Review: Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness

Title: Monsters of Men
Author: Patrick Ness
Published: May 3, 2010
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Series: Chaos Walking #3
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian, Science Fiction
Pages: 603
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer*

“War makes Monsters of Men.”
― Patrick Ness, Monsters of Men

Synopsis
In the riveting conclusion to the acclaimed dystopian series, a boy and girl caught in the chaos of war face devastating choices that will decide the fate of a world.
As a world-ending war surges around them, Todd and Viola face monstrous decisions. The indigenous Spackle, thinking and acting as one, have mobilized to avenge their murdered people. Ruthless human leaders prepare to defend their factions at all costs, even as a convoy of new settlers approaches. And as the ceaseless Noise lays all thoughts bare, the projected will of the few threatens to overwhelm the desperate desire of the many.

The consequences of each action, each word, are unspeakably vast: To follow a tyrant or a terrorist? To save the life of the one you love most, or thousands of strangers? To believe in redemption, or assume it is lost? Becoming adults amid the turmoil, Todd and Viola question all they have known, racing through horror and outrage toward a shocking finale. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I'm simply at a loss for words. Yet somehow, I'm still typing, still forming coherent, hopefully, sentences, while my mind is a churning mess of emotion and feels. Monsters of Men was everything I wanted and so much more. It was the electrifying finale to a series I have fallen head over heels for, and I just want to reread it again and again so I never leave the world of the Chaos Walking series behind. I know what you're thinking. She's talking all sorts of weirdness. But I'm dead serious, and if you've read this series, you must know exactly what I'm going through. It is rare for a series to continue to be exceptional as it progresses, and it is even rarer for a series to get better with every book when you thought it was impossible for it to improve. But the impossible is now possible. The Chaos Walking series is that series, and you need to read it right now. I told you I wasn't kidding.

Review: The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

Title: The House of the Scorpion
Author: Nancy Farmer
Published: September 1, 2002
Publisher: Atheneum Book
Series: Matteo Alacran #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 380
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“People’s souls are like gardens. You can’t turn your back on someone because his garden’s full of weeds. You have to give him water and lots of sunshine.”
― Nancy Farmer, The House of the Scorpion

Synopsis
At his coming-of-age party, Matteo Alacrán asks El Patrón's bodyguard, "How old am I? ... I know I don't have a birthday like humans, but I was born."

"You were harvested," Tam Lin reminds him. "You were grown in that poor cow for nine months and then you were cut out of her."

To most people around him, Matt is not a boy, but a beast. But for El Patrón, lord of a country called Opium--a strip of poppy field lying between the U.S. and what was once called Mexico--Matt is a guarantee of eternal life. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves himself, for Matt is himself. They share identical DNA.

As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister, grasping cast of characters, including El Patrón's power-hungry family. He is surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards and by the mindless slaves of Opium, brain-deadened 'eejits' who toil in the poppy fields.

Escape from the Alacrán Estate is no guarantee of freedom because Matt is marked by his difference in ways he doesn't even suspect. Around every turn in this vivid, futuristic adventure is a new, heart-stopping surprise. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Can you believe that I had never even heard of The House of the Scorpion until a few months ago? My good friend Amanda and I were showing each other our bookshelves on Skype when she came across her copy of The House of the Scorpion. She said it was one of her favorites and recommended it to me. With the three rewards on the front cover, it wasn't difficult to convince me. After finishing this book, I understand why so many people are singing its praises.

Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Title: Through the Ever Night 
Author: Veronica Rossi
Published: January 8, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Under the Never Sky #2
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 341
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Under the Never Sky*

“Love is a rebellious bird that nobody can tame.”
― Veronica Rossi, Through the Ever Night

Synopsis
It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Through the Ever Night was a challenge to read at first. It's only been a few months since I read Under the Never Sky, but I still forgot so much from that book. My memory had to clear house for other stuff. So at the start of Through the Ever Night, I was so lost. There were characters and places and scenes I had almost no memory of. Of course, I remember Aria, Perry, and, my favorite character of all, Roar, but I was drawing a blank when it came to some others. I didn't remember what Scires, Audiles and Seers were, and actually, I'm still not 100% sure. I definitely needed more of a recap before diving into this.

Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unravel Me 
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Published: February 5, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Shatter Me #2
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 461
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Shatter Me*

“I am nothing more than the consequence of catastrophe.”
― Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me

Synopsis
tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I am feeling all these emotions. Just so many emotions all packed together. Shock, frustration, happiness, excitement, anxiety, exhilaration. Because honestly while I saw it coming, I kept trying to tell myself that Mafi would not put us through another love triangle. But this one is the most confusing triangle of all because I actually like sick, psychopathic Warner. Warner who tortured Adam. Warner who has killed people and enjoyed it. And don't think for a second that I'm kidding myself. I know Warner is not going to drastically change, and if he did, I would be seriously pissed off at Mafi for even thinking we'd buy that cheap move. So why did I like him so much? This leaves me feeling very conflicted, and I'm having trouble deciding why exactly I loved Unravel Me as much as I did when it had a) a love triangle and b) it pairs a girl with a maniac.

Review: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Title: Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Published: November 6, 2007
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Series: Unwind Dystology #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 335
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“In a perfect world everything would be either black or white, right or wrong, and everyone would know the difference. But this isn't a perfect world. The problem is people who think it is.”
― Neal Shusterman, Unwind

Synopsis
The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
It's perfect weather for reading and writing blog posts. We have an extreme case of The Fog outside. If I see zombie-like ghosts, I'll be sure to scream and grow some plants for Plants vs. Zombies time. But as of now, I'm staying in and nursing my headache with some hot tea. Onto the book review!

Unwind was not what I expected. It was not as horrific as I thought it would be from reading others' reviews. But you must remember, my dear followers, that I have different standards when it comes to horror. I watch horror flicks regularly and read Stephen King like nobody's business so I might be somewhat desensitized to what others call "disturbing." Don't get me wrong. There was a definite creepy factor throughout Unwind, but it did not give me nightmares. Did this interfere with my enjoyment? Of course not. I don't need extreme horror to make me happy, especially when a book is quality reading. Unwind explored some core issues and raised thought-provoking questions that had me thinking about reproductive rights long after I had finished the book. One of these questions is very relevant to today's society: do we have the right to choose what we do with our bodies? Basically, do we own our bodies?

Review: The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

Title: The Ask and the Answer
Author: Patrick Ness
Published: May 4, 2009
Publisher: Candlewick
Series: Chaos Walking #2
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian, Science Fiction
Pages: 519
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for The Knife of Never Letting Go*

“To live is to fight, to preserve life is to fight everything that man stands for.”
― Patrick Ness, The Ask and the Answer

Synopsis
Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor's new order. But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer? And then, one day, the bombs begin to explode...(Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Patrick Ness, you are a genius. I'm indebted to you for writing such a fantastic series, one of my new favorites. After reading The Knife of Never Letting Go, I thought it would be near to impossible for Ness to top that. I was wrong. The Ask and the Answer was just as phenomenal as the first book, if not better. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, rip roaring through the pages in order to find out what happened next. The Chaos Walking series is action packed, but it also carries a lot of emotion. As I was reading this, I often felt like there was a hand gripping my heart, wringing it dry. It was that heartrending and emotional.

Review: The Running Man by Richard Bachman

Title: The Running Man
Author: Richard Bachman (Stephen King)
Published: 1982
Genre: Adult Thriller, Dystopian
Pages: 241
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Borrowed
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“In the year 2025, the best men don't run for president, they run for their lives. . . .”
― Stephen King, The Running Man

Synopsis
It's not just a game when you're running for your life.

Every night they tuned in to the nation's favorite prime-time TV game show.

They all watched, from the sprawling polluted slums to the security-obsessed enclaves of the rich. They all watched the ultimate live death game as the contestants tried to beat not the clock, but annihilation at the hands of the Hunters. Survive thirty days and win a billion dollar jackpot - that was the promise. But the odds were brutal and the game rigged. Best score so far was eight days.

And now there was a new contestant, the latest Running Man, staking his life while a nation watched. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Once again, Stephen King has blown me away with his writing. The Running Man was a fast-paced, action-packed thrill of a ride! As you can imagine, seeing as the book is a run for your life scenario, there is not a single dull moment. From beginning to finish, I was fascinated with the world King so grimly portrays - a world that enjoys watching a man get hunted down by the entire population. And that premise! So creative! So wild! The Running Man reality show makes Survivor look like a walk in the park. I'd rather be sitting on some island eating white rice with lice in my hair than ever be in Ben's position.

Review: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go
Author: Patrick Ness
Published: May 5, 2008
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Series: Chaos Walking #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian, Science Fiction
Pages: 479
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Without a filter, a man is just chaos walking.”
― Patrick Ness, The Knife of Never Letting Go 

Synopsis
Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
This book was phenomenal. Superb! Epic! You get the idea. With that vague premise, I wasn't sure what to expect. Of course, I was loving the idea of Noise and everyone being able to hear each other's thoughts, but I never anticipated how awesome this book was going to be. I was expecting Todd would just go on some journey with his dog, finding himself, and there would be a few surprises along the way. But The Knife of Never Letting Go was so much more than a coming of age novel.

Review: The Long Walk by Richard Bachman

Title: The Long Walk 
Author: Richard Bachman (Stephen King)
Published: 1979
Genre: Adult Thriller, Dystopian
Pages: 370
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“They walked through the rainy dark like gaunt ghosts, and Garraty didn't like to look at them. They were the walking dead.”
― Stephen King, The Long Walk

Synopsis
On the first day of May, one hundred teenage boys meet for an event known throughout the country as "The Long Walk," a deadly contest of endurance and determination, where each step could literally be their last. If you break the rules, you get three warnings. If you exceed your limit, what happens is absolutely terrifying. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
The Long Walk was written under Stephen King's pen name Richard Bachman, and this is actually my first Bachman read. From what I've heard, the Bachman books tend to be darker and more violent (and we thought King's books couldn't get any darker). My friend, the one who lent me this book, has been very persuasive lately in convincing me to read Stephen King books I have put off reading for too long.

The Long Walk exceeded my expectations just like any other King book. It was phenomenal. It's basically a bleaker, more horrific version of The Hunger Games. So if you thought The Hunger Games was shocking, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules 
Author: Julie Kagawa
Published: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: Blood of Eden #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal, Dystopian
Pages: 485
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Sometime in your life, Alison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being. Accidentally or as a conscious, deliberate act. It is unavoidable. The question is not if it will happen, but when.”
― Julie Kagawa, The Immortal Rules

Synopsis
In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Let me just preface this review by apologizing for neglecting my blog. First, there was Hurricane Sandy. Although Sandy had some great background noises for reading horror, with the howling of the wind and the torrential downpour of rain. Secondly, I have been suffering from migraine after migraine. So, reading has been slow going. My week of horror-filled books was kind of a failure, but hopefully next Halloween, I'll do much better and spread it throughout the entire month of October (less pressure).

Review: Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

Title: Mystic City 
Author: Theo Lawrence
Published: October 9, 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Series: Mystic City #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 397
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I always knew this story would break my heart”
― Theo Lawrence, Mystic City

Synopsis
Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths.

But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place.

Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I have been eagerly anticipating Mystic City for a long time. The premise and cover together had me very excited for its release. The world building left nothing to be desired. Manhattan is completely reimagined into a mystical world divided between the people above and the people below. The rich and famous live far above the streets in dazzling skyscrapers soaring above the ground. The Aeries remain untouched by the destruction left behind by the climate change, and the buildings are connected by bridges and lightrails. The privileged never use the PODs (points of descent) to descend below. The PODs are for the servants that live far below in the Depths. The Depths are filled with the poor and the Mystics. The Mystics are prejudiced against because they possess unnatural powers and are perceived as a threat. Every Mystic must be registered and drained twice a year, but some undrained Mystics remain in hiding, escaping the power draining. The Mystics were sort of like X-Men, as they all possess different powers and are pretty much kickass. For the most part, they can heal but they also have unique abilities such as walking through buildings or summoning storms.

Review: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Destroy Me 
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Published: October 2, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Shatter Me #1.5
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 150
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Shatter Me*

“I’ve come to believe that the most dangerous man in the world is the one who feels no remorse. The one who never apologizes and therefore seeks no forgiveness. Because in the end it is our emotions that make us weak, not our actions.”
― Tahereh Mafi, Destroy Me

Synopsis
In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Let me start off this review by saying I love Warner. I also love Adam, but for different reasons. Warner is so much more complex, and he is certifiably insane. As a psychology minor, I find him fascinating. For me, he's a case study. Does that sound cold? I mean, I do care about what happens to him. I felt horrible for him when Juliette shot him. He was so delusional that he never saw it coming.

Destroy Me shows Warner's side of things, and I was thrilled to enter Warner's mind. While it's clear in Shatter Me that Warner is obsessed with Juliette, we get to see how obsessed he really is in Destroy Me. And trust me, he's cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Through Warner's POV, his past actions are explained. Suddenly, the reader is able to understand Warner's behavior more and sympathize. We even see his softer side. But he still has a screw loose and could use some much needed therapy.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver Book Review

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Published: January 1, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Delirium #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 441
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“He who leaps for the sky may fall, it's true. But he may also fly.” 
― Lauren Oliver, Delirium

Synopsis
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I finally read Delirium. Yes, another dystopia. I have read so many dystopian YA books this past summer. Last spring, I had read only The Hunger Games and a few others. Now, I've read countless. Dystopias have developed as a trend. 

Delirium shared many similarities with other dystopian reads, but it had that nice twist of love being forbidden. In Lena's world, no one says I love you or they're considered diseased. The uncured wait till their 18th birthdays to have a procedure that will prevent them from feeling any love or compassion for others. The indifference of the cured was truly haunting. When it came to parenting, maternal love or any devotion to offspring was absent. Spouses procreated simply for the continuation of humanity. Love was missing from the equation, but everybody still swore by the procedure. They claimed happiness in their indifference, and anyone who thought different was labeled as a sympathizer and was executed or left to rot in a cell. It was terrifying for me to even imagine a world without love. Where a mother is apathetic towards her crying child. Or a husband and wife go through life feeling nothing for each other though they sleep next to each other in the same bed every night. 

What really appealed to me about Delirium was that romantic love wasn't the sole focus. I expected the entire book to concentrate on the forbidden romance between Alex and Lena, but I was pleasantly surprised. While Lena and Alex's growing interest in each other is certainly a main point, we also witness the love Lena feels for her best friend Hana and the love she feels for her family, such as her cousin Gracie and her mother. We're able to see all different sorts of love, and the complexity of Lena's feelings. How easily anger, hurt, and fear can overlap with love. I found Lena's connections to her loved ones so touching and endearing, and I loved Hana, Alex, and Gracie (even though she doesn't speak). 

I had some difficulty accepting how quickly Lena shifts from being a steadfast believer in the cure to an outright rebel. I loved how Lena started off as an unquestioning follower of her society, allowing us to see her full progression into rebellion. But for someone who was so excited to be cured, Lena changes so rapidly, and I didn't completely buy it. Even if Alex and Lena were madly in love, Lena was raised with certain beliefs that she cherished, but yet she drops them so quickly. 

While I loved the dark twist of love being outlawed, I had trouble immersing myself into the story. There were no slow parts, but I was never completely invested in this book. Maybe the dystopia just wasn't authentic enough? I found it difficult to believe in this world without knowing the background behind the cure and the labeling of love as a disease. While it's fascinating, I needed more context and I couldn't help wanting more to this world than some groups of regulators walking around with flashlights and bullhorns. That image did not have me quaking in fear. Oliver writes beautifully - her writing style could almost be called poetic - and I loved the inclusion of poetry and classical literature (Romeo and Juliet!) as always, but I just didn't connect with what I was reading. 

I have to say that while there were differences, Delirium resembled Uglies in so many ways. The Smoke versus The Wilds. The procedure and the main character who goes from supporter to rogue. Not to mention the best friend who participates in rebellious behavior? Did anyone see this as well? It didn't bother me, but it just struck me as really similar. Random thought, I know. Though I enjoyed this book more because I could not stand Tally Youngblood. 

I will read Pandemonium, but I'm in no hurry. I'm anxious to see how this series unfolds, but I hope the sequel interests me more. 

Happy Reading,

Courtney

Defiance by C.J. Redwine Book Review

Title: Defiance 
Author: C.J. Redwine
Published: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Series: Courier's Daughter #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 403
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“It’s probably my job to tell you life isn’t fair, but I figure you already know that. So instead, I’ll tell you that hope is precious, and you’re right not to give up.” 
― C.J. Redwine, Defiance

Synopsis
Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. (Goodreads) 

My Thought
I've been eagerly awaiting Defiance for months. From the first time I saw it, I have been counting down the days till it hit bookstores. I can't seem to articulate why I was so excited for this book. I just knew I'd love it, and it was worth the wait! 

I loved every single page of Defiance! I devoured this book as I would any other wonderful read. The world-building leaves nothing to be desired. We're given detailed descriptions of Baalboden and the Wasteland, and I could almost picture North Hub and South Edge and Logan's little cottage in my head. I loved the names of the different parts of the citystate, and while there was a lot of suffering within Baalboden's walls, it possessed a dark beauty that appealed to me. 

The premise was fascinating. Decades ago, businessmen had teams dig into the earth for oil, and they awakened a terrifying race of beasts that lived deep beneath the surface. These beasts resemble wingless dragons, and they destroyed every densely populated area with their massive size and ability to breathe flame. Kind of reminded me of the Balrog the dwarves awakened while mining in The Lord of the Rings. Baalboden is terrorized by one of these beasts, The Cursed One, and the citizens must remain within the protection of Baalboden's walls. This premise really applies to the present day, where we're drilling for oil all over the place. Except, I hope there are no beasts living deep underground in our world. That would suck (understatement). 

The Cursed One was terrifying, but the true villain is the Commander. Even though the citizens are safe from the Cursed One inside their citystate, they are victims to the Commander's brutal authority. The Commander was a convincing villain. He was merciless, and I couldn't help hating his abuse of women. This dystopia was a legit dystopia. There was the constant threat of the Cursed One and the Commander's heavy punishment if the law was broken, but there were also bands of highwaymen and other citystates' battalions wandering the Wasteland. I was bothered by the treatment of women, as they were raised to be submissive and they couldn't go anywhere without their Protector, but my anger at their laws did not decrease my enjoyment at all. In fact, the darker elements only strengthened the world building. 

Rachel is one of my favorite heroines of all time. She was feisty, strong, and devoted to her loved ones. She was the opposite of every other woman in Baalboden. She was raised by her father to be independent, and I couldn't help admiring her courage and the fire inside of her. Even when she was scared or grief-stricken, she still fought and wouldn't allow her feelings to consume her. Logan. I loved Logan so much. He was a bit of nerd, and I couldn't help finding his awkwardness and his love for his inventions adorable. But when it came to Rachel, he would suddenly fight like a mad animal, revealing how he had stayed alive as an orphan on the streets during his childhood. Their romance was so sweet, and it was developed wonderfully. No instalove. Redwine shifted between their POVs smoothly, and I enjoyed hearing from both of them. I just loved Rachel and Logan. And also Willow and Quinn and Sylph and Oliver. They were all amazing characters and they were developed so well! 

I can't wait for the sequel! I hope we learn more about some characters and I'd like to know why women needed Protectors to begin with. Plus, there are some questions I can't wait to have answered! The suspense is killing me. Defiance is definitely a new favorite, as shown by this long review of gushing. 

Happy reading, 

Courtney

Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

Title: Crossed 
Author: Ally Condie
Published: November 1, 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Series: Matched #2
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 367
Source: Library
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Matched*

“Everyone has something of beauty about them. But loving let's you look, and look, and look again. You notice the back of a hand, the turn of a head, the way of a walk. When you first love, you look blind and you see it all as the glorious, beloved whole, or a beautiful sum of beautiful parts. But when you see the one you love as pieces, as why's, you can love those parts too, and it's a love at once more complicated and more complete.”
― Ally Condie, Crossed

Synopsis
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
If I had to compare Crossed to Matched, I'd have to say I was a little disappointed. Sure, I had some issues with Matched, but I was all excited to read about life outside the Society and I wanted to see Cassia and Ky reunited. Yet Crossed was just missing that spark, that oomph that makes a book last in your memory. Every page was beautifully written, and Condie has a poetic style of writing. There were so many wonderful quotes that I kept reading over and over again. But when it came to actual plot, I can't help but feel that not much happened in this book. For most of Crossed, Cassia is searching for Ky. Nothing important really happens until the end. While we learn more about life outside the Society and the suffering of the Aberrations, I found this book was more of a in-between book in the series, one of those filler novels that moves the reader into the third book.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young Book Review

Title: Blood Red Road 
Author: Moira Young
Published: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Series: Dust Lands Trilogy #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 459
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I never knew that missin somebody could hurt, I says. But it does. Deep inside. Like it's in my bones. We ain't never bin apart till now. Never. I dunno how to be without him. It's like... I ain't nuthin.” 
― Moira Young, Blood Red Road

Synopsis
Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization. (Goodreads)

The Book 
I loved, loved, LOVED this book! Did you hear I loved this book? Because I did! This was a hidden gem. I discovered it on someone's blog, and I had never heard of it before. I'm so happy I came across it!

This book defines the word dystopia. This dystopia has cage fighting, a band of women freedom fighters, and flipping huge man-eating worms that come out at night from underground with huge claws! It even had bad grammar! If that's not a dystopian world, I don't know what is! The bad grammar actually worked because no one's speech was flawless, and it didn't bother me. It was more authentic. Saba's adventures are wild and, well, adventurous. She isn't always saved in the nick of time. She doesn't have any magical wishes or a knight in shining armor. She does have a crow though. I love Nero! 

Saba is fierce. She is kickass! In the absence of her twin brother, she discovers she's a force to be reckoned with. While Jack saves her a couple of times, she also saves him. And she fights like a pro. All of the women in this book are amazing! I almost wanted to scream girlpower! a couple of times. No lie. The Free Hawks are just as fearsome and vicious as Saba, but they become fast friends of Saba's and loyal to the death. I loved them all! Even Epona who made me think of Link's horse from Legend of Zelda. I kept expecting to hear her neigh. Even Saba's little sister Emmi earned my respect with her bravery and devotion. 

As for the romance, I loved Jack! At first, he comes off as the stereotypical, bad boy. But he really isn't. He shows a sweeter side, and he isn't an a**hole which is refreshing. Plus, he actually lets Saba do her own thing! When she wants to save someone's skin or go off on an adventure, he doesn't pull her back and say let me do it, I'll protect you. He encourages her! He might join her, but he doesn't try to stop her. Holy crap! They work together. Jack complements Saba's tough, prickly attitude. Though she did start to annoy me after awhile because she can be so awful to Jack. But he keeps coming back, with a smirk on his face, like some masochist. He even sings to her, but I do like the song he sings, even though she's clueless it's about her.

So if I loved this book so much, why did I give it a 4.5? First off, I missed having quotation marks. There were none. It was a different approach and I didn't like it. Sometimes, I had to backtrack and figure out if Saba was thinking or speaking. But the main reason was because the ending was a little too predictable and just not as amazing as the rest of the book. But while this is a part of a series, the ending could have been a real ending. It wrapped up very nicely, if predictably, and provided some closure. So, that's a definite plus!

I cannot wait for the sequel Rebel Heart coming out October 30th! 

Happy reading,

Courtney

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan Book Review

Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth 
Author: Carrie Ryan
Published: March 10, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Series: The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal, Dystopian
Pages: 308
Source: Library
Rating: 1 star
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I want to sleep, I want dreams to pull me from this world and make me forget. To stop the memories from swirling around me. To put an end to this ache that consumes me.” 
― Carrie Ryan, The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Synopsis
In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. 

But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. 

When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts 
I wasn't a big fan of The Forest of Hands and Teeth. I hate writing negative reviews, but I have to be honest. This book is what would happen if one girl decided she just had to go to the beach for vacation, despite the fact that zombies are everywhere and everyone might die. 

I couldn't stand Mary. She's the type of girl in scary movies that makes you want to yell at the screen he's right behind you because she's just so stupid. Instead of running for her life when zombies attack, she just stands there and takes the time to think about life. Or Travis. She thinks about Travis so much. You're not going to get with Travis if you're dead or a zombie, Mary. So move! Or she would reach out to the zombies like she wanted a handshake. I had no sympathy for her. She makes the stupidest decisions with the dumbest logic, and puts everybody at risk. Plus, nothing is ever good enough for her. She just has to get to the beach. They're safe, but she needs to see that flipping ocean! 

I also can't stand the whole she loves him but he loves her but she loves the other guy thing going on in The Forest of Hands and Teeth. It was too A Midsummer Night's Dream. I love A Midsummer Night's Dream, but that was a comedy. The romance in this book wasn't for comedic effect, and it just didn't work at all. It made absolutely no sense. There was no reason why Travis wasn't Mary's betrothed from the beginning, but everyone said it had to be that way. Mary had to be engaged to Harry from the start despite the fact that she loved Travis. Yet her best friend Cass, Travis's betrothed, doesn't even love Travis. She loves Harry! See! Isn't that confusing? There was really no explanation why everybody had to be heartbroken. The Sisterhood just wanted everyone to be miserable, apparently? 

I felt absolutely no connection to any of the characters in The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Some of them were just mean. Like Mary's brother, Jed, and I found it difficult to like him later on in the book. Travis kept saying Oh, Mary. Oh, Mary. Harry was oblivious, but he was adorable, and I don't know why Mary found him to be such a repulsive choice as husband. As stated before, Mary made stupid decisions and she still went after Travis despite his engagement to her best friend. Not cool! Cass never stopped whining or crying, making the whole situation worse. Plus, Cass was a horrible best friend. She was engaged to Travis, and I'm pretty sure she knew Mary loved him. Still, not an excuse for Mary to go after him. Here's the lesson learned from this: don't ever let a guy ruin your friendship! Not that they seemed to be that close after all. 

The Forest of Hands and Teeth was a little slow as well. I did like the name of the forest: The Forest of Hands and Teeth, obviously. Very creepy. And the premise had potential, but there were just so many questions left unanswered about their history, the Return, and the power of the Sisterhood and the Guardians. Plus, I wasn't satisfied with the ending at all.

I apologize for all the negativity, but The Forest of Hands and Teeth just wasn't my type of book at all. So, I won't be reading the next one. 

Happy reading,

Courtney 

Wither by Lauren DeStefano Book Review

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: March 22, 2011
Series: The Chemical Garden #1
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Fate, I think, is a thief.” 
― Lauren DeStefano, Wither

Synopsis
By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. 

When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. 

But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?

Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised by Wither. I loved every single page! It was so haunting and beautifully written. And this book covered a surprising amount of time. I was a little tentative when I saw mixed reviews, but maybe that's because of the sensitive topics of polygamy and younger brides. I would call this a Mormon dystopia. But I think these uncomfortable elements made the story even darker and more potent, and this dystopian world more realistic. The vulnerability and sad, short lives of the women really added to the world building and made the reader sympathize more with the characters. 

The characters in Wither were fantastic and well-developed! Loved them so much! Every one of them offered something to the story, but I think the sister wives and their love for each other really made the story. They leaned on each other, they supported each other, and they each became more of a sister wife than they were a wife to Linden. I grew to adore each of the women, even Cecily. It really hurt me to watch such a young girl grow up way before she needed to. 

While I really wanted to despise Linden, I felt sorry for him. He was an idiot and completely clueless, but he loved his wives, no matter how weird it is that he had three of them. He was just so pathetic. I couldn't help pitying him. Although I did feel nauseous about his relationship with Cecily. It was like Lolita all over again. I mean at least he's 21? I think 21. But she's 13. That messed with my head. 

I loved the mansion with its sitting room and library, with its endless gardens that still imprisoned the wives, and all of the holograms in the pool and the mini golf course with the giant gumdrops. It had so many eccentricities. I loved the domestics, and every little detail, like the chamomile baths and the mugs of Earl Grey tea and the June Bean candies. I especially loved the stories about all the other fallen continents. My only complaint was that David was kind of a flat character. I don't think his romance with Rhine was developed enough. I liked him, but I wasn't crazy about him. I needed more scenes between them, but I understand that's difficult when Rhine is being constantly watched and her freedom is restricted. 

I loved Wither so much! I'll be reading its sequel Fever soon!

Happy reading,

Courtney 

The Scourge by A.G. Henley Book Review

Title: The Scourge
Author: A.G. Henley
Published: January 31, 2012
Publisher: A.G. Henley
Series: Brillant Darkness #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal, Dystopian
Pages: 320
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis
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. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
There's some books that I'm indecisive about in regards to rating. The Scourge was one of them. I mean, the book was a great read. Very enjoyable. It had so many unique elements. The civilization of Fennel's world lives a simpler life after sickness and war. There is something amazing about a whole world that lives as if in the past. The Groundlings and Lofties rely on primitive skills and handmade weapons to hunt. They dance with their intended and offer bonding bracelets instead of expensive diamond rings. Their ancestors lived in an advanced time, I'm assuming those ancestors are us, but The Scourge shows how all of these advancements and accomplishments have been reversed. While there is suffering and hardship, the simplicity is almost comforting and beautiful. It's not a fast-paced read full of action, but it is written beautifully. My favorite part about The Scourge was the storytelling. It was beautiful and creative. All of the animal fables really brought something to the story, and they were so wonderfully imaginative.

There are many deep messages that run throughout The Scourge. It's less about the Scourge themselves and more about the people. How they struggle with mistrust. How prejudice divides them when they need each other most. How blind hatred can be. The plot really speaks to any struggle between races or any war that has ever occurred. But despite all this animosity, we have our star-crossed lovers. The romance is phenomenal. I love the trust that develops between Peree and Fenn. They also banter with each other, which is amusing and sweet. I adore Peree. I was a little frustrated with Fenn and how she pushed away Peree occasionally, but I can understand her fear in giving so much of herself to one person.

I did not like the love triangle. Or should I say awkward triangle. I hate when one guy is so besotted with the protagonist, but he's clueless that she prefers the other guy. I think Fenn led Bear on a little as well, and her indecision hurt both men. I was never into the whole two guys fighting over one girl, and the girl having trouble deciding, and I'd much rather focus on other plot developments. I'd rather not have teams forming over which guy the main character should choose in a book. Despite Fenn's indecision, I did love her bravery, especially since she's Sightless. Her Sightlessness made her a stronger individual, and I loved how her other senses had strengthened in result.

While I enjoyed most of The Scourge, I found the explanation behind the creatures, and how they came to be, unsatisfactory. It didn't appeal to me. It worked, but I just felt some other explanation would have been better. And some of the plot developments just ended up confusing me, instead of offering a clear backstory. The ending was a little abrupt, but I was happy with its closure until I realized a sequel is planned. I was really hoping to escape another series, but I will most likely read the sequel.

I would recommend The Scourge to anyone who wants an original zombie read, some wonderful storytelling, and a touching romance. If you can overlook a weak explanation and commit to the whole series, I'm sure it will be an enjoyable read.

Happy reading,

Courtney

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi Book Review

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: January 3, 2012
376 pages, Under the Never Sky #1
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

“She looked up. “A world of nevers under a never sky.”
She fit in well then, he thought. A girl who never shut up.” 
― Veronica Rossi, Under the Never Sky

Synopsis
Aria has lived her whole life in Reverie, a dome that protects her from the Aether storms, cannibals, and savage tribes of the outer wastelands called The Death Shop. But when Aria is exiled from Reverie, she suddenly has to fight for her survival in wastelands she never stepped foot on before. With her mother missing, she has to depend on a Savage named Perry to help her stay alive in The Death Shop. He also needs her help in order to find his missing nephew. They may be each other's best hope in finding their missing loved ones. 

My Thoughts
I just love how authors nowadays work so hard to stick the title in somewhere. It happened with Shade's Children, Something Strange and Deadly, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and now Under the Never Sky. I always laugh when I see the title just staring at me in the middle of the page. A world of nevers under a never sky. Random thought. 

Under the Never Sky was fast paced and entertaining. It had me from the first page, and the pace never slowed for a second. This dystopian world was easy to fall in love with. The Death Shop possessed a certain dark beauty. It had its frightening elements, with the cannibals in the beaked masks and the weird, zombielike people just hanging in trees. But it had such a stark beauty as well. I fell in love with the Aether swirling in the sky above. Rossi described it beautifully, and I found myself imagining a deadly, alive aurora. Plus, it was compared to my favorite painting, Starry Night, so that was all I needed to know. The Aether, the Smarteyes, and the Realms were wildly imaginative. I loved the idea of escaping from a dull reality into different visual Realms. And these Realms were endless. There was a Medieval Realm, a Future Realm, an Opera Realm and so on. And while the Realms weren't real, they felt real to those inside them. That is just trippy. Plus, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of those Smarteyes. Much more convenient than my iPhone. 

As for the special Senses some of the Outsiders had, that was an awesome idea as well. I especially loved Perry and how he could learn so much just by sniffing. I won't say anymore, but trust me, it's not as stupid as it sounds. We're not talking Rachel Ray in the kitchen sniffing. It did remind me of Graceling and Po, but not overly so. I won't say how it reminds me of Po because that would be a Graceling spoiler. But if you read the book, you know Po's Grace. I'm exhausted from trying to avoid spoilers. 

I really have to praise any author that experiments with different POVs, especially when it's the lead male and female. Rossi did a wonderful job of switching between Aria and Perry. It was smooth and flowed naturally. It also gave me a good sense of Savages versus Dwellers, their prejudices and backgrounds. 

I loved all the characters, especially Perry and Roar. I even liked Cinder. He was very intriguing. But I will admit that for most of the book, I found Aria annoying. She was whiny and obnoxious. She was so critical of Perry and found him too savage. She had some high and mighty complex. She wanders off, completely disregards what Perry says, and just has moments of utter stupidity. I can understand that she lived her whole life in Reverie and was sheltered and taught to believe certain stories, but it took her such a long time to really appreciate Perry's help. Though he also had his cold moments, he was the maturer of the two and was adorable. But Aria transformed as heroines always do and I finally grew to like her later on. 

What really frustrated me is that the book needed more world building. We hear so much about an Aether storm, but we are never told what exactly an Aether storm is. Or how it came into its stormy existence. The reader is given tidbits of information, but there isn't enough. I want more background and explanation. Maybe I'll get that in the upcoming book. Hopefully.

I will definitely read the sequel. First, because I love the characters. Second, because I want some answers about the world building. 

Happy reading, 

Courtney