Book Review: "Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days #1)" by Susan Ee

Publisher: Skyscape

Pages: 288

Release Date: August 28, 2012

[Goodreads]

Sometimes you just have to be in the right mood to read a certain book. Angelfall for instance, I bought ages ago, and have now just finally read. When it first arrived, I started reading and got about 5 pages before I stuck Angelfall on the shelf to collect dust. Whether it be a writing style or your current mood, it isn't always easy to jump right into a new book. More than a year later after purchasing it, I find myself so glad that I finally took another chance on Angelfall because I loved every moment of it. Dark and cutthroat, Angelfall is a twisty and nail biting apocalyptic dystopian that leaves an impression – days after you finish it.

From the official book description: “It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.”

Pen is a very strong and smart character. She's clever and resourceful and independent. With a (legit) crazy mother, father who is MIA, and a sister who is physically disabled, Pen's got a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. The angels that descended earth have destroyed the majority of cities and have possibly killed “billions” of people. The few survivors, like Pen and her family, have had to scrounge for food, hop from place to place, fend-off other humans who will attack you just to survive, and of course, avoid the malevolent angels. Pen has grown up fast. She's the strong one in her little broken family.

When Pen's little sister is taken by an angel Pen makes a hard decision to put her trust in a looks to be dying Angel. She nurses him back to health.

The relationship between Pen and Raffe is slow building. Pen rightfully doesn't trust him which is smart considering the world is in ruins, millions maybe billions of people dead because the angels descended.

Raffe and Pen trade witty banter a lot. It's so funny and cute. 

We don't know much about the angels and their plans. And it turns out neither do they. They don't know why they attacked the earth and there's huge power plays being made. 

I couldn't put this book down. Pen is an amazing MC. She's so vibrant and full of life. She could give Katniss a run for her money. 

Ee's use of grotesque imagery also makes this book even more high-stake and chilling.

5 Stakes!

Waiting on Wednesday 9/28/16

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week's "I can't wait to get my grubby hands on" pick is: By Your Side by Kasie West. 

Publication: January 31, 2017

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 352

[Goodreads]

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

Why I'm waiting

One of my many missions in life is to read every Kasie West book possible O_O Though I loved some of her contemporaries more than others, West has never let me down!

{ What are you waiting on this week? }

Book Review: "Flawed" by Kate Avelynn

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Pages: 336

Release Date: January 22, 2013

[Goodreads]

There's a fist-clenching feeling in my stomach, tear pools in my eyes. In the past, select stories have stirred some emotion out of me, mainly mentally with a few shedded tears here and there. This is the first time that a story has moved me to such a degree of physical response. I feel like my emotions are revolting against the floodgate I've constructed. It's hard to describe my feelings towards Flawed without bursting into tears. I sit here wrecked, having had my emotions thrown through the wringer, and now left with a firm belief that Flawed is one of the most remarkable books I've ever read. Devastating and dark doesn't even begin describe this story, but it's a good place to start.

Sarah O'Brien's life is abysmal. Her father's a monster, a once famed boxer who delegates his time between work at the paper mill, chugging beers and beating his children and wife. His presence was like a dark shadow that Sarah couldn't escape from, a nightmare replayed over and over again. Sarah's mother, always high off of this or that medication was useless, unable to help anyone let alone herself. Then there's James. The constant, shining star in Sarah's life. All their life, Sarah and James have clung to each other for comfort, support and protection. The bond between these two were nigh impenetrable. That is, until Jame's instability really came to light, and Sarah found a sense of freedom in Sam's promises.

Flawed is gut-wrenching and heart-breaking. It was an emotional roller-coaster that kept plummeting down into a dark, dreary tunnel. In a way I'm glad that my job prevented me from reading this whole book in one sitting. If I hadn't read, breaked, than read some more, I don't know what state I'd be in. I'm already in an emotional-overload as it is. Every cruel, revolting and downright horrific thing Sarah went through had me clutching tissues and sobbing. There were those cute, hope-filled moments here and there, especially when Sam was involved, but they weren't enough to lift the sorrow-filled haze clouding my mind.

The moment I saw Flawed I knew I needed to read it, a decision I'll forever be glad I made. It was an experience never before experienced, and never to be forgotten. Avelynn weaves a story so disturbing yet real that had me rapidly flipping the pages. I was so hooked on Sarah's story. Every physical and emotional obstacle Sarah went through, just made my hope for her brighter future, that much higher.

Flawed is an easy 5 stakes. The story although, dark and highly controversial, is raw and beautiful. Strip away the abuse, the drug use and tinged hints of incest, and you have a girl just trying to discover who she is and what she wants out of life, and most importantly, realizing that she does deserve a happy ending.

"I have no idea what he sees in me. Strength he says. Beauty. A big heart. I see none of these things. I see fear, flaws, and a heart so full of blackness I can't give up on my own selfish wants to set him or my brother free."

Flawed is being marketed as a Young Adult book, however I'd argue that it definitely belongs in the New Adult domain. There are a lot of mature scenes and concepts that are most definitely not suited for tweens or younger teens. I'd say 17+ for mature language, scenes including yet not limited to violence, sex, and drugs.

5 Stakes!

Waiting on Wednesday 9/21/16

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week's "I can't wait to get my grubby hands on" pick is: Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer. 

Publication: April 4, 2017

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Pages: 400

[Goodreads]

Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn't the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he's trying to escape the demons of his past.
When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he's opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they're not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart. 

Why I'm waiting

I've read and loved all of Kemmerer's Elemental (series) books so I'm confident that Letters to the Lost will be great. She really knows how to make characters that tug at your heartstrings. 

{ What are you waiting on this week? }

Book Review: "The House of the Stone (The Lone City #1.5)" by Amy Ewing

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 87

Release Date: July 7, 2015

[Goodreads]

I don't always read novellas, especially when they are for secondary characters. However, after Violet noticed Raven getting increasingly thin and confused, I needed to find out what was going on.  

I thought that Violet was being treated terrible, but her treatment is nothing compared to Raven's. The Countess of the Stone is evil. Plain and Simple. Raven isn't just property; she's "It". It sleeps on the stone floor in a cage. It gets tiny meals consisting of a red apple slice, three peas and a half of an onion roll. It gets led around with a muzzle and blindfold.

I'm glad I read this novella. It's short of course but really enlightening. The Lady of the Lake told Violet that there are others out there much crueler than her and now we know who is and how much. 

4 Stakes!

Book Review: "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Pages: 404

Release Date: May 7, 2013

[Goodreads]

I don't really know what to say about this book that hasn't already been said because HOLY MOLY is it good. It's got the whole package: memorable characters, twisty story lines and of course, a rich and creative world for the setting. 

I think one of the reasons I loved this book so much is because of a certain sharp-tongued, funny and bad ass assassin named Celaena. I see why others have compared her to Katniss Everdeen. Celaena is strong. She takes hits but keeps rising back up to take more. She pretends that she can control her emotions but deep down she cares far too much and at times it influences her decisions. However unlike Katniss, Celaena's got a more vibrant personality. She's a flirt and likes to push buttons, sometimes for nefarious reasons and other times, just to be a pest. She's got a hilarious sense of humor. Nothing against Katniss, but I totally love Celaena more. She seems more well rounded and well, more interesting in general. 

There's two potential love interests but don't let that deter you. It's a side story line that is weaved into the main plot but doesn't draw away from what is truly important, like the demonic presence stalking the castle Celeana resides in. 

So yeah, this book rocks and I'm totally P.O.'d that I waited so long to read it when everybody else I know has been praising their love of it for years. 

Totally getting book 2 asap! Next book on my tbr list be damned! 

5 Stakes!

Waiting on Wednesday 9/13/16

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week's "I can't wait to get my grubby hands on" pick is: The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacey Lee. 

Publication: December 27, 2016

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Pages: 384

[Goodreads]

Sometimes love is right under your nose. As one of only two aromateurs left on the planet, sixteen-year-old Mimosa knows what her future holds: a lifetime of weeding, mixing love elixirs, and matchmaking—all while remaining incurably alone. For Mim, the rules are clear: falling in love would render her nose useless, taking away her one great talent. Still, Mimosa doesn’t want to spend her life elbow-deep in soil and begonias. She dreams of a normal high school experience with friends, sports practices, debate club, and even a boyfriend. But when she accidentally gives an elixir to the wrong woman and has to rely on the lovesick woman’s son, the school soccer star, to help fix the situation, Mim quickly begins to realize that falling in love isn’t always a choice you can make.

Why I'm waiting

This book sounds weirdly awesome. Have you ever heard of an aromateur? I haven't! I don't really know what else to say, this book just came out of left field and I want to read it STAT.

{ What are you waiting on this week? }

Book Review: "The Heir" by Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 342

Release Date: May 5, 2015

[Goodreads]

The Heir takes place 20 years after America Singer won the Selection and in doing so, became Maxon Schreave's queen. Our main character is Eadlyn Schreave, daughter, princess and future queen. She's the oldest child, with four younger brothers, including her twin who was born 7 minutes later than her. The Heir follows Eadlyn as she navigates the first ever Selection where the competitors are boys.

Eadlyn is an ice queen, which I understand and accept to a certain extent. She was never given the choice to not become queen. She feels like she needs to guard herself and stay distant to be the best queen she can be. However, Eadlyn is also extremely self-absorbed, selfish and at times, cruel. She doesn't acknowledge that those around her have problems and believes that she is the only one that suffers. I was extremely surprised that Eadlyn was such a horrible person given that her parents are so kind, caring and generous. Don't get me wrong, Eadlyn loves her family, but she still tends to place her needs first.

I liked the different dynamic that took place - boys instead of girls competing to wed a royal. Eadlyn felt like their were a lot of double-standers which was kind of true, but it's also clear to see that it's Eadlyn's icy ways that are causing undesirable results for the Selection. This particular Selection was created to fix a problem, but I'm not going to spoil what problem... ;)

The Heir was an okay read. I loved book one in this series, The Selection, but I never cared much for the two that followed. I read The Heir in hopes that my excitement from the first book would return, but it didn't. I'll read the last book that follows The Heir, but I'm not expecting it to be a slam-dunk.

3 Stakes!

Book Review: "P.S. I Like You" by Kasie West

Publisher: Point (Scholastic)

Pages: 330

Release Date: July 26, 2016

[Goodreads]

I tend to start drafting reviews in my head while I'm reading a book. Obviously the final outcome changes because a story can get better, or in some cases worse. For instance, a few chapters in and I was already planning on giving P.S. I Like You a 2-3 stake rating - the lowest ever for a West book! Why you ask? Well...

This story revolves around my new #spiritanimal Lily. Every word out of her mouth is hilariously sarcastic and so well timed. Most of the time her family, peers and even best friend Isobel, have no idea what Lily's talking about. She truly lives in her own little indie-rock world. 

One day Lily scribbles music lyrics on her desk in Chemistry class, and then the next day some mysterious person (who we quickly find out is a boy) writes the next verse. Eventually these two start passing notes back and forth, first discussing how awesome indie-rock is, and then sharing personal items about their life. Isobel may be Lily's best friend, but there's parts of Lily that she doesn't share with anyone, that is, until her mystery pen pal comes along. Both Lily and "he" are able to say in writing to a complete stranger, more than they've ever been able to share with anyone else. 

West tries to trick us by throwing in three different guys who could be Lily's mystery pen pal, but the moment "he" was introduced I knew immediately it was him. I became angry because I was loving P.S. I Like You so much and I felt like West had let me down by making it incredibly too obvious.

So how did I end up giving this book 4 stakes? Because the story became even juicer once "he" was revealed! When Lily finds out whom her letters have been going to, she freaks out. She's afraid that once this individual realizes its her, he will be disappointed. For someone who wears whatever she wants and says whatever she wants, Lily has low self-confidence in herself and how the world perceives her.

This story was cute. Not the best West book in my opinion but maybe the best character building in terms of Lily? Not sure. I think West needs to write many more books so I can get a larger sample to compare. ;)

4 Stakes!

Waiting on Wednesday 9/7/16

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week's "I can't wait to get my grubby hands on" pick is: King's Cage (Red Queen #3) by Victoria Aveyard. 

Publication: February 7, 2017

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 448

[Goodreads]

Here's the book summary. It's surprisingly spoiler-free considering it's the third and potential last book in the series.

In the third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen series, Mare is forced to play a psychological cat-and-mouse game with an old and deadly enemy, where the stakes are not only the future of the Red Rebellion but the sanctity of her own mind.

Why I'm waiting

I've read, raved and reviewed both book one (here) and two (here). This series is X-men meets Game of Thrones meets The Selection - three of my favorite things!

Book Review: "The Jewel" (The Lone City #1) by Amy Ewing

Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 358
Release Date: September 2, 2014
[Goodreads]

The Jewel takes place in a world where poverty is detained into four sectors; the Marsh, the Farm, the Smoke and the Bank. In the center of these circular sectors you have the Jewel where all the royalty and nobility live. The Jewel lost the ability to birth non-deformed children a long time ago. Eventually a doctor came along and discovered that certain girls who were born into poverty have the right genetic makeup to become surrogate mothers to the members of the Jewel.

Violet Lasting was born in the poorest of the four sectors, the Marsh. When Violet's doctor discovers that she can be a surrogate she’s ripped away from her home and sent to Southgate, a type of housing facility for others who will become surrogates. These girls remain at the facility for X amount years before they are sent to an auction. Oh, and I forgot to mention, these surrogates also possess special powers skills called Augries. There are three types of Augries; color change, shape change and growth.

Unfortunately, Violet is extremely adept at these skills and ends up being sold for an extremely high price. She gets bought by the Duchess of the Lake. Once again Violet is whisked away after briefly seeing her family for the last time. She gets a large room, a maid, and dozens of beautiful gowns and jewelry. This all sounds wonderful except for the fact that she’s basically a slave who at times is led by a leash.

The Jewel kept surprising me at every turn. These surrogates were treated like dogs. They walked, talked and did only the activities that their owners allowed. For example, at times Violet could only eat as much as the Duchess did otherwise there would be consequences. She was also not allowed to speak to other surrogates, such as her best friend who was also recently sold. In some ways the Duchess seemed kinder than other Jewel ladies but still, she was pretty horrible. Even though it caused Violet physical pain, the Duchess forced her to continually use the Augries for nefarious reasons.

For the longest time this book just revolved around the cruelty Violet and other surrogates received. Then slowly the bigger story lines emerged which included Violet’s potential rescue along with the promised "forbidden" romance.

I feel like this first book was missing some physical action but I’m hopeful that book two makes up for it. There's a few characters who are disgusted by surrogacy and want to abolish it. However, they’ve got a long way to go. This surrogate system is so in place that as of now I don’t see how ending it would even be plausible.

This book’s pace was up and down but I still powered through. There’s a great twist at the end that guaranteed my continual interest.

4 Stakes!

Book Review: “Falling Under” by Gwen Hayes

Publisher: New American Library
Pages: 324
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Series: Book (1) of 2
[Goodreads]

Falling Under has left an immense impression on me. With it’s darkly enchanting story and vivid characters, I quickly and irrevocably fell under it’s spell. I was like a buoy bobbing up and over waves of emotion, some of which were despairing and heartbreaking while others were comforting, warm, and humorous. I also can’t forget about the many emotional waves of lust. This book is full of devilish charm and sexy times thanks to the book’s heart throb and tragic character, Haden. He’s mysterious, mischievous, dark and delicious and a whole lotta other words that escape me at the moment but make me want to throw myself at him. Like the majority of the book’s female population, I’ve completely fallen under his lure. Damn that sexy boy.

Theia is a extremely multi-facted and intriguing character. My heart instantly went out to her. Although she’s originally from the U.K. British accent ta’boot, she’s lived in the U.S. for the past few years. Besides being British, something that I equate prim and properness with, she’s also been forced to live a confined life for other reasons. Her father who is constantly described as cold, has sheltered Theia her whole life. He has basically caged her in, not allowing her the simple and carefree freedoms that come with being a child, and the abilities to make one’s own decisions that come with young adulthood. We find out early on that her mother passed away the day Theia was born, which has since caused an uncomfortable and awkward rift between Theia and her father. All I can say is thank goodness for Theia’s bestfriends, Amelia and Donny. Little by little we see how they break Theia out of the stiff shell that her father has spent his life creating. Donny is tough as nails with sarcastic wit and an extreme sense of protection aimed towards her friends. Amelia is equally as charming but in another sense; she’s quieter and more reserved. However, deep down she’s just as fiercely protective of Theia as Donny is. Together the trio make one hell of a team.

Then there’s Haden, my sweet, devilish and delectable Haden. Although he comes off as a seductively charming and sometimes ass-y character, it’s easy to see that deep down he suffers. His lonelyness and despair is gut-wrenching. I applaud Theia for instantly recognizing a fellow person in pain and wanting to reach out. However at times I also wanted to give her a good shake as to say “what the heck are you thinking girl”. It’s clear from the beginning that something dark and ominous surrounds Haden’s arrival, but Theia can’t, and has also lost all will to stay away. Although part of me wishes she had stayed away in order to protect herself, another part feels as though the two were fated to meet.

It’s times like these where I feel so blessed to have had taken a Gothic Literature class a couple years back. Without that class I never would have been able to appreciate a novel as dark and wonderful as Falling Under. This story is so imaginative, somber and full of macabre; it kept me enticed yet weary the whole way through. The romantic aspects are scorching and all-consuming. And the writing – wow! The style and imagery conveyed is breathtaking.

"Part of me wants to set you on fire and hold you while the flame consumes us bother, to eat your heart so I know that only I possess it entirely."

If you are a fan of the book Nevermore or just generally like dark, mysterious, and sexy-oozing stories with a paranormal aspect, Falling Under is most definitely the book for you! Dark and utterly compelling. This is one book you don't want to pass up.

5 Stakes!

Book Review: “Made for You” by Melissa Marr

Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 356
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Series: standalone
[Goodreads]

Made For You reminded me why I avoid psychological thrillers. Long story short: I’m a wuss and Made for You gave me the chills. Which, is great because Melissa Marr did achieve her goal as writer, but also, yeah, I’ll be double-checking my door is locked tonight.

Eva Tilling is the creme dela crème in her small southern town of Jessup. Granddaughter to the richest man, in a town where breeding and image matters above all else, Eva is pretty much a queen amongst her peers. Everyone looks to Eva for direction and approval, girls and guys alike. Made for You felt very Gossip Girl-y in the sense that, if you damaged your image, you’re better off just moving out of town.

Eva is seemingly the product of her environment. She’s with the well-bred, handsome and boring boyfriend, because it’s a practical decision, and she’s mostly surrounded by the snobby and better-than-you peers. In the beginning Eva annoyed me because she played by everyone’s rules. The more you get to know her though, the more you realize that she doesn’t believe in Jessup’s ways. She’s just not sure how to break free of the expectations of multiple generations of high society.

Eva’s stand against the status quo is only a small part of Made for You. This book very much centers on an individual, who after (trying) to kill Eva by means of a hit and run, spends the majority of the book trying to show their twisted affection for Eva, by sending messages via symbols of the homicidal-variety.

The reveal of the killer wasn’t blatantly obvious, but I’d being lying if I said the reveal didn’t hinder my feelings a bit. On one hand the reveal wasn’t that shocking or unexpected. The clues started out small then just blew-up. On the other hand, even once the killer was revealed, I was still thoroughly creeped out and enjoying the story. I don’t think the supernatural aspect of this book was particularly strong, but rather the inside look into the killer’s mind. The killer wasn’t only obsessed and delusional, they were also very religious. Those three things made the killer highly dangerous. As the killer’s connection to reality lessened, they became even more unpredictable and frightening.

Thanks HarperCollins for providing me with a copy in return for a honest review.

3 stakes!

Book Review: “The Taking” by Kimberly Derting

Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 368
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Series: Book (1) of 3
[Goodreads]

The Taking  is the first book in a sure-to-be epic new series by Kimberly Derting. I’m a big fan of Derting’s Body Finder series, so I had complete confidence that The Taking  would be a great and organic story. Which it was! Derting really excels at creating meaty characters and engaging story-lines.

After fighting with her father during the ride home from a softball game, Kyra jumps out of the car and attempts to contact her boyfriend for a lift. A sudden, blinding light appears that instantly disorients Kyra. She blacks out. When Kyra finally awakes, to her, it feels like 5 minutes have passed. In reality it’s been 5 years.

Nothing is familiar to Kyra. Her boyfriend is now 21, at college and in a relationship with someone else. Kyra’s home-life is also especially different. There’s been a lot (emphasis on A LOT) of changes. It’s very hard for Kyra to grasp her new reality.

She’s confused. No one knows where she went because she has no memory and there’s no evidence. Tests show that Kyra is physically the same as she was when she was 16. It appears as though she hasn’t aged. She’s also having trouble connecting to anyone. She doesn’t know how to live in this new life, especially since everyone is 5 years older, wiser and more experienced than her.

This book was eerie. Strange events keep happening. Besides a body that doesn’t appear to age, Kyra is exhibiting other strange… behaviors. There’s two new men that keep appearing. One doesn’t seem to be watching Kyra, just suspiciously showing up all the time. Another is from the NSA and asking Kyra multiple weird questions. They both unnerve Kyra.

The Taking  was an original and addicting story. I needed to know what happened to Kyra. The closer she got to a semi-normal, and more importantly enjoyable life, the more strange things began to occur. You feel like a bomb is going to drop any moment.

The Taking  also has a killer ending – a big finale and epilogue – that has you eager for the next book.

5 Stakes!