Book Sketch: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

IGNITE ME
By: Tahereh Mafi
Published By: HarperCollins
Release Date: February 14, 2014
Series: Shatter Me #3
Pages: 421
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

First Thought After Finishing: Tahereh Mafi has such a way with words. And characters. And did I mention words?

From the very first page of this trilogy, I have been hooked on the story. I can still remember all of the hype over the first book, and it was definitely there for a reason. After such a powerful second book, it would have been easy for this third book to fall flat, but it doesn’t. Instead, Tahereh Mafi surpasses herself and delivers an epic conclusion.

“I had been shackled, a prisoner in my own mind. But finally, finally, I have learned to break free…I am no longer afraid of fear, and I will not let it rule me. Fear will learn to fear me.”

Ignite Me starts just after the terrifying events of Unravel Me. Juliette may have been disoriented and believed her group to be defeated, but with the help of Warner, she soon discovers just how much work is left to be done and just how far she will have to push herself. With the help of a few favorite people, Juliette grows (by leaps and bounds) to become the heroine she never imagined she could be.

“And we are quotation marks, inverted and upside down, clinging to one another at the end of this life sentence. Trapped by lives we did not choose.”

Holy action and character development, Batman! This book has no shortage of either. Juliette, Warner, and Adam are put to test after test in this book—emotionally moreso than physically. I admired the way Juliette came to embrace her true nature and assert herself in the role she deserved. And Warner…are there even enough words to describe Warner? “Book boyfriend” and “More, please!” come to mind. I loved him in the last book (Chapter 62, anyone?) and I love him even more here. That probably makes it no surprise that I am not a huge fan of Adam. Honestly, I wanted to reach into the pages and smack sense into him. His petulance and reticence to recognize something bigger than himself annoyed me.

Fortunately, everyone else in the book made up for Adam’s defects. Kenji was as amusing as ever. He’s still the kind of guy BFF that every girl wants to have, and I would have loved to see him on the page more. And amidst all of the action—there are major battle preparations underway here—sparks are definitely flying. It’s no surprise why this book is called Ignite Me—the chemistry sizzles off the page and fuels the book.

“It’s the kind of kiss that inspires stars to climb into the sky and light up the world. The kind that takes forever and no time at all. His hands are holding my cheeks, and he pulls back just to look me in the eye and his chest is heaving as he says, ‘I think,’ he says, ‘my heart is going to explode,’ and I wish, more than ever, that I knew how to capture moments like these and revisit them forever. Because this. This is everything.”

Throughout this trilogy, the development of plot and characters, the tension and urgency, and the need to read “just one more page” (even in the wee hours of the morning…the night before a meeting…) never abate. It’s a testament to the characters and the author when love for a story can stay strong across years and even after the story’s conclusion, and that is exactly what happened here. Tahereh will also have more books in this world coming in the future, and I absolutely can’t wait to read more from her!

Most Memorable Aspect: Mafi’s writing style. She shows us the thoughts and emotions of her main character with a grace and brilliance few other writers achieve. Oh, and Warner. (Duh!)

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



This week's selection is:

PLEASE DON'T TELL
By: Laura Tims
Published By: HarperCollins
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Preorder the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Joy killed Adam Gordon—at least, that’s what she thinks. The night of the party is hazy at best. But she knows what Adam did to her twin sister, Grace, and she knows he had to pay for it.

What Joy doesn’t expect is that someone else saw what happened. And one night a note is shoved through her open window, threatening Joy that all will be revealed. Now the anonymous blackmailer starts using Joy to expose the secrets of their placid hometown. And as the demands escalate, Joy must somehow uncover the blackmailer’s identity before Joy is forced to make a terrible choice.

In this darkly compelling narrative, debut author Laura Tims explores the complicated relationship between two sisters, and what one will do for the other. It’s a story that will keep readers turning pages and questioning their own sense of right and wrong.



Why it's Wanted:
There's something intriguing about dark contemporaries, especially one that promises to have you questioning what you think is right. This book has the potential to be suspenseful while having a good story, which sounds like a great combination to me!

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: 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: Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley

PRETTY GIRL-13
By: Liz Coley
Published By: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 352
Genre: Thriller
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Reminiscent of the Elizabeth Smart case, Pretty Girl-13 is a disturbing and powerful psychological mystery about a girl who must piece together the story of her kidnapping and captivity.

Angie Chapman was thirteen years old when she ventured into the woods alone on a Girl Scouts camping trip. Now she's returned home…only to find that it's three years later and she's sixteen-or at least that's what everyone tells her.

What happened to the past three years of her life?

Angie doesn't know.

But there are people who do — people who could tell Angie every detail of her forgotten time, if only they weren't locked inside her mind. With a tremendous amount of courage, Angie embarks on a journey to discover the fragments of her personality, otherwise known as her "alters." As she unearths more and more about her past, she discovers a terrifying secret and must decide: When you remember things you wish you could forget, do you destroy the parts of yourself that are responsible?

Liz Coley's alarming and fascinating psychological mystery is a disturbing - and ultimately empowering page-turner about accepting our whole selves, and the healing power of courage, hope, and love.



I don't read thrillers often, but the combination of mystery and psychological elements in this one sounded like a promising read. One night I picked it up, expecting to read a bit before bed, and the next thing I knew, it was the wee hours of the morning and I had finished the book. Pretty Girl-13 is not a book to approach lightly; it is not as graphic as it could be, but the subject matter and events are certainly intense and at times twisted.

Thirteen-year-old Angela Chapman went to a Girl Scout campout...and never came back. Nobody knew what happened to her. But three years later, she shows up at her house with no memories from the time she's been missing. However, these memories aren't gone, but hidden by alters - fragmented identities her mind created to deal with the trauma. With a therapist, Angie works to discover what really happened in the past three years while also struggling to readjust to her "old" life. Her friends have changed, her crush has changed, even her parents have changed, and somehow she is expected to simply reassimilate. But her mind fragmented for a reason, and not all of the memories are easy to confront. Would she be better off not knowing after all? And if she does, will she ever be the same again?

I have mixed feelings about this book. Overall, I found it fascinating to explore Angie's dissociative identity disorder. The various personalities were in fact incredibly different, and as I got to know each of them, I found myself caring about all of them just like any group of characters. The process of uncovering each of these alters was difficult, and I simultaneously needed to know all of the details from the past three years and dreaded what would be revealed next. However, this story is almost like two stories in one: uncovering the alters and Angie readjusting to her old life. The people she knew and loved were different, and she had to forge new paths for herself. Once she accepted that, she was willing to do so, which I appreciated. In some ways she was brave, befriending the outcast, standing up for what she felt she should do, and even being willing to apologize or walk away when the situation called for it. And in the midst of this, I was glad that Angie was able to find friends, and also that she got to know Abriam. He was wonderful, just the kind of boy you want, and the one that she needed.

However, in some ways I also feel that this book didn't go far enough. Although Angie was strong at times, she was also spared some of the emotional trauma by not remembering what happened to her. Even though what she endured is something that nobody ever should, in some ways her suffering felt glossed over because it was not completely addressed. Even outside of what her alters remembered, there were things that Angie faced that I felt could have evoked a more emotional response in her. This book was definitely gripping, but the more I've thought about it since I read it, the more I wish that the book had dug deeper into the emotional side of things.

Despite wanting more, Pretty Girl-13 is one that summaries and analysis simply can't do justice. Rather, it has to be experienced, if you are in the mood for something dark like this. I will look forward to reading more from Liz Coley!

Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

UNRAVEL ME
By: Tahereh Mafi
Published By: HarperCollins
Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Series: Shatter Me (#2)
Pages: 461
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: Unravel Me is the second book in a trilogy. The following summary and review may contain spoilers for the first book, Shatter Me.

Goodreads Summary: tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.



Shatter Me was a striking debut, and I was very eager for this sequel. And Unravel Me surpassed my expectations, bringing back Tahereh Mafi's beautiful writing style and conveying a story that was emotional, full of revelations as well as action.

Juliette knows the power she has, but she has never been comfortable with it. Unable to touch anyone without fear of killing them, she had lived in isolation for years until Adam came along. Now things have changed for her, yet although she lives with others, she still feels cut off from them. Her touch has the power to be a formidable weapon, but she may have abilities even beyond what she knows. However, discovering them means embracing a darker side of herself, one that she's tried to keep hidden. In the meantime, even though she is in love with Adam, Juliette keeps finding herself thinking about Warner. Juliette knows that sooner or later she will have to choose who she wants to be, how far she will go, committing herself to Adam or entertaining the possibility of Warner. But what choice is the right one?

Hope.

It's like a drop of honey, a field of tulips blooming in the springtime. It's fresh rain, a whispered promise, a cloudless sky, the perfect punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.

And it's the only thin in the world keeping me afloat.

When I finished Unravel Me, all I could think is that there aren't enough words to describe this book. It took me a long time to compose any kind of coherent thoughts on the book, and it isn't often that I read something that leaves me so speechless. If you can think of good adjectives or adverbs, chances are that they can describe Unravel Me. Just like in Shatter Me, the writing is beautiful, the characters are complex, and the story is compelling. I was amazed by all the emotions that Juliette was able to give voice to throughout the story. More than once I found myself reading something and having to pause to reread and absorb the words on the page because a feeling had been captured in writing so perfectly. This book has so much emotional depth, but it is also setting the stage for what is sure to come in the third book. And yet there is still action here, more exploration of the gifts people at Omega Point have. It was interesting and sometimes surprising to see how all of these talents could work together.

"Because sometimes you see yourself - you see yourself the way you could be - the way you might be if things were different. And if you look too closely, what you see will scare you, it'll make you wonder what you might do if given the opportunity. You know there's a different side of yourself you don't want to recognize, a side you don't want to see in the daylight. You spend your whole life doing everything to push it down and away, out of sight, out of mind. You pretend that a piece of yourself doesn't exist.

You live like that for a long time.

For a long time, you're safe.

And then you're not.

Throughout Unravel Me, Juliette really begins to take control of and embrace her power. She becomes stronger, not only physically but also emotionally, as she realizes that she can define herself and that her life has value beyond her desired use as an indestructible weapon. Even though at times she makes choices out of fear, she also learns to face these fears. Then there are Adam and Warner. Throughout the book, I just wanted to hug them both. I love both of them, but for different reasons. With such well-written characters, it would be impossible not to love them, or at least be intrigued by them and touched by their actions and their feelings for Juliette. (I also realized that reading Destroy Me is a necessity, not just an option. Not because it's needed to understand the story, but because it's more Warner.) Kenji and James also make appearances, Kenji providing humor and James being the sweet kid that he always was, and I enjoyed seeing both of them again. Every element of this book worked together to create something truly incredible.

There are so many moments in this book that just have to be experienced. If you haven't read Shatter Me, move it to the top of your reading list, and if you haven't picked up Unravel Me yet, what are you waiting for? The beautiful writing alone makes these dystopian novels stand out from all the others in the market. I absolutely cannot wait for the third book in this trilogy!

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

PARANORMALCY
By: Kiersten White
Published By: Harper Teen
Release Date: Aug. 31, 2010
Series: Paranormalcy (#1)
Pages: 335
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Vampires. Werewolves. Faeries. Shapeshifters.

Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths, and even worse, that she is at the centre of a dark prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.



You know those books that you have on your shelf for a long time even after everyone has raved about it, and when you finally get around to reading it you wonder what took you so long? Paranormalcy was one of those books for me. The good things I'd heard about it were all true, and the book was so much fun to get lost in.

Evie works for the IPCA, the International Paranormal Containment Agency. She has a unique ability - she can see through the glamours of paranormal creatures, allowing her to identify and get information about paranormal creatures from vampires to werewolves to hags. Evie's been at IPCA for as long as she can remember, but working all the time and being the only teenager there makes for a lonely life. She wants to experience life like the teens on her favorite show, Easton Heights. But when there's a breach at IPCA, paranormals are dying, and there's a strange new boy currently being detained by IPCA, her life suddenly gets a little more exciting. Add to that falling for a shapeshifter and finding herself involved in a prophecy, and Evie realizes her life has never been more para-normal. Can Evie figure out who's killing all the paranormal creatures and figure out if the cute new boy actually likes her?

From the beginning, I was hooked on Paranormalcy because of Evie's voice. She loves pink and going shopping like any teenage girl, but at the same time, growing up around adults and working for the agency has given her a sharp wit. She's direct and sarcastic, which I loved, and her voice makes the whole book fun to read. And everything else made the book more enjoyable. A lot of standard paranormal creatures show up in Paranormalcy; some are what you would expect, but others Kiersten White has put her own spin on, especially faeries. By far one of the most unique creatures was Lend, who despite his abilities is also Evie's first real look into a normal life, one with high school lockers and all. Lend was an all-around good guy, despite what face he was wearing. Contrasted with him was Reth, a faerie and Evie's quasi-ex-boyfriend, and he always seemed to be more than he appeared. While his interactions with Evie had an uneasy feeling, Evie's time with Lend felt comfortable. They actually were friends before anything more happened, and it was so refreshing to see that.

Even during the downtime in this book, there wasn't a dull moment. The pacing was great, letting me finish the book before I even realized the ending was so close. There was a great balance of action, romance, world-building, and humor that left me wanting more of the book even after I'd finished the story. I need more of this world, and I'm very glad that all three books are already out.

Paranormalcy was a fantastic start to this trilogy. I read a preview chapter for the next book, Supernaturally, and right away the stakes are heightened again and I'm dying to know what happens. I can't wait to read more of this story!

Review: Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

SMART GIRLS GET WHAT THEY WANT
By: Sarah Strohmeyer
Published By: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: June 26, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 348
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren't the most popular girls in school, they aren't too worried. They know their real lives will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges. There will be ivy, and there will be cute guys in the libraries (hopefully with English accents)! But when an unexpected event shows them they're missing out on the full high school experience, it's time to come out of the honors lounge and into the spotlight. They make a pact: They will each take on their greatest challenge--and they will totally rock it.

Gigi decides to run for student rep, but she'll have to get over her fear of public speaking--and go head-to-head with gorgeous California Will. Bea used to be one of the best skiers around, until she was derailed. It could be time for her to take the plunge again. And Neerja loves the drama club but has always stayed behind the scenes--until now.

These friends are determined to show the world that smart girls really can get what they want--but that could mean getting way more attention than they ever bargained for. . . .



Smart Girls Get What They Want is one of those books that I thought looked cute, but then it ended up somewhere in the middle of my to-read stack. However, Anna from Literary Exploration recommended it (see her review here), so I decided to pull it from the stack. Overall I enjoyed the book, though I did have a few issues with it.

Gigi and her best friends Bea and Neerja can't wait to graduate high school and head off to college. They dream of success at Ivy League schools, the guys they will find there, and the way they'll finally come into their own. High school is only a stepping stool, a time to do work and ensure their future. But when they get a wake-up call that high school could be so much more, they decide to make the most of their time. Gigi faces her fear of public speaking and runs for student rep, Bea joins the ski team, and Neerja lands a role in the school play. After all, there's no reason they shouldn't get everything they want. But there's more at stake than just a high school reputation, at least for Gigi - her future reputation, and her heart, might also be on the line. She might be smart, but there's no textbook answer for life...

I'll be honest - the first third of this book was hard for me to get through. This wasn't because of the characters - I actually identified with Gigi right away, since I had her same attitude when I was in high school: almost everything I did was for the purpose of getting into a good college. Because of that, however, when Gigi was accused of cheating, I found the unfairness of the accusation extremely frustrating. In addition, in many ways it seemed borderline unrealistic that the characters had everything going for them, like elite prep school students on TV shows. But because a friend had recommended it, I kept reading, and I'm really glad I didn't put it down.

Gigi has a lot of admirable qualities. She was hardworking and dedicated, loyal to her friends, and willing to face her fears. The way she and her friends were willing to take risks was a good reminder that life is only what you make it (cliche, I know, but true). Bea and Neerja were great friends - friends I would have liked to have had - and I also enjoyed that they had different interests and weren't necessarily always together. However, Mike and Will surprised me the most. I wanted to dislike Mike but never quite could; at the same time, Will was almost too perfect. Aside from the characters, I really enjoyed the trivia sprinkled throughout the book as well as the Boston-suburb setting. Once I got into the heart of the story, the book was a quick read, because I wanted to know if Gigi and her friends accomplished what they set out to do. While I had originally thought the bok would be cute, it turned out to be much more than that.

This was my first book by Sarah Strohmeyer, but I'll certainly look forward to reading more from her in the future. If you like contemporary books that remind you to take risks and go after what you want, you'll definitely want to check this one out!

Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

BOUNDLESS
By: Cynthia Hand
Published By: Harper Teen
Release Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Series: Unearthly (#3)
Pages: 438
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: This book is the last in a trilogy, following Unearthly and Hallowed. The following summary may contain spoilers.

Goodreads Summary: The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.



I was excited to read this book, but it was also bittersweet. Unearthly is one of my favorite angel series, one of the few series in which the overarching battle between good and evil isn't black and white and the love triangle makes the story more intense rather than seeming trite. Boundless brought everything to a good end, though the road of getting there certainly wasn't easy.

Clara never imagined that her life would turn out the way it has. Since learning that she was an angel blood, things have revolved around her fulfilling her purpose, but now Clara can't help but think that there may be more, that there was an even larger purpose. But what will that mean for Christian and for Tucker? As Clara tries to navigate her future, she discovers that sometimes love - even love of family and friends - means sacrificing yourself...

I mentioned before that Unearthly is one of my favorite series, and so much of that has to do with the characters. Whereas Tucker and Christian shine in the other novels, in Boundless, Clara comes into her own, embracing her abilities as an angel-blood, surrendering to her purpose, willing to do whatever it takes to protect and care for those she loves. Clara has a difficult decision to make, choosing between Tucker and Christian. For once it wasn't just a choice between guys, but a choice between following her purpose and following her heart. There were moments in Boundless that were suspenseful, sad, and sometimes even heartbreaking, but there were also moments that made me smile and fall in love with the characters all over again.

There is so much I could say about this book, but I don't want to give anything away for this book or the previous two. Although I sometimes wanted to see more of some of the different events that happened, both to keep the series alive longer and to know more about the world itself, I loved the way everything came together. And even though this was the last book, Cynthia Hand was not out of surprises. She still had a few twists to throw at us, which heightened the stakes but also helped everything in the book come to a more satisfying conclusion.

If you haven't read Cynthia Hand's trilogy and enjoy books with angels, vivid settings, and great love interests, you should definitely pick these books up. And if you've started the trilogy, this is one that is definitely worth finishing. I'll miss this world, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Cynthia Hand writes next!

Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT
By: Veronica Rossi
Published By: HarperCollins
Release Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Series: Under the Never Sky (#2)
Pages: 341
Genre: Science Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: Through the Ever Night is the second book in the Under the Never Sky series, and the following summary may contain spoilers. To read my review of the first book, Under the Never Sky, click here.

Goodreads Summary: It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.



Through the Ever Night is proof that you shouldn't necessarily give up on a series based on the first book. Even though I had some issues with Under the Never Sky, those were resolved in this book. Rather than feeling confused about the world or disconnected from the characters, I was quickly drawn into the story and the worries and joys of the characters.

Unlike many sequels, Through the Ever Night picks up several months after the main events of Under the Never Sky. Aria has been on what might be an impossible mission, and Perry has been working to earn the trust and respect of the Tides. Finally they are reunited, but unlike the first book, when they were simply Aria and Perry, now neither of them can escape who - and what - they are. Aria tries to join in the life of the Tides, but as a Dweller, she's met with mostly suspicion. Even though she wants to stay with Perry, she can't help but wonder if they will truly be able to be a couple that the Tides can accept, especially now, when times are more dangerous than ever. The Aether storms are constantly growing worse, and the Tides are struggling more than they have before. Though Perry has to be Blood Lord, Aria still has her own mission, and as the days pass, she realizes that the only way she might be able to complete it is to leave the Tides - and Perry - behind.

Adventure, longing, expectation - these are only a few of the words that can be used to describe Through the Ever Night. From the very beginning, things are intense, and throughout the book even moments that could be sweet or relaxed still have an underlying sense of urgency. Survival is on everyone's mind - not just survival of self, but also survival of friends, family, friendship, and love. Aria and Perry have to work for this, and so do the others, especially Roar. Roar plays a large part in this book (but not as a second love interest for Aria, thank goodness), and I enjoyed getting to know him. He's an all-around good guy, though not without his own suffering, and in some ways I was more touched by his story than even Aria and Perry's. And one other character who came back in this book proved to be a pleasant surprise. After the disconnect I felt in the first book, it was nice to really get a chance to fall in love with the characters, to feel all of their emotions and truly experience their journey with them.

In Through the Ever Night, the stakes are higher, and life is even more complicated than it was in Under the Never Sky. Because of this, I especially liked reading from both Aria and Perry's points of view. Even though Aria and Perry had a journey in Under the Never Sky, in this sequel we see even more of the world and even have some of the history clarified. In addition, this book never lacks action, and it makes for a compelling read. However, the ending of this book did leave me anxiously awaiting the final book in the trilogy - I need to know how things work out for all of the characters!

Once again Veronica Rossi has crafted an inventive story, one that in my opinion far surpasses the first book. With only light touches of science fiction and dystopian elements, as well as memorable characters, this is a story that almost everyone can enjoy. I can't wait until next year to be able to read Into the Still Blue!

Review: Asunder by Jodi Meadows

ASUNDER
By: Jodi Meadows
Published By: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: Jan. 29, 2013
Series: Newsoul (#2)
Pages: 416
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: Asunder is the second book in the Newsoul series, and the following summary may contain spoilers. To read my review of the first book, Incarnate, click here.

Goodreads Summary: DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.



In the first book of the Newsoul trilogy, Incarnate, Jodi Meadows gave us a fresh take on a reincarnation story with a great blend of fantasy and romance. Asunder continues this; inside the gorgeous cover was a story that raised the stakes and made me fall for Sam all over again.

Ana is coming to terms with her life as a Newsoul, but that doesn't mean that everyone is. She is still seen as new and unknown by some people, and so it is easy to blame her for the events of Templedark. Despite the hostility she faces, however, Ana wants to help the residents of Heart. With Sam, she works to find an explanation for what happened during Templedark as well as a way to handle the sylph. Ana begins looking into research and histories, questioning long-held beliefs about Janan. But what she finds could change the way everyone thinks about life forever. However, some people don't want anything to change, and they will make sure their voice is heard. And if that isn't enough, Ana has one more question to answer - could she really be in love?

As I started Asunder, I was excited to be back in the world Jodi Meadows created. The world of Heart, though the city itself has its problems, is also an idyllic setting and a good backdrop for the story that unfolds. In Asunder, we get to delve deeper into this world and its history, which I enjoyed. Some of the questions from the first book begin to be answered, and I look forward to all of the answers in the final book of the trilogy. Beyond that, I loved getting to know the characters more. Ana is determined to thrive; she embraces the friends she's made, works diligently in her music lessons with Sam, and tries to do what she can for the community. Sam is once again wonderful in this book, and I couldn't help but love him. There is also a new character, Cris, who ended up surprising me in a good way. Even though there is some hostility toward Ana, I liked the sense of community that is also present rather than the book focusing exclusively on Ana and Sam.

Asunder didn't seem to have any of the problems that are often found in sophomore books. Instead, everything about the story intensified. Once again the writing was beautiful; I especially enjoyed some of the depictions of music that were scattered throughout the story. I do have to admit that I was occasionally frustrated with Ana and Sam, Ana for overthinking and Sam for being unnecessarily reserved and secretive, but I thought they both redeemed themselves by the end of the book. And with all of the new revelations that this book has, I cannot wait to see what happens in the final installment.

Asunder is one sequel that you definitely want to read, and if you haven't read Incarnate, then what are you waiting for? Jodi Meadows has done a terrific job creating a unique fantasy world and story that is by turns sweet, shocking, and thought-provoking. The last book of the trilogy can't come soon enough!

Review: The Dark Heroine by Abigail Gibbs

THE DARK HEROINE: DINNER WITH A VAMPIRE
By: Abigail Gibbs
Published By: Harper Voyager
Release Date: Oct. 11, 2011
Series: The Dark Heroine (#1)
Pages: 549
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon


Goodreads Summary: The sexiest romance you’ll read this year...

One moment can change your life forever...

For Violet Lee, a chance encounter on a darkened street draws her into a world beyond her wildest imaginings, a timeless place of vast elegance and immeasurable wealth – of beautiful mansions and lavish parties – where a decadent group of friends live for pleasure alone. A place from which there is no escape...no matter how hard Violet tries.

Yet all the riches in the world can’t mask the darkness that lies beneath the gilded surface, embodied in the charismatic but dangerous Kaspar Varn.

Violet and Kaspar surrender to a passion that transcends their separate worlds – but it’s a passion that comes at a price…



I first heard this book described as "Twilight meets 50 Shades." I love Twilight, I'm not opposed to reading books like 50 Shades of Gray, and I will probably always have a soft spot for vampire romances. I was looking forward to reading this book; however, overall I found myself disappointed with it.

When Violet Lee is caught witnessing a bloody massacre in London, she expects that she will be killed as well. But instead, the leader of the killing group takes her back to his house. That leader is none other than Kaspar Varn, who Violet soon learns is the heir to the throne...the vampire throne. Slowly she has to accept that there are other beings and worlds that she never imagined existed. As if that isn't enough, she's started hearing a voice as well as having nightmares of things that are really happening in other places. Even her father isn't the man she always believed him to be. And in the midst of all of this, Violet finds herself strangely drawn to Kaspar, despite all of the things she endures while staying at the Varn castle. Will Violet ever return to her life as a human, or will she choose to join a vampire world forever, despite the consequences it might have?

There were some good things about this book. The story itself has good ideas and was well-written, as well as showing another time of vampire world. Over the course of the book, Violet becomes a stronger character, willing to do what she feels is right to keep those that she cares about safe. Even though I didn't agree with Kaspar on everything, I did enjoy his character as I came to know him.

However, I found it difficult to really connect with the characters, and the book didn't really hold my interest throughout it. There were good scenes, but I found that other portions of the book were slow and not well-integrated into the story. I would have liked to have seen Violet have a friend that she could turn to rather than being so isolated. The ending of the book was promising for what could come in the next one, however.

I know other people have really enjoyed this book, so be sure to look at other reviews:

Once Upon a Twilight
Goodreads Reviews

Review: The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver

THE SPINDLERS
By: Lauren Oliver
Published By: HarperCollins
Release Date: Oct. 2, 2012
Series: None
Pages: 256
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Middle Grades
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different.

When Liza's brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul.

She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him.

To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers' nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests--or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever.

From "New York Times" best-selling author Lauren Oliver comes a bewitching story about the reaches of loyalty, the meaning of love, and the enduring power of hope.



I love Lauren Oliver's books, so even though this is MG rather than YA I wanted to give it a try. And I am glad I did. The Spindlers proves once again what a way Lauren Oliver has with words; the story is both imaginative and beautiful.

Liza has always been fascinated with stories of otherworldly creatures, stories told to her by her babysitter Anna. So when she wakes up one morning to discover that her brother Patrick is not really her brother Patrick anymore, she knows exactly what happened - the spindlers have stolen his soul. Knowing that her parents will be no help, Liza decides to go after Patrick's soul herself, which means going Below. Liza thinks she knows some of what she will find, but the world Below is even more vast and filled with more fantastical creatures than she could have imagined. Fortunately, she finds a friendly tour guide, and together with Mirabella she begins the journey to the land of the spindlers. But even if she makes it to the spindlers' land, can she really defeat the evil queen and rescue Patrick's soul?

Luaren Oliver packs so many good things into such a short book. Liza is a great protagonist and very authentic - she cares about her brother Patrick but has issues with her parents, she is afraid but willing to face her fears when necessary, and she is clever even though she makes mistakes. She also believes in the magic of stories, and her going Below really was like her stepping into a storybook. I enjoyed reading about her journey - there were plenty of tricks and turns, but there were also lighthearted moments, especially with Mirabella. In some ways aspects of The Spindlers had echos of other classic books, but Lauren's imaginative storytelling turned this book into a work that could stand on its own.

What really makes this book come to life is the writing style and vivid descriptions. I could clearly see the world Below as Liza experienced it; the descriptions turned fantasy into reality. I also enjoyed seeing so many inventive magical creatures in this book, especially the nocturni. With all that was going on, there was certainly never a dull moment in Liza's quest.

The Spindlers is a book thoroughly infused with magic and beauty; it is an entertaining read while also providing a good message. Readers of all ages will find something to enjoy in this story!