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.

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Harbinger
Sara Wilson Etienne
February 2nd ,2012
320 pages (hardcover)
Putnam JuvenileSource - Publisher (unsolicited)

Plagued by waking visions and nightmares, inexplicably drawn to the bones of dead animals, Faye thinks she's going crazy. Fast. Her parents beleive Holbrook Academy might just be the solution. Dr. Mordoch tells her it's the only answer. But Faye knows that something's not quite right about Dr. Mordoch and her creepy, prisonlike school for disturbed teenagers. 
What's wrong with Holbrook goes beyond the Takers, sadistic guards who threaten the student body with Tasers and pepper spray; or Nurse, who doles out pills at bedtime and doses of solitary confinement when kids step out of line; or Rita, the strange girl who delivers ominous messages to Faye that never seem to make any sense. What's wrong with Holbrook begins and ends with Faye's red hands; she and her newfound friends--her Holbrook "family"--wake up every morning with their hands stained the terrible brown of dried blood. Faye has no idea what it means but fears she may be the cause....

At Holbrook Academy, students learn to become better. That might sound nice to some people, but Faye isn't interested, even if she does have constant and unusual hallucinations. And so, Harbinger begins with a little intrigue and plenty of excitement. The strict confines and rules of Holbrook succeed in creating an immediate bond between the reader and Faye (along with her Family, other Holbrook residents that she is grouped with). Nothing is what it seems at Holbrook. The deeper Faye delves into its secrets and walks on the edge of her sanity, the more shocking revelations she finds. 
Sara Wilson Etienne's debut exudes an eerie feel and a pull that keeps its readers flipping the pages and eager for so much more. In Harbinger, just when you figure something out, another surprise surfaces to take hold of you. However, the tone of the story changes in the second half, and it becomes somewhat tedious to continue as everything is revealed in ways you may (or may not) expect. In the end, the truth will likely either fully satisfy or slightly disappoint readers¹. 
Highlights: The eerie feel kept me glued to the pages. You never quite know what character to trust, or even what's going on. Faye is instantly easy to side with, as well as the members of her Holbrook Family, yet even they make you wonder if you can believe them. Faye's visions were detailed and fascinating. All in all, Harbinger is a great mystery. 
Lowlights: It seemed like answers came too fast - I kept backtracking because I felt like I missed something. The last hundred or so pages just weren't up to par with the rest of the book. I didn't enjoy the twist, and I didn't believe in Kel as a love interest. 
Rating: 

1 I wasn't particularly fond of the ending and twist, but the story was undeniably intriguing. 

Cover + Summary from Goodreads

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

(Mini-Review)

Born Wicked 
Jessica Spotswood
Released: February 7th, 2012Pages: 330 (hardcover)Publisher: Putnam JuvenileSource: Unsolicited - Publisher

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave. 
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate stars scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. 
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood -- not even from each other.

The three Cahill sisters are witches, and only one mistake away from revealing themselves as such to society and the Brotherhood. Cate, our narrator, tries to keep her sisters safe and out of the public eye, but it can be tricky when her younger siblings seem to enjoy flaunting their magic for fun. Spotswood's writing excels with the Cahill sisters and their relationships with one another, and with the mysteries in the story. Each scene springs to life, and intriguing characters make this story all the more fascinating. Born Wicked is a wonderful debut with a surprising conclusion that will undoubtedly leave readers breathless and curious about the sequel. 
Highlights: One very intriguing twist at the end. The world Cate lives in seemed wonderfully developed alternate setting. Many characters (the Cahill sisters, Finn, Elena, Sachi, and Rory) in this story were intriguing enough to keep me invested in the story. The tension in the story - romantic tension, fearful tension - also made it difficult to stop reading. 
Lowlights: Slow start. Almost entirely predictable¹, and the romance seemed a bit rushed (but I did like the guy, so it didn't bother me too much). 
Rating: 

1 I tend to unravel how a book will end very early on. So, other people might find certain aspects more surprising than I did. 


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Image + Summary from Goodreads

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

The Faerie Ring
Kiki Hamilton
Released: September 27th, 2011
Pages: 352 (hardcover)Publisher: Tor TeenPOV: 3rd, alternatingSource: Publisher 

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold...read more at Goodreads. 

"Na síochána, aontaímid: For the sake of peace, we agree."¹

Tiki has the fastest hands in London. She makes life on the streets as bearable as possible by taking risks - if that means stealing from a dangerous drunken man or picking pockets, then so be it. But, when Tiki steals the Queen's ring from Buckingham Palace, the London she thought she knew turns upside down. Faeries are real. They're deadly, they want the ring, and they think Tiki knows exactly where to find it....
In some stories, fey are sweet. In Hamilton's The Faerie Ring, fey are deadly and intimidating. Anytime they make their presence known, feelings of curiosity and uneasiness arise regarding them. However, it's Tiki and her ragtag group of friends that make this story spectacular, not to mention some humorous moments. Tiki's caring and strong personality made her so easy to root for. While the plot may move in different directions, the story manages to be continuously intriguing and challenging to set aside. Everything about The Faerie Ring is enchanting, and it is a story well worth checking out². 
Highlights: Hamilton made me care about Tiki (a fellow fan of books!) and the other characters. The map was a great addition, and the shifting perspective was nicely done. Whenever I thought I had everything figured out, another surprise surfaced and pulled me back into the story. The historical setting was easily visualized and character relationships seemed authentic. Also, Rieker was awesome. 
Lowlights: A bit too clean and quick of an ending. The plot seemed to wander a bit. 
Rating: 
1 pg. 31 2 Seriously, just check it out. It's a great book!


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Image + Summary from Goodreads

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Anna Dressed in Blood
by Kendare Blake
Release: August 30th, 2011
Pages: 316 (hardcover)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Source: Publisher
Summary:

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill....read more at Goodreads.

Whatever you do, don't call Theseus Cassio "Cas" Lowood a ghostbuster. Ever since his father was murdered by a restless ghost, Cas has taken his father's athame and job killing ghosts - for good (which is totally not ghostbusting¹). When Cas gets a tip about a ghost locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas and his mother - plus her slightly evil yet useful cat, Tybalt - move to Thunder Bay. With a fresh voice and an extremely amusing personality, Cas makes this book shine. In addition to Anna - eerie, terrifying, and complex Anna - the two of them have a magnetic pull that kept me coming back for more.

I honestly was not expecting Anna Dressed in Blood to live up to the hype, but I knew I was wrong to have doubts after reading the first chapter. Cas is a complex narrator, and the budding relationships in the story drew me in. Fear, mystery, and great characters successfully drive this story. The plot moves from focusing on Anna to an even more intriguing and downright shocking mystery. You won't be able to guess where this story will take you next, despite a few hints. With eerie scenes, authentic characters, tantalizing mysteries and more, Anna Dressed in Blood takes your typical ghost story to the next level.

Highlights: Blake holds back nothing with her writing - she unabashedly writes gory scenes that will stay in your mind for weeks, presses the eerie feel of the story enough to give you the chills, and slips in quite a few surprises along the way².  
Lowlights: I would have liked a bit more development with the supporting cast of characters, but I imagine that will happen more in the next novel. 
Notes: There's murder, cursing, witchcraft, gore, blood, creepiness, and whatnot. Rating:   
     1 Who are we kidding, it's totally ghostbusting. But cooler. 2 Seriously, just go read this book. Give it a chance, because it's awesome. 

All You Desire by Kirsten Miller

All You Desire (Eternal Ones #2)
Kirsten Miller
Release: August 9th, 2011
Pages: 416 (hardcover)
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Publisher
Summary:

Haven Moore and Iain Morrow have been living a blissful life in Rome, an ocean way from the Ouroboros Society and its diabolical leader. But paradise is not to last. The mysterious disappearance of Haven's best friend, Beau, sends the pair running back to New York, where they encounter the Horae, an underground group of women who have spent centuries scheming to destroy Adam Rosier. Only they can help Haven uncover the secret to Beau's whereabouts in one of her past lives. But their help comes at a price: Haven must infiltrate the Ouroboros Society, charm Adam Rosier, and lure him into a trap. It's a plan the Horae believe will save the world-but Haven and Iain fear that it may destroy the happiness they've been chasing for two thousand years....summary at Goodreads.

Thoughts: Haven Moore has been living comfortably in Rome¹ with Iain Morrow ever since they first ran off from New York City a year ago. Life is perfect. Haven owns a successful clothing boutique² and she and Iain have no one to stand in the way of their love - but Haven can't shake the feeling that she's being watched, despite Iain's assurances that no one from the Ouroboros Society knows he's alive or where they both are. But when Beau disappears, Haven has no choice but to turn to anyone she can for help. Along the way, she discovers that not everyone is who they seem, and that there is more going on behind the scenes than anyone could ever guess.... 

In the end, All You Desire almost lives up to its title - despite a few issues, it had nearly everything I desired from this story, as well a few surprises. Even after all the time that has passed since reading The Eternal Ones, Miller successfully refreshed my memory without making the exposition too wordy or overwhelming. The descriptions of various settings were wonderful - from New York City to the ruins in Florence. Many of the characters managed to surprise and show more depth to their personalities, especially the mysterious Horae women, Iain's razor-sharp mother Virginia, Leah, and even Adam. The mystery surrounding Beau, Adam's intentions, and what the future holds in store for everyone blew me away.  

Highlights: Miller's descriptive writing and the mystery kept me from being able to set All You Desire aside - the addictive quality of this story is undeniable. Memories of past lives became an interesting aspect once again. Iain and Haven's romance was more believable to me in this novel, since they've been together for around a year³. The overall story surprised me - it was so full of shocking twists! I'm very curious about the next novel.

Lowlights: Once again, it's Haven. Haven isn't quite as gullible, but she's still gullible enough to almost drive me crazy. She's still the kind of girl who would believe anyone at all⁴. And okay, I just don't understand how a girl can get all distracted when she should be searching the streets for her missing best friend. I'd be hanging posters, knocking on (or breaking down) doors...come on, Haven. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 

1 Loved the descriptions of Rome & Florence - if only the entire story could have taken place abroad!
2 I adore how Haven has such an interesting hobby/career interest.
3 Sad to see how strained the relationship was in AYD, because of Adam.
4 Character flaws are fine, but not something as ridiculous as being overly gullible. Haven needs to start thinking more, instead of automatically trusting everyone. I had to rate this novel down from a high 4 out of 5 because of her character.