Origin

Origin (Lux #4)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

3 stars

364 pages

Published Aug. 27, 2013 by Entangled Publishing

Although I give this book 3 stars, I can't really recommend it because the language was so bad. Unnecessarily. The plot was good, action was plentiful, but the violence was a bit over the top.

I'm not sure if I'm going to read the next in the series. I was actually hoping this book was the last.

Ruins

Ruins (Partials Sequence #3)

by Dan Wells

3 stars

464 pages

Published Mar. 11, 2014 by Balzer + Bray

Unbeknownst to me, I skipped the 2nd book in this series and didn't realize it until I was halfway through this book. Hmm. I'm not exactly sure what that means ...

At least now I don't have to read Book #2. It must have been not that enlightening, since I was following Book #3 right along with no problem.

Graduation Day

Graduation Day (The Testing #3)

by Joelle Charbonneau

3 stars

304 pages 

Published June 17, 2014 by HMH Books for Young Readers

 

Meh. Not great. Too many questions in the prose: "Should I do this?", "How can I do this?", "Who can I trust?", etc. Too distracting.

I'm just glad this trilogy is over. It wasn't stellar - more of a Hunger Games meets whiny girl meets Rage Against the Machine. If I had to do it again, I probably wouldn't waste my time.

Rivers of Fire

Rivers of Fire (Atherton #2)

by Patrick Carman

4 stars

320 pages 
Published May 1, 2008 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
 
I picked this up immediately after finishing the first book in this trilogy, The House of Power, because I liked that one so much.
This one didn't disappoint. It was nice and short, too, which was perfect. I don't know if I could take anymore Cleaners mayhem.
It was a great adventure book, with flavors of Jules Verne rippled generously throughout.

There are some gruesome deaths and some themes that might disturb little ones, but I can recommend this book to kids older than 8.

I will likely pick up the third book to complete this trilogy, but honestly this book wraps up the story of Atherton pretty well.

The House of Power

The House of Power (Atherton #1)

by Patrick Carman

4 stars

339 pages 
Published April 3, 2007 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

I've had this book on my to-read list for like 2 years, and I finally got around to it. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It had just about everything I was looking for: adventure, a touch of sci-fi, some creepy creatures, secrets and revelations, no swearing or sex. Just a great book for older kids and even teens. And there was no love story - which was a huge plus. Those sure get old after you read them a zillion times.
I can recommend to anyone who is in the mood for suspense and adventure. I may read this one to my kids for a bedtime story.

Etiquette & Espionage

Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1)

by Gail Carriger

3 stars

307 pages
Published Feb. 5, 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

 
After reading Gail Carriger's adult Parasol Protectorate books, I thought I'd give her YA ones a try. This one didn't disappoint, although there was a bit less adventure contained within its pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, characters, and the plot. Mostly the writing. Exquisite vocabulary usage.

Completely YA appropriate - no swearing, sex or other ickiness. I may be checking out the next in the series.

Champion

I've been out of town for a week - hence the lag in posting. But I'm back!

Champion (Legend #3)

by Marie Lu

4.5 stars

369 pages

Published Nov. 5, 2013 by Putnam Juvenile

I was sad when this series ended, because overall it was a well-written, exciting dive into a post-apocalyptic, dystopian society. I was happy though, that most, if not all the loose ends were tied up nicely - if a bit too abruptly. But I can't complain too loudly when an author doesn't neglect her duty to satisfy readers' needs for closure.

The ending was happy, with a touch of sadness - lots of room for hope and healing. I enjoyed that very much.

No swearing, but one slightly glossed over sex scene.

I'd love to see a spin-off of this series set in the world of Antarctica. That place was intriguing.

Good job, Marie Lu, I like your style!

Legend

Legend (Legend #1)

by Marie Lu

4 stars

320 pages

Published Nov. 29, 2011 by Putnam Juvenile

This was just the book that I needed to get over a super crappy book I had just previously read. (See post below.)

Marie Lu really knows how to write an exciting, intriguing story - complete with decent character development, evil bad guys and a bit of computer hacking! I loved it.

I did think the torture scenes were a little too gleefully gratuitous, hence the one star docking. And I didn't like some of the characters doing a complete 180 - first they hate, now they don't. Or conversely, nice guy turns uber-evil. It was a bit jarring.

But overall, I deem it a fantastic book. No swearing, yay!

I've added #2 and #3 to my to-read list. Thankfully the last in the trilogy was just published, so no having to wait for the next one to come out!!

I can recommend to all!

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.

The Maze Runner series

The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner #1)

by James Dashner

3 stars
 
374 pages 
Published Oct. 6, 2009 by Delacorte Press 

The first in this series The Maze Runner was OK. This is what I had to say about it back when I originally read it:

 "A young adult adventure/action story. It wasn't bad."
So not an overwhelmingly fantastic review, but not horrible.
 

It gets worse ... 

The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2)

by James Dashner

2 stars
 
360 pages
Published Oct. 12, 2010 by Delacorte Press 

I have to be blunt ... I skimmed this. I read the first 40 or so pages and just couldn't stand all the terrifically awful deaths of these teenagers.

And honestly, I really only wanted to know how it ended. It seemed like I was thinking through the whole book "How can 'they' put these poor kids through this? They can't take anymore!" Indiscriminate killing, horrific scenes, and confusing plot line all required me to give it the 2 stars. I will read (or skim) the last book just to see how it ends. It had better have a good ending!

Can it get worse? Oh, yes it can ... 

The Death Cure (The Maze Runner #3)

by James Dashner

1 star (if that)

325 pages
Published Oct. 11, 2011 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Lame, lame, lame ending. Please don't waste your time on this.

 The first book was decent, if completely unnecessarily violent. Book 2 was more disappointing. And this one was pretty terrible. The ending will make you say, "What?? THAT'S how he ends it? What was the point?"

Save yourselves!
Skip it.

Inhuman

Inhuman (Fetch #1)

by Kat Falls

4.5 stars

384 pages

Expected publication: Sept. 24, 2013 by Scholastic 

 

Dystopia-lovers, REJOICE!

I finally get to share a book with you that ranks up there with the best sellers, because this one is definitely going to be on that list!

Recently, I had fallen into an "I'm bored" slump with many of my books, so it took me a week to pick up this novel and start reading. But when I did, somehow my fingers developed super glue! This book mutated me into a part human, part raccoon who can't let go of that shiny something.

A fantastic premise (Think an I Am Legend/The Island of Dr. Moreau hybrid),  excellent writing, quick pacing and insightful character development make this the next "TO READ" for any teen or adult. I enjoyed every gripping minute I was immersed in the wild, colorful, dystopian, violent world of "Inhuman," by Kat Falls.

The only reason I docked a half-star was the love triangle that is developed. I'm so tired of the widely overdone Bella/Edward/Jacob formula. I adored both male love interests, so I despised the choice that our heroine is faced with. But that's the only beef I have with the book. I'm not going to overly analyze it either, because I just want to enjoy.

I cannot wait until I can get my paws (sorry!) on the next book in the series. I can only hope it's as good as this initial offering. Kat Falls has a winner on her hands - much to the joy of the millions of dystopian fans that roam the earth.

Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Inc. for the opportunity to review this wildly good new book!

Above World

Above World (Above World #1)

by Jenn Reese

4 stars

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.

Firelight

Firelight (Firelight #1)

by Sophie Jordan

4 stars

323 pages

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!

Opal

Opal (Lux #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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. :)

Onyx

Onyx (Lux #2)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

3 stars

366 pages

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.

Mirage

Mirage (Above World #2)

by Jenn Reese

4 stars

368 pages

A strong female protagonist, quick pacing, great plot and themes of forgiveness, honor and loving those who are different all combine to make this sequel to Above World a brilliant read.
I can recommend this series to pre-teens and teens - there's no swearing, sex or "mature" topics. There are some fight scenes, though, if you're averse to that.
I will be reading the next in the series.

The Reckoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #3)

The Reckoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #3)

by Kelley Armstrong

2 stars

What a disappointing ending to a series that had such potential.
What was the point of the changing colors of the crystal? Where had Mr. Bae been all that time? Didn't he ever try and get in touch with his sons? What about Chloe's dad? What about her mom?
Is Rae really gone with her mother? What happened there? What a sloppy end to a character's story.
Too many questions left unanswered. Too many plot lines dropped.

The Awakening (Darkest Powers Trilogy #2)

The Awakening (Darkest Powers Trilogy #2)

by Kelley Armstrong 

3 stars

 
A solid, yet somewhat uninspired sequel to The Summoning. It had just enough action and plot to keep me reading and ultimately to pick up the last book in the trilogy.
Still no swearing - yay! - and just the inkling of a beginning of a love story. Nothing too distracting.

Partials (Partials Sequence #1)

Partials (Partials Sequence #1)

by Dan Wells 

3 stars

So, I have mixed feelings about this book. I really liked it when there was action and evasion and struggle, but I have to tell you that this was a hugely dialogue-heavy story. I love dialogue and understand the necessity of back story, but when page after page is political arguments and discussion, it gets old.
The premise is great. Post-apocalyptic, survival of humans, fighting against the bad guys ... all good things that make a good book. The plot, though, took forever to develop. And the heavy-handedness of painting politicians as the ultimate bad guys is, well, too political for me. How's that for irony?
But this book is worth the read, if only for the nuggets of genius shining through the sludge of politico.
I suppose I'll read the next one.

Isolation (Partials Sequence 0.5)

Isolation (Partials Sequence 0.5)

by Dan Wells

4 stars

 
What a great novella in the Partials series. It gives great background on how Partials were grown and how they were trained. It also gives a great look into how they think, and how they evolved.
I love strong female characters, and Heron is definitely that.