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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book courtesy of the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: Political Spy Thriller
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature content, sex, mature events, violence)
Pages: 478
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The most sought after commodity in the world is power, and when money is no object, power is up for grabs. Desiring autonomy, one small nation develops an unlikely plan to procure a nuclear-powered submarine. If all goes as intended, the Middle East will destabilize and the OPEC Alliance will crumble. Yet as money might buy power, there’s no guarantee that it buys loyalty. So when the submarine breaks the ocean surface it doesn't travel to the Middle East, it sails for Russia, in an attempt to return the nation to its Soviet roots.
Alerted to the possibility of the theft of a Russian sub, the CIA must foil the plan for acquisition without alarming the rest of the world. A step behind and suffering from department infighting, the CIA watches in disbelief as the single most powerful weapon in the world rises from the ocean floor. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that the commander of the vessel has no intention of honoring his contract.
Scrambling to prevent a world-wide disaster, CIA operatives in coordination with the US Navy launch a daring and risky plan to quietly thwart a rogue submarine captain before he can obliterate Moscow and take control of the country. Those who volunteer for this mission risk their lives. Those who don’t risk the safety of the entire world.
This is generally out of my usual genre, but it was a nice break from the norm of YA. Overall the story was really well done. The characters were really well developed and the pacing was spot on. The writing was also really good.
But, the writing also irritated me. I just felt that there was too much description and too much talking when there should have been action. I felt that the book plot was a bit discombobulated and a little wonky in parts. I also feel that the female characters in this book were not strong characters and they were a bit mistreated in this book.
Verdict: This book is full of twists and turns and is a decent standalone. If you’re into political thrillers like this then this would be the book for you.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: Political Spy Thriller
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature content, sex, mature events, violence)
Pages: 478
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The most sought after commodity in the world is power, and when money is no object, power is up for grabs. Desiring autonomy, one small nation develops an unlikely plan to procure a nuclear-powered submarine. If all goes as intended, the Middle East will destabilize and the OPEC Alliance will crumble. Yet as money might buy power, there’s no guarantee that it buys loyalty. So when the submarine breaks the ocean surface it doesn't travel to the Middle East, it sails for Russia, in an attempt to return the nation to its Soviet roots.
Alerted to the possibility of the theft of a Russian sub, the CIA must foil the plan for acquisition without alarming the rest of the world. A step behind and suffering from department infighting, the CIA watches in disbelief as the single most powerful weapon in the world rises from the ocean floor. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that the commander of the vessel has no intention of honoring his contract.
Scrambling to prevent a world-wide disaster, CIA operatives in coordination with the US Navy launch a daring and risky plan to quietly thwart a rogue submarine captain before he can obliterate Moscow and take control of the country. Those who volunteer for this mission risk their lives. Those who don’t risk the safety of the entire world.
This is generally out of my usual genre, but it was a nice break from the norm of YA. Overall the story was really well done. The characters were really well developed and the pacing was spot on. The writing was also really good.
But, the writing also irritated me. I just felt that there was too much description and too much talking when there should have been action. I felt that the book plot was a bit discombobulated and a little wonky in parts. I also feel that the female characters in this book were not strong characters and they were a bit mistreated in this book.
Verdict: This book is full of twists and turns and is a decent standalone. If you’re into political thrillers like this then this would be the book for you.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from KidLitExchange. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, mature topics)
Pages: 464
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In the ancient river kingdom, touch is a battlefield, bodies the instruments of war. Seventeen-year-old Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood.
Not women. Demons. The same demons who killed her mother without a single scratch.
But when Mia's father suddenly announces her marriage to the prince, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Only after the wedding goes disastrously wrong does she discover she has dark, forbidden magic—the very magic she has sworn to destroy.
Oh my gosh, how this book was gorgeous on the inside and the outside. This book grabs your attention immediately and never lets go throughout. The characters are well developed, the plot was interesting and engaging, and writing was really well done! Mia is the type of character I long for in books and the book had strong LGBT+ inclusion in it. I literally couldn’t put this book down.
However, I did feel that the pacing was a bit off. It was like we would get an action scene and then the book would kinda slow down during it but then immediately pick back up. It sometimes went too slow between the action scenes and then too fast at the action scenes. It was kinda weirdly paced, but the story wasn’t hampered at all. I also wish we had more world building in the book.
Verdict: Overall, I feel this book will break some hearts this year.
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, mature topics)
Pages: 464
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In the ancient river kingdom, touch is a battlefield, bodies the instruments of war. Seventeen-year-old Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood.
Not women. Demons. The same demons who killed her mother without a single scratch.
But when Mia's father suddenly announces her marriage to the prince, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Only after the wedding goes disastrously wrong does she discover she has dark, forbidden magic—the very magic she has sworn to destroy.
Oh my gosh, how this book was gorgeous on the inside and the outside. This book grabs your attention immediately and never lets go throughout. The characters are well developed, the plot was interesting and engaging, and writing was really well done! Mia is the type of character I long for in books and the book had strong LGBT+ inclusion in it. I literally couldn’t put this book down.
However, I did feel that the pacing was a bit off. It was like we would get an action scene and then the book would kinda slow down during it but then immediately pick back up. It sometimes went too slow between the action scenes and then too fast at the action scenes. It was kinda weirdly paced, but the story wasn’t hampered at all. I also wish we had more world building in the book.
Verdict: Overall, I feel this book will break some hearts this year.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free through KidLitExchange. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (depictions/mentions of suicide, abuse, assault, dark humor)
Pages: 304
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Bina has never forgotten the time she and her mother ran away from home. Her mother promised they would hitchhike to the city to escape Bina’s cruel father and start over. But before they could even leave town, Bina had a new stepfather and two new stepsisters, and a humming sense of betrayal pulling apart the bond with her mother—a bond Bina thought was unbreakable.
Eight years later, after too many lies and with trouble on her heels, Bina finds herself on the side of the road again, the city of her dreams calling for her. She has an old suitcase, a fresh black eye, and a room waiting for her at Catherine House, a young women’s residence in Greenwich Village with a tragic history, a vow of confidentiality, and dark, magical secrets. There, Bina is drawn to her enigmatic downstairs neighbor Monet, a girl who is equal parts intriguing and dangerous. As Bina’s lease begins to run out, and nightmare and memory get tangled, she will be forced to face the terrible truth of why she’s come to Catherine House and what it will take for her to leave...
I was totally entranced again by the cover. It has purple on it! Anyways, now that I got that out of my system I have to say besides the cover the synopsis drew me in immediately. It sounds haunting and that’s my type of genre. Overall, I thought the book was pretty good. It had some really dark tones and the character development was amazing.
However, I just felt really disconnected with the book. I couldn’t keep up with what was happening at all and I found myself confused a lot while reading this. The pacing was just kind of everywhere and there really wasn’t any world building. I find myself really disliking books that don’t explain the magic or the backstory of the book and I found that to be the problem in this book. It’s one thing to leave a character in the dark, but I as a reader want to know what’s going on.
Verdict: Dark and haunting, perfect for slumber parties!
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (depictions/mentions of suicide, abuse, assault, dark humor)
Pages: 304
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Bina has never forgotten the time she and her mother ran away from home. Her mother promised they would hitchhike to the city to escape Bina’s cruel father and start over. But before they could even leave town, Bina had a new stepfather and two new stepsisters, and a humming sense of betrayal pulling apart the bond with her mother—a bond Bina thought was unbreakable.
Eight years later, after too many lies and with trouble on her heels, Bina finds herself on the side of the road again, the city of her dreams calling for her. She has an old suitcase, a fresh black eye, and a room waiting for her at Catherine House, a young women’s residence in Greenwich Village with a tragic history, a vow of confidentiality, and dark, magical secrets. There, Bina is drawn to her enigmatic downstairs neighbor Monet, a girl who is equal parts intriguing and dangerous. As Bina’s lease begins to run out, and nightmare and memory get tangled, she will be forced to face the terrible truth of why she’s come to Catherine House and what it will take for her to leave...
I was totally entranced again by the cover. It has purple on it! Anyways, now that I got that out of my system I have to say besides the cover the synopsis drew me in immediately. It sounds haunting and that’s my type of genre. Overall, I thought the book was pretty good. It had some really dark tones and the character development was amazing.
However, I just felt really disconnected with the book. I couldn’t keep up with what was happening at all and I found myself confused a lot while reading this. The pacing was just kind of everywhere and there really wasn’t any world building. I find myself really disliking books that don’t explain the magic or the backstory of the book and I found that to be the problem in this book. It’s one thing to leave a character in the dark, but I as a reader want to know what’s going on.
Verdict: Dark and haunting, perfect for slumber parties!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free via KidLitExchange. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (abuse, sexual assault, slight gore, some violence, the belief that together women can do anything)
Pages: 320
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: ontemporary with the slightest twist of magic, this stunning debut YA novel is a fresh and heartwarming story about the power of friendship.
Cottonwood Hollow, Kansas, is a strange place. For the past century, every girl has been born with a special talent, like the ability to Fix any object, Heal any wound, or Find what is missing.
Best friends Rome, Lux, and Mercy all have similar talents, but to them, their abilities often feel like a curse. Rome may be able to Fix anything she touches, but that won’t help her mom pay rent or make it any easier to confide in Lux and Mercy about what’s going on at home. And Rome isn’t the only one. Lux has been hiding bigger, more dangerous secrets.
As Rome struggles to keep her friendships close, she discovers the truth about life in Cottonwood Hollow—that friends are stronger than curses, that trust is worth the risk, and sometimes, what you’ve been looking for has been under your feet the whole time.
I think I have found the feminist book that I have been waiting for this year (aside from Rule because that was AWESOME! But this is on the same level!). I absolutely loved this book. I thought the concept of the magic was intriguing and unique. I thought the characters were all complex and wonderfully developed. I thought the plot was strong and the pacing was consistent. Basically I think this book is one of my 2018 faves! I really loved how the book was a lowkey feminist novel and I love that the book focused so much on the main characters friendship with her two best friends. I also love that the book passed the Bechdel Test with flying colors and that very little of the book focused on the romantic relationships the girls had.
The only thing I can say negative about this book is that I really wanted to see more of the powers mentioned in it. I think there could easily be a side novel made focusing on some other characters from this book or even a sequel.
Verdict: Buy this book September 18th!
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (abuse, sexual assault, slight gore, some violence, the belief that together women can do anything)
Pages: 320
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: ontemporary with the slightest twist of magic, this stunning debut YA novel is a fresh and heartwarming story about the power of friendship.
Cottonwood Hollow, Kansas, is a strange place. For the past century, every girl has been born with a special talent, like the ability to Fix any object, Heal any wound, or Find what is missing.
Best friends Rome, Lux, and Mercy all have similar talents, but to them, their abilities often feel like a curse. Rome may be able to Fix anything she touches, but that won’t help her mom pay rent or make it any easier to confide in Lux and Mercy about what’s going on at home. And Rome isn’t the only one. Lux has been hiding bigger, more dangerous secrets.
As Rome struggles to keep her friendships close, she discovers the truth about life in Cottonwood Hollow—that friends are stronger than curses, that trust is worth the risk, and sometimes, what you’ve been looking for has been under your feet the whole time.
I think I have found the feminist book that I have been waiting for this year (aside from Rule because that was AWESOME! But this is on the same level!). I absolutely loved this book. I thought the concept of the magic was intriguing and unique. I thought the characters were all complex and wonderfully developed. I thought the plot was strong and the pacing was consistent. Basically I think this book is one of my 2018 faves! I really loved how the book was a lowkey feminist novel and I love that the book focused so much on the main characters friendship with her two best friends. I also love that the book passed the Bechdel Test with flying colors and that very little of the book focused on the romantic relationships the girls had.
The only thing I can say negative about this book is that I really wanted to see more of the powers mentioned in it. I think there could easily be a side novel made focusing on some other characters from this book or even a sequel.
Verdict: Buy this book September 18th!
Disclaimer: None! I bought my own copy!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 10th, 2017
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (inhumane conditions, violence, Jewish slurs, and the realization that this could happen again)
Pages: 424
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Based on the experience of real-life Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus, this is the incredible story of a girl who risked her life to keep the magic of books alive during the Holocaust.
Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the librarian of Auschwitz.
Out of one of the darkest chapters of human history comes this extraordinary story of courage and hope.
Going into this I didn’t know if the book would really portray the horrors of WW2 accurately. And I was pleasantly surprised when it did! Not happy or anything, but surprised that this book was so dark in places and that it didn’t hold back when talking about the murder of children and babies. I felt that the book did well in developing Dita and all of the other characters, but it’s real strength lies in world building and emersion into the book. The plot was intriguing and the book kept you on your toes until the very end. And even though you know the outcome, you can’t help but pray for something more to happen.
I did find that the book was a bit jarring in how it kept switching POVs between the different characters and sometimes it made it hard to get back into the book when that happened. I also felt that there were a lot of characters, which made it hard for me to remember each and every one of them.
Verdict: Overall, this is a hauntingly beautiful tale about hope in a desolate situation.
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 10th, 2017
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (inhumane conditions, violence, Jewish slurs, and the realization that this could happen again)
Pages: 424
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Based on the experience of real-life Auschwitz prisoner Dita Kraus, this is the incredible story of a girl who risked her life to keep the magic of books alive during the Holocaust.
Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious volumes the prisoners have managed to sneak past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the librarian of Auschwitz.
Out of one of the darkest chapters of human history comes this extraordinary story of courage and hope.
Going into this I didn’t know if the book would really portray the horrors of WW2 accurately. And I was pleasantly surprised when it did! Not happy or anything, but surprised that this book was so dark in places and that it didn’t hold back when talking about the murder of children and babies. I felt that the book did well in developing Dita and all of the other characters, but it’s real strength lies in world building and emersion into the book. The plot was intriguing and the book kept you on your toes until the very end. And even though you know the outcome, you can’t help but pray for something more to happen.
I did find that the book was a bit jarring in how it kept switching POVs between the different characters and sometimes it made it hard to get back into the book when that happened. I also felt that there were a lot of characters, which made it hard for me to remember each and every one of them.
Verdict: Overall, this is a hauntingly beautiful tale about hope in a desolate situation.
Disclaimer: None, I got this book on my own!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: December 18th, 2012
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (abuse, violence, children death, children torture, possible rape)
Pages: 488
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that had killed most of America’s children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. She is on the run, desperate to find the only safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who have 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 having a life worth living.
So I read this book for two reasons. 1) I like dystopians. And 2) There was a movie coming out and the cardinal sin of bookstagram is to watch the movie before reading the book… and I’ve committed too many of them. I don’t want them to revoke my bookstagram card… seriously they do that. It’s awful. Anyways, I really really liked this book (Sydney if you’re reading this then consider my tongue stuck out at you). The book was amazing. I loved the plot and the pacing. I loved the characters and how well I could “hear” and distinguish one from another. I loved how the writing was and I felt that Bracken did well with the world building. It was informative, but not so much so that it drug the book down. My favorite part was that the book just had this dark and foreboding atmosphere, like any good dystopian book would.
My only complaint is that the reader doesn’t really get to experience the Reds a lot in the book. I feel like we got to know all the other colors but them. Hopefully that’ll be rectified in the other novels.
Verdict: A book that surpasses The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: December 18th, 2012
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (abuse, violence, children death, children torture, possible rape)
Pages: 488
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that had killed most of America’s children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. She is on the run, desperate to find the only safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who have 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 having a life worth living.
So I read this book for two reasons. 1) I like dystopians. And 2) There was a movie coming out and the cardinal sin of bookstagram is to watch the movie before reading the book… and I’ve committed too many of them. I don’t want them to revoke my bookstagram card… seriously they do that. It’s awful. Anyways, I really really liked this book (Sydney if you’re reading this then consider my tongue stuck out at you). The book was amazing. I loved the plot and the pacing. I loved the characters and how well I could “hear” and distinguish one from another. I loved how the writing was and I felt that Bracken did well with the world building. It was informative, but not so much so that it drug the book down. My favorite part was that the book just had this dark and foreboding atmosphere, like any good dystopian book would.
My only complaint is that the reader doesn’t really get to experience the Reds a lot in the book. I feel like we got to know all the other colors but them. Hopefully that’ll be rectified in the other novels.
Verdict: A book that surpasses The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: October 26, 2017
Genre: YA Romance
Recommended Age: 14+ (some mature scenes)
Pages: 198
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Nineteen-year-old Michelle doesn’t think her summer could get any worse. She’s missing out on the sandy beaches of Mexico to work in her father’s bookstore, her relationship with her mother is complicated, and to top it all off, her co-worker is the captain of the nerd-patrol.
As the replacement guitarist of River Valley’s favorite band, Rainier’s summer is shaping up to be a life-changing one. No longer the shy kid who barely leaves his house, he feels alive on stage. Everything would be perfect if only he weren’t stuck working with his boss’ mean-girl daughter.
There's a thin line between love and hate. Will Rainier and Michelle take a chance to explore the connection they can't quite deny? Or will they discover some people are too different to make it work?
All The Things We Were is a young adult contemporary romance great for both teens and adults. It is the third in a series of books, each revolving around a different couple living in the same small town. This story can be read as a standalone.
I didn’t really want to read this one as Michelle was easily not a favorite character of mine in the other two books. However, I feel that the author did really well transforming the character from the mean girl and developing her character. I feel that the reader really gets to know Michelle and the other characters well in this book and that the plot was interesting enough to keep my attention. I love the message behind the book and I feel that the author really improved with her writing from the first to the third book.
However, I still felt the pacing was off for me and that the guy was too good to be true. It didn’t feel that realistic to me, but that’s why it’s fiction I guess lol.
Verdict: Don’t judge a book by their cover. But judge this one because it’s beautiful inside and out.
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: October 26, 2017
Genre: YA Romance
Recommended Age: 14+ (some mature scenes)
Pages: 198
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Nineteen-year-old Michelle doesn’t think her summer could get any worse. She’s missing out on the sandy beaches of Mexico to work in her father’s bookstore, her relationship with her mother is complicated, and to top it all off, her co-worker is the captain of the nerd-patrol.
As the replacement guitarist of River Valley’s favorite band, Rainier’s summer is shaping up to be a life-changing one. No longer the shy kid who barely leaves his house, he feels alive on stage. Everything would be perfect if only he weren’t stuck working with his boss’ mean-girl daughter.
There's a thin line between love and hate. Will Rainier and Michelle take a chance to explore the connection they can't quite deny? Or will they discover some people are too different to make it work?
All The Things We Were is a young adult contemporary romance great for both teens and adults. It is the third in a series of books, each revolving around a different couple living in the same small town. This story can be read as a standalone.
I didn’t really want to read this one as Michelle was easily not a favorite character of mine in the other two books. However, I feel that the author did really well transforming the character from the mean girl and developing her character. I feel that the reader really gets to know Michelle and the other characters well in this book and that the plot was interesting enough to keep my attention. I love the message behind the book and I feel that the author really improved with her writing from the first to the third book.
However, I still felt the pacing was off for me and that the guy was too good to be true. It didn’t feel that realistic to me, but that’s why it’s fiction I guess lol.
Verdict: Don’t judge a book by their cover. But judge this one because it’s beautiful inside and out.
Disclaimer: I received this book through NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: August 8th, 2013
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, language, mature scenes)
Pages: 438
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Being a Sophisticate of the Program seems like it’d be a pretty sweet deal: a little genetic alteration and anyone can be smarter, faster, and stronger. It’s a dream come true. All you have to give up is your freedom.
Cleo is a Sophisticate and she has a bright future in the Program. But she has a secret. When she gets upset, bad things happen. Explosive things. Things she can’t control.
When her secret is discovered, she’s sent to the Academy to train in the military branch of the Program. She’s destined to be a human weapon in the war that’s been going on since Wormwood occurred nearly 30 years ago. She soon learns that although her ability is unique, there are others like her — other Sophisticates with lethal skills and odd code names like Archerfish and Mimic Octopus.
Immersed in a dangerous game of supernatural powers and dubious motives, Cleo doesn’t know who to trust. Ozzy, the annoyingly attractive cadet who has perfect aim in weapons class and deviant lips behind closed doors, begs her not to use her powers. He’s the golden boy of the Program, but can she trust him? Or will she find herself a target, caught in his crosshairs?
The premise of this book sounded really good so I thought I’d read it. I thought for the most part it exhibited great dialogue, but there wasn’t a lot about this book I liked.
I thought that the book just didn’t make sense. The kids are supposedly slaves, but they act like they’re free? The characters and their interactions are downright confusing and the world building would never hold up in the real world. The book is not very well written and the pacing is very wonky. I just don’t get this book and it’s a real shame.
Verdict: Great premise, bad execution.
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: August 8th, 2013
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, language, mature scenes)
Pages: 438
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Being a Sophisticate of the Program seems like it’d be a pretty sweet deal: a little genetic alteration and anyone can be smarter, faster, and stronger. It’s a dream come true. All you have to give up is your freedom.
Cleo is a Sophisticate and she has a bright future in the Program. But she has a secret. When she gets upset, bad things happen. Explosive things. Things she can’t control.
When her secret is discovered, she’s sent to the Academy to train in the military branch of the Program. She’s destined to be a human weapon in the war that’s been going on since Wormwood occurred nearly 30 years ago. She soon learns that although her ability is unique, there are others like her — other Sophisticates with lethal skills and odd code names like Archerfish and Mimic Octopus.
Immersed in a dangerous game of supernatural powers and dubious motives, Cleo doesn’t know who to trust. Ozzy, the annoyingly attractive cadet who has perfect aim in weapons class and deviant lips behind closed doors, begs her not to use her powers. He’s the golden boy of the Program, but can she trust him? Or will she find herself a target, caught in his crosshairs?
The premise of this book sounded really good so I thought I’d read it. I thought for the most part it exhibited great dialogue, but there wasn’t a lot about this book I liked.
I thought that the book just didn’t make sense. The kids are supposedly slaves, but they act like they’re free? The characters and their interactions are downright confusing and the world building would never hold up in the real world. The book is not very well written and the pacing is very wonky. I just don’t get this book and it’s a real shame.
Verdict: Great premise, bad execution.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: December 14th, 2017
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, some mature content)
Pages: 324
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: SLEEPING BEAUTY MEETS FIREFLY in this fast-paced and addictive new Sci-Fi by USA Today bestselling authors Audrey Grey and Krystal Wade! While she sleeps, the whole universe changes. Princess Talia Starchaser has it all. Wealth. Status. Adoring citizens. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she’s forced to publicly betray her best friend, a companion mock she’s had since birth, setting events into motion that lead to the destruction of the humans, and the princess floating through space, a remnant of a time when humans ruled over droids. One hundred years later, half-mock captain Will Perrault and his ragtag crew discover a device floating in space. When a very human Talia emerges from its depths, Will suspects she’s the key to buying his way back into the regiment he once commanded against the last remaining rebel humans—and the ruling mock queen’s good graces. Both Talia and Will would rather get space-tossed than trust one another, but with the queen’s forces chasing them across the galaxy and the fate of both worlds hanging in the balance, they’ll forge the unlikeliest of alliances to survive.
For the most part I felt this book was okay. I feel that if you’re looking for a book with a good romance than this is it. It’s a solid romance book and I feel that if the book was a contemporary then this might have been a better book.
However, I’m really disappointed in the world building and how the book was presented. It just doesn’t feel like a sci-fi book and it was really hard to get into. I feel that the book should have focused on either the romance aspect or the sci-fi one.
Verdict: A book with great romance, but awful sci-fi elements.
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: December 14th, 2017
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, some mature content)
Pages: 324
Author Website
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Synopsis: SLEEPING BEAUTY MEETS FIREFLY in this fast-paced and addictive new Sci-Fi by USA Today bestselling authors Audrey Grey and Krystal Wade! While she sleeps, the whole universe changes. Princess Talia Starchaser has it all. Wealth. Status. Adoring citizens. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she’s forced to publicly betray her best friend, a companion mock she’s had since birth, setting events into motion that lead to the destruction of the humans, and the princess floating through space, a remnant of a time when humans ruled over droids. One hundred years later, half-mock captain Will Perrault and his ragtag crew discover a device floating in space. When a very human Talia emerges from its depths, Will suspects she’s the key to buying his way back into the regiment he once commanded against the last remaining rebel humans—and the ruling mock queen’s good graces. Both Talia and Will would rather get space-tossed than trust one another, but with the queen’s forces chasing them across the galaxy and the fate of both worlds hanging in the balance, they’ll forge the unlikeliest of alliances to survive.
For the most part I felt this book was okay. I feel that if you’re looking for a book with a good romance than this is it. It’s a solid romance book and I feel that if the book was a contemporary then this might have been a better book.
However, I’m really disappointed in the world building and how the book was presented. It just doesn’t feel like a sci-fi book and it was really hard to get into. I feel that the book should have focused on either the romance aspect or the sci-fi one.
Verdict: A book with great romance, but awful sci-fi elements.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: November 28th, 2017
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (suicide depression mental illness)
Pages: 459
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Synopsis: Sylvia Baker used to live for music: constantly listening to artists like M83 and Moonlight Bride, writing songs, and playing drums in a band. But now, the soundtrack of her life is silence. If she lets the music back in, she's worried she will return to her delusions about the Muses--the mystical beings who inspire artists to create art. She's worried she'll have to face the wounds of losing Vincent, her Muse, her love.
She tries to move on, immersing herself in the real world--working at the grocery store, mending her relationships with her friends and her father, and developing a new love for hiking. But in her dreams, she is forced to face the questions growing in her heart.
What if they never were delusions? What if a vicious battle between the traditional Greek Muses and modern Earthly Muses tore her from the world of the Muses? What if she never lost Vincent at all? And what if he's the one who needs to be saved?
I really loved this book most of the time I was reading it. I felt the writing was absolutely beautiful. Sometimes the book was really hard to read because of how emotional it was. The characters were wonderful and well developed and the plot was very intriguing.
However, I do feel that the POV shifts and the scenes in the muse world were a bit wonky and slower. I feel that the book had a small problem with pacing.
Verdict: Overall, it’s a tough read but a fairly realistic and beautiful one.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: November 28th, 2017
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (suicide depression mental illness)
Pages: 459
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sylvia Baker used to live for music: constantly listening to artists like M83 and Moonlight Bride, writing songs, and playing drums in a band. But now, the soundtrack of her life is silence. If she lets the music back in, she's worried she will return to her delusions about the Muses--the mystical beings who inspire artists to create art. She's worried she'll have to face the wounds of losing Vincent, her Muse, her love.
She tries to move on, immersing herself in the real world--working at the grocery store, mending her relationships with her friends and her father, and developing a new love for hiking. But in her dreams, she is forced to face the questions growing in her heart.
What if they never were delusions? What if a vicious battle between the traditional Greek Muses and modern Earthly Muses tore her from the world of the Muses? What if she never lost Vincent at all? And what if he's the one who needs to be saved?
I really loved this book most of the time I was reading it. I felt the writing was absolutely beautiful. Sometimes the book was really hard to read because of how emotional it was. The characters were wonderful and well developed and the plot was very intriguing.
However, I do feel that the POV shifts and the scenes in the muse world were a bit wonky and slower. I feel that the book had a small problem with pacing.
Verdict: Overall, it’s a tough read but a fairly realistic and beautiful one.