soledad finds not only her relationship with Jonathan threatened, but her entire future as a professional dancer. [via GoodReads]

What originally grabbed my attention when I first heard of When the Stars Go Blue was the fact that the story takes place in Miami.  Being a South Floridian all my life I knew that recognizing all the landmarks mentioned throughout the book would make reading this story even more enjoyable. 

Aside from the awesome setting, I loved the world of dance depicted in these pages.  Soledad breathes and lives... dance - it is her world... and Ms. Ferrer expertly captures the ups and downs that can be associated with it.  Soledad was such a passionate, driven, and strong individual.  She's the type to live in the moment and when she truly believes in something, she gives it her all.  When she's asked by Jonathan to play the part of Carmen as a dancer in his drum and bugle corps she agrees not only for the dancing but also because of her fascination with Jonathan.  Their relationship is passionate and very intense but eventually starts crossing over into a place where you know cannot be healthy.  Jonathan is jealous and possessive and eventually this takes a toll on their relationship. 

This is a retelling of the opera Carmen. It is emotion-packed with very strong and three dimensional characters.  The rich descriptions of Soledad's dancing, Jonathan's passion for music and even Taz's love of soccer are so expressive and well done.  My only complaint (and it's a small one) is that the story lagged a little towards the middle, but otherwise, it was very, very good.  I was impressed with this retelling of Carmen and can definitely say that Ms. Ferrer did a phenomenal job in revamping and making this story her own... not to mention bringing it to the attention of YA readers.   This is a very moving and emotional read - one that will have you laughing at times and crying at others.  Don't miss out on it. 

My Rating:

Torment by Lauren Kate

Title: Torment
Author: Lauren Kate
Pages:  464
Genre: YA / Paranormal
Source: Purchased / Book It Forward Tours 

Hell on earth. That's what it's like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel. It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts - immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students -Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn't told her everything. He's hiding something - something dangerous. What if Daniel's version of the past isn't actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else? The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies. [via GoodReads]

I was not a huge fan of Fallen - I mean, yes, I liked it, but I was a bit apprehensive when I finally saw that Torment was coming out.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it, but at the same time I did want to read it... yes, as you can tell, I was confused about the whole thing.  

In Torment, Daniel has Luce sequestered all cozy-like in a Nephilim school.  This way he doesn't have to worry so much for her safety (considering she has all these powerful Nephilim-type folk around) while he and Cam are off to fight bigger evils.  But Luce is not too happy about her situation.  For one, Daniel is not there with her.  She's at a new school, without a familiar face around, and her lack of knowledge of what is truly going on has her frustrated, annoyed and wanting to act out. 

I found the title of this novel to be right on the money.  I felt tormented the whole time I was reading it.  Between Luce's angst and pining for Daniel, the discovery of her past lives and the possibility that Daniel might not be the one for her... and then on top of all that, being left with so many unanswered questions, I was at the point where I wanted to pull out someone's hair (preferably not my own). 

I find that I am on the fence about this series.  I can't say that I love it, but I surely don't hate it.  It has its appeal - with a very intriguing premise - but I'm just not fully captivated by it (at least, not yet).  I wait the next in the series, Passion, to hopefully get me off the fence and into the winning team. 

My Rating:

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Title: Choker

Author: Elizabeth Woods

Pages:  240

Genre: YA / Thriller

Source: Simon & Schuster

Cara has never felt like she fits in.  The only time she ever felt like she fit in was with Zoe.  They were inseparable when they were younger.  The best of friends.  But Cara's parents ended up moving away and shortly thereafter the girls lost contact with one another.  Now in high school, Cara, still doesn't fit it.  Although she may sit with the artsy clique at school - she knows she's really not one of them.  Her situation only gets worse when she accidentally chokes on a carrot causing the mean girls in school to make fun of her... calling her Choker and mimicking choking sounds when she passes.  But just when things seem the worst Zoe comes back into her life.  Asking for help and looking for a place to stay and hide out from her abusive stepfather.  Cara readily agrees and hides Zoe away in her room.  The girls friendship picks right back up where they left off with Zoe promising that now that she's back in Cara's life it will be so much better.  But when Zoe is tied to the two deaths in Cara's town she'll find that Zoe might not be the girl that Cara remembers her to be.

I felt so bad for Cara.  The bullying she endures, the mean girls... I wanted to smack these girls around.  Are kids really this cruel?  I don't remember high school being this terrible.  Either way, poor little Cara.  She was shy and quiet, had no real friends, the boy she crushed on didn't even acknowledge her existence, even her parents more or less neglected her.  But with Zoe in her life she was a different girl.  The friendship between the two girls was both dark and light.  Zoe being the reckless and strong one while Cara was more the shy and submissive one.  The push and pull between them, the whole 'opposites attract' friendship was one of the most interesting traits of the story. 

The mystery and suspense that you'll find in Choker though is (to me) the best aspect of the story.  It slowly builds in little increments that you can even look over at first, but little by little you start to get the feeling that something is wrong.  Deadly wrong.  There were twists and turns that I did not see coming and the ending just blew me away.  My recommendation DO NOT let anyone spoil this magnificent ending for you.  It will leave you reeling ... with your mouth hanging open and a big OH HELL NAW! on your lips. 

There are many words I can use to describe Choker... terrifying, disturbing, suspenseful, thriller, but I'll leave you with one... Awesome!

My Rating:

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Title: Cryer's Cross

Author: Lisa McMann

Pages: 240

Genre:  YA / Paranormal / Horror

Source: Simon & Schuster

When a teenage girl goes missing in the small farm town of Cryer's Cross the whole town is rocked to its core.  Especially affected is Kendall Fletcher.  Kendall wasn't that friendly with her missing school mate but the angst of her disappearance is causing havoc on her OCD-addled brain.   When another teen goes missing, this time Kendall's boyfriend Nico - she fears that she may not survive the event.  With her mind on hyper-awareness she starts comparing the two disappearances and makes the connection that both of the missing kids sat at the same school desk.  But when she begins receiving graffiti messages and even hears a voice, that can only be Nico's,  coming from the desk she'll find herself doubting her sanity. 

I love Lisa McMann's simplistic writing.  She tells so much using so few words... I'm really impressed.  By telling the story in the third-person present tense narrative it gives the story a fast-paced feeling which makes Cryer's Cross quite the page-turner. 

I could not help sympathizing with Kendall.  She was a very likeable girl.  I'm no expert on OCD so I can't say how true to form it is, but I think Ms. McMann captured it perfectly.  The rituals and routines, the counting to calm herself - I would say made Kendall even more endearing - it gave her character. Aside from these quirks, she was a normal girl.  She loved to dance and sing, she loved soccer and made friends quite easily.  Nico her BFF and more recently boyfriend was her life and she is obviously thrown off track at his disappearance. 

Aside from the major ripples the disappearance of Nico is causing on Kendall's life, there is also Jacian.  The new boy in school who is angry to have left his old school, girlfriend and soccer team behind to now live on his grandfather's farm and attend a school that has so few students that a soccer team can't even be put together.  The friendship that they form was one of the lighter aspects of the novel. 

But what truly made this novel was the chill factor.  Ms. McMann had me with goosebumps for more than half the time I was reading it.  It starts off very slowly... with a few words at the beginning of each chapter, a scrape and a bump in the night... and it slowly escalates throughout the story.  By the last couple of chapters I was literally at the edge of my seat. 

All in all, I found Cryer's Cross to be a riveting  and deliciously creepy read.  The suspense, the mystery, the romance (le sigh) were all there... along with many chill inducing moments.  This is another solid book for Lisa McMann (and a stand alone to boot).  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

My Rating:

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title:  Delirium

Author: Lauren Oliver

Pages:  448

Genre:  YA/ Dystopian

Source: Netgalley

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -the deliria- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demand that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love. [via GoodReads]

Imagine a world without love... a world where your partner in life is chosen for you, where you don't have strong nor deep feelings for anything (family, friends, even something as meaningless as food or even music).  Your children are just that, your children.  You don't necessarily love them.  This was such a seductive concept for me that from the moment I first heard of Ms. Oliver's Delirium I just knew I had to read it.

Lena was a great heroine.  She tried so hard to be perfect, to follow the rules.  She had been counting down till the day of her cure for months.  Obviously falling in love threw a wrench in her well laid out plans.  Alex the boy she falls for is quite the charmer.  I think I may have fallen in love with him along with her.  Their love was sweet and innocent and the way that it came to be was charming.  Their relationship as well as that of Lena and her BFF Hana were very well done.  I loved their discussions, the push and pull between the characters... the emotions.  It was all very creative - yet believable.  I also liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and how they came into play with what was going on in the story.  It was almost like a foreshadowing or warning of what was to come .

I truly became emotionally invested in these characters - I could not help myself.  I found that I needed for everything to work out for Lena and Alex, that a society really couldn't be this jaded.   I was literally on a roller-coaster of emotions throughout.  Ms. Oliver's writing is fluid and fresh and something that you become a part of from the moment you read those first pages.  I really liked her debut novel, Before I Fall, but I absolutely loved Delirium.  I, not only read it in one sitting (oh yea, and it's 400+ pages long), but once I was done with it I could not get it out of my head.  I still think about it (and it's been a few weeks since I read it).  

All in all,  Delirium is riddled with engaging characters, heartbreaking emotional conflict,  fast-paced action and a realism that is only enhanced by its dystopian setting.  I cannot recommend this one enough.  It will haunt you.

My Rating:

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Demonglass

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Pages:  368

Genre:  YA/ Parnormal

Source:  Different Area Codes Book Tours

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she? [via GoodReads]

For some reason I always have issues with the second book in a series.  Demonglass is the exception to that rule... this book was AHHHH-Mazing!  Oh yes, for those of you who have already met Sophie Mercer  then you know she is not merely a witch, but something much more powerful.  The story picks up right after Hex Hall ends and you know how that ended.  Sophie waits for her father, hating what she is and looking for answers.  She remains the bright, yet stubborn girl we have all come to know and love.  Her witty-ness and sarcasm are still her defining qualities.  I especially loved her inner dialogues and her sarcastic comments... I mean really, the girl is hilarious.  Especially when it comes to her father and their moments of father/daughter bonding.

In Demonglass you meet some new characters and get to better know some of the one's you 've already  met.  Sophie's dad being one of them.  You also learn more of Jenna (Sophie's vamp-BFF) as well as Cal (the groundskeeper at Hex Hall).   The plot is just as riveting as the first - with The Eye out to get her  and Archer back in the picture, you can just imagine how riveted I was (wink-wink).

Demonglass has so many twists and turns it will leave you reeling.  There's magic, danger, suspense and (ahem) a love triangle that will have you flying through its pages.  The mystery and suspense will have you on your toes... I, for one, was never able to figure it out - and that cliffhanger ending.... WOW!   Nothing is as it seems and I cannot wait to have my many questions answered.  "Write-On Ms. Hawkins!"  I will be inpatiently waiting for Hex Hall #3.

My Rating:

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

Title:  Bright Young Things

Author:  Anna Godbersen

Pages:400

Genre: YA/ Historical

Source:  Different Area Codes Book Tours

The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties. 

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star… 

Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will. 

The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets. 

Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall—together and apart.  [via GoodReads]

Set in 1929 Manhattan... that alone should have you sighing.  What a wonderful time frame for a novel to take place within.  Ms. Godbersen does a phenomenal job of bringing the 20's glitz and glamor to life in the pages of Bright Young Things.  

Cordelia and Letty depart their small Ohio town in the hopes of leaving their mark on New York City but both are seeking two very different things.  While Letty dreams of being a star and seeing her name in bright lights, Cordelia is on the search for her long lost father.  She meets socialite Astrid and a friendship quickly ensues.  Their three stories interlock and interweave and are full of scandal, intrigue, and romance. 

With rarely a dull moment you'll find yourself whisked away to glamorous Long Island mansions and to the bright stages of Broadway.  The writing is very detailed - you'll almost feel as if you are watching a movie.  I could perfectly envision the girls, the clothes, the socialites, the parties.  I also loved how true to the time the way the characters expressions and sayings are.  

This is the first book in what will be a four-part series so don't expect all loose ends to be wrapped up by the story's closure.  But don't let that stop you - the girls, their dreams, their struggles will grab you from the start and will not let you go till you are done with it.  I was very impressed and cannot wait for the next installment in the series.  

Plus, can you really resist a book that has a prologue that says: 

 "One would be famous, one would be married, and one would be dead." 

Yea, I didn't think so.

  

My Rating:

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Title: A Touch Mortal

Author: Leah Clifford

Pages: 432

Genre: YA/ Paranormal

Source: Around the World ARC Tours

Eden didn’t expect Az.

Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.

Yeah.

So long happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.

She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else’s game. Her heart is her own.

And that’s only the beginning of the end. [via GoodReads]

I found that I had a tough time getting the gist of A Touch Mortal.  There were too many characters, too many struggles, too many paranormal aspects.... I admit I was having a tough time with it.  Then there was all the new lingo:  Siders, Screamers, Fallen, Bound, Upstairs, Downstairs, Touch,  etc.  But slowly it all started coming into place and once I finally got it - this book was great!

The story is told in the third person which was great because with so many characters it was the easiest and simplest way to tell the story.  Eden was a great leading lady.  She was witty and spunky and right from the moment she spots Az on the beach (Page 1), I knew I would really like her. She is far from perfect - makes tough choices, some good, some not so much - but that's exactly what I liked about her.  Other characters like Az, Gabe and Kristen also play crucial roles in the story as well.  They are all strong, likeable and move the story along.  There are still more characters, but I won't go into further details on them since although they also play roles in the story they are not as big.

There were some dark and strong themes underlying the story.  It dealt a lot with suicide and temptation.  And although at times I found it graphic and even gruesome - I also think Ms. Clifford did a good job when discussing suicide without glorifying or sugarcoating the act. 

Overall I thought the premise had definite appeal, the characters are strong and likeable and the world building was phenomenal.  My only complaint would be with the first half of the book - which I felt confused throughout most of it.  Once I started getting a feel for the story and understanding more of what was going on then I was able to relax and enjoy it more.  The second half of this book was really action-packed.  I felt my heart at my throat more than once.  And I will mention that although most of the issues relating to this first book were resolved throughout the story, there were many doors left open for the next book in the series.  I found A Touch Mortal to be strong, dark and definitely different.   One of the best Angel books I've read.

My Rating:

Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith

Title:  Back When You Were Easier to Love
Author:  Emily Wing Smith
Pages: 304
Genre: YA/ Teen
Source: Around the World ARC Tours

WHO ZAN IS:
Blow-your-mind brilliant.  Stop-your-heart gorgeous. Hold-your-breath clever. 

WHO ZAN WAS:
Joy’s boyfriend. 

WHY JOY NEEDS HIM BACK:
So she can breathe again. 

WHAT THAT MEANS:
An elaborate road trip involving a SAAB 900, Sprite, and Barry Manilow. Oh, and Noah, Zan’s irritating-but-almost-charming ex-best friend. Original and insightful, quirky and crushing, Joy’s story is told in surprising and artfully shifting flashbacks between her life then and her life now. Exquisite craft and wry, relatable humor signal the arrival of Emily Wing Smith as a breakout talent. [via GoodReads]

When Zan leaves Joy she is left feeling deserted, abandoned, heartbroken and with one goal... to get Zan back!  Joy's friends all know she is better off without Zan, but obviously this means nothing to her.  Instead she plans a cross-country trip with Zan's ex-BFF, Noah, so she can find Zan and make him hers again.  

At first, I had a hard time getting through the first couple of chapters in this book.  For one thing, I could not relate to Joy.  She was stalkerish, mean-spirited, pathetic and more than once I found her whiny.  But, and thankfully, I persevered and really ended up enjoying Back When You Were Easier to Love.  

Joy is a very multi-layered character - and although she does come off as everything I said above, she's also a girl who lost the boy whom she thought was her soulmate.  She obviously does some growing up throughout the story although sadly not as much as I would have hoped for.  But I will say that that was okay.  It seemed somewhat realistic.  We don't always get what we want no matter how much me whine and pine for it.  

My favorite parts in the story were the road trip.  I liked the friendship that she forms with Noah and how she comes to learn that there may be more to a "Soccer Lovin' Kid".  One other aspect of the novel that I also found interesting - although we only just get glimpses of it - was Joy's Mormon faith. 

Overall, I enjoyed Back When You Were Easier to Love. I liked Ms. Smith's writing style and, as always, love when there are lists and notes scattered throughout the book as there were here. All in all, it was cute and it was fun - although it may not be for everyone.

My Rating:

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst

Title:  Enchanted Ivy

Author:  April Lindner

Pages: 320

Genre: YA / Fantasy

Source: Good Golly Miss Holly ARC Tours

When Lily accompanies her grandfather to his yearly reunion at Princeton the most she thought  she'd see were the school grounds - maybe even take a tour of the school she hopes to one day attend.  Little did she know that she would instead be participating in a top-secret Legacy Test that if she succeeds in will grant her an early scholarship to Princeton.  She finds herself trying to unravel secrets that will help her on her quest to find the Ivy Key - with the help of a mysterious boy with hair that reminds her of a tiger and his instructions that the gargoyles know more than she thinks.... she'll discover a world or rather two worlds - her ordinary Princeton and a parallel Princeton that is full of all sorts of fantastical creatures.

I loved the premise of this story.  Imagine getting the chance to visit your dream university only to find out that it's so much more than you thought it would be.  I loved the descriptions of the university, the grounds... I especially loved the descriptions of the library, le sigh.  Ms. Durst expertly creates a magical world filled with all sorts of magical creatures (my favorites being the talking gargoyles).  I loved the mystery of the Ivy Key and Lily's quest to find it.  While she's on her quest to find the key we are taken all around campus.  We also meet Tye (the boy with the black and orange hair) who helps her along the way.  

I really liked Lily -she was brave and smart, funny and witty.  I especially enjoyed her friendship with Tye and how it eventually sparks a romance.  I thought it was very nicely done, well-paced and credible (well of course, if you don't count flying on a dragon as a first date.)  Ms. Durst's writing is pleasant and just brings such a light feeling to her story.  I love books that although they are full of danger and mystery - still have you feeling happy.  This is that type of book. 

All in all, I think Enchanted Ivy is a wonderful fantasy that you will find yourself completed captivated with after a few pages.  There was magic and adventure, mystery and danger... and of course, there was  romance.  I really enjoyed it and for fans of young adult fantasy - this is one you won't want to miss out on. 

My Rating:

Jane by April Lindner

Title:  Jane

Author:  April Lindner

Pages: 384

Genre: YA

Source: Around the World ARC Tours

When Jane finds herself dropping out of college due to financial difficulties after her parents' sudden death, she finds herself in need of a job.  She looks to an agency for assistance which places her as a nanny for a little girl whose father just happens to be a famous rockstar on the brink of a comeback tour. Quiet and sensible Jane finds herself attracted the older and famous Nico. Nico finds himself drawn to Jane for her honesty.  She is the first person who tells him how she feels instead of telling him what he wants to hear.  Can mousy Jane be exactly what Nico needs in his life?  Can Nico's secrets be something Jane can see past or will they ultimately tear them apart?

I have to start this review by saying two things:

1- This is a modern remake of the classic Jane Eyre

2- I have never read Jane Eyre (I know, I know!)
So consider this the review of someone who is not one of the devoted fans of the classic.  

With that said, I absolutely loved this book.  Jane was so sensible, conservative, honest, loyal and innocent.  I loved her!  You can't help but love her.  She goes through so much in this book - she deals with the fact that she's all alone after losing her parents and her siblings are too self-absorbed in their greed to take her in, her budding feelings for Nico, the drama, new friendships, heartbreak.  I felt like I almost needed to take her under my wing - I even felt over protective of her.  Nico was exactly what I could have hoped for.  Although at first I was a little hesitant about him, he eventually won me over.  I loved how the romance between Nico and Jane was an undertone to their story.  It was perfectly paced and very sweet.  I enjoyed the time they spent together - their dialogue and push and pull.  

Aside from the romance, I must also make note on the ambiance of the story itself.  Although the story is modern and set in present time, it still had an old world feel to it.  That might have to do with Thornfield Park (Nico's home) - which was described as grandiose, yet dark.  It had a very gothic feel to it.  There's also the danger in the attic: the fires, the maniacal laughter, all the strange happenings after dark, and the mysterious servants... it was all well done.  

Although I really cannot sit here and compare Jane with its inspiration, I feel that  this modern remake will be a hit with the YA crowd.  There's romance and a mystery (albeit somewhat predictable) and Ms. Lindner's writing is superb - it draws you in right from the first page.  All in all, I found a wonderful story in Jane - one that I can highly recommend to everyone (even those who haven't read Jane Eyre).  And if you're like me, it just might inspire you to read the classic as well. 

My Rating:

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze with Rina Onur

Title:  The Ivy

Author: Lauren Kunze with Rina Onur

Pages: 320

Genre: YA

Source: Around the World ARC Tours

Freshman year at Harvard--glamorous parties, blossoming friendships, steamy romances, and scandalous secrets. Skip the campus tour and get right to the good stuff: classes are for scoping guys (and their Facebook profiles), not taking notes. The library is for study dates (the medieval history stacks get a lot of action), not studying. And success is a 4.0 GPA... plus getting into the most exclusive parties. How will Callie--a California girl with brains, beauty, and big dreams--and her three roommates survive? [via GoodReads]

Callie is starting her freshman year at Harvard.  Not only does she have to get used to now living on the east coast (since she's a California girl), but she has had to leave her best friend and boyfriend (whom she promises to call everyday) behind,  and she also has to learn to live with three other girls (who are extreme opposites from one another), not to mention get used to college life.  She has to juggle her classes and studying with the parties ... I mean, it's hard living the life of the Harvard elite. 

For me, The Ivy reminded me a lot of Gossip Girl.  Yet at the same time, it wasn't all the crazy drama (don't take me wrong, there was plenty of that), but there were also some moments that were poignant and heart-felt.  This is Callie's story and how she deals with this new life - how she tries her best to fit in but at the same time not lose herself.  There is definitely loads of drama especially with all the new and different people coming into her life.  Her three roommates and some new boys that also come into the picture really make Callie's life a lot more interesting.

Geared more towards older YA's - this can definitely be enjoyed by adults as well.  It has the perfect blend of drama, romance and humor.  I can't 100% say how credible some of the situations that Callie finds herself in are or, how true to college life this is, but either way, it definitely makes for an enjoyable read.  

I will forewarn though, there is one major cliff-hanger at the end.  It ends just like you'd expect your favorite tv show to end at the conclusion of the season.  But have no fear, this is part of a series, so hopefully we'll get answers to our questions with the second installment in the series.  I also found it very interesting that both authors were college roommates in Harvard... but they refuse to confess to how much of this book is fact and how much is fiction.  I love that!  

My Rating:

Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

Title: Secondhand Charm

Author: Julie Berry

Pages: 352

Genre: YA / Fantasy

Source: Good Golly Miss Holly ARC Tours

In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . [via GoodReads]

What a charming whirlwind adventure you are taken on in Secondhand Charm. Evie longs to continue her education and  become a physician like her parents before her.  When she is granted a scholarship, she sets off on a perilous journey along with her best friend and the boy next door.  But the journey is not an easy one, for there is all sorts of danger that will have her not only questioning her talents but also her loyalty.

Evie is a lovely protagonist.  She's simple, yet curious, intelligent, loyal, loves her family and although she's firm in her healing abilities she is also self-conscious.  Aside from our heroine there is also a strong cast of supporting characters - who are all very likeable and a treat to read about. 

Secondhand Charm has an almost fairytale-esque type quality.  I love stories like this.  They remind me of the fairy tales I used to read as a kid.  The adventure and fantasy, the twist and turns, oh, and of course, the romance, all made for a wonderful page-turner.  And could it be?  A stand-alone?  The story has the perfect ending - no loose ends, no wondering what comes next... I truly found this to be a rare treat.  

Overall, Secondhand Charm was imaginative and charming and a an all-around lovely read.  For fans of fairytale and/or fantasy, this is one you won't want to miss out on. 

My Rating:

Reckless by Cornelia Funke

Title: Reckless

Author: Cornelia Funke

Pages:400

Genre: YA / Fantasy

Source: Purchased

It has been years since Jacob Reckless discovered the world behind his father's mirror - a world for which his father abandoned his family.  Since his discovery, he has been disappearing into this world for longer and longer periods. The mirror world is Jacob's escape from reality. For in this world, he has made a living as a treasure hunter going on magnificent quests for elusive items. A world where witches, fairies, giants and dwarfs roam freely. A world that is at the mercy of a deadly war.

Jacob's secret has remained safe for years, until the day his younger brother Will follows him.  Now Will finds himself cursed by the Dark Fairy and rapidly turning to stone.  Jacob will have to act quickly to find a cure before his brother is lost to him forever.

I had high hopes for Reckless - I really did!   But sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations.  I'm not saying it was a waste of time either and if there are more installments in this series, I will pick them up, because they do have potential.  There were many things of this story that I liked, yet there were also a few that I didn't.  I'll start with what got to me and finish on the good points.

As Reckless starts you almost feel like you are thrown into the middle of a story.  Yes, there is a prologue and you get the back story for the mirror, Jacob as a young boy and his missing father.  But from there you are flung into the story.  You know Jacob has been to and from the Mirrorworld countless times throughout the years and that he is known for his treasure hunting abilities.  There are all sorts of danger and adventure that you catch glimpses of, but only remotely.  I would have liked more detail into his earlier journeys.  It almost feels like this would be the second book in a series.  I think that it is because of this lack of character building that I really could not relate so much to the characters in the story.  You only get very limited glimpses into who they are - and that includes all of them Jacob, Will, Fox (Jacob's shape-shifter companion), and Clara (Will's girlfriend).  

But, I must also say, that aside from the lackluster characters, I was very intrigued by this story.  This was an adventure that I felt as if I truly were a part of.  I loved the Mirrorworld with all its magical elements - the descriptions were mind candy.  You could almost see the forest, smell the woods, feel the urgency to find a cure for Will before he turned Goyl.  I also loved how Ms. Funke tied in well-known faerie tale tidbits like that of Sleeping Beauty (who never got kissed by her Prince and now remains a shriveled up corpse), Rapunzel (her magical hair), Cinderella, Hansel & Gretel, etc.  

One last thing I want to mention, although this book is being presented as a YA novel, Jacob is only a child in the prologue of the book.  He, as well as most of the other characters in this story are all in their twenties.  Although there are no actual sex scenes, sex is alluded to more than once.

All in all, I must end this by saying that it did take me a little bit to get into the story.  After about 100 or so pages I ended up really liking it.  The story was engrossing, angsty, action-packed and full of fairy tale adventure!   So, although there were a few things I didn't like about it, I also found that I couldn't put it down.  My final say would be, if you've read Cornelia Funke before then you may already know what I'm talking about (Inkspell series) - for those of you haven't then I'd say enter at your own risk. 

My Rating:

The Diamond of Darkhold by Jeanne DuPrau

Title: The Diamond of Darkhold
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Pages: 304
Genre: YA /Dystopian
Source: Library

This may just be one of my favoritest kids book series - aside from Harry Potter, A Series of Unfortunate Events and a few others.  It definitely holds its place right up there with the great ones.  

In The Diamond of Darkhold - we are brought back to the present day to where Lina and Doon have escaped Ember and have been living in Sparks for months now.  Emberites are not used to extreme weather conditions - and this first harsh winter above ground is really leaving its mark.  Especially when it comes to their health and food rations.  When a roamer makes her way to their town they come across a book that they immediately realize references Ember.  But the book is all torn up and only has a handful of pages in it.  Lina and Doon make it their mission to decipher the book and uncover the mysterious device it mentions within its pages... even if it means making their way back down to the abandoned (and now completely dark)  City of Ember.

Lina and Doon are back on an adventure. The story is fast-paced and full of the quirky characters we have all come to love through the earlier books in the series.  We also meet a number of new characters - some you love and some you love to hate.  

This series has had its ups and downs for me.  I loved The City of Ember and The People of Sparks was okay.  Then there was The Prophet of Yonwood which I liked the least.  But this book captured the part of Ember that made it such a fantastic book for me.  It had all of the adventurous elements that I loved from the start as well as it brought us back on track to the original story line.  I especially liked the ending.  I truly enjoyed how everything wrapped up - how every character and every book made sense... had a purpose. The final outcome, to me, was perfect (maybe a little too rushed - but otherwise, perfect).

The Diamond of Darkhold is the fourth and final book in the Ember series.  I recommend they be read in order for it to make sense.  These books are geared for younger kids (3rd grade and up) - and you can tell by the simple writing and the not fully fleshed-out characters, but if you're like me, that won't stop you from picking this one up.  Nonetheless, this series is pretty addictive.  I mean who doesn't want to read about kids saving the world, right? 

My Rating: