Bitterblue

Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3)

by Kristin Cashore

3 stars

563 pages

Published May 1, 2012 by Dial

The title of the book is perfect, because after I read the thing I was left feeling Bitter and Blue. Bitter, because I'm going to have to wait for the NEXT book to come out; and Blue, because this book is pretty dark, twisty and depressing. It's all about the effects that one person can have on so many other people. One person's choices can hurt many, many people - even after that person is gone.

I couldn't get this book out of my head for a few days - it really is that dark. I usually don't finish these types of books because I hate feeling depressed. The reason I stuck with it was because of the main character, Queen Bitterblue. She was a strong, good, decent person trying to rectify the wrongs of her evil father. She was trying to give hope to those who were deeply affected by her father's atrocities. So that glimmer of hope gave me the wherewithal to keep slogging through to the end.

Another great theme of this book is the importance of friendship. Bitterblue relies heavily on her friends and their loyalty. Surrounding yourself with good, decent people who are trying to do what's right will help you be and do better.

The reason for the three stars is that the story was convoluted and hard to follow. And some of the characters were pretty flat. I especially disliked how Bitterblue's love interest had such a reverse of feelings - it was love, hate, love. Bam, bam, bam. Very disorienting. AND the book was soo flippin' long! Edit, please!

Anyway, not bad, but not great. I'll read the next in line, but I may not go further if that one is anything like this one. I don't need any depression in my life.

Towering

Towering

by Alex Flinn

2 stars

293 pages 

Published May 14, 2013 by HarperTeen

I am pretty bummed I had to give this book so few stars. It had such potential - part love story, part paranormal mystery - but the execution was lacking.

"Towering" is touted as a modern re-write of the Rapunzel tale, but the only tie-in the book contains is that one of the protagonists has long hair, which she cuts to make a rope so she can escape her tower prison/safe-house. The rest is an anti-drug PA (which I'm all for: Drugs=Bad!), but it just didn't jive with the spirit of the original Rapunzel tale. That, paired with poor character development, uneven pacing, and too many unanswered questions at the abrupt and unsatisfying ending made this book an unfortunate and forgettable work.

I did dig the book cover, though.

Touched

Touched (Sense Thieves #1)

by Corrine Jackson

3 stars

343 pages

Published Nov. 27, 2012 by Kensington Teen

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.