Review: Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

Title: Rites of Passage
Author: Joy N. Hensley
Published: September 9, 2014
Pages: 416
Series: (Unknown but possibly)
Source: purchased

Goodreads summary: Sam McKenna’s never turned down a dare. And she's not going to start with the last one her brother gave her before he died.

So Sam joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s expecting push-ups and long runs, rope climbing and mud-crawling. As a military brat, she can handle an obstacle course just as well as the boys. She's even expecting the hostility she gets from some of the cadets who don’t think girls belong there. What she’s not expecting is her fiery attraction to her drill sergeant. But dating is strictly forbidden and Sam won't risk her future, or the dare, on something so petty...no matter how much she wants him.

As Sam struggles to prove herself, she discovers that some of the boys don’t just want her gone—they will stop at nothing to drive her out. When their petty threats turn to brutal hazing, bleeding into every corner of her life, she realizes they are not acting alone. A decades-old secret society is alive and active… and determined to force her out.
At any cost.

Now time's running short. Sam must decide who she can trust...and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences.

**REVIEW**

IMPRESSION
I don't think the title, cover, or synopsis makes the story justice, whatsoever. I would've easily passed up on this. The depth, tension, and strength of this book doesn't come across in the summary. The mention of "a dare" and "dating" made this sound like another contemporary novel with a female protagonist in an unfavorable situation, crushing on someone off-limits.

Nothing prepared me for the intense, captivating, enthralling ride. I read it in one sitting until the wee hours of the morning, wide awake despite exhaustion prior to turning that first page. And I was exhausted when I finished, in a really good way. The happy, pumped sort of exhaustion.

STORY
This is a military book and I loved the crap out of it.

Sam is one of the first female students ever at the military academy, and the reality is harsh. Really harsh. There are continuous reasons to turn the page as fast as you can and root for her. You'll get attached to characters. You'll learn a whole lot.
And maybe (if you're in that state of mind) you'll even, sort of, not really, definitely not (wouldn't survive a day) wish you were there because you'd want to meet that hopelessly crush-worthy guy.

CHARACTERS
Sam is a force of determination, bravery, and courage. I sat on needles for her through many parts and I'm stunned how a character can make me so insanely, inexplicably proud. I admire her to no end.

There wasn't one uncertain character. Everyone had their own impact, their own place, their own voice. The character were well-written and memorable. Even the characters you despised you enjoyed reading about, because they were believable.
I especially appreciated the raw, shaky friendship between Sam and the girls, and Sam's authentic relationship with the boys. Kelly, Drill, Rev, Jonathan, Amos, Huff, and more... love 'em guys.

A thank you to Hensley for writing this fantastic book.

My one and only question mark, to those who've read the book, I didn't quite understand why Sam was the chosen victim. Why her specifically from day one? Why were they hardest on her even before she'd proven to be "an issue"?

(5/5)

Short reviews: Hidden Wings + Broken Wings by Cameo Renae

Title: Hidden Wings (#1)
Author: Cameo Renae
Published: January 16, 2013
Pages: 204
Series: Hidden Wings
Source: purchased

Goodreads Summary: Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise. As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.

Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.

A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.

**REVIEW**

For those who are looking for a quick, young, and uncomplicated storyline. However, I found the writing to be incredibly unrefined and without structure or finesse. Everything felt very scattered. The protagonist was a little unbelievable and the characters lacked emotional depth, making them hard to connect with. This is a quick-paced read to pass the time.

(2.5/5)

#

Title: Broken Wings (#1)
Author: Cameo Renae
Published: June 1, 2013
Pages: 296
Series: Hidden Wings
Source: purchased

Goodreads Summary: Emma’s world is falling apart, and Kade, the only one who seems to hold her together, is missing. With death lingering right outside their door, decisions must be made before it’s too late.

The Midway has refused to send help, so they are left to seek out the only other who can stop Lucian.

A perilous quest sends Emma and a few Guardians into the Underworld, where the unimaginable abide, to beseech the Prince of Darkness himself. Lucifer.
Now, they must endure the deadly levels of Hell, which not one …mortal or immortal… has ever survived. Prepare for love, loss, and the unexpected.

**REVIEW**

Despite only feeling so-so about the first installment, I went ahead and picked up 'Broken Wings.'

I was intrigued by Kade and the promising plot, and ended up exceptionally underwhelmed by the unbelievable and convenient quest into Hell. It left me completely unfazed and I found myself skimming the book, either bored or just wanting to finish it.

The deal with Lucifer's son was a fun twist, though, as a character he was incredibly unrealistic. The ending was abrupt and I almost would've purchased the third book just to finish the half-hanging scene, if I hadn't known better. This will be it for me.

(2/5)

Review: Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

Title: Hunting Lila (Lila #1)
Author: Sarah Alderson
Published: August 4, 2011
Pages: 320
Series: Lila
Source: purchased

Amazon Summary: 17-year-old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them…


**REVIEW**
I liked the characters. I had fun reading about Jack, Alex, and Lila as a trio and was intrigued by The Unit. I really enjoyed Lila's relationship and interaction with her brother which made Jack's reaction when finding out about Lila's ability not very believable or consistent with his character or "loving brother" persona.

The whole Lila / Alex deal was entertaining, until all things Alex and all his details or words or how much she wanted him started to resemble a slight obsession. It was too distracting.

The funny thing is, why I liked Alex was also the reason why I didn't feel that him and Lila were a believable match. Alex was mature and cool-headed. And Lila felt too young and stubborn in comparison. I could definitely see why she'd be infatuated with him, but I couldn't see him having romantic feelings for her, at all. It just didn't match up.

The storyline was promising and the plot twist interesting, however, a little too convenient for my taste. Because [SPOILER ALERT: the bad guys turning out to bet he good guys just as the protagonist is captures, isn't too exciting.]

And I gradually just ended up losing interest in the story.

'Hunting Lila' is an entertaining read for those looking to read a girl-likes-boy kind of book with supernatural abilities and little action scenes.

I won't continue the 'Lila' series as of now but will check out more of Alderson's books.

(3/5)

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection (#1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Published: April 24, 2012
Pages: 336
Series: The Selection
Source: purchased

Goodreads Summary: 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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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.


**REVIEW**

It was okay.

I was excited to finally give 'The Selection' a shot, unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. I was most astonished about the lightness of the story - it was easy, breezy, and girly. I'd call this a chick-lit any day over dystopia.

I found the idea of actual ranks in the society quite interesting but it didn't seem to mean much except for determine a person's wealth, or lack thereof, and attitude (the richer were snottier.)
Did they live amongst each other or was it divided? Were there certain rules and laws in favor for or against you depending on your caste? Why was it that the castes had to stick to their specific line of occupations? Etc.

My guess is that most of those rating this book three stars or less had hopes for the dystopia, world-building, or riveting plot, which 'The Selection' did not deliver.

I was shocked to get halfway through the book and realizing the story had basically been about the protagonist, America, just walking around and talking to people. The entire book turned out to be about her just walking around and talking to people. In other words; nothing happened. There was no high point, no low point, no plot.

The rebels attacked and everyone would just sit in a room and wait it out. Everyone is in grave danger and people are crying or passing out, but they're essentially just sitting in a room. The reader is told about the danger, but never get to experience it. Cass could've given the story a kick if she'd chosen a less convenient route in these matters.

America enters the Selection to help her family, making it clear she's there against her will and dislikes the whole thing, though, I don't agree it conveyed in her behavior. She was very inconsistent, seemingly unable to make up her mind about things. Though, generally calm, she'd suddenly be rude or dramatic towards Maxon.

Maxon being a character I just could not connect with or really find a reason to like. I didn't see Maxon the handsome prince, I saw an awfully formal, one-dimensional teenage boy. I couldn't find anything alluring about him at all.

And we have Aspen rounding up the love triangle. I don't prefer reading about protagonists with boyfriends, simply because you, as the reader, don't get to fall in love along with the heroine.
Instead, you're already supposed to like him, which isn't a given you will. And I didn't necessarily. Not because Aspen wasn't okay, but because I never knew why America and Aspen were good together. I didn't see it and I wasn't told about it. They just were.

So America loves Aspen with all her being and might be falling for Maxon, and I have no idea why this is or how it's come about. None of it was convincing for me.

The book and the writing was okay, it just featured a much underdeveloped story with an uneventful plot. I won't be continuing the trilogy but would still recommend 'The Selection' as a beach read.

(3/5)

Review: Losing Logan by Sherry D. Ficklin

Title: Losing Logan
Author: Sherry D. Ficklin
Published: May 2, 2014
Pages: 230
Source: purchased

Goodreads Summary: What if the one thing you never meant to hold on to, is the one thing you can’t let go of?

Normally finding a hot guy in her bedroom wouldn’t irritate Zoe so badly, but finding her childhood friend Logan there is a big problem. Mostly because he’s dead. 

As the only person he can make contact with, he talks Zoe into helping him put together the pieces surrounding his mysterious death so he can move on. 

Thrust into his world of ultra popular rich kids, Zoe is out of her element and caught in the cross-hairs of Logan’s suspicious ex-girlfriend and the friends he left behind, each of whom had a reason to want him dead. The deeper they dig to find the truth, the closer Zoe gets to a killer who would do anything to protect his secrets. And that’s just the start of her problems because Zoe is falling for a dead guy.

**REVIEW**

How crazy good it feels to give 'Losing Logan' its five stars.

First off, I want to say that the story isn't depressing, it's actually strangely heartwarming. I smiled a lot while reading it and chuckled at the impressively witty banter. Secondly, what you won't learn from the premise is that 'Losing Logan' has so much emotion. The plot is simple but the soul of the book is all intertwined.

Zoe was relatable, authentic, and independent. She was sassy and snarky in the most humorous ways. We learn that Zoe and Logan were childhood friends but drifted apart once Logan became popular and Zoe did not. This sounds like the typical case of "you turned popular, I turned geek" and I highly appreciate Ficklin for not making Zoe such a character - she was the total opposite, fearlessly awesome but closed-off.

Logan was like a rock in the story, which is ironic since he's dead and the one depending on Zoe. Though, somehow she ends up needing him just as much. His character radiated a sense of warmth and calmness. I definitely grew attached to him, to the point that I wanted to pause in the middle of the book and write Ficklin to beg her to re-write the plot and have Logan come to life again. I mean, it could happen.

The absolutely hilarious and frustrating banter between the two won me over from the start. I couldn't stress how much I loved it.

I read 'Losing Logan' in one sitting, not only caught up by the characters but by the plot line and mystery surrounding Logan's death. There were little surprises here and there, for sure. I did manage to predict the killer (not because of the clues, but my own logic just asking why this person was there in the story at all.)

What isn't mentioned in the premise is the reaper following Zoe or Logan around, which was quite creepy and suspenseful. I was a little disappointed how everything turned out and ended up having a few questions about it (mostly just: well, why?)
I guess I'd been hoping for a crazy sub-plot. The ending was a tad unsatisfying and rushed. I would've loved a few more pages with Zoe and Logan, just to round everything out. The epilogue, however, almost-maybe made up for it.

There is a love triangle and I think Ficklin's execution of it was utterly beautiful. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

'Losing Logan' was fun, mysterious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love.

(5/5)

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: 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: Angelfire, Wings of the Wicked, Shadows in the Silence (Angelfire series) by Courtney Allison Moulton

Title: Angelfire (#1), Wings of the Wicked (#2), Shadows in the Silence (#3)

Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Published: February 15, 2011 / January 31, 2012 / January 29, 2013
Pages: 453 / 516 / 469
Series: Angelfire Trilogy
Source: purchased

Goodreads Summary:
Angelfire (#1)

First there are nightmares.
Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.
When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

**REVIEW**

I just need a minute..

Holy crap.

I picked this book up, started reading it, and never put it down. I ended up reading all three books, back-to-back, in three days - engrossed in every page and every word.

Moulton's way of continuously and confidently raising the stakes and taking the story to the next level was exceptionally natural and believable. I will never know how she managed to execute the transition of Ellie, a pretty teenage girl with a regular life turning into the achingly fierce warrior that was always within her, so flawlessly.

There was something so impressively balanced about Ellie, how despite her power she remained vulnerable, and how despite determination there was an acceptance of doubt.

Ellie was so real, so solid, graceful, and had a great sense of humor. You trusted her, the path she chose and the choices she made. Possibly my favorite thing about her; she was never the damsel-in-distress, which doesn't mean she could take care of herself in every situation but she would always keep her head high, even when all odds were against her.

The Angelfire books were never short of action, and that is even an understatement. Demonic and angelic reapers and winged creatures, swarmed the story. The swords were always pulled and the anticipation of a fight hung in the air like mist. There's quite the bloodbath and I found myself countless of times sitting on edge.

Moulton found an interesting way to make 'Angelfire' an angel-story that hadn't been told before and it all came down to Ellie. Ellie is special in more ways than one; her backstory is intriguing and you'll be baffled, even shocked, by the secrets of her past.

There was a nice parallel to Ellie's teenage life (attending school, going to parties) and the life she was adapting to that puts the weight of human race on her shoulders. I liked that there wasn't ever a division between the two, it was all a part of the other and it kept the story stable - real. I loved that Ellie was capable of wielding her swords and fighting for her life, but that she held on to the other part of her as well.

There were so many well-developed characters. I loved Kate (the best friend), appreciated the realistic relationship Ellie had with her mother, and astonishingly, grew to care for characters that had less impact on Ellie but were a part of the story, like Nathaniel and Marcus.

And let's talk about Will. Stoic, fearless, flawed.

Despite being by Ellie, more or less, the entirety of over a thousand pages.. I couldn't get enough of him. My heart still leaped by the mention of him; his presence, his exterior, his words. I loved that he wasn't perfect, that he was complicated and unpredictable. He wasn't the knight in shining armor or the soul mate.

Oddly enough, I loved that despite their closeness, there was always a certain distance that needed to be closed. You got to fight with the love between Ellie and Will and I freaking loved it.

I don't know how many times Will turned my heart to glass, how many times my heart ached and warmed for them. In the end, I found that the 'Angelfire' books were an epic love story more than anything.

[Spoiler alert!] I had a soft spot for Cadan, he was great. Part of me so badly wanted the story to explore the possibility of Cadan and Ellie, just to storm the seas for a bit. Had the Angelfire series been four books, I think there would've been enough time for a little walk off course. However tempting a love triangle was, I found that Moulton was extremely wise in avoiding it. But I'm just saying! [Spoilers ended!]

Action, story, romance - you got it. Mythology fans should check these books out. Romance fans have to. 

(5/5)

Review: Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Stealing Parker (#2)
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Published: October 1, 2012
Pages: 265
Series: Hundred Oaks
Source: purchased

Goodreads Summary: Parker Shelton pretty much has the perfect life. She’s on her way to becoming valedictorian at Hundred Oaks High, she’s made the all-star softball team, and she has plenty of friends. Then her mother’s scandal rocks their small town and suddenly no one will talk to her.

Now Parker wants a new life.

So she quits softball. Drops twenty pounds. And she figures why kiss one guy when she can kiss three? Or four. Why limit herself to high school boys when the majorly cute new baseball coach seems especially flirty?

But how far is too far before she loses herself completely?

**REVIEW**

I'd like to start off by pointing out that I read 'Stealing Parker' sporadically through a long period of time, sometimes going weeks between picking it up again.

I enjoyed 'Catching Jordan'  (Kenneally's debut) thoroughly and found myself so impressed by Kenneally's ability of incorporating such fresh characters into what we already know so well as the genre of "contemporary romance" where there's all too often familiar oh-I've-read-this-before characters involved.

I can't say 'Stealing Parker' lacked of interesting character ideas but from the get-go I had a hard time fitting the pieces.

Parker Shelton certainly was no bore in text; good Christian girl, star of the softball team, her school's valedictorian, victim of upsetting family scandals, and a wild flirt, are words to outwardly describe her. 

Between learning about Parker's faith and doubts as a Christian and her former devotion to church, her quitting softball due to her mother's unforgiving scandal of coming out as a lesbian (and leaving for another woman), and not only being an "infamous hook-up" but also getting involved with the new coach of the football team.. I couldn't help but look at this girl as a Rubik's Cube.

Parker had many strong sides and many personal stories to bring to the table, but at the end of the day it felt inconsistent and resembled trying to follow two completely different maps that'd been torn up and taped into to one.

The many sub-storylines in 'Stealing Parker' distracted me from whatever I was probably meant to pay more attention to and I ended up feeling like I was jumping around, not really knowing where to go or where to look.

Let's talk about Brian Hoffman already, the twenty-something-year-old football coach and forbidden love interest of Parker.

I just don't know. I was incredibly curious as to how Kenneally would work with the subject of a teacher-student relationship (which makes us cringe more than not). 

To our luck, Brian is young and assumed to be good-looking, but I couldn't comprehend how it even came about that Parker and Brian would take it to taboo grounds from the day that they first met, there wasn't much time between those two stops. Judging from the innocent flirting there wasn't anything that told me "oh, this is getting somewhere" before it suddenly did.

From the start I didn't particularly find an attraction to Brian, there was something about him that made me crinkle my nose or raise an eyebrow. May it be uncertainty or hesitation. Why was he doing this? What were his intentions? Was he using her?  There was a lot about the established relationship that neither made sense nor were clear to me. When things started to get raunchy I found myself wanting to take shelter.

For me, Brian did overshadow the story considering the other characters that could've been more relevant, such as Will and Drew who were still a big part of 'Stealing Parker' but not nearly as much as to attach me.

I rooted for Will, all the way. He was a real sweet guy. I was disappointed so little actually happened between him and Parker or had the chance to happen before it was cut short.

I wonder if I'd wanted to invest more emotions in the story if 'Stealing Parker' had only focused on one potential relationship and built to convince you of it - Parker and Brian or Parker and Will, instead it ended up feeling scattered and tangled.

'Stealing Parker' is a coming-of-age story dealing with many issues regarding family and friendship as well as faith and acceptance, and I'm sure it will hit home for a lot of people, just not for me this time.

(2.9/5)

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)