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.

Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos

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

Although I felt this left a little to be desired as far as development, I liked the premise and the dual narration.  The obsession with youth and the disregard for anything that isn't accepted by the masses provides a lot to think about, especially when careers top out at age 17.  Marla and Ivy give readers two very different views of life in a world where you're only as good as the popularity of your next decision.

I don't think it's accurate to call this a dystopian novel, either.  No, things weren't perfect and kids are blatantly taken advantage of by the world at large, but no one's being threatened with death, there is no one character who can do something no one else can, and there is no crazy vision of world domination.  This can be labeled ageist, at worst. 

However, I did like Marla and Ivy.  Some of their character development seemed rushed in places, but I found them both to be sympathetic.  The other characters were also good, whether they were naughty or nice.  Some of them made me cringe and some made me smile, but all were well drawn.
The writing could use a little more tweaking in places to eliminate unnecessary story lines, such as one of Ivy's nymphs being used to spy on her- which ultimately amounted to nothing and was never mentioned again. 

Material Girls was ultimately a good story.  You might be frustrated with the fashion talk in a few places, but the characters and plot provide many topics of thought and conversation. 

 

Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos: It's not going to start an uprising to end government tyranny, but it is a good story about two girls who begin to question everything they've always accepted as the norm.  Available from libraries and booksellers now.  

Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne

This is an okay story.  There is never quite as much mystery as the synopsis hints about.  There's never quite the level of suspense that I think Payne is going for.  The plot isn't as strong as it could have been. 

There is potential here, though.  The characters are memorable, each having multiple layers that readers will like.  The writing is good, even if the plot doesn't quite deliver all that one might want. 

It sounds as if I am undecided on this book, and perhaps I am- to a degree.  I didn't find it an irresistible read, but that doesn't mean someone else will come to the same conclusion.  In this instance, rather than urging you to avoid or buy now, I'll urge you to judge for yourself.  If you think it sounds interesting- go for it.  If not, you probably wouldn't like it much anyway.

Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne: You'll have to make your own judgment here.  Mine is ambiguous at best. 

Seed by Lisa Heathfield

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

Seed is the story of Pearl, who grew up in her own tiny community of the same name.  She loves her home, loves her family, and looks forward to the day when she can become a companion to Papa S, the leader of Seed.  Nothing goes the way Pearl ever expected, and when people from the outside join Seed, she begins to doubt everything she has ever known.

The characters of this story are excellent.  Every one of them, even the ones you'll hate, are developed and presented well.  They will, along with the twisting plot, elicit many emotions from readers.  You'll love some; you'll detest some; you'll want to reach in to the pages and rescue some. 

There are times when the writing seems stilted and juvenile, but that only added to the authenticity of the book.  Pearl is uneducated, unaware of the world outside of Seed, and struggling to learn the truth about everything before it's all too late. 

Some will find this book hard to read.  The themes of child abuse, sexual abuse, and cults are difficult to handle, but Heathfield manages to relay the horrors without overly-graphic detail.  My skin crawled on more than one occasion, and I was relieved when the book reached its conclusion.  Although not a happy ending in the traditional sense, I couldn't help but feel that it was the right one for Pearl.

Seed by Lisa Heathfield: Horrific in its honesty, and will make you want to see Pearl through to the end.  Available from booksellers and libraries March 10, 2015.

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.

When by Victoria Laurie

I received an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.


When is a young adult novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat (or wherever it is that you happen to be reading it).  It's an excellent story full of amazingly drawn characters, an engaging plot, a protagonist you'd be proud to call a friend in real life, and a nail-biting conclusion- all with just a slight paranormal twist.

When by Victoria Laurie: 5 out of 5 stars.  Available from booksellers and libraries on January 3, 2015.

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.

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.

Feuds by Avery Hastings

Although I liked this story, it felt...glossed over, to me.  I got a sense of both Davis and Cole, but was not given a deep look at either.  Just when I felt like I was getting somewhere with one of them, another direction was followed.

Maybe I'm just projecting my feelings about falling in love under duress and in a very short amount of time, but I don't think there was really enough interaction between Davis and Cole for them to really love each other.  Attached, yes.  Deeply crushing on each other, yes.  Love?  I'm not convinced. 

 I also think the title doesn't really go with anything. The FEUDS were discussed a few times, and Davis even sees part of one of the fights, but I don't think they were important enough, plot-wise, to gain the title. 

Overall, though, I did like this story.  Both protagonists are easy to like.  Readers will find themselves attached to Davis and Cole, even though minor objections or questions.  (I certainly was.)  With a little more detail and polish, this could be a riveting YA romantic tragedy.  Perhaps that's what we'll get in the sequel.  I, for one, will definitely be reading it. 

Feuds by Avery Hastings: 3 out of 5 stars.

Blood of My Blood by Barry Lyga

Barry Lyga delivered an explosive story with twists I didn't see coming.  This is a truly chilling tale of what humans are capable of- murder, torture, and the haunting truth that one never knows what one will do when pressed into an impossible situation.  Blood of My Blood is the stunning conclusion to the Jasper Dent trilogy. 

Blood of My Blood by Barry Lyga: 5 out of 5 stars.

Also, even though I think Jazz might be too young to be familiar with My Chemical Romace, their song "Famous Last Words" is my theme for him.  It ran through my head often during this entire trilogy, and now when I hear it I think of him. 

Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz

I just couldn't get into this.  It was really complicated from page one, and there were so many narrators that I couldn't keep track of who was whom.  Overall, I think it was just too difficult for a horror story.  Maybe if it had been from only one point of view it would have been easier to immerse myself in it. 

Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz: 2 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.

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. 

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.

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.

Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper

It's hard to know where to begin talking about this book.  There is the driving force of the life-sustaining need for a witch on Prince Island.  There is the tension produced between a the girl who wants to become the witch and the mother who would do anything to keep her from it, and the tension between the same girl who wants to learn from the grandmother who blames her for failing lessons the grandmother never taught.  Then there is, of course, the relationship that develops between Avery and Tane, in spite of everything. 

I had issues with the writing and the story line, but some things can be overlooked for the sake of a good tale and others cannot. The one I can't overlook is the writing.  There is almost no variance in sentence structure- every single one is long, with an overabundance of the word "and."  This does lend itself to the historical aspect of the book.  At times, though, it makes it less engaging and more of a question of unnecessarily dragging things out.

Avery is incredibly strong as a character, never giving up hope that she'll figure out how to unlock her magic.  What that magic is, exactly, is never really explained.  It's protection, I get that, but whaling itself was a dying industry at that point, and the island would never be able to sustain itself on that tack forever.  There's not even a hint that Avery would be able to adapt her magic to help in any other venture that would provide the islanders with their futures beyond whaling.  So what protection could the unlocking of her magic really give? 

Overall, I liked Salt and Storm.  I think it needs some polishing in the writing and some fixing of holes in the story line, but I did read a galley copy and am hopeful that these things are addressed in the final product.  I especially liked that this is a stand-alone book in a YA world chokingly full of series-based stories.  

3 of 5 stars.

Braving the Brontes (Carly Keene,Literary Detective #1) by Katherine Rue

I've read a lot of reviews of Carly Keene and the prevalent feeling is that Carly is that she too often lets her emotions lead the way during her time helping the Brontes.  Yes, Carly shouts to make her feelings known.  Yes, she throws tantrums once or twice in order to get people to listen to her.  More than anything, though, Carly has been transported from 2014 to 1846.  She's a twelve-year-old girl who is stuck in a place that doesn't place much value on being either young or female.  I think that would wear on me, too.  It's hard to go from being important and heard to being ignored and pushed aside. 

Braving the Brontes is excellently written, and is a great step into the literary world.  There is much to be said for a strong protagonist who doubts herself, but finds the courage to fight her way through unexpected situations.  Carly Keene provides a character to aspire to, no matter what the age of the reader- especially because she provides so many examples of literary heroines in her own story.

4 out of 5 stars.

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.