Review: The Vanishing Girl by Laura Thalassa

Title: The Vanishing Girl (#1)
Author: Laura Thalassa
Published: March 15, 2014
Pages: 338
Series: The Vanishing Girl
Source: purchased

Goodreads Summary: Every night after Ember Pierce falls asleep, she disappears. She can teleport anywhere in the world—London, Paris, her crush’s bedroom—wherever her dreams lead her. Ten minutes is all she gets, and once time’s up, she returns to her bed. It's a secret she’s successfully kept for the last five years. But now someone knows.

A week after her eighteenth birthday, when frustratingly handsome Caden Hawthorne captures her, delivers her to the government, and then disappears before her eyes, Ember realizes two things: One, she is not alone. And two, people like her—teleporters—are being used as weapons.
Dragged off to a remote facility where others like her live, Ember’s forced to pair up with her former captor, Caden, to learn how to survive inside until she can escape. Only Caden’s making escape seem less and less appealing.
But even as Ember falls for the boy who got her into this mess, she knows that she is running out of time. Because the government has plans for those like her, and those plans might just cost Ember her life.


**REVIEW**

A pleasant surprise.

I was hooked from the very first chapters and could not stop turning the pages.

I loved Thalassa's smooth and confident writing style and even pacing; everything carried out effortlessly throughout the story. She balanced action, mystery, and romance gracefully. There was just a flawless amount of small moments and big moments.

Ember as a protagonist immediately captured me - she was solid, level-headed, and humorous. I quickly gained confidence in her and trusted her actions. She held her own. I loved the narrating voice.

When you make a character as sexy, straightforward, and banter-driven as Caden, you'll drive the reader to either roll their eyes or chuckle at the things he says and does. Either it works or it's just annoying. I definitely chuckled. He could easily have been overdone and cliche, and I'm ridiculously relieved that he wasn't. This guy was on fire, but in a strangely endearing and enigmatic way.

Ember and Caden were good together and even though they were with each other, more or less, from start to finish, it worked. I adored their banter. However, I truly hope the gushing and craving of one another doesn't get out of hand and distract from the actual plot.

The characters in 'The Vanishing Girl' were all believable and interesting. I really liked that whichever character meant for a certain role weren't outright as expected; there was always a little more to them.

Everything regarding the teleporting, the training, and the missions were enjoyable and I can't wait to learn more about Adrian and the stones.

I finished 'The Vanishing Girl' in one go. Despite the abrupt ending I had a fair sense of satisfaction, and will definitely pick up the sequel this fall.

(4.5)

Review: Revival (The Variant Series #1) by Jena Leigh

Title: Revival (#1)
Author: Jena Leigh
Published: November 14, 2012
Pages: 282
Series: The Variant
Source: purchased

Goodreads summary: Possessing the uncanny ability to fry a television set from twenty paces can really wreck a girl’s social life.

If you’re looking for proof, just ask sixteen-year-old Alexandra Parker. After catching her boyfriend in the arms of the prettiest girl in school, she made the journey from social elite to social pariah in a haze of electricity and exploding electronics. But finding herself at the bottom of Bay View High’s social hierarchy was nothing compared to the shock of discovering who—and what—she really is.

After being zapped out of a burning bookstore by the mysterious Declan—a hero nearly as handsome as he is infuriating—Alex finds herself under the protection of the powerful Grayson family. It’s through them that she learns the truth: that the world she’s always known is nothing like it appears to be... and that she has far more in common with them than she might want to believe.

Now, on the run from a fire-wielding hit man and a secretive government organization, Alex must navigate a strange and treacherous new world filled with superhuman mutants known as Variants. As she begins to unravel the many secrets of her family’s past, she uncovers the real reason for her parents’ death twelve years earlier—and finds out that the threat to her family, and to everyone she cares about, is still dangerously real.

**REVIEW**

The first thing about 'Revival' that got my attention was the quality writing - Leigh has a smooth and natural writing style. I liked it a lot. Her point came across easily and the writing just felt very thought-out and uncluttered. The storyline flowed, having the perfect mixture of intrigue, banter, and the supernatural.

I enjoyed the fun parts as much as the serious ones and how Leigh kept the story balanced between the two. 

'Revival' was shortly narrated from different character's third-person point-of-view (but mostly the main character, Alexandra) and I loved it, which I rarely, if ever, do. It gave the story so many layers and I cared to get to know the other characters because they were all so darn likable!

There are many character involved and they're all interesting and substantial in their own way. I was curious of John Grayson's story and enjoyed reading about the Grayson family in general. I even liked the villain because he was so solid.

Although Alexandra and Declan spend some time together and are clearly attracted to each other, there wasn't really more than sweet or suggesting moments, and a pinch of jealousy involving Nathan. It was all innocent and subtle.

As mentioned, I found all characters likable, however, when it came to a potential romance I'm glad Leigh didn't pursue it. The entire book is set over a period of a week. A single week. So it wasn't realistic for any characters to develop feelings for each other.

There were some unexpected twists in the story and intriguing revelations. My only problem was that there wasn't a climax. The whole story just goes evenly. I was sure that no matter how late in the book, something shocking would occur (well, it had to?), but it never did.

The awfully small and short conflict at the very end (regarding the secret government organization) was disappointing, consisting of a conversation, easily resolved by a little talking back and forth. Yes, talking - not exactly what I'd expected.

There are also a lot of unanswered questions when the book ends, threads that's been pulled throughout the story but that still hang loose. I hope the sequel will catch you up and give you more of a conclusive experience when you finish it.

Other than that, 'Revival' was entertaining and enjoyable. Definitely look out for this author.

3.9/5

Review: Branded (A Sinners Series #1) by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

Title: Branded (#1)
Author: Abi Ketner, Missy Kalicicki
Published: June 27, 2013
Pages: 320
Series: Sinners
Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

**REVIEW**

I was so intrigued by 'Branded' and the premise, and curious how the authors would execute telling a story set in the worst of prisons. All I could see was Lexi locked up in a cell and the occasional conversation with a guard - and somehow they will fall in love.

Well, firstly, the Hole isn't like any other prison; besides the requirement to work, Sinners pretty much roam free to abuse and slaughter each other. Everyone wants a piece of Lexi, guards and inmates alike - not only is she very pretty (as we are reminded) but "Lust" is branded around her neck which makes her an obvious target.

As I was starting to realize, there had to be a really good reason for Lexi even lasting a few pages in the Hole.

There was a convenient one, at least. Not only is she locked up in a cell but she is assigned a personal guard who lives, full-time, in an adjoining room (which is pretty much a studio apartment). The door separating their rooms was never once locked and the guard she gets happens to be one of the only ones that would never think of doing anything horrible to her. So it was somewhere around here (which is in the first couple of chapters) that I started to scrutinize.

I really, really, really wished Cole (guard and love interest) had been more of a believable character.

"They [the guards] are chosen from a young age and trained in combat. They keep the order of society by using violent methods of intimidation. No one befriends a guard. Relationships with them are forbidden inside the Hole."

"I should know the hardest and most proficient guards work in here."

"Guards aren't supposed to be human. They're supposed to suck the life out of sinners and enforce the laws of the commander."

Except for him being snappy, he was never intimidating or outright cold, which is the least I would've expected from a guard, especially since every other guard (with the convenient exception of his best friend) were disgusting, unsympathetic assholes.

Cole and Lexi were instantly way too casual around each other. I was surprised how much they talked the first day they get to the cell, and that Lexi even gets up in the middle of the night to tell him she can't sleep (again, the door between the cell and Cole's room might as well have been a wide open gap in the wall) and asks if she can keep her light on, in which he replies, "Whatever."

Second day in the Hole:

"He offers his hand and pulls me upright with a smug look [after she trips]. I groan as embarrassment crawls up my face in the form of a deep, crimson flush."

Same day when under attack:

"Just leave me," I whisper into his ear..

"Never," he says in a short gasp.

Same day when safe, Lexi thanks Cole for saving her life:

"Uh, yeah." His cheeks turn a shade of pale pink.

Definitely not what I would've expected from a terrified eighteen-year-old girl who's just been thrown in a hellhole where every other person threatens to rape her, and one of the most skilled guards in there. How they behaved towards each other was incredibly unnatural and absolutely nothing had led up to it.

My main issue was that the love happened too fast without any reasonable build-up. They cared for each other before you had the chance to care for either one of them or even really get to know them. I liked the characters but they didn't live up to how they were portrayed.

Other than that, there were several semi-slow, uneventful moments for me. The story dragged a bit in the first half of the book when nothing too significant happened; there was no excitement that had me eagerly turn the pages. There is some action later on but it ended up not being as conflicted as it could've been. If you really enjoy the relationship between Cole and Lexi you probably won't have the same experience as me.

I'm curious how Ketner and Kalicicki will continue this series so if the sequel sounds promising, I might read it.

(3.3/5)

Review: The Defiance (#2) by A.G Henley

Title: The Defiance (#2)
Author: A.G Henley
Published: July 21, 2013
Pages: 207
Series: Brilliant Darkness (first installment, 'The Scourge')
Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: It hasn't been long since Fennel, a Sightless Groundling, and Peree, her Lofty Keeper, fell in love and learned the truth: the Scourge, and their world, are not what they seem.

Fenn and Peree are determined to guide their people to the protected village of Koolkuna, but first they must convince them that everything they believe is a lie. An impossible task, especially when someone seems hell-bent on trying anything--even animal sacrifice and arson--to destroy the couple's new bond and crush the frail truce between the Groundlings and the Lofties. Not everyone wants to uproot their lives in the forest, and those who stay behind will be left terribly vulnerable.

Fenn and Peree's resolve to be together, and the constant threat of the Scourge's return, push both groups to the breaking point. Unable to tell friend from foe, Fenn must again decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to ensure the future of the people of the forest.

Only this time, the price of peace may be too high to bear.

**REVIEW**

(Read my review of the first installment of the Brilliant Darkness series, here, first! Otherwise spoiler alert:)

From chapter one something unsettling occurs and puts the first half of the story in a slightly eerie light. Someone's out to get Fenn and you'll speculate if it's from the inside or the outside. This was where I was most frustrated that Fenn couldn't see and that this person terrorizing her was getting away with it so easily. 

However, I had an inkling that (not only who it was but) that it ultimately wasn't going to leave such a big dent in the storyline. It kept you on your toes and reminded you not to get too comfortable but it didn't really conflict the story the way it could have. By the time everything was revealed it didn't matter anymore (though there will be a little twist in the revelation.)

I had a huge problem with Moray. Who else. If you've read the first installment you'll know this character attempted rape and murder on Fenn. Prior to this, his family had threatened to kill Fenn's little brother and plotted against Fenn's "adoptive" mom, Aloe, whom was one of the Three.

These are quotes from 'The Defiance': "

".. He [Moray] didn't face any other consequences [except for a bitten tongue which Fenn caused him] for attacking me and leaving me to die in the ground.. Neither did his family.."

".. The new Council didn't have the will to really punish Moray's family after all our losses"

Reading this practically made me see red. What the actual what?! Unbelievable and unrealistic that a man capable of such horrid things was free to prance around being obnoxious and disgusting towards the victim and no one thinks twice about it.

Not only this but Moray is the one to get assigned to protect Fenn when she's working alone in the caves. Oh-kay.. clearly the fact that he'd forced himself on her, tied her up, and pushed her into a pit (that later filled with water) to die, means absolutely nothing.

All of this was just impossible for me to get past since Moray is in a lot of the story (even if he tried redeeming himself later on, it could never be enough.)

I actually really felt for Fenn's friendship with Calli and how her best friend had turned into someone she didn't know if she could trust anymore. But I rooted for Calli. And I loved Bear, he was so wonderful. Despite his feelings for Fenn, he was an amazing support and really made an impact on the story and in Fenn's life.

There were some superb character development, for sure.

Speaking of chosen. I'm not short of love for Peree. 'The Defiance' was definitely much more centered around the love between the Groundling and the Lofty and the people working against it. I couldn't help but wanting to scream, "Their love hurts no one!"

Fenn doesn't leave for Koolkuna until more than half of the book. I found that it was a little slow in the beginning because Fenn just kind of hangs around and gets into trouble when you want her to pack her things and just go and be free. However, when she's finally off I needed to read until the very end.

'The Defiance' definitely had some surprising, shocking, emotional, and heartwarming turns. I was satisfied with the ending even though it ended in an intriguing twist and I'll be waiting to read the third installment!

(3.5/5)

Review: The Scourge (Brilliant Darkness #1) by A.G Henley

Title: The Scourge (#1)
Author: A.G Henley
Published: January 30, 2012
Pages: 242
Series: Brilliant Darkness
Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: Seventeen-year-old Groundling, Fennel, is Sightless. She's never been able to see her lush forest home, but she knows its secrets. She knows how the shadows shift when she passes under a canopy of trees. She knows how to hide in the cool, damp caves when the Scourge comes. She knows how devious and arrogant the Groundlings' tree-dwelling neighbors, the Lofties, can be. 

And she's always known this day would come--the day she faces the Scourge alone. 

The Sightless, like Fenn, are mysteriously protected from the Scourge, the gruesome creatures roaming the forests, reeking of festering flesh and consuming anything--and anyone--living. A Sightless Groundling must brave the Scourge and bring fresh water to the people of the forest. Today, that task becomes Fenn's. 

Fenn will have a Lofty Keeper, Peree, as her companion. Everyone knows the Lofties wouldn't hesitate to shoot an arrow through the back of an unsuspecting Groundling like Fenn, but Peree seems different. A boy with warm, rough hands who smells like summer, he is surprisingly kind and thoughtful. Although Fenn knows his people are treacherous, she finds herself wanting to trust him. 

As their forest community teeters on the brink of war, Fenn and Peree must learn to work together to survive the Scourge and ensure their people's survival. But when Fenn uncovers a secret that shatters her truths, she's forced to decide who and what to protect--her people, her growing love for Peree, or the elusive dream of lasting peace in the forest. 

**REVIEW**

What a refreshing, highly enjoyable read.

Fenn is my favorite kind of heroine - leveled, brave, and strong. The fact that she was unable to see made the story so interesting (just a tad frustrating when I really wanted her to see so that she'd have an easier time). It gave everything a certain mystery while simultaneously giving your imagination free reigns - the appearance of every face, every expression, and every setting.

It was really amazing how much you could see through Fenn's mind despite her Sightlessness, using only sound, touch, smell, and sense so naturally (though there were a couple of times Fenn described something she shouldn't be able to see, but overall it was very well written). I saw everything in the story so clearly. And had Fenn actually been able to see but the story being written the same way, I barely would've noticed, that's how great of a writer Henley is.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic time where the Groundlings and Lofties (divided groups of inhabitants that live on the ground and up in the trees) live in fear of the Scourge (horrific-looking, flesh-eating creatures). I admit that there were a few "holes" in the story; why didn't the Groundlings have more of a sufficient way of protecting themselves and surviving the Scourge already (since issues with hiding in the cave rose so quickly like they'd never done so before)?

While the Lofties had bows and arrows to protect themselves with and kill the Scourge (also wasn't logical why they didn't just kill them all instead of a few only to scare them off), why didn't the Groundlings have any weapons? And why didn't the Lofties simply get water for themselves, protecting each other instead of relying on a Groundling in exchange for protection?

What I really didn't understand was why they would send a blind teenage girl to find the Hidden Waters in the cave all by herself when no one had managed to find it before or even made it back. Her only advantage was that she was used to darkness, but that was it. I understood the rule that another teenage boy couldn't accompany her unless he was her partner, but why couldn't anyone else be her companion (volunteer or not)?

The answer is, if they did send someone else with Fenn, the story wouldn't have been half as fun. So I'm okay with it. I was already really okay with it just as Fenn was to set off into the foreign parts of the cave.

The story had a nice pacing, giving you time to get into it. I actually liked that 'The Scourge' wasn't a crazy action-packed book. There were great dialogue and a sprinkle of nice lightheartedness, but also little twists and baffling discoveries.

I liked Peree. He was so gentle and calm, yet with a slight edge when needed. The romance was nice and believable, perfect for the story. I loved that it wasn't overwhelming or intense, it was just very soothing and comforting.

I enjoyed the forest, the refuge of Koolkuna, and many of the secondary characters (Kora, anyone?) - there's no doubt I'll read the sequel right away!

(4/5)

Review: Dragoon (War of the Princes #2) by A.R Ivanovich

Title: Dragoon: War of the Princes (#2)
Author: A.R Ivanovich
Published: June 16, 2013
Pages: 391
Series: War of the Princes (first installment published May 26, 2011: Haven)
Source: purchased

Amazon summary: Surviving a narrow brush with death convinced Katelyn Kestrel that she must never return to the war-torn Outside World. Safe again within the sanctuary of Haven Valley, she has forced herself to forget Rune Thayer, the young Dragoon soldier who sacrificed everything to save her.

Katelyn’s struggle to adapt to a peaceful life is undone when she is assaulted by a classmate, triggering her powers with devastating consequences. The authorities learn of her rare Abilities, and a web of troubling mysteries unravels around her. She finds that an unfortunate twist of fate has delivered Haven prisoners to the Prince of Shadows, and he will stop at nothing to discover the valley’s secret location. Katelyn must find and rescue the captives or witness the destruction of everything she has ever loved.

**REVIEW**

It is books like 'Haven' and 'Dragoon' that inspire me and makes me ridiculously excited about reading, about the art of imagination and storytelling.

Ivanovich is an excellent writer. Truly gifted. I just love her writing style, how everything just flows. When you're reading you'll experience that the story is writing itself, and it does so flawlessly.

(Feel free to read my review of the first installment, Haven.)

Again, I loved Katelyn, our protagonist. Her narrating voice is so solid, and good gravity, is she sensible, smart, and selfless. I admire her and her ability to make strong, fearless decisions. Never the damsel-in-distress and never a weakling, yet so easy to relate to emotionally. I also very much appreciated her witty nature. At the end of the day, she was an eighteen-year-old girl who'd managed to do what few could.

It was so interesting that Ivanovich decided to include Katelyn's friends from Haven in the Outside World, and it had me wondering if the story would go down a doomed route because of it. Would Katelyn's epic journey be weighted down by constantly having to look out for her friends and rescue them? Would they put her in unnecessary danger and risks due to their lack of knowledge? The answer is no. 

Surprisingly enough, it worked very well. It made Katelyn more vulnerable and it lent her more strength. There was always a possibility she wouldn't make it back home, to Haven, but with people she cared about with her, she had to. And they were willing to fight by her side.

Things didn't turn out the way I'd expected with Dylan; though, despite my hopes(?) it was realistic for Katelyn and Dylan to have a rough, conflicting relationship. Ivanovich let Dylan stay true to his nature but in an enjoyable way. I liked not liking him.

As I mentioned in my Haven-review, romance isn't what you think of when you're reading these books. However, the story is driven by the heart.

Fake identities, flying ships, explosions, immense danger, and an impossible quest aside - Katelyn's heart always wondered about the one person, the one dragoon. Rune. And it drove the story to be more relatable and hopeful.

There wasn't much romance, but it was just enough to be a small step towards something greater. Rune is unlike any other love interest that I've read about. He is unwillingly stoic. There is so much to understand about him. Dragoons are not seen as people and they aren't worthy or allowed to feel, to care, and to love. I look forward to experiencing more of Rune's character development.

'Dragoon' is a highly enjoyable read without a dull moment! I'll be waiting for the third installment.

(4/5)

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me (#1)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Published: November 15, 2011
Pages: 357
Series: yes (second installment 'Unravel Me' published February 5, 2013)
Source: purchased

Goodreads Summary: 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.

**REVIEW**

When I come across a book and its many reviews, very positive and very negative, I sometimes feel compelled to read it just to get my own perception and my own say in it, and it's interesting not knowing if you're going to hate or love the book but you'll read it just to find out.

This wasn't entirely the case with 'Shatter Me' but a version of it. It was the power of reviews that had me stay away and the power of reviews that had me approach. I read a sample of the book and felt sort of hypnotized, to be honest with you.

It told me I wanted to know more more more. (I just had to do that. If you've read the book you'll be familiar with the repetitive words and the strikethroughs.)

Which brings me to Mafi's (controversial) writing style. I completely get the frenzy around it. It is not traditional writing - throughout 'Shatter Me' Mafi, as mentioned, repeat words and phrases (example: I don't know I don't know I don't know), uses strikethrough on words and phrases like Juliette is crossing out her own thoughts, and writes smaller parts with only lowercase letters.

It was the writing and not the storyline that caught my attention. I've never read anything remotely like it and I was impressed that someone "dared" push the limits.

The strikethroughs got to me first; it was a little distracting, I didn't understand it at first and I even considered that the book had been misprinted.

Weirdly enough, the repetitive words weren't a huge issue for me. Especially in the beginning when you meet Juliette who's been locked up in an asylum, it suited. It just really did. She'd been forced to adjust to an insane environment for two-hundred and sixty-four days in her own lonesome company - who wouldn't be repeating nonsense?

The repetitiveness were her scattered, unstable thoughts. Mafi did an excellent job of portraying Juliette as someone verging on crazy, as someone who had in fact been locked up for as long as she had.

It wasn't until later in the book when the unstable part of Juliette didn't feel as current anymore that I could've gone without her repeating thoughts because, by that point, it felt more like Mafi was trying to keep up with it  rather than something that contributed to Juliette's state of mind.

And wow have I never come anywhere close to commenting this much on the writing of a book only. Mafi has indeed left an impression, and that alone is an accomplishment.

As to the storyline - I was so caught up on the writing I'd hardly processed what the story was all about. The Reestablishment want to take advantage of Juliette's ability; and Warner, the young leader of sector 45, is the head of the case and also happens to be obsessed with Juliette.

Warner's personal intentions with Juliette were.. disturbing. The whole thing was. He would do something nice with a twisted mind. Juliette would express her disgust towards him but then manage to talk to him anyway, curiously asking him questions, and even making a "joke."

Juliette lacked logic, strength, and clarity at times. She never behaved outright cold or spitefulness towards Warner. He should've resembled every emotion of pain or hatred that she felt, and despite making her do horrible things and making her be there "working with him" at all, she could still find it in her to just talk to him.

In general, I didn't have a problem with Juliette. Her mind was a maze and I wanted to learn it but there were some things that felt out of place for sure, things that didn't fit with someone who was supposed to be broken. 

Enter Adam. Authors have got to stop using that name because sometime in the future the word "hot" is going to get replaced my "Adam."

I was surprised to respond to him so quickly. The way Mafi chose to introduce him was very interesting, a good move, and I even thought that she should've carried on with the part of Juliette, Adam, and the asylum for longer so that the "betrayal" would've made much more of an impact.

I really liked Adam. Without being the obvious, in your face, forced-upon-you perfect; he was pretty flawless - good and gentle and alluring.

I take it the history Adam and Juliette shared and what was later revealed [Spoilers starting!] Such as Adam having been in love with Juliette three years back and had volunteered to do the assignment because he cared for her. Yes, of course. [Spoilers ended!] was to strengthen their bond, it really didn't have much of an affect and came across as more to perfect their love rather than bring something to the story.

It's extremely rare that I read a book with non-existent romance and love it, so I'm not complaining when there's more romance than expected, which there was - some of it I really responded to and other had me wonder how they could possibly have the time and sense to kiss and cuddle when something so alarming and terrifying was going on.

I especially wondered and questioned how Juliette, someone who'd been locked up for nearly a year adjusted so quickly to everything. How she even managed to speak to Adam at the asylum. This is a girl who hasn't spoken or seen a human being in almost a year so I found that her adjustment was too drastic. She functioned too easily, loved too fast. In just a month or so the Juliet who may or may not have been insane, was changed.

I can't say I loved the direction Mafi chose to steer the story (when the many X-Men references came to make sense). I liked that there was so much more than Juliette and the asylum, that there was so much more to learn.. but 'Shatter Me' had been rightfully fresh up until then. Let's just say the story took a major turn into fantasy-land and I'm uncertain it will be to my complete liking.

James and Kenji were two great characters I'm looking to read more about and I'm just generally ecstatic for the next installment and what is to come.

(4.5/5)

Review: Defiance (#1) by C.J Redwine

Title: Defiance (The Courier's Daughter #1)
Author: C.J Redwine

Published: August 28, 2012

Pages: 416

Series: The Courier's Daughter Trilogy

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: 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.


**REVIEW**
'Defiance' is the first debut I've marked on my calender several months prior to its release. I was hooked by the description and just knew this was a book I could not, would not live without reading (just to be melodramatic about it.)

Rachel Adams is a kick-ass heroine, I just want to get this out there straightaway. I adored her. The girl was fearless, smart, fiercely determined. She had guts and courage like no other. Rachel's individual journey in 'Defiance' was hopeful and emotional and I really felt with her, hurt with her, believed with her.

I didn't fall for or truly connect with Logan, not nearly as much as I wish I had. From the get-go Logan went out of his way to keep Rachel safe, which was a difficult task, and I liked him for it but romance-wise he didn't really get there.

Although, as strange as it may sound, I found that Rachel and Logan were too comfortable with each other too soon. I expected there'd be much more tension and differences between the two as there should've been, but they immediately resembled old friends.

There was a dual point-of-view which I had a little bit of a hard time with in the beginning. The narrators of Rachel and Logan were far too similar, you really wouldn't be able to tell them apart if they didn't refer to each other or if you didn't know their different situations.
I'd be reading and have to go back to the first page of the chapter and check if I was reading Rachel's or Logan's point-of-view. Even though I usually prefer shorter chapters, it was especially hard to keep up with the dual point-of-views because of that this time.

'Defiance' was filled with unpredictable turns. I'd be so sure this or that was going to happen and be left surprised when it went a whole other direction.

The Commander, the leader and tyrant of Baalboden, reminded me of a power-drunk cartoon. He failed to impress me with his invincibility and instead succeeded annoying me a whole lot.

Oliver and especially Melkin were two unlikely characters I found a liking to and their tragic paths definitely moved me.

I was also confused about what time the story was set in which had me find that the names in 'Defiance' weren't suiting at all. I later understood it was supposed to be post-apocalyptic (something I completely missed while reading 'Defiance') but there was a lot I didn't understand.

I would've wanted more backstory to how Baalboden came about.
Why was it a law that women had to have Protectors, had to live with them? Why was it punishable to such an extreme degree to be seen without your Protector? It didn't make any sense if it was solely for safety reasons.

'Defiance' was a very eventful read. Though I have my reservations the story didn't disappoint me and I'll definitely check out the second installment.

(4/5)

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Title: Unearthly (#1)

Author: Cynthia Hand

Published: January 4, 2011

Pages: 464

Series: Trilogy - 'Hallowed' (published January 17, 2012) and 'Boundless' follow

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: When Clara Gardner learns she’s part angel, her entire life changes. She now has a purpose, a specific task she was put on this earth to accomplish, except she doesn’t know what it is. Her visions of a raging forest fire and a mysterious boy lead her to a new high school in a new town but provide no clear instruction. As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she’d have to make—between the boy in her vision and the boy in her life, between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. . . . When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

**REVIEW**

I ended up reading 'Unearthly' in one sitting - skipping right over dinner. At first I wasn't sure I was going to like it; the beginning moved quickly (one moment Carla has her vision and the next she and her family have moved to a new state to fulfill her purpose), and the angel front was a little too blunt and direct for my taste.

Even though I thought it was interesting that young angels got visions about their purpose on earth, a mission they were meant to complete, there wasn't particularly a new and refreshing take on them otherwise.

I think the mystery revolving the boy Carla sees in her vision (and appears to be meant to save) could've built up for much longer. Carla finds him almost immediately, and so simply, and the whole thing just feels less exciting. Although, the vision remains an enigma throughout the book and will still have you wondering what it is that's going to happen.

Readers will have different opinions on the high school parts of 'Unearthly.' Carla being an angel (well, half) and having this vision she's trying to figure out is never forgotten but there is a good chunk of just being a teenager and I actually found those parts very charming and enjoyable.

The classroom scenes were so funny and I loved Carla's friends, they were just really great and well-written, the kind of characters you'd like as your own friends because they were that awesome.

Carla was a likable, enjoyable protagonist and narrator. I have to say the whole deal with the orange hair was a little distracting (I know, it's silly. But really, all I thought about was this weird girl with dye-damaged orange hair.)

Hand did a good job of including Carla's mom and brother in the storyline, especially Jeffrey who wasn't a necessary character but who would've been missed if he'd been removed.

A love triangle was not expected, but wait.. it was sort of a non-love triangle love triangle, done with taste 

and reason.

I was totally caught off guard by Tucker. Hand really succeeded with a believable "hate turned love relationship." I made a total one-eighty - finding him rude and obnoxious to funny and charming. I did in fact like Christian and his subtle ways, as well, but he was held at a distance where you didn't really know where you had him. Tucker had such charisma, he had me smiling like an idiot.

I was intrigued by the concept of the Black Wings (totally adored the idea that Black Wings oozed this painful sorrow about them) but the one big encounter with a Black Wing left me unsatisfied, and frankly, a little weirded out. I'd hoped there'd be more exposure to them, something I'm sure will be presented more in the second installment.

As 'Unearthly' got to its climax and everything that'd been built up regarding Carla's purpose started to unfold I found myself in an awfully tense state. There's most definitely a pleasing, interesting twist and I'm curious to see how Hand takes it from here.

(4/5)

Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Title: A Beautiful Dark (#1)

Author: Jocelyn Davies

Published: September 27, 2011

Pages: 405

Series: yes (second installment 'A Fractured Light' published September 25, 2012)

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events.
Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

**REVIEW**

I went into 'A Beautiful Dark' with ease and fair interest. It was definitely fast-paced, things came about quickly in the beginning and characters were introduced right away.

My first thought was that Asher and Devin were everywhere. There they were from chapter one and then just.. everywhere. I found there was no time to really get to know them and have them grow on you before they were all in your face.

The boys, without a proper get-to-know-each-other conversation whatsoever, spoke to Skye and made constant comments to her as if they knew her after only one day at their new school. Although Asher and Devin were supposed to be complete strangers to Skye, she'd respond in the same manner. It just wasn't natural and felt manufactured.

Asher and Devin seemed to appear every nanosecond, wherever Skye turned, and I didn't understand why she immediately got so incredibly hung up on them.

At first I found that Asher and Devin's differing characteristics were very forced. We have the good guy and the bad boy and it was especially forced how they were clearly pushed to be total opposites with everything that they did.

Later on, you'll be enlightened why this was the case, but despite the gained understanding of it, it was just one of those things that were pretty typical.

Unfortunately both characters were just too obvious. They felt very head-on and decided. Rather than being charming it was as if they were told to be charming, if that makes sense.

I hate it when I don't have anything to say about the protagonist other than that they were all right. Though I think Skye needed to get her reactions checked. When Asher showed Skye his power (way before she knew anything about him or Devin) she hardly had any reaction to it, like what he could do wasn't strange at all. It was the same when she found out about her parents, she isn't bewildered or upset, instead she takes it all very smoothly.

The plot line in 'A Beautiful Dark' wasn't unheard of. Sadly, little made it original or fresh.

The big portion of the book when Skye's trying to find her powers didn't really go anywhere. I didn't get to the point of feeling it was boring but it was repetitive and refrained the story from moving forward.

I was pretty surprised to be closing in on the ending without having anything significant and conflicting occur. And then suddenly the storyline that had been somewhat uneventful until then, stirred up and there was excitement, action, and shock.

I was pleasantly shocked by the twist at the end, and I freaking loved it. Honestly, I didn't think 'A Beautiful Dark' had it in it. Up until then I didn't think I'd read the second installment (which is ironic since it was the description of the sequel that had me read the first book) but I might all because of the ending.

(3.5/5)

Review: Haven (War of the Princes) by A.R Ivanovich

Title: Haven: War of the Princes (#1)

Author: A.R Ivanovich

Published: May 26, 2011

Pages: 392

Series: yes

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: From missing socks to missing people, nothing could remain hidden from seventeen year-old Katelyn Kestrel for long, but after locating a forbidden passage out of her isolated country, Haven, she discovers for the first time that there are some things that should never be found. Outside the safety of her homeland’s borders, Katelyn meets Rune, a young soldier who will die without her immediate aid. She never considered that helping him would lead to her capture. 

While being held prisoner by the handsome Lord Dylan Axton, she learns that the outside world is rife with war and controlled by people with extraordinary powers. It becomes clear that there was a very good reason the founders of Haven locked their people away from the rest of the world. The depth of her peril reaches a fever pitch when a ruthless Commander wants Katelyn dead. Her only hope is to return to Haven, but can she survive long enough to find her home?

**REVIEW**

'Haven' was a lovely surprise of a story - it had magnificent and imaginable world-building, memorable characters, and a great storyline.

I loved how the story started off with only a couple of chapters of an "intro" (where we get to see how Katelyn's life - a quite normal one - is like in school and with friends) before she sets off one night to look for a way out of the walls of Haven, something that hasn't been done in seven-hundred years.

I thought the atmosphere of Haven was going to be a dystopian one with the controlled society and strict rules, but it was the contrary of that which was pretty wonderful. Haven is a safe, happy, and peaceful place. I felt safe while reading about Haven Valley, I would totally live there! I also found Katelyn's dad to be hilarious with how he had no problem trusting Katelyn when she snuck out at night.

I enjoyed everything about Katelyn's journey to the Outside - how the secret passage was found at a graveyard, the threatening scribbles on the walls, the dry aquamarine water, the cave. It was exciting and confronting.

The Outside - also known as the town of Breakwater - was a world of its own, set in a different era. I was definitely intrigued by the Dragoons and their duty. I must admit I was a little bit lost in the mix of lords and commanders (and Margraves and Princes) there were a lot of people involved but I got the general idea of how they were ranked and how it worked.

I liked how Ivanovich placed Katelyn in the fairly royal hands of Dylan at the beginning and how Katelyn desperately tried to get away, not realizing this was the freest she'd be on the Outside and that it really was something she should've appreciated.

Dylan was, well, hard to figure out. Though he was full of himself and/or manipulative, he was never solely bad. I can't even say he was bad. Dylan was a wild card, you didn't really know with him. I read that Ivanovich had intended for 'Haven' to be a stand-alone novel but with the possibility of a sequel at the end, and I have to say, if 'Haven' had been left as a stand-alone I would've been left profusely conflicted about Dylan. He did not leave off in a good light and I'm glad there might be more to learn.

Even though the title states "War of the Princes" the reader isn't exposed to the war per se, the only knowledge and information about the war is that there is a war going on. 'Haven' followed Katelyn in her quest of going back to Haven Valley, truly a safe haven. Though Katelyn spends a good chunk of the story captured, there was never a dull moment.

I loved Katelyn's character - she was a great narrator with a sensible voice - strong-willed, compassionate, and even with a little wit thrown in to lighten up the mood.

The only time I found myself sighing at her was when she could not stop blaming Rune for something he clearly had had no choice over, other than that, there was not one choice or decision of hers that made me roll my eyes or wonder what the hell she'd been thinking. Katelyn seemed to always be at the top of her game.

I hadn't had any expectations romance-wise, and it was perfectly okay. Cave Rune had me wanting to know more and Dragoon Rune was mysterious. There was absolutely something about him, and that he wasn't allowed any connections to friends or family made it much more daring and I liked that because you knew, under the emotionless exterior, he's surely feeling. Although, honestly, the name Rune.. I needed some warming up to it.

Ironically enough, the minor (really minor) slow-going moment for me was the big fighting sequence towards the end - I don't know why I experienced that it was a bit scattered, it could very well have been my middle-of-the-night slow brain.

I was okay with the ending, though again, had 'Haven' been a stand-alone, I would've been left wondering too much about things - about Breakwater, about Dylan, about Rune. So I'm really glad there will be more.

Ivanovich's writing is excellent, very pleasant and expressive. I enjoyed every minute of it and I'm excitedly looking forward to the second installment.

(4.5/5)

Review: Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

Title: Such a Rush

Author: Jennifer Echols

Published: July 10, 2012

Pages: 336

Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: Heaven Beach, South Carolina, is anything but, if you live at the low-rent end of town. All her life, Leah Jones has been the grown-up in her family, while her mother moves from boyfriend to boyfriend, letting any available money slip out of her hands. At school, they may diss Leah as trash, but she’s the one who negotiates with the landlord when the rent’s not paid. At fourteen, she’s the one who gets a job at the nearby airstrip.

But there’s one way Leah can escape reality. Saving every penny she can, she begs quiet Mr. Hall, who runs an aerial banner-advertising business at the airstrip and also offers flight lessons, to take her up just once. Leaving the trailer park far beneath her and swooping out over the sea is a rush greater than anything she’s ever experienced, and when Mr. Hall offers to give her cut-rate flight lessons, she feels ready to touch the sky.

By the time she’s a high school senior, Leah has become a good enough pilot that Mr. Hall offers her a job flying a banner plane. It seems like a dream come true . . . but turns out to be just as fleeting as any dream. Mr. Hall dies suddenly, leaving everything he owned in the hands of his teenage sons: golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. 

And they're determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business—until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly.

**REVIEW**

I'm a loyal fan of Echols, though frankly, I haven't loved any of her books in quite a while. I can say that 'Such a Rush' gave me my faith back that I will love her books again.

What truly baffled me about this book was how it screamed JENNIFER ECHOLS in every way possible as she's known as a writer (which I guess is a statement only those who've read more than a couple of her books might be able to relate to) - but I absolutely loved that.

Echols do what she does best: handsome boys, secretive plot, independent heroine, and of course, the familiar witty banter (it's simply not an Echols novel without it.)

Leah, the protagonist, has led a struggling life and goes by on a daily basis barely having enough to eat, but there was something oddly calm about her and her situation. She knew how to deal with it in a way that didn't make you feel sorry for her.

Leah was level-headed, determined, and safe in her own skin. Even though there were qualities that made her appear rebellious or troubled, she was rather a teenager trying to find her way.

I really enjoyed the flying. Echols made me believe I could do it; literally made me believe I would be able to fly a plane. Maybe I will. I don't know much (or anything) about planes or businesses within that field, but I intentionally chose to overlook the odds of eighteen-year-olds in the air (what do I know) and running a banner-flying business. I couldn't imagine Greyson doing paperwork, for one.

The big damning secret Greyson used to blackmail Leah with was a little silly, really, if you were to compare it to the size of his goal with the whole thing. It was just a little far-fetched.

[Spoilers starting!] I didn't understand why his way of trying to make Alec stay was by attempting to make him fall for Leah. It felt so out of the blue to get such an idea. Why on earth would Greyson believe it'd work? It was never mentioned Alec might've had a crush on Leah back in the days or anything like that, so the odds of him not falling for Leah and the plan backfiring was the majority. [Spoilers ended!]

I have two feelings about the plot: one, there wasn't enough backstory or reason behind what originated Greyson's idea to blackmail Leah for it to have seemed logical. And two, the whole thing ultimately should've been twice as dramatic and complicated. Emotions should've been flying about (ha, no pun intended) when everything revealed itself.

I'd thought Greyson and Alec would be equally appealing, despite their differing characteristics, that there'd be some back and forth before knowing who Leah would "end up with", but soon enough (well, too soon) you realize nothing is meant to happen with one of the boys. I would've wanted to see him make more of an impact and difference in the story.

I did like the small cast of characters that it ultimately came down to and the simple but close moments shared.

Then we have Mark - a loose end. There was a lot that wasn't explained about Mark, he should've been more active in the story since his character did carry some weight. I feel that important scenes between him and Leah were skipped.

Despite having rambled on about all my "should'ves", I really did found myself responding to 'Such a Rush' more than anticipated. I did indeed enjoy it.

(4/5)