I hate spending time reading about the plot of a book on review sites - just tell me, Did you like it or not?

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Emblaze (The Violet Eden Chapters #3) by Jessica Shirvington

Emblaze (The Violet Eden Chapters #3)

by



Published October 11th 2011 by Hachette

I liked this book, the third installment in the "Entice" series. But for some reason, I was thinking this was the last book and was all excited to finally see Violet get to be with who she is meant to be with. But nope, I was was sadly mistaken. Plus there's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, not a horrid one, but one that will prevent me from ignoring the rest of the series.
I hope the next book will be the last. It's difficult to follow a series when each new book comes out a year or two later. That's why I've given up on some series such as L.A. Meyer's "Jacky Faber" books. Ten books and counting. Crazy.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Entice

Entice (The Violet Eden Chapters #2)

by



Published Sept. 4, 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire (first published Mar. 29, 2011)

I suppose this was a good book. It had all the required elements for an exciting paranormal YA novel. Action, star-crossed lovers, strong(ish) female main character. But it wasn't fabulous. I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it was the fact that the "bad" boy got shafted in the love triangle (stupid love triangle!!). Maybe it was that the writing was a bit rough. Maybe it was that the plot wasn't fleshed out well enough for me. Definitely part of it was all the unnecessary swearing.
Despite these flaws, I read the book in two days. And I'll probably read the rest in the series.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Past Midnight

Past Midnight (Past Midnight #1)

by



If you like the TV show Ghost Hunters, this book is a must-read. It has all the lingo used on the show - EVPs, apparitions, de-bunking, etc. So brush up before you pick this up.
I liked it pretty well. Ghost stories are always better when you read them. And this had a spooky, yet lovely plot.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Above World

Above World (Above World #1)

by

368 pages
Published Feb. 14, 2012 by Candlewick Press

Finally a book with a new, fresh idea! Those are harder to come by in YA literature nowadays. Most books gravitate toward vampires or werewolves. Thanks for that, Stefanie.

This story revolves around a girl who is a "mermaid" who tries to save her people (a genetically-altered people who live in the sea, and "breathe" water with the aid of technology), because the technology is started to fail. She embarks on a journey "above world" - which is to say, air and land, to find allies.


I don't want to give too much away, though. It's a good read. 


Recommend.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society


274 pages
Published July 29, 2008, by The Dial Press
I've read this book twice, which is rare for me. I don't usually deem a book good enough to spend time on twice, but this one did! And still does. I expect I will re-read it in the future, I loved it that much! I wish Mary Ann Shaffer were still around to write more fantastic books.
Here are my two reviews:

The first:
I rarely give 5 stars to any book, but I really loved this book! It was clean and uplifting - I would recommend it to my sisters and maybe even my mom. I liked the happy ending. I wish more books had that.

The second:
I just reread this book. And I still absolutely give it 5 stars! I think it's one of my favorite books ever. Wonderful, witty, poignant, informative. Love, love it! Please read it. Recommend to all!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

At Home


At Home: A Short History of Private Life

3 stars

497 pages
Published Oct. 5, 2010 by Doubleday
 
I've given up on this book, which is sad because what I did read, I liked. It was just too long and too verbose, and I just couldn't get into it enough to read it all the way through.

The book details each room in Bryson's home in England, its history and reasons for the room's existence. I didn't even mind the various tangents Bryson travels on - since there is only so much information you can tell relating directly to a hall or kitchen, etc. Each chapter is chock full of trivial details all delivered in Bryson's patented dry wit. This is actually the first of his books that I haven't been able to finish.

I'm just glad I can return this book to the library and get it out of my house.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Unbroken

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Published Nov. 16, 2010 by Random House
Wow.
What a book. Once I got into it (and that didn't take long), I couldn't put it down. Heartbreaking and inspiring. I cannot believe what this man went through - from the Olympics to POW camps. He lived a BIG life.
I recommend to everyone.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Lily Chin's Crochet Tips & Tricks

Lily Chin's Crochet Tips & Tricks: Shortcuts and Techniques Every Crocheter Should Know

Published Oct. 13, 2009 by Potter Craft
 
Whenever I'm not reading, I'm crocheting. And I love it. It keeps my hands busy while I watch a movie, you know, instead of eating ice cream or popcorn or some such. I call it my "Crochet Diet." So I try to check out any book that will help fuel my yarn addiction. I thought this book fit that bill.

Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed with it. Although this book contains a few good tricks, if you've been crocheting for a while at all, they aren't that great. Plus the writing is way too verbose and technical.

More pictures are needed! And not the drawn ones, either. Real photographs are the way. Especially beautifully photographed ones.

I'll keep looking.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

The Accidental Sorcerer

The Accidental Sorcerer (Rogue Agent #1)

Published Jan. 1, 2009 by Orbit (first published 2008)
I wanted to like this book. I really did. I was excited when it started out so great: humble magician gets a Bruce Banner-type zap and taps into huge reservoir of magic to become a super-sorcerer. Cool.
But then I started getting into the meat of the story - and it was flimsy. I wanted steak ...nah, a hamburger would have done, but all I got was tofu. Plain.

Blech.

My biggest complaint was the writing. Everything was italicized. It got annoying. The characters would talk to each other so intensely, but NOTHING was really said. (Note to authors ... overuse of italics is ANNOYING!!) And if you're British, the swearing was off the charts. And unnecessary. It did nothing to further the story.

And the characters ... ugh! The only one I even slightly liked was Monk. He was smart and funny - and mostly absent from the story, so he didn't have time to bug me! I despised Reg (the bird) intensely. She had nothing positive to say, ever. And Princess Melissande - the poster child for denial. Unlikeable characters, all. Even the minor characters were hateful.

I will not be reading anymore in this series.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

The Frog Princess

The Frog Princess (The Tales of the Frog Princess #1)

by


Published Oct. 7, 2004 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens (first published Nov. 9, 2002)

I liked this book. There were some hiccups in the plot and character development, but overall a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining twist on The Frog Prince fairy tale. I will probably pick up the rest of the series - but only after I read some other books first.

Friday, July 19, 2013

The Luxe


The Luxe (Luxe #1)


Published Nov. 20, 2007 by HarperCollins
What a disappointing book. I had such high hopes for it. It takes a lot for me to rate a book with one star, but this one merits it. All it was was a soap opera wrapped in an historical fiction cover. All the characters are either whiny, weak, immoral, bratty, back-biting, disloyal, childish or a combination of all of the above. Not one of the characters was likeable. Not the least bit.

Why did I finish the book? I'm not sure. Probably the same reason soap operas are popular. It sucks you in - and not in a good way.


The writing was not that great, either. If the writing had been better, maybe I could have forgiven the lack of plot, the insipid dialog and the flat characters.


I will not be reading the next books in the series. I couldn't care less what happens to them.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

The Secret Hour

The Secret Hour (Midnighters #1)

Published Feb. 19, 2004 by Eos
If you like a slightly dark and creepy book, this is a great choice. I don't recommend it for young readers (elementary school aged), but middle and high-schoolers would enjoy it.
It's about a girl who moves to Bixby, Okla., and discovers a "secret" hour at midnight when time stops. Of course there are baddies in this hour that make things difficult.
A fast read.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

A Sinner in Paradise


A Sinner in Paradise

4 stars

426 pages
Expected publication: Aug. 28, 2013 by Light Messages Publishing

When I picked up this ARC, I wasn't sure what to expect. Is it a romance? A smarmy cheesefest? A fictional memoir?

Instead, I found it to be an uplifting tale of a woman named Geneva who journeys from the throes of immaturity to a life filled with wisdom and humility by eschewing city life and returning to her roots in rural West Virginia. I was happily surprised with how much I liked it!

The writing was fluid and easy to read. I usually hate it when accents are phonetically spelled out, but the author Deborah Hining does it well. It’s actually easy to read. I could hear the accent in my mind.

The ebook had some punctuation problems, but that is easily overlooked in favor of the prose.

Hining has a knack for descriptive writing. Her descriptions of the mountain country where Geneva lives were beautiful, and they transported me to the times I have been in the mountains and experienced that natural splendor.

One theme of the book: every person in your life can be a source of knowledge. Every person on earth is equal, and they all have the ability to enrich your life. Geneva starts out looking down her nose at the “hillbillies” she meets and morphs into a woman who appreciates and loves them. She learns from every person that she meets.

There are religious elements to the story, but it only gets overly preachy two or three times, and those are towards the end of the book when the main character is discovering and trying to fix her flaws.

My favorite characters in the book are Lilly and Sally Beth. Whenever those two show up together in the prose, you know you are going to get some hilarious bickering. I loved it. I delighted in discovering that there was more to Sally Beth than a bickering cousin. She made me want to look at people differently.

One reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the ending was a bit abrupt. All the concerns that Geneva brings up about her situation are not resolved satisfactorily.  The ending also leaves the other three men in Geneva’s life hanging – they were all in love with her. It seems unfair to leave them unhappy – they were all good men. There is also a smattering of mild swearing and premarital sex.

I can recommend this book to those in the mood for an uplifting, Christian book.

Thank you NetGalley and Light Messages Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Ultimate Survival Manual

The Ultimate Survival Manual (Outdoor Life): Urban Adventure - Wilderness Survival - Disaster Preparedness

by

256 pages
Published May 15, 2012 by Weldon Owen

Can I tell you how stoked I am about this book? I am a bit obsessed with preparedness and survival techniques, so my family and I will be ready for when disaster strikes. And living under the Mt. Vesuvius (of Pompeii fame), makes being prepared not only practical, but very wise. The volcano is due for another eruption any time now. The Navy base I live on pushes preparedness constantly. Skills 164-166 deal with volcanic eruptions.
This manual doesn't just inform you about what to do when a disaster strikes - it delves into wild animal attacks, getting lost in the wilderness (all types of wildernesses) and so much more. What to eat in the woods, how to tell if it's going to rain, how to lightning-proof your house, how to stop a train (yeah, I know!!), eat roadkill and render the fat, how to navigate using stars. I mean, this book has it all, AND it's easy to read. There are even a few comic pages for those of you into that. Great illustrations.
Fabulous book, fabulous execution. I made my husband get this for me for Christmas! (And I got this for my siblings, too.) My kids like reading it, too!
THANK YOU NetGalley and Weldon Owen publishing for letting me review this book.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Firelight

Firelight (Firelight #1)

by


Published Sept. 7, 2010 by HarperTeen

I wasn't so sure about this book - I mean, a girl who is really a dragon? Weird. But what's more weird is how it actually worked for me. I liked the struggle between mom and daughter. And the fight to find her place in the world. It's a bit of a coming of age story mixed with a healthy dose of the paranormal (or is it fantasy? Which are dragons?)
But be warned, there is a love triangle. Of course there is. It wouldn't be a YA with a love triangle, would it?
But I'll be reading the second book in the series. Gotta know what happens!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Emma: A Latter-Day Tale


Emma: A Latter-Day Tale

by

3 stars

Expected publication: Aug. 13, 2013 by Bonneville/Cedar Fort, Inc.


Jane Austen fan fiction goes Mormon!

This novel follows the plot almost exactly of Austen’s much-loved tale Emma, but with Mormon lingo, doctrine and spirituality. Uplifting and squeaky clean, this book would feel right at home between the “Book of Mormon” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

I’ve read some Austen fan fiction and have been less than impressed with most. This adaptation is an easy, light read – totally predictable, but everyone knows how the original Emma ends, so no biggie. It is a book that I can recommend to my mom or those who are intimidated by Austen’s antiquated language (it does take me a while to get into the rhythm of Austen’s original works). 

But I so wish the author had at least changed all of the names. Emma, Knightley, Mrs. Bates, etc., are all named characters within.  I would have enjoyed trying to figure out who was who instead of having it handed to me on a platter.

Those who are not LDS or Mormon will struggle a bit with the lingo, but this book is so obviously geared toward Mormons, that I wouldn’t worry about audience. 

So if you are LDS (or are familiar with the lingo) and are looking for a good beach read that won't tax your synapses, this is the perfect book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Cedar Fort, Inc. for the opportunity to review this book.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Sorcerers of the Nightwing


Sorcerers of the Nightwing (The Ravenscliff #1)

So I got done reading this a few days ago, and it’s been stewing in my brain ever since – invading my dreams (nay, nightmares).  I’m trying to figure out just what I liked so much about this book, since it’s not the type of book I read regularly. It’s all dark and twisty and slightly disturbing. But occasionally, I am in the mood for something like this, especially after reading something super-saccharine, like Debbie Macomber.

This edition is a re-release of  the 1st edition, published in 2002 – and the cover of that book is deeply disturbing (and the reason I hate clowns). Had I seen that cover first, I probably wouldn’t have picked up the book. The revamped cover is less disturbing but still has a good creepy vibe to it – it will attract more readers, in my opinion. 

Sorcerers of the Nightwing is YA horror/paranormal at it’s best. The gloomy atmosphere, gross (but not gory) corpses/ghosts and town names like Misery Point add to its appeal. 

 

Teens who grew up on Goosebumps and who want a little more “creep factor” in their books will find this novel to their liking. It’s the next step in the horror progression, with Stephen King as reigning king. It is NOT a Juvenile Fiction book, though. It’s targeted towards older teens.

So a solid 3.5 stars – I docked it because pacing was a bit slow at times and the ending was confusing. Plus, a bit more background/development of the characters would have been helpful. But it is #1 in the Ravenscliff series, so more of that is probably in the successive books. Also, I HATE cliffhanger endings.

Thank you NetGalley and Diversion Books for the opportunity to review this book.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Blameless

Blameless (Parasol Protectorate #3)

by

4.5 stars

374 pages
Published Sept. 1, 2010 by Orbit

I can't get enough of this fabulous series! The writing is plain fantastic, and the repartee between characters is witty and whip-smart. Pull out your dictionaries, people, because Carriger sure can use her huge vocabulary for literary hilarity! There are too many great quotes to choose from.

The pacing was fast. The plot well-defined and action-packed. No swearing, and only half a page of sexiness.

The only reason I docked a half star is that the whole explanation on what exactly the kid is going to be and why the Templars were interested in the whole situation was a mite confusing.

Thank you, Gail Carriger, for writing a series that uses an extensive vocabulary - there's no dumbing down for this author!

I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Opal

Opal (Lux #3)

by

3 stars

382 pages
Published Dec. 11, 2012 by Entangled Teen (first published Dec. 1, 2012)

ARGH!! Cliffhanger endings!!! I hate you!
And I didn't like the teen sex (um, ew!) and all the swearing.
Besides that, great action, and engrossing plot and some clever writing. I will read the next in the series because I've already invested so much time, I might as well find out what happens. :)

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Eragon

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle #1)

by

503 pages
Published Apr. 2005, by Knopf Books for Young Readers (first published Feb. 1, 2002)  
 
I reread this book over the course of a week, and enjoyed it again. Though, now that I'm older and know the storyline, I could focus on the writing and technical aspects of the book. And although I still can't believe it was written by a teenager (what teen has the patience to write a 500 page book?), I can see a bit of immaturity in the writing style. Not that that's a wholly bad thing. It just is.
I may wait a little bit to reread the 2nd book. There's only so much fantasy I can take.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Starry Night

Starry Night

by

3 stars

384 pages (on my e-reader, 142 pages)

Expected publication: Oct. 8, 2013 by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine


Debbie Macomber has made a name for herself writing sweet, little love stories using a formula that guarantees a happy, uplifting ending. If you are looking for angst-ridden romances strewn with sex, language and grit, Macomber is not for you. I happen to like these innocent, little novels. But not every day … or even every month. Her plotlines are eerily similar, and if you read them one after another, this is easily seen. But as a guilty pleasure – or a palate cleanser after a particularly gruesome, bad or stupid book – these little novels are perfect.
Starry Night tells the story of a female journalist who is challenged with finding a reclusive, “no-interviews-ever” best-selling author who lives in Alaska. If she succeeds, she can have her pick of any beat at the newspaper. So … predictable? Of course it is. That’s why you read these books! You know what’s going to happen. The joy is in the journey. How do they get together?
My only gripe is that I wish that the romance were developed further. It seems that within 24 hours (if that), the two are madly in love. I like my love stories drawn out just a tad bit more.
And an Epilogue would have been appreciated, too.
Yet for all its shortcomings, I will be reading Macomber again. She’s a bit addictive.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to review this book.

Monday, July 8, 2013

The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons


The Voyage of Lucy P. Simmons

Published Oct. 2, 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books

This is most definitely written as a kids' book, but the content - parents drowning and evil relatives and child abuse - was decidedly not kid-appropriate. I did like the magic angle, but the denouement was ridiculously outlandish. There will obviously be a second book, and I will NOT be reading it.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Below Stairs

Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid's Memoir That Inspired "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Downton Abbey"

by

4 stars

212 pages

Published Jan. 3, 2012 by St. Martin's Press (first published 1968) 

 

After reading Austen and Gaskell and watching Downton Abbey, etc., I've begun to wonder about the lives of servants. They play such a huge part in the lives of the upper-class - but always in the background, never noticed. Servants cook, clean, garden, raise children, do hair, serve the food, welcome guests - so much stuff!! But rarely, if ever are they even mentioned.
This book, "Below Stairs," gives a fantastic glimpse into the lives of those in service and the undeniable inequality and injustice of the "master and servant" system. Though as a mother, I sometimes feel I am still a part of that - my kids being the masters and I the servant. Hmph.
As this memoir was written by a fairly "modern" woman (she was born in 1907), it would be really interesting to read a memoir of a servant who served back in the 1700s or 1800s, to see if the same dissatisfaction was still apparent.
All in all, a good book. One that I recommend. It's funny, sad, and eye-opening.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Touched

Touched (Sense Thieves #1)

by

While reading this, I couldn't help but compare it to "Twilight." There are many, many elements that are the same - girl moves to new town and finds gorgeous, wealthy boy who turns out to be an immortal paranormal type. They can't touch without serious concentration. He is dangerous to her kind.

So, yeah - I see "Twilight" in "Touched."


BUT there are big deviations. The first - Remy has paranormal power of her own. She also has a spine and spunk, something Bella had to grow. The novel is grittier and darker than "Twilight."


And Remy comes from an abusive home.


Anyway, there ARE differences. If you can focus on that and overlook all the similarities, "Touched" is a pretty decent book. The writing is pretty good (Jackson can write a really good bad guy), character development is actually quite good, and plot and pacing are well done. Little to no swearing, no sex. There is violence - Remy has an abusive stepfather, and Jackson does not gloss over any of the abuse. So the book also doubles as a bit of a PSA against domestic abuse.


I'll probably read the next in the series.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Onyx

Onyx (Lux #2)

by

Published Aug. 14, 2012 by Entangled Teen

I liked this book (probably would have given it 3.5 stars) despite the fact that the U.S. Department of Defense is portrayed as completely violent, unethical, immoral, corrupt and evil. Not sure I agree with that.
And unfortunately, there is quite a bit of language in it.
But it was fast-paced and thrilling. I do wish that the "love" angle was downplayed more and the "new and exciting abilities" angle played up. I mean, who the heck wouldn't want to move stuff with their mind? That's the cool part of the book - not the mushy junk.
I will be reading the third in the series.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Soup Night on Stanton Street


Soup Night on Stanton Street: 99 Recipes for Finding Community in a Bowl of Soup

288 pages

Expected publication: Oct. 22, 2013 by Storey Publishing 

 
As a rule, I am not a gushy person, but I am going to gush about this cookbook/giver-of-hope to society.
If you don’t know your neighbors and don’t care to, please don’t read this book – you might just grow a heart and start to feel neighborly. If you like your neighbors and/or want to get to know them better, this is the perfect facilitator.
Humans live in groups for a reason – to help each other, to fill that basic need for human interaction. Only recently have people become hermits – glued to their computers and gaming systems. No human contact needed.
Is this healthy? No.
Soup Night on Stanton Street provides a recipe to counteract this isolationism. Before I picked this ARC up to review, I had no idea what Soup Night specifically was. It’s basically one night a month that a neighborhood gets together and bonds over delicious soups. What a simple idea, but it provides bounteous returns.
And it’s a neighborhood trend popping up around the nation. It gives one a sense of belonging, community and love. Soup Night, per se, is not an original idea, but it’s one that’s making a comeback. We do it in my church every 2nd Sunday. But we call it a Linger Longer, and it’s a pure potluck. We don’t specify soup only. We get to visit and chat with each other and build stronger ties. Because of this monthly get-together, we are quite a close congregation – no one feels alone.
I’m not going to go into all the great positive things that come from Soup Night (there are too many to list here!) – buy the beautifully designed book and read about them. It’s totally worth it.  Be aware, you’re going to get a bit of positive social history along with your cookbook. Happily, the writing is great, so it’s actually fun to read others’ stories. They flesh out the book and give depth to the recipes.
Speaking of the recipes – which come from Soup Night groups all over the country – they look delectable and totally doable, for novice to expert. Besides a wonderful seasonal collection of soups, bisques, chowders, etc., there are breads, desserts, cookies, salads, garnishes, and a slew of other soup “accompaniments.”
And for the beginning cook, the book also explains different cooking techniques – like how to make a roux, for example.
Feel inspired? Step-by-step directions in Chapter 6 tell you exactly how to start your own community Soup Night, complete with checklists and advice from organizers from across the country.
This cookbook not only gives my stomach cause to rejoice, but it also gives me hope in people. Soup Night will nurture your body and soul. 
Thank you NetGalley and Storey Publishing for allowing me to review this ARC.

If I Should Die

If I Should Die (Die for Me #3)

by

3.5 stars

405 pages

Published May 7, 2013, by HarperTeen


A satisfying, if predictable, ending to a well-done trilogy.

Classic themes of redemption and good conquering evil encapsulated in good writing and a sweet love story. And some awesome mortal combat! What could be better?

The reason for the 3.5 stars is because the Champion could have been more Champion-y. Better, stronger, more powers, etc. But the champion, when it shows up, is just like any other revenant, except for some pumped-up "perception," which is cool, but just not enough. I wanted a super superhero!

There were some loose ends, too, that were not tied up at the end. Some characters were left with unresolved stuff.

Also, I dropped stars for teen sex. Teens have enough to worry about in this era. They don't need to be thinking sex is all OK, then getting pregnant.

Now I'll remove myself from my moral soapbox.

I am glad that I read this trilogy. It was satisfying and original and had all the elements of a good YA book. I can recommend!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

The Girl of Fire and Thorns


The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns #1)

by

423 pages

Published Sept., 20, 2011 by Greenwillow


I liked this book - enough to give it 3 stars. Maybe even 4. I can recommend it for many reasons, not the least of which is that there is a good message in it: Work as if everything depends on you and pray as if everything depends on God.
I love how the protagonist, Elisa, grows up and comes into her own. She gains confidence in herself and in her beliefs. She doesn't necessarily care what people think of her - especially of her piety. I think in this day and age, that is a rare thing - people look condescendingly at people who believe in God and think belief in a higher being is a quaint, old-fashioned and meaningless pursuit. This book strives to dispel that erroneous way of thinking.
I also love the fact that the handsome king turns out to be weak and the fat girl ends up the strong one. Usually books, especially teen fiction, equates beauty with strength. Another erroneous belief!
I will likely read the next in the series.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Sisters Red

Sisters Red (Fairytale Retellings #1)

by

Published June 7, 2010, by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers


I finished this book a couple of days ago, and the more I think about it, the more I am not thrilled with it, but I'll still give it 3 stars - I'm feeling generous.
Why the underwhelming feeling? It's the ending. The whole book rocks (hence the 3 stars) - until the last 25 pages or so. Great action, decent pacing (sometimes it gets slow), character development is pretty strong, plot is intriguing.
The whole book revolves around answering the question: Who is the Potential? And once that question is answered, things come to a head. Exciting, exciting, exciting. What will happen?? But then ... nuttin'. The whole denouement was a bait and switch for me - a Just Kidding resolution. It was not organic. It didn't flow or even match the pacing and style of the rest of the book. Even the Epilogue wasn't very good. Everything that the epilogue told us about what the sisters were doing after the end of the main story was completely opposite of what the whole book taught us about the personalities and thinking of the sisters.
Also, the blurb on the back of the book says that there was "a sizzling romance" contained inside. Meh. I didn't see it. There was a love story - but it wasn't developed well.
There is some unnecessary strong swearing. The f-bomb is dropped a few times - I guess to give the story more of an urban, gritty feel. No sex, which was nice. Also, it was pretty dark and twisty and had some gory parts.
I'm not sure I will read any more by Jackson Pearce.