Review: Hereafter

Author: Tara Hudson
Pages: 404
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: Can there truly be love after death? 


 Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.


 Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever. 


 Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.


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Hereafter is another title to add to the list of "nice ghost stories". There's romance, death, and some really creepy spirits.

Reading this book was a breeze. The second I started it I was wrapped into the easy prose. Very easy to get into and to read I was surprised how quickly I finished the book. It's 400 pages or so, but it doesn't feel like 400 pages. The story isn't very complex and is very much a love story. Hereafter isn't a plot driven story, it's driven by characters instead. Which means most of what happens is Amelia's thoughts, feelings, reactions and fears.

After finishing Hereafter I'm not sure what to think of Amelia. I think she's nicer than me and has a better temper to start with but that doesn't say very much about her. She seems like an average girl. Part of the problem is that Amelia doesn't remember her past at all except for brief flashes. So since she can't remember what she has done, and she's a ghost so she has very limited interactions, it's hard to make her more of a real person and less of a character. Right now I think of her as a lovestruck yearning spirit that's on the verge of finding the light.

I said before that Hereafter was a love story and that's partly why I wasn't in love with the book. I like a romance being in the book but not the first or second main focus for 50%-75% of the book. I did like Joshua as he was really sweet and nice and he was good for Amelia. I would have liked to see him in more action though. Maybe more danger? I think the problem is that Joshua and Amelia are in an adorable and sweet relationship. I like more danger and darkness in a relationship. So me not liking it was based on my tastes.

Despite my complaints I did like Hereafter. Some of the ghost stuff was really cool, once you got to the good stuff. The end was interesting and I'm curious to see what happens next. Do I think this book is a must read? Not really. There are lots of cool points to it which is why many people probably will enjoy it. I'm giving it 3.5 stars,

*** & 1/2 *

Review: Starcrossed

Author: Josephine Angelini
Pages: 487
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: How do you defy destiny? 


 Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. 


 As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.


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Starcrossed was a fun, great read! Wow it really sped up in the end. There were so many twists and new characters that I can't wait to see what happens next.

The story is written mostly about Helen but some chapters it alternates to other characters so we can better understand what's happening. Helen was an awkward girl, always hiding because she didn't want to stand out. She was different but she didn't want anyone to notice. Different in what sense Helen doesn't discover until she tries to kill one of the new hot boys in school, Lucas Delos. She has this hatred for him that she can't understand. Way to begin a romance, eh?

Helen has never hated someone like Lucas and it's driving her insane. I have to say this was such a cool idea. Hate turning into love isn't a new idea but the way it was done was new. Helen was so shocked with her behaviour I felt awful for her. Poor girl. She thought she was going insane. Whatever the case, I really liked Helen and her friend Claire (who's way too awesome of a character).

Helen and Lucas's love is troubled and unfair. They can't be together for so many reasons that I hated the world on their behalf. I love Lucas who was a genuinely good guy from the moment Helen met him. (Yeah, I was convinced at that scene.) The romance was angst-ridden (I want her but no, I can't be with her!) for a reason. Forbidden love is just the beginning. Despite all that I still have hope for our star-crossed lovers.

Now, on to the best part of the book, the mythology. Greek in a totally new way. Have I ever said how much I love Greek mythology? There's so many family feuds and bloodshed. Josephine Angelini marvelously blended well known mythology with unique ideas to create her own story. The magical aspect appealed to me entirely. Learning about Helen's powers was fun and I was surprised and proud of Helen every moment of it.

Starcrossed was so much fun to read, I'm not even sure about how I felt of the pacing. I loved the length of the book and meeting all the new characters. Helen's life was so entertaining and this series has so major twists that I did not expect. Overall it was really well done and there's so much potential. This book is my kind of book and I can not wait for more. Soon. 4.5 stars,

**** & 1/2 *

Review: Dearly Departed

Author: Lia Habel
Pages: 470
Publisher: Del Rey
Source: Bookurious, for review (Thank you!)
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: Love can never die. 


 Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie? 


 The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. 
For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses. 


 But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire. 


 In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.


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Lia Habel, you're a genius. Seriously, I can not get over how awesome Dearly Departed is. It's this fusion of dystopia, history, paranormal and it totally works! When you read the premise you're probably thinking the idea is crazy, but you're also wondering if she can pull it off. I thought she did!

First, I want to say I think zombies are disgusting. Walking corpses, slowly rotting. It's unappealing to me, so while I'm sure they're all pretty good people I would not go near one. Ever. Miss Lia Habel challenged that. For the first time ever, I fell for a zombie. I'm still grossed out, but I love Bram and the crew. They didn't ask to be undead and they're clever, kind, and just the kind of people I admire.

You know those zombie books where the zombies have taken over and the humans are barely surviving? That was not Dearly Departed. The concept was so original that it deserves a genre of its own. The plot always felt like something I've never seen before was happening. It was action packed, and full of questions. Best of all it ends in a way that is satisfying. No cliffhangers or anything like that though there is indication that there is more to come.

The characters were all relatable and though some may appear weak in the beginning, they all had hidden strengths. I had a huge grin on my face after reading some scenes. The best part is that there are multiple perspectives. I've noticed either people hate that or love it. I love it; it shows much more character development and the story is often more complex and intricate when that happens. I loved being in other character's minds and seeing their part of the story and the action. It really made me relate to them all.

This review is kind of all over the place and I apologize for that. It's just that Dearly Departed is such a complicated, healthy sized book with a lot happening. I'm sure there's at least one character or storyline that will interest someone. There is sweet, taking it slow romance, (finally!!!) military level action, and great, lovable characters. The writing is pretty awesome too- it always left me hungry for more and I found the book very readable.

If you're looking for a book that has it all, look no further than Dearly Departed. I love this book and this is one of those series I'll be most excited to read of more in 2012. Definitely 5 stars,

*****

Review: The Girl in the Steel Corset

Author: Kady Cross
Pages: 473
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her. 


When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch... 


 Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret. 


 Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in. 


 But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

The Girl in the Steel Corset is probably one of my favourite books of the year. The story, characters and plot appeal to me in every way.

The story was written in alternating perspectives which I'm now realizing how much I love. It's great to know what's going on from the mind of numerous characters. It also means the plot is more elaborate and more is happening, which I adore. By the end of the book which I practically flew through, I had a good understanding of all the characters and I at least liked most of them. The cast of colorful characters in The Girl in the Steel Corset was a huge part of the reason why I loved this book so much.

Now as to the characters... Meet Finley, a sweet but rather untrusting girl that has a dark counterpart who's starting to break free. I was so fascinated by her and I don't think I'll forget her. Totally rooting for her. Then there's Griffin, righteous, clever, confident Griffin. He's a very unique character, unlike any other YA boy I've read of. He has this way of getting exactly what he wants while being charming at the same time. Can't help but love him. Next there's Jack the criminal who's sweet to Finley... But there's definite darkness and danger there. He's exactly the kind of character I like to read of and I definitely had a crush on him. There's brilliant Emily, sweet, kind, and the girl you just want to be friends with. Surly and protective Sam who I'm not too fond of yet but I suspect he'll grow on me. Jasper, an intriguing and mysterious character. That's just some of the characters. One or two them alone would make a book great. All of them together is explosive.

Steampunk is a very cool genre. Especially when it's done like this. You get your Victorian era traditions and pretty dresses but with technology and a more dangerous society. Especially with all the automatons wandering around. In The Girl in the Steel Corset, the technology seems to blend with magic-like abilities. The abilities aren't normal for us so if they were o take place in modern society it would be magic but back then it can be traced to science (of the fictional kind). Which is pretty cool.

Then there's the plot. I said the book flew by because even though there are many pages and the story never felt rushed, the book was addictive. There was alway something happening that kept me interested. The idea was original, the plot was suspenseful and full of twists. You'll be enthralled with the mystery. I did guess a plot twist but I still enjoyed getting to the point where it was unveiled so it's all good.

Why should you read The Girl in the Steel Corset? It's a fast paced adventure and mystery happening in a gorgeous setting with enough romance and action to appeal to almost all readers. Honestly, the book was similar to Clockwork Angel (as in the pacing and the kind of story it is, nothing specific) so if you enjoyed Clockwork Angel you will probably enjoy Kady Cross's book. And even if you didn't you should try it out. 5 stars,

*****

Review: Haven

*looks around at the tumbleweeds* Best way to explain my absence is I needed a break. I was getting overwhelmed and I needed to take a step back, catch up on my reading and stuff. Anyway, on to the review!

Author: Kristi Cook
Pages: 320
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: Violet McKenna isn’t a normal girl with normal teenage issues; she has more to contend with than most people could handle. Violet thought she was just crazy when she had a vivid vision of her dad’s murder. Her life started falling apart when her premonition came true. She’s had flashes of other events too. The problem was nobody believed her until she found a new school: Winterhaven.  


At Winterhaven, Violet finally feels like she belongs. She quickly finds a close group friends and discovers that they too have psychic ‘gifts’—as do all the students at Winterhaven. But as soon as she feels settled she discovers the most intriguing and alluring boy she has ever met, and things quickly go awry. As the attraction between them grows, intense visions of the boy’s death start to haunt her. In her premonitions the secret he is unwilling to share begins to reveal itself. And to Violet's horror, she learns that their destinies are intertwined in a critical- and deadly- way.

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Wow, Haven was a way better read than I thought it would be. I shouldn't be surprised though. I've always had a thing for paranormal boarding schools even though I know they're overdone.

Violet herself seemed very ordinary and a bit boring and unsure of herself in the beginning. By the end of the book though I much preferred her. She was passionate about what and who she wanted plus I started to like her by then. She wasn't my favorite character but as MCs go, she was decent.

Don't hate me for saying this but at the beginning there were scenes that were very similar to Stephenie Meyer's books. There were many ideas from Haven that I'd read of before in other series so I wasn't shocked at the plotline. Happily by the end, Haven made itself its own story. The beginning was a bit slow with the hot and cold relationship troubles but I still read this book quickly. It was a smooth read and it was easy to get wrapped up in what was happening.

After the interesting end I was left with as many questions was from the realm of typical paranormal romance, there were some good ideas that have so much potential. I expect great things from the next book in the Winterhaven series.

Overall another light paranormal read that has huge readability and is entertaining. 3.5 stars,

*** & 1/2 *

Review: Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick
Pages: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future. 


 Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.


Buy the Book (The Book Depository/Amazon)

Forgotten was a great book to read. It was readable, fun, and had relatable characters matched with an original and interesting premise.

London Lane (loving the alliteration here) forgets everything at 4:33 AM. How does she live?! By remembering the future. Yes, London can see scenes and events to come. Not everything but important moments when she focuses. Forgetting everything would really suck. Enormously. London does try her best though and she writes little notes about the previous day that she rereads the next. It's a lot of work but it's the best solution for her problem. Writing the notes is smart and I had fun reading them.

London's character is just the kind of character you can't help but like. She's funny, has good relationships and ups and downs like every teenager. She has this voice that will keep you interested in the story at all times. She's also very relatable. It's easy to feel bad for London and to support her. She's that kind of person. Even though she has something bad happened to her, she sucks it up and deals with it. I admire that.

My only semi-issue with Forgotten is that besides friend troubles and a budding romance (which I totally approve of- Luke and London are adorable and have a real relationship) not very much happened in the book at the beginning. Then London learned something that changed her life which was interesting but by that time the book was almost over so this twist wasn't fully explored. It was done a bit quickly and I'm still trying to absorb it. The ending wasn't a hundred percent tied up and it leaves a bit to think about.

I'm not ever going to forget London and Forgotten was a a great debut. I really had a good time reading it (in one sitting) so I recommend everyone to check it out. 4 stars,

****

Review: Blood Red Road

Author: Moira Young
Pages: 459
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back. 


Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization. 


 Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.


Buy the Book (The Book Depository/Amazon)

Blood Red Road took me by surprise. The book had a unique story with the most captivating characters. Very memorable and I can't wait to read more!

This kind of book, books about quests are usually hit or miss with me. Moira Young's book was a bulls-eye. It was similar to Graceling in the way that it was the same kind of story and as I adored Graceling of course I enjoyed this book too. The world was dystopian but we didn't know too much about it. The story doesn't focus on the world that much, it was more on the characters achieving their goals.

Saba is awesome. She's the kind of character people may not like in real life because she isn't too kind, considerate or sweet. She's very much cruel and will do whatever it takes to survive and save the people she loves. She's not a perfect heroine and I loved that. She was such a great character because she sucked a bit then did something incredible and etc. Her relationships were unique and entertaining. Her character wasn't a cliché and I think of her as a total badass like Katniss, Tris and Katsa.

Now the romantic interest, Jack... *swoon* I think I fell for this guy even before Saba. The reason they met was a bit strange and, okay, they didn't have a normal relationship. That wouldn't suit this couple though. Their romantic tension was insane. Nothing happened until they were both ready. Jack is a really great character though. He's a slippery thief who's arrogant and provocative on the outside but is good on the inside. Yes, there are many guys like that in YA lit but this one still managed to impress me. I think many readers will like Jack. Oh, and no love triangle so that's good!

The other characters were also well fleshed out. There were many of them and they weren't always focused on too much- Saba was very brief in descriptions- but I did get a sense of most them and I loved them. They all had something special and different about them and were so compelling to read about. I can't wait to read more about them.

The way Blood Red Road is written sometimes confused me in the beginning. I hadn't ever realized how important quotation marks were until I read a book that didn't have them all. It was a little confusing because I'd hav to pay attention to exactly what I was reading to figure out if it was dialogue and I reread some parts. I didn't have a problem with this, I thought it was a good reading exercise and after a while I got more comfortable with it.

The plot of Blood Red Road was full of action and originality. Everything I read was interesting and I loved reading of Saba's journey to find Lugh. After adjusting to the dialect I was hooked to the story and it completely pulled me in. While the main story of finding Lugh was good, I found Saba's small changes in character equally interesting.

I'm not going to say much more about Blood Red Road since this is already a pretty heavy review so I'll say it's a great read and great for fans of Graceling. This isn't a typical dystopian book, it has more to offer and I think readers should give it a chance. 4.5 stars,

**** & 1/2 *

Review: Entwined

Author: Heather Dixon
Pages: 480
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Source: Library
Synopsis: Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it. 


The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation. 


Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest. 


But there is a cost. 


The Keeper likes to keep things. 


Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.


Buy the Book (Amazon, The Book Depository) 

Entwined is another retelling of the story of the 12 Dancing Princesses. I wasn't too sure how much I'd like it since I've read many retellings lately but I shouldn't have been worried because I did enjoy it.

What I liked was the characters and their relationships. The Royal was dealt a great loss with the death of the Queen leaving Azalea, Princess Royale to care for the household and the younger princesses. Azalea is our main character and she is in pain herself but she still does whatever she can for her sisters. She's a brave character and somewhat impulsive but I felt her sadness when consulting the King, masked with anger. All her emotions made sense and I enjoyed reading about her.

The other thing I liked was that though the original story is about mostly the dignitaries trying to help the princesses, this retelling wasn't just about that. It felt less like something being retold than its own story. There were many more characters and much more action than the original story though some parts were the same.

The villainous Keeper was intelligently entwined to the story. He was genuinely scary. At halfway through when things began to get rough I shivered and from that moment on Entwined reached a whole new level. I love the magic involved, and the dancing which together made for a more sinister story than I was expecting.

I really did like this story and I'm glad I read it. I was never bored as the 12 sisters will keep you reading of their mischievous pranks and escapades. A great, fun read, 4 stars,

****

Review: Clarity

Author: Kim Harrington
Pages: 242
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Source: Library
Synopsis: When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. 


Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. And a curse. 


When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?


Buy the Book (Amazon, The Book Depository)

Clarity was an impressive debut. I love a good mystery and Clarity was just that, an interesting murder mystery with some psychics thrown in. Oh, and who can forget the kickass heroine? Yeah, Clarity was pretty good.

First thing I thought of: Clare is AWESOME. She's fierce and impulsive, rebellious but loyal too. She realizes she's no angel but she's a good person. She doesn't take crap from people. I felt awful for Clare for always being called a freak and I'm interested to learn more about her school life. She's cut out for the investigator biz. I was rooting for her all along.

The other characters in the story were cool too. I love how some of them had their own side stories. It helped make them real to me and overall enhanced the story's setting and believability. Some of them stole the scene. I enjoyed reading of Clare's mom particularly because she had a very fun and teasing personality. The boys for the mini love triangle thing were hot but I wasn't sure if the triangle was needed for the overall plot. Well, that's what I thought at least. I didn't pick a team- that'll come in the future right? Assuming the triangle continues.

I'd also like to mention the mystery. I applaud Kim Harrington for keeping me on my toes. I did guess the villain and at the end I was all "I knew who it was! I should be a detective!" but the truth is that I was sure the killer was at least 3 different people. You'll have a fun time trying to guess who's behind the murder- and yes, it makes sense!

Overall I want to see more of Clare and of Kim Harrington's books. Check out Clarity; you won't regret it! 4 stars,

****

Review: Wither

Author: Lauren DeStefano
Pages: 358
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: What if you knew exactly when you would die?


Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb — males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.


When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape — to find her twin brother and go home.


But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.


Buy the Book (Amazon)

Wither is an amazing story. It hooks you in so naturally and I could have easily read it in one sitting unintentionally, except that I had to eat breakfast.

Lauren DeStefano writes very very well. There's always detail that's tied in naturally to the plot. She knows how to hook readers in, and her story is very easily explained. Her world was detailed and made a lot of sense, for the most part. There are some parts that don't seem realistic but I trust Lauren DeStefano to give more information in future novels so everything makes more sense. Reading Wither was like stepping into a new world and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The concept of Wither is very original. Dying at the age of 20 or 25 is horrific. It's like barely living. It gives lots of room for an interesting plot and Lauren's world is unforgettable. Little stuff like parties, House Governors and orphanages paved my view of this strange world. I loved these little touches!

The most important part of Wither is the characters. Sometimes the story is or may seem a bit slow- there aren't that many significant events that happen. That's because during those parts, Rhine is discovering more and more about her new life. This way of telling a story means that Rhine and the other characters need to be amazing and they were.

Every character was very distinct. I feel like I know Cecily, Lindon, Rhine, and Jenna very well. Every character had a backstory. My favorite characters based on complexity were Lindon and Jenna. There is way more to them than meets the eye.

Overall, Wither is really good. You've probably heard it numerous times but I'll say it again. A good, must read. If you haven't read Wither yet, you're in for a treat. 4.5 stars,

**** &1/2 *

Review: Unearthly

This review is done for Review Appreciation Day so check that out at The Cait Files where you can link up your reviews and check out others awesome reviews. 

Author: Cynthia and

Pages: 448

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Library

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge

Synopsis: In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . 

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Unearthly is a nice cool spin on angels and the paranormal genre. It's refreshingly new and has one of the most gorgeous covers I've ever seen.

The story is about Clara, a normal-ish teenager who also happens to be a quarter angel. Clara's been having visions of her purpose and so her family moves from California to Wyoming so that she can achieve it. Clara understands the importance of that and she's a cool character, not too drab but relatable. I love that Clara does small things that seem so normal that I can imagine doing the exact same thing.

This is another angel book and I know that might turn some people off because the other angel books haven't always been too unique but Unearthly is different in many ways. First, this isn't about a regular girl falling in love with a boy with a secret- for once the girl has a secret and is aware of it. I love finally being in the know and it's cool to be on the other side of the "What are you?" conversation. The mythology is new and so much fun to read about, you'll love this world. I have to admit there isn't too much mythology yet, but I expect there will be more.

Even though we know who our supernatural is from pretty much the beginning, there's a ton we readers and Clara don't know. Clara's mother wont tell Clara basically anything and it's annoying but believable. It also puts a wedge in their relationship. Clara and her mom actually have a relationship unlike many books where there is not responsible guardian and if there is, they don't understand. I'm really interested to see how their relationship progresses.

You can expect a bit of a love triangle in Unearthly, but it's very significant to the plot and not there for fun so I like it. Plus I can actually imagine it for once! Both boys are amazing in their own ways and for the first half of the book I was rooting for Christian but for the second half I switched and stuck to Tucker. They're both very daydream-worthy literary crushes.

One thing I wasn't not over the roof about is the pacing. It's not necessarily slow but not much happens quickly. However, I wasn't really bored and this book kept me interested. The end was a big surprise though, and it made me love of the book so much more. Now that I'm done I have a feeling I'll enjoy the second book even more.

Unearthly is a great start to what I think will be an amazing series. I can't wait to read more of this world and I'm already in love with the characters. 4 stars,

****

Remember to vote for your favourite cover on the right! Always a Witch or Beautiful Days?

Review: Happy Birthday to Me

Author: Brian Rowe
Pages: 322
Publisher: CreateSpace
Source: Review Copy (Thank you very much!)
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day. High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a mischievous pretty boy who has never had to face a day looking anything but perfect. It starts with a slowing metabolism, followed by gray hair, wrinkles, and heart palpitations. Within days his girlfriend dumps him, his plastic surgeon father forces him to get a facelift, and his terrifying high school librarian seduces him to have sex with her. All he wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he finds love with a young woman who may or may not be an all-powerful witch, he realizes that the only hope for his survival might be with the one person who instigated his condition in the first place...

Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe was an unforgettable read. Cameron's aging day by day was one of the most terrifying things I've ever read of, and how he changed the way he lived his life was nothing but sweet. I am definitely going to be celebrating my youth much more.

Cameron is an epic jerk in the beginning. To a hilarious degree. He basically treats the world like he's the center of it. The way he pretends it's his birthday so that everyone at restaurants has to give him free cake and sing happy birthday made me think he has serious issues. Reading about this guy at the beginning made me hate him. But what he faced later on was so hard and I wouldn't wish it on my enemy. He grew up in the end and that was what counted to me. I even may have shed a tiny tear or two because of his maturity.

My favourite character in the book was Cameron's sister. She was so sweet and pure and just an amazing, unusual character. She loved her brother unconditionally and she ultimately made me like Cameron even more. Her character added depth to Cameron's character, and she was just really well thought out.

What I didn't expect was the humour. I laughed many times when reading Happy Birthday to Me. There were some scenes where I swear, I was thinking "Oh no, that COULDN'T have just happened." But it did. And it was memorable. I don't think I'll ever read a novel quite like Happy Birthday to Me again.

The one thing I wasn't too fond of was that the whole story didn't feel believable to me at times. Mostly the character's actions and reactions. During some heartfelt scenes I was suspicious for the character changing. I couldn't understand or relate to their choices. Some of the dialogue didn't feel real to me too but it didn't bother me enough to have an issue with the book. I would have enjoyed learning a bit more about the characters but that I expect will be resolved in future books.

Overall, I had fun on Happy Birthday to Me's ride. It was a sweet, cute novel and that's why I'm giving it 3.5 stars,

*** &1/2 *

Review: Darkness Becomes Her

Author: Kelly Keaton
Pages: 288
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge (book #2)
Synopsis (from Amazon): Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.


Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.


She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.
Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Darkness Becomes Her started with action and ended with even more action. I really really liked this book and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

The story is about Ari who will definitely make my list of favourite heroines. Ari is strong, badass, but she's also vulnerable. She's gone through a lot in foster care with the loss of her mother and all that has made her stronger. She's not the kind of girl who mopes all the time, but she's not cold either. I love her as a character!

The plot of the story is very interesting, a whole new twist to the supernatural. There are strong, lovable characters and you can tell how much Kelly Keaton loves the city of New Orleans. To be honest, I guessed some stuff early on in the story but that's only because I read something and felt this weird need to do research. The story is super fast paced so it's very enjoyable to read.

The one thing that I'm iffy about is how fast the story takes place. Probably what, four days? Ari's attachments and relationships develop awfully fast so I hope in future books it takes a bit more time. While I did enjoy Ari and Sebastian, they're a bit serious for people who've just only met so I'm excited to see where their relationship goes.

Overall, this is a fun, addictive story and I can't wait to read what happens next. I have a feeling that this series might make it into my favourites list. Darkness Becomes Her is perfect for any lover of the supernatural and kick-but girls. 4.5 stars,

****& 1/2 *

2011 Debut Author Challenge

I've been thinking very carefully about this and I've decided to enter the 2011 Debut Author Challenge hosted by  the Story Siren. This means I will read (or try to- it depends on how fast I get 2011 releases from my district library) at least 12 books by debut authors released in 2011. I'll also try to review them. I don't have a specific list of books yet, but I'm sure I'll find many books.