Review: WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart

Title: WE WERE LIARS
Author: E. Lockhart
Published: May 13th, 2014
Genre: YA contemporary
Pages: 240
POV: 1st person
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Format: e-ARC
Source: Netgalley / Publisher
Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.

And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

On the outside, the Sinclair family is perfect. Just ask anyone. But for Cadence Sinclair, life is anything but perfect after an accident she cannot remember. For her, life is one big show of acting like she's okay, she's fine, even as she suffers from severely crippling migraines and the lingering uncertainty of what exactly happened her fifteenth summer on the island - the summer she can barely remember and the summer that changed her life completely. We Were Liars is simply captivating, and the type of story that demands you set everything aside in order to finish reading in one sitting.

We Were Liars is a quiet type of story, and it quickly became a story that I did not expect to read. From the very beginning, I was not sure what to make of Cadence. From the title alone, the possibility of having an unreliable narrator is high, but Lockhart shapes Cadence into a character you want to trust and fully believe. With each new reclaimed memory from Cadence and all of the little confusing moments, I was hooked, curious, and eager for more. This is a genuinely challenging story to discuss, but it is one worth reading and rereading. Smart, evocative, and surprising, We Were Liars is a thrilling puzzle to piece together, tear apart, and put back together again and again. 

Highlights: Lockhart's writing style is simplistic yet evocative. Cadence's voice is a nice mixture between a familiar YA-style prose and bare, revealing poetic lines. Despite the numerous hints, I guessed the wrong ending, which made the reveal more shocking and intense. Cadence, as an MC, was great simply because of her imperfections - she's a spoiled rich girl, and even though she tries to be better, her privileged side shows through in some moments. 

Lowlights: I wish it was longer, and that the side characters had been developed a bit more. 

Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf. We Were Liars swept me away right from the beginning with its mesmerizing writing style and tantalizing mystery. This is one story you need to check out. 

Highlights / Lowlights: GRACELING by Kristin Cashore

Title: GRACELING
Author: Kristin Cashore
Published: October 2008
Series: Graceling Realm #1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 471
POV: 3rd person
Publisher: Harcourt

Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased

Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf

In a world where people born with an extreme skill—called a Grace—are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the skill even shedespises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Highlights: This is one of those books I read when it first released, and I thought it was only an "okay" type of novel. After reading (and loving) Fire and Bitterblue years later, I decided I needed to give Graceling a second chance...and I loved it. I don't know if it's because I'm older and this story resonates with me more deeply now than it did when I was a teenager, but this book is incredible. Cashore writes vividly, so you feel as if you've stumbled into another strange yet fascinating world. Her vision of this specific setting is clear, and even more so when it comes to the lively, vibrant characters who live in it. Kasta is an excellent, strong protagonist who is different from most other YA heroines. If you're looking for a fantasy novel packed with action, excitement, and convincing characters, then Graceling is the book for you. 

Lowlights: It took a little time to get into the writing style. I think it's easier to appreciate this book when rereading, rather than reading for the first time.

Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf. I love this book, so it is going on the top shelves in the royal library where everyone can see it. I'd highly recommend GRACELING, because it is an incredible story.

My reviews of other works by this author: 

Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) 

Review: PANIC by Lauren Oliver

Title: PANIC
Author: Lauren Oliver
Published: March 4th, 2014
Series: N/A
Genre: YA contemporary
Pages: 416
POV: 3rd person, dual
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Electronic ARC
Source: Edelweiss
Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

Everyone at the local high school in Carp, Pennsylvania pays into Panic and keeps their mouths shut about the game – or else. But, Panic is open exclusively to graduating seniors, and only the brave will stand a chance at succeeding. A game that is as deadly as it is dangerously exciting, Panic encourages players to risk everything for a jackpot of $68,000 – the kind of money that can change a life, or buy you a new one. From thrilling cliff-side dives to avoiding a bullet, there's never a dull moment or a shortage of "unintended" accidents. But, no matter who gets hurt or what lives are lost, the game must go on. The game always goes on.

With Panic, Lauren Oliver dives (with quite a splash) back into contemporary YA with this this gritty realistic story. Thrilling, captivating, and fascinating, Panic delves into a dangerous game where participants are willing to do whatever it takes to take home an impressive monetary prize. Friendships are tested, sides are chosen, and manipulation is fair game. But even more, this story portrays various familial circumstances, both heartwarming and heartbreaking. While some of the connections – familial, friendship, romantic – flicker out and fade into darkness, others burn brightly as the story progresses. Panic is an incredible story that will keep you up late at night, anxious, excited, and thoroughly captivated.  

Highlights: I read this novel in one day, completely incapable of stopping myself or my curiosity. The characters, while not immediately likable, proved to be fascinating protagonists¹. The game itself took turns that I didn't see coming, and the ending was certainly a nail-biting surprise. I love how focused this story is on family and friends. 

Lowlights: Certain aspects were very predictable and transparent (Dodge's reason for entering, and another character's role in Panic). 

Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf. Panic is fantastic, worth owning, and has earned a spot in the royal library. I enjoyed this story very much, despite a couple small issues, and would recommend this story to other readers.

1 I'm sure there will be plenty of people who will dislike them, regardless. But, I found them to be realistic - they're not all good or all bad. They have moments of being both. 

Other Works By This Author: 

LIESL & PO (Goodreads)

THE SPINDLERS (Goodreads)

BEFORE I FALL (Goodreads)
DELIRIUM (Goodreads)
PANDEMONIUM (Goodreads)
REQIUEM (Goodreads)

Review: SIEGE AND STORM by Leigh Bardugo

Title: SIEGE AND STORM
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Published: June 4th, 2013
Series: The Grisha #2
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
POV: 1st, past
Pages: 448
Format: ARC
Source: Requested from Publicist
Rating: 5 out of 5

"Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm."

Darker and more dangerous than ever, SIEGE AND STORM is a simply outstanding sequel. Beginning a few weeks after SHADOW AND BONE's startling conclusion, readers find Mal and Alina on the run as they attempt to stay out of the Darkling's ever-expanding reach. Safety, of course, is an impossible hope for the two of them. After a bloody reunion with the Darkling and his new and terrifying creatures¹, Alina finds that some wounds come with strange side effects. Battling her mind and her growing desire for power, Alina struggles as she decides what role she will play in the coming war. As both Alina and the Darkling push to obtain more power, each suffer consequence for everything that is gained. With new allies and enemies, Alina will have to find the strength to win, no matter the cost.

While book one focused heavily on the Darkling's character and on Alina's new abilities, this sequel gives readers a chance to learn more about Mal and it also delves into the cruel realities of exactly what gaining more Grisha power means for all of these characters. Relationships form, mend, and shatter as the characters either evolve or fall to pieces – nothing and no one remains untouched by the coming war. Bardugo sets the stage with a terror-filled and action-packed beginning, and that tension never fades as the story continues. SIEGE AND STORM gives readers an exciting and surprising story that will leave you begging for more. 

Highlights: I enjoy how the Darkling's new abilities come with a price, and how even Alina becomes slightly corrupted by the power she gains. Nothing is easy for these characters. Sturmhond was a welcome addition, since his character lit up every scene with his sharp wit and overall devilishly charming personality². Old characters reemerge along with the new ones, as well as a few revelations that are important to this story and the next. The best part about this story is that I didn't know what was going to happen next – Bardugo kept me curious as she took Alina and this story in directions I genuinely did not expect. This book has earned a spot on my favorites bookshelf. 

Lowlights: Very little of the Darkling. And silly Mal and his silly, boyish moods. I adore you, Mal, but you really need to pull it together.

1 The nichevo'ya may or may not give me goosebumps. Creepy creatures. *hides*
2 Oh, Sturmhond. He's a very intriguing character, and one that I quite adore. 

Mini-Review: THE CROWN OF EMBERS by Rae Carson

Title: THE CROWN OF EMBERS
Author: Rae Carson
Published: September 18th, 2012
Series: Girl of Fire & Thorns (#2)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 410
Format: Kindle book; hardcover
Source: Purchased both

"In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy."

Incredible, exciting, surprising, and captivating: THE CROWN OF EMBERS is everything a sequel should aspire to be. Authors should take note of Carson's approach, because sequels (unfortunately) tend to be underwhelming in the YA universe. Carson, however, takes charge of her story by creating an exciting and sometimes terrifying story that makes it impossible for readers to stop turning the pages. Elisa may be queen, and a hero because of her actions in the first novel, but she's far from beloved and safe in this sequel. For Elisa, her story has only just begun. I will keep this review spoiler-free, because this is one story you will want to read for yourself. Just when you think you've figured out everything, Carson pulls a few more tricks out of her sleeve. THE CROWN OF EMBERS proves itself to be more than expected - it's a thrilling fantasy adventure with the perfect dose of romance and humor. 

Highlights: I thought Elisa went through a large amount of character growth in the first book, but she really goes through so much more in this sequel. The stakes are higher, the danger more imminent, and Elisa is coming to terms with becoming the queen she wants to be and the queen her kingdom needs. Everything about this novel is entrancing and exciting - I hardly set this book down once I started reading. Plus, this book was so fabulous that I purchased it again so I could own it as a hardcover (I do not do this very often). And the romance¹! Also, side characters (such as Belen) develop more in the this story.  

Lowlights: The not-so-happy ending. And the wait for book three is frustrating, too. 

Cover: I've never been overly fond of the covers for this trilogy, but in person, they look so much better (especially this one, it is gorgeous in real life). I love how the title pops with the gold - it looks amazing when it catches the light.

[1] FINALLY. I'm very fond of Elisa's romantic interest in this novel.

Review: Reached by Ally Condie

Reached
Ally Condie
November 13th 2012
384 pages (hardcover)
Publisher: Dutton
Source: ARC from publicist

Highlight to read the summary: "After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising— and each other — Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

In this gripping conclusion to the #1 New York Times-bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without."

An excellent ending to an incredible trilogy, REACHED ties everything together in ways you'll never see coming. As with the previous novels, Condie's writing is fluid, unhurried, and poetic with each line, each page. In REACHED, Condie lets readers know and learn more about Xander as a new narrator, in addition to Cassia and Ky's points-of-view. All three narrations are strong and each voice is authentic to each character, making it easy to always know who is narrating at any given point. Life has changed – and continues to change – drastically for all three characters as a deadly plague spreads and each character comes closer to choosing their future. 

Overall, this conclusion to the MATCHED trilogy is gripping, romantic, exciting, and surprising. Anyone who hesitates reading this trilogy because of the love triangle is missing out, because these books are about more than two young men and a girl struggling to choose between them. They are about freedom, fighting for what you believe in, and so much more. Condie's writing is evocative and completely engaging. All in all, REACHED is an outstanding conclusion that will captivate readers until the very last page. 

Highlights: I enjoyed how Condie tied everything together in this novel – a few moments that seemed inconsequential in previous books became extremely important in this story. This story surprised me a few times, and I loved the three distinct points of view – it was nice to finally get to know more about Xander's character. Character growth, especially Cassia's character. 

Lowlights: Very slow going and character-focused, which is to be expected from Condie's writing. However, it felt like it took a very long time to get to the main plot. 

Review: Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Crewel
Gennifer Albin
October 16th, 2012
368 pages (hardcover)
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Source - ARC from publicist

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

"That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back."

As with Greek Mythology's Moirae (aka, the Fates), Crewel's Spinsters weave and control all aspects of life in Arras. The Spinster's are beautiful, talented, and privileged. And, in a world where men hold the power, being a Spinster provides the best possible future a woman can hope to ever have. But unlike others, Adelice Lewys isn't eager to give into the world of Spinsters, despite being highly adept at weaving Arras – a natural skill that makes her both valuable and a threat. But Adelice has to be careful, because where the Spinsters can create, they can also destroy. 

After a heart-pounding and terrifying beginning, Crewel eventually slows down and takes its time as Albin pulls back the layers of Arras and reveals the details of Adelice's world. From social structures to technology and even to the fascinating job of being a Spinster, Albin carefully reveals all in due time. From beginning to end, it really is quite easy to get caught up in the story, the world, and the characters. Fresh and very unique from other books on the bookshelves, Crewel will show you a world you haven't seen before and leave you eager for so much more. 

Highlights: The surprises and creativity. I can honestly say that I did not expect the ending, so that was an interesting surprise. The world was wonderfully written. As a main character, I mostly enjoyed Adelice's POV. Right from the beginning, Albin managed to make me feel sympathy for the protagonist. Descriptions were incredible. 

Lowlights: A couple moments that just didn't work for me#. A lot of time is spent waiting for something to happen, instead of actually adjusting the plot so certain events happened earlier. It appears the author is setting up a love triangle for the next book, but it doesn't (thankfully) come across that way for this one.

Rating: 

# Spoiler: Pryana blaming Adelice for her sister's death was ridiculous, since it was Maela's fault. And then Pryana buddies up with Maela? What? It's idiotic to think that anyone would want anything to do with the person who killed their sister. Pryana did not seem like an idiot, so this confused me. Maela also comes across as a bit cartoon-evil a few times (a.k.a. over the top).

Review: Eve & Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Eve & Adam
by Michael Grant
and Katherine Applegate
October 2nd, 2012
304 pages (hardcover)
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Source: Publicist

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible.

While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.

If were asked to play God and create the perfect boy, would you? Evening (or "EV" or "Eve") Spiker is willing to try. After an accident, Evening's recuperating at an empty hospital wing at Spiker Biotech, so creating the perfect boy in a simulation program seems like a good way to alleviate her boredom. Solo Plissken, meanwhile, is somewhat stubbornly determined to uncover and reveal dark truths about Spiker Biotech that others would prefer to keep buried. Packed with action and a few surprising twists, Eve & Adam will hook you from start to finish.

Eve & Adam is a fresh and original sci-fi take on the biblical story of Adam and Eve. I'm a first-time Grant and Applegate reader, but I can see why they both have so many loyal fans. The authors expertly kept the voices distinct and the pacing quick, while also infusing the story with plenty of humor and surprises at the right possible moments. While there are some flaws here and there, Eve & Adam proves itself to be a fun and fascinating story, and one that is guaranteed to make you eager for a sequel. 

Highlights: Evening, Solo, and Adam each retained their separate personalities and voices for their chapters. The pacing and short chapters made it difficult to stop reading, and I love it when a book hooks me like that. I liked the descriptions and loved the concluding surprises. Side characters were great, especially Evening's slightly evil mother (she surprised me the most). 

Lowlights: I wasn't fond of the subplot revolving around Evening's best friend, Aislin (and Aislin's boyfriend, Maddox). I'm surprised by how long it took for Adam to show up, I thought he'd be present earlier in the story. Quick romance. Characters, as a whole, were fun but not very complex. 

Rating: 

Review: The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse

The Forsaken
Lisa M. Stasse
July 10th, 2012
375 pages (hardcover)
S&S Books for Young Readers
Source - Author

"When the rest of world has given up on you, who will you become?

Alenna Shawcross hasn't seen her parents since they were dragged out of her house by government soldiers of the UNA, a new nation formed from the remnants of Canada, the USA, and Mexico. And now, as a sixteen-year-old orphan, she has failed a government personality test designed to diagnose subversive tendencies.

As punishment, Alenna is banished to the wheel, a mysterious island where all the kids who fail get sent. A place where teh conditions are brutal, and a civil war rages between two very different tribes of teenagers.

So when Alenna meets Liam, a charismatic warrior who is planning to escape, she must find the strength to make a difficult decision: to either accept her new life on the wheel, or to embark on a journey that will uncover shocking secrets about the UNA – and her own identity as well." 

"The journey has begun, and there's no stopping it." *

While the UNA is the epitome of the words corrupt and control, Island Alpha or the "wheel" is simply pandemonium. Teenagers who fail a government personality test are banished to the wheel, where some of teens (called drones) take a Lord of the Flies approach to the island and lose themselves to chaos. The drones maniacally worship a man who controls most of the island, called the Monk. Alenna, our narrator, escapes this fate and instead falls in with a more sensible group of teens that live in the last, and smallest, sector left uncontrolled by the Monk. There's no way off, and no way to know who to trust....On the wheel, there are more enemies than just each other, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. 

The Forsaken takes readers on an adventure full of twists and danger at every corner. Stasse's attention-getting prologue sets the stage for a fascinating story set in an unsettling futuristic world. This story took me by surprise in multiple ways, especially with the jaw-dropping twist near the end and how well this futuristic world is portrayed. There's more complexity and layers to The Forsaken than expected at first glance, and some insightful moments buried beneath the thrilling action and surprising revelations that take place throughout the story. Action, adventure, danger, excitement...welcome to the unpredictable world of The Forsaken. 

Highlights: Alenna could have been a victim of her circumstances and continued relying on others, but then she chose to rise to the challenge and became willing to take charge and fight. There's one plot twist that I never saw coming, which is a rarity for a reader like me¹. I enjoyed many of the characters and their different personalities. The varying ways of life on the island and the social structures were fascinating, too. 

Lowlights: Liam and Alenna's relationship came a little too close to instalove - I could have forgiven this if the I had gotten to know Liam's character better. Dialogue sometimes came across a bit awkwardly in the beginning (after that, it either improved or I stopped noticing). 

Rating:  

* (Stasse 338)
1 Anyone who loves surprises will be in for a treat with this book.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium
Lauren Oliver
February 28th, 2012
375 pages (hardcover)
HarperTeen
Source - Purchased

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

After surviving the events of Delirium, Lena is thrust into the Wilds. Alternating between her beginnings in the Wilds and her current ventures as a part of the Resistance, it's easy to see that Lena has been shattered, pieced together again, and rebuilt into a young woman that is slowly finding her strength and her purpose in a very hectic society. But nothing is easy, nothing is what it seems, and not everyone can be trusted in Lena's world.

If you thought Delirium ripped your heart out and stomped on it by the time you reached the breathtaking conclusion, just wait until you read Pandemonium. The pacing starts with an excited rush, and that tension never quite dissipates. Instead, the tension lingers, building and receding until the exhilarating conclusion finally arrives. My eyes were locked onto that final page, and I was silently cursing the fact that I don't have the third novel, Requiem. Pandemonium is chaotic and compelling. You'll never want to tear your eyes away once you begin reading.

Highlights: Pandemonium pulled me in and twisted my emotions around as I followed Lena through her dangerous journey. Lena's world is more fully discovered and developed. Alternating chapters (Now and Then) provided a full view of Lena - Seeing her in both ways was fascinating: from a broken and fragile girl to a strong, determined young woman. All in all, a strong sequel.

Lowlights: Too short of story (especially for Lauren Oliver), so sometimes things felt like they were happening too fast. I was able to figure out all of the surprises before they happened¹. I wasn't fond of the romantic relationship Lena begins to build - I somewhat grew to like him, but not enough to believe in their relationship.

Rating:  

1 Very few books surprise me. But, most "surprises" (like the ending) still made an emotional impact on me.

Images + Summary from Goodreads

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns (ATU #2)
Beth Revis
January 10th, 2012
400 (hardcover) 
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Publisher & Bought

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart....read more at Goodreads. 

"Follow the leader."¹

Some secrets are not meant to be shared. Three months after the end of Across the Universe, Elder has become the leader of Godspeed, and each of his subsequent choices as its newest ruler have come with consequences. While Elder struggles with being the leader, Amy battles with her outsider status on Godspeed. But when she receives a mysterious clue hinting at a secret revolving around Godspeed, she readily embarks on a scavenger hunt to find answers that will change everything. 

Thank you, Beth Revis, for a sequel that is just as great if not better than the first novel. A Million Suns ramps up the energy and pandemonium. Revis takes everything - mystery, relationships, fear - to another level. Life on Godspeed is as claustrophobic as ever, with so many people and nowhere to run. A Million Suns is a magnetic mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, excited and breathless, until you arrive at the final page. 
Highlights: So many surprises. Even if you guess one, there are plenty of others that will amaze you. The hunt for the clues was interesting. Amy and Elder's relationship was intriguing - things are pretty strained between them, and I liked that they still have some issues to work out. 
Lowlights: It took a few chapters to get back into the characters voices and to remember their personalities. And Revis killed off a character I liked (again). 
Rating: 
1 pg. 147 - A simple phrase, and yet it gives me chills. 

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

AshesIlsa J. BickRelease: September 6, 2011Pages: 480 (hardcover)Publisher: Egmont USASource: Netgalley

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions. 
Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP. 
For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human....read more at Goodreads.

Mini-Thoughts: It begins with the Zap, and then all hell breaks loose. Everyone has either died from the EMP, miraculously survived, or have changed into flesh eating zombies. Alex's life dramatically alters from coping with an illness, to being thrust into a survive at any cost situation. There's a blanket of steady uneasiness draped over the story as Alex's journey continues, and it only continues to tighten its grip. Bick builds the suspense, keeping you hooked and terrified for Alex. Ashes is simply thrilling, terrifying, and filled with jaw-dropping twists.
Highlights: Ghost and Mina¹. Bick excels with building curiosity about just what is happening in this story, I was constantly intrigued. The revelations in the latter half were fascinating. The ending was shocking, I didn't see it coming. 
Lowlights: The first and second half felt disjointed, both had their pros and cons. The first half was lacking emotional connections with Alex that I found to be present in the second half. The second half lacked excitement or any action (until the end) that was present in the first. The ending² was also a lowlight. 
Note: Ashes is not for the faint of heart. Zombies. Zombies eating people. Zombies killing people. People killing people. Fair warning. Rating: 

1 Both are dogs. So, naturally, they are awesome (and helpful). 2 The ending was both "my mind just exploded, what a great twist!" to "how could you do this to me, Ilsa J. Bick? You can't end it like that!!"  


Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Nobles / The Book Depository

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready
Release: 3 May, 2011
Pages: 384 (hardcover)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Bought & Publicist
Summary:

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

Sexy, mysterious, exciting and filled with surprises - Shift has it all. The story begins with Aura being a bit (okay, extremely) bummed out regarding what happened to Logan previously. It isn't until a few chapters later where the Aura that I adore comes back - her sarcastic humor never ceased to amuse me. But, there are still of troubles, whether it's with boys or even with the DMP. Smith-Ready excels at creating genuine and honest chemistry (both friendship-wise and romantic) between characters, but only one of the lovely guys who adores Aura truly fits with her the best, and I loved seeing this relationship grow. 

In between typical (and not so typical) teenage drama lies a mystery that will captivate readers entirely. The significance of Aura and Zachary's births, Aura's mother, The Shift, Stonehenge, one downright shocking secret, and so much more....the closer Aura came to discovering everything, the more hooked on the story I became.

Shade delivered compelling and realistic characters, Shift came through with plenty of seductive secrets, and I have no doubt that Jeri Smith-Ready is going to give readers something spectacular with the next novel,  Shine.

Highlights: Many of the characters grew in this installment. And Smith-Ready made a kilt sexy...which I didn't think was possible. Smith-Ready ends the story nicely, but leaves quite a few tantalizing hooks to keep readers curious for the third novel¹. All in all, these books are must-reads, so go check out the first novel if you haven't already!

Lowlights: Despite the incredible chemistry², the boy drama got to be a bit much every now and then. I wanted to shake some sense into quite a few characters! 

Rating: 4 out of 5

Other reviews in this series:
Shade (Shade #1)


1 No joke. I'm dying to know what happens next. I would consider trading my sibling for a copy of Shine, and I'm fairly sure that wouldn't be entirely legal.
2 And yes, there are plenty of super-sexy moments. And a couple might be for more mature teens.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Release: 2009 (reissue)
Pages: 304 (paperback)
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Source: Netgalley
Summary:

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius—and, above all, a criminal mastermind.

But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories—they're dangerous! Full of unexpected twists and turns, Artemis Fowl is a riveting, magical adventure.

Mini-Thoughts: Unlike anything I’ve read before, Artemis Fowl is exciting, brilliant, and truly magical. Artemis Fowl is one of the more stand-out middle grade novels, filled with an evil and conniving mastermind (who is, surprising, a young boy), a tough and endearing fairy running low on her magic (that’s Captain Holly Short, to you), a bodyguard/butler named Butler who could seriously maim you (because he’s cool like that)^{1}, a very important Book, a kidnapping, a ransom, and so much more. Artemis Fowl is pure action, excitement, and is filled with surprises.

Highlights: This book is just overall enjoyable – I can see why the series is so popular. I adored Holly, and Artemis really grew on me by the end^{2}. And I love how the author changed my perspective of "leprechauns" - as well as a few other things Colfer used creatively. The tech, the lore, and everything else were all very imaginative. Plus, there are plenty of humor-filled moments.

Lowlights: A bit slow going at first, but it continues to get better and more intriguing with each page. And the POV switches bothered me at times^{3}.

Rating: 4/5




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------{Footnotes}{1} And yes, Butler is most definitely cool. And very dangerous. Dangerously cool?
{2} Despite what a total punk he is, Artemis does get a bit more likable ;)
{3} Just a personal bias. I dislike more than one or two POV changes in the third person (I much prefer there to be no change). If that doesn't bother you, you'll probably enjoy this even more.

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

Release: January 25th, 2010

Pages: 336

Publisher: Egmont USA

ISBN-13: 978-1606840795

Source: Publicist

Summary:

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court.  But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection.  Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks.  But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever.

Review: Magic? Check. Appeals to my love of fairy-taleish stories? Check. Great protagonist? Check. A dash of romance? Check. Awesome mystery? Double check. Need I say more?

But in case you do want more, I shall oblige. The False Princess starts off with a surprise that comes as a blow to Sinda - formally Nalia, the princess of Thorvaldor. Considering the circumstances she's in a bit of shock, but she takes it much better than most of us probably would. Her growth from this point to the very ending is one of the things that makes this novel special. Her life gets turned upside down, and yet she makes the most of it and changes gradually to become a character that I enjoyed reading about.

O'Neal expertly makes this story seem realistic and very vivid. From the small villages and their hardworking residents to the large cities with their bustling, busy scholars, O'Neal made everything come to life and jump off the pages - especially the magical aspect of the story. The supporting characters hold this novel together (I especially loved the villain - which is weird, I know). Almost all of the characters were unique and memorable, especially one that gets introduced later on. I don't think I've ever quite read a novel where I enjoyed almost all of the characters before, but I loved most of them in O'Neal's story.

The False Princess is a story that proves to be engaging, endearing, and truly magical from start to finish.

Highlights: Betrayal, magic, lies, engaging writing....How can you go wrong? O'Neal wrote this story wonderfully, it was impossible to set aside. There were twists and turns, and "no way!" moments. I never quite knew what to expect but I was not disappointed.  

Lowlights: It would have been nice to see the romantic interest to have a bit more depth to his personality, but I did like how the relationship between them made sense (ie: it wasn't some random "I just met you two days ago and I'm instantly in love with you now" relationships, for which I am grateful).

Rating:   

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

Book: Dead Beautiful
Author: Yvonne Woon
Release: September 21st, 2010
ISBN: 1423119568 
Pages: 480
Source: Publicist
My Summary: 

Renee Winters is shipped off to Gottfried Academy after discovering her parents dead in the forest, both seemingly dead from natural causes. Except, of course, for the gauze in their mouths and coins surrounding them.

But things at Gottfried Academy aren't all bad. She's got a few good friends, some very unique classes, and then there's Dante Berlin. Mysterious, a loner, and completing intriguing to Renee.

Yet things at Gottfried Academy are not what they appear to be. People have gone missing, and their deaths resemble the way Renee found her parents. Even rumors that the Monitor students and the Headmistress killed a student start resurfacing. Everyone seems to be keeping something a secret, and Renee's continuous search for answers may put her in more danger than she wants.... 

Review: A mystery that keeps you curious until the very end, Dead Beautiful is a fresh and unique story.

Renee, right from the first chapter, is easy to sympathize with. She's strong, intelligent, yet coping with her parents death as best as she can. She wants answers, and "natural causes" isn't working for her. Dante is a bit mysterious, perhaps also a bit too reminiscent of other "mysterious" male characters like insert-your-favorite-mysteriously-paranormal-male-character-here, and yet his secret is nothing I've read before. The other supporting characters were intriguing, yet only a few really stood out.

Woon's debut is filled with rich description, making it easy to visualize everything. The story has it's moments where slows down considerably, and some readers may be turned off by that. But, if you're willing to push through the slower moments, the surprising and fascinating conclusion is worth reading.

Highlights: The last few chapters were amazing, because Renee finally starts getting the answers she's searching for. Woon definitely took a fresh twist on the clichéd supernatural boarding school story, because her story is unlike anything I've read before.

Lowlights: The pacing slows quite a few times, so it can be difficult to stay attached to the novel. A couple points in the end had me bit confused. Enough questions are answered by the end, but a few are left open (perhaps there's a sequel?).

Rating:    

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

The Body Finder
Kimberly Derting
Pages: 336 (hardcover)
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN-13: 978-0061779817
Source: Won from Raila, and bought a copy
My Summary:

Violet Ambrose can see and hear echoes of the dead. Ever since she was a child, she's always been drawn to animals that have been killed...and even humans that have been killed.

When a serial killer starts to prey on innocent girls in town, Violet knows that she's the only one who will be able to spot the killer, and the echoes of his victims that cling to him. Except Jay, Violet's best friend, isn't too keen on letting Violet run around looking for a killer. To complicate things more, Violet's starting to feel something more for Jay, especially when the other girls in her town start flocking to him like bees to honey.

The more Violet digs and searches, the closer she gets to discovering the killer...maybe even too close for her own good.

Dear Kimberly Derting: You totally rock as an author (and a person, I'm sure), and The Body Finder is incredible. Very spectacular. Or any other praise-worthy word you prefer.

The relationships in this book are wonderful. I definitely want to see more relationships like these in YA novels. Violet's family actually cares about her, acts like a family, and are present throughout the story (something that is definitely not always the case in YA novels). Violet's friendship with Jay is realistic and sweet. None of the characters seemed cliché, and Violet's unique and unusual ability was artfully woven into the story in such a normal way that it didn't seem weird or impossible for her to have this skill.

The suspense builds slowly, and the mystery kept me curious about what would happen next. Violet's gift has to be the most intriguing part, because it is nothing like what I've read before. In the end, I really want to get my hands on the sequel, Desires of the Dead. If it's anything like its predecessor, it's going to be amazing.

Highlights: The passages narrated by the killer were definitely amazingly eerie. I think that had to be my favorite part, because I wasn't really expecting it. And okay, the cover is totally wonderful too. It just seems to work perfectly with the story. The realistic characters and interactions between them, of course, were a huge plus.

Lowlights: I saw the ending coming, but that didn't bother me too much. It would have been awesome too, if there was just a bit more suspense, a bit more mystery, and a bit more of the killer's perspective because that was definitely interesting.

Rating: 5 out of 5