Review: FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS by Leigh Ann Kopans

Title: First World Problems
Author: Leigh Ann Kopans
Published: September 2nd, 2014
Genre: YA / NA contemporary
POV: 1st person
Pages: 300
Publisher: Self-published
Format: eARC
Source: Author
Rating: The Royal Library, Bottom Shelf

Sofia's had a really rough year - busted for cheating at prep school, dumped for the first time ever, and her new non-profit working stepmother is turning out to be an uppity bitch.

She deserves to treat herself. But when she throws herself a birthday party with 20 of her closest friends in Paris and (accidentally!) maxes out her dad's credit card in the process, he’s had enough of her attitude. As punishment, he switches her planned gap year touring Europe to one doing community service work with the evil stepmother’s relief organization in Guyana.

The rural village of Dabu needs help in every area from education to getting safe drinking water. But Sofia’s more concerned about her roommate Callum, the gardening expert, who calls Sofia "Princess" and scoffs at her distaste for sweaty, muddy, iguana-eating, outhouse-using life in Guyana.

Eventually, life on the equator, her work in the village, and especially Callum - with his brooding eyes and bewitching New Zealand accent - start to grow on Sofia. Life is rough in Guyana, but it’s roughest on the girls, whose families are too poor to send only the most promising boys in school. They’re trapped in a cycle that will keep them from ever making a better life for themselves, or for the village. Worse, Callum doesn’t seem to think any of the changes Sofia envisions are actually necessary.

Determined to change the girls’ futures, she comes up with a strategy to help them and, ultimately, the village. But what starts out as a plan to convince Callum and her father that she’s fallen in love with Guyana, turns into the realization that maybe she’s falling for Callum, too. And that by changing these girls’ lives, she might also be changing her own.

Sofia is the girl who has it all - or that's at least what she wants everyone to think. After her father misses her birthday and she spends a ridiculous some of money on an even more ridiculous party, Sofia finds herself being shipped off to Guyana to give back through community service. From sleeping in a hammock to completing unpleasant tasks, Sofia has a lot to do to convince her parents that she's truly changed so she can go home....Charming and hilarious, First World Problems is a wonderfully entertaining story to read.

It's obvious from page one that Sofia isn't the type of girl most people would like, and Kopans doesn't shy away from revealing all of Sofia's flaws and putting them on display. She's privileged, knows it, and doesn't hesitate to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. But, somehow, Sofia grows into a character you want to root for. And, I eventually found myself appreciating her brand of humor, intelligence, and newly acquired outlook on life. The lush, descriptive Guyana setting and variety of characters make First World Problems an engaging story. The story builds at a slow pace, but there's never a dull moment. A humorous novel with a wonderful message, First World Problems is entertaining from start to finish. 

Highlights: Sofia's development is gradual, realistic, and in the end, she becomes a better version of herself. This story is about coming of age, learning to appreciate what you have, and giving back, and Kopans portrays every theme perfectly. The romance is very slowly developed into something sweet, but there are a few realistic bumps in the road. The setting is incredibly easy to visualize, and Kopans brings the village and its inhabitants to life with every word. The side characters are fantastic, I only wish a few had been featured more. While the storyline is easy to predict, the characters and setting make this novel unique and a pleasure to read. 

Lowlights: A bit predictable, with few overly dramatic moments (but I think the latter is to be expected with a character like Sofia).

Rating: The Royal Library, Bottom Shelf (low 4 out of 5). First World Problems is great and worth reading, and it earns a spot on the bottom shelves of the royal library. I enjoyed it enough to want to read it more than once, but I do have some issues with the story that I cannot ignore. Regardless, a vivid setting, diverse characters, and fun writing make First World Problems an incredibly enjoyable read. 

I received an advanced copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

This is no way affected my opinion of this novel.

Review: EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS by A.S. King

Title: Everybody Sees the Ants
Author: AS King (@AS_King)
Published: January 2011
Series: N/A
Genre: YA contemporary (?)
Pages: 280
POV: 1st person, male
Publisher: Litte, Brown BYR
Format: Paperback; Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf

Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far.

But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how long can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside?

Michael L. Printz Honor recipient A.S. King's smart, funny and boldly original writing shines in this powerful novel about learning to cope with the shrapnel life throws at you--and taking a stand against it.

Lucky Linderman is anything but lucky and his life is a complicated mess: he's constantly bullied by Nader McMillan, his father wants him to ignore it, his mother wants his father to do something, everyone assumes Lucky wants to die after his suicide questionnaire for school, and Lucky keeps dreaming of saving his MIA grandfather in Laos –  and he's even bringing objects from these odd dreams back with him to the real world. So, in all, his life is odd and challenging, and lately, Lucky's life is only becoming even more complicated. 

This was my first A.S. King novel, and I'm glad I started with this story. There are some books you read, thoroughly enjoy, and find yourself thinking about them long after you finish. Everybody Sees the Ants is one of those books for me. A story both peculiar and familiar, Lucky is a boy many of us can probably relate to at one point or another in our lives. His story is odd, but it delves into areas we all struggle with: bullying, dysfunctional families, appearances, and the list goes on. This is the type of story you can either dive into with a splash or tentatively wade in, slowly soak up the words, and ultimately emerge feeling like you've really read something special. Honest, emotionally gripping, and unusual, Everybody Sees the Ants is a story that took me by surprise, but it was exactly what I needed to read. 

Highlights: This story is smart, and it causes you to question both yourself and the story itself. Is Lucky out of touch with reality, or are his dreams and the every-amusing ants real? From symbolism to themes, this book gives readers so much to consider but doesn't demand anything from readers except their attention. There is a lot to ponder in this novel, if you want to think more deeply, and I enjoyed that aspect very much. Despite the magical realism, this story and Lucky felt genuine and honest. Lucky's mom was a favorite of mine, and I loved how she tried so much to help Lucky. I feel like I can't ever fully explain the highlights of this story –  for me, it's all a highlight. 

Lowlights: Nothing. I loved this book. Lucky's father bothered me, but he's still a realistic, if incredibly frustrating, character. 

Audiobook: I listened to the first part of this novel as an audiobook (checked out from the library, and unfortunately, I did not finish it before my time was up), and loved every bit I managed to hear. Kirby Heyborne brought Lucky to life, and expertly tackled the story with the right tone, ranging from serious to sarcastic. I'll hopefully get the chance to hear the audiobook in its entirety some day in the future. 

Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf (5 out of 5). I love Everybody Sees the Ants, so this book is going on the top shelves in the royal library where everyone can see it. I'd highly recommend this book, because it is an incredible story. 

Highlights / Lowlights: OPEN ROAD SUMMER

Title: Open Road Summer
Author: Emery Lord (@emerylord)
Published: April 2014
Genre: YA Contemporary
Pages: 352
POV: 1st person
Publisher: Walker
Format: Hardcover
Source: Anna & Bloomsbury
Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf

After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own.

Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. 

Highlight: Reagan and Dee. Reagan's a tell-it-like-it-is kind of girl with a messy past and an uncertain future. This summer, she's trying out a less destructive version of herself - one that doesn't touch alcohol and tries to stay out of trouble. I adored her from the start, with her sharp attitude and the way she views little moments of life that other people might otherwise easily ignore. Dee, meanwhile, is sugary sweet, regardless of whether she's just being a normal teenage girl or musician Lilah Montgomery. She's very Taylor Swift-like, bubbly, and easy to adore. But Dee's also brokenhearted, and her life is anything but easy.

Highlight: Matt Finch. Not only is Matt Finch an incredibly endearing guy, he's genuine and sweet. The best thing about Matt Finch isn't his love for Twizzlers or his heartfelt lyrics, but his acceptance of people for who they really are, flaws included. The only time he ever discourages Reagan is when it comes to unhealthy habits, but otherwise, he appreciates her for who she is.

Highlight: Music and other hobbies. Whether's it's Dee's career as songstress Lilah Montgomery or Reagan's passion for photography, Lord ensures her characters have interests and brings them to life. Lyrics from Matth and Dee's songs appear every now and then, and Lord provides detailed descriptions of Reagan's photographs.

Highlight: Friendship, family, and the people who really matter. The relationship between Reagan and Dee is what sells this story. Lord's characterization is top notch, to the point where Reagan and Dee seem like two real-life best friends. And even though they're on a road trip, family is still a priority, and not something that disappears in the pages.

Highlight: Road trips, coming of age, and new beginnings. Open Road Summer is at it's core a book about friendship and realizing what (and who) really matters in life. It's a hell of a road trip for these girls, full of entertaining moments that will leave you giggly madly. But for all the highs, there are lows, and Lord balances these realistically.

Highlight: Candy, silliness, and shenanigans. You can't go wrong with candy and silly moments. 

Lowlight: Not enough lyrics. Okay, I'm actually just being really greedy, because there are quite a lot of lyrics. It would have been cool to see more, though. Reagan's photos would have been awesome, too!

Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf. Open Road Summer is the perfect mix between serious and sweet, along with heartfelt and hilarious. The characters are distinctive, the romance is adorable, and the friendship portrayed between Reagan and Dee is what makes this story shine. If you're looking for a great story about friendship, Open Road Summer is the perfect book to check out.

* Banner image by YA Book Queen. Only the fun books inspire me to draw silly / bad cartoons.

Review: SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE by Morgan Matson

Title: Since You've Been Gone

Author: Morgan Matson

Published: May 6th, 2014

Series: N/A

Genre: YA contemporary

POV: 1st person

Pages: 449

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: printed ARC

Source: Vine program

Rating: The Royal Library, Bottom Shelf

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough.Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um...

Summer has only just begun when Emily realizes her best friend Sloane is gone. It's not unusual for Sloane to disappear, but this time things are different and Emily hasn't got a clue where she's gone or if Sloane will even be coming back. All she knows is that their epic plans for summer are over, and have been replaced by a list of things that Sloane wants Emily to do while she's away. To complete the list, Emily will have to find her courage and maybe accept a little help along the way...

I've heard quite a bit about Morgan Matson's novels, and I was pleased to find myself enjoying this story by the time I reached the conclusion. I had high expectations, and while Matson did not deliver a story as wonderful as I hoped, she did write an entertaining story filled with great, realistic characters. Once Emily begins completing the tasks and finds herself bonding more with Frank Porter and a few others, the story becomes something special. Since You've Been Gone has a slow start, but the budding friendships and romance end up making it a worthwhile read in the end.

Highlights: I highly respected Emily's willingness to put herself out there in order to complete Sloane's tasks - she pushed through the awkward moments, stepped outside of her comfort zone, had some fun, gained a new perspective, and even some new friends (which is all fantastic). The characters were wonderful (especially Frank, I quite adore him). I liked the concept too, since Sloane's list made this story into something special. As a whole, this story swept me away - fun, amusing, touching...it was everything I could hope for in a YA contemporary novel, and then some. The playlists were also fabulous, and gave me some new (and old) music to check out.

Lowlights: It took awhile to really get going. While I can relate to a wallflower of a girl, Emily's dependence on Sloane initially bothered me. I kept setting this novel aside in favor of other books, simply because I couldn't care enough to bother reading it all at once. And Sloane! I understood where she was coming from at the end, but I still disagree with the way she initially left things with Emily. The first half of the novel was a struggle, but the last half made it worthwhile. 

Rating: The Royal Library, Bottom Shelf (low 4 out of 5).

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)

Highlights / Lowlights: Review of THE MOON AND MORE by Sarah Dessen

Title: THE MOON AND MORE
Author: Sarah Dessen
Published: June 4th 2013
Genre: YA contemporary
Publisher: Viking
POV: 1st, past tense
Pages: 435
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 out of 5

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?

Highlights: THE MOON AND MORE is not Dessen's best story, but it does have that standard Sarah Dessen charm lingering in each and every line. Emaline is a fantastic narrator, and her coming-of-age story was interesting to watch unfold. Side characters are Dessen's strong point (sweet little Benji!), especially in regard to Emaline's BFF's Morris¹ and Daisy. I loved Morris and his simplistic but meaningful observations. Family and friendship are important in this story, and Dessen expertly shows the ups and downs of both. All in all, THE MOON AND MORE is a great story about friendship, family, small-towns, dreams, and growing up.

Lowlights: Dessen is well known (or should be) for her swoonworthy love interests: Wes, Eli, Dexter, Owen...oh, sorry. I got a little carried away there. So anyway, I was surprised to find myself disliking both love interests in this novel. Theo even inspired a list called characters-I-want-to-slap-or-punch-in-the-face¹. I also had a hard time enjoying Luke's character, because of something he does early in the story. I also wish there had been more scenes with Emaline's family.

Allusions: Appearances by Maggie, Heidi, Auden, Esther, Clyde, Wallace, and includes establishments such as (no, no, no to) Tallyho, Clementine's, and The Washroom from ALONG FOR THE RIDE. Last Chance Cafe and possibly Coley (but I'm not certain about her) from KEEPING THE MOON. Quick mention of Wes¹ and Bert, along with the game gotcha! from THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER. The worst-band-ever, Spinnerbait, gained a brief mention and they are from THIS LULLABY. There might be more that I didn't catch or simply forgot to jot down on paper. 

1  How awesome is it that he and Emaline are friends, and only friends? No romance involved!
2 I feel like Theo was that kid who tripped other children during a race back in elementary school, just so he could get ahead of everyone else and win -- his personality is so unattractive and selfish. I don't know how Emaline could stand him and his better-than-all-of-you-small-town-hicks attitude. 
3 Oh, Wes. I wish you were in this book. *swoons*

My reviews of other novels by Sarah Dessen:

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

KEEPING THE MOON

THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER

WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE

Mini-Review: COUNTING BACKWARDS by Laura Lascarso

Title: COUNTING BACKWARDS
Author: Laura Lascarso
Published: August 14th 2012
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Atheneum
Pages: 279
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher (unsolicited)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Taylor Truwell is a troubled girl with a neglectful mother, a callous father, and an urge to flee. When Taylor is caught with a stolen car and lands in court for resisting arrest, her father convinces the judge to issue an alternative punishment: treatment in a juvenile psychiatric correctional facility. And so Taylor arrives at Sunny Meadows.

Sunny Meadows is anything but the easy way out, and Taylor has to fight hard just to cling to her sanity as she battles her parents, her therapist, and a group of particularly nasty fellow patients, the Latina Queens. But even as Taylor struggles to hold on to her stubborn former self, she finds herself relenting as she lets in two unlikely friends - Margo, a former child star and arsonist, and AJ, a mysterious boy who doesn't speak.

Sunny Meadows goes against everything Taylor stands for. But is it the only place that can save her?

Taylor Truwell is angry – at her drunken mother, and especially at her impossible-to-please father, since he's the one who convinced the judge to send Taylor to Sunny Meadows. From trying to break out of Sunny Meadows to trying to fit in so she can be released, Taylor goes on a personal journey to find out who she is and who she wants to be. Right from the beginning, Taylor's strong voice and personality easily captured my attention, and Taylor's character growth throughout the novel is wonderfully written and portrayed. Lascarso lets readers see Taylor at her absolute worst and best through the sparse, straightforward 1st person narration. And, with an excellently diverse supporting cast, Lascarso fills COUNTING BACKWARDS with intriguing yet realistic characters that you cannot help but to enjoy. A story about friendship, family, and change, COUNTING BACKWARDS proves itself to be an enjoyable read. 

Highlights: Good pacing and a good conclusion. Diverse characters. A very vivid setting, I felt like I could envision Sunny Meadows perfectly. I enjoyed how much the characters evolved and how Lascarso altered my opinion of them throughout the story. A.J was such a sweetheart, and Margo was an awesome character. Themes of change, coming-of-age, friendship, family, and becoming the person you want to be.

Lowlights: Very predictable. I had a difficult time connecting with Taylor, but I was still rooting for her throughout the story. In the end, it seemed as though the writing was too weak or the story was too short to make a lasting, emotional impact (but I could be in the minority on this point, so give this story a chance). 

Review: PAPER VALENTINE by Brenna Yovanoff

Title: PAPER VALENTINE
Author: Brenna Yovanoff
Published: January 2013
Genre: YA, mystery, paranormal
Publisher: Razorbill
POV: 1st person
Pages: 306
Format: Advanced Reader's Copy, paperback
Source: Unsolicited from Publisher

"The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.

For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.

With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again."

From the first chapter, it was easy to notice: Yovanoff's writing has a lovely yet strange flow / ring to it. At times, her word choice for certain descriptions was unexpectedly odd yet fitting as the words evoked the underlying emotion and meaning. Yovanoff gives the narrator, Hannah, a voice is decidedly "Hannah," unique to her personality and utterly captivating. I was worried that Hannah's budding relationship with Finny would detract from the mystery at hand, but it instead allowed the story and Hannah's character to grow a bit stronger. Hannah's relationships – familial, friendship, and romantic – all became intriguing plot points.

PAPER VALENTINE may meander along at a languid pace, but this allows the new string of murders to become all the more chilling and unsettling. With each new discovery, the tension grows until it is like a rubber band on the verge of snapping – but it never grows into too much. It's a soft yet unsettling eeriness that lingers in the background, perfectly mixed in with the surprising amount of more lighthearted moments. Also, while this story is a murder mystery, PAPER VALENTINE is also a ghost story centering around friendship. Hannah's best friend, Lillian, died six months ago, but Lillian's still hanging around as a ghost, pushing Hannah to dig deeper into the killings. These two bring out the best and worst in each other, and it was nice to see how they both evolved throughout the story. PAPER VALENTINE has a couple flaws, but is nonetheless an unexpected pleasant surprise that delivers in more ways than one. 

Highlights: Hannah's POV was similataneously expected and unexpected. On the one hand, she's what I expected from a YA novel heroine. On the other hand, her voice is very distinct and I enjoyed her peculiar descriptions and flashbacks. I like that Yovanoff didn't settle with only telling a murder mystery, but she instead built a community and inhabited it with imperfect, realistic characters that capture the reader's attention. I enjoyed the emphasis on family and sisterhood in this story. The Valentine Killer surprised me, because I was simultaneously incorrect and correct regarding the identity of the killer. 

Lowlights: Slightly predictable. The middle suffered a bit due to the slower pacing. I'm not a fan of the (sort of a spoiler - highlight to read) villain-confesses-all-before-trying-to-murder-the-hero(ine) ending, and that's unfortunately used here. It felt like a lot was happening in this story, which isn't necessarily bad, but it seemed like the story got off track a few times.

Review: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Title: JUST ONE DAY
Author: Gayle Forman
Published: January 8th, 2013
Series: Just One Day #1
Genre: YA/NA Contemporary
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
POV: 1st, present tense
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher (unsolicited)

"A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay.

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines."

As much as I enjoyed Forman's IF I STAY and WHERE SHE WENT, both were only 4-star stories for me. They were enjoyable, emotional, and extremely intense – but something kept me from loving them. Whatever I was missing from those two novels, JUST ONE DAY has it. Allyson Healey's journey begins after a chance encounter with Willem, who offers to take her Paris for an incredible, chaotic day of adventure. But the next day, he's gone, she's alone, and so begins the next adventure as Allyson attends college, takes a Shakespeare class, figures out who she is and where she's going next in this bittersweet coming of age story. 

It may be a story you've heard before: Girl meets boy, instant and intense connection, one memorable and romantic adventure that ends far too quickly and messily. But, Forman knows her characters intricately, and it shows because the characters – with their quirky and endearing qualities – are the ones who lift the story up and make it fly. JUST ONE DAY is the most perfectly imperfect story of love, loss, friendship, chance, change, random acts of kindness¹, independence, misunderstandings, and bravery. I wish I could do this novel some justice by giving it a remarkable review that inspires someone to pick this book up, but I guess I'll have to settle for simply saying this: do not let this story pass you by.

Highlights: Forman features imperfect characters and situations. Allyson isn't perfect or a cookie-cutter heroine, but flawed and evolving. Forman expertly writes emotion, making you grin at the flirty banter, blush at the more romantic moments, and even stirs sympathy deep within your core as Allyson finds herself in her lowest moment. The characters² and locations³ are wonderfully written. I especially love the helpfulness and kindness of the some of the side characters. Life and friendships are not easy and don't always work out as you reach adulthood, so I appreciate Forman for portraying Allyson's life (every up and down) as realistically as possible. 

Lowlights: Waiting for the sequel? Yes, that's a definite lowlight. I need JUST ONE YEAR and I need it now. *glares at calendar*

1 Seriously, there were some moments where I felt all warm and fuzzy inside, just because of the kindness random characters showed to Allyson and other characters. I like to hope that there are plenty of people like that in the world. 
2 Dee! I adore Dee. And Willem, too. 
3 Paris! I want to go there so badly. It sounds lovely. 

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Bitterblue
Kristin Cashore
1st May 2012
576 pages (hardcover)
Publisher - Dial
Source - Purchased

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

I enjoyed Graceling, adored Fire, and absolutely loved Bitterblue. Unlike the protagonists of Cashore's previous novels, Bitterblue is not Graced or a monster. Instead, she's a queen who enjoys numbers, ciphers and stories. Throughout the novel, her deceased father's terrible Grace and actions still linger in Monsea. Betrayal, secrets, and lies run deeper than imaginable. Her kingdom is filled with oddities that no one wants to explain or fix. Each new twist brings another round of suspects, questions, and ultimately creates even more doubts about everything and everyone.

Curious revelations, first love, and Bitterblue's transformation into the queen Monsea needs, Bitterblue gradually builds into a phenomenal story. Bitterblue herself is a remarkable young woman with a subtle strength, sharp humor, and a need for truth. It was intriguing to watch her character grow with each chapter. Bitterblue delves deeper and into darker places in order to unravel the mysteries in Monsea. There are lovely, lighthearted moments, along with others that will have you near (or in) tears. All in all, Bitterblue is an outstanding novel well worth the time it takes to read each page.

Highlights: It was nice to see characters from Cashore's previous books be present in this one, and through Bitterblue's very observant view of them. Characters as a whole were very well written (especially Death¹, Teddy, Saf, Po, Giddon, Leck, and Thiel). The extras at the end (cast of characters, drawings, et cetera) were fascinating. The ending, while a little bittersweet, was nicely done. 

Lowlights: I wanted more pages. Seriously. 

Note: As this is a sequel, reading Graceling is a must. I would recommend reading Fire since it will help make many moments more meaningful in the story. 

Rating:  

1 Coolest librarian ever. I kind of wish I had his Grace.

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

The Disenchantments

Nina LaCour
(Book website)

February 16th, 2012

307 pages (hardcover)

Publisher - Dutton

Source - Purchased

Colby & Bev have a long-standing pact: Graduate, hit the road with Bev's band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: She's abandoning their plans – and Colby – to go her own way in the fall.

But the show must go on, and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie Colby struggles to deal with Bev's already growing distance and the most important question of all: What's next?

"We all want to feel something..."^*

Goodbye high school, hello road trip. Colby's excited about putting college on hold and going abroad for the year with his best friend, Bev. So, when Bev changes their plans with a surprising and blunt truth, Colby's stuck with three girls (one of which he is furious at), a VW bus named Melinda, and absolutely no clue where to go after the tour wraps up. Things are even more complicated, since Colby's torn between his anger and his deeper feelings for Bev. As the tensions rise and secrets spill, The Disenchantments takes the characters through the struggles that reside in friendship, individuality, and adulthood.

Nina LaCour's sophomore effort is excellent. Colby's voice strikes a note of authenticity and relatability from the beginning, and you can't help but to feel as angry as he is when Bev changes their plans with minimal notice. As for the Disenchantments, they may be a terrible band, but they're great characters - you've got Bev and her secrets, Meg and her positive attitude, and Alexa's utter sweetness. Colby's relaxed and giving personality melds perfectly with this trio, but it's his journey and his character growth that resonates the most in The Disenchantments.

Highlights: Not only is this story music-orientated, but it's deeper than the light, carefree cover suggests. There's a nice mix to the fun and the serious moments, and I loved every second it took reading this story. The art aspect to the story was great, and I love how the back jacket cover of the novel ties into some of that. Colby, a male main character, was a wonderful narrator¹. Even side characters were pretty great, and each seem fully developed.

Lowlights: Maybe a bit more page-time with some side characters. 

Rating: 


* pg. 2711 We definitely need more male MC's in YA lit

Image + Summary from Goodreads

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races
Maggie StiefvaterReleased: October 18th, 2011Pages: 409 (hardcover)Publisher: Scholastic PressSource: Bought

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. 
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. 
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

"I am so, so alive."¹
From the beginning, Stiefvater draws you in with the calm and impressive voice of Sean Kendrick. He's won the Scorpio Races four times, and as far as the people of Thisby are concerned, he's a sure winner this year. But when our second narrator – the fiery and determined Kate "Puck" Connolly – enters the races as a last chance to save her unraveling life, the always uncertain races become even more chaotic than usual. 
The capaill uisce are not anything like horses you've seen before, and neither is Stiefvater's latest novel. Water horses from the sea, the capaill uisce are bloodthirsty and willing to attack anyone who comes close enough. Stiefvater brings these deadly water horses to life (as well as Puck's normal and oh so lovely horse, Dove), along with the island of Thisby, the characters of Puck and Sean, and even the side characters. The Scorpio Races may move slowly, but every moment is magic. 
Highlights: Everything is so alive in The Scorpio Races - the island, the characters, the races, the writing. After adjusting to the pacing, I became utterly enraptured by it all. The characters are layered, and the romance is slow and sincere. The fear, action, and excitement are almost tangible, it's so well written.  
Lowlights: Very slow pacing to begin with. I adjusted to it by 97 pages in, and promptly became absorbed in the story. 
Note: Don't expect the actual races to take place until the very end (I thought they were going to be earlier, so naturally, I was surprised). 
Rating: 

1 (Pg. 1) I just like this quote. Kind of sums up the overall feeling of the book nicely, too. 

 

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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. 



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Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby

Release: June 9, 2011

Pages: 352 (paperback)

Publisher: Speak (Penguin USA)

Source: Publisher

Summary: 

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis...read more at Goodreads.

Review: Fairy Bad Day is a lighthearted and charming novel that entertains from start to finish!

Written in third person, Emma Jones knows right from the beginning that she's meant to be a dragon slayer, just like her mother was...which is why she's beyond surprised and stunned when she ends up becoming the first fairy slayer ever. But Emma makes the most of it as she hunts down fairies at her local mall, while simultaneously trying to find a way to become a dragon slayer. Until, that is, a giant killer fairy steps into the picture, and she's the only the one who can see it. Well, and Curtis, the boy who took her dragon slayer spot. Now it's up to Emma, Curtis, and her BFF's Loni and Tyler to stop it before something terrible happens.

Ashby delves into this story fully, and makes sure each of her characters and settings are realistic. Especially the slayer info, from the "sight" the teens all have, the skills they need to learn, and as well as where these mystical creatures are coming from. The setting jumps from the school, the mall (where those pesky fairies hang out) and a few other places for a brief periods of time, but each felt well described. The action is exciting, and I especially loved how amusing and creative some of Emma's fairy fighting techniques were. This is definitely a quick book to read through, but it has a lot of heart. If you're looking for a light, banter-filled story with kick-butt slayers, check out Fairy Bad Day!

Highlights: Ashby made this story fun and surprisingly realistic. I love how Emma's BFF Loni is smart and useful, her stepmom isn't really that bad, and et cetera (instead of falling into cliches, Ashby made them realistic and unique from one another). Even better, I adore how her family actually knows about everything Emma's doing at her school, including the slaying. I also really love how simple Emma's "romance" is - it isn't love at first sight, just a crush that takes some time to develop.

Lowlights: Maybe a bit too obvious at times, regarding the "surprise" moments. Emma's attitude was also a bit annoying at first, but I grew to enjoy her character as she developed more. 

Rating: 

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Buy it: Amazon / Book Depository
Release: June 7, 2011

Pages: 464 (hardcover)

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Source: Amazon Vine Program

Summary:

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

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

Thoughts: Blood Red Road is exciting and introduces a different style of writing that succeeds in creating a gripping and thoughtful story.

Narrated by Saba in writing that perfectly reflects her character, the story begins with Saba's life at Silverlake with her father, Emmi (sister), and Lugh (her twin brother). Saba herself comes across a bit unkind and very easy to dislike in the beginning, but her growth and gained maturity is  obvious throughout the story. Saba's broken knowledge of English shows on every page, but I eventually came to enjoy how the story was written in the way that she speaks - it creates an even more immediate connection to who Saba is and who she becomes. Emmi is another character that took some time to warm up to, but I ended up loving her personality. Lugh is one character we only know for a short time (which was a bit disappointing) but I had plenty of other characters to enjoy reading about. Secondary characters like the Free Hawks girls and Jack stand out and shine the way Saba does. 

The setting changes as Saba moves swiftly across the deserts of Silverlake, to Hopetown where gladiator-like battles take place, and the more unique Freedom Fields (as well as a few other intriguing places). Each new place Saba takes the reader blooms to life, and the possibility of danger at every turn made this story captivating to me. The storyline is both filled with exciting moments that will have you hooked, as well as slow, thoughtful moments too. Imaginations will run wild with Blood Red Road, and you'll definitely want more.

Highlights: Action. Adventure. More Action. Loss. Family. Love. These things are all at the heart of this story, and I love that. Even the romance, what little there was, did not take over the plot. This book is about coming of age, and about the crazy things you'll do for your family. I love a book with a plot that's actually worthwhile. This is by and far the most uniquely written story I've ever read. Plus, the characters are interesting (which is always a good thing).

Lowlights: I'm just curious how it all came to be, this society. I also thought a few aspects of the story were predictable. In addition, I almost gave up in the first 50 pages or so pages because I wasn't adjusting to the writing style/character - this story has a very slow start, but it does pick up the pace eventually.

Note: If you have issues with novels written in the voice of a character who really does not have the best diction, then you might want to check this one out at the library first (or read a chapter at the bookstore) to see if you'll be able to enjoy the writing. I thought I would hate this book, but I ended up enjoying how it was written completely in Saba's voice. 

Rating: