you against me By Jenny Downham

Title: you against me
Author: Jenny Downham
Pages: 413
Published: 2010
Level: Young Adult

Summary:
If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right?

If your brother's accused of a terrible crime but says he didn't do it, you defend him, don't you?

When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her, his world begins to fall apart.

When Ellie's brother is charged with the offence, her world begins to unravel.

When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide.

This is a brave and unflinching novel from the bestselling author of Before I Die. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love.

Review:

I don't really know what to say about this book. I guess the first thing would be that I love realistic fiction and this definitely portrays it well. It's about two people both affected by the drama of a rape. Mikey's sister is the rape-ee (is that a correct term?) and Ellie's brother is the alleged rapist. 

This book was strange to say the least. One moment I would be totally enthralled by the plot line and the next it just wasn't doing anything for me and I was skimming pages. 

One thing that I did like was the progression in the relationship between Mikey and Ellie because it felt so real. Even though they were from two completely different worlds and weren't really on the same side they were both dealing with the repercussions of the rape and what it was doing to their family so they had something that tied them together. 

The ending was not really what I would have liked because I felt like there were so many loose ends and I'm pretty sure that there isn't going to be a follow up book. 

Maybe I'm not into realistic fiction as much as I thought, but I would really have liked a fairytale ending and when there are two sides to the story they both can't win. 

I don't even know what I'm saying anymore. I guess if you really like realistic fiction and want a book that portrays the challenges of everyday life and how rape can affect two families then I guess this is your book. For me, it was just okay. I'm not raving about it, but I'm not going to tell anyone not to read it. 

Oh and one last thing to add. I had no idea that Jenny Downham is English so it was definitely weird to read an English book with English slang because I didn't know what some of the words were referring to, but kind of cool at the same time.  So that was a positive thing about the book. 

Cover: 2/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 3/5

Plot Development: 3/5

Overall : 3/5

Masque of the Red Death By: Bethany Griffin

Title: Masque of the Red Death
Author: Bethany Griffin
Pages: 400
Level:  Young Adult
Published: April 24, 2012


Everything is in ruins.
A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.
So what does Araby Worth have to live for?
Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.
But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does. And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

Review:

Just from reading the synopsis I was enthralled by the plot. I love this style because it kind of reminds me of back in the 1920s when all the girls were flappers. Anyways,this book was absolutely fantastic. I do not think I will ever be able to get over how much I love this book. Normally when I start a book it takes me at least 25 pages to really become interested. Not with this one, I was interested from the very first page. I don't know what it is with adaptations, but I love them so much. This one did not fail to impress me.

I really liked the plot. I didn't find one boring part of the book, ever. There was one problem that I had with this book though. If there is going to be a love interest, at least make it to where it's plainly obvious. I understand that I might be the only one that cannot clearly see who Araby likes, but it should be a no-brainer. The entire time I had to keep guessing, oh does she like Will? Or wait, does she like Elliott now? The end did not clear anything up either.

Everything other than that was amazing. I loved the setting, I mean who doesn't love dystopian books? Overall the best book I have read in some time.

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Style: 4/5

Plot Development: 4/5

Overall: *****

When The Sea Is Rising Red By: Cat Hellisen

Title: When The Sea Is Rising Red
Author: Cat Hellisen
Pages: 288
Level: Young Adult
Published: February 28, 2012


After seventeen-year-old Felicita’s dearest friend, Ilven, kills herself to escape an arranged marriage, Felicita chooses freedom over privilege. She fakes her own death and leaves her sheltered life as one of Pelimburg’s magical elite behind. Living in the slums, scrubbing dishes for a living, she falls for charismatic Dash while also becoming fascinated with vampire Jannik. Then something shocking washes up on the beach: Ilven's death has called out of the sea a dangerous, wild magic. Felicita must decide whether her loyalties lie with the family she abandoned . . . or with those who would twist this dark power to destroy Pelimburg's caste system, and the whole city along with it.

Review:

Where to start? I thought at the beginning this book was really weird. I didn't understand a lot of things, I think it would have been better with more background information before the actual plot started. That being said, this book was definitely unique and original.

I didn't find a boring moment in this book. In the synopsis it says that she falls for Dash, so of course I couldn't wait to meet the character. Never have I ever hated a character more. I don't really know how to describe it, but it was like one of those bad boy guys that you like but they're nothing but bad for you. At the same time, at the end of the day I did end up caring for him no matter how much I hated him. 

The ending was also very strange. It was a little hard to follow. I don't know if I would read the second installment if there is one. I would be content just reading this book. Don't let that discourage you though, it was a good book.

Cover: 3/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Style: 3/5

Plot Development: 4/5

Overall: ***

The Sharp Time By: Mary O'Connell

Title: The Sharp Time
Author: Mary O’Connell
Pages: 228
Level: Young Adult
Published: November 8, 2011


Sandinista Jones is a high school senior with a punk rock name and a broken heart. The death of her single mother has left Sandinista alone in the world, subject to the random vulnerability of everyday life. When the school system lets her down, her grief and instability intensify, and she ponders a violent act of revenge. Still, in the midst of her crisis, she gets a job at The Pale Circus, a funky vintage clothing shop, and finds friendship and camaraderie with her coworker, a boy struggling with his own secrets. Even as Sandinista sees the failures of those with power and authority, she's offered the chance to survive through the redemptive power of friendship. Now she must choose between faith and forgiveness or violence and vengeance. From the Hardcover edition.

Review:

Zhanna wrote a raving review about this book, so when I saw it at the library, I had to pick it up. Often times, when she loves a book, I’ll hate it or vice versa. Well, that was the same for this book.

From the first page, I didn’t like the writing style. There wasn’t anything visibly wrong with it, it just didn’t mesh well with me, I found it overly complicated.

I thought that what Sandinista was making a big deal over was nothing. It was something that she should have gotten over more quickly than she did and I found her obsession quite frankly, creepy.

Most of the time when I’m reading realistic fiction there has to be some underlying message to the storyline. I guess it’s a personal preference. With this book,  I didn’t really understand the message. I’m sure other people did understand it though, otherwise there wouldn’t be good reviews. It just wasn’t my type of book. Maybe you’ll have better luck.

If you want to check out Zhanna's review of this book click here.

Cover: 5/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 1/5

Plot Development: 2/5

Overall: **

The Peculiars By: Maureen Doyle McQuerry

Title: The Peculiars

Author: Maureen Doyle McQuerry

Pages: 354

Level: Young Adult

Published: May 1, 2012

This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance. On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena’s father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears.

Review: 

If I could rate this book based off of the cover, it would probably be one of my favorite books ever. I absolutely love the cover. Sadly, that’s probably the only thing I loved about this book. 

If I had known that the time period was in the late 1800s I probably wouldn’t have read it because I generally don’t like books in that time era. In my case they’re all usually boring. 

This book wasn’t necessarily boring, but it did take a while to get interesting and by that point I was already turned off by the time period. 

It’s hard to write a review for a book that was just okay. I can’t pick out anything that I hated, but I also can’t pick out anything that made it an amazing book. 

The one couple that I was anticipating to get together, NOTHING happened. I can understand no romance in a book, but it was like McQuerry wanted to tease me by these little hints of romance thinking it would lead up to something and in the end, nothing. That was probably the most upsetting part of the book.

Overall this book was mediocre, it didn’t stand out for being overly bad or good.

Cover: 5,000/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Style: 3/5

Plot Development: 3/5

Overall: ***

The Hunt By : Andrew Fukuor

Title: The Hunt
Author: Andrew Fukuor
Pages: 293
Level: Young Adult
Published: May 8, 2012

In a world where humans have been eaten to near extinction, seventeen-year-old Gene has only managed to survive by painstakingly concealing his true species. If the bloodthirsty creatures surrounding him knew what he really was—a human—he would be devoured swiftly and terribly. When Gene is chosen to participate in the government-sponsored hunt for the last remaining humans, it thrusts him into the fight of his life—and into the path of a human girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible. Now, he must learn the art of the hunt and elude his fellow hunters whose suspicions about his true human nature are growing. But most importantly, Gene and the girl he loves must find a way to forge a life together in a brutal world that’s bent on their destruction.

Review:

This book was magnificently written. From the first page I was captivated by the plot line, it was so unique and interesting, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Eventually I made myself stop for the day when it reached 2:30 AM. I know, it seems most of the reviews I write are full of compliments and praise, but I guess I just happen upon amazing books more than I do dreadful ones. 

I loved the plot, it was so different and original. Some aspects of the vampire way of life kind of grossed me out for example, instead of laughing they would scratch their wrists and they would hug ears. I don’t even know. It was weird to read about. 

Although the entire book wasn’t action packed, it was still extremely captivating and the end was so shocking that I am absolutely dreading the wait for the second installment. 

A definite must read.

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 4/5

Plot Development: 4/5

Overall: **** ½

Witch & Wizard :The Fire By: James Patterson

Title: Witch & Wizard: The Fire (#3)
Author: James Patterson
Pages: 328
Level: Young Adult
Published: December 5, 2011

YOU WANT A FAIRY TALE, DON'T YOU?

Whit and Wisty Allgood have sacrificed everything to lead the resistance against the merciless totalitarian regime that governs their world. Its supreme leader, The One Who Is The One, has banned everything they hold dear: books, music, art, and imagination. But the growing strength of the siblings' magic hasn't been enough to stop the One's evil rampage, and now he's executed the only family they had left.

YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FIND ONE HERE.

Wisty knows that the time has finally come for her to face The One. But her fight and her fire only channel more power to this already invincible being. How can she and Whit possibly prepare for their imminent showdown with the ruthless villain that devastated their world-before he can truly become all-powerful?

THERE IS NO HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

In this stunning third installment of the epic Witch & Wizard series, the stakes have never been higher—and the consequences will change everything.

Review: 

These books never fail to disappoint. It was once again a really good book. The thing that really makes me love these books is the relationship between Whit and Wisty. I’m so jealous that I don’t have an amazing older brother that would do anything to protect me. 

The plot was never slow, but when is it ever in this series. I found myself once again not able to put it down. 

There’s really not much to say, it was a great book and I think it ended perfectly.

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Style: 4/5

Plot Development: 5/5

Overall: **** ½

L.A Candy By: Lauren Conrad

Title: L.A Candy
Author: Lauren Conrad
Pages: 325
Level: Young Adult
Published: June 6, 2009

Los Angeles is all about the sweet life: hot clubs, cute guys, designer . . . everything . Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun. When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City ," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please! Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara—free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres—and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight. In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be. L.A. Candy is a deliciously entertaining novel about what it's like to come of age in Hollywood while starring in a reality TV show, written by a girl who has experienced it all firsthand: Lauren Conrad.

Review: 

Generally I can’t stand books that are based around this subject because it seems so fake, but I always end up reading them anyways. 

I did not like any of the characters, at all. I thought Madison was ridiculously fake and couldn’t stand reading about her. Jane was ugh, way too peppy. Gabby was…well Gabby. She wasn’t really in the book and when she was I just felt bad for her. Scarlett, I liked Scarlett at the beginning of the book, but as it progressed she seemed to turn into a snob and it bugged me. 

I have problems with these type of realistic fiction books because they make me feel so bad. When something bad happens to one of the characters I feel it just as much as they do and I think that’s one of the reasons I try and stay away, but I always find them anyways. 

While I was reading the book, I was deciding if I was going to want to read the next one. I really don’t want to get wrapped up in another series like The A-List, but end of the book actually left me wanting to read the next one. I’m excited to pick it up to see what happened. 

Cover: 3/5

Character Rating: 1/5

Style: 4/5

Plot Development: 3/5

Overall: ***

Pandemonium By: Lauren Oliver

Title: Pandemonium

Author: Lauren Oliver

Pages: 375

Level: Young Adult

Published: February 28, 2012

Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again.

Review: 

Oh lordy, where do I start? When I first read Delirium I was overwhelmed by my love for the book and could not wait for Pandemonium. Once it came out though there was such a length between the two that I forgot that I had been yearning for it. It took me a while before I decided to sit down and read it. One of the biggest mistakes of my life. 

You know when you start reading a book and you’re expecting at least the first thirty pages to be boring before you become enveloped in the book? There was absolutely none of that. From the first page I was mesmerized. You’d think that because it goes from then to now it wouldn’t work…well at least I did. It was so perfect, I loved it. Every time the ‘then’ section ended I would want to get through the ‘now’ section as quick as possible to get back to the ‘then’ , but once I was in the ‘then’ I was thinking about the ‘now’ section.

Gah. I loved this book so much. And I’m kind of sad to say that I liked Julian much more than Alex. 

If you are hesitant to read this book like I was, DON’T. I don’t know how many ways I can convey how much I loved this book. I am going to be waiting for the day the next installment comes out. 

Cover: 2/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Style: 5/5

Plot Development: 4/5

Overall: ***** ( I wish I could award this book more)

Everneath By: Brodi Ashton

Title: Everneath
Author: Brodi Ashton
Pages: 370
Level: Young Adult
Published: January 24, 2012


Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned - to her old life, her family, her friends - before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back - this time as his queen.

Review:

When I first started reading this book I couldn’t help but compare it to the novel Abandon by Meg Cabot. They are both re-telling the myth of Persephone and Hades. Although they were similar in that aspect, that was the only thing. 

This book was darker and I felt it had more depth to it. I’m not saying that Cabot’s was bad by any margin. They were just so different that it’s hard to compare.  I do feel as though there was more background in Everneath. 

One of the problems I had with this book was how much emotion I felt. I know, that sounds so stupid, but I was so wrapped up in the book and Jack’s and Nikki’s relationship, that I started hating characters because they were getting in the way. 

There isn’t much to say really. I don’t have anything bad to say about it. It was a great book. I’m not going to lie; I enjoyed it so much more than Abandon. I cannot wait for the second. I definitely think that if you haven’t read this, you should. As soon as possible. 

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 5/5

Development: 5/5

Overall: *****

City of Lost Souls By: Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments Book 5)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 534
Level: Young Adult
Published: May 8, 2012


The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.
No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?
Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.
And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?
Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

Review: 

The wait for this book was so long after City of Fallen Angels came out that when I started reading this one, I was so confused and had no clue what was going on. That didn’t change very much throughout the book. I learned to go along with the plot line of this book, but I was still missing key details from the previous books.

Besides the fact that I was confused most of the book, it was actually good. The plot line wasn’t slow and I was kept interested. 

I have to admit that I actually fell for Sebastian. I felt so bad for him and actually thought it was cute when he wanted to be with Clary. 

I am a little disappointed that Cassandra Clare is still writing books for The Mortal Instruments series though, three books was enough and now she’s just trying to extend the plot even more.

Towards the end of the book I was actually disappointed that all of the loose ends weren’t tied up. I love the series, I do, but I think that five books is way too far. Otherwise, it was a good installment, I personally think it was better than City of Fallen Angels. If you enjoyed the others in the series, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this as well. 

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 3/5

Plot Development: 5/5

Overall: ***

The Immortal Rules By: Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
Pages: 512
Level: Young Adult
Published: April 24, 2012




"In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity."Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.


Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.


Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.


Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.


But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for.


Review:


I don't even know where to begin. From the minute I read the synopsis, this book captivated me. It had an interesting plot line, one I certainly hadn't read before.
As I got into the book it surprised me even more because not only was it a new interesting vampire book (I mean come on, how many are out there thousands?), but it was also in a way a dystopian novel. Which really appealed to me.


At the beginning of the book it starts off with part one, when she's human. I knew that she was going to turn into a vampire, but... I don't know it's hard to explain. The first part of the book was like a small story inside of the book itself. As soon as you got attached to the characters they were ripped away and you had to meet  new ones. As well as in the second part. I mean it's kind of appealing because the plot never fails to remain interesting, but I'm so used to having to leave characters behind at the end of a book or series that it left me kind of heart broken considering it was the first 150 pages.


Eventually that stopped though and there was just one solid set of characters. I have to admit I liked almost all of the characters. By the end of the book I was really attached to each and every one (especially Darren), which was surprising because some of them were extremely obnoxious.


The plot also failed to bore me, which is probably the biggest plus out there. The only issue I had, which isn't even a major issue considering it's my opinion, but I hated the ending. You'll know what I'm talking about if you've read the book or once you do. I don't want to give away spoilers, but I'll just leave with the fact that Allison's and Zeke's relationship status at the end disappointed me. I am going to be dreading the wait for the next installment.

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Style: 4/5

Plot Development: 5/5

Overall: *****

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Calling (Book two)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Pages: 326
Level: Young Adult
Published: April 10, 2012

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly is -a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly everyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it's only a matter of time before she's able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they're kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

Review: 


I was beyond excited for this book to be published. After waiting, god knows how patiently after that awful cliff-hanger, I nearly peed my pants when I saw The Calling sitting all lonely like on a shelf at the library. It nearly called my name.... Get it? Cuz you know its called The Calling and you know whatever, that was really bad....


Anyways, I started reading it and I just wasn't pulled into the story like I was with the first book. Or called into the story... Okay, I really need to stop but I just can't help myself. 


The Calling was just too predictable. I wasn't on the edge of my seat like I usually am with Armstrong's books. 


On the bright side, Kelley is blending her two young adult series with the third book of the trilogy. Now that I'm excited for. 

Cover: 3/5

Character Rating 3/5

Style: 4/5

Development: 3/5

Overall:

***.5

(Just cuz I'm nice ^.^)

Clockwork Prince By: Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Prince
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 498
Level: Young Adult
Published: December 6, 2011




In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.


Review:


I had been dreading reading this book because it had been so long since I had read Clockwork Angel and I couldn't remember anything. I really regret putting it off, this book was extremely good.


The plot development was not slow, I never found myself bored, seeing as to when a certain part was going to be over.


Every time I set this book down, I felt the need to pick it back up and continue on. I liked all the characters, I did feel that Tessa was annoying at some moments, but most main characters are.


Near the end of the book, I'm not going to spoil anything, but my heart broke. I am so upset with Cassandra Clare and her lame decisions. Otherwise the book was great. If you read the book, and want to talk feel free to comment. :)

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 4/5

Development: 5/5

Overall: ****

Abandon By: Meg Cabot

Title: Abandon
Author: Meg Cabot
Pages: 304
Level: Young Adult
Published: April 26, 2011




She knows what it's like to die. Now Death wants her back.
Seventeen-year-old Pierce knows what happens to us when we die.
That's how she met John Hayden, the mysterious stranger who's made returning to normal life—or at least life as Pierce knew it before the accident—next to impossible.
Though she thought she escaped him—starting a new school in a whole new place—it turns out she was wrong. He finds her.
What does John want from her? Pierce thinks she knows... just like she knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven. But she can't stay away from him, either, especially since he's always there when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.
But if she lets herself fall any further, she might find herself back in the place she fears the most.
And when Pierce discovers the shocking truth, that’s exactly where John sweeps her:
The Underworld.


Review:


To be honest, I really can't find anything wrong with this book except maybe how short it is. I fell in love with John instantly, and I'm not over exaggerating either.


Pierce may have annoyed me at first, but I grew to like her. 


Actually, there was one more thing that I didn't like about this book. I know that this was a re-make of the classic myth, Hades and Persephone, but there were a lot of details that were singular to this book. I found it very confusing because Pierce would talk about something that had happened in the past and not until after you were left confused, was it ever explained. This was the case for every single event that happened in the past.


Overall though, this book was super good, it left me wanting more, which is exactly what books are supposed to do. I can't wait to go and pick up the second installment Underworld.

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 3/5

Development: 3/5

Overall: ****

Sweet Venom By: Tera Lynn Childs

Title: Sweet Venom
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Pages: 352
Level: Young Adult
Published: September 6, 2011


Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.
Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.
Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.
Gretchen, Greer, and Grace, three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Review:

My grandma originally brought this book home for me and one of my biggest pet peeves is when she picks books out for me because she doesn't know what I like.

I think I put off reading this book for 5 months. When I first started I was annoyed, but it was only because I hadn't given it a chance yet. The book really wasn't that bad.

I found the overall plot line not so existent. Not until maybe two hundred pages in was there any form of plot line, but even then it wasn't clear.

The characters also pissed me off. I found Grace to be way too energetic and annoying. I didn't like Gretchen because she seemed like a rude....person. Greer (what kind of name is that) was also annoying because she was such a brat.

BUT, for some reason I kept reading and found myself enjoying the book.

I finished the book and was completely in shock. Not because there was a cliff hanger, because there wasn't.  There was absolutely no solving to anything. No questions were answered. I felt as if the entire book should have been the first hundred pages of the book. I guess she really wants her readers to pick up the second installment to find out the answers.

Cover: 3/5

Character Rating: 2/5

Style: 3/5

Development: 1/5

Overall: *** 1/2  

Pathfinder By: Orson Scott Card

Title: Pathfinder
Author: Orson Scott Card
Pages: 672
Level: Young Adult
Published: November 23, 2010


From the internationally bestselling author who brought us Ender’s Game , a brand-new series that instantly draws readers into the world of Rigg, a teenager who possesses a secret talent that allows him to see the paths of people’s pasts. Rigg’s only confidant is his father, whose sudden death leaves Rigg completely alone, aside from a sister he’s never met. But a chance encounter with Umbo, another teen with a special talent, reveals a startling new aspect to Rigg’s abilities, compelling him to reevaluate everything he’s ever known. Rigg and Umbo join forces and embark on a quest to find Rigg’s sister and discover the true depth and significance of their powers. Because although the pair can change the past, the future is anything but certain….


Review: 


Oh, where to start. When I picked up this book, I thought it sounded interesting and even though it isn't something I would normally go for, I decided  I would try it out anyways. Before I even continue, I'm going to be honest when saying I didn't finish it. I had about a hundred pages left, but it was too much to continue on.


From the first page I was confused. I think that was a major turn off for me and it left me not wanting to continue on, but I managed to defy all odds and continue reading. 


Another thing that I didn't like was the time period, I have a hard time reading anything that isn't in this time period, it's normally really boring (any books that I've read anyways.) I don't want to bash everything though. The characters were really interesting, I didn't have any problems with any of them and they were all fairly likable. 


Another turn-off, probably the biggest, was at the beginning of every chapter there was another story going on. I didn't mind that so much, but the fact that there was so much physics going on. ugh. Not just the stories at the beginning of the chapter but the entire book. I had no idea what they were even talking about and am surprised I even made it through most of the book. 


For example, they had 19 jems, but they had to hide them. So when they went back to retrieve the jems they realized there were only 18. And they just knew that their future selves had went back into the past to steal one, so they had to go back in the past to hide it. I don't even know, but somehow in the end they ended up with 19 again.


I guess if you like weird, confusing, old time books, then you'll have a great time reading this. Personally, and obviously, I did NOT.

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 1/5

Development: 3/5

Overall:  **

The Golden Lily By: Richelle Mead

Title: The Golden Lily
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 418
Level: Young Adult
Published: June 12, 2012



Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.
Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.
But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.
When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.
Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?


Review:


The anticipation for this book was absolutely killing me, you have no idea. I ordered this book off some college bookstore website because I could get it personally autographed, see picture below :D

Anyways, it was published the 12th and it was supposed to ship the 12th, well long story short I had to wait an entire week before it finally arrived, which I think is outrageous. I had already read half of it online by the time it arrived. 


The book ended up being beyond my expectations, the first one was really good, but it wasn't like I was absolutely yearning for this one, but it ended up being better than Bloodlines. 


I really didn't like Adrian at all in Vampire Academy I thought he was a creep, and Rose should belong with Dimitri. That being said, I absolutely fell in love with Adrian, he made me swoon so much, like seriously. I think it was because he really cared for Sydney and he noticed all the things that she thought no one did. I shipped Sydrian (Sydney+Adrian) so hard, I cried every time there was a good Sydrian moment.
i.e when Sydney drinks the slush for him, you'll know what I'm talking about when you read the book.


This book could not have been better, it was so amazing, I can't even. Ugh. 


I can't believe that Richelle Mead is making us wait until February 12, 2013 until the third comes out, The Indigo Spell.


If you are even hesitating to read Bloodlines, or this book, you are out of your freaking mind and need to read it ASAP. 

Cover: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 5/5

Development: 5/5

Overall: *****

Ascend By: Amanda Hocking

Title: Ascend
Author: Amanda Hocking
Pages: 326
Level: Young Adult
Published: April 26, 2012


(Spoilers of you haven't read the previous)



Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself.  If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe.  But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?


The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end. 


Everything has been leading to this moment.  The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it.


Review:


This book was just....ugh so dang good. I made the mistake of reading the spoilers and at first I was extremely upset, but after reading the book it just made sense. 


Let me start off by saying that there was finally romance. I was swooning. I fell for Loki as well. He is just an amazing character. And, I know when you hear Loki you think of Avengers, but he's supposed to have blond hair and be really strong so I always imagined him as Thor. 


This book wasn't as fast paced as the others, but was even more enjoyable. I would so much love to be swept up into this novel for a day.


The ending to the series was well thought out, and although I was upset at the beginning, it was perfect because all the loose ends got tied up.


I would love to have more in the series, but it was nice that it was a trilogy. 

Cover: 3/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 4/5

Development: 4/5

Overall: **** 1/2

Torn By: Amanda Hocking

Title: Torn
Author: Amanda Hocking
Pages: 332
Level: Young Adult
Published: November 2010

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…


She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.


Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.


Review: 


I liked this book more than I liked the last one. Questions were answered! 


It's hard writing a review for it though, because I'm getting the last one and this one mixed up.


The plot line was a lot more fast paced. She does meet another handsome lad, which much to my liking is exactly what the story needed. 


It still fell a little short in the romance department. She was definitely torn. I felt so frustrated because I wanted Finn and Wendy to be together so badly, but it just wasn't in the plot. 


Amanda did write in another guy, Duncan. He isn't a love interest but he's so awkward and lovable and was a great addition to the story. 


Overall, this book was extremely intriguing and made me want to pick up the third all the more.

Cover: 3/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Style: 3/5

Development: 4/5

Overall: ****