Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Welcome to the Nil blog tour! I'm so excited to have you! If you're looking for a YA Survivor style action packed book, Nil is gonna be the one for you! Read on for info about the book, my thoughts and a chance to win your own copy!
Nil
by Lynne MatsonPublished: 3.4.14
Pages: 384
On the island of Nil, the rules are set. You have one year. Exactly 365 days--to escape, or you die.Seventeen-year-old Charley doesn’t know the rules. She doesn’t even know where she is. The last thing Charley remembers is blacking out in an Atlanta parking lot, and when she wakes up, she’s naked in an empty rock field.Lost and alone, Charley hunts for a way out. She discovers desolate beaches and human remains, but no sign of civilization--until she meets Thad, the gorgeous leader of a clan of teenage refugees. Soon Charley learns that leaving the island is harder than she thought . . . and so is falling in love. With Thad’s time running out, Charley realizes that to save their future, Charley must first save him. And on an island rife with hidden dangers, their greatest threat is time. They can’t stop the clock. They can only hope to beat it.
Sounds so awesome right?! Make sure to grab your copy today since this beautiful baby was released yesterday! Now here's a little info about the brain behind it all.
About The Author
Lynne Matson grew up in Georgia in a house full of books and a backyard full of gnarly pines. Back then, Lynne would stay up late, reading Nancy Drew books under the covers (with a flashlight . . . a weak attempt at ninja stealth). Now she still stays up late reading books and writing them. When she doesn't have a book in her hand, you'll find her listening to music, messing around with paint, or hanging out with her husband and their four boys . . . or all of the above.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for review. No funds were exchanged in any form for either profit or privilege.
Nil is the kind of book that will suck you in from the get-go and before you know it you've read a hundred pages. Set in a unique setting and told from alternating points of view, this book was quite the ride, let me tell you that.
From the start one of the most vivid parts of this story is Nil itself. The island was the main antagonist, the villan of the story. And Nil had a voice. The disconcerting nature of Nil and her ways is something you begin to feel right away. In the way that the island behaves and the reactions of the teens on the island. The way she messed with them was so messed up. But oh I loved it. When the villain is done right, it makes the book so much better, and this villain, was fantastic.
I never thought I'd say that about an island.
Sometimes dual POV doesn't work. Sometimes it does. This book was a working case. Charley, is the newcomer, Thad isn't. What made this case of dual scenario was the island and it's twisted nature that I already mentioned. Thad has been on the island for so long and the island has been getting to him and you can see the effect and the real evil of the island through his voice. Nil's voice in Thad's head made for a strong villain and character in Thad. He is a strong, fantastic character that you can't help but love, but at the same time he's got demons that mess with him in terribly awesome ways.
(I'm a writer, I have joy in watching the suffering of characters. Because it makes them stronger of course...)
Charley's voice is the perfect contrast to that because she hasn't experienced the terrors and illusions of Nil as Thad has yet. And I really liked that. For her it's a process of coming to understand the island and it's ways. Matson's writing deftly explores her side of the story. Beyond her island perspective, her character as a whole was very fun. Charley isn't the brainiac but she has a brain and she is smart. She's still a teenager I could relate her. She's a good firm person who fit the arch needed for the story of Nil.
And that's why the romance works. Two characters dealing with the same issue in contrasting ways. Aah. it's a brilliant While feeling a little bit insta-lovey at the get go, it slides into a nice nitch in the story adding a drizel of romance to sweeten the whole package. Yum! Nil is a fast paced novel filled with tension, romance, a vividly creepy setting. If you're looking for a quick adventurous read to suck you in, check out Nil! You won't regret it!
Like what you just read? Want to get your hands on Nil now? (Of course you do!) Here's your chance!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for stopping by! You've heard my thoughts, now tell me yours! Have you read Nil? What are you most excited for about this book? Leave your thoughts of it below in the comments! XOXO,
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
by Marissa Meyer
Publishing: 2.4.14 from Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 560
Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for this review.
In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.
Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.
When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.
Along with her hacking abilities, Cress brings in the fairy-tale aspect of Rapunzel and it was so much fun to read about. I've always loved that fairytale, and know the original story very well. This is where it goes back to my nerdy geek side. If you know the original tale, you'll know that the prince is pushed from the tower and lands in a group of thorny bushes which blinds him, until he's later healed by Rapunzels tears when they are reunited.
"Captain?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think it was destiny that brought us together?"
He squinted, and after a thoughtful moment, shook his head. "No, I'm pretty sure it was Cinder."
Anyway so this Prince. Because there can't be a new girl without her guy right? Of course right! If you've read Scarlet, you've met him as the infamous Captain Carswell Thorne, comedic relief of the gang and quite the scoundrel. Watching these two be thrown together was hilarious, entertaining and just all around wonderful. Cress knows lots of things, including lots about this guy, and it presents a new side to one of the relationships in this books. Plus the circumstances they are thrown into just makes things awkward, hilarious and endears you even more to the characters until you find yourself riveted and so in love with.
"If you honestly believe that," said Thorne, stowing the gun again, "then you really don't recognize true value when you see it."
But of course this book was more than just Cress and Thorne. Cinder, Kai and Dr. Erland play a much bigger role in this book. Scarlet and Wolf are not as prominent, but I still love them as much. They're drama gets going early on and it throws quite the wrench in the story, and the characters emotionally. *SOBS* It opens up new doors and again, brilliant storytelling. But back to Cinder and Kai. This is the book where as a reader connected to the characters, I have been the most invested in the story of Cinder and Kai. They keep on growing and developing in new ways as they try to sort out their feelings, ever changing situation and themselves. I love them to pieces and agonizing over their story was quite possibly about 50% of my feels in this book. There was one scene in particular that I was DYING to see and for those who have read it, check out my thoughts (highlight to read):
SPOILER --> [CINDER AND KAI'S REUNION IN THE LAST SCENE was literally my most anticipated scene of the whole thing. Darn that agonizing wait to get there though. But it was so perfect, I must have read it like ten times after reading it. It was beautiful and perfect and I couldn't ask for anything better. Wouldn't you agree?] <--END SPOILER
I also mentioned Dr. Erland. He is just, wow. I REALLY liked him in this book. He is also a much more prominent character and it was so fascinating to get to see much more of his backstory and how that intertwines with the rest of it. *slaps hand over mouth before the feels come gushing out* Again with the brilliant plot Marissa. Oh and then there's Queen Levana. You evil woman! She's hecka powerful and I really just hate her with a fiery passion. But I liked getting glimpses into her mind and her world. With these side plots introduced we've been set up for a bomb of a last book.
Monday, February 3, 2014
by Marissa Meyer
Published: 2.5.14
Pages: 454
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.
Here it is! My three-month overdue review!
I don’t know what it
was that took me so long to read Scarlet, but it took me just that, a long
time. And I regret that so much. Where Cinder was fun, Scarlet was the bomb.
Where Cinder made your heart smile and flutter, Scarlet made you Swoon to high
heavens!! Where Cinder was full of intrigue and building plots, Scarlet was
exploding with action and twists. Basically take Cinder and multiply it by two
and throw in a side of more freaking epic characters and you have Scarlet in a
nutshell.
Scarlet ups so many of the dimensions that Cinder presented. We
have a new batch of characters, mainly Scarlet and Wolf, (and Thorne!) bringing with them a
new fairytale thread. I loved these characters. The way I was able to slip into
their minds and enjoy the story was fantastic. Their voices were unique and
filled with character. Scarlet was intense, passionate and brave. Wolf was fierce,
mysterious and strong. Thorne was the comedic insert to the story. While we mostly saw Scarlet or Wolf narrating, all three had interesting storylines to match their fun and humorous voices.
And while these new voices are new, we still got to see some of
Cinder and Kai. I’ll admit I was never totally in love with Cinders character.
She’s interesting and I like her and Kai, but I’m so glad that we see much more
development of the two in this book. This book gives so much more dimension to them and I really liked the direction they're headed as characters. Whereas Thorne, our new side-kick is so fun. He's quirky, and so funny. He's doesn't have a romantic interest but you love him all the same.
As for the romance build-up between Scarlet and Thorne it's done seamlessly! Their interactions grow and and so much fun and in the subtle ways that just work so well, chemistry builds until we are as much in love with them as they are with each other. **SWOON ALERT**
Cinder and Kai on the other hand are a totally different story! (If you know what I'm talking about from the ending of Cinder.) These two have a chance to develop more on a personal level, while at the same time, this development makes them seem so much more awesome, leaving you anxious for more of them in the next book.
What makes these books so much fun is the fairy-tale aspect. And
Marissa Meyer did a fabulous job of mashing Little Red and Cinderella together! And the way she is able to cleverly fit the stories together and in the
new futuristic society is just mind-blowing. Scarlet builds on the tension and continues
on to be filled with action while exploding with new secrets and information.
It’s all fantastic. This book left me with a thrill of adventure, fairy-tale (or
not) romance and lots of exciting cliff hangers for Cress. I can for sure say
this book was better than the first. I loved it all, the characters, new
locations and world building. The new cast of characters is so much fun and it’s
just SO. COOL.
Even if you weren’t blown away by Cinder I highly recommend you
check out Scarlet. It’s for sure an awesome build to the world, characters and EVERYTHING! You'll be finished before you could say Big Bad Wolf.
Stay tuned for me review of Cress, live tomorrow on the release date! Happy Monday! XOXO,
Stay tuned for me review of Cress, live tomorrow on the release date! Happy Monday! XOXO,
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Hello everyone! Welcome to the Landry Park blog tour! I'm so excited to share my thoughts on this fantastic book! Stick around to learn about the book and maybe win it yourself!
Landry ParkPublishing: 2.4.14
Pages: 384
Downton Abbey meets The Selection in this dystopian tale of love and betrayal. In a fragmented future United States ruled by the lavish gentry, seventeen-year-old Madeline Landry dreams of going to the university. Unfortunately, gentry decorum and her domineering father won't allow that. Madeline must marry, like a good Landry woman, and run the family estate. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers the devastating consequences her lifestyle is having on those less fortunate. As Madeline begins to question everything she has ever learned, she finds herself increasingly drawn to handsome, beguiling David Dana. Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to spread, and Madeline finds herself and David at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must make a choice between duty - her family and the estate she loves dearly - and desire.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advance copy in exchange for review. I did not receive any compensation for my thoughts, and all quotes are taken from the book are subject to change.
Ever since I first saw the beautiful cover I knew I wanted
to read this. When I saw it blurbed as Downton Abbey meets The Selection I
wanted to even more. Dystopia meets Historical Society? Heck yes! And this book
did not disappoint! It was a read that kept me riveted the whole
day long.
Being a Dystopian it’s natural to see corrupted governments
and twisted futuristic settings. But what I found to be super unique about this
one was the fact that the politics of this world played a very big part of this
book. This isn’t something you often in young adult literature, but I loved it!
The tensions and problems that arise from the issues in this world and society
are the struggles and the plot of this book. I was riveted! There is drama and
romance aplenty, but the way the politics wasn’t shoved aside was what I really
loved. It was intricate and interesting.
And I appreciated that our main character Madeline had a brain to keep up with
it all.
And then – on this sprawling estate in this large house, on the brink of a revolution – I was reminded of the power of the small. Small ideas, small acts, small people. After all it was the furious industry of those tiny atoms that fueled the stars, stares that then nourished planets, and planets that the nourished life. Not matter how small I felt, how infinitesimal my feeble gestures seemed, I was part of a larger chain, a large system, and so help me I would bring order to this chaos.
Because the book does focus on a very political system of
injustice and cruelty to the poor, Landry Park raises san discusses quite a fe
thought provoking topics. That it was able to be pulled off with suck skill was
astounding. I was questioning myself and justifying right along with these
characters.
So it was okay if lots of innocent people got hurt as long as it was not the one you cared about?
As far as our characters go we see quite the spread. This
book is very much of a Victorian society filled with parties and gossip just as
much as it is a thought-provoking dystopian. Despite seeing it through the eyes
of a learned girl more interested in books, doesn’t mean it’s right there. It
was a fun aspect, this society. Nothing I haven’t seen before, but still very
fun. The description of the balls was lovely and it was very vivid an event.
While I found this book fantastically fun there were a few
things I found slightly lacking. As far as our dramatics of the society go,
there were few side plots that I feel weren’t given all the attention necessary
to make it interesting and not so predicting. I saw the results coming a little
before we found out the revelation and took a slight chunk away from the
anticipation of it all.
As for the romance, we have a dashing set up. I love the way
our romantic male lead is set up. It’s all very fun and exciting…..until it
gets redundant in it’s methods. There were moments of brilliant swoons and then
it’s left to sit. It’s a ride of a romance that’s for sure. I just wished for a
little more from it! I guess I shall have to wait for book too.
“You’re brave.”
He shrugged. “Bullets are just lumps of metal. A flash of pain or a quick death. But being a coward – that’s something that eats away at you slowly from the inside. That’s what really scares me.”
What I did love about the romance? The arguements. Not petty
arguments, but the debates between them. It goes back to Madeline and her brains! They
conversations they could have! It was beautiful! It made the romance so much
more real, because it wasn’t just a pretty face and attraction.
My only other complaint would be the lack of some
world-building. It is the future and there were plenty of technology introduced
that I would have liked to get to know a little more. It’s not difficult to
figure out but if there had been just a tad more explanations I would have been
so much more comfortable with the world.
But on the whole, those complaints are drowned out in the
interesting story! It builds up to a fantastic end with heartbreak and happiness and so many questions! Rich in intelligence and fascinating political themes, Hagen's dystopian romance will intrigue you and make you yearn for more. If you are looking for a
fascinating read, this is the one for you!
About Bethany Hagen
Website - Twitter - Goodreads
Bethany Hagen Librarian by day, Bethany Hagen is the author of the forthcoming LANDRY PARK, set to be released from Dial February 4th. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and two children.
Bethany is so awesome! I got the chance to interview her for another special promotion to come back next month for that!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to leave Bethany some love in the comments below! For more Merp Squad tours check out our website! XOXO,
Thursday, November 7, 2013
by J. A. Souders
Published: November 5, 2013
Pages: 352
Six weeks after her arrival on the Surface, Evelyn Winters is no closer to unlocking the memories lost in her subconscious than she was when she first came. Isolated in a strange new society, Evie has only Gavin Hunter to remind her of who she once was.
But even with a clean slate, it’s easy to see that Evie doesn’t fit in on the Surface. And as her differences make her feel more and more alone, she can’t help but yearn for that place she doesn’t remember: the isolated city hidden in the depths of the ocean. Elysium. Home.
But she can’t exactly tell Gavin what she’s feeling. Not when he’s the one who helped her escape Elysium in the first place, and has the scars to prove it. Though the doctors say otherwise, Gavin believes that Evie just needs time. And if her memories don’t come back, well, maybe she’s better off not remembering her past.
But the decision may be out of their hands when Evie’s ever-elusive memories begin to collide with reality. People and images from her past appear in the most unlikely places, haunting her, provoking her…and making her seem not only strange but dangerous.
Evie and Gavin can’t wait around for her memories to return. They’ll have to journey across the Outlands of the Surface to find help, and in the end, their search may just lead them back to the place it all started…
**Please note this a sequel, and the ending of Renegade will be mentioned**
So we all know that there was a lot to learn after they reach the Surface, and well Evie forgets like everything. I'm very cool with where Souders has taken the world in this book. We meet the devastated world, with all the creepy mutations in science and nature. It added a new thread to the book. I found a lot of the explanations and discoveries to be intriguing and working. It rocked. Lots of awesome is poured out on us. The world is creepy, the revelations are fascinating, and well it all comes back to Elysium. We all know how creepsters Elysium and Mother are. *shivers*
As with Renegade, we saw a split in narration. It's still Evie and Gavin, and I liked that we still had a chance to get a good look into both their heads. I still love our main protagonists, but honestly, there were sometimes they just needed to grow up. But before I get into that, one word. Mother. I still love her villainy. We don't really see her at all this book, but we get something awesome. The last chapter in her head. Holy crap. I want more of Mother's narrative voice. I want to know all about her. Why. What. How. I love when you can get a villain like her. Mother wins all. Kudos to Souders for the chapter! Can we have a Mother novella?
As for Gavin.. I just don't know. He blew me away in Renegade. I loved him for his spunk, and forward character, that contrasted Evie so well. They worked so well, and he was so fabulous, but I'm gonna have to say he was the lowest point for me in this book. He's got Evie with him now, and she's hurting and confused. It's hard to see loved ones that way. But back off dude!
A quick word about a certain side character that you will meet once you read it. If you have, you'll know who I'm talking about. I was scared a love triangle was coming in. I was like, "I may not be liking Gavin that much right now, but still..NO." With that said, I am so glad this character came in. I love how they end and it's so great. Evie needs this relationship in her life, and I am glad that it'll keep things going. I have a feeling So-and-so is gonna rock in book three. Also, totally saw IT coming.
Okay I think I got all my thoughts out. Way too long, but whatevs. #blabbermouth Conclusion? I did really enjoy this book. I was interested and fascinated with learning all a bout the world. I did find the characters lacking to an extent, but Revelation pulled through to be a great sequel that left me eagerly anticipating the doubtless kick-butt ending that book three will be. And the cover rocks. Let's not forget that. I almost hope the roses that keep showing up on the covers will play in somehow. Probably not though. It's just a gorgeous cover rendition.
Content: Milderate
(Quite a bit more intense language such as S and F scattered in. Some kisses and mild innuendo)
-ABOUT THE AUTHOR-
Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads Pinterest
J.A. SOUDERS is the author of the Elysium Chronicles and lives in the land of sunshine and palm trees with her husband and two children where she spends her time writing about the monsters under the bed, day dreaming about living in an underwater colony, and failing miserably at playing video games.
She is so awesome!! Her books rock and she sounds like so much fun, so don't miss the chance to
-THE GIVEAWAY-
Grand Prize- 1 Signed set of Renegade and
Revelations, 1 scrabble tile pendant with covers of both books, and a $25 gift
card to Amazon or B&N!
Second Place- 1 Signed set of Renegade and
Revelations and 1 set of scrabble tile pendants with covers of both books.
Third Place- 1 set revelations themed swag
OPEN TO US ONLY
Thanks so much for visiting! Ta-Ta for now! XOXO,
Thursday, October 3, 2013
by Romily Bernard
Published: 9.24.13
Pages: 307
"Find Me." These are the words written on Tessa Waye's diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa's just been found...dead. Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target. Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick. Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick's deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step? Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare. But she's going to find this killer no matter what. Because it just got personal.
Let it be said, right here and now that I suck at anything computer savvy. I can do the basic HTML that I need for my blog, but beyond that, if it requires codes or etc, I am useless. So I was really interested with the hacking aspect of this book. It was actually quite interesting, and while some of it flew over my head, I thought it was kinda exciting to read about.
Wicket, our MC was fascinating. I'll be honest, I didn't get into her head from the very beginning. It took a little while for me to really connect with her. But once I started to get her, I sympathized and could really see and understand who she was as a character. All the rest of the cast was fabulous. Loved Griff, the cute boy who's also a computer nerd. Score! Dad, the guy you're afraid of more than anything. Lily, the sister who you live for. Lauren, the best friend who wasn't kept in secret! Aah, how refreshing. Love them all.
And then we have the mystery side of this book. Such a thriller! So well done! Romily kept me guessing. She sets up the plot and all these possibilities and I'd think I have it, and then NO, could it be this? Wait...maybe it's not...AAH. The real answer just crept up on me till I was staring at my kindle in shock, while at the same time, horrified and understanding at the same time. It was so obvious, yet I completely missed it. That's why I loved this so much. I couldn't predict anything.
All in all, I'm gonna have to go with a thumbs up. I was glued to my kindle, eager and itching in excitement and terror as I waiting to find out what would happen next. I totally recommend this if you are looking for a edge-of-your-seat novel! Besides, how could you resist the gorgeous cover?
Content: Moderate
[some language, innuendo, kisses]
Romily Bernard
I graduated from Georgia State University with a Literature degree. Since then, I’ve worked as a riding instructor, cell phone salesgirl, personal assistant, groom, exercise rider, accounting assistant, and, during a very dark time, customer service rep.So don’t let anyone tell you a BA degree will keep you unemployed.
Inky Question: What research did you have to do for the hacking aspect of the book?
Romily: I did a lot of Googling and asking around. Luckily, my husband works in IT so I could bounce ideas off of him. I've started keeping a folder of computer/hacking related news articles that I can go back through as I finish the last two books. I'm always on the lookout for cool new ideas.
Inky's Reaction: SEQUELS?!?! I had no idea! Eepster!
As part of this FABULOUS tour we've got a fabulous giveaway for you! Enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Check out the rest of the tour! Thanks for stopping by! Have an awesome day!!! XOXO,
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