The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter
Publication: February 26, 2013 (Harlequin Teen)
Source: E-galley from the publisher
Rating: Beam-worthy

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Love or life.
Henry or their child.
The end of her family or the end of the world.
Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.

In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.

With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.

Even if it costs her eternity.

Memorable Quote

He stared up into the space I occupied, and I could hardly breathe.  He was perfection.  Calliope wouldn't take him from me.  I wouldn't let her. 

My Review

After enjoying both previous novels in this trilogy, I read The Goddess Inheritance eagerly.  The previous book ended on a terrible how-could-you-do-that-to-us cliffhanger, so when I saw the final book on NetGalley, I grabbed it.  (Thank goodness for auto-approval!)  As I read Aimee Carter's newest book, several things struck me.  I've talked to a few blog friends about how I'm writing and reading much more critically, seeing things I didn't used to when I read.  And more than anything, I want to read books that leave me speechless.  The Goddess Inheritance was enjoyable, and a mostly satisfying conclusion to the Goddess Test trilogy, but not much more than that.

As I read, although I was an en-spelled in Aimee Carter's writing as ever,  I couldn't quite get past some of the flaws in the plot of The Goddess Inheritance. All the characters I've come to care about were present, and they each had roles to play.  The stakes were higher.  But the plot felt circular to me.  Everyone kept going around and around, and in some cases, right back into danger once they escaped.  It felt like, to me, just a way to draw out the story. 

However, The Goddess Inheritance still held my attention, and by the end, I could appreciate the hopeful conclusion to this trilogy.  It was a good to see everyone finally pulling together, and to see Kate coming into her own as a goddess.  I was starting to think that wouldn't happen! We do see some growth from her, which was refreshing and encouraging.  I also enjoyed that Carter finally put Kate and Henry in a good place.

As The Goddess Inheritance came to an end, I felt somewhat bittersweet because the trilogy was ending.  I have hope that Aimee Carter might revisit this series down the road, even though this final book in the trilogy wasn't everything I hoped. 



Other books by this author:

The Goddess Test (The Goddess Test #1)
Goddess Interrupted (The Goddess Test #2)

Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1 - 2013 Harlequin Teen)

You're sure to fall for:

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

About Aimee

I attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and received a degree in Screen Arts and Cultures (a fancy way of saying I was forced to watch a lot of old movies) with a subconcentration in Screenwriting. I write. I watch a lot of new movies. Read a lot of books. Tweet too much. Love dogs and have two spoiled Papillons.

Visit Aimee at: her website | her twitter 

Shop for The Goddess Inheritance at: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository  

  

Review: Hooked by Liz Fichera

Hooked by Liz Fichera
Publication: January 31, 2013 (Harlequin Teen)

Source: E-galley from NetGalley
Rating: Beam-worthy

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When Native American Fredricka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.

But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.

But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

GET HOOKED ON A GIRL NAMED FRED.

Memorable Quote 

Her breath warmed my neck.  Slowly, I lowered my chin so that it brushed the top of her head.  My eyes closed as I listened to our breathing, her heartbeat, and all the corner things that scrolled through my head.  I wanted to say something lame, like how her hair smelled as sweet as the desert, because that was how she made me feel - alive and special. 

My Review

After reading several contemporary books last year that featured main characters as athletes, I wanted to try Hooked.  I'm glad I did, because like predecessors Catching Jordan, Stealing Parker, and others, Hooked utilizes a bit of a twist on familiar plots.  In Liz Fichera's debut novel, the main character Fred faces several challenges, but has an indomitable spirit that was beautiful to read about.  Although the other main character, Ryan, wore on my nerves, I never found Fred to be anything but inspiring, and ended up enjoying Hooked a great deal.  

I really enjoyed the authenticity Liz Fichera gave to her characters.  They all felt very real; however in this case, I didn't enjoy the dual point of view as much as I wished.  Despite having moments where I softened toward him, for the majority of Hooked, I didn't care for Ryan, or his point of view.  I think the story could have been told better without his, because he let me down too many times.  He did come through eventually, but by then, I didn't believe in him and Fred as a couple because of his antics and immaturity when it came to her. He had opportunities to step up, but chose not to, and my enjoyment of Hooked suffered.  Plus there was just a lot of meaningless drama drummed up between them to keep the story going. 

I did come to admire Liz Fichera's story-telling, and the pacing, which was well done.  I applaud the fact that Fred isn't the typical Caucasion narrator, and I enjoyed the tribal information in the story.  I liked that she took risks as a story-teller, and delved into Fred's less than desirable home life with her alcoholic mother.  However, I felt like the actual treatment of that storyline was a bit callous and generalized.  Fred's father and brother were great additions to this story as supportive minor characters.  I felt like as Hooked neared a climax though, everything was wrapped up really neatly and quickly. Sometimes it's better for an author to leave a bit to the reader's imagination, but that wasn't so here. 

Overall, I liked Hooked - the premise, and Fred.  I'm glad I took a chance on Liz Fichera's story, because there were some touching moments, but I'd have to say that I've seen this type of premise done better by other authors. 




Other books by this author:

Played (Hooked #2 - 2014 Harlequin Teen)

You're sure to love:

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

About Liz

I'm an American author living in the American Southwest by way of Chicago. Born and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, after college, never expecting to live more than one year among cactus and people who’d never seen snow. I was wrong.  It certainly didn't hurt that I met my future husband in Phoenix too.

When I'm not busy writing my next novel, I like to travel, visit museums, support local theater productions, hike, and pretend that I'm training for a triathlon.  I post a lot of photos from my desert and mountain hikes on my Facebook and Twitter pages.  In no particular order, I've been chased by javalinas, rattlesnakes, coyotes, and even one curious black bear.  Would love to connect with you there too!

Visit Liz at: her website | 

Shop for Hooked at: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 

Review: The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington

The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington
Publication: January 1, 2013 (Scholastic Point)
Source: ARC from the publisher
Rating: Beam-worthy

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A haunted house, a buried mystery, and a very angry ghost make this one unforgettable thriller.

Jade loves the house she's just moved into with her family. She doesn't even mind being the new girl at the high school: It's a fresh start, and there's that one guy with the dreamy blue eyes. . . . But then things begin happening. Strange, otherworldly things. Jade's little brother claims to see a glimmering girl in his room. Jade's jewelry gets moved around, as if by an invisible hand. Kids at school whisper behind her back like they know something she doesn't.

Soon, Jade must face an impossible fact: that her perfect house is haunted. Haunted by a ghost who's seeking not just vengeance, but the truth. The ghost of a girl who ruled Jade's school — until her untimely death last year. It's up to Jade to put the pieces together before her own life is at stake. As Jade investigates the mystery, she discovers that her new friends in town have more than a few deep, dark secrets. But is one of them a murderer?

My Review

Having never read anything by Kim Harrington before, I was very curious about what to expect when I read The Dead and Buried; awesomely enough, I found a concise, enjoyable writing style, and an author who knows how to tell a good, solid story.  Coupled with everyday characters who I was easily able to feel like I knew, a blush of romance, and a mystery I enjoyed, I have to say, The Dead and Buried was thoroughly enjoyable!

  
Featuring a likeable narrator, I easily connected with, The Dead and Buried is a fast read, although the pacing never felt hurried to me.  Kim Harrington developed her characters - major and minor - and really took time to let this ghost story find its stride.  Just when I got lulled into the story, something spooky would happen, which kept me a little on edge, but since I enjoy being scared, that's just fine with me.  I had a lot of fun getting to know Jade and her family, as well as her peers at her new school.  

I also enjoyed the romance.  Although there were two guys who featured prominently in The Dead and Buried, it was clear fairly quickly who Jade was interested in.  And I have to say, NO INSTALOVE.  Finally!  A book that, while hinting at an attraction between two characters, doesn't rush into them declaring their undying love on page 5.  Instead, Harrington had Jade and her love interest team up to figure out the haunting, which was a fantastic way of building their relationship, while we got to know him as a character.  Bravo!

The Dead and Buried kept me guessing until the end, partially because I didn't try to figure out what was going on, or who murdered Kayla, but also because Harrington wrote a good mystery!  I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick, light mystery.  


Other books by this author:

Clarity

You're sure to love:

Amber House by Kelly Moore 

About Kim

Kim Harrington is the author of the Clarity series for teens and the Sleuth or Dare series for kids. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son. When not writing, she's most likely reading, watching one of her favorite TV shows, or fantasizing about her next vacation. Her first book, Clarity, received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, was a 2012 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, sold to nine countries, and was optioned for television by Warner Brothers.

Visit Kim at: her twitter | her website

Shop for The Dead and Buried at: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble

Review: Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum

Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum
Publication: January 8, 2013 (Harper Teen)
Source: ARC from the publisher
Rating: Beam-worthy

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Twenty years ago, the robots designed to fight our wars abandoned the battlefields. Then they turned their weapons on us.

Only a few escaped the robot revolution of 2071. Kevin, Nick, and Cass are lucky —they live with their parents in a secret human community in the woods. Then their village is detected and wiped out. Hopeful that other survivors have been captured by bots, the teens risk everything to save the only people they have left in the world—by infiltrating a city controlled by their greatest enemies.

Revolution 19 is a cinematic thriller unlike anything else. With a dynamic cast of characters, this surefire blockbuster has everything teen readers want—action, drama, mystery, and romance. Written by debut novelist Gregg Rosenblum, this gripping story shouldn’t be missed.

  

 Memorable Quote

And when the bombs rained down, and then legions of bot foot soldiers marched into the ruins, killing any humans who resisted, and dragging away the rest of us, we finally called it what it was: revolution.  - Prologue

My Review

When I first read the synopsis for Revolution 19, I knew I wanted to read this book; it reminded me of Battlestar Galactica, which I loved, but for some reason, don't talk about a great deal.  I'm continually drawn to science fiction, and Gregg Rosenblum's novel is a good mix of dystopian and sci-fi.  I think it's an example of a lower level YA, better for readers transitioning out of MG and into YA, because although it does explore some serious themes, and introduces a great group of characters, it didn't blow me away or make me think as much as I expected.  

One of the plot devices I have a love/hate relationship with is dual point of view perspectives.  Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn't.  To me, it's one of those devices that authors over-use.  Not EVERY story needs a million voices narrating, and I don't think it was necessary in Revolution 19.  I enjoyed getting to know the main characters: Nick, Kevin, and Cass, but it was a bit disorientating for this particular story trying to follow them all, and I think that held things back in some ways, for me at least.  I also liked several of the secondary characters, like Lexi, and definitely want to get to know them better!  

That said, a lot happens in a short amount of time in Revolution 19, and there is a good foundation laid for the sequels, as this is the first in a trilogy.  One thing that I want to applaud is, although Rosenblum leaves us wanting more, enough is resolved in Revolution 19 that I wouldn't call the ending a cliffhanger - finally!  I also really liked the importance of family in this, and the world-building was well done.  In fact, I can't wait to find out more about the bots, their masters, etc.  

Revolution 19 is not a perfect novel, but it is a novel with a lot of potential, and I look forward to seeing how the author and characters grow in the sequels! 

You're sure to fall for:

Partials by Dan Wells



 

About Gregg

Gregg Rosenblum works at Harvard, where he wages epic battles against technology as an editor/webmaster/communications/quasi-IT guy. He graduated from UC San Diego and has an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College. He lives in Boston with his wife and daughter. 

Visit Gregg at: his Twitter 

Shop for Revolution 19 at: Amazon | The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble  

Review + Giveaway: Normalish by Margaret Lesh

Follow the tour here!

Normalish by Margaret Lesh
Publication: October, 2012
Rating: Beam-worthy
Source: Copy from the author

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Fifteen-year-old Stacy questions the strange world of high school, love, her role in a harsh universe, and life, in Normalish.

People tell you high school's so great and wonderful, but they're lying. It's mostly horrible and full of disappointment. It sucks. Your best friend abandons you. The jerk you're in love with pretends to be into you, and then the big dump. The boy you've really clicked with as a friend decides to go all crushy over you, so you break his heart just like yours was -- smashed into little pieces. Your sister goes mental, and you get involved with a guy who’s even crazier than she is (who you know is a very bad idea, but you do it anyway). Math only adds another stink of failure to the whole thing.

High school blows. Just ask freshman Stacy. She’d want you to know.

My Review

Normalish is a sweet, funny, poignant coming-of-age story that I highly enjoyed.  It follows teenager Stacy through her various trials, triumphs, and heartbreaks.  And while at times, Margaret Lesh's story seemed like more fluff than substance, just when I thought so, something deeper came along to surprise me during this quick, enjoyable read.  

Stacy read like an authentic teenager.  Just like me when I was her age, everything was the end of the world, and she didn't always understand the gravity of certain situations.  I sympathized with her tattered home life, and wanted to hug her at times.  Despite the cracks in her family, they all really cared about one another, and that was heart-warming to read.  Some of the more serious issues in Normalish were glossed over - like mental illness - in a way that was almost offensive, but I think it was just the author trying to be "in character," as Stacy. I also didn't like the format of most of the dialogue. 

Normalish is a really quick read that made me smile more than once.  (I literally read it in one sitting, in about an hour and a half.)  Stacy learned a great deal over the course of this novel, and grew as a character.  I liked the glimpse into her life; Margaret Lesh told an engaging story.  However, the issues with Normalish, and the fluff aspect kept me from truly enjoying this one more than I did.

About Margaret

California girl Margaret Lesh lives with her husband Steve and son Andrew in a quiet suburb near Los Angeles. Co-creator of StoryRhyme.com, she writes middle grade, young adult, and women’s fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about baked goods, especially donuts, far too often. She believes tacos are magic.

Visit Margaret at: her website | her twitter  

Shop for Normalish at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble  

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Review: Catherine by April Lindner

Catherine by April Lindner
Publication: January 2, 2013 (Poppy)
Source: ARC from the publisher
Rating: Beam-worthy

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A forbidden romance. A modern mystery. Wuthering Heights as you’ve never seen it before.

Catherine is tired of struggling musicians befriending her just so they can get a gig at her Dad’s famous Manhattan club, The Underground. Then she meets mysterious Hence, an unbelievably passionate and talented musician on the brink of success. As their relationship grows, both are swept away in a fiery romance. But when their love is tested by a cruel whim of fate, will pride keep them apart?

Chelsea has always believed that her mom died of a sudden illness, until she finds a letter her dad has kept from her for years—a letter from her mom, Catherine, who didn’t die: She disappeared. Driven by unanswered questions, Chelsea sets out to look for her—starting with the return address on the letter: The Underground.

Told in two voices, twenty years apart, Catherine interweaves a timeless forbidden romance with a compelling modern mystery.

My Review

Catherine was on my radar from the moment I read the synopsis, but I'm of two minds after finishing it.  On one hand, since I knew it was a modern day re-telling of Wuthering Heights, I expected it to be tragic, but I found so little hope within the pages that I was left bereft as I read the final pages.  April Lindner has a genuinely clear writing style that I enjoyed, but there were very few uplifting moments in this romantic tragedy.  That, along with a few other quibbles I had, made it an overall enjoyable read, but one that could have used a dose of hope.

I should state that I haven't read Wuthering Heights; while I've always wanted to, I haven't made time.  After reading Catherine, I'm really curious to do so though, to examine the similarities and the differences, as well.  I think for the most part, Lindner created individualized, interesting characters, but a few, like Quentin, suffered from stereotypes, and their flaws felt poorly handled.  Issues were brushed off in order to focus on the star-crossed romance between Catherine and Hence, which, although it was intensely passionate, was also not as believable as I'd hoped.  Miscommunications and distrust between the two that should have been solved instead escalated the story, and the stakes.  Both characters were deeply flawed, and made poor decisions. 

Catherine has nice pacing, and the tension in the first half of the book is built nicely, although it suffers in the last third of the book, with a rushed climax. I found myself caring more about Chelsea than about Catherine, and wish Lindner had devoted another few chapters toward the end to Chelsea - she felt less like a valid character and more like a device used to tell her mother's story.  Overall, this is a somewhat satisfying modern day Gothic. 

Other books by this author:

Jane

You're sure to fall for:

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

About April

Welcome to my web page.  I'm the author of Jane, a contemporary retelling of the classic novel Jane Eyre, published by Poppy, and of Catherine, a Wuthering Heights retelling, due out in early 2013.  I'm also a poet.  My new poetry collection, This Bed Our Bodies Shaped, was just published by Able Muse Press, and my first collection, Skin, will be coming back into print in early 2013.  I also write literary criticism and edit poetry anthologies.  Last but far from least, I'm a professor of English at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia.

Visit April at: her website | her blog

Shop for Catherine at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Review: Lullaby by Amanda Hocking

Lullaby by Amanda Hocking (Watersong #2)
Publication: November 27, 2012 (St Martin's Press)
Source: Finished copy from the publisher
Rating: Beam-worthy
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Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers.

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life.  Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world.  It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs.  Just as she's drifting far away from her old life,  Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed.  All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?

Prepare to fall under the spell of Lullaby, the second book in the Watersong series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.

Memorable Quote

"But I don't want her to take care of me," Daniel said.  "If anything,  I want to take care of her."

My Review

I approached Lullaby with some trepidation; I didn't overly care for Wake - it had potential, but left me wanting something more.  I hoped that Lullaby would build on the mythology foundation laid in Wake, but instead, I closed the second novel in the Watersong series feeling almost cheated.  The lack of action or character development disappointed me, enough that I decided not to continue with the series. 

While I liked the idea behind the lovely, sinister Penn, Thea, and Lexi - deceptively beautiful sirens - I couldn't buy into Gemma's shaky transitions.  One moment she was struggling to retain her humanity, while the next she was seducing an en-spelled guy, or worse.  She went back and forth so many times on where she stood that I felt dizzy.  There was some growth on Thea's part, which was encouraging, but even Harper - my favorite character from Wake - could barely carry this lackluster sequel.  I felt like Harper regressed as a character.  With Gemma missing, Amanda Hocking stripped away Harper's personality, until Harper felt more like a plot device than a character. 

I did like a few aspects of Lullaby, specifically the small progression of Harper and Daniel's relationship.  For me, they are the best thing about this series.  I continued to struggle to even care about Gemma, Alex, or many of the other characters, and apathy bothers me.  Normally feel SOMETHING for a book character, but frankly, I could care less what happens to Gemma.  *SIGHS* And that's a huge problem for me.  Also, the writing really got on my nerves.  Everything was written so as to happen to the characters in the past, instead of them being actively involved in the story. 

Combine the fact that basically very little happens for the first 150 pages of Lullaby, with an unlikeable (for me) narrator, bland writing, and a plot that feels too loose for me to enjoy, I won't be continuing this series.  However, if YOU enjoyed Wake, then Lullaby is a book you'll want to check out, if only because the action finally picks up and sets up interestingly for Tidal. 



Other books by this author:

Switched (Trylle #1)
Wake (Watersong #1)

You're sure to love:

Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

About Amanda

I live in Minnesota, and I write young adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy mostly. The My Blood Approves series is about vampires in Minneapolis, and its available now. I also wrote the Trylle Trilogy, which is a paranormal romance without vampires, shifters, mermaids, fae, angels, dragons, ghosts, or ninjas.

Visit Amanda at: her website | her blog | her twitter

Shop for Lullaby at: Amazon | The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

Review: Delusion by Laura L. Sullivan

Delusion by Laura L. Sullivan
Pages: 352
Expected publication: January 8, 2013 (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Source: ATW ARC Tours
Rating: Beam-worthy
Add it/Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Connect with the author: Website | Twitter

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When two beautiful teenage stage magicians in World War II England meet a pair of handsome men who can do real magic, sparks fly. But is it illusion, or delusion? Opening-night jitters are nothing new for Phil and Fee Albion, who come from a long line of stage illusionists. The girls love to dazzle London audiences, but in the aftermath of the Blitz they're bundled off to the countryside, where they're safe from bombs and Nazis--and bored to pieces. 

Phil, always the passionate one, discovers a hidden college of real magicians led by the devastatingly handsome Arden. If only Phil can persuade these unworldly magicians to help England win the war! Daredevil that she is, she'll risk anything to give her country a fighting chance, even if it means losing her heart . . . or her life.

My Review

Looking back on Delusion, I'm conflicted as to really how to classify it, or what to say about it.  Sullivan's tale is certainly imaginative, set against the backdrop of World War 2 - an event no one, not even our main characters could ignore.  The War adds an element of unavoidable danger to the story, even as sisters Phil (Philomel) and Fee (Phoebe) are sent to live in the country, in a town that's almost impossible to find, on a map or otherwise.  Here the story picks up, but despite the action, I was still left aching, wanting...something more from Delusion.  

I enjoyed the characters: Phil was practical, but passionate when it came to preparing area for the War, while Fee was a hopeless romantic, dreamy and fluttery in a way that had me giggling quite often.  Their hostess's son, Algernon was interesting, and Uncle Walter was eccentric, but definitely played a part.  By far the most polarizing characters were the members of the school of magic, tucked away in plain site, where both Phil and Fee meet magicians who dazzle, amaze, and antagonize them.  The Masters of the college were very misogynistic toward women and quite arrogant toward "outsiders," which didn't set well with me.  

There are several side plots in Delusion, revolving around Phil's family and ancestors, as well as Fee's storybook romance, but the one that interested me most was the relationship between Phil and Arden.  I loved their exchanges, their banter, and the attraction that slowly blossomed between them.  I also thought the story arc between the dueling schools of magic was really interesting, even if I would have liked it to be fleshed out more.  

I think what threw me off most about Sullivan's story is the narration.  It flip flops back and forth a lot, sometimes from one paragraph to the next (this may be corrected in the final version), but the way Delusion reads...it's as if an omniscient third party is telling the story at times, and that really left me kind of nonplussed.  It was difficult, if not impossible to click with the characters in an emotional way, so I never really felt like I was IN the story.  

If you're looking for a quirky, not-of-the-normal story, then definitely pick up Delusion.  There's a touch of romance, and a healthy dash of mystery, along with an element of sleight of hand mixed with the possibility of REAL magic.  Despite the fact that I didn't love it, I did enjoy this unusual story and would recommend you check it out for yourself!

Other books by this author:

Ladies in Waiting

You're sure to fall for:

Houdini's Daughter by Teri Brown
The Diviners by Libba Bray

Review + Giveaway: Renegade by J.A. Souders

Renegade by J.A. Souders
Published: November 13, 2012
Source: Finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Rating: Beam-worthy

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Since the age of three, sixteen-year-old Evelyn Winters has been trained to be Daughter of the People in the underwater utopia known as Elysium. Selected from hundreds of children for her ideal genes, all her life she’s thought that everything was perfect; her world. Her people. The Law.

But when Gavin Hunter, a Surface Dweller, accidentally stumbles into their secluded little world, she’s forced to come to a startling realization: everything she knows is a lie.

Her memories have been altered.

Her mind and body aren’t under her own control.

And the person she knows as Mother is a monster.

Together with Gavin she plans her escape, only to learn that her own mind is a ticking time bomb... and Mother has one last secret that will destroy them all.

Memorable Quote

He pulls back and I'm sure I'm in for another lecture, but then his mouth crushes down on mine, his hands traveling over every available space on my body.  I'm so shocked I don't do anything.  This kiss is different from our others.  Way different.  My heart thunders in my ears and kicks in my chest.  My breath turns ragged.  My head spins but this time there's no panic.  Only surprise.  And pleasure.  - Page 253

My Review

Renegade is the debut offering from author J.A. Souders, and although I was frustrated at times with several examples of immaturity throughout this story, ultimately I was intrigued enough to follow it through to the end. With this underwater dystopian, our heroine faces realizing nothing is true about her life, and does so with emerging strength, which I found inspiring.

The world building is a source of conflict for me. While I thought choosing to set Renegade in an underwater utopia was a brilliant move for this premise, I was confused at the need for guards, and the shadowy, brutal Enforcers. There were several aspects of the society that I found really compelling and hope to learn more about.  However, despite the fact that characters reference modern day technology, (video games, horror movies,) the world outside Elysium seems to be set in older times, (Gavin references a hunter-gatherer society with an antiquated government). I wish there was more clarification on that point and can only assume the sequel will provide this. There was a great deal of telling via info dump in Souders' book, which I disliked.

The characters in Renegade were another source of frustration.  Evelyn, or Evie, is an extremely unreliable narrator, which adds another level of creepy to an already uneasy read. At times naive and lost, Evie made some very questionable - and downright stupid - decisions, but I felt sorry for her, and wanted to follow her story to see if she grew any. Alas, that's another reason to read the sequel - she does show strength, but I was hoping for more maturity from her.. However I can say that the secondary characters were fascinating, especially Gavin. I really enjoyed him, and thought his voice was refreshing.  I'm looking forward to watching his romance with Evie mature, since it, like so many in YA books, happened almost instantly, and relied on circumstance rather than moments of substance, to build their feelings.  The Mother character was terrifying, and I'll likely have nightmares about her, her actions, and what she allowed to happen in Renegade.  She was a truly scary villain, and I applaud J.A. Souders for her creativity.

While a frustrating book, Renegade does offer a great deal of important questions about sense of self, family, and free will.  The love story, while very fast, is still sweet at times. And despite a few circular moments, and immaturity in the writing, I will probably read the sequel/s.  (Especially after THAT ending!) I think this author will grow and mature along with her characters, and I'm curious to see how that goes!  It wasn't a perfect read for me, but it was a book with potential, so I'd definitely recommend you read it for yourself!
 
You're sure to love:

 Breathe by Sarah Crossan

About J.A.

J.A. Souders was born in the heartland with an overactive imagination and an over abundance of curiosity that was always getting her into trouble.

Because she never grew up, she decided she’d put her imaginary friends to work and started writing. She now lives in the land of sunshine and palm trees with her husband and their two children and is an active member of the RWA, SFWA, YARWA and SCBWI. 

Visit J.A. online at: her website | her twitter

Shop online for Renegade at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 

 Thanks to Tor Teen, I have TWO finished copies of Renegade up for grabs!

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Review: Stained by Ella James

Stained by Ella James
Published: September 14, 2011
Source: Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: Beam-worthy

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After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. 

With Julia is enigmatic hottie - Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.

Memorable Quote

She'd known what his face looked like when he was mad and glad and everything in between, what he sounded like moving around the room, what it felt like to sit by him, and the way his voice sounded at every octave - except the one he used to whisper in her ear.  he was like a beautiful painting she'd seen from every angle, except on the wall in her house.  And viewed that way, it was almost another work entirely. 

  

My Review

Stained was a wild ride, that I savored, because I didn't want Julia and Cayne's story to end.  I fell hard for this unlikely couple - the girl who was more than she seemed, and the half-demon with a good heart.  While the beginning was a bit shaky, by the time I finished this paranormal thriller, I had grown to like both of the main characters, and felt invested in their struggles and in their quest.  

Author Ella James has a talent at telling an engrossing story that is layered, and definitely more than it seems.  I enjoyed the way she worked in Julia's talents, Cayne's history, and the various angel-vs-demon mythology - all without making any of it feel tired, or like too much was going on.  There was a real sense of danger, and the character treatment was such that I felt enough of a connection to these characters to care what happened to them next, and to want to know more about the greater dangers they faced.  

Carried by two strong characters from very different lives, Stained is a breathless read.  Despite a few issues I had with how fast the relationship between the mysterious, sexy Cayne, and bruised Julia developed, ultimately there was a depth of feeling between them that I could believe in, and enough of a enigma left as Stained wound down to make me want to read more, and know more: about Julia's healing, about Cayne's past, about who is hunting down people like Julia. 
 
Other books by this author:

Stolen (Stained #2) 
Here (Here #1)
 
You're sure to fall for:

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

About Ella

I'm a 20-something sci-fi nerd with a journalism degree and a serious York Peppermint Pattie addiction. I spend my days baby-wrangling and dog-chasing and my nights tapping on my laptop and hanging out with my writer/editor husband. A fun day for me involves lots of writing, running, and researching topped off with some quality Kindle time. My life's goal is to find an empty cottage in an enchanted forest, install a solar panel for my laptop, and move in - never to be seen again - except in sweatpants.

Visit her online at: Her Website | Her Facebook

Shop for Stained online at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble  

Tour Stop: Review + Giveaway: Finding Mia by Rachel K Burke

Finding Mia by Rachel K. Burke
Published: January 8, 2012
Source: Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: Beam-worthy
Add it to your TBR at: Goodreads 

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Intelligent and fiercely independent, sixteen-year-old Mia Marchette has never had a childhood. After her father’s disappearance when she was six, she has alone borne the burden of her mother’s bipolar disorder.

When her mother is institutionalized after a failed suicide attempt, Mia is abruptly forced to live with the estranged father she has not known for ten years. She is shocked to discover that he has created a new, picture-perfect life for himself, and is now living with a stepmother and a half-sister Mia never knew she had. Together, Mia and her new family must face the bitterness, mistakes, and long-hidden secrets that threaten to destroy their precarious happiness.

Finding Mia follows Mia's journey as she searches to find the unanswered questions from her past, leading to her own self-discovery. Ultimately, this is a story of confronting pain and finding freedom, of letting go and learning to search for love in unexpected places.

Memorable Quote 

Everyone has a role in today's world, and part of what makes us who we are is having the ability to overcome obstables and learn from them as we go.  What I've learned is that any obstacle we are given is a gift, to allow us the chance to grow stronger and to shape the people we are today, as we are nothing without our experiences, and our experiences are nothing if we don't learn from them.   

My Review

I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading Finding Mia; it'd been awhile since I read the synopsis so I didn't go into this YA contemporary with any expectations, yet really enjoyed this heart-wrenching story of family and self-discovery.  Mia was an incredibly strong heroine, who I clicked with - her individuality was really inspiring, and her fears when it comes to her new family are completely relevant and understandable.  I found her very genuine and sympathetic, and warmed to this story right away.  I actually didn't want it to end!

My favorite part of Rachel K Burke's story was the characters.  They all contributed to the story, from Mia, to her outspoken friend Gretchen, who was a layered character, to Evan, Mia's boyfriend.  While I definitely didn't agree with all of Mia's actions, she was a lost teenager, and I could absolutely identify.  Her struggles made her seem more real, although there were times when I wanted to jump into the book and give her a shake or a talking to.  I was really moved by seeing her try to find a way to not just get along with her father and step-mother, but find a way to let them into her lives.  That was one of my favorite aspects of the plot of Finding Mia, although I also really enjoyed Mia's growth. 

Finding Mia is a powerful story of a girl finding who she is, when she's finally able to step out from the shadow of her mother's illness.  It's a character study, and a story of bravery, and second chances.  The pacing was really nicely done, and Burke's writing style is strong and clear.  I would definitely recommend this story to teen readers, because I think it will resonate with others as it did with me!

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This post is part of a tour for ATOMR Tours.  You can follow the rest of the tour here!

About Rachel

Rachel was born and raised in Boston, MA. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Bridgewater University in 2011 with a B.A. in Communications and Media Studies.

Rachel's work has appeared in Prevention Magazine, Worcester Magazine and Starpulse News Entertainment.

  
Visit her online at: her website | her twitter | her facebook

Shop for Finding Mia at: Amazon