"If You Could Be Mine" by Sara Farizan

Release Date: August 20, 2013
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 256

From Goodreads: "In this stunning debut, a young Iranian American writer pulls back the curtain on one of the most hidden corners of a much-talked-about culture.

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. They’ve shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love—Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light.

So they carry on in secret—until Nasrin’s parents announce that they’ve arranged for her marriage. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they have been, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusively—and openly.

Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution. In Iran, homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a woman’s body is seen as nature’s mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. As a man, Sahar could be the one to marry Nasrin. Sahar will never be able to love the one she wants, in the body she wants to be loved in, without risking her life. Is saving her love worth sacrificing her true self?"

Admittedly when I first received this book to read and review, I was a fair bit skeptical as it is so far out of my comfort zone (that being primarily YA speculative fiction), however, the longer that the premise of the book bounced around in my head, the more and more excited that I got to read it- it being quite unlike anything that I had ever heard of before, sounding like something that could truly change YA as we know it. However, as I began to delve deeper and deeper into the novel I soon realized that, while it had potential, it ultimately did not live up to said potential.

My largest complaints about this book were it's writing style, the lack of emotions, and it's characters. I found Sara's style of writing to be so flat that it bordered on being juvenile- at times it read as if it had been written by a young person trying their hand at writing (for instance, "I did this and this and this"). Because of the flatness of the writing, I was unable to make any sort of connection to the storyline- not once did I experience any heart pounding moments or gasped aloud, which wouldn't seem unlikely for a book with as heavy of a storyline as this. Furthermore, because of the lack of emotions, I was unable to make any sort of connection with the characters- I would, in fact, go so far as to say that they are some of the most unlikeable that I can recall reading about in some time. There was truly only one or two characters that I liked, however, their actions towards the end of the novel made me reconsider my original opinions of them.

That being said, I do appreciate what Sara tried to do with this book, because, as mentioned, this, in my opinion, is quite unlike anything else I have seen in YA to this point in time. She touched upon so many important lifestyles, situations, and circumstances that I think that the average reader would never experience, let alone consider.

All in all, unfortunately due to the book's simplistic and emotionless writing style and the unmemorable (or memorable for the wrong reasons) characters, I was simply not a fan of this novel. However, I do think that with a bit more time and practice, Sara has the potential to be an instrumental author in YA, especially if she broaches upon similar topics in the future.

Rating: 2/5

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

"In the After" by Demitria Lunetta

Release Date: June 25, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 400

From Goodreads: "They hear the most silent of footsteps.They are faster than anything you've ever seen.
And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.

Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.

After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more.

Rebellious, courageous, and tender, this unforgettable duo will have you on the edge of your seat as you tear through the pulse-pounding narrow escapes and horrifying twists of fate in this thrilling debut from author Demitria Lunetta."

Without a doubt this book's biggest strength is its pacing- it is the epitome of a pageturner. I was quite literally almost finished it as soon as I started it (I think that its safe to say that I have never read a 400 page book so quickly before). That being said, I must admit that I wasn't originally a fan of Amy's parallel storylines, one told in the present, one told in the future. However, I slowly came to really like the two parallel stories, especially when they converged- the manner in which the story was told is quite unlike anything that I have seen in the world of young adult before.

The next biggest strength of this book was Amy and Baby's relationship- I have never read of two people who are in sync to the degree that they are before (even between those who are actual siblings). Dialogue as we know it is quite literally not needed in their relationship- a single look can be the key to an entire conversation. Furthermore, I did enjoy the secondary characters, Gareth and Kay especially (I am convinced that Kay may be one of the most kick-ass female characters we have ever seen in YA before).

That being said, my largest complaint about this book was the romance between Amy and Rice- I personally didn't think that it deliver, that it was quite forced and unconvincing. Furthermore, I wish that the story had been a bit more unique- it was a bit too obvious for my liking, a combination of a number of popular post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels that we have seen as of late.

All in all, despite my complaints I did enjoy this book more than a book that I know that it will be compared to over and over again, "The 5th Wave" by Rick Yancey (mainly because I believe that this book didn't drag as much as that did). This book is perfect for those fans of fast paced action and adventure with it's "I Am Legend" meets "Independence Day" storyline. I personally will be continuing on with this series to see where Amy ends up on her journey and to learn more about Baby's mysterious past.

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.

Stacking the Shelves: It's Been Far Too Long

To support my fellow Canadian bloggers I have decided to participate in Stacking the Shelves created by Tygna over at Tygna's Reviews. As Tygna writes, "Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!" 

I am officially the worst STSer ever. The following are what I have accumulated since the beginning of 2013! 

From Trade/ Gift/ Won

"Born Wicked" by Jessica Sportswood (Thanks Ashley)

"Just One Day" by Gayle Forman 

"The Name of the Star" by Maureen Johnson

"Amplified" by Tara Kelly

"Revolution 19" by Gregg Rosenblum (Thanks Hayley)

"Once Every Never" by Lesley Livingston (Thanks Faze/ Breathless Reads) 

"Shadows in the Silence" by Courtney Allison Moulton (Thanks EpicReads) 

For Review 

"Into the After" by Demitria Lunetta (Thanks HarperCollins Canada) 

Bought

"Balthazar" by Claudia Gray

"The Indigo Spell" by Richelle Mead

"Scarlet" by Marissa Meyer 

"The Dark Elite" by Chloe Neill

"Shades of Earth" by Beth Revis 

"Unravel Me" by Tahereh Mafi

"Rise" by Andrea Cremer

Over the last month I have also had the opportunity to meet 5 amazing authors and get some of my books signed! 

You can find my recap of meeting Marissa Meyer HERE and my interview (with Ashley) HERE. 

"Pulse" by Patrick Carman

Release Date: February 26, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Pages: 384

From Goodreads: "From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.

The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love."

This book, this book was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2013- it (supposedly, I personally find the synopsis to be quite misleading) possessed all of my most favourite things in it, action, adventure, superpowers, and a hint of romance (not to mention a cool cover). However, I must admit that it was one of my most disappointing reads. Ever. Where it would typically take me a day, two at most, to read a book of this nature this took me near a month as I was only able to read a few pages at a time before setting it aside.

One of my largest problems with this book wast the writing style- while I appreciate the fact that Carman wrote it in a third person omnipresent style, something that I have been extremely intrigued by/ find lacking in YA, I didn't find it to be all that successful. At times it was extremely difficult to determine who Carman was referring to as, in a single paragraph, he would jump between three characters thoughts/ actions. Furthermore, you'd think that with such a writing style that all of the characters would be extremely developed, but I didn't find that to be the case- I found them to be one-dimensional and "stereotypical" (bland female character that the reader can insert herself into, guardian who looks over her/ who borders on being creepy, dorky sidekick who is a social outcast, sister character who is mad at her brother for showing an interest in the bland girl, etc.).

Additional elements which irked me were the pacing, insta-love (to an extent), and a lack of answers. I felt that very little happened in the novel prior to the 200 page mark and that build-up that did happen was pointless (basically all the main character, Faith, did was worry about whether or not her jeans made her butt look nice, how people would perceive her holding hands with her best friend, and how she REALLY needed a boyfriend). On the note of insta-love, Wade was essentially declaring his undying love for her after only a few encounters, the majority of which he was an utter douchenozzle to her (giving her the cold shoulder, acting holier than thou, and even going so far as to drug her). As for Dylan and his love? It was far too Edward Cullen-y for my taste. Furthermore, I know this being the first in the series that the likelihood of out questions being answered was quite low, however, I didn't feel like we learned anything at all- that everyone was annoying enigmatic.

That being said, I do think that the concept behind the novel was extremely interesting- had the execution been up to par I could see this being HUGE, along the lines of Veronica Roth's "Divergent". Also, I really did like the character of Hawk, he truly made the novel for me.

All in all, as becomes evident, this book was not my cup of tea- my feelings towards it are not unlike they are to Elizabeth Richard's "Black City". Despite almost always continuing on with a series I will not be with this. However, I do think that this book may appeal more so to male readers occupying the lower ends of the YA spectrum (13-15 years old).

Rating: 2/5

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

Stacking the Shelves: The "I'm A Lame STSer" Edition

To support my fellow Canadian bloggers I have decided to participate in Stacking the Shelves created by Tygna over at Tygna's Reviews. As Tygna writes, "Stacking The Shelves is all about the books we are adding to our shelves each week, sharing with you our excitement for our newest titles and maybe have you discover a new book in the process!" 

I may be the most lame STSer ever- this is my first since the book-blogger meet-up in November. Surprisingly not a single one of these books came from Christmas!

For Review: 

• "Days of Starlight and Blood" by Laini Taylor (Thanks to HBG) 
• "The Archived" by Victoria Schwab (Thanks to HBG) 
• "The Lives We Lost" by Megan Crewe (Thanks to HBG)
• "The Friday Society" by Adrienne Kress (Thanks to Raincoast)
• "Things I Can't Forget" by Miranda Kenneally (Thanks to Raincoast)
• "Pulse" by Patrick Carman (Thanks to HarperCollins Canada)

Bought (I discovered BookCloseOuts.com... Have you ever heard of this before? It's AMAZING!)

• "The Way We Fall" by Megan Crewe
• "Ghost Town" by Rachel Caine 
• "Lost Voices" by Sarah Porter
• "Warm Bodies" by Isaac Marion 
• "Opal" by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• "Anatomy of a Boyfriend" by Daria Snadowsky
• "Picture Perfect" by Catherine Clark
• "Thrill Ride" by Rachel Hawthorne
• "Caribbean Cruising" by Rachel Hawthorne
• "Love on the Lifts" by Rachel Hawthorne
• "Suite Dreams" by Rachel Hawthorne
• "Icing on the Lake" by Catherine Clark
• "So Inn Love" by Catherine Clark

Won

• "Legacy of the Clockwork Key" by Kristin Bailey (Thanks to Elena Johnson and S&S)
• "The Infects" by Sean Beaudoin (Thanks to Sean and Ashley) 
• "Inheritance" by Christopher Paolini SIGNED (Thanks to Random House Canada)

"The Lost Girl" by Sangu Mandanna

Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Pages: 432

From Goodreads: "Eva’s life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination—an echo. Made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, she is expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her “other”, if she ever died. Eva studies what Amarra does, what she eats, what it’s like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.
But fifteen years of studying never prepared her for this.

Now she must abandon everything she’s ever known—the guardians who raised her, the boy she’s forbidden to love—to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.

What Eva finds is a grief-stricken family; parents unsure how to handle this echo they thought they wanted; and Ray, who knew every detail, every contour of Amarra. And when Eva is unexpectedly dealt a fatal blow that will change her existence forever, she is forced to choose: Stay and live out her years as a copy or leave and risk it all for the freedom to be an original. To be Eva.

From debut novelist Sangu Mandanna comes the dazzling story of a girl who was always told what she had to be—until she found the strength to decide for herself."

When I first received this book to read and review I honestly didn't know much about it (primarily because I don't feel like it has had quite as much hype as some books have this summer) and after reading it? All I can do is shake my head. This is one of the best books I have read this summer, if not this year, and it is unfortunate that it hasn't seemed to gotten the recognition it deserves (While I may be composed on the outside, my inner fangirl is squealing, "IT TOTALLY DESERVES TO BE HYPED ABOUT! And not just hyped about this summer, but FOREVER!!!).

Without a doubt this book's biggest strength is the emotional aspect of it- I personally haven't encountered such emotions since reading "Where She Went"  by Gayle Forman and "Pushing the Limits" by Katie McGarry- this book  is so real, raw, and vulnerable, that I believe it impossible to not find yourself teary eyed at least once while reading this book.

Furthermore, not only is the book itself real and raw, but so are the characters- from the primary, such as Eva, a girl trying to find a place for herself in a world that hates her, Sean, a boy conflicted between upholding his late father's position and protecting the girl that he loves, to the secondary, such as Matthew, Eva's weaver who I found to be not unlike Snape from "Harry Potter"- a man with obvious secrets who despite his actions and outward appearance will do anything and everything to protect those that he cares for, to Nikhil, Amarra's younger brother, a old soul residing within an unassuming child's body.

All in all, I believe it impossible to do this book justice in a review. I believe that this is the sort of book that each person needs to experience on their own. I know that, for myself, this is a book that I will come back to time and time again (and one that I hope and pray will get a sequel because if any book deserves a sequel it is this!).

Rating: 10/10

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

ARC Review: "Defiance" by C.J. Redwine

Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Balzer and Bray
Pages: 416

From Goodreads: "Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making."

When I first read the synopsis of "Defiance" and saw the cover I KNEW that I had to get my hands on a copy and read it (in fact, it quickly shot to the top of my "Most Highly Anticipated Summer '12 Books") as, as of late, epic fantasies have become my "thing". However, I must admit that I was quite disappointed by the ending of the book and that as such it altered my entire viewpoint of the novel.

That being said, I did quite enjoy the first three quarters of the book- I loved learning about the characters, Rachel and Logan especially, and I liked learning about their world (though admittedly I was confused by it at points- is it truly considered an epic fantasy? I almost got the sense that it was a futuristic novel of sorts, not unlike Julie Kagawa's "The Immortal Rules", that an apocalyptic event of sort had taken place, the rise of The Cursed Ones, destroying life as we know it, which lead to people having to resort back to a more simplistic/ medieval lifestyle, save for a few handy electronics and whatnot).

I loved that Rachel wasn't satisfied with sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the men in her life to do everything, she jumped right into the fold without missing a beat. While I was at times frustrated by Logan being over-protective of Rachel, trying to boss her around and whatnot, I can see where he is coming from- not wanting to loose her like he had another important woman in his life. Both characters were both so strong-willed and strong-headed and ones that I know I will continue to root for over and over again.

As for the aforementioned disappointing ending? I don't know if I can exactly pinpoint what about it felt off to me, but I will make all attempts to do so. As mentioned, this is an epic fantasy of sorts- therefore I was a bit confuzzled as to why technology played SUCH a large role in the end of the novel. Playing such a large role I almost felt like the ending felt like a video game (it felt a bit reminiscent of the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Chronicles of Nick" series) which didn't fit with the previous 3/4. Furthermore, I found the ending to be quite rushed- there is all of his build-up of THINGS TO COME, things that you wait almost an entire novel for, and when the end comes, it just kinda falls flat.

All in all, despite my complaints I do think that this is a wonderful novel from debut author C.J. Redwine and despite my complaints I don't have any reservations about continuing on with this series- I look forward to seeing what C.J. has in store for the gang next!

Rating: 7.5/10

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

ARC Review: "The Selection" by Kiera Cass

Release Date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Pages: 327

From Goodreads: "For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined." 

While this book has by far one of the worst endings I have ever read before- think Sophie Jordan's "Firelight" or Tera Lynn Childs' "Sweet Venom", where the story ends right at the most epic moment (seriously, the last line of this book reads "END OF BOOK ONE")- I still really enjoyed it (in fact, prior to reading this book I was in quite a book rut- being unsatisfied with the large majority of books I had been reading and this book was able to lift me out of said rut).

I think that one of the biggest reasons why I enjoyed this book is because it is quite unlike anything I have ever read before and because it was just so different from my typical go-to book (I mean, this book has been marketed as a book for fans of "The Bachelor" and I have never felt any inclination to watch "The Bachelor").

Both America and Prince Maxon were such fun characters to read about- America in all of her bluntness, honesty, and snark, and Maxon in all of his awkwardness, dryness, and just overall goodness. Furthermore, I also quite intrigued by the love triangle presented in this book (trust me, I am as shocked as you are as I typically loathe love triangles). I think that both Maxon and Aspen are quite swoon-worthy characters in their own rights and that they each bring out a different- and frankly better- side of America.

All in all, I do think that this is quite a strong debut from Kiera- I think that Kiersten White best describes this book when she states, "Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon". I am very much looking forward to seeing what Kiera has in store for us in the next book in this series (and I am entirely excited by the prospect that this book's television adaptation has been picked up by the CW network)!

Rating: 5/5

I received this book from the publisher to read and honestly review.

ARC Review: "Destined" by Aprilynne Pike

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320

From Goodreads: "Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.

Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless."

As I am sure some of you have come to realize over the course of my blogging I love Aprilynne Pike's "Wings" series. Like A LOT. In fact, not too long ago "Destined" graced my Top 10 Most Highly Anticipated Books of 2012 list and last fall I even made a WoW post (one of my most popular posts to this day) where I detailed everything that I hoped would happen in this book, the final book in the series. However, I must admit that after having finished I am not entirely satisfied with it and I can't quite put my finger on why and it is a fairly irrational feeling as the large majority of what I was hoping to happen in this book did. I'm not sure if just feels like something is missing, that I have outgrown the characters (after all, I am a whole year older than them than I was while I read "Illusions'), or something along those lines.

I think I got it, I think that it is a combination that I am having a difficult time relating to the 17 or so year old characters and that this book didn't have any moments that took my breath away, unlike in the previous books where there were countless instances that that happened. Like in "Illusions" when Tamani told Laurel that he couldn't be nicer to her boyfriend, David, because, "I just don't want to cozy up to the guy whose girl I have every intention of stealing"... I really wanted to be swept off of my feet by this book Tamani and while there were times that I came close to being pushed off of the edge of the swoon-worthy ledge, I never completely made it off said ledge. Or, or, perhaps it is that David played a HUGE role in this book, arguably the largest role he has played in any other book and seeing as I have never been a David fan, well... That might explain it. Or, or, because Laurel was so defenseless in the first half of this book- I mean, she didn't even get a knife or sword! Yeah, I'm just going to stop now because I am obviously not any closer to figuring out what about this book irked me.

That being said, the remainder of the book was quite good. The vast majority of it took me by surprise- I never expected there to be so much action and adventure in this book as there was. Also, I enjoyed that each of the faerie fractions got their own individual chance in the spotlight, it allowed us to develop a deeper understanding and awareness of them and the abilities that they possess (for instance the Summer faeries during a moment of action).

All in all, while I was obviously a bit disappointed by this installment of the series, I would still highly recommend it to readers of all ages (the earlier books especially)! This is by far my most favourite faerie-related book series I have ever read before and one that I will come back to time and time again.

Rating: 8/10

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

In My Mailbox: HarperCollins Canada Edition

In My Mailbox is a weekly post hosted by Kirsti at The Story Siren as a chance to share the books we've bought or received over the past week.
~~~~~~~~~~~

Received for Review
"Defiance" by C.J. Redwine (Thanks to HarperCollins Canada and Shannon!)
 "Illuminate" by Aimee Agretsi (Thanks to Thomas Allen & Son and Anita!)
"Croak" by Gina Damico (Thanks to Thomas Allen & Son and Anita!)
"Loss" by Jackie Morse Kessler (Thanks to Thomas Allen & Son and Anita!)
"Dead is a Battlefied" by Marlene Perez (Thanks to Thomas Allen & Son and Anita!)

Won
"Don't Breathe a Word" by Holly Cupala (Thanks to HarperCollins Canada!)
"Dear Bully" Anthopology (Thanks to HarperCollins Canada!)
"The Whole Truth" by Kit Pearson (Thanks to HarperCollins Canada!)

What did you receive in your mailbox?

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...
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Title: "What's Left of Me"
Author: Kat Zhang
Release Date: September 18th, 2012

From Goodreads: "NEVER LET ME GO meets HIS DARK MATERIALS in a beautiful, haunting YA debut, the first book in The Hybrid Trilogy.

Eva and Addie live in a world where everyone is born with two souls, but where only the dominant one is allowed to survive childhood. Fifteen years old, and closer even than twins, the girls are keeping Eva, the ‘second soul’, a secret. They know that it’s forbidden to be hybrid, but how could they ever be apart?

When a dramatic event reveals what really happens to hybrids if they are discovered, Eva and Addie face a dangerous fight for survival, neither wanting to be the one left behind… "

HarperCollins Canada March Madness 2012

HarperCollins Canada's 5th Annual HCC March Madness tournament began this week. This tournament pits the crème de la crème of its books (64 in total) from Marley & Me to Prince Caspian to To Kill A Mockingbird (for a period of 6 weeks).

As their tagline states: "64 books begin, but only 1 will be crowned champion."

Why I am so excited about this year's tournament is that one of my most favourite reads of all time, Divergent by Veronica Roth, is one of the books included (alongside a few other books that I have really enjoyed, including Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr, Airborn by Kenneth Oppel and I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore).

So why am I telling you this? So that you will vote for Divergent! Seriously, Divergent has everything that you could ever want in a book- Tris (AKA one of the most kick-ass female characters I have ever read of before), Four (the most perfect combination of Jace Wayland's swoon-worthiness and Dimitri Belikov's warrior-godness) and a dystopian society like no other (Have you played the Divergent Choosing Ceremony on Facebook yet?). 

Furthermore, it's about time that YA books received the recognition that they deserve- that they are just as good as, if not better than, their adult counterparts.

Need an incentive? One participant will win ALL 64 OF THE BOOKS INCLUDED IN THE TOURNAMENT! 

So what are you waiting for? Go vote! And maybe you will find a new favourite book from reading the provided samples of each and every one included!

 

"Shatter Me" by Tahereh Mafi

From Goodreads: "Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel."

My most favourite book (series) has been my most favourite book series for five years now. FIVE YEARS. Equivalent to: Half a decade. A quarter of my life. 1825 days. 109500 hours. 6570000 minutes. And not once in that five years had I ever questioned my love for that favourite book. Not once in that five years did a book even come remotely close to my favourite book. That is, until this book came along and changed everything.

This book is hard to describe, the best word I can think of to describe it is breathtaking (and even that, I know, does not do it justice). From the  first page of this book I was captivated- Juliette is unlike any character I have ever had the pleasure of reading about before, aside from being badass, resilient, and unyielding, she was, best of all, real. From her erratic and jumpy thought processes to her feelings of despair and loneliness to her growth (and acceptance of her abilities) over the course of the book. She is by far the greatest female character I have ever come across in a book and I don't believe it possible to encounter another female character such as her again in my life (and why yes, that is a challenge to all other authors out there to write a female character as amazing as Juliette).

As for Adam? All I can say is Edward Cullen Dimitri Belikov Jace Wayland who? Unlike those other boys (and much like Juliette), Adam is so realistic and approachable (as well as being chivalrous, resolute, kindhearted, and utterly and completely swoon-worthy). What he did for Juliette? I cannot even begin to fathom it. There were many times while reading this book that he (and his actions) literally brought tears to my eyes- he was just so good.

I found it even difficult to dislike the 'bad guy' Warner, because he was so well-developed and so much more than the 'bad guy' (I want to know his story and the skeletons in his closest, because it is evident that there are quite a few of them, resulting in him being broken)- never before have I actually felt sympathy for one such as himself before (nor have I ever swooned over the 'bad guy' before).

Aside from the amazingly developed characters this book is also successful because of its engaging (and fast-paced) plot. This book is hands down the most unique dystopian I have ever read before (I find that most YA dystopians, ie, "Matched", "XVI", "Delirium", and the "Uglies" trilogy, follow the same storyline, the main character, a female, is quite comfortable in her life, a life completely controlled by the government, until the male main character is introduced and shows her that her 'perfect life' is anything but perfect)- it truly marches to the beat of its own drum (and for that I am eternally grateful). Furthermore, the prose of this book? Gorgeous. In my opinion Tahereh's continuous use of metaphors only enhanced the novel.

All in all, (as I am sure it becomes evident) I cannot say enough good things about this book. This book, unlike so many others, truly lives up to the hype. I think it safe to say that we have the next "Twilight" (but better in every possible way than "Twilight"), on our hands (AKA a book that is absolutely going to take the world by storm and create a cult following)!

Rating: Infinity/ 10

I received this book from the publisher to read and review, I was not compensated in any way for said review. A gazillion thanks to Shannon and HarperCollins Canada!

Memorable lines from the book:

"His lips soften into a smile that cracks apart my spine. He repeats my name like the word amuses him. Entertains him. Delights him. 
In seventeen years no one has said my name like that" (pg. 24).

"Why are you touching me?" 
"Because I can" (pg. 118).

"You're absolutely delicious when you're angry." 
"Too bad my taste is poisonous for your palette" (pg. 133).

"I'd recognize your eyes anywhere in the world" (pg. 148). 

"I hope he doesn't know he just touched my leg.
And nothing happened" (pg. 192).

"But I'm shocked by the tenderness in his voice. The sincerity with which he wants to know. He's like a feral dog, crazed and wild, thirsty for chaos, simultaneously aching for recognition and acceptance.
Love" (pg. 266).

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: "Pandemonium"
Author: Lauren Oliver
Release Date: March 6th, 2012

From Goodreads: "Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love. Lena and Alex staked their lives on leaving their oppressive society, but only Lena broke free.

Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again.

Full of danger, forbidden romance, and exquisite writing, Lauren Oliver’s sequel to Delirium races forward at a breathtaking pace and is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes action of The Hunger Games and the bittersweet love story of Romeo & Juliet."

"Sweet Venom" by Tera Lynn Childs

From Goodreads: "Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight."

 I must admit that after having read a few other YA books that reworked Greek mythology this year I was a bit hesitant to read this, primarily because every single one of the other modern-day Greek mythology books that I had read didn't live up to my expectations- I was expecting to be blown away with their creativity, characters, and the likes of, and I wasn't and therefore I assumed that that would also be the case with this book. But it wasn't whatsoever. This book, unlike those others, was really creative, had characters with personalities, and was a book that I literally couldn't put down (while those other books? In all honesty I struggled to finish them).

Each of the girls in the book were so well defined- while reading the book you definitely notice a difference in their voices, Greer had a more sophisticated and refined way of speaking, Grace a more innocent and positive voice, while Gretchen obviously had the 'bad-ass'/ tell-it-like-it-is vibe going on and as such, it was easy to relate to them/ ingrain yourself into their lives. Furthermore, the boys of the book were also extremely well defined and were swoon-worthy- I seriously cannot chose a favourite between Milo, Nick, and Thane!

However, I personally wasn't entirely satisfied with the book. I felt that the ending of the book was somewhat reminiscent of Sophie Jordan's "Firelight"- that the book really ended at the most action-packed/ critical moment. It didn't feel like we got an entire story- with a beginning, middle, and end.

All in all, this book and its characters are definitely going to stick with me for quite some time and despite my complaints, I am excited to see what happens in book 2! Furthermore, after having read this book I now wanna go check out Tera Lynn's other series' "Forgive My Fins", "Oh.My.Gods", and "City Chicks"!

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.

Special thanks to HarperCollins Canada and Shannon! 

"Supernaturally" by Kiersten White

From Goodreads: "Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees. 

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself. 

So much for normal."

Even from reading the first couple pages of this book I knew that I was in for a treat primarily because Kiersten began it off on such a humorous note, humor which in my opinion eclipses that seen in the first book of the series, "Paranormalcy" (Kiersten is most definitely tied alongside Rachel Hawkins, in my opinion, as the most hilarious current YA authors). There were countless times while reading this book I found myself sputtering and guffawing at what came out of the characters mouths (typically Evie's) and how events unfolded (events which typically involved a little blonde maniac- surprisingly, not Evie).

I have always though Evie to be a pretty enigmatic character with her heritage, abilities, and so forth, and therefore I was beyond shocked (and ecstatic) for us to actually learn quite a bit more about her- unlike in other YA books, I found that this book provided us with so many more answers than questions and for that I am seriously appreciative and grateful.

While Lend obviously did play quite a large role in this book, I do wish that he had even played more so of one (seriously, who needs college?)- I really came to miss the carefree and easy-going banter that he and Evie shared nd when they were together I found their relationship to be quite strained which was quite a booger (though when I take it into consideration is actually more realistic than the typical 'perfect relationship' which seems to predominate YA literature).

The characters in the previous book that I wouldn't really stand, or I was on the fence about, totally stole my heart in this book (seriously, never in a million years did I imagine that I would like Reth, or heck, even Vivian). And hey-oh! I must say that I loved the addition of Jack to this story. Typically I dislike it when a new character is introduced to an already well developed plot line, I feel like they are just thrown in for the sake of filling up a few additional pages, however, I did not find myself feeling that at all with Jack.

Unfortunately I felt that the epic action sequence that we had been so looking forward came at the last possible moment (within the last ten or so pages of the book) and as such, that the ending was a fair bit rushed. I felt like the book was heading in one direction and BAM! It went in a totally different one- that there was very little development leading up to said "OMGish!" moment. However, I am quite excited to see in what direction Kiersten takes the next book in the series, "Endlessly".

Rating: 9/10

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

Special thanks to HarperCollins and Shannon!

Memorable lines from this book:

"Jack fell to his knees on the bench, his eyes rolling back in ectasy as he clutched both hands to his heart. "Oh, heavens above, to have seen such beauty with my own eyes! It's more than I ever hoped for. But how can I live now, knowing that you're not mine? Please." He crawled forward to the edge of the bench. "Marry me. Nay, marriage will cost us precious moments together. Let us make sweet, passionate love right here. Let me bear your children." 
A primal growl signaled Miss Lynn getting over her shock as being this addressed. She lunged forward; Jack deftly rolled off of the bench, jumping out of her reach. 
"Goodness, I didn't expect toy to be quite this enthusiastic about my advances. If I don't play hard to get, how will I ever know whether or not you respect me?" (pg. 80). 

"Too bad he was a lunatic; they would have made a cute couple" (pg. 121). 

"Apparently this unicorn hadn't gotten the memo. It was ugly. Like, seriously ugly. Coat a mottled brown and gray, horn a dingy, stubby thing; hair a matted mess. It looked more like a goat than anything else, with a small, filthy beard and square pupils" (pg. 126).

"Something we have in common, then, besides the world's most perfect hair colour" (pg. 129).

"He wrinkled his nose. "Well, that was... interesting. Always wanted to try it, but now that I have, I'm pretty sure I never want to again" (pg. 228).