Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Author: Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Narrator: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Published: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Length: 7 hours and 29 minutes
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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“The problem with my life is that it was someone else's idea.”
― Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Synopsis
A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe starts off like many other books, introducing the lonely, misunderstood protagonist, different from other kids his age and in desperate need of a friend, only to find one only a few pages in. But from then on, it traverses another path entirely its own, unique and individual in every way. I went into this book, completely unsuspecting of the beautiful, emotional writing I would find within, and despite a couple of misgivings, I found it to be overall an awe-inspiring read.

Review: The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

Title: The Art of Lainey
Author: Paula Stokes
Published: May 20, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 384
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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“Standing up for yourself is about more than flinging barbed-wire insults around. Its about picking your battles, knowing when to fight, knowing exactly what and who is worth fighting for.”
― Paula Stokes, The Art of Lainey

Synopsis
Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Dessen, and Susane Colasanti, The Art of Lainey tells the story of how, with the help of The Art of War, Lainey plots the perfect plan to get her boyfriend back. But is getting him back really what she wants?

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warnings, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that's when Lainey and Bianca stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, the girls are sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey's arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous.

After a few "dates," it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game. Can fighting for what she wants help Lainey figure out what she really needs? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
At first glance, The Art of Lainey may look like a light, fluff-filled beach read, but this shows why you should never judge a book solely by its cover. There were times when the book seemed a bit too young for me, as I rolled my eyes at Lainey’s immaturity and self-absorption. But as the novel progressed and Lainey gained a deeper understanding of herself and others, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this charming debut.

Review: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Title: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock
Author: Matthew Quick
Narrator: Noah Galvin
Published: August 13, 2013
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Length: 6 hours and 19 minutes
Source: SYNC free download
Rating: 4 stars
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“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
―Matthew Quick, Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

Synopsis 
How would you spend your birthday if you knew it would be your last?

Eighteen-year-old Leonard Peacock knows exactly what he'll do. He'll say goodbye.

Not to his mum - who he calls Linda because it annoys her - who's moved out and left him to fend for himself. Nor to his former best friend, whose torments have driven him to consider committing the unthinkable. But to his four friends: a Humphrey-Bogart-obsessed neighbour, a teenage violin virtuoso, a pastor's daughter and a teacher.

Most of the time, Leonard believes he's weird and sad but these friends have made him think that maybe he's not. He wants to thank them, and say goodbye. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is not an easy read by any means. It’s a raw, heart crushing book that leaves you emotionally gutted long after you’ve finished. Having read the synopsis, I knew to some extent that this would be the case, but even so, I was not entirely prepared for what I would find within these pages. I had borrowed this book from the library at first, but for some reason or another, I found it difficult to truly immerse myself in the story when I was reading a physical copy. Listening to it was an entirely different story. I downloaded the free audiobook that was offered by SYNC, and suddenly, I couldn’t stop listening, and it really made the workday go by so much faster. For some reason, I was able to empathize more with Leonard when listening to the book rather than reading it, and I found it to be, overall, a gripping tale of a teen who has lost the will to live and is trying to find his way back to stability.

Review: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

Title: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
Author: Leslye Walton
Published: March 13, 2014
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Magical Realism, Historical Fiction
Pages: 301
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
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“Love makes us such fools.”
―Leslye Walton, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Synopsis
Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava—in all other ways a normal girl—is born with the wings of a bird.

In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover and naïve to the twisted motives of others. Others like the pious Nathaniel Sorrows, who mistakes Ava for an angel and whose obsession with her grows until the night of the Summer Solstice celebration.

That night, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air, and Ava’s quest and her family’s saga build to a devastating crescendo.

First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender was not at all what I was expecting, and I mean that in the best possible way. There are many different directions I could have seen this book taking. I thought it would mainly be told in young Ava's time, with flashbacks scattered throughout as Ava uncovers more of her family history through research. Instead, this haunting tale is told chronologically, beginning at, well, the beginning, where Ava's family history takes a turn for the worst.

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
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“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: Charmed Thirds by Megan McCafferty

Title: Charmed Thirds
Author: Megan McCafferty
Published: April 11, 2006
Publisher: Broadway Books
Series: Jessica Darling #3
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Pages: 359
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings*

“That's what all love comes down to, doesn't it? We help others only as much as they let us.”
― Megan McCafferty, Charmed Thirds

Synopsis
Jessica Darling’s in college!

Things are looking up for Jessica Darling. She has finally left her New Jersey hometown/hellhole for Columbia University in New York City; she’s more into her boyfriend, Marcus Flutie, than ever (so what if he’s at a Buddhist college in California?); and she’s making new friends who just might qualify as stand-ins for her beloved best friend, Hope.

But Jessica soon realizes that her bliss might not last. She lands an internship at a snarky Brooklyn-based magazine, but will she fit in with the überhip staff (and will she even want to)? As she and Marcus hit the rocks, will she end up falling for her GOPunk, neoconservative RA . . . or the hot (and married!) Spanish grad student she’s assisting on a summer project . . . or the oh-so-sensitive emo boy down the hall? Will she even make it through college now that her parents have cut her off financially? And what do the cryptic one-word postcards from Marcus really mean?

With hilarious insight, the hyperobservant Jessica Darling struggles through her college years—and the summers in between—while maintaining her usual mix of wit, cynicism, and candor. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Not even a year ago, I had no idea who Jessica Darling was. That is unbelievable. After falling in love with this series, Jessica Darling has become such a solid fixture in my life. I think to myself regularly, what would JD do? The Jessica Darling series is witty and hilarious, emotional and thrilling, and I find myself continuing to love each book as I watch Jessica grow into herself.

Review: The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

Title: The Miseducation of Cameron Post 
Author: Emily M. Danforth
Published: February 7, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 354
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
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“I felt all the ways in which this world seemed so, so enormous--the height of the trees, the hush and tick of the forest, the shift of the sunlight and shadows--but also so, so removed.”
― Emily M. Danforth, The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Synopsis
When Cameron Post's parents die suddenly in a car crash, her shocking first thought is relief. Relief they'll never know that, hours earlier, she had been kissing a girl.

But that relief doesn't last, and Cam is soon forced to move in with her conservative aunt Ruth and her well-intentioned but hopelessly old-fashioned grandmother. She knows that from this point on, her life will forever be different. Survival in Miles City, Montana, means blending in and leaving well enough alone (as her grandmother might say), and Cam becomes an expert at both.

Then Coley Taylor moves to town. Beautiful, pickup-driving Coley is a perfect cowgirl with the perfect boyfriend to match. She and Cam forge an unexpected and intense friendship--one that seems to leave room for something more to emerge. But just as that starts to seem like a real possibility, ultrareligious Aunt Ruth takes drastic action to "fix" her niece, bringing Cam face-to-face with the cost of denying her true self--even if she's not exactly sure who that is.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a stunning and unforgettable literary debut about discovering who you are and finding the courage to live life according to your own rules. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I bought The Miseducation of Cameron Post entirely on a whim. My friend Amanda told me it was a Kindle monthly deal (she's always keeping me updated on those), and after skimming some positive reviews, I figured, what the hell?, and added it to a long, long list of TBR books. So, when I decided to read it the other day, I was not fully prepared for this challenging book. I really enjoyed The Miseducation of Cameron Post, but I will warn you that it's an intense, emotional read.

Review: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Title: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
Author: E. Lockhart
Published: March 25, 2008
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 345
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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“She will not be simple and sweet.
She will not be what people tell her she should be.”
― E. Lockhart, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

Synopsis
Frankie Landau-Banks at age 14:
Debate Club.
Her father’s “bunny rabbit.”
A mildly geeky girl attending a highly competitive boarding school.

Frankie Landau-Banks at age 15:
A knockout figure.
A sharp tongue.
A chip on her shoulder.
And a gorgeous new senior boyfriend: the supremely goofy, word-obsessed Matthew Livingston.

Frankie Laundau-Banks.
No longer the kind of girl to take “no” for an answer.
Especially when “no” means she’s excluded from her boyfriend’s all-male secret society.
Not when her ex boyfriend shows up in the strangest of places.
Not when she knows she’s smarter than any of them.
When she knows Matthew’s lying to her.
And when there are so many, many pranks to be done.

Frankie Landau-Banks, at age 16:
Possibly a criminal mastermind.
This is the story of how she got that way. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Why Frankie Landau-Banks is a kickass heroine:

-She takes everyone by surprise with her genius machinations
-Frankie is super sneaky
-She never takes no for an answer
-Her schemes are trying to communicate a deeper message
-She is all about female empowerment
-She's a vegetarian

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
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*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: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Poison Study 
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Published: June 1, 2004
Publisher: Mira Books
Series: Study #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 412
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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“To Yelena, our newest food taster. May you last longer than your predecessor.”
― Maria V. Snyder, Poison Study

Synopsis
Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison...

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...(Goodreads)

My Thoughts
This is my second read along with my close friend Amanda from Late Nights with Good Books. We were both super excited to read Poison Study so we decided to read it together! And boy were we happy we did because we loved it!

Poison Study was a fantastic read filled with political intrigue and suspense. Throughout the entire book, I was on the tip of my toes, waiting for someone to keel over or be assassinated. There was just so much tension building in Ixia, as rebels and spies battled out a war of cunning and espionage, and Yelena was caught right in the middle of it.

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
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*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: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Published: January 2, 2012
Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 236
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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“Love is the strangest, most illogical thing in the world.”
― Jennifer E. Smith, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Synopsis
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's sitting in her row.

A long night on the plane passes in the blink of an eye, and Hadley and Oliver lose track of each other in the airport chaos upon arrival. Can fate intervene to bring them together once more?

Quirks of timing play out in this romantic and cinematic novel about family connections, second chances, and first loves. Set over a twenty-four-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Happy Valentine's Day! I decided to read a mushy romance for Valentine's Day, something I don't do too often. I was torn between Amy & Roger's Epic Detour and this one. I'd like to say that I picked The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight after long consideration and comparing the reviews of both books, but I mainly chose it because of the heart on the front cover and how that fit in with the Valentine's Day theme.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight took me by surprise. Honestly, I was expecting fluff and a gag worthy romance. Maybe even a combination of elements from Serendipity (I adore this movie). It was actually none of the above. Against all my expectations, I found The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight to be more than just another chick lit book. There was less romance and more focus on Hadley's and Oliver's family struggles than I had anticipated, making for deep and meaningful scenes.

Review: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Title: Code Name Verity
Author: Elizabeth Wein
Published: February 6, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Pages: 343
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
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“It's like being in love, discovering your best friend.”
―Elizabeth Wein, Code Name Verity

Synopsis
Two young women become unlikely best friends during WWII, until one is captured by the Gestapo. Only in wartime could a stalwart lass from Manchester rub shoulders with a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a special operations executive. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted to each other.

But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in “Verity’s” own words, as she writes her account for her captors. Truth or lies? Honour or betrayal? Everything they’ve ever believed in is put to the test…(Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Code Name Verity is a challenging book to review. By the end of the book, so much has happened, that you are left reeling in the aftermath, finding it difficult to even articulate your feelings. This book was what I expected, and, at the same time, the complete opposite. Wein tells the story of a friendship between the most unlikely pair, a Brit and a Scot from entirely different classes. Despite their differences, they become the closest of friends. Their enduring friendship is what makes Code Name Verity stand out in the young adult genre. Instead of heavily focusing on a romance, as most young adult books do, Wein centers the plot around a strong, solid friendship. There are a few hints at romance, but they fade into the background and are not significant plot points unlike Verity's and Kittyhawk's indomitable bond.

Review: Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Title: Sloppy Firsts 
Author: Megan McCafferty
Published: August 28, 2001
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Series: Jessica Darling #1
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 280
Rating: 4 stars
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“I don't know anything about anything. The only difference between then and now is this: I may know more than I used to but my wisdom pales in comparison to that which I have yet to learn”
― Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts

Synopsis
When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad’s obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany’s lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
So Amanda and I decided to do our first read along, and the lucky winner was Sloppy Firsts. We've been trying to do a read along for the longest time, but we found it near to impossible since we read at different paces and are at busy at different times. But alas, it has finally happened. What a momentous moment of blogging history! Alright, I'll cut back on the dramatics. Don't forget to check out Amanda's review of Sloppy Firsts.

Review: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Title: Sisters Red
Author: Jackson Pearce
Published: June 7, 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Fairytale Retellings #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 352
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
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“I am confident, I am capable, and I will not wait to be rescued by a woodsman or a hunter.”
― Jackson Pearce, Sisters Red

Synopsis
Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Sisters Red is a darker retelling of Red Riding Hood, somewhat reminiscent of the Grimm tale. From the moment I first set eyes on this cover, I knew I had to read it. It is such a unique version of the beloved Red Riding Hood tale. Instead of one girl, there are actually two: Rosie and Scarlett March. Both of them wear red cloaks when hunting, and they are fierce. These two sisters don't just sit back and let the woodsman take care of things; they fight themselves. Scarlett is vicious with her hatchet, and Rosie is deadly with her knives. Of course, there is Silas, a son of a woodsman and an old family friend, and he joins in the hunting, but the two girls are in the spotlight when fighting. Plus, Scarlett is missing an eye, and she is physically and emotionally scarred.

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
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“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: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy 
Author: Robin LaFevers
Published: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Series: His Fair Assassin #1
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Pages: 549
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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“When one consorts with assassins, one must expect to dance along the edge of a knife once or twice.”
― R.L. LaFevers, Grave Mercy

Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
It has been far too long since I've read any historical fiction. Actually, that was a lie. I read The Dark Queen, set in Brittany under the rule of Catherine de Medici, last spring. It was an enjoyable read, and I certainly recommend it. Grave Mercy was the perfect choice for revisiting this genre, especially since it is a mix of fantasy and history. Luckily, I am a fan of both. The storytelling was excellent, and as far as I could tell, LaFevers researched this time period thoroughly. The vivid detailing of clothing, courtiers, and architecture made for an authenticity I greatly admired. The political intrigue also kept me reading, and that wonderful mystery of whodunnit. With Grave Mercy, suspects were everywhere in a court full of backstabbing, and the duchess of Brittany could never feel completely safe when her barons were easily bribed and a French ambassador lurked nearby.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Review

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Series: Lux #1
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Pages: 271
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
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“Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys.” 
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, Obsidian

Synopsis
Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don't kill him first, that is. (Goodreads) 

My Thoughts 
Yes, it's yet another Obsidian review. The overwhelming flood of Obsidian reviews should be the incentive you need to pick up this book and read it. I have to admit that when I hear about a book that has a lot of hype, I want to hate it. No idea why. But with this book, the hype was completely deserved. I loved it. It was a thrilling read that takes every cliche and either twists it or mocks it. 

Katy was such an awesome female lead. First off, she's a book blogger. That idea can only be called brillance. All book lovers can't help but adore her. Katy and I had so much in common, and that made it even easier for me to connect with her. I loved that she felt a certain reverence for books, fearful of dog-earing them, and how excited she was when new books arrived. Definitely a kindred soul. She also was a force to be reckoned with. She stood up for herself and didn't put up with Daemon's crap despite her attraction to him. While she was far from being a trained ninja, she wasn't afraid to defend herself in dangerous situations.

Daemon was a whole different story. I couldn't stand him for most of the book. Katy felt the same for the most part, but she couldn't deny her attraction to him. I liked how she didn't give into temptation and she told Daemon off time after time. When she defended herself, I couldn't help thinking you go girl. Even though Daemon was douchebag material, he had his nice moments and I couldn't help loving the sexual tension between the two of them. I'm a HUGE fan of romances where both characters can't stand each other initially and try to deny their feelings. Maybe they're star-crossed lovers or complete opposites, but it makes for an entertaining story. Much more entertaining than instalove. And you definitely have to wait for the romance here. There's the lovely tension throughout, but it takes almost the whole book for it to really reach a climax. And I loved that. Plus, it's well worth the wait. The chemistry between these two is fantastic, and there are some steamy, well-written scenes. It's definitely not all lust though. There's heart-warming moments too, and despite my initial dislike of Daemon, he really comes through. While his earlier behavior is inexcusable, he does have his reasons. 

While I generally avoid books that take place in high school, high school drama is almost absent in this book. If anything, it's used as a way to contrast the normal lives of teenagers and the alien reality that is existing alongside it. I loved Dee and Katy's other girlfriends. I found them amusing though Carissa and Lesa definitely take a backseat to the other characters, but they're really not involved in the alien side of things. They're there because I think Katy does want a normal life despite her getting all tangled up in Daemon and Dee's lives. She just wants to be a normal teenager, but that is so not happening. The premise was wonderful. I'm not usually into aliens besides Stephen King's The Tommyknockers, but I loved the Luxen's powers and their fight against the Arum. 

Obsidian was a little too close for comfort to Twilight. There were so many similarities that it was difficult to ignore the resemblance. Though I loved when Armentrout parodied Twilight. Like when Katy says: 

“Will you show me what you really look like? You don't sparkle, do you?” 

and

"What are you? A vampire?"He rolled his eyes. "Are you serious?""What? You say you're not human, and that limits the pool of what you can be! You stopped a truck without touching it.""You read too much."

This book had some funny, memorable lines, and I laughed out loud more than once. But besides the alien twist, it did mirror Twilight closely. Girl moves to small town. Unnaturally good-looking male, that she has a strong attraction to, wants her to stay away from him. Yes, he can travel at unnaturally fast speeds and oh wait, he glows. Gorgeous male is definitely hiding a secret. Then there's the whole stopping a truck. Not the most original setup. Then Dee watches her while she's sleeping. That was actually hilarious, and I loved Katy's reaction. 

Besides that, this book was so much better than Twilight, and I really shouldn't be comparing. I mean, Daemon was far from the martyr figure. I can't be with you. I can't live without you. I can't be with you. Though he definitely acted bipolar. And Katy wasn't a danger to herself, tripping all over her own feet, basically falling into sharp things and almost dying everywhere. She was nothing like Bella. 

Overall, this book had me hooked. I stayed up way too late reading this baby. I could not get enough of Katy and Daemon. I immediately bought Onyx and I'm officially addicted. If you love action-packed, thrilling reads that are dripping with sexual tension, basically made to have you wanting more, then read this book NOW. Armentrout definitely has a new fan in me. Just ordered Cursed. 

Happy reading,

Courtney

Cinder by Marissa Meyer Book Review

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Published: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #1
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction, Retelling
Pages: 390
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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“I'm sure I'll feel much more grateful when I find a guy who thinks complex wiring in a girl is a turn-on.” 
― Marissa Meyer, Cinder

Synopsis
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. (Goodreads)

It's been taking me longer than usual to read books because I'm still recovering from one of my notorious migraines. So all I've been doing is drinking caffeine and resting. I hate reading when I'm not feeling well because it's always harder to keep interest, but I couldn't resist. I hope everyone is feeling well because I heard something is going around! Anywho, on with the book.

My Thoughts
I'm not a huge fan of the Cinderella fairy tale, but I might be biased, seeing as how I never really liked the Disney version. I was more of a Beauty and the Beast girl. I always thought the Cinderella in the movie was so domesticated, and she needed a man to get away from her evil stepmother. Plus, the prince and her fell in love in like two seconds. And she loses her shoe, and the prince's brillant idea is to go around and try to find a girl whose foot fits perfectly into the shoe. Because of course he wouldn't recognize the girl he fell in love with once she has her hair down and is covered in ashes. And there are no two girls with the same size shoe (obviously sarcasm). I hope I didn't ruin anybody's love for this fairy tale. I did love Ever After though. One of my favorite movies. Though A Cinderella Story? Not so much.

So you can imagine that I was very surprised when I found myself loving Cinder despite all of my bias and negative expectations. How couldn't I love this book? It's the most imaginative retelling of Cinderella that I have ever seen or read! Not only is Cinder a cyborg, but the story takes place in the distant future. Cinder is a flipping Asian cyborg! Instead of talking, singing mice, we have her robot friend Iko. Instead of a pumpkin turning into a carriage, we have a yellow-orange car which is considered ancient when hovers are the new form of transportation. And the dashing prince is the destined emperor of the Eastern Commonwealth (what Asia is now called). Is that not genius?

In Cinder, Earth is divided into six kingdoms after World War IV left the world in ruins and nuclear/chemical warfare destroyed many natural resources. A plague, letumosis, kills hundreds and even thousands of Earthen citizens, and doctors can't find the cause or a cure. Prejudice is shown towards cyborgs, and the cyborg draft is initiated to find guinea pigs for antidote research. As Earth is left vulnerable by the plague and a suffering economy, the Lunar queen seizes this opportunity to make negotiations with the soon-to-be emperor Prince Kai. The Lunars have mysterious powers to influence what others feel, see, or even do. Queen Levena is a cruel queen and a threat to all of Earth because of her hunger for power. When Cinder's stepsister Peony is infected with the plague, Cinder is entered against her will into the cyborg draft by her stepmother. Cinder finds out she might just be the only hope for her sister, New Beijing, and maybe all of Earth.

This book was such a thrilling, fun read! While I never thought I'd be a huge fan of science-fiction, I loved the technology and futuristic New Beijing. Cinder was a mechanic, and Meyer did an excellent job of describing Cinder's work and repairs. Meyer's attention to detail made the world of New Beijing all the more authentic, and I loved hearing about the portscreens, netscreens, and hovers. The city, with its skyscrapers and crammed apartment complexes, came to life for me through Meyer's in-depth description. The beautiful descriptions of New Beijing's palace and gardens were also not lacking in detail. New Beijing culture was a perfect mix of futuristic and traditional Asian elements. 

Cinder was such an awesome heroine! She was just full of spunk! I loved how Meyer made Cinder a mechanic famous for her skill instead of a maid, placing less focus on domesticity. While Cinder was dependent on her evil stepmother Adri, she still stood up for herself and found ways to rebel. She even beat up some androids and she was far from being a submissive, docile maid. She also had a kinder, loving side because she cared for her android Iko and her younger stepsister Peony. And of course Kai though she tried to deny it. It was difficult for her being a cyborg, and I loved seeing her fight past her insecurities and become a stronger individual because of it. 

I didn't like Kai as much as other romantic interests. He grew on me, but I couldn't help finding him a little annoying at times. It seemed like he expected special treatment because he was a prince, and I was overjoyed when Cinder didn't respond to his advances as he expected. I was sick of hearing about what a heartthrob he was and having girls swoon over him (basically the Asian Bieber). Though I'm being a little hypocritical seeing as how I fangirl over Jensen Ackles and Ian Somerhalder from time to time. I did love that while the romance was sweet, it was put on a back burner in favor of the plot. And Kai was charming at times, and understanding and adorable. 

My one major complaint was the cliffhanger ending. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers. Who is? I see cliffhangers as just an author's attempt to persuade readers to read the next book. Unfortunately, this tends to be a generally effective method. If the sequel was immediately available, I wouldn't be as upset, but it isn't. I just like my books to have an ending. Even if there are still questions and other books, having somewhat of an ending is always better than a cliffhanger. There were a couple of other minor annoyances. Characters say Oh my stars a lot. And Iko was a little unrobotic. But Meyer explains the personality chip as being the cause. 

I'm so excited for Scarlet! I want to hear more about this world and the Lunars. Such as, why are they even on the moon? 2013 seems years away! I'm loving how each book will introduce new fairy tale characters. Obviously, Scarlet will bring Little Red Riding Hood into the mix. Apparently, Cress will take place on the moon and Rapunzel will be a main character. And then the fourth installment, Winter, will feature Snow White and will take place in the Sahara Desert. Yet Cinder will remain a main character in all four books. Fascinating! I cannot wait!

Happy reading,

Courtney

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Book Review

Title: The Fault in Our Stars 
Author: John Green
Published: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Dutton Books
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 313
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
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“My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.” 
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

Synopsis
Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. (Goodreads) 

My Thoughts
This is my first John Green book. Please don't judge me. I try to avoid cancer books because I've lost too many family members and animals to cancer. I just can't handle the waterworks. I'll be curled up in a ball, rocking myself, going why why as Niagara Falls pours down my face. Okay, dramatic, I know. But this was like The Book Thief all over again. Two things I can't handle emotionally: cancer and the Holocaust. Oh, and dying animals (p.s. no animals were harmed in the writing of The Fault in Our Stars).  

Despite the tears and the inevitable sadness of Stage IV thyroid cancer, I still loved The Fault in Our Stars. The Fault in Our Stars was beautifully written, even the sad scenes. Despite the ever-present subject of dying, Green managed to skillfully intertwine humor and sadness, making the story all the more poignant. One moment, I would be fighting off tears, and the next I'd be laughing out loud. I honestly don't know how he did it. And there was poetry! As a poet, I'm all about poems in YA books or any books. Green fit philosophy, literature, and poetry into the story, and all of it was relevant to the plot. It flowed naturally, and it didn't seem like he was simply including quotes in order to appear highly intellectual. And "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is one of my top favorite poems EVER. Good job Green! 

Green developed his characters so well. I felt like I knew them, and I wanted them to be real simply because I felt connected to them. I felt what they were feeling, whether it was happiness, despair, or anger. I loved their quirks, their ability to find happiness in the bleakest of situations. I loved their strengths and their weaknesses, their compassion and their hobbies. The video games, the books, the oxygen tank named Philip, and the little sayings they said to comfort each other fit wonderfully into the story. I couldn't help adoring Hazel and Augustus and Isaac. Especially Augustus. His energy and affection for Hazel was adorable.  I think it's so hilarious though that he's a gorgeous, blue-eyed (Elijah Wood) cancer patient who knows big words and loves V for Vendetta. And they said so much in their conversation. I learned things I didn't want to know about the world and humanity and mortality, and it was all so meaningful. 

But I was not a fan of the 35 year olds trapped in teenage bodies. It distracted me from the main plot and messed with my head. Okay, maybe cancer changes you, or forces you to leave childhood behind earlier than you'd like. But even the adults in this book were taken aback by Hazel's and Augustus's behavior. Their parents even recognized their children were weird. Because they were really weird. Sometimes it was endearing, but other times, it was annoying. It was a little too much for me, even if I chose to suspend disbelief or something like that. Augustus admits he's pretentious, and I have to agree. I just can't imagine teenagers saying what these two said. It was as if they had recited speeches for every minute of the day. 

Besides that, I really did enjoy The Fault in Our Stars. While it made me cry, I know it will last in my memory for a long time! It was definitely a more than worthwhile read. 

Happy reading, 

Courtney