Every Last Breath Trailer

I am so excited for this book to arrive at my doorstep.  What?  You're not ready for it?  Quick!  Follow this recipe for a good time.
1.Get copies of White Hot Kiss and Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout. 
2. Preorder Every Last Breath before you start reading. 
3. Skip eating, sleeping, and avoid the outside world (optional) for three full books.
4. Squeal (or protest) the conclusion with vigor. 

Still not convinced?  Watch this.

All the Rage by Courtney Summers

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A devastatingly real portrait of the brutality faced by teenage girls, All the Rage will haunt you.  Summers has a talent for relating horrifying events and their aftermath  succinctly and with precision.  Her writing style is flawless and her plots are never as straightforward as they seem.  Despite the fact that she writes stories that are hard to wrap the head around, I am always left with a sense of hope that sentimental books fail to deliver.  All the Rage is beautifully narrated and is not to miss.  Available from libraries and booksellers now.

The Jewel (Lone City #1) by Amy Ewing

Although an interesting concept, The Jewel is frightfully dull in execution. The descriptions of wasting time and clothing options are almost criminally tedious. The element of magic seems to be unconnected to anything else in the story, other than to indicate who will be able to bear children for the moneyed members of society. There is also the problem of insta-love. Sometimes it works- this time it feels like a forced issue to break up the tedium. Add into the mix characters that are flat and uninteresting, and it's not surprising that I have no desire to read anything after the first in this series.

The Jewel (Lone City #1) by Amy Ewing: 1 out of 5 stars.  Available at booksellers and libraries now.

The Eternity Key (Into the Dark #2) by Bree Despain

Bree Despain has yet to write a story that I don't like.  I didn't even read the first book in this series, but I didn't feel as if I couldn't read this one without it.  The characters are great, the plotline twists excellent ways, and I'm really looking forward to the next installment.  Despain is a talented writer who can fully immerse you in the drama of her stories and need to know what happens next.

The Eternity Key (Into the Dark #2) by Bree Despain: 4 out of 5 stars.  Available May 12, 2015 at booksellers and libraries.

The Silence of Six by E. C. Myers

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

An intense thriller of teen hackers on a mission to save the world as we know it.  Max and his merry band of "hacktivists" need to clear the name of their friend and show everyone the evils one corporation is inflicting on a global level. 

The Silence of Six is full of tech-speak, but fear not: everything is explained well and concisely.  There is never a dull moment in this story, which is full of chases, cyber spying, espionage, and excellent writing.  The plot is well-developed with a few twists and the characters are richly drawn- none more so than Evan, who we only come to know through Max's memories.

I've never read anything by E. C. Myers before The Silence of Six, but if anything else is as good as this, I'll be clamoring to get my hands on it, too. 

The Silence of Six by E. C. Myers: 4 out of 5 stars.  Available at booksellers and libraries November 2014. 

H2O by Virginia Bergin

The driving force behind H2O is rain that carries a vicious, transferrable virus that devastates the entire world at the same time is a brilliant concept.  Sadly, Ruby, the narrator, makes this book almost impossible to read.  She's incredibly self-centered, shallow, and even though she knows first-hand the perils of the virus-ridden rainfall, she can't seem to think about anything other than getting her cell phone (which no longer works, anyway). 

I know some of you are thinking that it's narrated by a teenager so what did I expect?  Well, I expected her to be a little less concerned with her gadgets and a little more concerned with the fact that, although they don't get along well all the time, her stepfather is the only person left in her world who truly cares about her.

 Her distracted, stream-of-consciousness recap of events is so wildly documented that I often forgot the point of the story while she was on one of her many tangents.
I couldn't finish this book.  Ruby's voice made me want to beat my head against a wall. 

H2O by Virginia Bergin: 1 out of 5 stars

Accession (Sarath Web #1) by Terah Edun

This was a confusing book for me.  There wasn't enough detail of the world in which I found myself immersed- a world of witch queens, magic, giant morphing toads, and drunken vampire-unicorn hybrids.  There was entirely too much information on dancing trolls under bridges and the sibling rivalry between perfect Rose and inadequate Katherine.  There were also a lot of mixed metaphors and a weak plot.

I think Accession has the potential to kick off a good series, but it might have been  better condensed.  Part One of a story, rather than the whole book.  It definitely needed more editing, and the writing style was so messy it was painful at times.  I will most likely read the second in the Sarath Web series, but if I am as disappointed in it as I was in Accession, I will give it up for good. 

Accession (Sarath Web #1) by Terah Edun: 2 out of 5 stars.

Tabula Rasa by Kristen Lippert-Martin

Tabula Rasa is quickly paced, full of action, and answers the questions it creates for readers.  Sarah is a strong narrator supported by great writing skills.  Although we're not given deep looks at many of the other characters, they're described so well that they also stand out from the pages.  Sarah's interactions with everyone in this book affect the ultimate outcome of her life after the brainwashing of a clinic. 

One of the aspects I liked most about this book was the fight against those in control without being set in a futuristic dystopian society.  Its current setting makes it slightly easier to relate to, without delving into a huge breakdown of a society that we don't yet understand.

I also like that it can stand alone.  We might want to know more of what happens in Sarah's life after breaking free of the clinic, but there's no cliffhanger that makes a sequel necessary.  There is chaos and confusion from the beginning, but Sarah is forced to plan and take action in a small timeframe.  I've said it before, and I know I'll say it again: not everything has to be dragged out in a series. 

What begins with a girl who is literally a blank slate ends solidly with a protagonist who realizes the lengths to which she would go to reveal the truth, especially when the truth about herself might be the scariest thing she's ever had to face. 

Tabula Rasa by Kristen Lippert-Martin: 4 out of 5 stars.

Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross

Cross has presented fans with another fairytale retelling that is replete with wry humor, complex characters and dark, twisted plotlines.  A companion to Kill Me Softly, Tear You Apart details the story of Vivian and Henley, who are under a Snow White curse.  We first met them through Mira and Blue, the main characters from Cross's previous book. 

Though it's hard to be sympathetic to either Vivian or Henley, their story is gripping.  Determined to overcome their feelings for each other, they both do everything they can to cause the other to hate them.  Despite all this, though, they can't seem to stay away from each other, even as they freely acknowledge that they will destroy each other in the end.  Vivian is sarcastic, ungrateful, and demanding of Henley.  He is alternately her doormat and just short of physically restraining himself from hurting her.  None of their friends can fully understand, even if they are under curses themselves. 

Cross's writing is sharp, delivering twists where they are least expected and expertly weaving together modern and antique.  None of the curses follow their fairytale predecessors exactly, and there is an overlap of stories.  The dual narration offers insight into both sides of this Snow White curse, giving readers an intimate view of what Viv and Henley are thinking and feeling.  Cross successfully blends hope, fear, despair, love, and darkness in this story, proving that, much like the originals, fairytale retellings can provide as much horror as beauty. 

Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross: 5 out of 5 stars.

Firebug by Lish McBride

Lish McBride has given readers an amazing protagonist and an excellent cast of characters revolving around her. Ava is fantastically sarcastic, delivering snarky comments to others in the books while directing hilarious thoughts and references to the readers. I laughed out loud several times in the course of this book, and not just because of Ava. 

 Ezra and Lock are her perfect foils, alternately baiting and looking out for her.  They work well as a team, supporting and antagonizing each other.  Readers will find themselves cheering them on with Ava, and wanting to smack them an instant later.  If that's not indicative of best friends, I don't know what is. 

 The rest of this motely crew is also great.  Whether friend or foe, human or otherwise, each person McBride presents to readers impacts the story line.  Although there is clearly going to be another book to go along with Firebug, there aren't many loose ends left flapping in the wind.  Inevitably there are questions, but none that will drive anyone crazy until the next volume. 

I, for one, am greatly looking forward to the next Firebug novel.  McBride is wickedly funny and Ava and company showcase her craftsmanship flawlessly. 

Firebug by Lish McBride: 5 out of 5 stars.

The Diamond Thief by Sharon Gosling

The adventurous story of Remy, a diamond thief and trapeze artist, will leave you breathless and wanting more.  Her desire to succeed as a thief in order to escape her oppressive life in the circus, and her need to help her friend Claudette make a better life for her daughter, is admirable.  Remy is strong, resourceful, and is willing to sacrifice herself in order to save those she loves- especially Thaddeus, the one person who is supposed to bring her to justice. 

The Diamond Thief by Sharon Gosling: 3 out of 5 stars, pending the sequel, because it felt a little unfinished to me. 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

At seventeen, Jasper Dent has seen and heard more horrifying things than any person ever should.  As a result, he's an engaging narrator with a small but trustworthy group of friends (okay, two- his best friend and his girlfriend) who takes care of his grandmother because it's the right thing to do. 

G. William Tanner is also an excellent character.  He looks out for Jazz, trying to make sure someone listens to and understands Jazz.  He's a father-figure without being a father-figure.  He offers guidance and lectures aplenty, sure, but he also gives Jazz the benefit of the doubt, treating him as an equal due to his horrific past.  Jazz knows things a teenager never should, and G. William Tanner respects what he knows. 

This galley copy also includes an interview with Barry Lyga, conducted by Libba Bray, that I hope makes it into the finished version of the novel.  In one of the questions Lyga is presented with a question of the gore and violence in I Hunt Killers, and he is a little surprised about it.  I agree with his assessment that it's actually Jazz's memories of the things his father said and taught him how to do that are far more chilling than any of the murder scenes depicted.  Even though you know they're fake, they can haunt you after you've finished reading. 

I am really looking forward to Game, the sequel to I Hunt Killers. 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga: 5 out of 5 stars.

Killer Instinct (Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

A witty, suspenseful story that will keep you turning pages no matter what else needs to be done.  Cassie is an excellent narrator, giving readers an idea what it's really like to get inside the mind of a crazed killer.  The rest of the cast is just as good, even though the first-person narration prevents you from really knowing them.  Each person is unique and easy to relate to, making this a group you'll want to join for more than one book.

I missed the first book in this series, but Barnes is a great writer with unforeseen plot twists.  Although this is the second book in the series, it didn't lag anywhere as others tend to do.  I really enjoyed Killer Instinct, and I look forward to reading more mysteries involving this group of characters in future books.

Killer Instinct (Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: 4 out of 5 stars.

I am the Mission by Allen Zadoff

Once again we join the nameless assassin on an assignment to end a threat to the nation.  This time, though, he's left hanging by those he trusts the most.  They're not sure he's reliable any more, and he doesn't know if he should blindly follow every directive he's given. 

Zadoff has a talent for writing fast-paced thrillers that delve into politics, activism, and social order.  The most remarkable aspect of this talent lies in creating these awesome stories for the teen set.  I am the Mission is full of action and the reader is taken through every aspect of the adventure by someone who knows what it is to be a modern teen- even if he's partially faking it. 

 Daniel (at least, that's his name for this book) is an excellent narrator and protagonist, voicing doubts and concerns about the program and its leaders.  He is always keeping himself apart, yet finding himself pulled further into the intrigue. 

I am really looking forward to the next installment of the Unknown Assassin.  I'm not sure how Zadoff could possibly make it better than this book, but I do know that I don't want to miss it.

I am the Mission by Allen Zadoff: 5 out of 5 stars.

Playing with Matches by Suri Rosen

In this completely engaging tale, Rain is only trying to make things right with her family and accidently becomes a traditional Jewish matchmaker.  There are a lot of great elements to this story, the first of which is Rain herself.  She is a strong protagonist, a witty and observant narrator, and fumbling through her life, just like the rest of us. 

The rest of the cast is just as good.  Even though you're not sure what the reason is, you can feel Leah's distance and dislike of Rain.  You're absorbed in the humiliation of being singled out by the headmistress and forced into a friendship in order to revive her academic career.  You get lost in the nuances of befriending through age barriers, ranging from mid-twenties to sixties and beyond. 

There is also a lot of information to gather from the narration.  I had no idea that traditional Jewish communities relied on matchmakers in order to form lifelong bonds.  After traveling along Rain's path to happiness (hers and everyone around her), I can see why.  What I liked most of all, I think, is nuance of the title.  Playing with matches is something Rain fell into accidentally, but the sparks she creates could set her entire world on fire.  She just doesn't know if it will bring a new beginning or familial devastation.

Playing With Matches by Suri Rosen: 4 out of 5 stars.

Coin Heist by Elisa Ludwig

I really liked this book for several reasons.  I know there are arguments that the characters and plot aren't developed, lack resolution, and fall flat for many reasons.  If you're not looking for something amazingly deep, though, this is a fun read. 

Not many high school students would think to rob the Franklin Mint, but Alice, Jason, Dakota, and Benny do.  They're forced to think everything through to the last minute, drafting and redrafting their plans.  Things go horribly awry (as these things are wont to do), but they all band together to figure out the next steps. 

Things don't end perfectly.  There are issues that haven't even begun to be resolved.  But the narration and writing are strong, the characters are engaging, and the entire concept is fun.  Coin Heist by Elisa Ludwig is worth the read.

4 out of 5 stars.

Third Degree by Julie Cross

I ended up really liking this one.  I wasn't expecting to because I found Izzy to be so condescending and annoying from page one.  Surprisingly, she turned out to be human and a teenager after all.  Her character development is gradual, taking place over the course of a school year and is detailed greatly for the reader. 

Marsh makes a great counterpoint to Izzy, providing us with the guy everyone wants to befriend, even if we don't know it yet.  There's depth to him that Izzy isn't aware of at first- which is nice because Izzy seems to think that she knows everything just because she's a textbook genius. 

There's a fair amount of conflict, too.  Izzy's parents aren't perfect, or perfectly happy, which is a stunner to her.  Her career isn't going exactly the way she expected it would, and she's not even finished being a medical intern yet.  Her nemesis seems to know things she doesn't, even though she's clearly smarter than he.  And Izzy just can't seem to escape Marsh, who seems to take great pleasure in letting Izzy know everything she does wrong. 

At times this entire story appears to self-involved.  (Yes, it's narrated in the first person which lends itself to the thought that it would be self-involved.)  For someone who is so incredibly smart Izzy is outright stupid about life.  No one is more surprised by her shortcomings than Izzy and it's her acceptance of them that makes her redeemable, and Third Degree a good book. 

Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell

Ever wanted to be inside the head of London's most notorious serial killer?  Dear Killer provides readers insight to the mind of Kit, seventeen-year-old hired killer who never backs down after she decides to take a life. 

I found myself thinking oddly during this book.  Mainly because Kit makes everything seem so rational, following her rules to the letter.  I'd find myself thinking, yeah, that makes sense. Then I'd remember she was talking about killing someone without leaving evidence, flawlessly evading capture.

Kit's a very introspective person, frequently wondering about herself and how others would feel or react in different situations.  This does present a problem for the reader, giving the impression that Kit is too self-centered and unfocused to represent a true serial killer.  It can be overlooked, though, as it can be construed as the self-examination of a girl who can't share her thoughts with anyone else at the risk of her own exposure. 

I did have an issue with the ending, but after thinking about it for a while, I feel it was the right way to go.  I can't say any more than that without sharing too much. 

My main problem was the authenticity.  The writing is good, but it doesn't have a British feel.  Yes, it's set in London and Kit mentions some famous landmarks and streets.  But she refers to her mother as "Mom," not "Mum." Her speech patterns also don't match those of other authors who successfully capture all things British.  I was able to push past that, though, and enjoy the story.

I also had trouble with the relationship between Alex and Kit.  For a police officer, he's entirely too trusting of her randomly turning up at crime scenes and offering her input.  Unless someone is a forensic genius, why would a cop listen to the opinion of a teenager wandering through almost every area in which there is a dead body?  Also, why is this same cop meeting said teenager regularly for coffee and lunch when they have had no previous benign relationship?  I'm not sure this could have looked more sketchy under any circumstance. 

After wavering back and forth several times and reading a few things between Dear Killer and writing this review, I have to admit that I liked it.  It was intriguing, it provided a lot to think about, and Kit is a strong character.  I could have been much better with more authenticity, some consistency, and some more revision. 

3 of 5 stars. 

Six Feet Over It by Jennifer Longo

What begins as the musings of almost sixteen-year-old overworked, severely underpaid, and largely ignored Leigh becomes the beautifully written and narrated story of love- love of family, love of friends, first love, and love of knowing one's purpose in life. 

Leigh's voice is authentic, garners reader sympathy immediately, and gives us insight to everything she observes.  And she observes so much.  She takes care of Kai, her older sister who is in remission from cancer, in any way she can.  She helps her parents by selling grave plots because her dad can't handle it and her mom, for all intents and purposes, is a total flake who is only interested in her painting and getting back to the town they left.  She knows she'd like to be friends with Eleanor, but doesn't know how after losing the only true friend she's ever had.  She helps Dario in any way she can because Dario has helped her to see who she can become if she just lets go and stops overanalyzing everything.

Jennifer Long presents us with a awesome (and awesomely flawed) characters, excellent morbid humor, and a book you won't want to miss. 

We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

I think what intrigued me most about this story is that it's written as if Nell, the narrator, is talking directly to her sister Layla. Nell's need to be involved in every aspect of Layla's life, and her subsequent confusion over why Layla only ever speaks to her when she needs Nell to cover for her with their parents is beautifully illustrated.  The first-person point of view gives a visceral account of what it's like to be so close to someone for so long and then inexplicably pushed away.  Reinhardt's writing style is superb, as is the voice she has found for sixteen-year-old Nell. 

The difficult part for me, though, is the lack of resolution.  It's not even that I am unhappy with how things turned out; it's that I'm frustrated with the story ending before anything can happen.  It was incredibly frustrating to be pulled in to Nell's thoughts so deeply and then be abruptly tossed out before there is any sort of solid ending.  I know real life doesn't always have a happy ending, and I'm okay with that.  It's hard to reconcile that with, what felt like to me, no ending at all.