The Darkest Minds
by Alexandra Bracken
Published: 488
Pages: 12. 18. 12

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.
When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

Before reading this book, I'd heard so many good ravings about this book. However I wasn't sure what I'd think of it all, Now, having read it I still don't know what to think. What to say even. This book leaves me so confused. It's good...then slow...then picks up...then FEELS. I can't decide if I LOVE LOVE it or if it's just average. Maybe that's why this book was so good? I don't know. Maybe writing all this out will help me figure it out. Spoilers, if any, will be highlighted in Green.

This book starts off with a good buildup and introduction to our dear Ruby's predicament. It was very interesting to read about, but to be honest. I wasn't feeling that gung-ho about this book. It was well-told but I was just hanging on for the action to kick in. Which brings me into the pacing. This book is steady and driven. It's not rushed. Oh there is some action and intensity, but it's not a GO-GO-GO kinda book. Especially as we see Ruby on the run. To quote Ashley, it's like a "glorified road trip." Being on the run takes up a lot the book. And though incidents happen and we learn things, I didn't feel that it was all that it cracked up to be. There were times when I felt weighed down with the somewhat slow pacing.

One thing I loved about this book was the diversity of character in this novel. The cast was wonderful! Ruby's friends are some of my favorite people. Zu is so unique. She is sweet, strong and vulnerable all in her own ways. It was so sweet to see Ruby's bond and need to protect her, similar to what Liam does. Which brings me to Liam. Gotta love him. He is one of the sweetest boys in YA. He's kind of like a Jane Bennett character type. Yes I'm so comparing him to a girl. Liam has this need to help and see the good. He's naive in his own way, but he's also strong and the passion to stand for his loyalties and those he cares about. I adored him also for being smart, and not acting stupidly when Ruby did something completely annoying. Go you. And then there's Chubs. He's the funny sarcastic one. The guy who tries to come off as prickly, but you just love anyway. Kudos to Alexandra. All these characters had a definitive character ARC. We see the their strengths, and we see their weakness and because of that, it just makes it so much better.

However, despite my love this gang, my feelings about Ruby confuse me. Ruby has had a pretty rough going and she gets a chance to escape it all. She's got some kick-butt powers and strengths. I loved those scenes. But she also has this mindset that almost ingrained in her. It's the flight and protect mode. She pushes away what she wants and does what she thinks needs to be done without   necessarily considering alternatives. To me this resulted in me feeling disconnected from her. I would get ticked off at some of her choices, and just plan wanted her to get over some of her issues and show us the fierce and strong Ruby on the inside. Don't get me wrong, I liked her, don't get me wrong. But this back and forth mood swing going on? Not gonna cut it.

My biggest complaint with this book would have to be the lack of explanation in a few places. There are all these kids with powers and we're led to learn that there are levels of these powers. And yet, I felt like we never got a specific description of what they could actually do. It goes unsaid and it's that hard to figure out, but I would have appreciated explanations. Other than that, there only a few scenes where I would be confused, as if I was missing something. But it was never to the extent that I would be forced to put down this book.

So my feelings about this book were like a pendulum. I loved certain aspects and disliked certain others. And then the climax builds. And then it ends. And the climax, that kinda explodes in your face makes you start to scream. It's this mash-up of a choice and cliffhanger that just makes you want to tear your hair out! I'm not saying anything, but GOSH. I don't even know. It made me so scared of Never Fade to be honest. I don't want to read and find my hopes dashed. Alexandra kinda took my heart and put it on a ledge where it could fall at any moment. I just love it and hate it at the same time.

Am I even making sense you guys? This book was great! But it wasn't everything I had anticipated. It was very interesting and I enjoyed the concept, but certain developments kept it from perfection. I'm very excited to dive into Never Fade, and the novella, which I will be reading. You can't just finish a book with that kind of end and then not have even the slightest curiosity what happens next. You just can't!

Content: Milderate
[A few instances of language including a few of the F and S word. Some kissing.]
So that's me. What about you? I'd love to know your thoughts on this book! Link me to your reviews if you've read it! XOXO,

I'm baaaack! It's been forever. But I been gone for three of the 6 weeks, and super busy with no time the other three. I have great priorities obviously. =] But anyway, as a result I have a TON of books. Like over 40. It's insane. I don't know how I got so many...but I did. So yup, there's a almost-twenty-minute vlog because I was too lazy to edit.

What's New On The Blog:

The Book Haul

We finally come to the part of the post where I show you my books. Because of the overload I didn't want to edit and therefore this video is almost 20 minutes long. It's annoying but this is me seriously trying to not ramble. I think I did okay...obviously not enough though. Enjoy!


Again, due to crazy amount of books I don't feel obligated to type all 40+ out for you. However, once I get back on a regular schedule, I'll pick that up again! And with that said..I'M DONE! Holla! It's been cray-cray. I won't have a book haul up next week because I'll have just gotten back from a two-day camp of sorts so I'll do one in two weeks with my birthday haul! What's in YOUR stacks/mailboxes/hauls? Link me up! XOXO,

Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the Some Quiet Place tour! I'm really excited to be a part of this. SQP is a fabulous book and I get to do a little character spotlight! Woot Woot!

About The Book

Some Quiet Place 
by Kelsey Sutton
Published: 7. 8. 13
Pages: 331

I can’t weep. I can’t fear. I’ve grown talented at pretending.
Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions . . . she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one—Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.
Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?

Character Profile

Inky Note: Curiousity is a very neat emotion. His protrayal as a person is quite unique. Want to know about him and what a Summons is? Pick up SQP!

About Kelsey Sutton:
What's a tour without a fun giveaway? Don't miss out on your chance to get a copy of this lovely book!
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CLICK ME to Follow the Rest of the Tour!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a lovely weekend!! XOXO,

Sylo
by D. J. MacHale
Published: July 2, 13
Pages: 407
Source: Review copy received for tour.
***I was not paid for this review***

Does Tucker Pierce have what it takes to be a hero when the U.S. military quarantines his island?
Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce prefers to fly under the radar. He’s used to navigating around summer tourists in his hometown on idyllic Pemberwick Island, Maine. He’s content to sit on the sidelines as a backup player on the high school football team. And though his best friend Quinn tells him to “go for it,” he’s too chicken to ask Tori Sleeper on a date. There’s always tomorrow, he figures. Then Pemberwick Island is invaded by a mysterious branch of the U.S. military called SYLO. And sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for Tucker, because tomorrow may never come. 
It’s up to Tucker, Quinn, and Tori to uncover the truth about the singing aircraft that appears only at night—and the stranger named Feit who’s pushing a red crystal he calls the Ruby that brings unique powers to all who take it. Tucker and his friends must rescue not just Pemberwick Island, but the fate of the world—and all before tomorrow is too late.  

     To be honest, when I started this gorgeous book, I really wasn't sure what I'd think of it. It wasn't as flashy as I expected. And I wasn't completely on board with this whole military mystery either. But then...ba-bam! We're thrown for a loop and the story gunned it's engine and it got real good.

It's been a long time since I've read a book from a male perspective. Tucker was a very interesting protagonist. He's one of those "turtle characters". Tucker has a safe shell that he lives in and he's content to be that way. Versus his best friend who's eager to poke his head out and do something with life. I loved seeing how throughout this wild ride, Tucker expanded his comfort zone, and found that he could indeed branch out.

Tucker had a good voice and the story progressed well. Or should I say, rapidly. Sylo is one crazy action-packed ride once it lifts off the ground. And it's totally written by a guy. (Meant in a good way of course.) There were so many crazy scenes filled with gunfire and explosions. I could probably find a few places were bombs dropped every other sentence[literally!] and the stakes are raised multiple times within a page. It was pretty awesome! People who love this kind of action will suck it up. And even though this isn't always my thing, it was really fun. My sister would come in and find my eyes glued to the pages, locked in the combat.

There's quite the array of side characters that added flavor to the story. Part of this cast included two young vibrant ladies, Olivia and Tori. Hmm I wonder what two girls and and boy could make? If you guessed a romantic love triangle, you would be correct! But before you assume the worst about this book, let me sooth your worries! There is nothing to worry about! At the beginning of the book it felt like Tucker's head was going through some serious love triangle issues. One page it was Tori, then Olivia, then Tori. Make up your mind bro! But then it relaxed. And it was slow and nice and even though there isn't anything that steady at the end of the book, it worked. Gone was our "love triangle". I was actually kinda glad. I liked that it was light, with a buildup that will flow nicely into the next book.

Speaking of next books..holy cow the ending! After all these questions we get some of the mystery straightened out. The last page was cray-cray! I was like UM WHAT? And then those fateful words.. "To Be Continued..." Hmmph. Why do books do that? Now, I'll be honest, I'm not in shreds over this cliff-hanger. But after this mystery I totally want to know what happens. There are still so many questions and AWEIFAJEIOANWEFYAABHG. Point made.

So. If you love a fun action packed book with a light dosing of romance then this is the book for you. I really enjoyed this and will totally recommend this one!

About The Author

Here's a pretty cool video by the D. J. himself talking about Sylo! Check it out! 

Just kissing! Who doesn't love a fun giveaway! And I've got a fabulous one here! Thanks to Penguin and D. J. for their donation! You can win a copy of Sylo along with some awesome swag! Go enter! Go Go Go!

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And that's all for today folks! Thanks for stopping by!!! :D XOXO,

You guys! I'm so excited to announce this like you don't even know. And I'm not even the HOST. I'm just a hyper person right now. So basically by Nator Twin Jessi and one of my other favorite peoples Reanna are having a readathon. Like right when I need one too! I missed like all the read-a-thons this year and I've followed them but I totally want to do one. So bad. So they like read my mind or something.

Basically I am doing this, and reading a bunch of ARC's and books on my shelves that need to be read along with some books for my summer lit class. I'm not gonna list them all out because I want this to be just me reading a ton of stuff I want to read. And since my birthday fits into this time period, I'll probably end up getting new books that I'm dying to read.

So that's me. What about you? In need of some reading sprints? Sign up Here! It'll be fun!

XOXO,

Hey Guys! I'm beyond stoked to be participating in this rocking tour! I've got lots of awesome for you all today so read on!


Of Beast and Beauty 
By Stacey Jay
Published: 7.23.13
Pages: 400

In the beginning was the darkness, and in the darkness was a girl, and in the girl was a secret...
In the domed city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra, a Smooth Skin, is raised to be a human sacrifice whose death will ensure her city’s vitality. In the desert outside Yuan, Gem, a mutant beast, fights to save his people, the Monstrous, from starvation. Neither dreams that together, they could return balance to both their worlds.
Isra wants to help the city’s Banished people, second-class citizens despised for possessing Monstrous traits. But after she enlists the aid of her prisoner, Gem, who has been captured while trying to steal Yuan’s enchanted roses, she begins to care for him, and to question everything she has been brought up to believe.
As secrets are revealed and Isra’s sight, which vanished during her childhood, returned, Isra will have to choose between duty to her people and the beast she has come to love.

Stacey Jay is a recovering workaholic (or at least working hard at recovering) with two small children, and a passion for playing pretend for a living. She’s been a full time mom-writer since 2005 and can't think of anything she'd rather be doing. Her former careers include theatre performer, professional dancer, poorly paid C-movie actress, bartender, waiter, math tutor, and yoga instructor. In her very limited spare time, Stacey enjoys cooking elaborate dinners and eating them very slowly, dressing up in costumes with her sons, and drinking wine with her husband. She loves to hear from readers and personally answers every single email she receives.

Thanks for having me on the blog Inky!
No tour is complete without a dandy-liscious giveaway! And I have just the thing for you! You can enter to win one of 10 beautiful finished copies of the book! Sounds awesome right? Hurry and enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks so much for stopping by! A big shout-out to Rockstar tours! Don't miss the rest of the tour stops including super fun Guest Posts and Interviews! Have a great weekend! XOXO,

Marie Antoinnette, Serial Killer
by Katie Alender
TBPublished: 9.24.13

Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.

But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.

Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger . . .

So my first reaction to this book was...um, WEE-ERD.  But then later, when I was in this mode for thrillers, and this book would just not leave, I took another look and this time my historical side won. And now in my excitement for weirdly creepy books and historicalness, I can't wait for this book to release in a couple months. Not to mention the cover is a stunningly creepy as well. Oh, and French boys? Oui!

Second Chance Summer
by Morgan Matson
Published: 5.8.12
Pages: 468

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.
Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

It's official. I don't have a heart of stone anymore. Almost any book can make me cry now. Second Chance Summer is a cry book, and I went into it knowing that, but it didn't change the fact that I found myself sobbing my heart out in the bathroom as I read the beautiful ending. Oh my feels. The wonderful wonderful feels.
Let's start with Taylor. I fell into her shoes right from the start. She has a lovely When we first meet her she's trying to run away. Literally. We find that it's a habit she's developed to get it of and ignore her problems. Throughout this book, I found that this quality, while practically her greatest weakness, connected me to her so much. It was admittedly hard to watch her struggle with numerous relationships, happenings and the like. But at the same time, she goes through so much and ultimately comes out stronger in a beautiful way. Like a butterfly!

I absolutely loved the relationship between Taylor and her Dad. Obviously this book focuses a lot on relationships old, new and broken. I loved it all. Her dad was quirky and fun. His personality and puns made me laugh and just want to hug him. It was really sad as the inevitable ending came closer and closer. Maybe having a dad who I love as much as Taylor does just made this whole situation tug at my hear strings even more. I don't know what, but I just loved him.

One of the biggest parts of the relationships are building back up the fallen friendships and romantic interests that she left behind five years ago. Without a word, without and explanation. There are lots of grudges to be found and it's left unclear what exactly happened until maybe a third of the way into the book. That alone was completely intriguing. I wanted to know what happened. What horrible tragedy made her lose her first crush and best friend. And it was sad, and while a part of me felt it was a LITTLE hypped, I'm glad that Lucy and Henry weren't horrible about it.

They were kind of awesome actually. It was Taylor who had to get the heck over what happened, but once she made up I just loved them all to death. Lucy is a funny best friend who know how to have fun and make any situation fun. She's just fun okay?! And Henry, sweet boy is your typical crush, handsome...strong with a weakness and a nicely sized spoonful of swoon factor. It all works.

Morgan's writing is beautiful! Her descriptions of places and feels and characters were done so well, and being inside Taylor's head just works. You connect instantly and just FEEL for Taylor. FEELS are everywhere. There's one style of Morgan's that is really obvious though. And it's funny how often it showed up that I wanted to mention it. It's not bad at all. I just thought it was interesting. Morgan uses a lot of flashback. She'll set a paragraph or two for the current scene and then jump back in time and play up to that moment, or a previous moment that relates to the current scene. Then we jump back forward in time to current scene and it proceeds on. It was all done so well that it worked flawlessly. But being a writer, it's always interesting to notice the different styles portrayed.
Obviously we all know that the end of the book is a sob fest. It's touching, painful, sweet, heart-wrenching and ALL THE FEELS. All the beautiful feels that make a book so wonderful. I love a good cry book and sitting there sobbing my heart out with Taylor was like a good cleanse. #random. But it needed and Taylor came out stronger for it.

So all in all? The feels the characters the sweet story and EVERYTHING just worked in this book. This is the perfect summer read if you are looking for one.

Content: Mild
[as far as I remember, some mild language and kissing]
ALL THE FEELS. What are you feels on the matter? You agree? You disagree? You agree to disagree? Let me know! XOXO,

The Bone Season
by Samantha Shannon
TBPublished: 8.20.13

It is the year 2059. Several major world cities are under the control of a security force called Scion. Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London, part of a secret cell known as the Seven Seals. The work she does is unusual: scouting for information by breaking into others’ minds. Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare kind of clairvoyant, and in this world, the voyants commit treason simply by breathing.

But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.

Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives.

I've heard of this book, but it's never really caught my attention until just recently. Look at it! Swoon at the epic-looking cover. Read the freaking amazing premise. Are you hooked? I can't believe this comes out next month! Happy day!!!!!