Review: The Program by Suzanne Young

THE PROGRAM
By: Suzanne Young
Published By: Simon Pulse
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Series: Program (#1)
Pages: 408
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.



This was my first book by Suzanne Young. I'd heard good things about her writing, so I was looking forward to this book. Even though I liked the premise, I had mixed feelings after finishing the book.

Keep your feelings to yourself, and don't let anyone see you cry. That's what Sloane has learned to do in order to avoid The Program. Ever since suicide became a national epidemic, anyone deemed at risk is taken for treatment and returns without their memories intact. Sloane lost her brother that way, but she's determined that she won't let herself or James be taken. As long as she and James have each other, they can avoid The Program. But with every day that passes, Sloane has more memories and more obstacles to face. As hard as she tries, she can only be strong for so long. But the consequences of breaking down are unthinkable...

At the beginning, I found the idea of suicide as an epidemic interesting, and I was curious to see how the government could prevent this. However, after reading the book, I can't help but feel that in many ways, the program creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. When people are so afraid of expressing emotions and aren't allowed to show sadness even when it's appropriate, it seems like a recipe for unnecessary treatment. However, this book was a good example not only of how you can only be so strong before something has to give, but also of the deep connections that can form in trying times. I loved how Sloane and James' relationship was portrayed in the beginning of the book. Even though he tried to take care of her, at times he was vulnerable and she was strong for him. It was clear how well they fit together (without insta-love), and there were certainly tender moments and heartbreaking moments that made me want to hug them both.

By the end of this book, I felt unsettled. The book is dark, which is expected given the subject matter, but it is more than that. As the book progresses, Sloane became an unreliable narrator, which was interesting in some respects but frustrating in others. It was hard to know who could be trusted, and even harder to know what the actual truth was. But because of this, I am curious to see what happens in the next book, and I'm certainly eager for more closure.

The Program is a different kind of dystopian novel, one that is much more driven by emotions than actions, but still engrossing nonetheless. I know there is so much more of the story for Sloane and James, and I am looking forward to seeing where the next book takes them.

Review: Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey

ASHES ON THE WAVES
By: Mary Lindsey
Published By: Philomel
Release Date: June 27, 2013
Series: None
Pages:
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Author
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Liam MacGregor is cursed. Haunted by the wails of fantastical Bean Sidhes and labeled a demon by the villagers of Dòchas, Liam has accepted that things will never get better for him—until a wealthy heiress named Annabel Leighton arrives on the island and Liam’s fate is changed forever.

With Anna, Liam finally finds the happiness he has always been denied; but, the violent, mythical Otherworlders, who inhabit the island and the sea around it, have other plans. They make a wager on the couple’s love, testing its strength through a series of cruel obstacles. But the tragedies draw Liam and Anna even closer. Frustrated, the creatures put the couple through one last trial — and this time it’s not only their love that’s in danger of being destroyed.

Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling poem Annabel Lee, Mary Lindsey creates a frighteningly beautiful gothic novel that glorifies the power of true love.



I wanted to read Ashes on the Waves from the first time that I heard Mary Lindsey talk about it. I love Poe and I love retellings, so a retelling of Poe's poem Annabel Lee with Celtic mythology added in sounded like the recipe for a great book. And it was.

Liam has lived a hard life on the island of Dochas. Crippled from birth, he is shunned by the other inhabitants and haunted by the wails of Bean Sidhes. The only happiness he knew was when he played with the heiress Annabel Leighton as a child. But at seventeen, he had resigned himself to only seeing Anna in magazines. But one day Anna returns to the island, exiled there by her family. With Anna back on the island, Liam is once again happy. But there are forces threatening to tear them apart, both human and otherworldly. Will their love survive all of the trials that they are forced to endure? And more importantly, will they?

If you have read Mary Lindsey's first book, Shattered Souls, you may think you know what to expect in Ashes on the Waves. But Mary has truly outdone herself with this book. From the very first page I was transported to the mystical island where the love story of Liam and Anna unfolded. There were Poe quotes at the beginning of each chapter that set the stage and told the story in their own way, and out of them grew a wonderfully tragic narrative. The writing is both lyrical and vivid, and everything about the island came to life in a story that I didn't want to put down. Even though Anna and Liam seem like an unlikely pair at first, you can't help but be swept away by the depth of their love. The story is told from Liam's perspective, and his devotion to Anna as well as the hard life he's lived and the way he overcomes it make him completely swoon-worthy.

In addition to the sadness that pervades this book, there is also magic and mythology. I liked the portions for Muireann's perspective, and I loved how the real and fantastical worlds blended. The magic world housed a lot of secrets, and I enjoyed uncovering them along with Liam and Anna. Despite everything that happens, there is always an undertone of hope, reinforcing the idea that love never dies. I hated turning the final page, because even though I knew that the story was over, I still wanted more.

Ashes on the Waves is a beautiful, haunting novel. It is definitely a not-to-be-missed read!

Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagaway

THE ETERNITY CURE
By: Julie Kagawa
Published By: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Series: Blood of Eden (#2)
Pages: 434
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Netgalley
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: This book is the second book in a series, following The Immortal Rules. The summary and review may contain spoilers for the first book.

Goodreads Summary: Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.



The Immortal Rules was one of the books that takes vampires from appealing, lust-inducing creatures back to bloodthirsty creatures. But some have more humanity than others, and it was learning about the characters that made The Immortal Rules so engaging. Once again Julia Kagawa has created a story where pages seem to fly by and surprises wait just around the corner.

It's hard to say much about this book without giving anything away, and part of its appeal was its ability to keep me surprised. For most of the book I thought I knew what would happen, but Julie Kagawa managed to thwart many of my expectations. The story really expanded in this book, connecting characters in different ways. As the plot spins out with slow momentum at times, we get to know the characters in new, deeper ways. Kanin had intrigued me in the first book, and I was very glad to see him again in this book. I love mysterious characters, and Kanin fits the role perfectly. Throughout the book, it was interesting to see how vampires could find moments of humanity and humans acted evil at times. There is no shortage of tension and danger in this book, and we learn a lot about the characters seeing how they handle everything.

Allison had a different set of struggles in this book than in the last one. With her Hunger mostly under control, she could focus on a different problem - what kind of vampire would she be? And what would she do about her feelings with Zeke? Allie tries to do what she thinks is right, but it isn't always easy. As she tries to discern the right course, she learns more of the history and secrets that were only hinted at in the first book, and it was interesting to put all of the pieces together. Though there are new characters, there are also many that return - often in unexpected ways - and the stage is perfectly set for Allie to finish the journey that she started.

The Eternity Cure is a great sequel to The Immortal Rules, though the ending may be a form of cruel and unusual punishment. I can't wait for the final book in the trilogy to see how everything is resolved!

Review: Easy by Tammara Webber

EASY
By: Tammara Webber
Published By: Berkley Trade
Release Date: Nov. 6, 2012
Series: None
Pages: 310
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reading Level: New Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night - but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.



After there was so much buzz about Easy last year, I decided that I had to get a copy for myself. It took me too long to read it, but I'm so glad I finally picked it up. Easy is more than just a romance, or a book dealing with a serious issue. Both of these things together combined into a book that I fell in love with.

Jacqueline thought she knew what course her life was going to take. She followed her boyfriend to college and would have been happy to be with him forever. But shortly into her sophomore year, she finds herself dumped, outside of her formal social circle, and struggling to keep up her grades in her economics class. One night she leaves a Halloween party early and alone, never expecting what one of her ex's frat brothers tried to do, but a savior materializes seemingly out of nowhere. Jacqueline doesn't think she'll see the savior again, but as it turns out, he's in her economics class. At her roommate's advice, Jacqueline begins playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Lucas. But she's also been emailing Landon, the tutor for her economics class. She has a connection with both, but Lucas is definitely rebound material. Only there's something he's hiding, something Jacqueline thinks she needs to know. What will Jacqueline be willing to risk for the chance of love?

In some ways, Easy in several stories combined into one. Jacqueline deals with her heartache after being dumped, she deals with the aftereffects of the attempted rape, and Lucas comes to terms with his own past. I loved how these three different things ended up overlapping and it became a book in which the romance was something both characters needed, not just wanted. And all of the characters really made this book. I especially enjoyed how many different types of people this story brought together. Jacqueline isn't perfect, but she is relatable, and over the course of the book she grows into someone strong who follows what she wants in life. Both Lucas and Landon are capable of stealing your heart. I loved reading Jacqueline's emails with Landon, but Lucas was always intriguing and, as the one who saved Jacqueline in the beginning, was definitely easy to fall for. Jacqueline's roommate Erin was just the kind of friend she needed, and the kind you would want to have. Even one of Erin's sorority sisters had me cheering for her at one point.

This book definitely has its sexytimes, but for the most part, they're fueled by a genuine connection, which made everything better. Easy also deals with the tough subject of rape. I think it was handled well - there are aftereffects even from the attempt, and that event does help shape Jacqueline in the book rather than it being brushed off. With everything that happens in this book, it is nothing short of intense. Even though I wanted to enjoy the book, in some ways I couldn't read it fast enough. I just wanted to know that all of the characters would end up being okay, but then I didn't want to let them go when I was done.

When I started Easy, I expected an enjoyable romance, but this book is so much more, and so much better, than that. I can't wait to read more from Tammara Webber!

Review: The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

THE LUCY VARIATIONS
By: Sara Zarr
Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Lucy Beck-Moreau once had a promising future as a concert pianist. The right people knew her name, her performances were booked months in advance, and her future seemed certain.

That was all before she turned fourteen.

Now, at sixteen, it's over. A death, and a betrayal, led her to walk away. That leaves her talented ten-year-old brother, Gus, to shoulder the full weight of the Beck-Moreau family expectations. Then Gus gets a new piano teacher who is young, kind, and interested in helping Lucy rekindle her love of piano -- on her own terms. But when you're used to performing for sold-out audiences and world-famous critics, can you ever learn to play just for yourself?

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr takes readers inside the exclusive world of privileged San Francisco families, top junior music competitions, and intense mentorships. The Lucy Variations is a story of one girl's struggle to reclaim her love of music and herself. It's about finding joy again, even when things don't go according to plan. Because life isn't a performance, and everyone deserves the chance to make a few mistakes along the way.



As a musician, almost any book that involves music, and especially one with a piano on the cover, is a must-read for me. Even though this book is about more than just music, the way music factored into Lucy's story has stuck with me and left me thinking about my own career even after finishing it.

From an early age, Lucy had a promising career as a concert pianist - then she walked away from everything. But she still can't escape a musical family. Now, her younger brother Gus is the promising musician in the family, subject to their grandfather's management. When her brother gets a new piano teacher, Will, he poses a question to Lucy - does she want to play again? Lucy knows it can't be that simple. But the more time Lucy spends with Will, the more she wonders if it might be just that simple after all. However, even if she wants to play again, would her grandfather ever allow it? More importantly, what is it that would actually make her happy?

"You couldn't to be be that kind of happy all the time. She knew that.

But sometimes, you could. Sometimes, you should be allowed a tiny bit of joy that would stay with you for more than five minutes. That wasn't too much to ask. To have a moment like this, and be able to hold on to it."

The Lucy Variations cane be read on two different levels. From a musician standpoint, it was about finding your musical niche, whether that is performing, teaching, or another related area. It was a reminder to draw inspiration from the world around you, to bring your heart to the music, and always remember why you have the passion for it. For me, this reminder came at a very good time. Like Lucy experiences, with all of the pressure in the musical world, it's easy to lose sight of love for music, but when your heart is gone, the music suffers. However, from a non-musician standpoint, it's about finding your own way, finding your own passions, and not letting your family or others control your life. Lucy's journey is an emotional one as she tries to figure out what she truly wants.

There were a few other issues in this book in addition to music. Zarr explores family relationships: parent/child (and grandparent/grandchild - and there were a few times I wanted to strangle her grandfather) and sister/brother, as well as a different side to student/teacher relationships. Lucy walks a fine line with Mr. Charles and also with Will. Still, Will helped to give Lucy the kind of coaching and also the friendship that she needed, and it was hard not to swoon over him. In addition, this book mirrors life in the way that a lot of things are left unresolved at the ending. I want to know more about these characters, and how things worked out for Lucy, but this book was also a great snapshot of a pivotal part of Lucy's life.

"Music, her grandfather always told her, was language. A special language, a gift from the Muses, something all people are born understanding but few people can thoroughly translate.

She could, he'd told her.

Listening and playing were two different things; each involved its own kind of translation. She listend now, and translated.

The leaves. Their naked feet. Her grandmother's freed hair. Her grandfather's almost-touch.

Yes, the world was beautiful.

But music made that beauty personal.

Nothing else could do that. Nothing."

The Lucy Variations is a story that continues to make me think, and it offers something for anyone who reads it. Even though this was my first Sara Zarr book, it definitely won't be my last.

Review: If I Should Die by Amy Plum

IF I SHOULD DIE
By: Amy Plum
Published By: Harper Teen
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Series: Revenants (#3)
Pages: 405
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: If I Should Die is the third book in a trilogy, following Die for Me and Until I Die. The following summary may contain spoilers.

Goodreads Summary: I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?



The conclusion of a trilogy is always bittersweet. I was really excited to read this book because I've loved this trilogy, but at the same time I wasn't quite ready to let go of the characters and the world. Even after reading it, I'm not sure that I'm ready to say goodbye, but alas, the time has come.

Since moving to Paris and meeting Vincent, Kate has discovered that a world she never imagined exists alongside the world she's always known. Revenants - people who died in place of others, and still die to save others - live among humans, working to keep tragedies from happening. Being in love with a revenant hasn't been easy, but Kate is determined that she won't lose Vincent. But in a battle between good and evil paranormal forces, what can one human do? Kate doesn't know, but she will do her best to find out and give the fight everything she has. After all, a love like hers and Vincent's is once in a lifetime...

Did I mention before that I love this trilogy? There's something so romantic about Paris, and I can't help but love a guy who's willing to sacrifice himself. But even more than that, I have enjoyed this story and the cast of characters. Vincent's family of revenants is a family that I would want to be part of: Large, joking and playful, but most of all loyal and loving. In addition to revenant kindred, in this book, Kate's family plays a large role, and I liked how the worlds finally intersected. As much as I love Vincent, Kate is the one who truly shines in this novel. Her determination, strength, and love give her the resources that she needs to fight for the family she cares for, and she does. Also, throughout the book, we learn about the last part of the revenants' world, namely the connection between revenants and guerisseurs (healers), and with this history comes even more magic, which I enjoyed.

Although I loved this book, there were two things that bothered me. Even though I liked the way everything turned out, one surprise seemed fairly obvious before it happened. Also, I didn't understand why Jules needed to be in love with Kate, even after reading the novella Die For Her. Something about that connection was lacking to me. Still, everything else about this book kept me glued to the page, dying to know what would happen to Kate and Vincent.

I have to admit that I will miss the world of revenants, especially Vincent, but I am looking forward to seeing what Amy Plum writes next. If you haven't read any of her books, they are must-reads - Revenants is a trilogy that you will fall in love with.

Review: Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler

RAPTURE PRACTICE
By: Aaron Hartzler
Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: April 9, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 400
Genre: Memoir
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: TLA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Aaron Hartzler grew up gay in a home where he was taught that at any moment Jesus might come down in the twinkling of an eye, and scoop his whole family up to Heaven. As a kid, Aaron was thrilled by the idea that each day might be his last one on planet Earth. He couldn't wait to blastoff and join Jesus in the sky!

But as he turns sixteen, Aaron finds himself more and more attached to his life on Earth, and curious about all the things his family forsakes for the Lord. He begins to realize he doesn't want the Rapture to happen, just yet; not before he sees his first movie, stars in the school play, or has his first kiss. Before long, Aaron makes the plunge from conflicted do-gooder to full-fledged teen rebel.

Whether he's sneaking out, making out, or at the piano playing hymns with a hangover, Aaron learns a few lessons that can't be found in the Bible. He discovers the best friends aren't always the ones your mom and dad approve of, and the tricky part about believing is that no one can do it for you.

In this funny and heartfelt coming of age memoir, debut author Aaron Hartzler recalls his teenage journey to find the person he is without losing the family who loves him. It's a story about losing your faith, finding your place, and learning your very own truth--which is always stranger than fiction.



Rapture Practice is a memoir, though one that reads much like any other YA coming-of-age story. Ordinarily I don't read memoirs, but I was intrigued by the idea of life lived in a house that was constantly preparing for the second coming of Jesus, and I had a friend's recommendation, so I decided to give it a try.

Rapture Practice chronicles Hartzler's childhood, including some early memories but especially focusing on his time in high school. In the beginning, there's a clear picture of his family life: They are devoted, ultra-conservative Christians who are committed to being ready for the Rapture. Aaron embraces this and doesn't question it - until he does. From that point, the novel begins reading less like a memoir and more like a work of fiction, though with an unmistakeable honesty. Hartzler becomes almost two people - the person his parents expect him to be, and the person that he wants to be. Throughout the book he tries to reconcile them, but the journey is very emotional.

It's hard for me to talk about a book like this without addressing the religious aspect. I am Christian, though I don't agree with a good portion of the theology presented in the book, but that's a post for a different blog. However, because of that, it seems almost impossible that Hartzler wouldn't have "rebelled" given all of the restrictions placed on him in the name of religion. But what I appreciated was that it wasn't rebellion for rebellion's sake - though in some respects he acted from a desire to be like others around him, he also questioned what was being taught to him and, in my opinion, had some excellent points. Questioning faith can be hard, and shifting your worldview can be even harder, and this story, though at times funny or frustrating, was above all emotional and empowering. You can - and should - choose who you want to be in life, and Aaron Hartzler captures the journey quite eloquently.

At its heart, this memoir speaks to family and friendships, and how to make the most of these relationships while still embracing who you are as a person. It is moving and thought-provoking, and definitely a book worth reading.

Review: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

INVISIBILITY
By: Andrea Cremer and David Levithan
Published By: Philomel
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 358
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.



Andrea Cremer is one of the authors on my auto-buy list, and I knew that a book co-authored by her and David Levithan would have to be good. Even those the books of these two authors are nothing alike, this collaboration works quite well. Invisibility is a great blend of a fantasy world and a contemporary story, and after the final page I couldn't help but feel sad that the book was over already.

Stephen has been invisible for his entire life. He was born that way because of a curse, but he never knows any more details than that. He's adjusted to life on his own, existing in the world without truly being part of it, but he finds ways to keep busy. Then Elizabeth moves into his apartment building, and to Stephen's immense surprise, she can see him. At first Stephen tries to keep his secret, but once Elizabeth learns the truth, she and her brother Laurie make a pact to find out more about Stephen's curse. But the curse brings them into a hidden world of magic, one that is much bigger that Stephen's individual curse. As they learn more, they come to realize how much danger Stephen faces. And when Stephen's grandfather arrives in town, Stephen knows he was an important choice to make - fight for his freedom, or live cursed forever...

"'This is the beginning of something,' she says. 'Neither of us knows what, but that's okay. What matters is that it's the beginning of something. You feel that, don't you?'

I do. And that's just as surprising as being touched, as being seen."

Even though Andrea and David alternated chapters, the story flowed seamlessly, and the authors seemed to feed off of each other to make one cohesive story. One of the things I loved about this book is how well I felt like I knew the three main characters. I enjoyed the chapters alternating points of view so that both Stephen and Elizabeth's stories were told. Their emotions were so vivid and my heart broke for them and the sense of isolation they felt. Once they met, I really enjoyed seeing their relationship progress. Even though Elizabeth was the only one who could see Stephen, they were still friends first, which was refreshing amid all the insta-love books. Even without the paranormal aspect, Stephen and Elizabeth seem made for each other, drawn together by a fragile vulnerability and a longing for someone who would simply let them be as they were. Another central character the the story is Laurie, and he is, in a word, awesome. He's also a comedian, a voice of reason, and a good friend and brother. I also liked Saul and Millie, especially the devotion they shared. I would have liked to have seen even more of them.

I liked how magic was gradually introduced into the reality of this story, and I wanted to know more about this world - all of the history of cursecasters and spellseekers. Andrea always creates rich worlds, and Invisibility was no exception. This, combined with David's knack for contemporary writing, led to some really beautiful moments in the story. Then again, with two fabulous authors writing one story, you really can't go wrong.

Even though this book is a standalone, I know that there could be more books in this world. I will secretly hope for that while continuing to read Andrea Cremer and David Levithan's other books!

Review: The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE CURSED
By: Page Morgan
Published By: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Series: The Dispossessed (#1)
Pages: 352
Genre: Historical Fiction / Paranormal
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: After a bizarre accident, Ingrid Waverly is forced to leave London with her mother and younger sister, Gabby, trading a world full of fancy dresses and society events for the unfamiliar city of Paris.

In Paris there are no grand balls or glittering parties, and, disturbingly, the house Ingrid’s twin brother, Grayson, found for them isn’t a house at all. It’s an abandoned abbey, its roof lined with stone gargoyles that could almost be mistaken for living, breathing creatures.

And Grayson has gone missing.

No one seems to know of his whereabouts but Luc, a devastatingly handsome servant at their new home.

Ingrid is sure her twin isn’t dead—she can feel it deep in her soul—but she knows he’s in grave danger. It will be up to her and Gabby to navigate the twisted path to Grayson, a path that will lead Ingrid on a discovery of dark secrets and otherworldly truths. And she’ll learn that once they are uncovered, they can never again be buried.



I have to admit that I was first drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover and the sound of the title - I am a sucker for gorgeous covers. But I was hooked by the synopsis. I loved The Phantom of the Opera, and any books set around that time in Paris are books I want to read. Add in gargoyles and I knew this would be a book I would like.

After a scandal in London, Ingrid Waverly is eager to escape to Paris. She wants a fresh start, and she also wants to be reunited with her twin, Grayson. She didn't expect to be living in an abandoned abbey surrounded by gargoyles, and she certainly didn't expect to learn that Grayson was missing. Though the Paris police think Grayson is just on an adventure of his own, and though there have been mysterious disappearances, Ingrid knows that Grayson is alive and that he needs help. But her search for him will bring her into a world that she never imagined existed - one in which gargoyles are alive and assigned to protect people. However, Ingrid's own gargoyle, Luc, might end up being a little more than just a gargoyle to her. But with danger all around them, magic in the air and rules surrounding gargoyle protection, can they be anything to each other? And can they find Grayson before his time runs out?

The Beautiful and the Cursed is such a sweeping story, reading just like a beautiful, classic novel. Aside from a few POV shifts, it was easy to get caught up in the writing and feel like I was there on the historic streets of Paris with Ingrid, Luc, and Gabby. I lost myself in the world of gargoyles and magic. There was a rich history surrounding the gargoyles and quite an elaborate world that Ingrid and Gabby found themselves in, and I enjoyed learning all of this background. In some respects, things felt historically authentic - I found myself wishing they could all dispense with propriety rules a few times - but in others, the characters challenged the standards of that society. I especially enjoyed Gabby and her interactions with Nolan. Gabby was no ordinary society lady; instead, she wanted to fight and be fully involved in the new world. I also liked seeing her relationship with Nolan develop alongside the relationship between the one between Ingrid and Luc - they were both different but still interesting and sweet.

Although I did love Luc - after all, who wouldn't want a gargoyle like him protecting them - I have to admit that the "I love you, but I can't be with you" construct is becoming overdone. Still, there was so much else in the story that I was able to overlook this. A few moments were predictable, but with the world-building present it left me wanting more and eager to see where Page Morgan takes these characters next.

If you like historical fiction combined with magic and writing you can be swept away by, then The Beautiful and the Cursed is the book for you. I look forward to reading more from Page Morgan!

Review: Golden by Jessi Kirby

GOLDEN
By: Jessi Kirby
Published By: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 288
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: TLA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Love, tragedy, and mystery converge in this compelling novel from “an author to watch” (Booklist).

Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap—one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery—she decides to take a chance.

Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz are remembered as the golden couple of Summit Lakes High—perfect in every way, meant to be together forever. But Julianna’s journal tells a different story—one of doubts about Shane and a forbidden romance with an older, artistic guy. These are the secrets that were swept away with her the night that Shane’s jeep plunged into an icy river, leaving behind a grieving town and no bodies to bury.

Reading Julianna’s journal gives Parker the courage to start to really live—and it also gives her reasons to question what really happened the night of the accident. Armed with clues from the past, Parker enlists the help of her best friend, Kat, and Trevor, her longtime crush, to track down some leads. The mystery ends up taking Parker places that she never could have imagined. And she soon finds that taking the road less traveled makes all the difference.

So much for normal.



Last year I read Jessi Kirby's novel In Honor. In Honor was one of my favorite books of 2012, so I was extremely excited for Golden, and Golden is definitely one of my favorite books of 2013. Jessi Kirby is a masterful writer, with books that make you feel the entire range of emotions within a single story.

Parker Frost is a model student and daughter, doing exactly what is expected of her, following her mother's plan for her to get into Stamford and go to medical school. But as her senior year goes by, Parker starts to think that perhaps she is missing out on something after all, just like her best friend Kat has said. Kat challenges Parker to do one thing, to take one risk, and Parker has an opportunity she never expected. As an English TA, she has to mail journals from ten years ago back to their authors. However, when one of those journals is from Julianna Farnetti - a girl who died in a horrific car crash - Parker can't help but read it. She never expected to find the story that she does within the pages. As Julianna's story unfolds, Parker realizes that there are always things that you don't know about others, and that she has to find the plan for her life that will make her happy. But what is her path?

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" This question, a quote from a poem posed by Parker's English teacher, resonates throughout the book. As the story unfolds, Parker is constantly confronted with this question, almost like a challenge - from her mother, who expects a certain answer, from her best friend Kat, who wants Parker to take a chance, from the pages of Julianna's diary, as Julianna begins to find her own path in life, and finally from herself, and she realizes that she doesn't have to have her life set in stone already. Parker is such a relatable character. Throughout the book I felt like I was reading not only about my high school self but also the person that I am now. Golden made me think in a way that few books do. I loved everything about this story, from the Frost quotes and references at the beginning of each chapter and scattered throughout the story to the diary entries from Julianna. Orion is definitely swoon-worthy, and Trevor adds some humor to an otherwise deep and poignant story.

What makes Golden so moving isn't just the story itself, but how it is written. Jessi Kirby writes scenes and interactions that are beautiful, heartbreaking, sweet, touching, and just perfect. Between her way with words and the descriptions she gives, she manages to evoke all of the feelings. Once again she's written a book that will make you think, make you want more, make you cry, but in the end make you smile. This book will be one that I recommend to everyone.

Golden is a story that will definitely stick with me for a long time and has officially made Jessi Kirby an autobuy author for me. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Review: Supernaturally by Kiersten White

SUPERNATURALLY
By: Kiersten White
Published By: Harper Teen
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Series: Paranormalcy (#2)
Pages: 336
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: Supernaturally is the second book in a trilogy. The following summary and review may contain spoilers if you haven't read the first book, Paranormalcy.

Goodreads Summary: Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be...kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.



I really enjoyed Paranormalcy because of the plethora of paranormal creatures, but mostly because of Evie's voice. The book was a fun read, and I was eager to pick up this sequel and see how Evie's story continues. The story became darker in Supernaturally, but I loved getting to know the characters more and becoming more invested in the world.

Evie grew up working for IPCA, the International Paranormal Containment Agency, tracking down and tagging paranormal creatures. She longs for a normal life like the ones she watches on TV, but once she gets it, not even her high school locker can make up for the lack of excitement. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the paranormal world isn't done with her. When a strange (but annoyingly endearing) boy shows up and she is offered the chance to work for IPCA again, she takes it. But this time Evie is fighting more than just paranormal creatures - she's fighting her conscience, her self. And the fact that the faeries are still involved in her life can never be a good sign...

If you haven't read Paranormalcy, you are missing out on one of the funniest kick-butt heroines in YA books. Evie's voice is unique, direct and humorous, and these books are worth reading for that alone. She's the kind of girl you'd want in your circle of friends, while at the same time feeling real, alternating between strength and insecurity, independence and needing a friend, maturity and trying to figure out what exactly she wants out of life. In Supernaturally, Evie is facing more than she ever thought she'd have to; she has tough choices to make, and even though I didn't always agree with them, she faces the consequences when she has to. And she certainly has her hands full in this book with Jack. He is one of those people that grows on you, that you want to be annoyed with but in the end you can't. There's just something about him, like with Reth. I love that with all of these characters there is more than meets the eye, and the chance to finally learn all of the secrets makes me excited to read the last book.

As much as I love the characters, I couldn't help but feel that in a lot of ways Supernaturally fell into the general archetype for sophomore books. Even though the book was still an enjoyable read, I wanted to be more surprised than I was. I liked the character development, but I wanted more action or more twists. I'm hoping that the third book brings back the excitement level of the first.

Supernaturally (or Paranormalcy) is definitely a book to pick up when you're looking for something fun with great characters. I can't wait to see how everything wraps up for them in Endlessly!

Review: Losing It by Cora Carmack

LOSING IT
By: Cora Carmack
Published By: William Morrow
Release Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Series: Losing It (#1)
Pages: 288
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance
Reading Level: New Adult
Source: Borrowed
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Virginity.

Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren’t embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She’d left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.



As much as I love the idea of New Adult, this is actually the first New Adult book that I've read. From the synopsis it sounded like a fun afternoon read, and it was. I read it in one sitting, and it was just the mood lifter I needed at the time.

Bliss Edwards has gotten what she wanted out of her college education, except for one thing - she's still a virgin. Determined not to graduate that way, she heads to a bar with her friend Kat to look for a guy, any guy, who can be a one-night stand. She meets Garrick, who is reading Shakespeare at the bar and has a British accent. He's the one, she knows it...only she finds herself leaving him naked in her bed with a flimsy excuse. She thought that was behind her...she never expected to see him turn up as her new theater teacher the next day. Bliss would love nothing more than to ignore him, but she's not sure she wants that either. The more time she spends with him, the more she thinks she might be developing feelings for Garrick. She knows that he is off-limits, and once play rehearsals start, she knows she is in trouble, but love is one thing that can't be scripted...

"Like a key into a lock, my body fell into his, fitting perfectly. With my head on his chest and his arm around my shoulder, I took a deep breath and knew there was no going back."

From the beginning, Bliss was a down-to-earth character, thinking she knows what she wants but trying to figure out at the same time. She's not perfect - throughout the book she made some definite mistakes - but she definitely seemed real. As for Garrick, as much as I love tortured, tragic heroes with dark pasts that they have to overcome, I have to say that I loved that the tension in this book came from something else. The student/teacher relationship that's forbidden (yet completely understandable in this situation) was fun to watch play out. The chemistry sizzles between Bliss and Garrick. Let's be honest, you can't go wrong with a literary British man. Beyond that, he actually was a great guy, very caring toward Bliss and willing to go along with things that she wanted, but not so nice as to be over-romanticized. I also loved the role that the theater major played in this book. Watching Bliss with her friends reminded me of the times spent with fellow music majors in college - the laughs and fun that the characters shared definitely brought back good memories.

Speaking of friends, this review wouldn't be complete without mentioning Cade. He was certainly an interesting character, and I'm excited that the next book focuses on him, because I'm certainly looking forward to seeing how things turn out for him. Even though Cade kept this book from being completely happy, there were still plenty of laughs, moments that made me smile, and overall was the cute read that I had been hoping for.

I really enjoyed this new adult novel, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the genre. If you are looking for a quick, enjoyable read that's older than YA, definitely check this one out. I can't wait to see what happens in Cora Carmack's next book!

Review: Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC
By: V.C. Andrews
Published By: Pocket Books
Release Date: First published 1979
Series: Dollangagner (#1)
Pages: 389
Genre: Gothic
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Such wonderful children. Such a beautiful mother. Such a lovely house. Such endless terror!

It wasn't that she didn't love her children. She did. But there was a fortune at stake--a fortune that would assure their later happiness if she could keep the children a secret from her dying father.

So she and her mother hid her darlings away in an unused attic.

Just for a little while.

But the brutal days swelled into agonizing years. Now Cathy, Chris, and the twins wait in their cramped and helpless world, stirred by adult dreams, adult desires, served a meager sustenance by an angry, superstitious grandmother who knows that the Devil works in dark and devious ways. Sometimes he sends children to do his work--children who--one by one--must be destroyed....

'Way upstairs there are four secrets hidden. Blond, beautiful, innocent struggling to stay alive....



I saw this book mentioned on a list by another author one day, and having never picked up V.C. Andrews, I thought I would give the books a chance. Though slow at times, this book is one of those disturbing stories that you don't forget easily.

Cathy, Chris, Cory, and Carrie Dollanganger had a happy life filled with love and attention, until their father was killed in a tragic car accident. Left in debt and without a way to support herself, Corinne, their mother, moves them all in the dead of night back to her parents' house. However, Corinne's father can't know about her children, so she and her mother hide them away in the attic. Corinne promises her children they will only be there for a short time, telling them that there is a large fortune at stake and that soon they can inherit it and have everything they ever dreamed of. Only days stretch into weeks, and weeks stretch into months, and still the children remain locked in the attic. Eventually, Cathy and Chris realize that they cannot trust their mother, and their grandmother will never help them. If they are ever to escape the attic, they will have to take matters into their own hands...

Flowers in the Attic is not an easy book to read for several reasons. From the beginning the writing style was very different from many of today's YA novels. Even though I knew this and was prepared for it, I couldn't help but be thankful that most YA books from today read much faster, with much more character-appropriate descriptions and dialogue. Beyond the writing style, though, this book was difficult to get my head around. I am not a mother, but I can't understand how a mother could lock her children away in an attic for months at a time just to try and earn back an inheritance. I can't understand how the grandmother took religious fervor to such an extreme, or how she didn't want to treat her grandchildren better. And finally, at the risk of including spoilers here, this book involves incest. This book is many things - dark, disturbing, something you can't look away from - but definitely not easy or lighthearted at any point.

At its heart, however, Flowers in the Attic is a story of survival. It was interesting to see the imagination that went into making the attic a home and finding ways to pass the time, but it was still painful to see the deterioration of all of the children, to think of how they weren't growing physically or mentally, and how much they were missing out on. Cathy and Chris tried to make the best of a bad situation, turning into mother and father for Cory and Carrie. In some ways the change in their relationship is understandable, but to be honest, I find the similar portrayal in Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma to be more convincing.

Reading V.C. Andrews, and especially this book, almost seems like a rite of passage. Though it is a difficult read, it is an experience and a story that I won't easily forget. If you are looking for something slightly disturbing, different from other things that are out there, Flowers in the Attic may be worth picking up.