Showing posts with label YA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YA. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
by Fiona Paul
Publishing: 3.20.14
Pages: 336
Source: Thanks to FIONA for the copy! *hugs*
In the final book in the trilogy, Cass and Luca are back in Venice trying to find the Book of the Eternal Rose to clear Luca's name and keep them both out of prison. But the hunters become the hunted when the Order of the Eternal Rose figures out their plan. Filled with twists and turns, danger and torrid romances, this novel brings the Secrets of the Eternal Rose novels to a thrilling, heart-pounding, sexy conclusion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Paul lives in the Midwest but travels a lot since she can’t breathe if she spends too much time away from the ocean. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in psychology and spent a year teaching English in Seoul, Korea while she was deciding what she wanted to be when she grew up. Answer: everything. In addition to being a teacher and writer, she’s also worked as a saute cook, sporting goods manager, veterinary assistant, and registered nurse. When she’s not working, you can usually find her kayaking, reading, or helping turtles cross the road. Her future goals include diving with great white sharks and writing more books, not necessarily in that order. Venom is her first novel.
Guys...when an author wants to dive with Great Whites...you know she's awesome! Make sure to check her out on social media! She's the bomb! (Also read her books, that's important too. =)
Before I begin I just want to say, that I am disappointed my vote didn't win and this book wasn't called Falco instead, but I think that we can all agree once reading this book that Starling was in actuality the perfect name for this book. And this book, this trilogy is not going to be one I forget for a long
time.
Venom set the stage with a bang, a chilling and dark mystery in a very real historical time period. Belladonna got better and continued the mystery with a smart and fast ride that hooked you in and left you gasping in shock with the revelations and the surprises loaded in the book. And Starling, the end has finally come and it could not have ended better. This book hit me in the feels, it hit me in the everywhere else as well.
Venom set the stage with a bang, a chilling and dark mystery in a very real historical time period. Belladonna got better and continued the mystery with a smart and fast ride that hooked you in and left you gasping in shock with the revelations and the surprises loaded in the book. And Starling, the end has finally come and it could not have ended better. This book hit me in the feels, it hit me in the everywhere else as well.
It’s hard to know what I can say about this book without
spoiling anything in the first two. So many feelings are present in this book,
and from page one I was hooked in their grasp, racing along to the finish line
with these characters that I had grown to love. I was so very curious, no I was
DESPERATE to see how it ended for them all.
Espescially in regards to that quite distinct love triangle.
Falco versus Luca. The dark and wild artist against the strong and steady
friend. We’ve all seen if before in books, but this triangle is different. It’s
set up in a way that by the end of Belladonna I was questioning the feels of my feels. I had no idea what to expect and I was just desperate for the end. I’m not going to imply or suggest anything
that would spoil the ending to such a wildly discussed and intricate romance.
But I will say that what did happen was something so right for this book, and
this story and these characters, that I wouldn’t have changed it.
That’s a good story.
What makes these books stand out from other historical
fiction is the dark mystery aspects that are prevalent. They are not
supernatural, but they are mysterious and quite often creepy. Half of the time
I found myself immersed and confused at the same time. But it’s so interesting
and well told that you just can’t stop, even if it makes no sense at parts. It’s
a very unique aspect and in a way I really liked that dark element.
I literally have nothing else to say. With Starling, Fiona has delivered and spell-binding conclusion that will keep you glued to your chair until the last page when all you have left to do is cry and laugh and feel a LOT of feels.
Thumbs up Fiona. You’ve done yourself proud. Cass, Falco and Luca have forever earned a spot in my heart, and I’ll probably never think of Italy in the same way again. So by all means, hop on this bandwagon (er, gondola) if you haven’t yet! There’s a steady current ready to take you downriver to Venice.
There are my feels everyone. I hope you find this book filled with as much awesome as I did! For more reviews and goodies on this beauteous book check out the full tour schedule here! Now onto the giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks so much for stopping by! Spread some comment love for Fiona (& Falco) in the comments! XOXO,
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, December 24, 2013
by Rae Carson
Published: 9.20.11
Pages: 423
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. Elisa is the chosen one. But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young. Most of the chosen do.
The Rest of the Series:
I’ve always loved a good fantasy! That’s why it surprised me
it took me so long to pick up The Girl of Fire and Thorns and sequels. But I
finally did and having recently finished the trilogy I decided to bring you my
collective thoughts in one post. (cheap blogger) Some call this the “Game of
Thrones for YA”, but I call it “Hectorific.” Because that is what I think of
when I think of these books. [More on that later.]
Note: My thoughts
will proceed somewhat in order of novels, but there will be mild spoilers
attached. You have been warned.
Book one starts off with a kick. Princess married in secret…shipped
off to be secret bride queen. Oh and don’t forget she’s the Chosen One of the
century. And does our heroine want this role? Nonsense! Who wants to be a hero?
Since when is that cool? Elisa, Elisa, Elisa. Where do I begin with you. We’ve
had a bit of a love-hate relationship you and I. See, in book one you kinda
annoyed the crap out of me. In book two, I tolerated you more because Hector
was on the scene, and in book three, we formed a truce of peace. By the end we
were friends…I think.
In book one we see her start as a shy timid, but very
thoughtful kind of a character. She was interesting, but I didn’t connect with
her. We know she’s pudgy and not the skinniest girl on the block. Oh we know
alright. It was constantly in the back of Elisa’s brain, making in the back
of the readers. That’s probably what annoyed the most. Her belittling and annoyance of herself. What made me laugh
was her awe at the change in her body (in size and fitness) after walking
across the freaking desert. Haha. However, she did have some great moments in thinking,
and character. She just didn’t resonate with me.
Now, in book one we’re introduced to a romantic interest,
Humberto. Because I already knew darling Hector would be the main love
interest, I didn’t care much for Humberto. It was pointless in a way. Now I did have that foresight, and that might
have been what dragged this down for me, but that pretty much led to me no
caring so much for this book because I wanted all the Hector we could get in
book two.
My other main issue with these books was the world building.
It was interesting and we had a neat plot/set up going on, but I was so often
lost and confused and bored by it all. Gimme a break. All these things and
names of peoples and places to remember…it just wasn’t for me.
We didn’t click.
Here it was there, next minute it was gone. Are they good or are they bad?
Wait, how are they connected again? What’s this country/community/badguy?
Straighten out this lore, connect these dots. These questions basically made up
my lack of interest and connection to the world, which was nice I suppose but
not something I cared about. I found myself skimming political and explanatory
parts, wanting it all giving to me and wanting to just know the outcome. (mainly
in the last book). It’s a shame, but true.
My main drive eventually became Hector. He was such a great
character in Crown of Embers that I just wanted his happy ending! Basically it
took me two weeks to read The Bitter Kingdom, for lack of me wanting to read
everything. I kind of had to make myself read it through to the end. *spoiler* But the ending did come and Hector got his HEA and
Elisa became a freaking Empress and it’s all happiness and gumdrops. Huzzah,
end of the book!
To conclude, this trilogy was enjoyable to a point and then
the rest of it was boring or annoying. Basically Hector wins all. Elisa had her
moments of tactical genius and there were elements of action and fantasy I did
appreciate. The rest was mediocre. But if you like fantasy, don’t just take my
bored word for it. Try this book! Read other more positive reviews. Who
knows, you may love these books and come back to curse me for ever disliking
them. What? It could happen.
Series Rating: 3 Stars
Phew! My thoughts have left me without words.Your turn now! What do you think? Merry Christmas Eve!
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,
Monday, September 30, 2013
by Jennifer Brown
Published: 10.5.10
Pages: 432
Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.
Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.
The subjects presented in this novel are intense, that goes without saying. But the feelings presented, are a whole different ballgame. Val has been through a pretty tough situation. It's not pretty in her brain, that's for sure. And while it's not cheese and sprinkles, it's not dpression-land either. You are sucked into Val's brain from the beginning. You feel for her, sympathize, yearn like she does and want things to be good. Val's healing process is beautiful, and this book makes it wonderfully easy to share it with her.
I really don't know how to talk about this book you guys. The feelings and subjects presented are tough. But they are dealt with in a way that makes you think and feel about it in a good way. It's not a happy story in some aspects, but it's a learning story. One I highly recommend reading if you're looking for a fabulous gritty contemporary.
Content: [Discussion of difficult subjects. Light innuendo. Some language]
This is an oldie, but a goodie! Have youread it? Thoughts? XOXO.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Innocent Darkness
byt Suzanne Lazaer
Published: 8.8.12
Pages: 408
Sixteen-year-old Noli Braddock's hoyden ways land her in an abusive reform school far from home. On mid-summer's eve she wishes to be anyplace but that dreadful school. A mysterious man from the Realm of Faerie rescues her and brings her to the Otherworld, only to reveal that she must be sacrificed, otherwise, the entire Otherworld civilization will perish.
I loved the idea of Steampunk meets Faeries. However in this case, I feel like the fey aspect overrode the Steampunk so much that they didn't work well together. The development of the Steampunk aspect was very little and almost seemed to be taken for granted. We never got to know the world. How it worked, how it runs, it was just..a world we were living in. And the fey part was even more so. There were these random words in there used regularly, such as hoyden. As the reader, I felt like I already had to know certain aspects and what things meant in regards to the fey before I read the book. Maybe these worlds didn't work because they were thrown together. Maybe for others it does work! But for me, I had too many questions and not enough were answered.
So while the lack of world building made it hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story, I think that the main problem I had was connecting with the characters. Any of them for that matter. Noli came through a bit strange, and hypocritical at times. She was stubborn one minute and almost blubbery the next, and frankly I found her quite childish. I really wanted to like her, and so it saddens me that I couldn't. The rest of the cast wasn't any different. Sure, they have interesting names and faces that have to interact with Noli, but I couldn't find anything to really endear me too them. The queen didn't seem to live up to somet of the things said about her, Kevign was very disturbing for my tastes, and the romantic interest fell flat. *sigh* These characters have so much potential and I'm sorry I couldn't connect with them.
The plot had a chance at redeeming this book. A very interesting conflict is raised in the beginning and for the first little bit I was honestly interested, but unfortunately like the rest of the book, it felt short. I must be getting pickier or soemthing. To me the way it played out felt dragged on and on till the end when we go out with a bibbidi-bobbidi-boo and Happily Ever After. It was great and all, but I needed to be able to feel like the HEA was justified. And in this case, I didn't get that.
So I'm unfortunatley left to conclude that this book didn't work for me. I'm sad to admit it, but that's the truth. I know this book has been enjoyed by quite a few people, so maybe this will be up your alley!
Content: Moderate
[kissing, a man has man perverted thoughts about women. characters are chaste, but sleep in bed together. it is known that some characters are not chaste.]
Monday, July 15, 2013
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.
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.
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]
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
Grab My Button!
