Champion (Legend #3) - Marie Lu

Review: Champion
Series: Legend (#3)
Author: Marie Lu
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Dystopia

Hell. Wow. That is how you end a series. I'm an utter mess. But it was so worth it. 

So basically, there was never a dull moment. After Prodigy, I was already half done but after reading Champion, I was dead. The plot had so much. War, politics, romance, disease, air raids, bombs, making love (oh yes), etc. It continued Prodigy with the story of June as she struggles to be Anden's Princeps-Elect and advise him to best run the country; and of course Day, who has to come to terms with his illness and what he believes he can give the Republic. 

I mean just wow. I always loved June and Day, but after this I realized how much they meant to me. June was so strong and brave, the steady one with a glossy outer covering, but filled with internal turmoil. And Day. Oh god, Day. Constantly giving and helping. Arrogant and cocky on the outside, but so unsure on the inside. Just no. The characters were flawed and perfect. Their story a thousand times more so.

The setting was incredible too - the ruined Republic of America, the Colonies, and most of all the little glimpse we get of the world outside North America. The way the world has progressed is so interesting, and very vivid. Dystopia is often made up of a post-apocalyptic world churned out of a blender. But with Legend I felt like there was a lot of thought that was put into building the world. Even the propaganda was interesting. it was the little details like the names of the slum sectors that really built the story.

I don't really know what to say, other than this book is a bundle of action and emotion. Everything about this book made me think of how the clock is always ticking, and how if we're not careful we can lose so much time. It made me think about what was important, and how easily we can lose those things. It was really flawless, but it hurt so much too. The dual-POV is frustrating and wonderful, and I just wanted to take each of the characters I loved and take them away someplace safe. It was action packed, full of politics and intrigue, jammed with emotions being frayed at every possible moment, and wrapped the series with an exquisitely painful, gorgeous ending.

Currently Reading - Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) - Sarah J. Maas

Review: Crown of Midnight
Series: Throne of Glass (#2)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: fantasy

AHAHAHAHA *maniacal laughter* I am in love with this book. SO MUCH IN LOVE. I mean Throne of Glass was great but this shattered everything into pieces and left me with my jaw hanging open. And there are still four more books. 

So much happened but I can sense how much more is coming. It's all centered on an extraordinary storm named Celaena Sardothien. Also known as, Adarlan's Assassin who will kick your butt and look gorgeous while doing it. It's been a while since I've enjoyed reading a female character so much. Many main characters come off as very irritating and while Celaena is very vain, she's hilarious and downright scary. At first, I was confused. Why was this silly, pretentious, pretty girl named Adarlan's Assassin? She doesn't do anything but read, buy clothing and preen. But oh my god, she can kick butt. In this book, she becomes a force of nature.

Everything was fast, fever pitched, and incredible. The original structure of Throne of Glass was pretty good fantasy, lots of magic, crumbling kingdoms, etc. Nothing extraordinarily special, but still good. This kicked everything to the side and slammed the door open on some really unbelievable fantasy. There were some obvious plot twists, but there was a lot of other interesting stuff that I did not expect. Everything balanced really well, and it was just so gripping.

One of the good things about this book is that the romance is not necessary - but it sure makes it more fun to read. There is a minor love triangle, but there is also a part where Celaena blows everybody off, and just goes and does her own thing. Like "I AM A STRONG INDEPENDENT FEMALE WHO LIKES TO SHOP AND MURDER PEOPLE. FEAR ME AND LET ME EAT CHOCOLATE CAKE IN PEACE." Literally the greatest thing. Yeah Chaol is sexy and beautiful, and Dorian gets pretty interesting too. But Celaena takes center stage, and we begin to learn about her mysterious past *hint, hint.*

So now we have amazing characters, a fast fantasy plot, sexy romance, and what am I missing?...an interesting villainous group! Theres Baba Yellowlegs, the King, and a whole host of other interesting, twisted people. Even Celaena herself walks the line pretty closely. The whole thing is getting bigger and bigger, and there are a lot of new elements involved. Plus, Maas is not afraid to kill people, and have a lot of action occurring. So much happens, but she doesn't skip a beat. 

I found myself holding on for dear life for most of the book, and I may have fallen out of my seat at various intervals. It's by far one of the best upcoming YA series, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. I suggest you read it soon, and enjoy the rush. 

If I Stay (If I Stay #1) - Gayle Forman

Review: If I Stay
Series: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Rating: ★★★★
Genre: contemporary

This was a very sad book. Hopes get crushed and the fleeting nature of life really smacks you in the face. I didn't bawl, but this book really makes you tear up and feel very heavy. 

Mia, a regular girl who loves music, has a boyfriend, and has an adorable doting family, finds her life changed in mere seconds. The real struggle arises when she finds herself staring at the aftermath, and is forced to decide whether she wants to stay in this life, or join her family in death. 

It's definitely deep stuff and maybe that's why I wanted a little bit more. To me, the book seemed almost short and curt. There were a vast number of things explored, but it felt too short to me. I also felt very distanced from all other characters except Mia. We basically learn about her life as she ruminates back upon it. Flashbacks and memories are most of what we get, not much actual plot in the book. 

Also, a major portion of the book is supposed to be her relationship with Adam, but it felt too disconnected - probably because Mia was having an out-of-body experience and was also very isolated. But in general, the flashbacks didn't give me enough to really feel like I knew why Mia would stay. I fell in love with her parents and little brother, but Adam surprisingly enough took me a little while to really get a feel on. The nature of their tentative relationship took me a while to understand. 

However, it was an interesting book, and held my full attention. It made me ponder things about my own life, and it makes you feel really thankful for what you've got. (Also, by this point, I have read the sequel and it is actually much better. Far less disconnected and their relationship is really explored.) So if you are in the mood for a sad, heart-wrenching book, I really suggest this one, and then the sequel. It's very pretty and thoughtful, and it doesn't take much time to read.

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) - Leigh Bardugo

Review: Siege and Storm
Series: The Grisha (#2)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: fantasy

*frantically hyperventilates* That was flipping awesome. A slow build up to one of the most chaotic, deadly climaxes I've ever read. Tension, romance and most of all power. I love the darkness in these books. The desperation and madness written in these books is disturbing and unbelievable. 

This book was sexy. Honestly, I was falling very deeply in love with it as I read. The YA genre is packed with sweet girls who find out they're magical, resist it, do random stuff and end up saving the world. Yay. Big whoop. No, no, NO. The Grisha is brilliantly different. Alina finds out she has immense power, and she takes it. No hesitation, or silliness in this - she grabs the power and begins to use it. Of course there are consequences, and she is beginning to change, but it's freaking awesome. The madness and spiraling descent into moral ambiguity is breathtaking. I feel like it's a roller coaster ride.

The characters are all immensely flawed, and impossible not to love. The Darkling, who captured every heart and ripped it to shreds; Mal, who bored me at first but is now becoming interesting with his intensity and need for freedom; and the newest person, Nikolai, who I am madly in love with as well. He's hilarious, and arrogant, and really cute. Actually, all the boys are total heartbreakers. But the real star of the show is still Alina, who is slowly going power-mad. She is commanding, arresting, powerful, passionate, afraid, dramatic, and has darkness filling her. 

The plot structure is also burning and intense. There's the preparation for the Darkling, the slow gain of power, the hallucinations, the politics in the castle, etc. They all start to build the story up, and form this crescendo which suddenly explodes in a flurry of violence and destruction. The sacrifice, the evil, and oh my god, the end. The last line gave me shivers. It's was one of the best books I've read since Crown of Midnight; the fantasy is fast, furious, and original. The characters have depth and the villain is horrifyingly attractive and evil. It was impossible to put down, and I want to read it all over again.

Crewel (Crewel World #1) - Gennifer Albin

Review: Crewel
Series: Crewel World
Author: Gennifer Albin
Rating: 2/5
Genre: Dystopia, fantasy

It sounded great. It looked great. I opened it, but it was not great. It was boring, and confusing. Dull. Slow-paced. Absolutely nothing happened until the end, but by then I had lost interest anyway.

Basically, Crewel is about a girl who lived in a world where women are oppressed. The only way to gain even a semblance of power in this world of men is to become an elite spinster, and to weave the very fabric of creation. Or something. It was horribly muddled, and it was difficult to understand whether it was science-fiction or fantasy. I didn't understand much of what the weaving did, only basic facts. Things were tried to be explained, sorta, but by the end, it was still a vague concept in my head. For example, at one point she manages to weave a passageway? It was really odd, and I couldn't get a clear picture of what the author was trying to convey.

The rest of the world-building was good - the politics, and social problems were interesting and well explained. But there was no action. None. It was just intrigue and mystery that accounted for nothing. The characters were dull and flat, and I barely remember any of them. Adelice was not likable, the love "triangle" was predictable and banal, and even the love interests did not get me excited about the story. I felt no connection, even when the backstory was introduced. 

Basically, it was not executed properly even if the idea was intriguing. The story became flat, and the characters were thinner than paper. Even the villains weren't evil enough. I'll continue reading the story because the end was mediocrely better, (cliffhangers are usually good), but there will need to be vast improvements in the style, character development, and pacing.

The Dragonfly Pool - Eva Ibbotson

Review: The Dragonfly Pool
Series: N/A (Stand-Alone Novel)
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating: 4/5
Genre: historical-fiction

That was lovely. Ibbotson writes the prettiest stories, with flowers, and dancing and happiness everywhere. But sometimes it can get repetitive. I have read countless stories with a talented, kind, heroine who meets wonderful friends and brave new people and have wonderful adventures. It's like rainbows, ponies and sparkles everywhere. I think after a while, some of her books begin to blur together and the ones that stick out are the ones you read first.

That being said, if I had read this book before her other books, I would have fallen into complete and utter love. As it is, I enjoyed the light storyline, and the adventure. Tally, the daring, benevolent protagonist, goes to a boarding school names Delderton, where of course, she meets many interesting and wonderful people. (If you hadn't noticed, wonderful things often happen in Ibbotson's books.) She then manages to convince the school to go on a field trip to the beautiful country of Bergania. Again she meets the kind, caring Prince of Bergania, Karil. Finally, the real action begins, a series of events involving Hitler occurs, some events that are not so wonderful happen, and they are all forced to go on the run. It's exciting, and a whirlwind of fun and friendship.

Again, maybe it gets a little too sweet. The repetitiveness of noble royals, brave girls, kind friends, Europe's natural beauty, and especially the arts - it gets a little boring at times. Sometimes the story moved too slowly, and not enough happened. I suppose that sometimes, it worked out, and the book really felt like a calming escape. But sometimes, the overlong descriptions and the cloying "prettiness" was a little syrupy. Ibbotson will always be a great children's writer, but she didn't often write different books, they all follow a similar plot or have a similar happy feeling.

I think you can't read too many of her books in a row or you will get exhausted of the repetition. But that being said, I really enjoyed the story. I love historical writing, and the way Ibbotson writes transports me back into the past. The thing that sets her books out are always the messages and characters - love, friendship, caring, and bravery are abundant in her novels. The reader decides whether it is too much euphoria or just the right amount.

My Life Next Door (My Life Next Door #1) - Huntley Fitzpatrick

Review: My Life Next Door
Series: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Rating: 5/5
Genre: contemporary

You know those times in your life when you just need the cheesiest novel you can imagine? Read this. It's fluffy and cute. It has adorable romance, characters you want to wrap in a hug, a dramatic rising action, and a perfect ending. It's basically chocolate ice cream for the soul. 

It follows the story of Samantha who watches the neighbors, the Garretts, to escape from her own prderly life. Her obsessive, politician mother overshadows every aspect of her life, and so Sam watches the disorder and family chaos of the Garretts with longing. It's the perfect escape story, and when she finally goes over there she begins to fit into their life. 

The Garretts are a large family and this massive addition of characters is what makes it so special. All the Garretts, from Joel down to Patsy are perfect and memorable (and George, I love that kid). All of them are quirky, special and have a story. And the relationship that blossoms between Jase and Sam is...enchanting, lovely, and heart-warming. The way they go from friends, to hesitant couple just finding their way, is beyond perfect. It's the cherry on top of the ice cream. Their relationship goes through bumps, but the way they manage to solve everything is, so cute. Also, the way they explore sex and take their time is so precious, I thought I would swoon with happiness.

All the characters are flawed, but they are so appealing. The book just sucked me in and as the main action of the story happened, I thought I would explode with worry. The perfect amount of family/relationship drama was added, before ending with a resolution that made me feel fuzzy with feelings. This is chick-lit I would read again. And again. 

Fangirl - Rainbow Rowell

Review: Fangirl
Series: N/A (Stand-Alone Novel)
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Rating: 3.5/5

Genre: contemporary

Hmm, I just don't understand why this was so praised. It was good but it was far from fantastic or life changing. It was just cute. I also thought it was really quirky, funny, and original…but at times it was too…boring? Not exactly, but it wasn't very enthralling. 

The plot was centered a lot on "finding oneself" and character development. Which is great, especially as Cath is painfully shy and very focused on books. She's not outgoing and has trouble without her twin. It was really great to see how Cath begins to mature throughout the book, and make friends on her own. On top of that she has to cope with her sister going crazy, her poor depressed father alone at home, and her own abandonment issues by her mother. 

I really think the most interesting parts had to do with her father suffering from the breakdowns and her broken relationship with her mother. The family background was deep and definitely had a huge impact on Cath emotionally. Seeing Cath overcoming that and go out into the world was the best part of the book. 

Other than that…Levi was cute, but there wasn’t enough for me. I didn't fall in love with him, he was friendly and cute. Typical love interest style stuff. Wren I didn’t like, I don't know if the reader was supposed to like her by the end, but she was very annoying and made terrible life choices. I liked Reagan a lot, she was so sarcastic, and she turned out to be a really loyal friend. I think she was a fantastic side-character that I would have liked to see even more of. Bu in general, I didn't really connect with the characters too well. They seemed distant at times. Cath herself was again relatable but sometimes she got annoying. She was constantly pushing herself down, and I disliked how she refused to do the writing project simply because she was so hung up on fan-fiction. Meh.

The fan-fiction parts were also good, but I didn't really get the full point of them. I enjoyed them, but they seemed extraneous. The end was unmemorable, I didn't really feel impacted. It was a solid book, but it didn't blow me away like I was expecting. I didn't fangirl over this or feel absolutely required to keep flipping pages as I read it, but I did like it. I am pleased that this was a stand-alone book because it was great as a simple story to read.

United We Spy (Gallagher Girls #6) - Ally Carter

Review: United We Spy
Series: Gallagher Girls (#6 - Final)
Author: Ally Carter
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: espionage

**Spoilers for Book Five**

Ahh the end to a childhood series is always a heartbreaking thing. The Gallagher Girls series did not start out in the best fashion (in fact I thought the first book was terrible), but it really began to shine as the actual plot built up. These books will always strike me on the juvenile side of YA fiction, but they are so much fun to read. The are light, quick, cute, and full of action.

After the end of book five, I was very surprised. It was my favorite out of all of them, and I believe it had a bit of a darker vibe. Cammie struggling to regain her memory after torture was probably more intense than all of the book combined. I had pretty high expectations for book six, but it wasn't as much of a high hitter as I'd wanted it to be. The series took a couple of steps back in this book, but overall it was a satisfying end.

The plot was excitable, it took a few twists and turns. It showed us different sides of many characters that we previously knew, and it threw some revelations our way. Again, it wasn't as mature as I wanted it to be, after all that the girls have been though I wanted some more intensity, but it was still good. 

The characters are all the same people, only this time they are seniors and need to figure out what they will be doing for the rest of their life. I enjoyed how Cammie has to find herself, and really figure out what she want to do. After all, training as a spy leaves you a surprisingly large number of options for the future. Bex, Liz, and Macey are all pretty much the same though. I didn't see too much character development, except maybe with Liz, (we learn some very interesting information about Ms. Sutton). Finally, there's Zach. Still cute and enigmatic as ever, and still grappling with his origins.

It wrapped up nicely, and there was a lot that went on, but it ended satisfactorily. I liked the flow of the books, and they are perfect to read when you want something light and easy. Since there isn't much dark content it makes them a little flat to read occasionally, but I would still recommend them. 

Allegiant (Divergent #3) - Veronica Roth

Review: Allegiant
Series: Divergent (#3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Dystopia

** spoiler alert ** (Plenty of spoilers ahead, proceed with caution.) So basically, there has been a lot of buzz about this book. About the entire Divergent series in general. It's very easy to fall into, and obsess about. But with the third book, it seems as if there have been two general reactions: acceptance and love, and outright hatred. I personally believe it to be mixed. I separated my reactions to the book into two components in my brain: the emotional, involved side and the critical, analytical side - and then I began to decide where my thoughts on Allegiant lie.

Emotional Side: Of course I was heartbroken. It was emotional turmoil, and I did in fact cry. There was a lot going on in this book not only with Tris, but with Uriah and also Four trying to decipher his future. Many people who were clamoring for a happy ending are going to be disappointed. (I did hope for a happy ending.)

That being said.

Critical Side: Maybe I was a little biased and angry when the book was over, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it still just wasn't as good as the previous two. I didn't dislike it only for the end, but for the entirety of the book. For one, the book lost a lot of what made it "Divergent." After the group left the compound to explore the outer world, the book morphed into typical dystopian. I could name so many series it suddenly became similar to: Partials, Birthmarked, (etc.) The plot became centered around genetics and GP's v, GD's. It wasn't that interesting, and the whole plot of the factions and the fate of Chicago was almost pushed to the back.

Then, new characters were introduced, and we were bombarded with either too much information or too little information. The entire backstory of Tris' mother was introduced in a rush, but there was still no clue given about what happened to the rest of the United States. Or even the rest of the world. We were introduced with the mysterious fringe, and the story described the rest of the US as the Wilds, but the characters ventured there about twice. Not much development or explanation there.

The dual POV was interesting at first, but after a while, I lost my interest in Tobias. He made some bad decisions, and overall he wasn't as intriguing as before. I disagree with the need for dual POV. It was probably introduced to show character development and growth, but Tris really should have been the star of the show. She was the one who grew the most, and I really felt like her character found itself. She started the series and she should have ended it. And that brings me to the last point, I didn't think that end was necessary. It wrapped the story up, but it didn't make much sense to me. What did Tris' death prove? She finally realized her desire to live, before she dies? It shows sacrifice? Maybe, but it wasn't truly necessary.

There just wasn't much substance to the story. It was written, and published. It will either be detested or lauded. Many people will support Veronica Roth's decisions with the books - and I do believe that the plot is the author's decision - but I don't agree with the overall direction the book took. I lost the mood and the trend of the books, and felt unsatisfied overall. I don't hate the book, but I certainly don't feel enthusiastic about it, and I don't know if I will continue recommending the series.

Vortex (Insignia #2) - SJ Kincaid

Review: Vortex
Series: Insignia (#2)
Author: SJ Kincaid
Rating: 5/5
Genre: science-fiction

I wasn't sure whether to continue this series or not, I could barely remember why I had loved the first book so much. But I did, and I'm so glad, because it all came rushing back.

It continues from Tom's view after the events of the last book, and Tom is struggling with understanding his unique power and overcoming his fears. There is a lot of technical jargon at times, but it's okay, after all it is a science-fiction book. But to me, what made this great, was that it was completely hilarious. The characters know no bounds, and are constantly cracking dialogue that makes me laugh out loud. There are very seriously aspects, and interesting plot points, but for me, there was nothing better than the characters and their dialogue.

Tom, a sarcastic little thing, takes orders from no one; Vik, the totally ridiculous and inane partner in crime; Wyatt, the socially awkward genius; and Yuri, the gentle giant. The four of them get up to very large amounts of trouble, and it is exceedingly enjoyable. There are higher powers at work, very bad business tycoons, and yet, somehow these kids are succeeding in messing with their plans in a totally demented way. And then, there's Medusa, who I am completely in love with, she is such a strong female character in a book that seems very boy based. Girls, please don't run away! It was written by a woman after all, and she has succeeding in creating a perfect, humorous science-fiction novel, enjoyable for EVERYBODY.

I really loved it, is was such good, clean fun, and I really want more people to give this under-appreciated novel a chance. 

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1) - Maggie Stiefavater

Review: Shiver
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Rating: 3/5
Genre: Paranormal

I really like Maggie Stiefvater and I heard fantastic things about this book. But after thoughtful consideration, I had to knock it down to a three. I liked it, but it wasn't amazing. 

For one, there was a lot missing that I needed. I liked how Grace and Sam have been watching over each other since they were young, I thought their relationship was extremely sweet. But it happened a little too quickly for my liking. The romance was always good, but it was odd how Sam practically lives in Grace's room and her parents never realize. The lack of adult involvement was rather odd, and I wanted a better explanation of why they behave so odd and distant. 

Furthermore, there was basically no secondary character development. Forget her nonexistent parents, what about her supposedly best friends? I didn't like either of them, and I didn't get attached to anyone else. Rachel and Olivia were minor and almost a distraction. Isabel is basically the only secondary character I began to like, and she's described as horrible for the first half of the book. It takes a while for the characters to build and become interesting. 

Finally, I was upset over the lack of explanation we got over the entire werewolf phenomenon. It was barely explained! It was just mentioned as a "disease" set off by the cold, and although we learn some more later, I think there are still some really big holes in the explanation. In the next few books, I expect to have my questions answered, and for some more character depth. 

However, that brings me to my conclusion. I did like the books. They were light, enjoyable, and romantic. Grace and Sam are very easy to love and to root for. You want them to triumph and be together. Stiefvater is an excellent writer, and although she is a slow world builder, her tales are always haunting and lovely. For that reason, I will be continuing the series and I do recommend it to people who are in the mood for an interesting, original werewolf tale. 

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) - Cassandra Clare

Review: City of Bones
Series: The Mortal Instruments
Author: Cassandra Clare
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Paranormal

I just reread this in perfect time for the movie and I couldn't be happier. What astounded me while reading this was the amount of planning that went into it. As I was reading, I realized how perfectly the other books meshed in with this one, and even the prequel Infernal Devices fits into the world just perfectly. That must have taken a lot of careful planning and forethought.

I just enjoyed it, a LOT. The characters are all incredibly amusing: Jace and Clary constantly bickering; Simon, plain adorableness; Izzy, who is perfection; Alec, who is so tough; and of course Magnus, who is a god. All of them are incredibly unique and totally hilarious in their own way. Some of the dialogue made me laugh out loud. 

It's also such a good action book, with mysterious runes, magical instruments of destruction, vampires, werewolves, faeries, intense people dressed in black who hunt demons....etc. It would be confusing but it's not because of the way that the mythology is all thought out. It's easy to understand and just plain fun.

Of course there is also a lot of romance and heartbreak and teenage angst, but that's one of the best parts about Clare's books! There is never NOT any heartbreak and angst, and unfortunately, you get very swept up in it haha, and sometimes your heart breaks too. (But there is no denying that Clary and Jace are perfect.)

All in all, I am really happy that I read this once more, it was enjoyable, and interesting to see the references to future and past events. It's funny, smart, action-packed and sucks you right in!

Promised (Birthmarked #3) - Caragh M. O'Brien

Review: Promised

Series: Birthmarked (#3)

Author: Caragh M. O'Brien

Rating: 4/5

Genre: dystopia

Oh, this is so unfortunate. You know a series has to be really good when the ending bother you this much. I'll make this short. 

I really, really enjoyed this series. The second book was my complete and utter favorite, and I thought book 3 would surpass them all. I loved how much Gaia was growing and expanding out of her midwife role to become a leader. The inhabitants of Sylum were starting new lives, and old characters and new characters met face-to-face for the first time. Of course, tension would be high, and the conflict would be exciting and fiery. It was fantastic, and I was reveling in it. 

The plot was great, I loved the story of how all the peoples had to learn to work together to save humanity. The genetic abnormalities occurring in both tribes were frightening and intense. The book had a lot of maturity, and it handled difficult topics really well. But I just can't get over my dislike of how it ended. I feel so hung up on it, and that reflects how deeply I was into this series. It was highly upsetting. 

One good thing was, the characters had incredible amounts of depth surfacing. Leon went from distant soldier, to broody hunk, to intense lover boy. I couldn't get enough of him. Gaia grew, and even though she made many idiotic mistakes, I still loved how much she cared for her people. The adorably annoying Chardos are back too, and the Protectorat was more insane than ever. 

Overall, the book rose to new heights with the characters, the world-building, and the tense hostility. The characters had to work together and form new bonds to overcome their strife and survive. However, I just can't stem my disappointment over the way the series concluded. But, I would still recommend it to people who enjoy interesting dystopian fiction, bright characters, genetics, and bittersweet endings.

Every Day (Every Day #1) - David Levithan

Review: Every Day
Series: Every Day
Author: David Levithan
Rating: 3/5
Genre: fantasy, romance
Recommend To: fans of the Fault in Our Stars

I heard amazing things about this book. All heartfelt and emotional. But honestly, I was a little disappointed. There were major things that were absolutely wonderful, but a lot of the book was very flat and I wasn't able to become totally invested in the story.

A is a "soul" that wakes up in someone else's body every day. He has never been able to form family bonds, permanent friendships and find love. He simply floats through other lives attempting not to damage their lives as he lives them for one day. Until he wakes up in a body and falls in love with Rhiannon. It sounds very beautiful, full of impossible odds and love, but for me the romance fell through very flat. I liked A a lot, but I never connected with Rhiannon. She was whiny for me, took too long to understand and then there was Justin, her dumb boyfriend. Quite honestly, she was nice, but I couldn't see what A saw in her. A was wonderful and kind, he was understanding and tried to help the people he became for a day. He was pertty interesting. But then there was also the whole Nathan/Reverend Poole storyline, and that was almost pointless and confusing. I though A would learn more about what he was, but it never happened which was unsatisfactory. 

So although the plot and the romance wasn't really my style, the stories of the different people A inhabited were fascinating and inspirational. A gay couple, a depressed girl, a drug addict, these were all the different people we encounter. We see their struggle and understand their problems through A. It was really motivating and eye-opening. Waking up in different person's body, disoriented and having to understand their life...it was definitely the most interesting part of the book.

The ending was lamentable, it was too easy and boring, but still sad and tragic. I didn't feel heartbroken because I never really liked Rhiannon, but I thought it was sort of pointless and disheartening. Why go through all this trouble and just end like that? But overall, the messages the book teaches make it worthwhile and it is a very impassioned story.

Fire Country (Country Saga #1) - David Estes

Review: Fire Country
Series: The Country Saga
Author: David Estes
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Dystopia
Recommend To: fans of Birthmarked

I was given a copy of this book from Mr. Estes in exchange for an honest review.

OK WOW. I liked this even better than the Dwellers series. Quite honestly, it was really, really amazing. Fire Country takes place in a harsh world, ravaged by the sun. The same world the Dwellers live underground in, far from the troubles of the Heaters.

It follows the tale of Siena, a fifteen year old "pre-bearer." When she turns 16, she will be handed off to a random man, chosen for her, and forced to bear children every three years. It is the Law. What a horrifying prospect! Yet, Estes manages to convey the awful situation of the women, without being repulsive. In fact, it nearly made me want to jump in and start a revolution. Siena is a wonderful main character, full of uncertainty and doubt, yet filled with all the wonderful qualities that make her so interesting. Courageous, intelligent, fiery (hehe see what I did there?), loyal, and determined; her life shackled to the rules fills her with a desire to break free of her chains, and to help the others around her. 

The other characters were also fascinating. Siena I already talked about, but then there were Circ, Skye, her mother and father, Wilde, Brione, Crya, Feve, Hawk, etc. They were all so engaging, and intense. Siena and Circ were especially adorable, and I hope we get to see more of them! They had such a real relationship, their connection was almost tangible. Her mother was so strong and brave, and her relationship with her fierce sister was amazing. Roan, her father, was pretty terrifying. I hope we learn more about their pasts. 

It is definitely a very mature book, much more so than the Dwellers series, but I liked the increased intensity a lot more. It was very engrossing, and forced the reader to contemplate different gender roles in a society. It really was scorchin' wonderful! The one thing I felt confusing was the different groups that were suspected or involvement. The Glassies, the Killers, the Wild Ones, the Icers, the Marked? It was a little perplexing, but Siena eventually clears it up by drawing a mental map out. I am still confused by some of the motives (of both some of the groups and of certain people), and I hope we get to learn more about the different peoples living out on the surface.

The writing was wonderful, and descriptive; I liked the above world even more than the underground. The description of the heat was nearly making me sweat. The burning hot sun, the bloody crimson sky, the constant sand storms and the beat down tent village were so easy to visualize. The slang was so funny, but understandable. It was easy to read, and works perfectly as a unique aspect of their language. Overall, Fire Country is a grim, unforgiving place but it has new hope rising with Siena.

The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) - Rick Yancey

Review: The 5th Wave
Series: The 5th Wave
Author: Rick Yancey
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Dystopia
Recommend To: fans of Under the Never Sky, the Darkest Minds

I really liked this book. I got into it really easily, and then it gripped me into making speculations and flipping the pages. It was very intense, and I started to see why this book has made such a splash. 

Cassie is in hiding from the Others; she is one of the few that survived the first 4 waves, that ended in the destruction of 7 billion people. She is on a mission to save her brother, and to simply survive whatever else the alien invaders are planning to throw at her. It is the dawn of the 5th Wave. Cassie's a really tough girl, and surprisingly, doesn't hesitate to kill. She knows it's either kill or be killed ("it's an either/or world"). She also has serious trust issues, but when she meets Evan Walker, she begins to trust again. On the other side of the coin, there is Zombie or Ben. He evolves from a regular teenage guy, to a loyal soldier willing to fight or humanity, and also becomes tangled up in Cassie's story when he begins to protect her younger brother.

It's very interesting, although at times, Cassie's chapters bored me. My favorite chapter's were definitely Zombie's, he was a hundred times more interesting. I also didn't like Evan all that much, and his whole relationship with Cassie was twisted and weird. He was too erratic, going from "innocent farm-boy" to "shark" and honestly, it was just creepy how quickly they fell into a relationship. Cassie keeps saying that she has trust problems, but it seems to me she trusted him quickly enough. 

I liked Ben's side of the story way more; how he had to rebuild himself, overcome his depression, and leave the past behind so he could again succeed and pull himself up. HIs relationship with his team was bittersweet and I really liked seeing him become protective of the kids he was charged with. However, Ringer felt really inconsequential at times, maybe she'll have a bigger part in the next book, but I didn't really connect with her either. I guess overall I didn't connect with Evan or Ringer. Just Ben, Cassie, and Sammy, who is the cutest 5 year old on the face of the planet. I mean really, he is so adorable.

Now my favorite part of the book was definitely learning what the Waves were and speculating about the 5th Wave. I'm not going to say what they are, (just go read the book), but it was frightening to see how easily the Others crippled us with the first wave and just kept knocking us down with debilitating wave after wave. Killing 7 billion people...is really terrifying. It'll be incredible to see where humanity goes after this, whether Cassie and Ben can pull everyone back up. 

The Others seemed very distant for the majority of the book, but the villains are there, ever lurking, and it was impossible not to be awed by them. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. How will humanity survive if they're turned against each other? Will they cause their own destruction?

Dead Silence (Body Finder #4) - Kimberly Derting

Review: Dead Silence
Author: Kimberly Derting
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Paranormal-romance
Recommend To: fans of the Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

I've read this series for a while and I have started to detect a certain pattern....here's a brief overview. Violet senses a dead body. Jay tells her to trust others to handle it. Violet is dumb and goes to handle it herself, putting herself in grave danger. She survives. Jay and her kiss. They kiss some more. The killer targets more people, and is usually gravely psychotic. Something drastic happens. Violet goes to save they day. Something else happens. The killer is caught, Violet is fine. Jay and Violet kiss again.

I just summed up the whole series..but then again...it's still good. While the books follow the same path and have become very predictable, it's hard to pull yourself away. For one, Violet and Jay are too dang shmexy to resist. Really one of my favorite fictional couples (Jay is too cute). Also, The killers are CrEePy. No joke, every time you hear from their point of view, you get chills. They are very sick and twisted. And deranged. And then you almost, ALMOST, start to feel sorry for them. It's very gross and confusing and addicting. Each killer gets more and more weird and scary. Each book becomes more and more intense. The overarching plot is thickening, and we're finally getting the answers we so crave. 

It's moving from just being about Violet finding dead bodies, and it's progressing to what she wants to do with that ability, the limitations she has, and how the past affects the future. There are a lot of interesting revelations and discoveries Violet makes, and it adds to the mysterious aura of impending doom. I think the series will soon turn into a much more interesting direction, rather than just random killers. 

However, for now, Violet needs to stop being dumb and actually listen to the people around her for once. Honestly, she doesn't have the best decision making skills. She's constantly running into dangerous situations head first even after 4 books of being abducted and tortured, and putting her loved ones in danger. (Poor Jay is at his wits end). The books also need to become less predictable, although the intensity and horror factor are still fantastic.

Vesper (Deviants #1) - Jeff Sampson

Review: Vesper

Author: Jeff Sampson

Rating: 2/5

Genre: Paranormal

Recommend To: N/A

Honestly, it was weird. In a sort of not OH MY GOD THAT WAS SO UNEXPECTED but more of a .....huh...that was....unexpected...and odd...kind of way. It was just blah. The thing that attracted me to it the most was the cover. And the title. But nothing ever gets explained. There is some stuff that is supposed to confuse you, make you think plot twists and things, throw you off the trail, but it is overkill and completely ruins the romance aspect (that was awful), and other than that...the characters are pretty flat.

Ugh, what's her name....gosh I already forgot...Emily! It was Emily. Okay, Emily Webb not Cooke, it a boring person during the daytime. During the nighttime she morphs into.....oh look! Another boring Emily! Really, the concept was cool, but the rest of it really was not. The parties and random boy-licking (eew) and the drunkenness was probably supposed to make her really really different from daytime Emily, but I never even got a feel for the original character herself. The nighttime Emily was just a boring drunk. I never thought whoa, she is a really dangerous and awesome female main character. Her best friend Meghan was beyond obnoxious. Normally I love the secondary characters, they're the quirky ones who light the book up! But uhh....Meghan celebrated the death of a girl...because she was a popular girl who apparently deserved no less. Umm okay who does that? And then she wished for more dead popular people and told her best friend she was better off dead than well-liked. Great message there. There are also the usual absent parents, no older guide whatsoever, and her dad doesn't say more than 5 lines and plays video games (I get her mom is dead but still). 

The love interest? We spend ages listening to Emily ramble on about some other guy. We are introduced to the actual guy after 80% of the book is over, and we don't learn a thing about him. Bam, he is just there. Yeah, plot twist or just random and not well done? I vote the latter. They don't even TALK. It's completely useless and it's not even love at first sight. It was something else altogether. Ugh. 

The only thing that salvaged this book even remotely was the whole F. Savage dialogue interview thing. I don't make much sense but I don't really want to spoil. It was different though, I enjoyed it more than the whole book put together. And the ending was better. It really showed a better, more sarcastic, and actually intelligent side of Emily. Although still no explanation whatsoever, it just was not well done.

Overall, a pretty horrible book with the potential to be something. Maybe. It was all just weird and off kilter. The pacing was terrible, the romance was...nonexistent let's just say....and the characters were two-dimensional.