Diamonds and Deceit

by Leila Rasheed
4/5 stars
Hyperion, 2014
424 pages
YA Historical Drama

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

Who had forgotten almost everything that happened in Cinders and Sapphires? This girl! What I remembered most vividly was Lady Ada and her affection for Indian Ravi, a love rendered impossible by their vastly different stations in life. I personally found it baffling as I never thought the reader got enough insight into their relationship to care about them but apparently something about the romance made it stick in my brain (probably my irritation at it.)

Thus I opened this book and panicked over my inability to remember the important characters, let alone their complicated relationships to each other. Luckily as I kept reading most everything came back and was further elaborated upon. As before Ada and Rose are our protagonists, navigating a difficult season with romantic complications. Ada continues to be in love with someone who would be deemed unsuitable (and who I think is dull) and Rose struggles with prejudice against her background. Meanwhile we also jump around to peek at the various other characters, both upper-class and servant, that surround these young women. Disappointingly we don't get very much about Sebastian and his romantic travails nor did I feel that women's suffrage played the role it did in Cinders and Sapphires. Furthermore I didn't really like any of the characters tending to find most of them petty; however this was balanced by the writing which completely sparked with me and found me flying through the pages.

I think the ending was my favorite part as it really got my heart pounding because (finally) England has declared war on Germany, meaning that book three is going to reveal a huge shake-up. I don't know what characters will be sent to fight, who might volunteer to nurse or what but it's going to bring big changes to daily life for the lords, ladies, and servants.

The Next Big Thing

by Sadie Hayes
3.5/5 stars
St. Martin's Griffin, 2013
344 pages
NA Contemporary Tech
Scheduled to release November 26

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

Despite my general reluctance to embrace the New Adult category, I have dabbled in it and found myself unexpectedly charmed and engaged by Sadie Hayes' The Social Code looking at a group of college students and adults searching for the next technological wonder to make it big with twins Amelia and Adam at the core. She's got the know-how, he's got big ambitions and no one is free from backstabbing. This sequel had to follow up on the abrupt ending of the first book and further develop the various plot lines already introduced.

To be honest, I didn't quite remember everything from book one but soon I was up to speed on the main players. The setting is Stanford in the heart of Silicon Valley. Amelia is a coding genius with a strong moral code; her twin brother does not have such talents but does have outsized ambition. The third member of their group is TJ Bristol who bristles under his powerful father's aggressiveness. Also interweaving is Amelia's first-year roommate Patty and a whole host of other secondary characters with their own agendas.

This book continues to ratchet up the tension while keeping my feelings all knotted up. In so many ways, I dislike the characters and yet I cannot stop myself from reading! Adam has such a chip on his shoulder and he acts like a stupid jerk for almost all of the book. I sometimes wanted to punch this guy and yet I also applaud Hayes for eliciting such a strong reaction. TJ also draws strong largely negative reactions from me. On the one hand, I feel like this book was deepening his character by showing his ex-girlfriend as well as complicating his relationship with his father. But on the other hand, I pretty much still hate the guy. I mentioned Patty in the synopsis above though she doesn't play the largest role just because I think she ended up being my favorite. She takes her own stab at creating a business with humiliating but kind of hilarious results and she comes through for Amelia in a big way toward the end. And Amelia continues to be brilliant and naive yet more able to see how this can be a weakness, bringing in someone to compensate for that.

It's difficult to go to much in to this book as it is a sequel and everything moves so fast. There are all sorts of salacious details but I feel like the focus is mostly on the tech and the relationships so it's definitely a read for anyone who found the first book captivating.

SPOILER referencing the ending:

I so hate the budding Amelia/TJ romance. I cannot believe she has a crush on that guy! I mean, I even like Adam more than I like TJ and Adam did so many boneheaded things. But I simply refuse to be won over by TJ. What am I missing? I would like to get on board the Amelia/TJ train if only because I assume the third book will move them forward positively even if they don't end up getting married.

Unbreakable

Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris
4/5 stars
Balzer + Bray, 2013
479 pages
YA Paranormal

Source: Library

After being surprised by the very enjoyable Unraveling, I knew I would be returning to the series for the further adventures of Janelle and co as they race against a five day countdown.

In case you don't remember, the situation got bad at the end of Unraveling and though they seem to be rebuilding in Unbreakable that situation also turns ominous with Janelle racing against a five day countdown to prevent something truly awful happening. This book further explores the science-fiction aspects while also ramping up the tension and not hesitating to put all the characters through the wringer (how's that for vague? I don't want to spoil anything if I can avoid it although I do have one point that is a spoiler marked at the end of the review.)

For me, the writing style is what really propels this story. The chapters are short and each opens with the ticking down of the clock, pushing me always forward. I might have opened the book intending to just read one chapter but when that chapter is only two pages, it is easy to decide to read just one more until, lo and behold, the book is finished. I'm not usually good at predicting what is to come and the breakneck pace didn't leave me much chance to speculate, which is actually how I like it.

Janelle continues to be kickass: facing impossible odds, working with someone she's not sure she can trust, providing valuable advice (if ever attacked, I'm hoping to be able to utilize her advice to try to gouge the attacker's eyes out), and never giving up. I like her a lot. The other characters maybe don't get as much development but do their fair share of fighting and trying to save the world(s).

Overall: Though not as unique and exciting as I found book one to be, I'm really enjoying this series and look forward to a third.

Cover: I really don't like this cover. It does match with Unraveling but this may have been an instance where I'd prefer a redesign. I just hate them standing there and staring out at me. Plus her hair looks so awkward.

SPOILER:

I didn't think I had anything relating to a spoiler to discuss but I do actually. In the beginning Janelle sees Ben's double and almost instantly knows it isn't him, which is great foreshadowing for how Ben does not realize that Janelle's double isn't her. So heartbreaking and I was afraid it would prove to be an insurmountable obstacle for the couple, who I am supporting. In his defense, he was already in a vulnerable scared position with his family also in captivity and this Janelle was pretty beaten up. But still, how do you not know? Thoughts on how this affected your perception of the couple?

END SPOILER

Other Opinions:
Forever YA
Katie's Book Blog
Ruby's Reads
The Reader Lines

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

Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend

Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend by Louise Rozett
4/5 stars
Harlequin Teen, 2013
288 pages
YA Contemporary

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

One of the biggest book revelations for me last year was reading Confessions of an Angry Girl. I was just blown away by its compulsive readability and the relatability of main character Rose. The ending was a bit abrupt, which makes sense when you realize there is a sequel covering Rose's sophomore year of high school and chronicled in this book.

The book opens in the summer and follows Rose through another crazy year at school: continuing to deal with the aftermath of her father's death, her anger with both parents and her older brother, drama at school, and of course her ongoing crush on Jamie Forta who is almost her boyfriend if not for a ton of extenuating circumstances.

As in the previous book, I appreciated Rose's vocabulary and the care she took to express herself to the best of her ability, which is far more eloquently than a lot of us could manage especially as teenagers. She does not always make the best decisions as she acknowledges but she knows right from wrong and she can stand up for right.

I was also touched by some of her self-conscious thoughts, in particular the following quote, which really spoke to me, even today when I am (thankfully) far away from my teenage years:

"What bugs me is that what I see in the mirror doesn't match what I see in my head. In my head, I'm prettier than I am in real life, so when I look in the mirror and see what I see, I feel let down. And also a little crazy. Where did I get that image in my head if not from the mirror?" (page 148)

My big problem nowadays is thinking that I have much thicker voluminous hair (kind of like a Disney princess) when I have quite the opposite. It's often a shock to look at myself in the mirror and realize that I don't have nearly as much hair as I think I do and how that changes my perception of myself. Quotes like this and others really helped me click with Rose.

Of course I couldn't finish this review without mentioning the situation with Jamie. The first book ended with him standing her up and though she tries to shake her Jamie problem she just can't, which is well articulated in the book (there is some kissing). I personally don't much see the appeal of Jamie on his own but I fully understand the way he makes her feel.

Overall: A great sequel-that fans of the first book must pick up (if you haven't read the series, definitely start with the first before moving on to this second; it will make more sense and be more meaningful that way.)

Other Opinions:
Fluttering Butterflies
Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks
Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Pure Imagination

Grave Consequences

Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren
4/5 stars
David C. Cook, 2013
430 pages
YA Inspirational Historical

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

I really loved first book Glamorous Illusions last year so I was thrilled to check out the second book in the series with a cover hinting at something darker happening (also if that guy is Will, well, I've imagined him to be hotter, just saying.)

We immediately jump back into the story, leaving me floundering as it's been almost a year since I read the first installment. Soon however I was back in the rhythm, aided by the fact that this story focuses much more closely on Cora and Will. I remember the first book introducing all the characters including Cora's new found siblings but I felt like they didn't play as much of a role this time, at least not til near the end. It felt much more narrowly focused on the love story of Cora and Will. She is struggling to reconcile her new role as the daughter of a wealthy man with her long-time dream of teaching and living a simple life in Montana. He is barely afloat financially with debts hanging over his head and dreaming of being an architect while also longing for Cora despite the punishment her father would dole out to him.

Speaking of Cora's father, he is such a jerk. I didn't like him much in book one but he just continues to be manipulative and frankly cruel in this book. I understand some of his objections but he seems to be motivated largely by selfishness so it is hard for me to sympathize with him. Most grievous is him pushing Pierre toward Cora despite her uncertainty of him (and my love of Will!)

As predicted this book does seem darker. Although they continue moving apace through Europe (thus making it a book I'd recommend to anyone craving some great descriptive passages of the sights), they are haunted by the foiled kidnapping attempt at the end of book one. Are they really out of danger? Or are the children of two very wealthy men just too tempting to resist? There is somewhat of a mystery element around this and I was proud of myself for piecing one part together.

Last to mention is the religious element as this book comes from a religious publishing house. I'm Christian so I enjoy books that reflect my faith. I think that Cora does a good job of relying on her faith and the knowledge that all this money and opulence won't make her happy. The ending is especially good for her decision to wait and trust in the Lord.

Overall: A good second book that does move the story forward while also allowing you time to luxuriate in pre-WWI Europe.

Other Opinions:
Booktalk & More
From the Heart of a Bookworm
Short and Sweet Reviews

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

The Rivals

The Rivals by Daisy Whitney
4/5 stars
Little, Brown and Company, 2012
344 pages
YA Contemporary

Source: Library

The Mockingbirds was one of my favorite reads so I was interested in reading the next installment. One of the issues I had (actually my only issue) was that the students undertook their own vigilante justice because they don't think the administration will do anything. I was horrified that the faculty and staff were not notified and neither were the police nor her parents when Alex was date raped (seriously, she never talks about/to her parents...I can't imagine not talking to my mom every day...is the boarding school setting really sufficient to erase the parental units?) Excitingly this book does tackle that issue.

It is now Alex's senior year and she has become the leader of The Mockingbirds but her first case is going to test the group. Unlike previous crimes which had a clear perpetrator and victim, a cheating scandal is brewing. Who is plotting this? Who would be considered the victims? And how are they going to gather evidence to shut this down?

Alex does reach out to the administration early on and receives the very clear message that they want their students to be successful. But no action is taken. Although I find it difficult to believe that these adults would be so blase, at least they were represented.  As for the vigilante aspect, Alex's attempts to explore the cheating ring draw her in deep and have her questioning that very thing. There are no easy answers, no black and white answers in the real world.

To add to all of that drama, Alex is trying to get in to Julliard and is having struggles with her boyfriend as a love triangle seems to pop up. As I ended up liking the other guy more (he has beautiful hands), this wasn't my favorite aspect. It also seemed to be a bit much on top of all the drama around the cheating. Additionally the love triangle just falters at the end; if it's going to play a role, I wanted it to play a bigger one (I might never be satisfied on this issue-if there had been more, I probably would have complained that it was dragged out for too long.)

Overall: A challenging sequel that delves deeper into the moral implications of vigilantism and justice, among others while deepening the characterizations of main character Alex and her friends.

Cover: My mom thinks the boy looks like Harry; I thought Louis but either way we both think he looks like a boy from One Direction, which is quite frankly a weird direction (haha) to take this cover. Females are the most important characters so why isn't a girl on the cover?

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

The Crown of Embers

The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson
4/5 stars
Greenwillow, 2012
410 pages
YA Fantasy

Source: Library

Warning: SPOILERS for book one

This sequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns has been highly anticipated by many including myself. However after reading some disappointing second books this year, I was nervous to pick it up despite reassurances from Jen Ryland among others. In the end, I liked this book well enough but immediately after finishing it, I started reading The Friday Society and, well, I liked that one a lot more.

I just had trouble clicking with this book. It's not a bad second book; in fact, it has a lot of positives but it didn't spark my interest. Once I finally had it in my hands, I opened it eagerly but I almost had to force myself to continue to the next chapter.

What I still liked was Elisa, who is now ruling as queen after the death of her husband. She is very timid, as a foreigner not prepared for reigning in her own right and faces many trials, both internally and externally. Her greatest strength, although she doesn't seem to realize it initially, is her heart and compassion. She mostly wants to give people second chances and she wants to trust them even when they are in suspicious circumstances. Even those who hurt her in the first book have a chance at redemption.

Something I had mixed feelings about was the romance. Don't get me wrong, I quite like Elisa's romantic interest (I love how honorable he is and committed to her as queen as well as a person) but I found her dithering over him annoying. She kept saying she couldn't marry him, she couldn't be with him but for those who have read the book, what does she end up doing?

The part I liked least was how long it took for anything to really happen (I felt). Early on it seemed that Elisa would go on some kind of quest, leaving her palace. I love court intrigue but quests are fun as well so I spent a lot of time waiting for that part. Once it did finally happen, I was very happy and loved the intense magical action during those scenes. Yes, there is a lot of buildup and okay maybe Elisa almost gets assassinated pretty early on but then she has to recover and it just wasn't as page-turning as I would have liked.

Cover: I like that it's darker than the first since the situations are getting darker as well.

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.

 

Arise

Arise by Tara Hudson
3.5/5 stars
HarperTeen, 2012
404 pages
YA Paranormal Romance

Source: Picked up from the library for review.

Last year I read the first book Hereafter and discovered that I kind of like ghost love stories; actually ghosts are probably my favorite kind of paranormal creature, way ahead of the oh so popular vampires, werewolves, and zombies. Thus I requested my library stock this second book and hurried to pick it up to find out what happened next for Amelia and Joshua.

Admittedly I couldn't remember much about them although some details came flooding back as Hudson dropped tidbits to remind the reader and my own memory kicked in. Still though I had trouble connecting with the characters whose love story I had previously been so invested in. Much as I love ghost romances, they are very impractical and wrong. Amelia will always be as she is while Joshua should grow up and change. Plus there are some dark forces after her, prompting her to attempt to leave Joshua.

However first they meet Gabrielle who promises them that she can do something to help them. What she does is far beyond what I expected and changes the rules of the game leading to the big confrontation of this book. Once Gaby got really involved in the story, it was so much better but that wasn't until about halfway through and I was more than a little disengaged by that point. So my biggest criticism is how long this book is. I really felt those 400 pages and when I love a book, I don't.

Gaby is a kick! She has mysterious powers and opens Amelia to some new possibilities. As I mentioned, I felt the story perk up once she became involved. There are also some other new characters in Joshua's family but, except for one, I didn't think their roles were that important other than as just pieces of the plot. By that I mean, they didn't have personalities that imbued the plot, they just did things.

Overall: First half would get about a 3, second half a 4, averaging to a 3.5 in the end.

Cover: I do like the cover. I feel like it connects to the first book and I love the change in colors as we explore the voodoo world and the white dress is actually what Amelia wears so I always give points for accuracy. Plus Amelia is more solid, for good reason.

Fever

Fever by Lauren DeStefano
4/5 stars
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012
341 pages
YA Dystopia
#2 in the Chemical Garden Trilogy

Source: Library

Spoilers for Wither and Fever within-be warned!

I loved the cover for first book Wither. Seriously, I talked about it a lot. I didn't love the story within quite as much but I was still eager to know what came next for Rhine and Gabriel as they broke out of the compound.

However I realized fairly quickly that I did prefer the setting at the mansion where Rhine was confined with her father-in-law Vaughn, her forced husband Linden, and her sister wives. I don't really like stories where they're constantly on the run, away from something, in this case the threatening Vaughn who will never let Rhine permanently out of his clutches (Note: I do like quest novels where they're going toward something). However they do have a goal of reaching New York so that Rhine can search for her twin brother Rowan.

I don't want to share too much about this plot but I would say that I would break the book down into four parts: the carnival brothel (or as April humorously called it Cirque du Brothel), extended period journeying on the road, arrival in New York and settling down in an orphange, and finally Rhine returns to the basement of the mansion so that Vaughn can continue his experiments on her. For me, the book increased in interest the more I read with me vastly preferring the concluding location, which was haunting and gripping with Rhine on the brink of madness and almost always in pain. Then there was the ending, the last word in fact, which ensured that I will be returning. I was fearful as the pair fled but the menace increased one-hundredfold once Vaughn was a constant presence. We never knew when he would return to try out some other drug on Rhine and the days pass fitfully. It was great!

That is not to say that there weren't great moments throughout. There were some amazing descriptions with color and touch, for example.  At some times, I felt the focus was more on the writing rather than the characters or plot which accounted for a bit of a lag. For people who like that though, this should be an amazing read.

Overall: Honestly I was neutral about reading this second book and only grabbed it because it happened to be on my library's shelf. Now that I am done, I am very glad I did because this was a roller-coaster ride for me and I am eager to complete the trilogy.

Cover: Part of the reason I took so long to read this book was that I found the cover less attractive than Wither. I *love* that purple and still enjoy looking at the cover. This one is kind of busy although if Rhine is holding a tarot card, that is relevant to the plot.

Cat Among the Pigeons

Cat Among the Pigeons by Julia Golding
Roaring Brook Press, 2006
362 pages
YA; Historical
4/5 stars

Source: Library

I didn't mention this but just like the first book, the first pages of this book share hilarious blurbs from such distinguished personages as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Beethoven.

Sequel to The Diamond of Drury Lane, where we are introduced to Cat Royal, Pedro Hawkins, and her assorted friends, acquaintances, and enemies in and around the theater.

I think I actually liked this even more than the first book as the personalities were already established so we got to dive right in to the story, which revolves around a very important historical event: the battle for abolition of slavery across Great Britain and its territories.  Per my research, slavery was abolished in England itself in 1772 but it was not until 1833 that is was abolished across Great Britain and its colonies.  Consequently it was a hot button issue.  Pedro had thought he had escaped his cruel master Hawkins but that man shows up here, determined to reclaim his property.  Although he cannot do so in England, once he sets sail for the West Indies, he can legally do as he wants.

Cat, of course, inserts herself fighting on behalf of Pedro and finds herself wanted, leading to a series of improbable disguises.  First she masquerades as a boy in Lord Francis's public school and then she hides out with Quakers, attempting to act as a prim and proper lady.  I loved those scenes of her disguise and Cat continued to be a charming narrator.

However I am somewhat uncomfortable with the role of Billy "Boil" Shepherd, whose twisted relationship with Cat becomes even more so. His behavior is really quite frightening, even if he does have some scruples.  He has also moved up in the world, gaining more areas under his control for his power and financial prosperity. SPOILER: I think I've read that they become a couple in later books and I'm wondering how Cat gets past his boorish behavior in this and the previous book. There must be a lot of development of his character. END SPOILER

Overall: Another enchanting diversion with Cat Royal; superior to the first book and with the promise of a Parisian trip amid revolution in the third.

Read for British Books Challenge.

Eona

Eona by Alison Goodman
Viking, 2011
637 pages
YA; Fantasy
4/5 stars
Standalone sequel to Eon

Source: Library

Because I've been reading more than one book a day, I am way ahead on reviews.  Consequently although I read Eon at the end of April and Eona at the end of May, I am not getting around to reviewing both until today.  That is also why there are sometimes two reviews in a day: in an effort to catch up.

My first comment is that this book is SO long.  It was a little awkward to hold, especially compared to the sleekness of my nookcolor and I definitely think some parts could have been edited down.  Instead of breathlessly anticipating the conclusion, I just wanted to know who lived and who survived and I kept calculating how many pages I had until I was finished.  Perhaps Eona would die; except she wouldn't since the story is told in first-person, robbing it of some suspense.

In some ways though this book was sleeker as the reader presumably already knows a lot about dragons and the royal succession crisis because of the first book.  No major new character is introduced (I think Yuso was in Eon) but new facets of the characters are explored especially gender dynamics as Lady Dela and Ryko in particular struggle. Eona adjusted quite easily to being female; I would have enjoyed seeing her struggle a lot more in this regard.

The new mystery revolves partly around Eona's ancestor Kinara, who sometimes tries to act through Eona to take the pearl from Kygo's throat, which would kill him.  She must fight those instincts as well as learn to control her power as well as attempt to protect Kygo from the ruthlessness of his uncle.  Although I knew that Sethon was a threat, there were many sections were his terrifying presence did not hang over the rebellion; it made it hard to remember why there were fighting. However, I mostly enjoyed those segments as well as the twist, which I think will be genuinely surprising to the majority of readers.

Kind of Spoiler:
In the first book, Eona seemed to be drawing closer to Kygo in what would be a tricky romantic relationship.  However this is challenged by the reappearance of Lord Ido who turns out to only be 24, while I had been imagining him as Mulan's father (who is no villain so I don't know why that's the image in my head).  His and Eona's power works through a powerful connection, physical, mental, and sexual.  I wasn't thrilled with her feelings toward Ido after he almost raped her in the first book but...this part ends as it should.

Overall: Not as good as the first due to length and pacing but one you'll probably want to read if you enjoyed the first.

The Making of The Empire Strikes Back

The Making of The Empire Strikes Back by JW Rinzler
Ballantine Books, 2010
351 pages
Non-fiction; Movie
5/5 stars

Source: Library

Like the previous book The Making of Star Wars, this book takes an in-depth look at the making of a film with new pressures.  The success of "Star Wars" had many implications.  Its financial success enabled George Lucas to retain more control as it was a proven commodity but no sequel had ever done as well as its predecessor so the entire operation was dicey. Lucas was drained from directing so he wanted someone else to direct but that also took away some of his control.  Most of the cast and crew returned, eager to attempt to top themselves but also struggling with new technical demands.

I was most eager to find out about the script and the creation of Yoda, which is duly covered.  For me, there was a bit too much of the technical side but that's my own lack of knowledge. I was able to just look at the pictures (so many!) and skim the text when it became too complicated for me.

Overall: This is another fine look at the Star Wars saga; I'm excited for the third book to come out in 2013 (they're being released on the 30th anniversary).

Shift

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready
Simon Pulse, 2011
367 pages
YA; Paranormal
4.5/5 stars

Source: Received a free ARC via GalleyGrab in exchange for an honest review.

My review of the first book, Shade.

SPOILERS FROM SHADE.

I enjoyed the first book and thus was pretty excited to see it in GalleyGrab.  I was nervous because sometimes the middle book in a trilogy is just filler.  However I ended up liking this book even more as Smith-Ready just made everything better: more intense, higher stakes, faster paced.

The book opens with Aura still calling for Logan after he shaded at the end of the first book.  Finally he reappears as a ghost instead of a dangerous shade and for about fifteen minutes, he even solidifies, freaking them both out.  Unfortunately his reappearance throws some wrinkles into the budding relationship between Aura and Zachary (who I think got even hotter).  They had cautiously been negotiating something but with Logan back, there's conflict.

A lot more is revealed about the Shift, the abilities of Aura and Zach, and Aura's parents.  It is still not all explained but a lot more pieces have fallen into place. We receive a lot more information than I expected, which I think helped make this an exciting second book instead of just a place-holder.

I felt like this book is more tightly focused on the two of them (plus Logan), so while almost all of the secondary characters from the first book are back, none receive much more character development.  Some new characters are also introduced such as Nicola, from the DMP, who is trying to help repair their reputation by helping Logan in his new quest to form a band with and for post-Shifters.

The love triangle (which as a general plot device is still not a favorite of mine) becomes a sort of pentagon, when Aura and Zach make some hasty prom invitations.  There is also a lot of making-out (which I enjoyed when it was Aura and Zach, less so when it was Aura and a guy she should not be kissing) and discussion of sex, which I include as a warning to those who prefer a cleaner read.

The ending is a cliffhanger, promising one thing in the third book but probably going another way until everything's sorted out. Can't wait!

Overall: A second book better than the first with great pacing and some steamy times!

Cover: I don't like Aura's positioning and pose but the red around the title is great.

The Art of Romance

The Art of Romance by Kaye Dacus
Barbour, 2011
319 pages
Christian Romance
3.5/5 stars

Review of the first Matchmakers book, Love Remains.

Source: Received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I did not like this book as much as Love Remains but the ending still made me a little teary-eyed as I ended up invested in the relationship of Caylor and Dylan, both of whom believe they have significant baggage.

Caylor lives with her grandmother, having moved in after the death of her grandfather to provide transportation and support.  She has resigned herself to never getting involved in a relationship due to her obligation to her grandmother.  Instead she celebrates Zarah and Bobby's pending marriage and throws herself into life at the college where she is tenured and into her inspirational romance novels.

Dylan has legitimate baggage and then baggage I found ridiculous.  The legitimacy comes from a verboten relationship with the head of his department at the art school in Philadelphia where he used to work.  She was controlling and slowly changed most of his personality and cut him off from his family.  The fact that she was older and more established in the field than him gives him worries in relation to Caylor, who is also older and already has tenure.  The other baggage? Well...

Dylan refers to his big shameful secret about what he did to put himself through college before revealing it to his three brothers in a very sweet "intervention" scene. I expected this to be that he stripped and/or served as a gigolo to wealthy older women.  Instead his secret is that he designed and modeled for romance covers.  Um, kind of lame? Not worth as much anguish as he spent on it.  Funnily enough, his covers were for Melanie Mason...the pen name of Caylor, under which she wrote increasingly steamy novels and was inspired by the handsome model on the cover.

I definitely liked the book more once they got together because their whingeing before that dragged on too long.  Besides their romance issues, Caylor has conflict with her irresponsible younger sister Sage and Dylan struggles with his parents's expectations and their inability to accept his art as a legitimate career path.  Those stories were okay but I wanted more romance.  I also would have liked more God; although finding a church is an important part of the story, I wanted to see more of each of them having a relationship with God instead of having church signify such a relationship.

The romance novel plot was interesting to me because I'm pretty sure that such inspirational romance writers as Francine Rivers and Robin Lee Hatcher wrote secular romances before switching exclusively to Christian romances in order to write cleaner novels and include mentions of God.  I think Caylor is supposed to have followed the same path as them.  It also makes me wonder if Dacus used to write secular romances?

Overall: An okay romance with some interesting subplots; I'm hoping the third book, Turnabout's Fair Play will be more to my taste.

Cover: Caylor's not the painter but it fits in with the pattern established by Love Remains.