Review: THE WINNER'S CRIME by Marie Rutkoski

Title: The Winner's Crime
Author: Marie Rutkoski (@marierutkoski)
Published: March 3rd, 2015
Series: The Winner's Trilogy #2
Genre: YA fantasy
POV: 3rd person, dual
Pages: 416
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux BYR
Format: Print ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Separated by one fateful decision in The Winner's Curse, Kestrel and Arin find themselves on different sides. Kestrel is playing a dangerous game of words, actions, and politics, trying to keep the Emperor pleased while secretly doing anything she can to help the people of Herran. Arin, meanwhile, is thrust into an unwanted position of power, and he'll have to go to great lengths to earn a true freedom for Herran. Family, honor, love, and sacrifice, The Winner's Crime is an outstanding sequel. 

Secrets, lies, deceit, and danger linger in every corner of Kestrel and Arin's lives. Rutkoski builds the emotions of the story, starting with a simple, slow flow until everything comes crashing down with intensity. She makes you care for these characters, and every page will leave you with the desire to keep reading on. Well-paced, and thoroughly captivating, Rutkoski raises the stakes with The Winner's Crime, and refuses to give her characters (and readers) a moment to rest. Exciting, shocking, and simply incredible, this trilogy needs to be on your to-read list. 

Highlights: Rutkoski develops the world of this trilogy further, revealing fascinatingly unique locations and expanding on myth and history of each one. But even better, Kestrel and Arin begin to take more action - whether or it's daring risks or playing a dangerous game of politics, every move matters. Side characters are equally fascinating, especially the conniving (and frightening) Emperor. Family and relationships still play a strong role in the story. And, as always, Rutkoski's writing is stunning and evocative, bringing each character, location, and emotion to life in the most vivid way possible. 

Lowlights: I miss the romance. There are a couple moments between Arin and Kestrel, but these two are unable to be together in this story. I hated the lack of communication between them, because it was frustrating to read. AND THAT ENDING. It's going to be a long wait for the final book. 

Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf. Loved, 4+ out of 5. A compelling and emotional sequel, The Winner's Crime will leave you heartbroken, shocked, and so very eager for the final installment.

Review: SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Doller

Title: SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL
Author: Trish Doller
Published: June 19th, 2012
Genre: YA/NA contemporary
Publisher: Bloomsbury
POV: 1st person
Pages: 214
Format: Hardcover
Source: Won

"When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero."

One free month, and then Travis is headed back to Afghanistan to complete his final three years of active duty in the Marines. But upon arriving home for his short break, he finds that nothing is the same. He has no girlfriend (because she's dating his brother), no car (brother, yet again), a father he can't please, an overenthusiastic mother, a girl that isn't interested in him after he ruined her life, and the most disturbing change of all: haunting nightmares and visions of a friend that died in Afghanistan that won't leave him alone. Travis is trying to keep everything together, especially himself, before it's time for him to leave. But sometimes, you just can't escape your demons.  

I initially judged this book on its cover and almost let a wonderful, touching story pass me by. SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL quickly became one of the most surprising debut novels that I read in 2012. Doller takes a story you don't see all that often in YA lit and brings it authenticity through Travis's straight-forward narration. It's almost awkward to read Travis's narration, simply because it feels so realistic that it almost seems as if you are intruding on an actual person's thoughts. Travis is struggling with the past while looking to the future, and I was thoroughly invested in his every word as his story unfolded. Doller shifts easily from the humor to the serious moments, but it's with her characters that she truly excels. Everyone is flawed in some way, and they all manage to be memorable by the end. SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL is an emotional story that makes a strong impression. 

Highlights: Once I began, I couldn't put this book down until the final page arrived. There's humor, a little bit of romance, and plenty of honest and true-to-life moments that you want out of a contemporary novel. Even better, Travis is an older young adult. He's lived life in a dangerous way, and I found his story to be compelling. 

Lowlights: It's a very, very short book. I think a few scenes and characters could have been fleshed out a bit more to help this story make an even stronger impact.

Cover: Based on the cover, I never would have bothered to read this book (I'm very grateful to have won a copy, or else I wouldn't have read it). There is a romantic subplot, but it's not the largest aspect of this story, so I'm surprised the cover features a couple making out (which is a shame, since I think boys would like this book, but the cover doesn't show that side of the novel). I like that they included dog tags. 

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Rae CarsonSeptember 20th, 2011432 pages (hardcover)Greenwillow BooksSource: Netgalley and later Purchased for Kindle

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. Elisa is the chosen one. But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will. 
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess. And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake....read more at Goodreads. 

Honestly, I originally read two chapters, said "meh" and then set the novel aside for the next three months. Obviously, I picked it back up again, and I am very glad that I did. 
The Girl of Fire and Thorns begins somewhat inauspiciously, where Carson introduces a heroine that complains too much and inspires too little confidence in her readers. Once 140+ pages pass and an important event takes place, the story comes to life. Elisa's wavering confidence grows. Her somewhat dull personality begins to take on more interesting facets, and she begins to accept herself and her purpose - making it easy to enjoy her character.  
I want to say so much more, but this is one of those stories you need to read for yourself so all the surprises aren't spoiled. The Girl of Fire and Thorns is rife with religion, political agendas, secrets, a dash of romance, and plenty of heart-pounding moments as Elisa tries to evade her enemies and draws closer to an impending war. Once you get into this story, there's no setting it aside. 
Highlights: It was easy to lose myself in the pages and tumble into the rich and vibrant world Carson created (that is, once the story really got going). Certain characters I did not originally care for became favorites by the end - like Cosmé, or even Elisa¹. I loved the whole Malficio group, and Lord Hector. Carson wraps up Elisa's story almost completely and ends on a strong note². 
Lowlights: Some predictability. Elisa at the beginning was difficult to like, to the point where I did set the novel aside. The first 100ish pages were, for the most part, a bit flat and hardly kept my attention. 
Rating: 
1 I was actually surprised how many characters grew on me by the ending - that's rare. 2 Yay, for an actual resolution + only the slightest tease of the forthcoming sequel. 



Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Nobles / The Book Depository

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone
By: Laini Taylor
Release: September 27th, 2011
Pages: 420 (hardcover)
Publisher: Little, Brown, & Company
Source: Vine Program + Bought
Summary:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out....read more at Goodreads.

Undeniably enthralling, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is the standout story of the year. And how could it not be, with blue-haired, artsy Karou and the mystery of her past at the heart of the story? With a beaded necklace capable of granting wishes and more talents than she can reasonably account for, Karou fascinated  me as a lead character right from the first page. Whether it's the enchanting (and real) characters in she draws in her sketchbook or Karou's amusing antics against her scumbag ex-boyfriend, every aspect of Karou's unusual life will make you even more curious to continue reading.

But it's not until Akiva - smoldering and intense Akiva - appears that Karou's world gets a little more interesting...and complicated. Laini Taylor takes readers through a journey of love, heartbreak, secrets, and revelations in Daughter of Smoke and Bone. The settings for the story don't disappoint either, whether it's Brimstone's shop¹, Poison Kitchen in Prague, or the lively streets of Marrakesh, every word makes this story easily visualized. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a story completely worthy of being on your wishlist - or better yet, on your "favorites" bookshelf. 

Highlights: Utterly unique and completely captivating, Laini Taylor's words keep you glued to the pages. Taylor managed to make her characters 3-dimensional, from Karou, Zuzanna, Brimstone and all the others. But it's the story overall that I loved the most - I was over angels and demons, but Taylor's unique outlook and twist on everything managed to interest me. Even the romance made sense, and I love how it started out.
Lowlights: The latter half was interesting, but felt slightly disjointed from the beginning of the book. The cut-off ending² about killed me, yet I've read worse cliffhangers. Honestly though, I was surprised that it ended where it did. Rating:   

1 Coolest shop ever. Seriously. Even if it's a little twisted and creepy (what with all the teeth and Karou's very unusual adopted family). 2 Putting in a "To be continued" or cliffhanger seems to be a common theme among series lately, much to my dislike. But I'll give Taylor a pass this time, because otherwise, this story kept me hooked. 


Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Nobles / The Book Depository 

Damned by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié

Damned (Crusade #2)
Nancy Holder, Debbie Viguié
August 30th, 2011
544 pages (hardcover/paperback)
Publisher - Simon Pulse
Source - Publicist

There is a fine line between love and sacrifice...

Antonio would do anything for his beloved fighting partner Jenn. He protects her, even suppresses his vampire cravings to be with her. Together, they defend humanity against the Cursed Ones. But tensions threaten to fracture their hunting team and his loyalty—his love—is called into question. 

With an even more sinister power on the rise, Jenn must overcome her personal vendettas. Antonio and Jenn need each other to survive, but evil lurks at every turn. With humanity’s fate hanging in the balance, they must face down the darkness…or die trying.

With an action-packed storyline and a few heartbreaking twists, Damned is simply thrilling.

Jenn¹ is officially the leader of the Salamanca team of hunters, but everyone in the resistance may be in over their heads as the risks grow higher. Vampiric control over the world is strengthening, the resistance is growing difficult to continue, allies are running low, and one of vampires has even begun manufacturing a surprise that could bring the downfall to humans everywhere. But even as Jenn and her team attempt to save humankind, they have to face their own personal demons. The more they try to fight and defend humanity, the closer they come to winning – or losing – everything.

Damned grows more intense and gripping by the page. Even though it's the second novel, Holder and Viguié recapped the events of the previous story while simultaneously moving forward with the sequel. Many characters are faced with new and old struggles to overcome. The 3rd person narrative gives great insight into each character, and some of the things you'll learn about them will surprise you. Damned is fast-paced, shocking, and filled with vicious vampires – can you ask for anything better?

Highlights: Damned surprised me, with both character growth, and even with who became a casualty of war. Internal/personal struggles with each character became more important to the story. Insight given to certain characters – like Aurora², Eriko, Heather, Holger – was interesting, and it gave many of them more depth to their personalities. And as always, Holder and Viguié deliver when it comes to epic battle scenes, as well as touching (maybe even heartbreaking) moments between characters.

Lowlights: Two new characters needed a bit more development, because by the end, I felt like they just blended into the background. I'm also not a fan of whenever Jenn and the gang split up, because it's more difficult to keep track of what's going on when they're separated.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

My other reviews in this series:
Crusade

1 Jenn really surprised me with her growth, she's stronger and assertive for most of the book...go Jenn!
2 I loved all the parts focusing on Aurora - she's one badass vampire.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta Review

Book: Jellicoe Road

Author: Melina Marchetta

Source: Bought

Summary:

"What do you want from me?" he asks.

What I want from every person in my life, I want to tell him. More. 

"Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham, now seventeen, is finally being confronted with her past. But as the reluctant leader of her boarding school dorm, there isn't a lot of time for introspection. And while Hannah, the closest adult Taylor has to family, has disappeared, Jonah Griggs is back in town, moody stares and all.

In this absorbing story by Melina Marchetta, nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to more questions as Taylor tries to work out the connection between her mother dumping her, Hannah finding her then and her sudden departure now, a mysterious stranger who once whispered something in her ear, a boy in her dreams, five kids who lived on Jellicoe Road eighteen years ago, and the maddening and magnetic Jonah Griggs, who knows her better than she thinks he does. If Taylor can put together the pieces of her past, she might just be able to change her future."

I'll admit it, I amost gave up on this novel. I put it off for weeks, after reading only 30 pages, because it just wasn't grabbing me. Yet, I continued to hear how incredible it was, so after a few weeks I promised myself I'd just jump in and finish it before I moved onto another book.

I'm so glad I did continue and gave Jellicoe Road another chance. I've read so many YA books, and I've never been one for having favorite anythings, but this novel is seriously close to topping the charts of all books I've read. The beginning is slow moving and it does not make much sense, but as the book continues, the magic happens. I learned more about Taylor Markham's life, and the mysteries wrapped around her and the "wars" she participated in. I don't want to say much about the plot because I'd hate to ruin the magic of the story, but this book is extraordinary and so much more than I expected it to be. 

Highlights: Weaving the stories from the past into Hannah's manuscript, I loved learning everything with Taylor. There was always more to keep me curious, keep me turning the pages. I also loved the "wars", because they were so entertaining at times. Jonah's backstory was a blow to me, and I wasn't expecting what he says to Taylor about the day at the train station. It was an interesting shock, and I'm rarely surprised when reading.

Lowlights: It was incredibly hard to get into at first, but as I got to chapter 3, or 4, I was was hooked. I didn't want it to end.

Rating: