Joyride by Anna Banks

Title: Joyride
Author: Anna Banks
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Received From: Publisher in return for a honest review

Synopsis: A popular guy and a shy girl with a secret become unlikely accomplices for midnight pranking, and are soon in over their heads—with the law and with each other—in this sparkling standalone from NYT-bestselling author Anna Banks.
It’s been years since Carly Vega’s parents were deported. She lives with her brother, studies hard, and works at a convenience store to contribute to getting her parents back from Mexico.
Arden Moss used to be the star quarterback at school. He dated popular blondes and had fun with his older sister, Amber. But now Amber’s dead, and Arden blames his father, the town sheriff who wouldn’t acknowledge Amber's mental illness. Arden refuses to fulfill whatever his conservative father expects.
All Carly wants is to stay under the radar and do what her family expects. All Arden wants is to NOT do what his family expects. When their paths cross, they each realize they’ve been living according to others. Carly and Arden’s journey toward their true hearts—and one another—is funny, romantic, and sometimes harsh.

 Review:
I loved Anna Banks' Syrena Legacy series, so I was really excited when her new book Joyride was announced. Joyride is very different from that series but I enjoyed just the same!

Anna Banks has a big sense of humor and while Joyride deals with serious topics it still has hilarious moments. The main characters have midnight pranking sessions for goodness sake! Arden and Carly's relationship is very different from most relationships I read about. It seemed more realistic in a way. People who don't know each other, to frenimies, to friends, and finally to something more. It was a really realistic progression. Though I wish there had been a little more tension when they got to be friends.

Speaking of serious topics, this book has quite a few. Deportation and immigration are realities for many people and it was nice to see a version in a YA book. I think Carly's parents' expectations of her were a little strong and I think her brother was kind of an ass about it. But I can see why everyone would be so stressed out about getting them back.

Mental illness also plays a role in this book. So trigger warning for suicide. I did think the way that Anna Banks handled the idea of medication and stigma was very good and realistic. I also felt that Arden reacted to Amber's problems in an understandable way. Also his father is the WORST. There is a reveal towards the end of the book that I was not expecting but looking back it should have been obvious. Lets just say I hate Sheriff Moss.

Overall I liked Joyride. Anna Banks did a good job balancing the serious topics with humor. Also I think the topics were handled in a good, responsible way. The only thing I didn't like was I wished there was more in-between in Carly and Arden's relationship, it kind of felt like it came out of left field. Also I felt that Carly's family's expectations seemed a little out there, but that could be reality for all I know.

All that said I definitely recommend Joyride for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jennifer E. Smith. A little less romance, but still very good!

Check out a guest post I did with Anna Banks here
Links to my reviews of  Of Posidon, and Of Triton

All Fall Down by Ally Carter

Title: All Fall Down
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher:Scholastic Press  
Release Date: January 20, 2015
Received From: Library  

Synopsis:   A new series of global proportions -- from master of intrigue, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter.
This exciting new series from NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter focuses on Grace, who can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world, and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.
Now, at age sixteen, she's come back to stay--in order to solve the mystery of her mother's death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved.

Review: I love Ally Carter's books. She writes such amazing, smart, strong female characters. If you liked Heist Society series' Kat or the Gallagher Girls' Cammie you will find a new favorite in Grace.

Grace is smart, spunky, and a risk-taker. She is taking the death of her mother really hard and makes some mistakes along the way, but those mistakes just make her more and more relatable.

I am a huge fan of mystery books, so reading about Grace and the other Embassy Row kids try and solve the murder of Grace's mother was really fun. There are twists and turns, as well as some suspenseful moments. But there is also lots of jokes and humor.

I really liked the setting of Embassy Row. It is such a cool idea because it adds more levels of politics and what Grace can and can't do. It also adds variety and diversity to her cast of friends and enemies. Also important people like the President of the United States dropping by is all ways good for more suspense.

Overall I really like this new book of Ally Carter's and I think Grace will be added to the list of strong feisty female characters. I also can't wait for the next book in the series!

Prep School Confidential Series by Kara Taylor

Title:Prep School Confidential
Author: Kara Taylor
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Received From: Bought
Synopsis:  In this breathtaking debut that reads like Gossip Girl crossed with Twin Peaks, a Queen Bee at a blue-blooded New England prep school stumbles into a murder mystery.
Anne Dowling practically runs her exclusive academy on New York’s Upper East Side—that is, until she accidentally burns part of it down and gets sent to a prestigious boarding school outside of Boston. Determined to make it back to New York, Anne couldn't care less about making friends at the preppy Wheatley School. That is, until her roommate Isabella’s body is found in the woods behind the school.
When everyone else is oddly silent, Anne becomes determined to uncover the truth no matter how many rules she has to break to do it. With the help of Isabella’s twin brother Anthony, and a cute classmate named Brent, Anne discovers that Isabella wasn’t quite the innocent nerdy girl she pretended to be. But someone will do anything to stop Anne’s snooping in this fast-paced, unputdownable read—even if it means framing her for Isabella’s murder.

 Review: 
I have always loved mystery books. When I was younger I devoured the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books. So one day when I was in the bookstore and saw Prep School Confidential and read the back I knew that I had to check it out. I read it in almost one sitting and could not wait for the next book.

The synopsis describes it as gossip girl meets twin peaks. And while I have never seen Twin Peaks I can see where they are coming from. I see it as Gossip Girl meets Veronica Mars. Veronica Mars if Veronica was an '09er.
Anne is a spoiled, entitled high school student until something goes wrong and she is forced to go to a small elite boarding school in Massachusetts. Next thing she knows her roommate is found dead behind the school. That would be enough to send most people running for the hills but Anne is determined to find out who did it.

Each book has a new mystery that is tied into the past book. Each mystery gets mostly resolved by the end of the book, but more questions come up and there is a new focus in each book. I appreciated this because it meant that the book had closure but I was still waiting for the next one.

I was really happy with the ending of Deadly Little Sins. It left open the possibility for more books or a spin-off, but had enough closure that wouldn't be mad if there weren't any more.
If you like mysteries, drama, boarding school books, class struggles, and sneaking around then this series is for you!

Readalikes:
The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roeker
Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter (One of my first reviews, don't judge me)
Also Known As by Robin Benway
Heist Society by Ally Carter

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski Review

Title: The Winner's Curse
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Received From: Publisher  

Synopsis: Winning what you want may cost you everything you love
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Review:
I was hesitant about The Winner's Curse because I had heard so many amazing things about it. I shouldn't have been, it was just as good as everyone said it was.

You guys know I love fantasy. If could only read one genre for the rest of my life it would be fantasy. So finding another awesome fantasy book really made me happy.

The Winner's Curse is different than most fantasy books that are out there because the main character Kestrel is not a bad-ass knife wielding killer. Her father wants her to be but her heart is just not in it. That is not to say that Kestrel is not an amazingly bad-ass character. She is so good at strategy and she can hold her own if she needs to.

Be warned, The Winner's Curse is not the most fast paced book you will read. The last third is quite fast paced but the first two thirds contain quite a bit of information and the slow burn of growing love. Speaking of love the rowing affection between Arin and Kestrel is not in your face, it is subtle and not the whole point of the story which I really appreciated.

This book is a good look at privilege and why we think we deserve what we have. There are a few times where like Kestrel I started to question the dominance of the society in the book.

Overall I really enjoyed The Winner's Curse, there was plenty of intrigue, romance, and action to satisfy almost anyone. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what is going to happen, as well as find out more about these two countries and their backgrounds.

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Title: The Darkest Minds
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion  
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Received From: Bought  

Synopsis: When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that's killed most of America's children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she's on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her-East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.
When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

 Review:
I loved this book. I had heard so many good things about it and I thought it sounded interesting but now I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I read Alexandra Bracken's first book Brightly Woven and loved it so I was excited to try this new series!

One thing that is different about this book is the fact that the government/leaders are not the only bad guys. EVERYONE is a bad guy. From the bounty hunters to a secret group that wants use the kids to even other kids. Everywhere you look there is a new threat to be discovered and to hide from.

When Ruby was a child she was able to trick the camp into thinking she was a green. Which basically means she is harmless. But once they discover that she isn't a green she has to run for her life. She meets up with the greatest people you will ever meet (:P) Liam, Chubbs, and Zu are amazing characters and I would totally read a prequel with just their adventures.

They are all running to a mystical camp that is supposed to be a safe haven for kids. But of course nothing is as it seems. I loved getting to know this world and all the amazing characters. Liam, Chubbs, and Zu all have their different personalities and various traits that will endear you to each one in turn. There is even a little bit of a romance.

As I mentioned before this book is harrowing and it continues to get more and more intense until the final pages which will have you yearning for the next book. (Which lucky for you is already out.)

I really enjoyed The Darkest Minds and am excited to read the next installment Never Fade. 

This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

Title: This Song Will Save Your Life
Author: Leila Sales
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Release Date: September 17. 2013
Received From:  Publisher in return for an honest review

Synopsis:Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute, yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and most importantly, a love for DJing.
Told in a refreshingly genuine and laugh-out-loud funny voice, THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together.

Review:
I loved Leila Sales' first book Mostly Good Girls which my best friend introduced me to. While I haven't read Sales' second book I was still really excited to read This Song Will Save Your Life. 

I think most people deal with the feeling of wanted to be accepted. Especially in high school or middle school. I know I struggled with it a lot, and still do. But when you find those people who understand you and your weird loves it is a wonderful thing. Elise realizes this throughout this wonderful book of self discovery.

I really enjoyed watching Elise come into her own. She changed so much from the beginning of the book to the ending. While I did not really like her relationship with Char I can see why she would fall for him.

This Song Will Save Your Life is an important book for teen and other people who are suffering with finding thier place in the world. Especially if you have hobbies that are different than the other people who are around you. I found it to be fun but also to have a good message that made me think about my identity and how it was tied to others. Leila Sales has really outdone herself with this new book.

Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) by Aimee Carter

Title: Pawn  (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1)
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Received From: Publisher via Netgalley  

Synopsis: YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 
For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 
If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 
There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Review:
I love Aimee Carter's Goddess Test series so I was super excited to read Pawn.  I know a lot of people are burnt out on dystopian but I think Pawn has elements that are different enough to entice even the most cynical of dystopian readers.

The world that Carter has created is so rich and detailed. I really liked getting to know the world as Kitty got to know and understand the intimate details of how it is run. Every good dystopian novel needs an evil leader and Pawn definitely has its fair share of corrupt leadership. I was severely creeped out by some of the things the Harts did.

I never knew who to trust while I was reading Pawn. There were so many twists and turns to the plot that I was completely surprised by some of the events that transpired.

While I really liked Kitty and thought she was a strong but flawed protagonist, I think the secondary characters really shone. Whether it was one of the scheming Harts or Kitty's boyfriend Benji they all added so much variety and spice to the plot!

Pawn is one of the best dystopian books I have read in a while. It was unexpected, creepy, and even had a little teeny bit of romance thrown in. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens to Kitty and the Harts!

Definitely pick this one up today!

Neptune's Tears by Susan Waggoner

Title: Neptune's Tears
Author: Susan Waggoner
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Received From: Publisher in return for honest review

Synopsis: London, 2218 A.D. Seventeen-year-old Zee is an intern empath. She’s focused on her job, poised for a great career—until one day an attractive patient undoes her hard-earned calm. As an empath, she cannot afford such distractions, but neither can she stay away from David, even when she discovers he’s one of a mysterious alien race. As London comes under attack by anarchist bombings, and as Zee struggles to get a handle on her unusually strong psychic abilities, David starts pulling away. Although Zee’s sure he’s attracted to her, David has secrets he cannot share. But it’s too late for Zee. She’s losing her heart to the gray-eyed alien boy, and she’s determined to follow him—no matter how far it may take her.

 Review: I was really intrigued by the premise of Neptune's Tears but once I started reading it I realized that the story was even more than I had imagined.

As a science major I really connected with Zee. And I think many people can connect with her drive to keep her job/schooling at the forefront of her life. Beyond that I really liked Zee, she was a strong character and knew what she wanted.

I also really enjoyed the world building in Neptune's Tears. I felt like it was fully fleshed out and very vivid. Also the story about the aliens coming and everyone embracing them seemed like something that could really happen.

There was a major twist at the end and while I knew something was up I was not expecting that at all! But there was also a heart-breaking part that made me want to cry.

David and Zee's relationship was very natural. It was not fake feeling and even though they had some istant chemistry I felt like it progressed from there in a more accurate way than many other books. It also did not feel forced like in some other stories I have read. Their connection was vivid.

There is a whole plot line about Neptune's Tears which are some very important diamonds. But I never really understood what they had to do with anything besides the old woman who Zee treats. I hope it is more elaborated on in the next books. I was just surprised that they were not a bigger deal considering that's the name of the book.

Besides that I really enjoyed it and think it is a great new sci-fi series.

Prophecy by Ellen Oh

Title: Prophecy (The Dragon King Chronicles #1)
Author: Ellen Oh
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 2, 2013
Received From: Library

Synopsis: The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy.

Review:
I love fantasy books, give me a stack of fantasy novels and I am set. So I was super excited to read Prophesy which is a fantasy inspired by Korean myths.

One of my favorite Asian inspired fantasies is Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon, so while I was letting Prophesy stand on its own I wanted it to be just as good as Silver Phoenix. Unfortunately while I liked Prophesy, it had no where near the magic of Silver Phoenix. 

Kira is a very, very strong female lead. She kicks ass and takes names all while being hated by everyone in the city, because her uncle the king won't allow them to know what she does. But when the city gets attacked only she can protect the prince.

I loved the ancient lore that we learn throughout the book. If you have read my blog for long you know that that is one of my favorite parts of fantasy novels and Prophesy was no exception. Though I do wish that the Monks had been a little less vague. The kind of acted like they did not really know what was going on either which was frustrating for both Kira and I.

There is a hit of romance in this book but not so much that it took away from the plot which I really appreciated.

The only real problem I had with Prophesy was that I found it predictable. Not all of it but the major plot points I guessed right away. I still enjoyed the book but it took a little of the magic out of the story.

Overall Prophesy was a captivating read and a great addition to the YA fantasy genre.

Check out my review of Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon here

Keeper of the Lost Cities #1 by Shannon Messenger (MMGM)

Title: Keeper of the Lost Cities
Author:Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Received From: Bought

Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She’s a Telepath—someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It’s a talent she’s never known how to explain.

Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there’s a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known.

Sophie has new rules to learn and new skills to master, and not everyone is thrilled that she has come “home.”
There are secrets buried deep in Sophie’s memory—secrets about who she really is and why she was hidden among humans—that other people desperately want. Would even kill for.

Review:
I actually read this book a few months ago and am kicking my self for A) not reading it sooner and B) not getting the review up until now.

I don't read too much middle grade and I really need to because there are some great things happening in that corner of the bookstore that I just cannot ignore. When I do read MG I tend to lean towards Fantasy, and so when I heard about Keeper of the Lost Cities I was in. And boy am I glad I picked it up!! I fell in love with both the plot and the characters.

Sophie is a great main character, she is both strong but she has just enough insecurity to be relatable. She also reacts to things in a similar way that I would think I would. Even though she is a lot stronger than I would be in her situation. All the secondary characters help bring this world to life.

The world that Shannon Messenger has created is so original and beautiful, if I could visit I totally would. And I hate to say this but the whole book had a very Harry Potter vibe. It is completely different but the magic was there like when I read Harry Potter.

This is a long book but younger readers should not be afraid because it just flies by, and by the end I was clamoring for the next book!

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, Review

Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Received: From the library

Summary:  Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life. 

Review:  I had heard amazing things about Seraphina and was totally psyched to read it. I mean high fantasy and dragons? Sign me up! Luckily Seraphina did not disappoint!

I really, really liked this book. I mean the first line is "I remember my birth." Seriously? That line screams how good this book is going to be. Seraphina is part dragon part human and so she is thought of as an abomination. This secret while not controlling the whole plot, is integral to the story.

I loved Princess Glisselda and Seraphina's relationship. It was a fun friendship and I liked seeing the barrier between royalty and commoner be broken down a little. Though honestly the real breaking down of positions was between Seraphina and Prince Lucian Kiggs, but I'll leave you to find that out... Also Kiggs is so cute and is now on my list of book boy crushes.

Another relationship that I really liked was the one between Seraphina and her teacher Orma. Since her dad is a a** it was great for her to have a father figure. Also there is a great scene between Seraphina and Prince Lucian in regard to Orma.

If you know me you know I love reading about the politics and mythology of fantasy worlds and Rachel Hartman does a great job of bringing the back story to life in an interesting way. Also the world building is so well done. I am a sucker for description and Seraphina contained just enough to keep me happy but not so much that it would turn off anyone who does not like it.

Another thing that I really liked is how Seraphina's visions were important. A lot of times if a character has issues with that sort of thing it is just there to make the character weak or be convenient to the plot. But Hartman really used them in an interesting and different way.

I was surprised by the reveal toward the end which is always nice. Thinking back it makes sense though so it was not completely out of left field.

Overall I really liked Seraphina. It was spellbinding and just complex enough. The fact that music was incorporated though it all made me really happy (as a person who plays three instruments I really appreciated it.) And I cannot wait for Dracomania!

Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson Review

Title: Strands of Bronze and Gold 
Author: Jane Nickerson 
Publisher: Random House  
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Received: From Netgalley
Summary:  The Bluebeard fairy tale retold. . . .

When seventeen-year-old Sophia Petheram’s beloved father dies, she receives an unexpected letter. An invitation—on fine ivory paper, in bold black handwriting—from the mysterious Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, her godfather. With no money and fewer options, Sophie accepts, leaving her humble childhood home for the astonishingly lavish Wyndriven Abbey, in the heart of Mississippi.

Sophie has always longed for a comfortable life, and she finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it’s as if, thread by thread, a silken net is tightening around her. And as she gathers stories and catches whispers of his former wives—all with hair as red as her own—in the forgotten corners of the abbey, Sophie knows she’s trapped in the passion and danger of de Cressac’s intoxicating world.

Glowing strands of romance, mystery, and suspense are woven into this breathtaking debut—a thrilling retelling of the “Bluebeard” fairy tale. 

 Review:  I love historical novels so when I heard that Strands of Bronze and Gold was both a historical novel and a retelling I knew I had to read it!

I had never read the story of Bluebeard before reading this book so when I started reading it all I knew was that Bernard was creepy as all get out. I could see how Sophia could find him alluring but I was screaming at her to get away from the first couple chapters.

I think the pre-civil war setting really fit the story. It made Bernard's actions not seem so erratic and more normal for that time. I also adored all the detail that was in the descriptions of the abbey and the grounds. It made me feel as if I was there, which honestly was not always a good thing.

In the beginning I found Sophia to be very vain and silly, but as the novel progressed I came to understand her better and even to admire her for what she had to go through. I also really liked how she felt the needs of others even before her own. I think that showed a lot of growth and courage to do what she did.

I am happy with how the story ended though I am unsure how there would be more books. I will definitely be picking them up though!

Strands of Bronze and Gold is a must read for fans of the classic Bluebeard story and those who like a little creepy with their historical novels.

Georgetown Academy Book 3 Review

Title: Georgetown Academy: Book 3 
Author: Jessica Koosed Etting,  Alyssa Embree Schwartz
Publisher: Coliloquy, LLC 

Release Date: January 2013
Received: For review 

Summary:  The frosty chill that’s settled over Georgetown Academy isn’t just from the winter weather—growing up in the D.C. fishbowl isn’t for everyone, but a break from the Beltway might just restore some sanity.

Ellie Walker’s suffered through a lifetime of scandal in a few short weeks, and now must watch her true love fall for someone else. But will a dose of fresh New England air—and an irresistible newcomer who plays by his own rules—provide the change of pace she so desperately needs?

Riding high after her smashing D.C. debut, Taryn Reyes hatches a plan to cement her relationship with Gabe. But she may get more than she bargained for when she enlists Brooks’ help.

Evan Harnett would do anything to protect her friends. But one moment of weakness, and now she’s on the outs with both Hunter and Ellie. Hot on the trail of a new story, she’s heartbroken to find it leads straight back to Ellie. Can she save her friend and their friendship?

Brinley Madison’s Clinton-esque downfall was bad enough, but between family obligations, protecting her friends, and managing local gossip, will she be able to regain her social standing without losing her peace of mind?

Privileged kids in a posh hotel with nothing to do but scheme and ski—and they thought D.C. was a pressure cooker? One thing’s for sure: what happens in Vermont definitely won’t stay in Vermont. 

Review:  This was my favorite Georgetown Academy book! It had the exact same style as the first tow with the story and then an interactive part where you follow one girl's story. But the story for this installment was really good! 

By the third book the characters have really come to life and I feel like they blossomed in this third book. They were standing up for themselves and making slightly better choices not only for them but about their friends. I also liked the introduction of some new characters into the fray because it added to the story.

The new setting was also a nice change of pace. Yes there was still all that DC politics drama but in a much prettier setting.

I think all of the characters (with the exception of one new one) grew a lot in this book.  Especially Brinley, I know it is lame to say of a fictional character but I am really proud of how much she grew over the last three books, she went from being my least favorite character to being one of my favorites. It was a worthy addition to the series.

 

If you haven't read the first book check out my review here.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer Review

Title: Scarlet (Lunar Chroicles #2)
Author: Marissa Meyer   
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends  
Release Date: February 5, 2013
Received: For review in return for a honest review  

Summary:  Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Review:  If you have not read Cinder you need to go do that. If the words sci-fi Cinderella retelling don't make you want to read it maybe my review will. Either way if you have not read Cinder I am warning you that this review will contain spoilers for Cinder, not for Scarlet just Cinder. 

 Scarlet was just as good as Cinder. A lot of the time second books tend to drag and not be nearly as good as the first book. But Scarlet does not fall into that trap. Maybe it is the introduction of a new POV or maybe it is the added cast of characters, but Scarlet manages to stay fresh where others fail. 

In case you could not figure it out, Scarlet is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. A retelling that will blow your mind with how different it is from the source material. It takes place in the same world as Cinder just in a different country.  Scarlet is just as sassy as Cinder but they are different she is less insecure and even more kick-ass if you can believe it. If you fell in love with Cinder then you will like Scarlet. She is sassy and I swear I want her red hoodie. 

There are also some other new characters such as Wolf who is not all he seems, and Thorne who I thought was going to be annoying but I really liked getting to know. And don't fret, there are still some of your favorite characters from Cinder such as Iko, Queen Levana (though if you like her *side eye*) and of course Kai. 

 The two stories of Scarlet and Wolf looking for her grandmother and Cinder trying to escape Queen Levana may seem like they would not come together but they fall in place perfectly and are told through alternating chapters interspersed with chapters about Kai. 

Basically if you liked Cinder get ready for even more fun in Scarlet. Also while some questions are answered you will be joined with me in wanting Cress which does not come out till next year. 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Scorpio Races  

Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Press 

Release Date: October 18, 2011 
Received: Library

Summary:  It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.  


Review:  I listened to The Scorpio Races on audio and it was so beautiful. If you have the chance to listen it rather than read it I would definitely recommend it. But even if you can't you really need to read it.

I had read all of Maggie Stiefvater's other books and had fallen in love with her style and voice. Her Shiver series while good, was not as amazing of a fit for her voice as her first two books, Linger and Ballad. But The Scorpio Races was the perfect fit for her lyricism and style. The minute I started listening I knew I was in for a treat.

Puck and Sean are awesome main characters, their stories were seamlessly wound together and I loved the dual POV, it made the story richer and more beautiful. Puck is such a strong female character and even though she was not out saving the world, but she was out doing whatever she could to save her family. Sean on the other hand is alone and is doing all he can to get what he wants and needs but is not selfish about it which is not seen very much in books.

Finn, Puck's brother was one of my favorite characters. He was so sweet and awesome I loved his personality and wanted him to be my little brother. Also he was always surprising me and I love that about him.

Thisby the island that The Scorpio Races takes place on it almost a character in itself. It could not take place in any other place. Maggie Stiefvater brought it to life and I felt like I was there. I really want Thisby to be real so I can experience it. But because it isn't I feel like I have been there.

The audio narration is awesome. There are two narrators, one for Puck and one for Sean and they are the perfect voices for them. Especially the man who voiced Sean, I fell in love with his voice and I would listen to him read the phone book if I had the chance. But I also loved the voice of Puck, she was sassy and fit Puck's personality perfectly!

You need to read this book. I am mad at myself for waiting this long to read it. Also it is a stand alone so if you are tired of all the series' and need a break, or if you just want an awesome book to read I recommend The Scorpio Races.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers Review

Title: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)   
Author: Robin LaFevers   
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  
Release Date: April 3, 2012  
Received: Library  

Summary:  Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Review:   
Assassin Nuns. That was all I needed to hear in order to persuade me to pick Grave Mercy. 

Assassin Nuns who serve the god of Death. What an interesting and original premise. Grave Mercy is a cross between historical fantasy and fantasy. Which are two of my favorite genres, so I was super excited and I was not disappointed at all.

Ismae is a girl who was taken from a very hard situation and put in a very different but also hard situation. She was such a strong character but she had her flaws and insecurities that made her feel real. Also her transformation from a girl who just blindly follows the guide of others into a woman who makes her own decisions and judgment was really fascinating to me. This is because I think it is a transformation that many people have to go through before they can come into their own. 

Duval oh Duval. I loved Duval he added so much mystery and intrigue and like Ismae I never quite knew whether to trust him or not. 

Being that Grave Mercy is historical fantasy there was tons of intrigue and back-stabbing to keep you interested even if you aren't the biggest fan of historical fiction (why not?) all the court politics were tinged with treason and yearning for political gain. I loved how seamlessly the assassin nuns storyline went along with that. 

Basically Grave Mercy was romantic, intriguing, and just all around awesome. I cannot wait for the next book!

  

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier Review

Title: Sapphire Blue   
Author: Kerstin Gier, Anthea Bell (Translator)  

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 

Release Date: October 30, 2012 

Received: For review from publisher 


Summary:  Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

Review: 
Sapphire Blue is the second book in the Ruby Red trilogy. If you have not read Ruby Red and like time travel or secret societies then get on that. 

Sapphire Blue starts where Ruby Red ends and so this is a series where you really need to read the series in order. In Sapphire Blue we learn even more about the Circle but there is still quite a bit of unanswered questions. I personally wish that a few more questions had been answered rather than things just getting complicated but the intrigue level was definitely raised.

Xemerius was my favorite character! He was awesome and his snark brought some much needed comic relief but he was also very helpful to Gwen and Leslie. Speaking of Leslie I love how she is not jealous of Gwen and is genuinely interested in helping her navigate her new life. I think many other books would not have had Leslie be so supportive. 

Basically all the rest of the main characters were annoying. But they are supposed to be so I guess that's good. Gideon was actually the most aggravating but I can't wait to see what will happen with that in Emerald Green.

The Ruby Red trilogy is definitely one you should check out. I personally cannot wait to find out all the the secrets in the third book Emerald Green. So check out Ruby Red and then read Sapphire Blue when it comes out on October 30!

P.S. I do not like the cover change. The other covers were gorgeous and while the dresses are relevant to the story I absolutely loved the old covers and am sad to see them go.

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan Review

Title: Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy #1)   
Author: Sarah Rees Brennan    
Publisher: Random House 

Release Date: September 11, 2012
Received: Bought 


Summary:  Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him? 


Review:  I've been having trouble writing this review. Not because Unspoken was sub-par or just okay. Which is when I usually have trouble writing reviews. No the reason I am having trouble is just the opposite. Unspoken is amazing and I don't know if I can adequately convince you of its awesomeness.

Let me just get it out there that Unspoken is AWESOME and I cannot be held responsible for the amount of fangirlyness that will be in this post.

Kami is a great main character. She is resourceful, loyal, and curious, all things I look for in a good protagonist. As for the rest of the characters they are awesome as well. Each one brings their own brand of snark and hilarity that really made me feel as if they could be real people from a real town. Holly and Angela are my particular favorites especially because they don't have that girl-on-girl tension with Kami that is a central point of antagonism in many other books. They are Kami's friends and they are willing to put up with her eccentricities because they love her. Unspoken has a rather large cast of characters but Sarah Rees Brennan had made it so you will fall in love with all of them and yearn to know more about them.

Speaking of the town, Sorry-in-the-vale is gorgeously written. I want to book a trip and go, Sarah Rees Brennan has created a place that while filled with magic is a place that I can totally see existing. It is almost a character in of itself, it adds so much to the story and I cannot image Unspoken taking place anywhere other than Sorry-in-the-Vale.

I really liked how the whole voice in her head thing was handled, I think it was mature and not ridiculous like it could have been. It was central to the conflict without taking it over. There were other people involved and how it came about was really interesting to me. 

The plot of Unspoken is great. It is paced well and Sarah Rees Brennan constantly brings up little things that seem insignificant but are really very important. As for the climax, I was pleasantly surprised. It was not completely what I thought it was going to be and I cannot wait for the next book.

As for the ending... It is terrible and not okay by any stretch of the imagination. But it is not a cliffhanger so that is good.

Basically you should go buy Unspoken. And if you ever have the chance to meet Sarah Rees Brennan DO IT. She is hilarious and so nice. I had the chance to meet her at the Austin Teen Book Festival and she was one of the nicest authors I met that day. Even if she takes pleasure in making people cry at her books. Also the odds that she will stand on a chair are high.

Lets be honest it is a 6/5

Fathomless by Jackson Pearce Review

Title: Fathomless (Fairytale Retellings #3)   
Author: Jackson Pearce   
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 4, 2012  
Received: For review from publisher  

Summary:  Celia Reynolds is the youngest in a set of triplets and the one with the least valuable power. Anne can see the future, and Jane can see the present, but all Celia can see is the past. And the past seems so insignificant -- until Celia meets Lo.

Lo doesn't know who she is. Or who she was. Once a human, she is now almost entirely a creature of the sea -- a nymph, an ocean girl, a mermaid -- all terms too pretty for the soulless monster she knows she's becoming. Lo clings to shreds of her former self, fighting to remember her past, even as she's tempted to embrace her dark immortality.

When a handsome boy named Jude falls off a pier and into the ocean, Celia and Lo work together to rescue him from the waves. The two form a friendship, but soon they find themselves competing for Jude's affection. Lo wants more than that, though. According to the ocean girls, there's only one way for Lo to earn back her humanity. She must persuade a mortal to love her . . . and steal his soul.  


Review:  I love a good fairytale retelling. Seeing a well known story reimagined is so fun and interesting. So naturally I love Jackson Pearce's Fairytale Retellings series. 

The first two books in this series were very good. I like how all three books go together in small ways but they are completely different stories. The ways they go together are surprising and not like anything I would expect. 

Fathomless is a retelling of The Little Mermaid. I enjoyed seeing the homages to the classic story and I enjoyed how Jackson Pearce worked them into her existing world. The multiple POV's were also nice because it let me get to know all the characters better and gave more depth to the story. 

The dynamic between Celia and her sisters was very interesting and I liked how their bond was tested but not shattered. The mythology of the ocean girls was very interesting and getting to understand what was going on was one of my favorite parts of Fathomless. 

Jude kind of annoyed me, I know he was important and one of the main ties to the original Little Mermaid but his personality bugged me a little though not enough to ruin it for me.

Overall I really enjoyed Fathomless and I cannot wait to see where Jackson Pearce takes the world in the next book!

I'm not going to lie, while I don't hate the new covers I wish they had kept the old concept because they were gorgeous.

Check out my reviews for the first two books in the series Sisters Red and Sweetly.