"Never Too Far" by Abbi Glines

Release Date: February 25, 2013
Publisher: Self-Pub

From Goodreads: "He had held a secret that destroyed her world.
 
Everything she had known was no longer true.

Blaire couldn’t stop loving him but she knew she could never forgive him. 

Now, she was back home and learning to live again. Moving on with life… until something happened to send her world spinning once again.

What do you do when the one person you can never trust again is the one that you need to trust so desperately?

You lie, hide, avoid, and pray that your sins never find you out."

*Please note that while I have made all attempts to shield them, this book does contain a few spoilers. If you do intend to read this book do not read any further (unless you aren't bothered by them)*

I am divided about this book- due to a number of seemingly contradictory elements that it possesses. On the one hand I loved how independent Blaire was, not only more than willing to raise her child on her own, but letting Rush go so that he wouldn't have to choose between her and his family, but I didn't love how much of a push-over she was at times. How many times can you forgive someone? But more than that, how many times can YOU apologize for someone else's actions (ie. whenever her and Rush would have a disagreement of some sort, the blame oftentimes resting on his shoulders, she would be the first to apologize when it should have been HIM doing so). Additionally, Rush made A LOT of mistakes in this book, but the large majority of them are what I consider to be "cute" mistakes. Just when you're about to release the anger that has slowly been brewing in you at him, he informs you of why he made that mistake (ie. being unable to make it to Blaire's doctors appointment because he was having a very serious discussion with his family regarding their future together). Furthermore, while I do believe that there was more of a storyline in this book than the previous I am astounded by the number of sex scenes that it has (yes, they're hot and all of that jazz, but do you seriously have to have sex every three pages or so? Isn't there more to you relationship than that? In fact, I loved when Blaire called Rush out about this very fact). As such, I am torn between giving this book four stars and five stars.

While I am conflicted about a number of things in this book I am NOT conflicted when it comes to my feelings about Abbi as a writer. Namely, that she is AMAZING. It is evident that the woman has talent and THIS is where she is meant to be (and that she is so deserving of all of the success that has come her way). Just think, almost 2 months ago I was reading and loving the first book in this series, "Fallen Too Far"- a mere 2 months ago!

Furthermore, another element which I am not conflicted about in this book are the secondary characters. While they made very little to no impact on me in the previous book, my attentions more so on Rush and Blaire, in this I couldn't help but fall for each and every one of them- Woods, Grant, and Bethy. Usually I have no sympathy for the guy who didn't get the girl, however, in this? Woods, I love you. You are caring and kind to the nth degree. I can't wait for you to find your own happiness in your spin-off. Grant, like Woods you are so beyond caring, and I can't wait to see yours and Nan's relationship develop (thought that you were sneaky? You weren't). And Bethy. Bethy, Bethy, Bethy. If I ever hear Blaire refer to Cain as being her best friend again I WILL freak out. He is, in no way, shape, or form, deserving of the title. You are, time and time again. With your actions you have proved a million times over that you are much, much better than the rich folks that you and Blaire serve day after day.

All in all, despite my complaints I did very much enjoy this book. This book is the prime example of one in which when you start it you can't put it down until you are finished. Abbi is quickly raising the ranks of my most favourite NA author of all time and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next, namely the third book in this series, promised after this book hit Number 1 on Amazon).

Rating: 5/5

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating...

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Title: "Wait For You" 

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Self-Pub

Release Date: Get it now! 

From Goodreads: "Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…" 

Blog Tour: "None of the Regular Rules" by Erin Downing

Release Date: November 20, 2012

Publisher: Self-Pub

Pages: 260

From Goodreads: "Sometimes, a few dares can change lives…

The weekend before the start of senior year, Sophie Erickson and her best friends, Ella and Grace, discover a handwritten list of dares tucked away in the glove compartment of Sophie’s beat-up old Toyota. But this isn’t just any list; it’s a dead girl's bucket list.

Sophie's beloved aunt Suzy died as a teenager in a fatal fall, leaving Sophie with an overly cautious family, a few fading photographs, and a bucket of bolts that barely passes for a car. But now, Sophie has Suzy’s list of the things she wanted to do in her last year of high school. Sophie can't help but wonder: What would happen if she tried to fulfill Suzy’s last wishes, to live out the longed-for life of her aunt, her hero?

As Sophie and her friends attempt to knock off the things on Suzy's list of dares, love blossoms in unexpected places and Sophie begins to feel that her life is finally coming together...when in fact, everything is slowly unraveling around her. When the truth about a long-held family secret threatens to shatter everything she believed to be true, Sophie is forced to question everything she knew about the life and people she believed in, and ultimately herself."

When I first heard of this book/ was offered the opportunity to read and review it I was beyond excited, as of late I have been on a contemp/ NA kick and this sounded right up my alley. However, as I began to read it I found my excitement begin to wane more and more. That being said, I did believe that the latter half of the book was much more enjoyable, much more along the lines of what I had expected. 

I think that my biggest complaint about the book prior to the 50% mark were the characters. For one, I found Sophie to be quite whiny, especially when it came to her parents- compared to her friends parents hers were GODS (I mean, her biggest worry was essentially that her mom wanted her to eat healthy, whereas her friends was that theirs were bitter, broke, or had basically even up on them) and I think that she really took them for granted. I would have like a more detailed look about why their relationship was as strained as it was. Additionally, I found that the girls went on so many random tangents that I found my mind drifting during these moments, not remembering what I had just read by the time I had come to theperiod at the end of the sentence. 

That being said, as mentioned, I do believe that the second half of the book was much more enjoyable than the first half. The characters, Sophie especially, slowly started to grow on me as I came to gain a better understanding of their characters (Sophie's parents might be overprotective at times because of their want to protect her, physically, mentally, and emotionally, Ella has had to develop a somewhat prickly exterior because of her home-life, Grace acts like any other teen would when facing their first experience with love, etc.). I loved that there was actual character growth as the book progressed. Furthermore, I loved seeing more and more of Johnny in the second half of the novel, I thought that he brought a lot of humor to the book and was truly the icing on the top of the cake. 

All in all, despite my earlier complaints I'm glad that I did stick out the remainder of the book (if you are like me and are debating whether to finish it halfway through I do encourage you to do so). Furthermore, I think that this is the perfect book for those YA readers who are still hesitant to make the jump to NA. 

 

Rating: 3/5

I received this book from the publisher to rate and honestly review. I was not compensated in any way for said review. 

On My Wishlist

On My Wishlist is a great event that was created by Book Chick City. It is now hosted by Sarah over at Workaday Reads! 

It's where you list all of the books that you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. I thought that this was a fantabulous idea so I thought I would join in!

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Title: "With All My Soul" 

Author: Rachel Vincent

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: March 19, 2013

From Goodreads: "What does it mean when your school is voted the most dangerous in America? It's time to kick some hellion butt...

After not really surviving her junior year (does "undead" count as survival?), Kaylee Cavanaugh has vowed to take back her school from the hellions causing all the trouble. She's going to find a way to turn the incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another in order to protect her friends and finish this war, once and forever.

But then she meets Wrath and understands that she's closer to the edge than she's ever been. And when one more person close to her is taken, Kaylee realizes she can't save everyone she loves without risking everything she has..."

Marissa Meyer Is Coming to Toronto!

Have you heard that Marissa Meyer is coming to Toronto? No? Well, you'd better hurry up and make your plans to see her!

As becomes evident from my recent review of "Scarlet", Marissa has quickly raised the ranks of my all time favouite authors. Oh, and this may have happened:

Since I can't decide between the two boys in her Lunar Chronicles series, as I find both to be swoon-worthy in their own right, I'd like to propose the question to Marissa herself to know who she would choose. Marissa, Kai or Wolf?

"Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink" by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Release Date: May 8, 2013
Publisher: Graphia
Pages: 204

From Goodreads: "Libby Kelting had always felt herself born out of time. No wonder the historical romance-reading, Jane Austen-adaptation-watching, all-around history nerd jumped at the chance to intern at Camden Harbor, Maine’s Oldest Living History Museum. But at Camden Harbor Libby’s just plain out of place, no matter how cute she looks in a corset. Her cat-loving coworker wants her dead, the too-smart-for-his-own-good local reporter keeps pushing her buttons, her gorgeous sailor may be more shipwreck than dreamboat — plus Camden Harbor’s haunted. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Libby learns that boys, like ghosts, aren’t always what they seem."

Admittedly I was a bit hesitant to read this book, I thought that it would be far too fluffy for my tastes- while I love fluff and romance, sometimes there can be too much of it. However, after finishing it I am kicking myself for having waited too long to do so, overall I really quite liked it, much more than I had anticipated.

It becomes evident that Stephanie did a lot of research for writing this book. While at times it did appear that she wanted you to know that fact, being heavy-handed with the details, in the large majority of the cases I did appreciate it, actually learning a bit about American history as I read it!

Aside from her ability to weave history into a storyline I think that Stephanie's other greatest strength is creating likeable characters- Take Cam, for instance. Despite being an obvious player-ish, bad boy you can't help but like him? Why? Because he is so good at it and he is a great juxtaposition for Garrett. Speaking of Garrett, I think that he will appeal to all readers, with his nerdiness, honesty, and all around goodness. That being said, I think that both boys are overshadowed by Dev, Libby's gay best friend, who is trying to follow in Anne Hathaway's footsteps a la "The Devil Wears Prada". Dev brings both much needed comic relief to and beauty to the book.

All in all, this book hit the spot perfectly at the time that I read it- a cute, lighthearted and fun book which was so much more. I cannot wait to see what its sequel, "Confederates Don't Wear Couture", coming this summer, has in store for us!

Rating: 3/5

I received this book from the publisher to read and honestly review. I was not compensated in any way for said review.

On My Wishlist

On My Wishlist is a great event that was created by Book Chick City. It is now hosted by Sarah over at Workaday Reads! 

It's where you list all of the books that you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. I thought that this was a fantabulous idea so I thought I would join in!

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Title: "Teardrop" 

Author: Lauren Kate

Publisher: Delacorte

Release Date: October 22, 2013

From Goodreads: "Never, ever cry. . . . Eureka Boudreaux's mother drilled that rule into her daughter years ago. But now her mother is gone, and everywhere Eureka goes he is there: Ander, the tall, pale blond boy who seems to know things he shouldn't, who tells Eureka she is in grave danger, who comes closer to making her cry than anyone has before.

But Ander doesn't know Eureka's darkest secret: ever since her mother drowned in a freak accident, Eureka wishes she were dead, too. She has little left that she cares about, just her oldest friend, Brooks, and a strange inheritance—a locket, a letter, a mysterious stone, and an ancient book no one understands. The book contains a haunting tale about a girl who got her heart broken and cried an entire continent into the sea. 

Eureka is about to discover that the ancient tale is more than a story, that Ander might be telling the truth . . . and that her life has far darker undercurrents than she ever imagined. From Lauren Kate comes an epic saga of heart-stopping romance, devastating secrets, and dark magic . . . a world where everything you love can be washed away."

Cover Reveal of "Deeper We Fall" by Chelsea Cameron

Today I am excited to be a part of the cover reveal of Chelsea Cameron's "Faster We Burn", sequel to "Deeper We Fall"- a book that I recently read and loved! 

Release Date: April, 2013

From Goodreads: "The last thing Katie Hallman needs is another guy in her life, but Stryker Grant is there anyway. What starts out as just an escape from her previous relationship disaster soon turns into something more. Stryker gets under her skin the way no one has before, and soon she realizes she can't shake him, even if she wanted to. But is Katie ready to trust her already-battered heart to the guy who could shatter it into a million pieces?"

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17283748-faster-we-burn

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating...

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Title: "Deception"

Author: C.J. Redwine

Publisher: Balzer and Bray

Release Date: August 27, 2013

 

From Goodreads: "Baalboden has been ravaged. The brutal Commander's whereabouts are unknown. And Rachel, grief stricken over her father's death, needs Logan more than ever. With their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it's up to Logan to become the leader they need—with Rachel by his side. Under constant threat from rival Carrington's army, who is after the device that controls the Cursed One, the group decides to abandon the ruins of their home and take their chances in the Wasteland.



But soon their problems intensify tenfold: someone—possibly inside their ranks—is sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one. The chaos and uncertainty of each day puts unbearable strain on Rachel and Logan, and it isn't long before they feel their love splintering. Even worse, as it becomes clear that the Commander will stop at nothing to destroy them, the band of survivors begins to question whether the price of freedom may be too great—and whether, hunted by their enemies and the murderous traitor in their midst, they can make it out of the Wasteland alive.

In this daring sequel to Defiance, with the world they once loved forever destroyed, Rachel and Logan must decide between a life on the run and standing their ground to fight."

Twitter Tuesday (3)

As some of my Twitter followers may have noticed (with all of my #amwriting and #amediting Tweets) I've been trying my hand at writing the last year or so. "Trying" being the operative word- I have struggled with my writing so much during that time, especially in the first drafts. However, I've found a lot of comfort in perhaps one of the most unlikely places- Twitter. How so? Through reading some of my favorite authors writing experiences- namely in their similar struggles. Reading their Tweets really helps put things into perspective for me, reminding me that even the most successful authors struggle every now and again, but that they've been able to overcome it and, that if they can, we can too! Some are funny, some are sad, but I think that we will all be able to relate to one or two!

Like what you see? Follow these amazing authors on Twitter!

Blog Tour: "The Ruining" by Anna Collomore

Release Date: February 7, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 313

From Goodreads: "Annie Phillips is thrilled to leave her past behind and begin a shiny new life on Belvedere Island, as a nanny for the picture-perfect Cohen family. In no time at all, she falls in love with the Cohens, especially with Libby, the beautiful young matriarch of the family. Life is better than she ever imagined. She even finds romance with the boy next door. 

All too soon cracks appear in Annie's seemingly perfect world. She's blamed for mistakes she doesn't remember making. Her bedroom door comes unhinged, and she feels like she's always being watched. Libby, who once felt like a big sister, is suddenly cold and unforgiving. As she struggles to keep up with the demands of her new life, Annie's fear gives way to frightening hallucinations. Is she tumbling into madness, or is something sinister at play?

The Ruining is a complex ride through first love, chilling manipulation, and the terrifying depths of insanity."

When I first started to read this book I was excited- it had all of the elements that I enjoy in books of this nature, psychological thrillers, where the main character struggles to differentiate between fact and fiction- a fast-paced plotline where you are constantly sitting on the edge of your seat, a build-up and swell of emotions as the main character spirals more and more downwards into insanity, and a villain who is so convincing that you can't help but wonder if they actually are a villain. That being said, I feel that at the crescendo of the book, the most epic part, it just... fell flat, ending on a sour note, or, in this case, too normal of a note, bordering on domestic.

Additionally, I did find the romance element of the book, between Annie and Owen, to be fairly unconvincing. Only after a few encounters, in all of which Annie was horrid to Owen, he was willing to do anything for her. While I think that the author had intended for this to come across as being romantic, I thought that it was anything but- I couldn't help but think that Annie had ended up in almost an identical situation to that of which she was in with Libby, with Owen (being bossed around by another, not having control of her life, etc.)- you'd think that with everything that she had suffered through she would know better than to do that again.

As becomes evident, I am quite torn about this book, perhaps the most torn that I have ever been while rating a book before- does the awesome first 3/4 of the book outweigh the iffy last 1/4? Or is the last 1/4 do disappointing that it colours everything else? Is the book worth 3 stars? 4? Or even 5? Would I recommend this book? Or would I recommend similar books instead? Overall, while I do love the concept of the book I think that the execution is lacking, especially at the end. I personally find that "The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer" by Michelle Hodkins and "Lucid" by Adrienne Stoltz and Ron Bass are more successful at tackling this genre than this book is. That being said, I can see myself rereading this book again in the future- a sign that I like it enough to do so.

Rating: 3/5

I received this book from the publisher to read and honestly review. I was not compensated in any way for said review. 

ARC Review: "Sever" by Lauren DeStefano

Release Date: February 12, 2013
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 384

From Goodreads: "Time is running out for Rhine in this conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Chemical Garden Trilogy.

With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.

Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.

In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered."

While I was a fan of "Wither" (not a super fan like some, just a fan, fan- while I did enjoy it there were a number of things about it that irked me) I WAS NOT a fan of "Fever" (I couldn't, for the life of me, get into it, with the crazy carnival, Rhine continuously going in and out of consciousness,  and so forth), and, as such, I was quite hesitant to read this book. That being said, after finishing it all I can do is shake my head at my earlier stupidity- it was as if this book took all of my favourite characteristics from the previous two books and increased them by tenfold.

My most parting prominent thought about this book is, "Wow, Lauren knows how to write." I know that that may sound silly, her being an author and such, however, it wasn't until I read this book, really read it, that I understood what people are talking about when they say that an author has beautiful prose. Lauren? She haz it. And then some. Lauren is to make the most simplest of thing beautiful, all while not overwhelming the reader, making them feel that her writing is too heavy or detailed. Furthermore, the thought processes that Rhine goes through are second to none.

My second parting thought? "HALLELUJAH! WE HAVE CHARACTER GROWTH!" While I did like Cecily, to a degree, in the earlier books, it was nothing compared to this. While Lauren has beautiful prose like no other, Cecily has strength like no other. Numerous times while reading this book I forgot that Cecily is only 14 years old because she exuded such strength and maturity (as icky as I feel like writing this, I do truly believe that having a child was the best thing that ever happened to her). I also really, really, REALLY liked Linden in this novel. I loved that he saw the light and assumed responsibility for his father's actions in this novel.

That being said, like the previous two books I do also have a few problems with this. Namely, I find the ending to be quite a cop-out. Rather than the characters truly getting the opportunity to take control of their lives that, which they are so deserving of, fate intercepted, ripping it from from them. I feel like there was such a build-up of epicness and that the ending fell flat. However, as becomes evident from my 5 star rating, that fact didn't wreck this book for me as the other elements were able to make up for it.

All in all, I think that despite its ups and downs this is overall an enchanting series by Lauren. I personally cannot wait to see what she has in store for us with her "Internment Chronicles" series, slated to be released in 2014!

Rating: 5/5

I received this book from the publisher to read and honestly review. I was not compensated in any way for said review.

On My Wishlist

On My Wishlist is a great event that was created by Book Chick City. It is now hosted by Sarah over at Workaday Reads! 

It's where you list all of the books that you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. I thought that this was a fantabulous idea so I thought I would join in!

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Title: "The Outside" 

Author: Laura Bickle 

Publisher: Harcourt 

Release Date: September 3, 2013

From Goodreads: "After a plague of vampires is unleashed in the world, Katie is kicked out of her Amish community for her refusal to adhere to the new rules of survival. Now in exile, she enters an outside world of unspeakable violence with only her two “English” friends and a horse by her side. Together they seek answers and other survivors—but each sunset brings the threat of vampire attack, and each sunrise the threat of starvation.

And yet through this darkness come the shining ones: luminescent men and women with the power to deflect vampires and survive the night. But can these new people be trusted, and are they even people at all?

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, it’s up to one Amish girl to save her family, her community, and the boy she loves . . . but what will she be asked to leave behind in return?"

ARC Review: "The Lives We Lost" by Megan Crewe

Release Date: February 12, 2013
Publisher: Disney
Pages: 288

From Goodreads: "First, the virus took Kaelyn’s friends. Then, her family. Now it’s taken away her home.

But she can't look back—the life she once had is gone forever.

A deadly virus has destroyed Kaelyn’s small island community and spread beyond the quarantine. No one is safe. But when Kaelyn finds samples of a vaccine in her father's abandoned lab, she knows there must be someone, somewhere, who can replicate it. As Kaelyn and her friends head to the mainland, they encounter a world beyond recognition. It’s not only the “friendly flu” that’s a killer—there are people who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the vaccine. How much will Kaelyn risk for an unproven cure, when the search could either destroy those she loves or save the human race?

Megan Crewe's second volume in the Fallen World trilogy is an action-packed journey that explores the resilience of friendship, the ache of lost love, and Kaelyn’s enduring hope in the face of the sacrifices she must make to stay alive."

Admittedly I can't help but feel that this book suffers from that not unlike Kristen Simmons "Breaking Point" does- second book syndrome. While while I read it it felt as if a lot was happening, after I finished it and sat back and considered it I realized that not all that much did- essentially the characters traveled from their home in the Maritimes to Toronto with very little difficulties, all things considering. I can't help but wonder how Megan is going to fully wrap up this series in one more book, this series being a trilogy- it feels to me that we could have at least another handful of books until we finally saw the end of the virus.

Furthermore, while I was a large fan of the characters, Kaelyn, Drew, Tessa and Gav, in "The Way We Fall", in this book I felt that all but Kaelyn didn't make all that large of an impact upon me. Drew and Tessa played very little roles in this book, while Gav bordered on being a possessive boyfriend, at times. However, I was quite impressed with Kaelyn- she continuously grows as a character and never loses sight of the end goal- finding a cure and making it widely distributed. I also did like the character addition of Tobias, however, I am uncertain about how I feel about Leo being fully ingrained into this story line. It's obvious that Megan is hinting at a story line between Kaelyn and Leo and I can't help but feel that it is far too forced- in my opinion the best romances are those that sneak up at you and are understated.

That being said, I really liked that this book wasn't told in the same format that it was in the previous- that instead of being written as a journal/ diary it was written as an ordinary narrative. I thought that this was much less flat and one-dimensional than the previous, and therefore even more of a "pageturner".

All in all, despite my complaints I did enjoy this book and I will be continuing on with this series- I think that fans of the first will be more than happy with this installment (perhaps even liking it more than the first!) and curse the year or so that they will have to wait for the third, and final book, in the series.

Rating: 3/5

I received this book from the publisher to read and honestly review. I was not compensated in any way for said review.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating...

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Title: "Transparent" 

Author: Natalie Whipple 

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: May 1, 2013

From Goodreads: "Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl."

Twitter Tuesday (2)

As some of my Twitter followers may have noticed (with all of my #amwriting and #amediting Tweets) I've been trying my hand at writing the last year or so. "Trying" being the operative word- I have struggled with my writing so much during that time, especially in the first drafts. However, I've found a lot of comfort in perhaps one of the most unlikely places- Twitter. How so? Through reading some of my favorite authors writing experiences- namely in their similar struggles. Reading their Tweets really helps put things into perspective for me, reminding me that even the most successful authors struggle every now and again, but that they've been able to overcome it and that, if they can, we can too! Some are funny, some are sad, but I think that we will all be able to relate to one or two!

Like what you see from these fantabulous authors? Follow 'em on Twitter! 

"The Way We Fall" by Megan Crewe

Release Date: January 29, 2012
Publisher: Disney
Pages: 309

From Goodreads: "It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in. 

And then you're dead.

When sixteen-year-old Kaelyn lets her best friend leave for school without saying goodbye, she never dreams that she might not see him again. But then a strange virus begins to sweep through her small island community, infecting young and old alike. As the dead pile up, the government quarantines the island: no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for the island’s dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.

Because how will she go on if there isn't?

Poignant and dizzying, The Way We Fall is the heart-wrenching story of one girl's bravery and unbeatable spirit as she challenges not just her fears, but her sense of what makes life worth living."

When I first got my hands on this book I was beyond excited- I had heard nothing but good things about it and, being the genre that it is, I thought that it would be right up my alley (I consume what might be considered an unhealthy amount of dystopians/ post-apocalyptic YA books). However, I'm sad to say that I didn't like this book near as much as my peers did.

My largest complaint about this book is the style that it was written in- a letter/ journal format from Kaelyn to her former best friend, Leo. I found that in being written in this style that it was extremely two-dimensional, in the emotions that it imparts, in its development, both plot and character, and vernacular (after all, this is about a virus which confounds much of the medical world- you'd think that they'd be able to throw a bit more than simplistic medical jargon into it here and there). As such, I found it quite hard to relate to (I think that "Stolen: A Letter to My Captor" by Lucy Christopher and "Life As We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer are much more successful at using this writing style). That being said, being written in this style I found it to be an extremely quick read, which I appreciate.

The most memorable aspect of this novel to me were the characters- from Kaelyn, a girl trying to readjust to a life that she had thought that she had lost, to her brother, Drew, who, despite marching to the beat of his own drum, does want to be accepted, especially by those closest to him, to Tessa, a girl who relates more to plants than she does to people, to Gav, who doesn't let his somewhat questionable background drag him down, doing everything in his power to better the lives of people around him.

As becomes evident, despite my complaints I was invested enough to finish (and I am invested enough to read the second book in the series). I'm curious to see how the outside world responds to what occurred on the island (or if the virus spreads beyond) and how the characters readjust to their new lives full of loss.

Rating: 3/5

I received this book from the publisher to read and honestly review. I was not compensated in any way for said review.

On My Wishlist: Movie Edition ("Vampire Academy")

On My Wishlist is a great event that was created by Book Chick City. It is now hosted by Sarah over at Workaday Reads! 

It's where you list all of the books that you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. I thought that this was a fantabulous idea so I thought I would join in!

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So this week I decided to change things up with OMW- instead of being wishful for a book I am wishful for a movie, specifically, "Vampire Academy". Did you see yesterdays announcement that WE HAVE OUR ROSE, LISSA, AND DIMITRI? While I do not know of these actors I personally love them for their looks (oh, and that Danila will have a REAL accent). 

We have Zoey Deutch as Rose Hathaway, Lucy Fry as Lissa and Danila Kozlovskiy as Dimitri Belikov.

You can find more information about the movie HERE. 

"The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton

Release Date: 1967
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 187

From Goodreads: "According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs. A soc (short for "social") has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he's always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers--until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy's skin, causing his bifurcated world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser."

Admittedly going into this book I was somewhat determined not to like it- for one reason, it's completely out of my comfort zone (that being YA pararnormal and dystopian/ post-apocalyptic), for another, I had to read it for school (I cannot recall having ever finished a novel for school in its entirely, especially during high school). However, all that effort to not like it was to was to no avail- when all is said and done, I really enjoyed this book and it's safe to say that it completely exceeded my expectations.

After finishing this book the two elements which stick out to me most are the emotions and the relationships. In reading YA over the years I have grown so accustomed to the male characters being "bad boys"- cocky arrogant, and charming to the nth degree, however, despite all of that they have nothing on these boys. I've come to realize that those "bad boys" are fooling themselves, their "badness" (and all of the emotions surrounding it) is such a facade and superficial. These boys, from Soda, with a larger-than-life personality and who brings a smile to everyone's face, not unlike the beverage he derives his name from does, to Darry, stuck in a "between" state, due to putting his brothers before himself, to Dally, who isn't near as jaded as he lets himself come off of as, to Johnny, who, out of his death, inspires new life, to Ponyboy, a young man truly trying to find where he fits in the crazy world that he was born into, experience real and raw emotions- while they certainly have swagger, they aren't afraid to cry whenever need be (it was refreshing and I think that authors of the twenty-first century could certainly learn a thing or two from this author of the mid-twentieth-century). As for the relationship element, I can't remember the last time I read of such a strong family unit, despite many of these boys not being related by blood. These boys could always count on one another, even during those times when they may not deserve it.

All in all, while I did enjoy this book I don't believe that it's the "best" and "most popular young adult novel of all time" as the cover boasts (though it is one of the best novels that I have been required to read for school, both high school and university)- but I am entirely thankful for it as it truly paved the way for all future YA.

Rating: 4/5