Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera

Reboot by Amy Tintera

Reboot #1

Release Date: May 7^th, 2013

Number of Pages: 352

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Edelweiss

GR – Amazon – BD - Indigo

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).  

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.  

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

I think what made me want to read Reboot was the fact that it sounded so action packed. I mean, teenagers coming back to life as kick ass soldiers? Count me in! Amy Tintera created an addicting novel and a really interesting world, and the world building was nicely done. Tintera gives us enough to understand and follow the story, but she doesn’t dump the info that much to the readers. This was certainly the kind of book I did not want to put down. You can easily read it in one sitting, and you certainly won’t see time fly by.

When it comes down to the characters, I really liked both Wren and Callum. I wasn’t that interested in there romance, mostly because I found the idea the reboot kid more interesting than to see the romance bloom between those two. I’m a huge fan of strong and kick ass female main character, and Wren is one of those. She can really kick people’s ass. I liked seeing her grow through the book, to see her get part of her humanity back.

Yet, the fact that she changes so much through the novel made me unsure about her romance with Callum. I could enjoy the changes from not feeling anything to a more human person, but I found it a little too much to see her go from feeling nothing to falling in love with Callum. I would have prefer to see them develop a deep friendship in this book, and then maybe see a romance between those two. The love was simply to fast to bloom between them.

I did like Callum. He was the voice of humanity in a feeling-free zone. How can you not enjoy reading about Callum? He is full of life, and even if I wasn’t a fan of his romance with Wren, I like seeing them together. They do have great chemistry in the end.

Overall, Reboot was a great debut, and this book was the start of an interesting series. I’m curious to see where Amy Tintera will be taking the story next. Despite the few flaws this book had, Reboot was a strong book that will please many readers.

About the Author:

From her Website

“Hi! I’m Amy Tintera, and I write novels for young adults. I grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in journalism. After receiving a masters in film at Emerson College I moved to Los Angeles, where I promptly discovered I didn’t enjoy working in the film industry, and went back to my first love, writing.”

 Her Website

Her Twitter

Review: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Mind Games by Kiersten White

Mind Games #1

Release Date: February 19^th, 2013

Number of Pages: 237

Publisher: Harper Teen

Source: Bought

GR - Amazon - BD - Indigo

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.
  

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.  

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

I was so excited to read Mind Games, and I guess that left me with really high expectations. I had read and really enjoyed her other work, and I was expecting to enjoy this one as much. Sadly, I ended up being disappointed by this book. When I heard about Mind Games, I thought the premise sounded really interesting. The thing is, I felt like this book was all over the place. Mind Games had two points of view, Annie and Fia. On top of that, we also get flashbacks, and that’s where I got confused. I could understand that the flashbacks helped us understand who Fia and Annie really are, and the reason why they are where they are. Still, considering how short the book, I felt it was too much.

One of the reasons why I really wanted to read this book was the fact that I heard there was a really great sister bond between Fia and Annie, and I was excited to see how it would be portrayed. Yet, I didn’t get what I wanted, because we don’t get to see those two together that often. Besides wanting to protect each other, nothing really stood out in their relationship.

Annie is an interesting character, but I felt like she had more potential than what was shown. She is a little in the background for most of the story, even if we get to see her point of view. After all, she might be blind, but she can also see the future. Yet, she is stuck in her room for most of the novel. Now, when it comes down to Fia, she was a kickass character, and I mean that literally. I think I could have liked her a lot more than I did, if her narration hadn’t been all over the place, as I felt it was. I still enjoyed reading about her, seeing her question her orders and everything, but I was expecting more.

Overall, I was a little disappointed by this book. Maybe my expectations were too high. Mind Games simply ended up being all over the place for me, which made the story a little confusing by moments. It was also lacking the little something that made me really enjoy Paranormalcy and its sequels. I’m still curious enough that I will probably pick up the sequel.

About the Author:

From Goodreads

“I'm the New York Times best-selling author of Paranormalcy and Supernaturally. I also give the most awkward hugs in the world. You should probably opt for one of my books over one of my hugs, but then again, maybe you like awkward hugs.

As for me, I like writing flirting scenes, and fighting scenes, and sometimes I write scenes that fall somewhere in between the two, but only if I can't avoid it.”

Her Website

Her Twitter

Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly #3

Release Date: January 22^nd, 2013

Number of Pages: 438

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Bought

GR - Amazon - BD - Chapters

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life. 

 Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.
 

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal. 

 In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

There is always this bittersweet feeling when you start reading the final book in a series you’ve loved. Letting go isn’t easy. After all, there isn’t a next book coming next for you to pine after. I had enjoyed both Unearthly and Hallowed, and it left me a little terrified to see where Cynthia Hand would be taking us next with this final installment. Would she break my heart? Boundless brought me so many feelings, and yes heartbreak was one of them. It is hard to feel nothing when the characters you met and learned to love are torn.

Clara’s life isn’t any easier than it was before. She still has many things to face, and she is still broken over her feelings for Tucker. She is pushed into doing so many dangerous situations to save those she cares about. She can’t see to catch a break. Despite being a little tires of the whole love triangle thing, I could understand why she feeling the way she was. Even if I wasn’t a big fan of Tucker, I could get why she liked him, and why she couldn’t move on. Even if he was sometimes a jerk, he can still be a really good guy with her.

Christian was certainly my favorite, and I felt so bad for the way Clara treated him, as he could see how broken she was over Tucker. Yet, he was always there for her, even if it sometimes kills him. Angela is still, in a way, by Clara’s side, but she has her own things to think about. She has her own story going on, and she has her bigger part to play I this book. I was so happy to see more of her, since I find her to be a really interesting character.

Boundless was a heartbreaking, but satisfying ending. There were a few twits that will keep you hooked into the story. Of course, this book also comes with the knowledge of who Clara will finally end up with, and I think that most will be satisfy on a certain level, even if Clara doesn’t end up with your favorite.

About the Author:

From GoodReads

Cynthia Hand grew up in southeast Idaho (very near the Wyoming border). Currently she lives in southern California with her husband and two small children. She teaches courses in creative writing at Pepperdine University. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Unearthly series with HarperTeen: UNEARTHLY, published in 2011, HALLOWED published January 17, 2012, and BOUNDLESS, due out in January 2013.

Her Website

Her Twitter

Waiting on Wednesday: Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly Meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It is an opportunity for us to show books we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week, my pick is:

Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins
Release Date: April 30th, 2013

Embrace Your Destiny 

Anna Whitt, daughter of a guardian angel and a fallen one, promised herself she'd never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She'd been naive to make such a claim. She'd been naive about a lot of things. 

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school's party girl. And all the while there's Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind. 

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of the Duke of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: Is loving someone worth risking your life?

I've just read Sweet Evil this week, and I have to say I FREAKING LOVED IT. I really can't wait to read the sequel now, and I'm lucky enough only to have a few months to wait (I would have gone crazy if I had read it when it first came out and had to wait forever for it...

Review: Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Fireflight #3

Release Date: September 11^th, 2012

Number of Pages: 272

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Bought

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory. The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning.... Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.

Finishing a series can be either extremely disappointing, or satisfying. Once I was done with the entire book, I was happy with the way everything ended, mostly because we get closure with the characters. They all get some kind of ending on their own, knowing that their story line in the novel is done, but we are left we hope for their future. That’s the kind of ending I like, and this is what we got.  I do have to say that I wasn’t completely happy with most of the book. There are some things that did annoy me through the novels, thing I had hoped would have been resolved from the previous books.

My biggest problem was with the characters. Jacinda wasn’t my favorite character in the books, mostly because I got more with the way she treated both Will and Cassian. I know it isn’t really a love triangle because we clearly know whom she loves (we’ve known all along in my opinion), but I just got annoyed at the way she treated them. There’s just something that really make her seem so immature, since she can’t seem to really make her mind about what she really wants. Maybe it’s only me, maybe it’s only because of my timing when it comes to reading the novel, but I just got bored at listening to her never making her mind about her choices. The character I really wanted to see more of is Tamra. I can’t really explain why, maybe it’s because her story isn’t so much focused on her love life, as Jacinda seemed to be in the entire story. Maybe I just needed change.

The plot didn’t really catch my attention. It wasn’t the most interesting plot Jordan could have come up with. I felt like things ended up being too easy for the characters. The books was less than 300 pages, she could have made it a little complicated and longer. I just felt disappointed in that.

Maybe I’m a little harsh; maybe I’m being difficult. I simply was expecting a little more of the book. At least, the ending DID satisfy me, leaving me with the closure necessary for the end of series.

Review: A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies

A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies

A Beautiful Dark #2

Release Date: September 25^th, 2012

Number of Pages: 352

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: ARC from BEA

When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life. Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion. "A Fractured Light" picks up right after "A Beautiful Dark"'s shocking cliffhanger ending and is perfect for fans of Lauren Kate's "Fallen" and Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga.

I know it may sound strange, but the girly side of me really really enjoyed this book, probably because of Asher. The more rational part of me found it to be okay. Hello there double personality. It’s not as bad as it can sound from my previous statement. I just know that this was kind of the same story that we all have read at some point in the past. It wasn’t THAT original, not that it annoys be if it’s really well done. It’s just that you have so many elements that have been used together over and over again. It wasn’t the most impressive book I’ve ever read, and I kind of feel bad about that, because I really wanted to love it.

The one thing that did get on my nerve is the freaking love triangle that doesn’t seem to want to die in this book. I mean, one of them tried to kill you, and you still can’t move on from him? Come on Skye, you got to be wiser than that. Skye as a main character didn’t impress me that much, mostly because I felt like I found something to be missing. I can’t really pinpoint what, but I felt like there was something missing in her personality, for me to really like her. Her friends were slightly boring and annoying. The only character I really liked was Asher, and it’s probably because I may have a small crush on him (don’t judge.)

The book wasn’t that impressive, but it wasn’t completely bad. It’s simply the kind of book that will satisfy those who loved the first book in the series, but it won’t be the kind of book that will make you fall in love with this series if you hated (or simply disliked book one.) I’m still curious to see where the next book will be going, but it’s not a book I will be dying to read.

Waiting on Wednesday: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly Meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It is an opportunity for us to show books we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week, my pick is:

Mind Games by Kiersten White

Mind Games #1

February 2013

HarperTeen

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.


In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

How can I not be excited for a new book by Kiersten White. Her other series was simply amazing, and I'm simply dying to read more from her! It sounds intense and addicting.

Review: Endlessly by Kiersten White

Endlessly by Kiersten White

Paranormalcy #3

Release Date: July 24^th, 2012

Number of Pages: 385

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Bought

Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate. The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands. So much for normal.

Endlessly was certainly a good ending to an excellent series. We once again get all the elements that made both Paranormalcy and Supernaturally so addicting. I devoured it and I enjoyed every pages. I was a little scared to finish this book, simply because I didn’t want to end. I simply love the world Kiersten White created, and I didn’t really want to leave Evie and Lend. Yet, she gave us the best ending she could have ever given us, leaving us satisfied in the end.

One of my favorite things in the book is certainly the characters. How can you not love Evie! She’s just so much fun! Her sarcasm, her personality, the way she acts with every character is simply addicting. I love her relationship with Lend (who is so sweet and so cute, and simply charms me everytime he is with Evie). Of course, Reth is also still there, being as manipulative as he always is. There are moments when you really can’t help but be charmed by him, and then two seconds later; he does something that really makes you want to punch him. I have to say I like that about him. It makes him a little unpredictable and so interesting. We also get to meet new characters, new enemies.

Evie really grows through the series, and I think this final book really shows us that. She matured through everything she was forced to go through, and she is still learning in this book, as she can’t seem to catch a break. Poor Evie still have a lot to do until she can finally have the normal life she has been craving for.

Kiersten White gave us everything we needed to really make this story end. She answered the questions that may have been left by the first two books (and the one raised in this one), leaving us only happy to leave Evie and company in peace. I’m already dying to see what Kiersten White will be giving us next, because her books a simply addicting.

Review: Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Release Date: July 3^rd 2012

Number of Pages: 344

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Bought 

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

Those of you who thought this book would include a love triangle, DO NOT FEAR! This book is love-triangle-free! This book is supposed to be a parody of most vampire books, from what I understand, but I wouldn’t describe it as such.

Do you know what Mel reminded me of? Me if one of my good friends told me she was getting married to a guy she met a couple of months ago. In the book, you simply have to change “guy” by “vampire” and “getting married” to “getting turn into a vampire with no chance of coming back, and a little chance of either dying or getting turn into a zombie”. 

Can we really blame Mel for freaking out about THAT? I mean, I would have totally freaked out if I had been her. That’s kind of why I was a little annoyed at Cathy. It’s really simple why. She does make Francis, her really old vampire, her only priority. He becomes the only thing she seems to care about, and she is ready to give up her life and humanity for him. Not only that, BUT ONLY AFTER KNOWING HIM FOR A SHORT WHILE. Can you really blame Mel for trying to change Cathy’s mind?

Francis may appear to be a gentleman (and I mean have grown to enjoy his character), but he is still a really old VAMPIRE. And I personally think seventeen is kind of young to make this kind of life changing decision. (I mean, I’m 21 and I would still be uncomfortable making that kind of decision). Still, I do think Mel sometimes went to far in showing her dislike for Francis, making it probably worse between her and Cathy. I understand that she saw right away what was going on between Cathy and Francis, but she did more wrong than good.

One character that I really enjoy was Kit. There’s something really innocent about him, as he knows next to nothing about being human (even though he has been human for his entire life. Being raised by vampires does that to someone.) There’s just something sweet in the interaction between Kit and Mel.

Overall, I really enjoy this book. It was really fun, and it was a nice twist on the vampire stories we have been seeing a lot of in the last few years. Worth reading for both fans of vampire books, and those bored of them. This fun, hilarious and “parody-like” book will be worth your time.

Waiting On Wednesday: HarperTeen Edition

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly Meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It is an opportunity for us to show books we can't wait to get our hands on.

So, I wanted to do a HarperTeen edition this week, because there is simply too many of there books I'm waiting for. I have to say, it was really hard to only choose three to be in this post. Here they are:

Starling by Lesley Livingston

Coming Out:  August 28th, 2012

"Love is just the beginning... of the end."

Mason Starling is a champion fencer for Gosforth Academy, but she’s never had to fight for her life. Until now. When a ferocious storm rips through Manhattan and unleashes terrifying creatures onto Gosforth’s campus, Mason barely escapes alive. Without help from the mysterious stranger who appeared in the midst of the storm, she might not have made it at all. But now, in the aftermath, Mason’s life begins to spin dramatically, mystically out of control, and the only one who seems able to help her is the stranger who can remember nothing but his name: Fennrys Wolf.

As Mason and Fenn uncover more about Fenn’s past and the strange events that surround them, they realize that Mason’s family — and its dark allegiance to the ancient Norse gods — is at the center of everything. A predetermined fate seems to be closing in on Mason, but is it possible to change one’s destiny?

Readers who fell in love with Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange trilogy and those who love Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series will be captivated by the sweeping romance and pulse-pounding action of Starling.

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Coming Out: February 15th, 2013

Sooo Far. I mean, it's easy to understand why I'm dying to get my hands on this book. I absolutely LOVED Shatter Me, and I can't wait to know what will happen next to Juliette and company.

Taken by Erin Bowman

Coming Out:  April 16th, 2013

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends...and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

So, I've already said why I'm waiting for Unravel Me, but I haven't said why I'm waiting for Starling and Taken. Starling, it's simple, sounds amazing. Of course, the fact that the author is Canadian is always a bonus (*proud Canadian*). It just sounds like the kind of book I won't be able to put down once I start. Taken caught my attention from the beginning. I mean, look at this premise! How can you not want to know what is going on!

Review: Until I Die by Amy Plum

Until I Die by Amy Plum

Revenants #2

Release Date: May 8^th, 2012

Number of Pages: 352

Publisher: HarperTeen

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

Die For Me was a novel that I had devoured when I first read it. That made me really excited about the sequel Until I Die. Was I disappointed? No. Overall, it was a great sequel. The only complaint I have is the cliffhanger, which leaves us wondering about the future of Vincent and Kate. It wasn’t a horrible and cruel cliffhanger, simply just enough to get you annoy that you can’t read the next book right away.

This novel brings back most characters from the first book. I still like Vincent, but I have to say that I was a little mad that he tried to hide so much from Kate. I mean; Kate did prove in Die For Me that she was strong enough for his world, no? I liked Kate as mush as in Book one, as she is still strong and stubborn. I loved that she was simply sitting back. She tried to find information to make things easier between Vincent and her. After all, their romance is a little affected by the death of Genevieve’s husband, who was also human. It reminded Vincent and Kate that this could be them in a few years…

We are also introduced to two new characters: Arthur and Violette. Both of them are slightly hard to really figure out. We’re never really sure what side they are really on when it comes to Kate. I didn’t like Violette at first, but not after long she starts acting all friendly with Kate. On the other side, Arthur says thing that make Kate thinks he hates human, but he acts really nice with Kate’s sister Georgia. I really like this addition to the characters, as they made things a little more complicated for Kate. I like complicated in books…

Another thing I really liked about this book is that we get to learn more about the revenant, about the numa and about Vincent. Kate tries to figure out more about the origin and the implication of the existence of the revenants. This brought her in a couple of complicated situations.

Overall, I think that readers that have enjoyed the first book in the series, Die For Me, will probably also enjoy this book. It is a nice sequel that makes us excited and curious about what’s to come. 

Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent #2

Release Date: May 1st, 2012

Number of Pages: 525

Publisher: HarperTeen

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.  

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. 

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Divergent left me begging for more when I first read it last July. I had loved it so much, and could wait to read what would happen to Tris and Tobias. After all, they were left in a precarious situation at the end of book one. Now, in book two, we’re starting right where we were left off. Because of that, if you don’t really remember what happen in books on, you should probably reread Divergent or read this awesome post by Veronica Roth about everything you need to know about Divergent.

I have to start by saying that I’ve completely devoured this book, and that I have completely loved it. From page one to the last, I was captivated once again by this world Veronica Roth created. There were simply so many things happening, so many twists to follow and so many emotions to feel. Really, I was overwhelmed by everything Veronica Roth made me feel through Tris. Poor Tris, in this novel, things aren’t really going so well for her. She is caught, after all, in the middle of a war.

The characters are forced to change through this novel, to learn that being only what you’re faction tells you to be isn’t maybe the only answer. There are characters that really threw me off by being the opposite of who I thought they were. If there’s one thing some characters are really good at in this book, it’s betrayal. There are so many manipulative characters, so many liars, so many backstabbers; I don’t know who to trust anymore. I’m not going to name any characters, because I’m too afraid to spoil anything.

Still, I cannot not talk about Tris and Tobias. There relationship is really not going as smoothly as we would like it to go (or even as smooth as they wish it would.), because they are forced to make some choice that may not always please the other. Tris is forced through this novel to make some dangerous moves, thing that Tobias doesn’t her to do. Still, that made me like her. It showed me that she was more complex as a character than I would have believed in Divergent. She can be selfish, but also so selfless. She can be strong and weak, thoughtful and naïve (not to say stupid)… Yes sometimes, I got made at some of her choices. Still, her choices and her actions were part of who she was. They didn’t seem fake or anything. If she had done things differently, maybe it would have felt wrong to me, as much as I wish sometimes she had done different things.

Tobias made me fall all over again for him for half the book, and the other half made me want to punch him in the face. He could be so amazing with Tris, and such an amazing leader sometimes. Other times, he would let his feeling for Tris take over his logic and it would annoy me. I knew it was to protect, because he loved her. He didn’t want her to die, or to get hurt. Still, to me it felt like he was underestimating her, and I felt like Tris had proved more than once that she could take care of herself.

Overall, it was a novel I loved, a novel that got me addicted form page one. If you still haven’t read book one, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. To me, this was an amazing sequel, as it gave me more than I was even expecting.

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Selection #1
Release Date: April 24th, 2012
Number of Pages: 352
Publisher: HarperTeen

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.

The Selection had been on my wish list for a while. I was really curious to see the dystopian version of the Bachelor. The idea sounded so good, but I felt like there was something missing for me to absolutely love this novel.

For me, the world was seriously lacking. I wanted more background information. I needed to know what happened, how the caste system really works (I kind of get what caste is what, but it’s mostly guesses. I wish they could have been described a little better.) We get a little bit of history, but it still didn’t feel like enough for me (I like my dystopian to be well explained, especially when it is a series. The first book should give us most of the information.) Then, there’s also the ending factor for me. What the Heck was that ending! You can’t stop there! How could you not tell us who would win (or at least give us the top two or something….)

Now there were a lot of characters in the novel, some we only see once or twice: the girls in the selections. Some were more developed, the ones that were staying the longest, of course. When it comes to main characters, I did really like America at first, as she wanted the man she loved (didn’t matter if he was lower than her) instead of the prince and the crown. That’s one thing I liked about her. Overtime though, I grew tired of the way she was acting with Maxon, and the way she couldn’t seem to make up her mind.

The Prince Maxon was a great “Bachelor”, especially since he really wanted to get to know the girl, listens to them. He wasn’t just there to get an eye candy for his arm. Now, I have to say there was one character that made me go mad most of the time: Aspen. The love triangle with, his comeback really made me want to scream. I didn’t really like Aspen to be honest, so that’s probably why I didn’t want him to be back.

Overall, I did like the novel. I simply didn’t fall in love with it. I wish the book had ended a little farther in the story, instead of so early. I wish we could have known who was the winner of the selection before book two. Still, I definitely read the second book in the series, and will check the TV show if the pilot is picked.

Review: Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday 
Release Date: October 11th, 2011
Number of Pages: 303
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Bought

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he’s pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren’t enough, now he’s depending on Hartley to clear his name. 

But as much as Hartley wouldn’t mind seeing him squirm, she knows he’s innocent, and she’s the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school’s resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer’s next victim.

To me, this novel was a great fun and entertaining mystery, a novel you can easily devour in a matter of a few hours. I have to say that I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the end, which really surprised me. I’m usually good to figure those kinds of things out. Still, Gemma Halliday was able to give us so many clues to throw us off the right path. You’re never sure who really did it, until Hartley find it herself.

I was quite surprised that Hartley, even though her boyfriend had just cheated on her and made a fool out of her in front of the whole school, she still decided to help him prove his innocence. (After all, in high school, those things can pretty much kill your reputation. Secret never really seems to stay secret at that time of our life…) Hartley impressed me with her perseverance, her courage and intelligence. She did everything she could to find out who really did it, even if it put her in danger.

His ex-boyfriend? I didn’t like him that much, which is pretty understandable when you think he cheated on his girlfriends, the same girl that is still nice enough to try to prove his innocence. Another thing I really liked about the character is Sam and Hartley’s relationship. I love those two friends together. I think they made a great team, and I love that Sam is there for her through most of it, now I can’t forget about our favorite bad boy, Chase. Through the novel, I loved him, liked him, and hated him. I was never sure what his real intentions were, but in the end, he did surprise me.

Gemma Halliday’s writing really got me hooked from page one. As soon as I was done, I was already craving for book two, which is now officially out. Can you guess what I’m getting today?

If you’re looking for a fun and addicting mystery, Deadly Cool is right for you. A book I couldn’t seem to put down until I had discovered who the real killer was. A book I definitely recommend to those looking for this kind of book.

Would you read it?

Have you read it? 

What did you think of it?

Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Pandemonium

Author: Lauren Oliver

Series: Delirium #2

Release Date: February 28^th, 2012

Number of Pages: 375

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Bought

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, 
pushing aside thoughts of Alex, 
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, 
push, 
push, 
push, 
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

I finally had tome to read the sequel to the amazing Delirium, a book I have loved. At first, I wasn’t really sure I would love this book as much as I did the first one. Why? Because the first few chapters, seeing as the novel alternates with “now” and “then”, didn’t captivated me as much as I wanted. Still, after a couple of chapter, I really ended up being captivated by Lena’s story again. The fact that it switched between both time really helped the story be more captivating, as we aren’t simply following Lena for a few hundred pages as she grow stronger in the Wild. That could have been a little slow.

The thing that I really enjoy is that there was a couple of really nice twist that really got me addicted. I love Lena’s new “friends”, even though they don’t always seem too completely truthful. I was sad to see some of them go, but overall, I felt like they added a little something nice to the story.

Now, There is also a new male interest for Lena. I don’t like him as much as I did Alex, but he was great on is own. I can’t wait to see where everything will be heading for Lena after the few twits that were thrown her way in the last few chapters. Lauren Oliver, you got me really, really, excited for your next book in the series.

In my opinion, Lauren Oliver proved in this novel that she could write a sequel without falling into the traditional “curse” of the second book, which often ends up a little bleh in comparison. No, Pandemonium keeps us satisfied from beginning to end, without ever feeling like it can’t stand on it’s own. This was one of those books you can simply devour.

Review: Eve

Title: Eve

Author: Anna Carey

Series: Eve #1

Release Date: October 4th

Number of Pages: 318

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Bought

 The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

Eve was the kind of book that I ended up enjoying but find hard to explain why. I find it to but captivating and fun to read. Yet, when it comes down to certain details, the more I think about them, the more I realized that they don’t make sense to me. Do I make sense?

I didn’t really like Eve. I found her to goes from one opposite to the other in a matter of seconds. This seemed strange to me. For example, she turns her back on what she was taught her whole life and her friends really easily. I know that she sees the truth about their future out of the school, but I feel like a normal character would try to find a rational explanation before turning her back on what she was told her whole life.

Of course, there’s also her reaction to Caleb. I found that she ended trusting him really fast considering she was told all her life that men were bad. Yet she falls for him fast. That’s another thing that annoying me. Look at the description. They tell us that she falls slowly for him, yet it wasn’t slow at all. I liked Caleb though, even if he something was almost presented as the Knight in shinning armor. I liked that he seems to be considerate for Eve, who has never face the reality of the outside world.

I have to say that the world made the book for me. I love the world Carey has created. That’s the main reason I really can’t wait to read the sequel Once. The other thing I really liked was Arden. I think the book would have been better if she had been the narrator. She was simply presented as a stronger character in my opinion.

Overall I liked it. It’s the kind of book that you can’t really explain completely why you liked it, but you still did.

Did I confuse you?