The Sweetest Dark - Shana Abé

Titel: The Sweetest Dark
Author: Shana Abé
Series: The Sweetest Dark #1
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 352
Publication Date: April 2, 2012
Source: ARC






“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.”

Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.

Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves.

***

I didn't read a single review before I started The Sweetest Dark which means I had no idea what kind of magic I was about to witness - and I'm so glad I didn't! I'll make sure this review contains no spoilers of any kind, including the essence of the magic.

Those nights, in the sweetest dark, we shared our dreams.

It took me a while to get into the story, mainly because I didn't like Lora - She is a vicious bitch most of the time She's just not a very pleasant person. She did grow on me, however, and the more she got involved with the other characters, the more I liked her; she stopped being annoying for the purpose of being annoying and started defending herself only when necessary. Her past is revealed bits by bits and shows a strong and determined girl whose distrust is easily understood.

I completely and utterly adore Jesse - he is amazing and his music is so beautifully described, I can hear it every time I think of him. I like Armand too, but it took me a while longer to care for him. Even though the summary makes it seem like there is going to be a classic love triangle this is not the case! The feelings between the characters are slowly developed, they seem realistic and at the same time they seem unbelievable. It's so beautiful and captivating.

The ending is perfect, yet heartbreaking and left me both wanting to read the next book right away and rereading this book all over. 

The writing is absolutely stunning! It's poetic at times, compelling and hauntingly beautiful. I loved every second I spent reading this book and I felt like I was right there with Lora, being a part of everything she went through.

I could smell the coming summer still, just as I had my first evening here, as I'd stepped from the train. It was warmer and lusher now, less a tinge in the air than a sultry blossoming. It traveled across the sea and laced through these woods. It slipped up my arms and neck and face and kissed me with the faintest hint of bitter salt.

Let's talk about the magic! It's unlike anything I have ever read about and I felt like I once again was a part of times gone by; back when someone read fairy tales out loud to me and I could dream away to the soothing voice. It was beautiful, amazing and quite an adventure. Being able to mix WWI, boarding schools, class differences, magic and love without ever making it seem unnatural or weird is some achievement. Shana Abé is a brilliant story teller and I can't wait to read the next in this series. The Sweetest Dark has my highest praises!

Fragments - Dan Wells

Titel: Fragments
Author: Dan Wells
Series: Partials #2
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 564
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Source: ARC

Earlier in the series: Partials.




Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?

Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.

***

Since I adored Partials my expectations for this one were huge! Thankfully Dan Wells wrote an amazing sequel which I loved from the very beginning.

Kira is so my kind of protagonist! She is strong, but sensitive. She sticks to her opinions and isn't afraid of being herself. She's also very independent but she's getting better at letting other people have a say. She goes through a lot in Fragments and starts doubting herself at some point, but still manages to keep her integrity and her hopes intact. I simple love her. Her journey with Afa, Heron and Samm is super exciting and shows the reader just how screwed up the world has gotten.

Both Kira's journey and Marcus' battle 'back home' has surprises and twist I did not anticipate, but it was awesome! If a writer knows how to surprise the reader, I'm a fan! The humor in the story is just as great as the last one and especially Marucs was hilarious (I may be biased, since I really like him and his part in the story).

Marcus froze, suddenly realizing why the voice sounded so familiar. "Kira?" "Hey, babe," said Kira. "Miss me?" "What?" Marcus stumbled for words. "Where are you? What's going on? Why is Dr. Morgan looking for me?" "Probably because she wants me," said Kira. "The good news is, she has no idea where I am." "Well that's a relief," said Haru derisevely. "I'm so glad Kira's safe." Marcus thumbed the radio button. "Haru says hi."

The entire story is intriguing and even though a lot of questions are answered, just as many new ones pop up - it left me wanting more. The pace is a bit slow at times without the story being boring. The story is, however, a bit more detailed and thorough about the science and the reasons behind the crisis than most in the YA dystopian genre, but that only made me love it more.

The Partials series is quickly becoming one of my favorites!

Partials - Dan Wells

Titel: Partials
Author: Dan Wells
Series: Partials #1
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
Pages: 468
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Source: Bought





The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them--connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

***

Partials has everything I want in a great dystopian novel and then some; amazing writing, awesome characters, great world building and a lot of surprises,

I really like the protagonist, Kira, although she's a bit pushy at times. But she's also smart, energetic and not afraid to speak her mind. She changes so much trough the book and I'm sure her change continues during the second book - seems that way to me. There are so many different characters in this book and I got to know all of them pretty well. I especially adored Marcus; he's so much fun.

"Well, thanks for not shooting anyone, I guess," said Marcus. "My contribution was to somehow refrain from peeing myself. You can thank me later." (s. 344)

The story has a great balance between action and touchy-feely-stuff. There's a lot of considering and planning, but it gets us through a lot of emotions, including love and betrayal. There's a lot of politics, but it works so well and doesn't get boring at all. It just all comes together.

Both the story and the world in the book is coherent - you can really sense how much work Dan Wells put in to it - no plot holes at all! I loved reading about a dystopian world so close to our own time - it makes it scarier in some way. The book may appear to be about saving humanity (which it is!), but it's also about believing in yourself and fighting for what you believe in. Kira chases the truth as much as she chases a cure and she fights hard for her case. She's very idealistic, yet not unrealistic. I just plain love her :)

I'm gonna start the next in the series as soon as possible - Dan Wells has a new fan!

Winter's Passage - Julie Kagawa

Titel: Winter's Passage
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #1.5
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 49
Publication Date: June 1, 2010
Source: Bought for Kindle

Earlier in the series: The Iron Knight





Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck - Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon - who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter - a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat..

***

Winter's Passage is a nice short novella, telling the story between The Iron Knight and The Iron Daughter. It starts out with a summary of the last book, which is kind and great if it's been a while since you've read it and if you, like me, have a really bad memory!

I didn't really care for Meghan during The Iron Knight and frankly nothing really changed in the short story. She is so pathetic most of the time. Yes, she honors her promise and follows Ash to Winter Court, but she doesn't do anything besides whine during the entire journey. She so passive and expects Ash to do everything and take care of her. Ugh, take some responsibility! Besides, I really don't understand why Meghan left without a sweater. I mean, she knew she was going to Winter Court - was she expecting a lot of sunshine? She is freezing her ass off (obviously) only 'cause she's stupid. Sigh, I really don't like Meghan!

Ash, on the other hand, I kind of like. He struggles with his feelings for Meghan - they shouldn't be together and feelings aren't really appreciated at Winter Court. Yet, he can't stay away from Meghan. But once again she shows how dumb she is; even though he explains to her, why he has to keep a distance, she constantly questions his feelings and intentions. Ugh, I still don't like Meghan. No need for Captain Obvious!

The story is action packed and rather enjoyable. The writing improved even if it isn't as good as The Immortal Rules. It's recommendable, if you want to know more about Meghan and (especially) Ash.

When Copper Suns Fall - KaSonndra Leigh

Titel: When Copper Suns Fall
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Series: The Lost Immortals #1
Publisher: TriGate Press
Pages: 370
Publication Date: September 11, 2012
Source: Author






It has been fifty-five years since the angels of the Apocalyptic War attempted to wipe out humanity. Now a new nation has been built where alchemy is forbidden, and angels fear for their lives as they hide among the mortals. The city’s leaders share one view on the ancestors of angels: shoot first, no questions. 

When her twin brother falls into a strange coma, sixteen-year-old Chela Prizeon vows to discover her role among these exiles, the royal angels known as the Lost Immortals. Chela’s only hope lies with the mysterious, but infuriating leader of a rebel group. But can she trust this boy, someone who can control her dreams and her heart.

Escape into a world filled with celestial creatures, fascinating villainy, high-stake choices, and forbidden romance

***

Despite the fact that I don't really like book about angels, I said yes when I was offered this book for review. It just sounded so awesome - I had to give it a try. 

I wasn't impressed by the beginning and for a while I actually thought about quitting the book - I just couldn't get into the story. Obviously the author needs the reader to know about the setting, but I just felt shot down by information about the war, the angels, the society and Chela herself. It was so confusing and I didn't connect with Chela at all. She seemed so indifferent to me and most of the time she didn't seem to care about anything but Micah. It seemed like she created trouble for the sake of trouble and I didn't get why. Actually, a lot of things happen in the beginning that I didn't understand - maybe I'm slow - but I though the setting was confusing, the protagonist was annoying and there were no plot anywhere. Not much reason for me to keep reading..

Enter Faris. Suddenly, I wanted to keep reading, keep learning about this guy. He gave Chela something to do, besides get in trouble. He gave the story depth and life. He was swell. Yeah, I really liked Faris and, as the only character in the book, I felt like I got to know him. He's awesome and he kept surprising me.

Chela matures through the book and I ended up really liking her, which really surprised med (I seriously didn't like her in the beginning!). Despite the fact that Micah is more or less a no-show, he's constantly in her thoughts and a big part of her actions and I didn't get that until the end. Well, I got the part about the coma and all, but he just pops up at weird times, I think.

There are so many different character and so many names to remember and I just couldn't do it. A couple of times I had to go back to find out who certain people was and that sucked (especially on a Kindle). But Seht and Jalen were special, important and worth remembering. I liked both of them and I loved that Chela had more than a classic love triangle. 

The angel part turned out to be quiet fantastic and even if I hadn't liked it, there is so much more going on in the story - different powers, different abilities - I loved it! The setting really has some potential once you get it.

When Copper Suns Fall has a slow start and I had to get use to the writing. It's not bad (most of the time) but every once in a while it get a bit dense. The story has a few surprises to it and it did not end the way I thought it would - I loved that! The last half of the book was amazing, filled with action, real emotions and personal growth. And even if the book doesn't end with a major cliff hanger, I'm so excited for the next book about Chela.

The Iron King - Julie Kagawa

Titel: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 363
Publication Date: February 1, 2010
Source: Bought






Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war.

***

I haven't read a lot of books about faeries so my expectations for The Iron King where non-existent. And yet, the book was in no way how I hoped it to be.

Meghan is the most annoying protagonist. She is pathetic, whiny and incapable of doing anything by herself. It gets better throughout the book, but she still needs to be put in extreme situations before taking any responsibility and initiative. I really don't like her! Puck is my favorite character - well, most of the time, anyway. He gets kind of annoying, because he tries to be funny, but most of the time, he really is funny. Ash is a mystery to me - I think he's supposed to be cold on the outside and deep and sensitive on the outside. I just don't buy it. He's boring, plain and simple.

And Grimalkin - the talking cat. Seriously, this book! A girl wanders in to another world, gets advice from a cat, travels through a strange and magical world and in the end, faces evil - ring any bells? This is Alice in Wonderland mixes with A Midsummer Night's Dream. But Meghan lacks Alice's desire for adventure and her courage. What could have been so awesome was almost ruined by the protagonist.

The love story doesn't do anything for me either. No depth and no real explanation as to why Meghan falls for this guy, she just does. And he's such an ass toward her, but still she wants him. Makes no sense to me! A love triangle is hinted but I don't see how that will work - Meghan shows no interest in Puck as anything but a dear friend and a love triangle isn't created unless the protagonist doesn't know who to pick. (Or maybe I missed something? Enlighten me, please).

Obviously the book has some positive sides as well. I have been rather harsh so far. I liked the writing. Julie Kagawa is an excellent writer and she makes me want to walk beside Meghan on her journey to enjoy the wonderland she created. The creatures, the surroundings and the adventures are amazing. I especially loved the iron part of the book and must admit it was the settings that made me keep reading. I will be reading the second book of the series and, fingers crossed; maybe Meghan will grow on me.

Sweet Evil - Wendy Higgins

Titel: Sweet Evil
Author: Wendy Higgins
Series: The Sweet Trilogy #1
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 453
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Source: Bought






Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

***

If I don't like the protagonist, I have a very hard time liking the book which is my exact problem with Sweet Evil; I hate Anna! She is so damn annoying, way too sweet and innocent and there is absolutely no progress throughout the book. She just remains this blue-eyed little girl with a mayor crush - yawn! And the crush part I don't get - how can she fall in love with a guy, who treats her like that and who's job sucks (from girlfriend POV, probably not from Kaidan's).

Kaidan is almost as boring as Anna. He’s supposed to be the bad guy, but I just never feel it - he just seems like an ass! He treats Anna horribly and I don't get why she likes him. Seriously, the love story in Sweet Evil ain't that sweet.

I really loved Anna's adoptive mother, Patti, in the beginning. She was protective, loving and careful right up till the point where she sends her daughter of on a road trip with the son of lust. Huh? Talk about irresponsible. It doesn't seem like her at all and it's just wrong!

Kope I liked - a lot. The love triangle thingy doesn't work, but I liked his personality and the choices he makes.

I very much liked the idea about angels, demons and the different kind of dukes and I would have loved this book had Anna and Kaidan been the slightest bit interesting. Unfortunately most of the story is about their road trip. Anna's ability to see emotions as color is awesome and mostly I just really want to read the story with different main characters - I think it could have been amazing. 

I'm still considering reading the next in the series in the hope of character development. I mean, come on - you can't have that great a premise and keep destroying it with lack of character building! Wendy Higgins, I'm rooting for you :)

MILA 2.0 - Debra Driza

Titel: MILA 2.0
Author: Debra Driza
Series: MILA 2.0 #1
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 480
Publication Date: May 12, 2013
Source: ARC from publisher









Mila was living with her mother in a small Minnesota town when she discovered she was also living a lie.
She was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was never supposed to remember the past—that she was built in a computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.
Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much, and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology.
Evading her enemies won't help Mila escape the cruel reality of what she is and cope with everything she has had to leave behind. However, what she's becoming is beyond anyone's imagination, including her own, and that just might save her life.

***

Mila was a great protagonist. Her emotions, doubts and sorrows seem more real than most teen's in YA literature which says a lot about how great an author Debra Driza really is. Making an android seem human and still never letting the reader forget that it is in fact an android is kind of awesome. Unfortunately, I had some problems with, well, almost all other characters in the book and their relationship with Mila. 

The love interest in the story starts out great, but I never really got to know the boy, Hunter. Yet throughout the entire book Mila keeps obsessing about him and missing him. I kept hoping for him to have a bigger role and actually be part of the story, but alas! I assume it's because Mila tries to hang on to something normal and teenage love is certainly normal, but come on - she just found out she can't trust anything or anyone, but for some reason she trusts Hunter. It just isn't right. 

The mother-daughter relationship is somewhat shallow and the evil guy is kind of cliché, although he is more cruel than most bad guys. The only character I like, except from Mila, is Lucas. He is interesting and quite adorable and I loved his relationship with Mila. 

The story is very well written and I especially loved the fighting scenes - they were riveting and Mila kicks some serious ass! I loved reading about her thoughts and concerns about her humanity, particularly when she encounters Holland (the very bad-ass bad guy).

I adored the humor. Mila is very sarcastic and so funny and I laughed out loud several times! When is the next book published? I want to know what happens to Lucas!! Driza's debut novel is an amazing story about what makes a human and what doesn't and if you like reading about androids and awesome fighting scenes, you should really check it out.

Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi

Titel: Under the Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
Series: Under the Never Sky #1
Publisher: Atom
Pages: 374
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Source: Bought






WORLDS KEPT THEM APART. DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.
Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

***

I'm not sure why Under the Never Sky remained unread on my shelf for such a long time - it may have something to do with the fact that I really dislike the cover and my eager to read the book stops every time I see it. I don't know. Anyhow, I finally got to it and I'm so glad I did - it's awesome (and really, you can't even see the cover when the book is open anyway).

The POV changes between Aria and Perry and it works quite well. I got to know their feelings and thought and to be honest I probably wouldn't have liked either of them, if I hadn't gotten to know them that well. They both act like idiots at times. I liked Aria almost immediately. She's brave, stubborn, sensitive and very confused. She changes a bit throughout the book, but the real changes lies with Perry. It took me quite some time to like him and I never cared for him the same way I did Aria. He's very interesting, but I just don't get his need to become Blood Leader and it's never really explained. It just seem annoying and weird to me.

I adored both Roar and Cinder - so great and so different. Roar is bold, funny and he's a perfect counterpart to the moody Perry. Cinder is so different and exiting and I wanted to learn more about him.

I loved the whole dystopian world, I was introduced to. It's really cool and Veronica Rosse has done a great job at making this world so real. The story both has dystopian and sci-fi elements - the technology is very important to Aria, who lives in a world almost without reality and Perry, who leaves completely without technology in a place where reality often gets to close. They are so different and yet they have to make things work between them during their journey.

""Fine," she said, and frowned. Monosyllabicism. An Outsider disease, and she'd been infected." (s. 137) 

I love how the relationship between Aria and Perry develops very slowly and even though we all pretty much knows how it will end between them, their journey with and toward each other is very exciting. I mean, they start out like enemies og have to learn to trust each other. It's a long struggle, but I liked it. No rush, just how it would have happened in real life.

The writing is lovely and drew me right in between the pages (my very favorite place to be). I have to read the next one in this series. Now, please!

Pushing the Limits - Katie McGarry

Titel: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits #1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 397
Publication Date: July 31, 2012
Source: Free Kindle Read






No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

***

I've read tons of great reviews so my expectations before starting this book were through the roof. Besides, I think most books about teens with problems are either shallow or lecturing and I hoped for something better. Thankfully Pushing the Limits was amazing.

Echo is an incredible protagonist. She's sensitive, loving, broken, confined and strong. She doubts herself a lot without ever being annoying - it actually makes sense that she feels like that. She is easy to like and her struggle to recover her lost memory is so riveting.

I'm not a big fan of Noah. The part of the story about him and his brothers makes him seem so callous and very self-centered. And he just seems so dumb at times, like when it comes to doing drugs. Noah is a teenager which means he thinks about sex ALL the time and it gets boring, just like constantly being told how great Echo smells and how perfect she is - I'm not stupid, quiet repeating. But thankfully Noah changes around Echo and when he changes, I like him! Suddenly he is the perfect guy and I enjoyed reading about him.

I LOVE Mrs. Collins. She is awesome and I adored her sense of humor. She tries to be hip and smart which is so funny and at the same time she shows patience and trust and she understands. Every teen should have a Mrs. Collins in their life.

The POV changes between Noah and Echo which works great most of the time. Unfortunately, some of the chapters end with some sort of a cliffhanger and the next chapter starts up with a different POV at a later time and just get a short explanation of what happened. It annoyed me - I want the story when it happens. (That sounds weird; I really hope you understand what I mean).

Pushing the Limits is very well written and feelings just pouring out of the pages. No insta-love, but a beautiful, believable and heartbreaking love story filled with hope, beauty and courage.

The Holders - Julianna Scott

Titel: The Holders
Author: Julianna Scott
Series: Holders #1
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Pages: 320
Publication Date: March 5, 2013

17-year-old Becca spent her whole life protecting her brother from, well, everything. The abandonment of their father, the so called 'experts' who insist that voices in his head are unnatural and must be dealt with, and the constant threat of being taken away to some hospital and studied like an animal. When two representatives appear claiming to have the answers to Ryland's perceived problem, Becca doesn't buy it for one second. That is until they seem to know things about Ryland and about Becca and Ryland's family, that forces Becca to concede that there may be more to these people than meets the eye. Though still highly skeptical, Becca agrees to do what's best for Ryland.

What they find at St. Brigid's is a world beyond their imagination. Little by little they piece together the information of their family's heritage, their estranged Father, and the legend of the Holder race that decrees Ryland is the one they've been waiting for. However, they are all--especially Becca--in for a surprise that will change what they thought they knew about themselves and their kind.

She meets Alex, a Holder who is fiercely loyal to their race, and for some reason, Becca and Ryland. There's an attraction between Becca and Alex that can't be denied, but her true nature seems destined to keep them apart. However, certain destinies may not be as clear cut as everyone has always believed them to be.

Becca is lost, but found at the same time. Can she bring herself to leave Ryland now that he's settled and can clearly see his future? Will she be able to put the the feelings she has for Alex aside and head back to the US? And can Becca and Ryland ever forgive their father for what he's done?

***

You know those books who stay with you long after you've read the last page? The kind of book you want to re-read the second you finish it. The Holders is that book for me. I adored it from the very beginning. It's almost a mix of X-men and Ireland which is just perfect!

The writing is amazing and I had a hard time putting the book down (sleep and food is overrated, right?). Even though the story has a slow pace at times, it's still riveting and filled with Irish myths and life on a boarding school.

I loved Becca. She is an awesome protagonist. She is so much fun and very sarcastic, but she is also friendly and hardheaded. Becca is very smart and I loved finally reading about a protagonist, who dares to speak her mind and who doesn't depend on anybody. I adored the chemistry between Becca and Alex - they are so funny together and their friendship develops slowly and realistically. Their relationship is predictable, but I stilled loved being on the side watching them getting to know each other and falling in love. Their conversations and inside jokes are fantastic.

Almost all the people in this book have depth and individuality and I cared for most of them. My favorites were Min, Mr. Reid and Mr. Anderson - I loved their bickering and weirdness.

My only real problem with this book was the cover - It just doesn't do anything for me. Had I seen it in a book store I probably would have ignored it and that's such a shame - guess I need to stop judging the books by their covers, huh? Anyway, read this book - you won’t regret it!

The Selection - Kiera Cass

Titel: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 327
Publication Date: April 4, 2012








For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

***

I was really looking forward to read The Selection, but unfortunately I didn't love it. I obviously knew that the story had a lot of dresses, jewelry and gossip (I mean, look at the cover), but I thought and hoped it would have more depth.

I didn't care for Ameria! She keeps saying she hates the castes but still talks about them a lot and she can't introduce a new person without a number. She's told over and over again that she is gorgeous, but never believes it. I hate protagonists like that - seriously, accept a compliment already!

"Everyone here looked like a One. I looked like a Five in a nice dress." (s. 122)

Neither of the guys was over-the-top-amazing, but I loved how the relationship between Maxon and America develops. No insta-love, but a sweet friendship slowly turning in to something more. They are so funny and relaxed with each other.

I adore dystopian novels, but in order to write a story like that, you need to provide a lot of information and Kiera Cass doesn't. I ended up with a million questions about History books, rebels and the population. The story has so much focus on girly-stuff and it hurts the story (well, it hurts me - I want to know more about this world, it sounds really amazing).

The writing is kind of boring and I got sick of sentences starting with 'And'. Also, the names annoys me - America Singer (guess her profession), Prince Maxon (kept reading it as Max-On!), Aspen and Tiny (who isn't actually big). It's cheesy!

Even though there aren't really any story to speak of, the story ends with a 'cliffhanger' which leaves me with no other choice than reading the next one - I need answers! The Selection isn't amazing, but it's an easy read on a boring Sunday afternoon.

Blaze (or Love in the time of Supervillains) - Laurie Boyle Crompton

Titel: Blaze (or Love in the time of Supervillains)
Author: Laurie Boyle Crompton
Series: -
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 322
Publication Date: 2013
Source: ARC from publisher





Blaze is tired of spending her life on the sidelines, drawing comics and feeling invisible. She's desperate for soccer star Mark to notice her. And when her BFF texts Mark a photo of Blaze in sexy lingerie, it definitely gets his attention. After a hot date in the back of her minivan, Blaze is flying high, but suddenly Mark's feelings seem to have been blasted by a freeze-ray gun, and he dumps her. Blaze gets her revenge by posting a comic strip featuring uber-villain Mark the Shark. Mark then retaliates by posting her "sext" photo, and, overnight, Blaze goes from Super Virgin Girl to Super Slut. That life on the sidelines is looking pretty good right about now...

***

I can’t quite decide what I think about Blaze (the character, not the entire book). She is incredibly naïve and doesn’t listen to anybody, even if those people only want what’s good for her. She doesn’t know how to say no to Mark and she lets him cross her lines over and over again. I just don’t get it! But then again – she is a teen trying to find her boundaries and she has been an outsider forever and suddenly a very hot guy gives her a lot of attention – she is probably bound to be confused. I just get a little tired of her jumping through hoops for him and suspecting nothing.

I HATE Blaze's friends. Well, I hate Amanda and dislike Terri. Amanda is absolutely awful! She doesn’t care for anyone but herself and she is so mean toward Blaze (Seriously, who takes a picture of a friend in sexy lingerie and send it to that persons crush? That should end a friendship!) I don’t really care for Blaze's mom either. She is so immature and she shouldn’t be blaming Blaze for her husband leaving her. I’m very glad she isn’t a bigger part of the story!

I adore Josh and his friends, the soccer cretins. They are so much fun and typical young teenage boys. They are partly the reason for the last star. The other part of the reason is the humor. This book is so much fun! The comic book references fit perfectly and Blaze, Josh and the soccer cretins are hilarious.

Blaze grows a lot through the book, but it takes a long time. It isn’t till the end that she learns something. The book is about trusting yourself and knowing your identity but it is also about bullying both online and in person. It was a great read and I’m sure I will enjoy more books from Laurie Boyle Crompton in the future!
I read an ARC and therefor didn’t have the pleasure of seeing the drawings which will be in the finished copy. I did see some of them on other blogs and they were great!