An e-galley was provided from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review.

First, I’d like to comment on the cover. It is beautiful! I love it’s simplicity and the detail depicting Kitty Doe’s initial III and the pawn piece on the right-hand corner. I also love the semblance of Kitty’s eye within the intricate circle disk. Kudos to the designer of the cover.

I read Pawn within a span of a few months because 1. I read my kindle whenever I am running errands and 2. I lost (misplaced?) my kindle. I recently found it last Sunday and picked up reading where I left off.

I found Pawn interesting with it’s dystopian world. In Kitty Doe’s world, when you reach the age of sixteen you are given a test that ultimately decides your role in society. Only those who are of intellect have a decent life, while the Hart’s are the only ones who are deemed at VII – elite status and the governing force for America. Those who earn a III or lower are cast off in society with low wage, trivial jobs or sent Elsewhere to be hunted like animals and slaughtered. But in the shadows, there is a rebellion to overthrow the Hart’s and their power.

What I really liked about Pawn was the never ending lies and deceit. Mystery was laced in every chapter and as the reader, we discover those truths along with Kitty. I never seemed to be ahead of the game. I absolutely love that!

Because of the edge of mystery, the story moved along smoothly. The chapters were short and full of cliffhangers. So, it is only natural that I wanted to keep on reading. I wanted – nay – needed to know what would happen to these characters.

As for the protagonist – I liked Kitty. I like that she sacrificed her own will in order to save those she loves. She was also strong mentally. There were things that happened, things that she saw, but she always kept her head up. That is an admirable quality. Then there is sweet, loyal Benjy and mysterious, passionate Knox. When it comes to secrets, there is no better candidate than Knox.

I was afraid of a love triangle, but Carter has not shown an interest in that trope. Hopefully, it does not come to pass! Between Benjy and Knox, I don’t know who’d I pick. But I loved them both. Maybe I loved Knox a little more because he appeared in the book more than Benjy. If Carter does not introduce a love triangle between the three of them (Kitty, Benjy, Knox) then I will be happy. A girl and a boy could be friends without having the possibility of a romance. Am I right?

Speaking about love, there was actually a lack of it. There were a few sweet moments between Benjy and Kitty, but that was not a main focus. The absence of love was also seen between the Hart family, which despised one another. Augusta, who is the Prime Minister’s mother, was ruthless and cold. Then, there is Celia who sought revenge for the death of her family, and whose role in the rebellion was more than anyone could have guessed. And then, let’s not forget the Prime Minister himself, who has a few secrets of his own. Lastly, there is Greyson who wants nothing to do with the sick game his family plays. He is the only character who is loved in the family. But they sure do have a funny way of showing it. *hint hint*

Overall, I really liked the aspect of this book. I found the world interesting and sad all at the same time, yet cast societies do exist in the world today. Even in America based on my sociology and anthropology studies. – I have never read anything by Aimee Carter and had a good experience with her work. The writing and world was solid, while keeping me engaged the entire time; flipping the pages like a maniac. But it left me…indifferent. I don’t know how to explain it. It was good and I would read the second installment, but…there was just something about it that leaves me blank.

Please do not take my word as holy. It was a good dystopian and I liked it. I recommend it to those who like the genre in YA. Like I said, it was a pretty fast-paced read that kept me wanting more. I'll definitely be looking forward to the sequel.

Actual rating 3.5 stars.

I liked it and it was compelling, but I just...I felt indifferent towards the story as a whole.

Such a cute and enjoyable read!

I honest-to-goodness enjoyed this sweet and light contemporary. I loved it and found myself laughing out loud at how utterly ridiculous and realistic the relationship between Charlie and her brothers (Jerome, Nathan, and Gage). Also, I cannot forget Braden, Charlie’s long-time neighbor and honorary fourth brother. My favorite scenes in the story were the hilarious situations Charlie found herself in, like getting dumped in bodies of water.

Then, there is this thing (because Charlie doesn’t know what it is) going on between her and Braden. They’ve found solitude in one another during late night conversations by the fence that divides their backyard. But during the day, it’s like those late night conversations never happened. They live in this alternate universe where they pretend that they’ve delved into each others lives. And with Charlie, that’s all right with her.

I loved the romance, even though there was a little of it (and I seriously wanted more!), I loved it nonetheless. I totally ship who she ends up with. It’s beautiful and oh, so sweet!

Meanwhile, she is struggling to understand who she is and where she fits in. She’s never known how to be a girl; the world of fashion and makeup completely foreign to her. It isn’t until she starts to work at Bazzar that she begins to question herself. She also wonders about her late-mother, who she doesn’t remember much about.

The thing that I loved about this book was how easy it was to read through. The chapters were sweet and short, leaving me wanting more. Thus, keeping me fully engaged and immersed in Charlie’s story. West tends to say so much in the simplest of manners. One look, one word – they can mean so much.

I also really loved the relationships in this book. Like I mentioned before, I loved the relationship between Charlie and her brothers. They are hilarious, over-protective, and sweet. They could be such pesks in the best way possible. The dialogue between the brothers and Charlie was seriously the best thing I have ever read. It’s just so ASDFGJKL. I have a brother and I can definitely relate.

Charlie’s father was also another greatly written character. As a single father, he struggled to raise Charlie because she was a girl. He didn’t know how to treat her as such and it isn’t a mystery why Charlie turned out to be a tomboy. Yet, he was still protective of her and did not give her any special treatment just because she was a girl. If he did, she would never have had to get a job to learn her lesson in consequences. Even though his presence was scarce, I really liked how he was developed. He’s a caring and loving father who works to have his kids have a good life.

Lastly, there is Braden who is just completely sweet and endearing. He has his own troubles that he keeps inside, letting Charlie know of them slowly throughout the story. I like that he fits right in with her family and he is treated as such. And I also love the thing ^^ that goes on with them.

Towards the end of the book, I might have teared up because it’s just…you wouldn’t guess that there is an air of mystery in this story. What happened to Charlie’s mother isn’t all that it appears to be. But I like how it was sprinkled throughout the novel. It wasn’t the main focus, but it definitely was part of a secondary plot line.

A light and enticing summer read, On The Fence will tug at your heart strings and fill you with an incredible amount of joy and a dash of sadness. But fret not, it is mostly – if not entirely – wonderfully giddy. I absolutely loved the glimpse of Caymen and Skye from The Distance Between Us. Nicely done Kasie, cookies for you!

I would say this is a companion novel to the setting that Kasie West builds in TDBU. It is it’s own novel full of new characters and differing experiences that is sure to melt your heart with sweetness.

I've had this book for months and guilt gnaws at my mind. Why? Because I don't know why I put this off for so long! It was so cute and steamy! Love, love, loved this! Another great addition in the series! I cannot wait for the next installment!

Filled with ominous photographs, Ransom Riggs weaves a story with adventure and dark discoveries. I loved every minute of it!

A book filled with lots of love! How could I not like it? I really love how Crystal Perkins incorporates social issues into a story that speaks volumes of love. Candi and Owen had a lot to conquer throughout the book; their love prevailing through it all. I loved the steady flow of their relationship - through their ups and downs - and finally to the point of resolution. The epilogue was perfection! I can't wait to see more of Candi and Owen in the next installment along with other beloved characters!

While this was good, I didn't find it had any relevance to the story. I get that Aspen loves America. His devotion has never faltered so this story from his p.o.v wasn't anything special. It was just good and did offer some slight insight to who he is.