Champion

by Marie Lu
4.5/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013
369 pages
YA Dystopia Finale

Source: Library

Finally I have a chance to finish the Legend trilogy! I was quite impressed with Legend and Prodigy so of course I had to see how it ended, clutching my hopes for June and Day close to my chest. I also must mention that I expected this cover would have red for the color and I was correct (ahem). I believe I managed to avoid spoilers for this book but this probably won't make much sense if you're not familiar with the first two books of the series.

Like the previous books, Champion alternates narration between our two protagonists who have been separated for some months but who still maintain a steady love for each other. For real, the June/Day relationship has been a big part of my enjoyment of this book. I was so nervous to pick it up because I feared that someone was going to die. I don't want to spoil the ending but the way that everything unspooled with their relationship left me pretty satisfied. Is it what I would have written? Well, no because I go unrealistically happy with my writing but it is fitting for the tone and in line with the events of this book. Furthermore we go deeper into the inner life of each character with Day's relationship to his brother taking up more space because they're finally reunited and June discovering what she wants to pursue in life and making tremendous sacrifices.

While that romantic relationship was important in forming a bond to this series, it is not the only element of interest. The struggling government of the Republic and its historical repression of its people but also efforts to change implemented by new Elector Anden caught my attention too. The very existence of this nation is in peril over the course of this book and naturally Day and June are integral to the fight. As we approached the end of the story, the chapters got shorter and shorter, causing me to clutch it closer and almost bite my nails (I have managed to break myself of that habit) because I just had to know how everything would turn out. Things look bleak at points and, again sadly for me, there is no unrealistic crazy happy ending. Rebuilding and changing takes time and this book recognizes that fact.

Overall: A suspenseful conclusion to the trilogy that kept me on the edge of my seat and managed to please my huge shipping of Day and June.

ARC Review: Uninvited

by Sophie Jordan
4/5 stars
HarperTeen, 2014
384 pages
YA Dystopia
Scheduled to release January 28

Source: Received an e-ARC through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie Jordan came on to my radar through her Firelight trilogy, which gave me utterly addictive writing, a fascinating dragon premise, and a swoonworthy boy named Will. So obviously I was going to be interested when I heard she had a new YA series coming soon.

At its heart is a simple premise: a kill gene has been discovered (formally known as Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)) and a test is being implemented to identify who has it in their genes. A panicked populace encourages the using of this test and soon groups are being culled from the general population as the government struggles to maintain control in cities where outraged "killers" take over.

Davy seems to be the golden girl, destined for a beautiful life of music until she is identified as possessing the kill gene and her life is radically upturned as she is sent to a public school with other "killers." Some certainly seem to fit the profile, threatening to rape and/or kill Davy on first meeting while others seem more nebbish. The first half of the book deals with Davy and her family processing (or refusing to process) this information and adjusting to the new reality. Hints of the larger world indicate that the situation is escalating, which is further reinforced by snippets of interviews, government orders, etc. that are interspersed throughout the chapters.

In the second half Davy, love interest Sean (who has his own intimidation factor) and dweeby Gil are among a select group chosen to attend a government training facility where their presumed predilection for killing will be encouraged provided it falls in line with what the leaders want. This second half ends more with a whimper than a bang, setting us up for plenty of excitement in the second book of this two-book series but not leaving me panting with suspense in the interim.

I seem to really click with Jordan's writing so it is no surprise that I read through this pretty quickly. Her background is in romance so while I wasn't initially on board with Sean as love interest (being a reader who likes nice men and skips over the intimidating bad boy), he won me over as their romance deepened. Davy is a nice enough girl, one raised with a privileged life in the suburbs that has kept her away from the worst criminal element but also one in possession of deep reserves that give her strength when everything she has ever known is ripped away from her. I would have liked to have seen more of her brother Mitchell, the only family member who doesn't recoil upon her diagnosis and who would probably like to be a part of a resistance in the second book.

For a very thoughtful review discussing some of this book's shortcomings, check out Ivy Book Bindings. Keertana brought up some excellent points about world-building that I had completely blipped over through my connection to the writing.

Sever

by Lauren DeStefano
4/5 stars
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2013
371 pages
YA Dystopia Conclusion

Source: Library

I fell hard for the cover of first book Wither and while neither it nor sequel Fever completely earned my love, I was engaged enough to follow the series through to its conclusion. I think my main my problems are that I have never fully felt engaged with Rhine who has seemed very removed, that my favorite parts are the interaction with the other sister wives which was most prominent in book one, and that I like husband Linden over servant Gabriel even if she had freedom only in choosing the latter.

My main feeling from this book is that it made me feel like I was in a drugged-out haze too following Rhine around as she tries to find her twin brother Rowan and escape the machinations of Vaughn. She just seems so personality free to me. On an intellectual level, I understand not wanting to be forced into marriage, wanting to find a cure so that you don't die at age 20, and wanting to be reunited with your sole living relative. But I never felt those in the character of Rhine. When I connect with a book, I feel the main character's pain and struggles no matter how much they vary from my own life experiences. Never the case here.

Remember how I mentioned potential love interests Linden and Gabriel? Both get pretty shabby treatment here. If you were invested in romance between Rhine and either guy, I think you will be pretty disappointed. Neither boy's life wrapped up in a satisfying fashion. Vaughn's ultimate fate is the more pleasing one though still strangely anticlimatic to me.

Another disappointment to me is the reference to Chemical Gardens. That is the title for the trilogy and yet I feel like it's only in this book that we start exploring what that means and not even in full detail. I have read all three books and I'm still not sure I could explain what they are. (I think they are where Rhine's parents experimented to come up with a cure.)

As I wrote this review, I realize I pretty much only had complaints and yet I gave it 4 stars. My rating system is obviously a bit bonkers but 4 is really the rating I felt in my gut when I completed the book. While I had hoped for an ending to completely blow me away, I do accept the ending in this book and I am very aware that I've read more disappointing conclusions. Hope is a big theme in the novel and that is what ultimately redeems it for me. I want to live in a world with hope and I like that this book allows for this even if other areas were less than for me.

Other Opinions:
Into the Hall of Books
Katie's Book Blog 
Simply Books

Altered

by Gennifer Albin
3.5/5 stars
Farrar Straus and Giroux, 2013
387 pages
YA Dystopia

Source: Won from Heather at The Flyleaf Review

Yay-how fortunate am I to win a copy of this (and first book with the redesigned cover so at least I have matching copies). I was absolutely astonished at how Crewel ended, leaving me with the best cliffhanger I've read in recent memory.

My memory of the first book's ending meant that I expected we'd pick up right where Crewel concluded. However lacking the time to reread, I'm not quite sure if that happened. What I do know is that this book takes place in a brand new setting (leaving Arras behind) with a lot of new characters excepting our heroine and her two traveling comrades.  Because of this change, there is a lot of new information thrown at Adelice and the reader in regards to the creation of Arras and how it operates as well as the actual strands that can be weaved. I feel like almost everything that was shared was completely brand-new to add on to what we already knew from book one so there was no repetition but rather always moving forward. Consequently this book had a very different vibe from other second books because so much new information was shared but it also means that fans of book one might be disappointed. The overall vibe is less fantasy and more post-apocalyptic. Personally I was not always on board with the plot but...

What really surprised me about this book was my changing perspective on the romantic love triangle between Adelice and brothers Erik and Jost. I normally hate brother love triangles though I can tolerate the ordinary kind. Overwhelmingly my initial impression was that both boys were dull and Adelice needed to find some new companions. However my feelings rapidly shifted in this book and all of a sudden, I am Team ERIK :) Did anyone else come to share my appreciation whether or not you began the book that way?

Returning to the plot, though this book's cliffhanger is not as killer as its predecessor, the stakes are certainly raised and I am anxious about what will happen. Particularly the difficulties of communicating between Arras and Earth have me concerned about what will occur for Adelice especially as time continues to pass.

Cover: Groan-I am so unenthusiastic about this change. Crewel had one of my favorite covers (to my surprise as you know I'm a sucker for a girl in a pretty dress) and I find this so much blander. I think I would have liked this design more if I hadn't had the chance to fall for the original.

Other Opinions:
Great Imaginations
I Swim for Oceans
Princess Bookie
The Best Books Ever
The Flyleaf Review

In the Age of Love and Chocolate

by Gabrielle Zevin
5/5 stars
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2013
286 pages
YA Speculative Fiction

Source: Library

No surprise that I highly anticipated this novel. First book All These Things I've Done and sequel Because It Is My Blood have been among my favorite books I've read for the blog. I know not everyone has clicked with the writing style which is done in the style of a memoir with an older Anya narrating her life; however that tends to remind me of my beloved epistolary style so I clicked easily. I also admire Anya's steadfast devotion to family and protective nature as well as having a huge crush on her (ex-)boyfriend Win. When I picked up this book, I figured that my enjoyment would hinge largely on whether or not the pair reconciled.

But it is not as if romance is the only or even the primary focus of this novel. Anya has many concerns such as her younger sister's newly rebellious self, her best friend Scarlet and her child, and most importantly her ambition to go legit with a cacao nightclub that skirts the edge of the law but will finally allow Anya out of the illegal chocolate game when it proves a success. So much happens over the rest of the book (despite its relatively short length) and we cover several years bringing Anya out of her teenage years as she continues her push to overturn the ban on chocolate.

It's pretty hard to talk about this book in too much detail without getting in to spoilers (so I do have a spoiler section below) but suffice it to say that I loved it. Well, I guess you knew that because you saw the five star rating I bestowed on it but I wanted to say that again. I love the writing style, I love prickly Anya and all who surround her, I love the way this ended. I feel like this is especially a trilogy to value and reread. I can't wait to pick up my own copy to complete my collection!

SPOILER:
So what about Win? At one point, he says the cruelest things to Anya, making me despair that the two could ever return to their partnership. Anya is of a despondent nature anyway often choosing the pessimistic view so she certainly thinks their high school romance can't last. But dang if Zevin didn't treat us to some beautifully romantic moments before bringing the two back together. Win is one loyal boy and he gets to say some great things that I just want to read over and over again.
END SPOILER

Other Opinions:
Good Books and Good Wine
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
Lisa Loves Literature

ARC Review: Pawn

by Aimee Carter
3/5 stars
HarlequinTeen, 2013
346 pages
YA Dystopia
Scheduled to release November 26

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In a future America, rankings are assigned at age seventeen to put you in your place. Get a IV or up and you're set; III or lower and you're basically dead. Kitty, an orphan in a group home, knows this and laments her III status planning something desperate before being snatched up and brought into the wealthy enclave of the ruling Hart family to replace the dead niece figurehead Lila. Upon being inducted into the family, she realizes just how much of a pawn she is within the politics of the family but also starts to grasp how powerful a pawn can be when making the right moves (there is actually a conversation about pawns in chess and how they can end up being the most powerful so this comparison is fairly stressed even within the context of the book.)

I didn't have the best experience with Carter's The Goddess Test so I was leery of trying more of her writing. Still I thought For about the first third of the book, I was thinking I had really second-guessed the plotting. Then things really started happening and I got confused, leading to me feeling muddled and overall mixed-up about this book.

The setup was fascinating. Right away we see Kitty who has a good head on her shoulders but cannot read, making the test nigh on impossible to pass. Her unique eyes are what rescue her and insert her in to the Hart family. All of that setup was fine. Even the first few chapters of her acclimating to life as Lila were acceptable. However she soon starts getting involved with the family and discovering more about the rebellion against their dictatorship, which is when secrets start to emerge. Of those secrets, I was genuinely shocked by them but the impression of them mostly left me confused-I just could not picture those scenes in my head and I can't be more explicit without entering spoiler territory unfortunately.

Before that part I was really enjoying myself though. Kitty is a very sympathetic character and I was rooting for her as soon as I understood the implications of being branded a III. Of the people she meets in her new life, I really liked Greyson, her sweet cousin who seems the least conniving of the bunch. I also appreciated that there wasn't really a love triangle. Kitty remains firmly committed to her childhood boyfriend Benjy despite being involved with Lila's fiance Knox.

Lasting impression: Be prepared for a wild ride as we move very quickly through plot points with revelations unfolding in practically every chapter with only more secrets to be unraveled. I'm not sure I'm involved enough with the characters to want to continue with the series but I do highly encourage fans of dystopia and those who are tired of love triangles to check this one out.

Other Opinions:
Getting Your Read On
I Swim For Oceans
The Best Books Ever
Young Adult Book Haven

ARC Review: Not a Drop to Drink

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
3.5/5 stars
Katherine Tegen Books, 2013
309 pages
YA Dystopia
Scheduled to release September 24

Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't very sure about this one because I do tend to like happier books and I've been a bit burned out on dystopias. But I find water scarcity scarily plausible and since I was able to get a copy shipped directly to me, I figured I'd take a shot.

The summary, to me, makes this sound like a day to day survival story for one young Lynn. In some ways this is true; Lynn has a pond and will kill to protect it for herself. But in other ways, the book has a lot bigger focus, looking more at community as Lynn meets new people and lets her guard down so they can surprise her. I thought the book would be more in her head when it's actually told in third person following several characters as they band together. Since I really liked the ways Lynn bonded, I was happy with this unexpected turn.

Sadly though I just never quite clicked with the book despite finding it a very easy read (completed in just a few short hours). I felt moments of dread as strangers threatened Lynn's water and I felt moments of compassion when she reached out but it was not as intense as I expected. I suspect it might be at least partially due to the narration. Thanks to the prevalence of first person in YA, I do tend to find myself partial to it. The way the plot played out was also fairly predictable with only one part (SPOILER: Eli's death) managing to surprise me. My eyebrows raised at that part because I figured after that character did so much, something else would occur.

I did appreciate that this is a standalone and that the epilogue brings some closure and even manages a bit of optimism in this bleak not so distant future. I liked all of the characters well enough. I just don't have very passionate feelings about this book. If you really like dystopias, definitely check it out. If you don't really want romance, check it out. If you want to read a self-contained story that doesn't have a cliffhanger ending, check it out. I feel like the water scarcity is a different angle so that's another reason to check it out.

Other Opinions:
Bloody Bookaholic
Inspiring Insomnia
The Best Books Ever
The Broke and Bookish
Young Adult Book Haven

The Testing

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
3/5 stars
Houghton Mifflin, 2013
325 pages
YA Dystopia Post-Apocalyptic

Source: Library

I requested this from the library for my sister who read about it in a magazine and liked the sound of it. I liked the comparisons to The Hunger Games. She ended up saying she found it boring but I tend to be less picky than her and I already had it checked out from the library so I proceeded. I can fully see how part of this merited its The Hunger Games comparison but I personally found it lacking in multiple ways.

The titular testing comes from the government, where they attempt to select the brightest and best of recent high school graduates and put them through four rigorous tests to determine who will continue on to university. In this post-apocalyptic world, the citizens have worked hard to build a new life for themselves and going through the testing is one way to provide a much better life for yourself (through this new career) and your family (who receive a payment for your loss). Cia Vale is thrilled to be selected for The Testing even after warnings from her father who survived the tests himself. Once there, she has to decide who she can trust and who will happily kill her.

My general takeaway from this book is that we just didn't click. I had to force myself through each page instead of eagerly flipping through them. For whatever reason (writing, my mood, etc.) I could not connect with Cia who narrates and despite my love of students undergoing testing (like in Ender's Game), I didn't feel engaged with that part either. I feel comforted knowing that my sister wasn't impressed either and that there have been plenty of neutral to negative reviews out there

Of the four tests, it is the last one that brings to mind The Hunger Games. The first three take place inside the city grounds. The fourth deposits the remaining candidates (many have already died by that point) some days away and forces them to fend for themselves as they attempt to make it back. Some candidates use that opportunity to kill the competition. But even this failed to compel me. I don't know if I've read too many books in this genre (which isn't really my favorite anyway) or what exactly explains it but I found most of this book super dull.

Especially dull are the characters. Main character Cia is very intelligent, no doubt an that is clearly shown to us. She also possesses good instincts, knowing who to trust, when to hold back, and when to go full throttle (for the most part). I feel like she's exactly the kind of heroine I ordinarily love but not here. Her friend/love interest Tomas is even worse-I kept thinking he was going to turn out to be quite evil but that probably would have been too interesting.

Overall: I have so little enthusiasm for this book and cannot encourage you to check it out unless you are a very serious hardcore dystopia/post-apocalyptic fan who can't get enough. Lovers of contemporary would do well to steer clear.

Other Opinions: Some of my blogging friends had more positive things to say-read their reviews to excite yourself about this book!
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
My Precious
New, Borrowed, Used
Once Upon a Prologue
The Book Cellar

The Elite

The Elite by Kiera Cass
4/5 stars
HarperTeen, 2013
323 pages
YA Dystopia

Source: Library

OK-I think this is going to be a long one...fair warning but hopefully there will be some good moments :)

This sequel to The Selection had a lot I wanted it to achieve. I wanted a lot more action coming from the rebels who threaten the precarious stability of the country. I wanted America to stop mooning over Aspen and choose Maxon (or vice versa but at least to make a decision). And I wanted a lot more tension among the few remaining girls (for most of the book, there are six still vying for Maxon's hand.)

Unfortunately I do not feel that this book left me satisfied.  The rebels do continue to attack possibly for a reason proposed by America but which would be too spoilery to share here. Yet it serves more as a distraction from the main event than as actually furthering the plot. America continues to waver between Prince Maxon and first love Aspen in an annoying fashion (reminded me of the love triangle in The Madman's Daughter where she thought she loved whoever she was with.) On the other hand, the drama of now six girls competing to become princess was exciting (the feelings America and the other girls experience vividly reminds me of what I've read about "The Bachelor/ette." Note: I do not watch that show but I do read tabloids cover to cover and it gets mentioned a lot.)

Still the romance had its moments. Of particular interest to me was America's musing on how although Aspen gives less, it means more because he is starting at such a disadvantage compared to Maxon's life of privilege. If you have a chance, My Friend Amy actually wrote about that back when The Selection came out. I mean, I still prefer Maxon (who is blonde to add to my swooning) and I can't just forgive Aspen for pushing America away but I am more sympathetic to him.

And I must mention some of my thoughts about the characters, in handy bullet-format:

• America must be addressed first; she continues to exasperate me and the other characters with her impetuous, idealistic, irritating, compassionate self. I love that America cares so much but sometimes the way she expresses that just drives me bonkers! Furthermore her indecision over whether she even wants to be in the competition continues to bother me, largely because of my own personality. I'm pretty decisive and if I'm in it, then I'm in it to win it.
• Maxon-we really get to look at the difficulties of being a prince while also seeing how he is trying to (slowly, subtly) change the realities of his country's situation; there is a heartbreaking moment toward the end that shows how even a prince cannot escape a bad family life (oh I just wanted to hug that boy)
• Aspen has never been a favorite of mine but he gets a bit more of a chance to present his case and I can mentally understand how hard it is to just turn off feelings but man I kind of just want him to go away.
• The other girls-America realizes that her closest friend is also her toughest competitor in a difficult moment. We also see some more about how each is doing her best to get close to Maxon.
• King Clarkson emerges as a more immediate threat than the rebels with his intimidating bullying posture that is very unbecoming of a monarch, in my opinion
• Queen Amberly and Silvia really shine here-their grace and poise under trying circumstances is most inspiring. I loved both ladies so much and wish it was appropriate that they got more page time.
• The maids: Anne, Mary, and Lucy are responsible for many small moments of humor and companionability that balance America's angst and rash decisions.

Overall: So many feelings and thoughts generated by this book. I wish I could unreservedly love it (as I do with all the books I read) but I appreciate that I am still thinking about it in the days after and I think it will linger in my head if not my heart as I count down to The One.

Other Opinions: Lots of conflict among my blogging buddies-some loved this installment and others loathed this book.
Beauty and the Bookshelf
Imaginary Reads
Reading Under the Willow Tree
Supernatural Snark
Young Adult Book Haven

The Program

The Program by Suzanne Young
2/5 stars
Simon Pulse, 2013
405 pages
YA Dystopia

Source: Received a copy through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

This title has been on my radar for a long time as an intriguing take on teenage suicide although I wondered how it would be drawn out and built up into a full-length novel. As I was reading, I told some people about how weird this reading experience was and I struggled to formulate my thoughts. I hope to do better in my review here with the caveat that there are some spoilers.

I think my first problem is the world. In this future world, there is an epidemic of teen suicide. The solution seems to be to put any teen who cries a lot or may be depressed into the program which strips them of their memories and emotions, leaving them alive but as empty shells. All of the adults think this program is the best thing ever: it keeps their children alive. I didn't believe that everyone would be so in favor of this program because the way the kids return renders them vastly different. What parent would be happy with that outcome? I don't see how they would think it was worth it.

The second problem was the overall point of this book. I expected exploration of depression and reasons for suicide. I never really felt like I got that and the ending seems to turn this book more into a rising up against the evil government kind of dystopia. It was a rapid change of pace to me and I didn't think that the previous pages had spent enough time setting us up for this kind of story. For the most part, it felt like a meandering contemporary romance.

As for that romance, well that's the third problem. The main character Sloane begins the book in a relationship with James. Both are sent to the program where their memories are stripped and their relationship is forgotten with Sloane starting up a new relationship with someone else. Yet those memories are not fully excised, setting Sloane up to fight to get those memories back through rebellion. I didn't feel the romance either way but the second guy is pretty sneaky and repulsive.

Overall: I found myself unable to connect with this book, kept back by banal characters and nonsensical plot turns.

Other Opinions-I seem to be in the minority for this one:
Blkosiner's Book Blog
Heise Reads & Recommends
Katie's Book Blog
Princess Bookie

ARC Review: Reboot

Reboot by Amy Tintera
4/5 stars
HarperTeen, 2013
352 pages
YA Dystopia
Scheduled to release May 7

Source: Received an e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book grabbed me with its blurb about humans "rebooting" after a set period of time-what sounded like a really cool twist on zombies, a paranormal creature I've never really cared about. I also loved the simple cover. Personally I like pretty dresses and lots of color but this one has a starkness that appealed (and the fact that 1-7-8 stands out is appropriate).

That reason is because our main character rebooted after 178 minutes, gifting her with exceptional abilities. She is known as 178 or alternately Wren. The longer it takes someone to reboot, the stronger they are. Because of that, she has been very talented at the work she has been assigned, providing support to the government and training new reboots. Wren has little patience for the lower numbers until 22 (or Callum) comes along and blows past all her defenses entwining them in romance and drastically changing the course of her rebooted life.

If you've read some of my recent reviews for HarperTeen books, this next statement will come as no surprise. I found the writing incredibly engaging and compulsively readable. I easily read this all in one day and had a tremendous amount of fun.

More surprising is that the romance was actually kind of my favorite part. Callum is super charming and I love the way he works his way under Wren's skin. She has been so tough for so long with everyone else afraid and intimidated by her but he doesn't have the good sense to fear her abilities, instead dancing with her and saying just the right things. He doesn't care that she's better than him at their job; he doesn't care that she's a brutal and merciless fighter/killer. He just loves her for who she is.

I'm less enthusiastic about everything else. This is a pretty dark dystopia with a lot of violence and death. I have no problem with that-it just paled compared to how the romance charmed me. Lingering questions include how this virus started as the beginnings of this dystopia world are sketchy. I am also wondering about the experiments the government's scientists are practicing on the lower numbered Reboots. We get a lot of hints at what's going on but not the full picture. The book also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger-who knows what will come next?

Other Opinions:
Finding Bliss in Books
My Life In Not So Many Words...
Obsession with Books
Read, Rinse, Repeat

ARC Review: The Eternity Cure

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
4.5/5 stars
HarlequinTeen, 2013
436 pages
YA Dystopia Vampire
Scheduled to release April 30

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Last year I was surprised by how much I enjoyed The Immortal Rules since I did not like Kagawa's Iron Fey trilogy nor do I generally like vampire books. What struck me about the book was when main character Allie was turned from human to vampire, choosing existence over certain death and how her mentor Kanin instructed her that she had a choice over what kind of monster she'd be. These words guided her as she journeyed toward Eden, aiding humans on their quest to find a fully human city among the ruins.

Book two picks up with Allie trying to find Kanin who has been captured by a crazed vampire who is furious at how Kanin sold out his fellow species to help humans. Because of their blood tie, Allie can track Kanin but she also finds her blood brother Jackal along the way and must form an uneasy alliance with him as the book progresses. I was very impressed with how Kagawa reminded us of what happened in the previous book. Some authors just dive right into the story but she took the time to touch on the foundations and most important plot points to get us ready for what was to come.

Not sure how much of the plot I should reveal as I don't want to spoil anything but some highlights are the return of some of your favorite characters as well as a lot more insight into vampires and the history of this dystopian world. There are many action sequences and a lot of violence. I found the plot a bit less straightforward this time although it is ultimately a quest just like in the first. It is expanding wider to encompass every remaining living creature, setting us up for some epic battles in the conclusion. I kind of predicted something about the ending, which I will address at the very bottom of the review in the spoiler section.

Allie continues to battle her monstrous instincts in favor of her more human feelings. This is by challenged and supported by love interest Zeke. On the one hand, he really does love her; on the other hand, he would taste so dang good! Their relationship is not easy but it has some really good moments here. Kanin was a bit of a disappointment to me here-I loved him a lot in the first book but he was less compelling this go around. That is possibly because of the charisma of Jackal who overshadows most.

Overall: An excellent sequel to The Immortal Rules-you'll want to know what came next!

Other Opinions:
The Book Lantern
Katie's Book Blog
Realm of Fiction
Red House Books
Supernatural Snark

SPOILER DISCUSSION:
As we approached the end of the book, I thought book 3 would be opening with a description of Zeke as vampire because no way was he dead-dead. Then book 2 ends with us knowing he's alive-he has to be a vampire right? Kagawa made such a big deal about how he didn't want to be turned so that's what has to have happened. Do you think Zeke is a vampire?
END SPOILER

Taken

Taken by Erin Bowman
3.5/5 stars
HarperTeen, 2013
360 pages
YA Dystopia Science-Fiction

Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

This book grabbed my attention first with its rainbow-cover. I love the way the covers bleed into each other. Then it cemented my attention with its premise about a town with no men-only boys as males are taken on their eighteenth birthday in "the heist." This raised a lot of questions for me, starting with wondering how did this begin and ending with "does that mean all the children in this town are fathered by males under 18?" I cannot reveal the answer to the first nor to any of the others in my mind but I can answer the last one with a simple "yes." There is a system to ensure the survival of this town and it revolves around males under the age of eighteen fathering children.

I have to say that although this book as a whole wasn't a winner for me, I must applaud HarperTeen for continually publishing some of the most absorbing books. When I pick up one of their books, I know that I probably won't be putting it down until I'm done and that was certainly the case here. I kept trying to go do other things but finding myself returning to Taken.

I can't reveal too much of the plot without heading into spoiler territory. But I can share that our narrator is Gray, the impulsive younger brother of the adored Blaine, whose eighteenth birthday is the day the story opens. Once Blaine is "heisted," Gray starts digging into his town's history and makes a crazy decision that leads to the rest of the events of this book. There's some romance, some would-be science (cannot comment on its plausibility although I suspect it is not very), and a lot of mystery and action.

Overall: I don't know that this was entirely the read for me and I'm not decided on continuing with the series but I'm sure many will find the writing engaging and be completely absorbed in this world.

Other Opinions:
Blkosiner's Book Blog
Katie's Book Blog
Team Tynga's Reviews
The Book Monsters

Prodigy

Prodigy by Marie Lu
4.5/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013
371 pages
YA Dystopia
Sequel to Legend

Source: Library

Legend was one of my favorite books from 2012 so I was heavily anticipating this second book especially after seeing so much positive buzz for it. My feelings about this book are also largely positive but there may be some SPOILERS so be forewarned.

June and Day are on the run: the prodigy and the criminal, united in a common purpose against the Republic (which reminded me very strongly of North Korea in this book). They are recruited by the resistance to assassinate the new Elector, June's old compatriot Anden. But on their quest to accomplish that, they uncover some surprising realities and keep the reader on the edge of her seat.

Now of course there is so much more to this story than the romantic parts but that has been my favorite section. June and Day are an amazing, smart, powerful (would-be) couple. And the fact that some people got in the way of that made me angry. Gah, I wanted to cut Tess! Anden was less irksome, I think because he didn't know June had Day but Tess knew and a girl I thought I liked in Legend became absolutely loathsome to me. I know that these two kids do not have an easy road ahead of them (made all the more difficult by the decisions of the last few chapters) but I'm rooting for them!

Like the first book, this is again told in alternating chapters, which were very easy to fly through. Day's font is blue instead of gold this time and I found that much easier to read while it also has the bonus of matching the cover. Also like the first book, this is filled with action, tough decisions, and stunning revelations. The world of June and Day is only getting darker and murkier-there are no easy paths and the ending left me near heartbroken but relieved that there will be a book three to hopefully give some resolution.

Cover: I am wondering if the third book will have red in the cover? Could look cool with the gray/yellow and blue/black covers.

Other Opinions:
Debbie's World of Books
Gone with the Words
Holes In My Brain
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
Tripping Over Books

The Essence

The Essence by Kimberly Derting
3.5/5 stars
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013
343 pages
YA Dystopia
Sequel to The Pledge

*Spoilers for The Pledge because they're necessary but no spoilers for The Essence*

Source: Library

When I read the first book in the series, The Pledge, I found it to be a fast moving plot-driven story that kept me breathless turning pages. So even though the characters weren't very substantial to me, I still wanted to check out this second book. I'm definitely bummed it has taken so long to arrive but I'm glad I checked it out.

After overthrowing Queen Sabara, Charlaina has assumed her rightful place as Queen of Ludania and has been implementing big changes, trying to unite everyone as one people, in one class, under one language. But not all are pleased about this change. Adding to Charlie's troubles are the fact that Sabara's essence is still contained within her and is pulling her in many different directions as well as a traitor, betraying all that Charlie has worked for.

I thought the plot was a little less engaging this time as frequently is the case. Fighting for freedom and liberty is usually more fun to read about than building a stable kingdom based on those principles. The weirdest part to me is how Charlie's closest friends are now her advisers despite only being around sixteen (or that was my impression of their age). Are there no adults who fought and would be appropriate? Also as I mentioned, there is a traitor who I kind of picked out (yay me!)

The most interesting part to me was seeing Charlie trying to interact with other queens to prepare her kingdom to resume its place with allies trading. She's a lady who prefers trousers but is forced into a dress to learn etiquette. Second most intriguing was Charlie's battle against the essence of Sabara. Her voice is represented in italics and she is absolutely devious, still intent on gaining a body, whether Charlie's or maybe someone else's. We also learn more about her back story and just about how long she's been around. These elements helped push me through some of the duller parts.

Overall: A sequel worth checking out if you liked the first.

Other Opinions:
Books Live Forever
In Between
Mundie Moms
Rainy Day Ramblings

Rebel Heart

Rebel Heart by Moira Young
3.5/5 stars
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2012
424 pages
YA Dystopia
Book 2 in the Dust Lands Trilogy

Source: Library

First book Blood Red Road was a surprise hit for me last year so I am pleased to be reviewing its sequel today. I had a bit of trouble getting back into the world but was soon flying through it until...a certain part, which will be discussed at the very bottom in a spoiler section because it cause me great dissatisfaction and is intensely spoiler-y.

The sequel picks up shortly after the end of Blood Red Road with Saba, Lugh, Emmi (the reunited family), and their other companions traveling west looking for a better future. Then Saba receives devastating news about Jack that nevertheless sends her plunging straight back into danger with the rest of her companions following her.

Lugh was a tremendous douche in this book, treating Saba and a potential love interest particularly poorly. I wish we had more insight into his head because this guy barely seems worth all the effort Saba went through to save him. Emmi meanwhile continues to be a sweetheart-she has several great scenes and I loved her. Besides the details mentioned in the spoiler, my least favorite part of the book was the lack of Jack who's only there in the very beginning and end, not nearly enough for my liking.

Saba is in a bad head space for much of the book. She is haunted by some of her decisions and actions from book one (she went through some dark stuff so no surprise there). Although she has been reunited with her family, no one is very happy. I was mostly onboard with her decisions until the spoiler, which just pissed me off. Sorry but the spoiler really is integral to understanding my perspective on this book.

Cover: Redesign! This definitely looks like a masculine person, which is displeasing to me as Saba is definitely still the lead. I'm not sure if it's Lugh or Jack but neither possibility makes me happy. In my mind, this is Saba's story and the cover should reflect that.

Other Opinions: 
Book Labyrinth
In Bed With Books
Lisa is Busy Nerding

SPOILER ALERT:

So it's bad enough that Jack is barely present in this book and that we are led to think he's betrayed Saba (or us the reader really) but then I cannot believe she goes and sleeps with DeMalo! It almost seems like she is in a trance when she does this and obviously if she was thinking clearly, she would not have (right?) Needless to say I hated this plot development and it really ruined the book for me. The only part I might dislike more is the very ending when it sounds as if Tommo is watching the thankfully reunited Saba and Jack and possibly plotting something dark. Also we've got three guys lusting after Saba? I like her, sure, but that seems a bit much.

END SPOILER

ARC Review: Scarlet

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
4.5/5 stars
Feiwel and Friends, 2013
452 pages
YA Fantasy Dystopia
Book #2 in the Lunar Chronicles
Scheduled to release February 5

Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

-Spoilers for book 1 but no spoilers for Scarlet-

Unlike many bloggers, I didn't love the first book in this series Cinder and I think that was because I was expecting more of a Cinderella retelling, whereas Cinder seemed more intent on developing its own much more expansive world with the huge threat of the Lunar people. Consequently I was disappointed and approached Scarlet somewhat apprehensively. I was also nervous because it was incorporating the tale of Little Red Riding Hood and I've never had any interest in reading a retelling of that.

Yet when my copy came in the mail, I picked it up just a few days later and dove in, emerging breathlessly when I realized I needed to get some sleep. Then I finished it off the next morning. In short, this book was fantastic!

First we meet new characters Scarlet and Wolf, who bear a resemblance to the characters from the fairy tale but who get their own awesome spins. Scarlet is a pilot who works on her grandmother's farm, a grandmother who has been missing for two weeks, leading Scarlet on a quest to find her, aided by the Wolf, a street fighter who manages to earn her trust despite her hesitations. With a name like Scarlet, I expect a certain amount of spunk and I got that from her. She has words and bravado aplenty no matter what awful situation she gets herself into. Wolf has been a very popular figure in the blogosphere; he's not quite to my taste but I can see the appeal with this big tough guy and yet his vulnerability.

Soon we receive a parallel look at Cinder who is breaking out of prison, accompanied by Carswell Thorne (who Jen Ryland originally freaked me out about before calming me down-I love Cinder and Kai, thank you very much!) and set on learning more about her heritage. Cinder is shaken to be so chased but she remains kick-butt and determined to learn about her past instead of running away and curling up in a ball (I would not be able to blame her if she wanted to). Thorne is a more devil-may-care character, extremely charming, drawing comparisons to Han Solo. He's quick with a quip but I didn't really feel that I know him-perhaps he will have a more prominent role in book 3 rescuing Rapunzel from her tower of thorns? (See Heidi for this theory as pointed out to me via Jen Ryland)

Meanwhile back in New Beijing, Emperor Kai struggles with his complicated feelings about Cinder and fends off the intrusions of Lunar Queen, Levana, who continues to be as evil, all-knowing, and powerful as she was in the first book. She is absolutely ruthless and terrifying despite only appearing in a few scenes.

After reading the synopsis for Scarlet, I had been wondering how Scarlet would fit in with Cinder's story. I originally thought it would just be a companion novel set during the same time period. Instead it is more of a sequel, picking up as it does after the events of Cinder, but introducing loads of amazing new characters, settings, and plot points without overwhelming what we already know from Cinder and continuing to deepen our experience with her. Cinder is still very much the main character of the Lunar Chronicles. I thought every element was very well-balanced (except for my one criticism below) and that this was an excellent second book.

A scene I particularly want to shout out is the scene that pays homage to the original fairy tale of Red meeting her grandmother. I don't really have the words to describe how perfect I found this scene but it caught me completely by surprise and made me put the book down just to savor the exquisiteness.

Despite my praise, I didn't give this book a perfect 5/5 stars for two reasons. First I personally wanted a bit more Kai-I still think he's a fantastic guy. He's honorable and devoted to service, just the kind of upstanding hero I like. But he doesn't get to do anything fun and ends the book with an extremely painful decision. The situation is going to get worse before it gets better as we still have two books to make it through. And I also wanted to leave room for the next books Cress and Winter. If they are anything like this, I will be very pleased to award a perfect 5 stars rating. I am a little worried that there will be too many characters but am willing to give the benefit of the doubt.

Cover: While I love this book, I am less enthusiastic about the cover. I preferred the shoe on the cover of Cinder.

Other Opinions:
Good Books and Good Wine
Great Imaginations
Into the Hall of Books
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
So Many Books, So Little Time
YA Book Queen

Black City

Black City by Elizabeth Richards
4/5 stars
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2012
374 pages
YA Paranormal Dystopia

Source: Library

This book caught my attention quite easily with its gorgeous explosive cover. While I still retain a deep fondness for covers with pretty dresses, I am finding myself more open to other images and the destruction of this rose is simply captivating (and appropriate for the story).

Would that I could say exactly the same about the story. It's not bad by no means but the most accurate description I have is that I found it pleasant whereas I would prefer to rave incoherently about how much I love a book. This story does not push me to that level despite enjoying it and planning to read the second book.

What really worked for me was the dual narration. This is an example of a book where I basically liked both of our narrators equally which is not always the case. Natalie is the daughter of a prominent politician, returning to Black City with her mother determined to implement new legislation from the country's leader, her beloved sister broken from torture, and her father dead. She also recently discovered her boyfriend/body guard Sebastian cheating on her. So Nat's not in the best condition. But she's better off than Ash, a twin-blood (human father and Darkling* mother) in a city literally divided in to two with humans warily living their lives while the Darkling population is confined to ghettos. He is also peddling the Darkling drug Haze to humans in order to ensure his family's survival.

As the first book in a series, there was a lot of introduction. The politics and world-building were something I was intensely interested in at first but soon the characters took over much more of my interest. As you might have guesses, Natalie and Ash do end up falling for each other after a protracted struggle due to an instant mutual dislike and then the edicts against interracial relationships. Their relationship is further complicated by other love interests for each and various misunderstandings. The course of true love never did run smooth but I'm rooting for the pair.

However it took me a long time to finish the book (three days) which is not something I can say about the books I love most. When I'm enjoying a book, I fly through it and enjoy a leisurely reread. I never savor a book I'm loving because I'm so passionately involved in the story that I can't wait (of course I'm also dreading the moment I reach the end-it's a difficult bunch of feelings).

I would be remiss to not mention two of my observations of how this book relates to other YA. First was the frequent use of the word "sparkling" most often in reference to Ash's eyes but which always made me think of the sparkly Twilight vampires. The second note is how much the epilogue reminds me of the ending for The Hunger Games (book/movie, not trilogy as a whole). Did anyone else notice the similarity?
*Also Darkling is going to bring to mind Shadow and Bone for me. Plus dual narration makes me think of Legend.

Other Opinions:
Blkosiner's Book Blog
In Bed with Books
Young Adult Book Haven

Because It Is My Blood

Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin
4.5/5 stars
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012
350 pages
YA Dystopia Sequel

Source: Picked up at library.

Last year I loved All These Things I've Done, feeling almost like I was reading a contemporary to my delight! Additionally I admired main character Anya's strong feelings about family as well as her love interest Win.  Therefore I picked up this sequel with much excitement but also trepidation as second books have let me down quite a bit this year. Although Jen Ryland helped to reassure me with her review, I was still nervous.

Thankfully that was unnecessary. This book also blew me away! I think that is in large part due to Anya's strong personality. While I don't think every character is fully drawn out, Anya is an amazing character. If you don't click with her, these books won't work but I love her. I think she is up there on my list of favorite characters of all time. I can picture her so clearly and I would love to have her protecting me.

The book picks up several months after the conclusion of All These Things I've Done with Anya being released from Liberty and having to make plans for her future. Through a series of events, she ends up having to leave Manhattan, taking a trip that solidifies the reasons why chocolate (remember it's a banned substance) is in her blood and gives her a bold new idea for her future with some unanticipated twists and turns.

So much happens over the course of this novel with a timeline that is a little wacky during the time Anya is out of New York. I don't want to go too in-depth but there are some great scenes of Anya having to kick some butt and a lot of information is thrown at us but there is still more to come. I don't really have the words to articulate my strong positive feelings about this book.

However it did not get five stars. Why is that? I was disappointed with the lack of Win although I completely understand what is happening there and I really hope he comes back in full force in the third book. I also very much disliked Anya's friend Scarlett's decisions (enough possessives, huh?)

Overall: A strong second installment that sets up many new avenues for the third book to explore.

Cover: Not thrilled with the cover redesign, just because I like my covers to match. I think I will wait to buy all three until the covers are definitely confirmed.

 

Crewel

Crewel by Gennifer Albin
4/5 stars
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012
357 pages
YA Fantasy Science-Fiction Dystopia

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I found Crewel to be a refreshing breath of air amid a lot of books that left me disappointed. I was first attracted to the cover as well as wondering about the title-what does crewel mean? Turns out it is an embroidery term and I am interested to learn more about the practical side of that as my crafty self is flaring. I thought it was a very solid book with a lot of potential to be unraveled in the rest of the series.

I felt like this book drew from science-fiction, dystopia, and fantasy for an overall magical story. Although vastly different, I was especially reminded of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale with severely circumscribed roles and rights for women and jealous protection of those few areas where they do reign. Most frightening of those aspects is the government which uses the weaving abilities of its citizens to "rip" dissidents out of existence if complete brain remapping proves insufficient to tame them. Even as humans prove resilient, those in power want to crush them. This is one evil government with some surprising origins. One genre I had hoped to see more of was fairy tale due to the presence of the spinning-that makes me think of "Sleeping Beauty" and "The Three Spinning Fairies" but oh well.

Three last things I liked would be the sister-sister relationship, the character Cormac, and the ending. Adelice loves her younger sister and that is unfortunate for her because it makes the sister a tool the government can use to force Adelice to use her power for their own ends. As long as Adelice cares and cannot protect the sister, it puts them in an awful situation. I've mentioned before that I have a younger sister and reading about protective older sisters is a good way for me to bond with a character. Second is that I loved villainous power-hungry government official Cormac; I don't have much to say about him beyond that but I thought he was just great for his purpose. I also have a few (non-spoilery) things to say about the ending: Well then...WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?

But (you knew there had to be something I really didn't like) there were these two competing love interests. Now I think one definitely has Adelice's heart but there's a lot of tension between the three of them. I am not going to ding this book for the two guys but I will ding it for not getting me interested in either guy. By which I mean, they did not bring the swoon.

Overall: Although this was less fairy-tale than I had expected, it ended up being a really enjoyable read with a good MC and a great set-up for the second book.

Cover: I would say this is pretty much what first drew me to the book-I love the swirl of colors and am surprised to like a cover that doesn't feature a pretty dress!