Rook by Sharon Cameron Review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

History has a way of repeating itself. In the Sunken City that was once Paris, all who oppose the new revolution are being put to the blade. Except for those who disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a criminal?

Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy’s arranged marriage to the wealthy René Hasard is the last chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiancé is not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she. 

As the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and René find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse.

Rook on Goodreads

Visit the Author's Website

Rating: 4 Stars

Today's review is on a novel that I read recently. Rook by Sharon Cameron is a novel I had on my list of Most Anticipated New Releases for March and April 2015. I was curious to read this after reading the synopsis. I went into the novel having a vague idea of what it was about after reading the synopsis. I was curious as to what sort of world this would be since it's set in a futuristic setting and kind of reminded me of The Scarlet Pimpernel with the masked hero saving the victims of the Revolution, although I haven't read the classic and as far as I know this isn't a retelling. I really enjoyed Rook, and ended up giving the novel 4 out of 5 stars.

To begin, I really enjoyed the novel's characters and how they were each memorable and quirky in their own ways. Sophia is a great protagonist. She's tough, witty, and resourceful. René is a really interesting character, and I think his character development is really well done throughout the novel. The supporting characters as well are unique in that they have a lot of different qualities to them. Sophia's brother Tom is an awesome character, for example. Even some characters that didn't appear as much in the novel still had flaws and unique aspects that made them memorable characters. I thought it was interesting that there was a rotating perspective in the sense of who the novel focused on, and really added to the story.

The one aspect I didn't enjoy as much was the world building. The story was set in a futuristic society that was experiencing a tumultuous and violent time, with a lot of executions and trials. This is where the Red Rook came in, and I think that this aspect of the story was the most confusing, especially where it tied in with the character LeBlanc and his character development. I think that these aspects were interesting but the world building was a little random in including the futuristic elements, although it still definitely created a unique world. 

Overall, Rook was a really unique novel with great characters and an interesting story. While I wasn't the biggest fan of the world building, but I think it was still really interesting. I gave this 4 stars out of 5.

If you liked The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner, you might like Rook by Sharon Cameron!

From the paper world,
V

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger - Reading Review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Whitley Johnson's dream summer with her divorcé dad has turned into a nightmare. She's just met his new fiancée and her kids. The fiancée's son? Whitley's one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin' great.

Worse, she totally doesn't fit in with her dad's perfect new country-club family. So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn't even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she's ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn't "do" friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn't her stepbrother...at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together.

Filled with authenticity and raw emotion, Whitley is Kody Keplinger's most compelling character to date: a cynical Holden Caulfield-esque girl you will wholly care about. 

A Midsummer's Nightmare on Goodreads

Visit the Author's Website

Rating - 4 out of 5 stars

Today I'm here to share my thoughts on the novel A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger. I'd heard people talking about this book a lot a few months ago, and I thought that I might want to read it after reading and enjoying The DUFF. This was a novel that I figured would be pretty character driven, based off of the synopsis and some of the reviews I'd seen, and it definitely is. I really enjoyed that aspect of the novel, since my favorite aspect of a good story is character development, so I thought that this story really expressed how Whitley changed throughout the novel. I gave A Midsummer's Nightmare 4 out of 5 Stars.

Firstly, this novel was one that I really enjoyed because it had a lot of depth without losing humor and the lighter moments as well. I think that the learning and character development was balanced well between deeper moments and issues as well as fun character interactions and banter, which was something I remembered enjoying while reading The DUFF. From the beginning, Whitley is upset and dealing with a lot in her life, but progresses a lot as the novel goes on. She's not perfect, and her character was written in a really unique way to me in that she has a very real voice, with being upfront about her mistakes and also in trying to do better. I really enjoyed reading about Whitley's character as the novel went on.

The family dynamic in this book is a big theme of the novel. Whitley is coming to terms with a lot of change and meeting all these new characters that the reader gets to know as well. I thought the other characters were interesting and I really appreciated how they were all unique and not flat. The family characters had an important role in the story and how they all get to know each other. And the ending was well written in my opinion. I think it really helped complete the story without making it feel cliche or overdone.

Overall, this is a great read. It's perfect for the summer time, as Whitley has just started her summer vacation when the novel opens. This is a story with a lot of character development and some flawed but real characters that I really enjoyed reading about.

If you liked The DUFF by Kody Keplinger and The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes, you might like A Midsummer's Nightmare.

From the paper world,
V

The Winner's Crime Review

*this is a review of a sequel, so there can be spoilers for the first book in the synopsis/review- if you want to know more about this series, check out my review of the first book, The Winner's Curse, here!*

Goodreads Synopsis:

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement... if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them. 

The Winner's Crime on Goodreads

Visit the Author's Website

Last week, I reviewed The Winner's Curse, and talked about what a fast paced, amazing book that was. Today, I'm back to talk about the epic sequel, The Winner's Crime. The Winner's Crime continues with the situation Kestrel and Arin finds themselves in. It's interesting, pretty fast paced, and a great continuation. I will say that I think this book was my favorite of the two for a few reasons I'll talk about later on in the review, but it was still a really good book and a great sequel. I gave The Winner's Crime 4 out of 5 stars.

Kestrel had a lot to deal with in this novel. She's definitely not perfect, but she's trying to navigate the treachery and intrigue of the court life. I wasn't the biggest fan of the emperor and the court aspect of this novel, but it added some really unique elements to the story. I think it also gave more insight into the Valorian life. I really enjoyed meeting the new characters and I'm curious to know more about a lot of them as well. The story was really interesting and well written, and throughout a lot of the novel I just wanted to read on and know more and find out what happened next.

I think some of the things that sort of bothered me about the novel were also things I enjoyed originally. The writing is really great at building suspense and anticipation, and there were times when I was reading as fast as I could because I had to know what happened next. But as the story progressed towards the very end, I kind of got tired of the plot pacing a little. By the end, I had definitely really enjoyed the novel, but just wanted more of a resolution to some elements of the book.

In general, The Winner's Crime is an awesome sequel. There were some things that bothered me about the novel, but there's a lot of amazing writing and story development. I'm so excited for The Winner's Kiss, even though we have quite a wait until it's published in 2016. This series is really unique- it's a fantasy with a lot of intrigue and plot twists that really make the story interesting. I think that The Winner's Crime is a great continuation to The Winner's Curse, and I am already looking forward to the third novel!

Because this is a sequel, I added my little "If you liked these books then you might like this book" to my review of the first book in the series, so you can check that out (the link's mentioned earlier) if you want to know my recommendations!

Have you read this sequel? What were your thoughts? I'm loving reading this series, so I would love to discuss it!

From the paper world,

V

The Winner's Curse Review

Goodreads Synopsis:

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love... 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

The Winner's Curse on Goodreads

Visit the Author's Website

Today, I'm here to talk about The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski. I heard a lot of people talking about this book when it first came out, and then again later on a lot of people were saying it was one of their favorite reads of 2014. After hearing so many incredible things about the novel, I was excited to pick it up and read it. The Winner's Curse is definitely an adventure- fast paced, unpredictable, and filled with plenty of plot twists. I'm pretty sure I said aloud "I can't believe that happened!" at least once while reading this novel. It's definitely a unique fantasy novel unlike any I've read so far. I gave The Winner's Curse 4.5 Stars.

As you may have heard, The Winner's Curse is a fantasy but without the more fantastical, magical elements. As we read, we learn more about the Valorians and the nation of Herran and the Herrani people, and Kestrel and Arin. Kestrel is a great protagonist. She's smart, resourceful, and cunning, which is a quality that she displays through her observing and analyzing events. Arin is a character that's endured incredible hardships and has a strength and resolve to him. The two take turns being the center of the story's perspective, and I thought this juxtaposition really added to the novel. We learn much more about the world and its goings on through this, as well as get to know more about the characters.

In terms of the story, The Winner's Curse is fast paced and intriguing, with a lot of plot twists. I found it very difficult to put the book down, and I was engrossed in the events of the novel. There's a lot of different things going on, and while sometimes I felt like the story was a little abrupt in shifting, overall I thought it was really unique and dynamic.

The Winner's Curse is a fantastic novel. It's a fantasy novel that trades magic for mystery, and it immerses you into the world of Kestrel and Arin. The book is fast paced, interesting, and exciting. I think this is a great book!

If you liked Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, then you might like The Winner's Curse!

Have you read this novel? If so, what did you think? I would love to discuss this book some more! And stay tuned for my review of the sequel, coming up next week!

From the paper world,
V

The Storyspinner Review

Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.

In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.

The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.

With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

The Storyspinner on Goodreads

Visit the Author's Website

Today I'm back with a review of The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace. This is a novel I was really excited to read, as it was one of the 2015 debuts I was most excited about and I featured in my Can't Wait Books of 2015 post as well as my Top Ten Tuesday post about 2015 debuts I was most excited for back in January. The Storyspinner is a unique story that had my attention from the synopsis, so I was excited to read this novel. I ended up definitely enjoying it and thinking it was a great read. I gave The Storyspinner 3.5 out of 5 stars.

This book was one that had a lot of intrigue surrounding the stories, and I loved reading about the unique world building and magic system. I think that the world and story set the stage well, and I loved how the different countries were developed to have different cultures and life styles. I think that the multiple point of view narration was another strong point of this novel- it gave the opportunity to get to know the characters more, and have a really in depth understanding of the story and the plot from a lot of different narrations. I don't think I had a particularly favorite narrator, but all of them had a unique way of relating to the story and further adding to the tale of The Storyspinner.

One of my main concerns with the book was that I felt like there was some lacking in characterization. After reading all of the different points of view, I still felt like we hadn't gotten to know the characters as well. To me, the story was a little predictable in the sense that I saw a lot of the major plot points coming, but there are definitely some twists and turns I hadn't anticipated in the novel as well!

So, here's my review of The Storyspinner. I'm so happy to have read this novel, as I've been excited about picking it up and exploring the world since last year. I think this is one with incredibly unique and dynamic world building, and I'd love to know your thoughts about it as well. Before I go, I wanted to introduce a short little snippet saying "If you liked this sort of book you might like this book" which I know is something that's been done, but it reminded me of my If, Then for Books! posts, and I thought it might be a fun little tidbit to add to the end. So...

If you liked Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and Graceling by Kristen Cashore, then you might like The Storyspinner!

Let me know your thoughts, on the book and the If, Then recommendations, and I'll be back soon with another post!

From the paper world,
V

Of Metal and Wishes Review

There are whispers of a ghost in the slaughterhouse where sixteen-year-old Wen assists her father in his medical clinic—a ghost who grants wishes to those who need them most. When one of the Noor, men hired as cheap factory labor, humiliates Wen, she makes an impulsive wish of her own, and the Ghost grants it. Brutally.

Guilt-ridden, Wen befriends the Noor, including their outspoken leader, a young man named Melik. At the same time, she is lured by the mystery of the Ghost and learns he has been watching her … for a very long time.

As deadly accidents fuel tensions within the factory, Wen must confront her growing feelings for Melik, who is enraged at the sadistic factory bosses and the prejudice faced by his people at the hand of Wen’s, and her need to appease the Ghost, who is determined to protect her against any threat—real or imagined. She must decide whom she can trust, because as her heart is torn, the factory is exploding around her … and she might go down with it.

Of Metal and Wishes on Goodreads

Visit the Author's Website

Hey, everyone! I'm excited to be sharing a review with you all about Of Metal and Wishes, an amazing Phantom of the Opera retelling I read. Of Metal and Wishes is a retelling that is dark and mysterious, much like the original story, but in a unique setting and story that follows some really interesting and complex characters. This book is fast paced and interesting, with a lot of unique elements to it that make it a fantastic retelling. I gave Of Metal and Wishes 4.5 stars, and it's a definite favorite read of mine. 

The story takes place in a factory setting that has a dark, gritty, and harsh atmosphere. It's a really difficult life for the characters, and for the protagonist Wen as she navigates the world of the factory, which is filled with danger and intrigue. The book starts off and almost immediately there are mysterious occurrences and goings on. The Phantom was portrayed in a really unique way as well as the way the people viewed him. In addition, this is a really unique story- it definitely has a lot of the elements of The Phantom of the Opera, but as the story unfolds I couldn't predict some of the plot twists and what occurred. The story has an amazing group of characters that are well developed- even secondary characters have flaws and problems but good qualities as well. 

The main characters are also really dynamic and well developed. Wen is a young girl who has to try and navigate the life before her, and she goes through a lot of character development. She's thoughtful and caring. Reading from her perspective made the story intriguing as Wen is thrown into the mysteries surrounding the factory. I loved learning more about her character throughout the novel. In addition, her interactions with the other characters brought a lot of dimension to them all. This novel is action filled, but also very character driven. We're given a lot of insight into life at the factory and how it impacts everyone from Wen to the workers, and each person has good and bad qualities to them. 

The story is fast paced and action packed, with a lot of twists and turns. There are definitely some great retelling elements woven in as this Phantom of the Opera retelling goes on, and I really appreciated reading this story. I am so excited for the sequel that comes out in August, and to read on with this story. 

From the paper world,
V

All Fall Down Review

A new series of global proportions -- from master of intrigue, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter. 

This exciting new series from NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter focuses on Grace, who can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world, and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.

Now, at age sixteen, she's come back to stay--in order to solve the mystery of her mother's death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved.
All Fall Down on Goodreads
Visit Ally Carter's Website

Welcome back to Paper Worlds and Swirls of Ink! Today, I'm reviewing a book that I heard about and was excited to pick up and read in January 2015, All Fall Down by Ally Carter. I've never read her Heist Society series, but I've definitely been curious to. I actually started the second book in the trilogy before finding out that I'd missed the first, so if you've read that series and enjoyed it, let me know! Unfortunately, I wasn't the biggest fan of this novel, although I did enjoy it. I gave All Fall Down 3 out of 5 stars.

To begin with, the plot development in this story was lacking. It didn't feel like much happened in this story in terms of plot until the very end, which felt abrupt. The ending didn't leave me completely shocked and amazed, but there were some plot twists that left me reeling. While the characters were unique, it felt like we didn't get much of a chance to get to know the secondary characters, and I would've preferred more character development from them.

I thought the story was unique in how it was different in terms of setting and the international intrigue that was interwoven throughout. I think it was an enjoyable read, but also that I probably won't be continuing on with the series. I'd recommend this for others though, especially if the story sounds like something you'd want to read, and I think that it's an interesting novel. If you've read her other series, let me know your thoughts about those! I still want to pick up the Heist Society trilogy, so let me know your thoughts on that series as well! Overall, All Fall Down was unique and an enjoyable read, but I found the secondary character development and plot development/pacing a little slow for me.

From the paper world,
V

Mortal Heart Review

Today's review is about the finale of a series that I've been reading and loving for awhile. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers was a book that combined historical fiction and fantasy into one incredibly well written novel with amazing world building and some incredible character development. I read that one over 2 years ago so I honestly can't give you a detailed review except that it was 4 or 4.5 stars to me, so while the book wasn't perfect I did enjoy it. Today, we're going to be talking about the third book in the series, Mortal Heart. 

*Since this is a review of the third and final book in the series, there will likely be spoilers for the first two books in the synopsis and review* 

Mortal Gods by Kendare Blake Review

*This is a review of the sequel to Antigoddess by Kendare Blake, so there will be spoilers for the first book in the synopsis and review. You can check out the first book on Goodreads using the link above or see my review of Antigoddess here.

A Little Something Different Review

Goodreads Description:

The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.  But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship. 

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....

A Little Something Different on Goodreads

Visit Sandy Hall's Page on Swoon Reads

My Rating: 3.5 Stars (4 on Goodreads)

I purchased a copy of this novel.

Today I'm writing my first review of 2015! It's been awhile since my last review, but I'm excited to talk about A Little Something Different. This was my first finished read of the year, and I think it was a fun, interesting contemporary to start the new year off with. The characters are all unique and memorable, and the writing of this book is, as the title says, unlike any other. The format of this book follows 14 different perspectives on this one romance, which I really enjoyed because it brought a lot of characterization in to the side characters and really made me appreciate the different points of view. However, I will say that in some places I wasn't the biggest fan of the pacing, but overall this is a really enjoyable novel, and a great read.

Reading from all the different POVs made the characters all stand out in their own ways. Sometimes it's easy for side characters to lose depth as a story continues on if the plot needs to be furthered. But here, all the characters were narrating the story in such a way that the plot flowed through that. I found this idea refreshing and entertaining. Each change brought a new little scene to the overall story. I didn't connect as much to some of the characters, but I appreciated how each viewpoint contributed to this kind of storytelling and how it emphasized the plot development. 

During the plot development and the story, I did think that sometimes the pacing was a little sporadic in rushing at points and not much happening at others, but it didn't bother me too much because the nature of the story was that it was developing by so many different narrations. 

Overall, I gave this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, but rounded to 4 stars on Goodreads because I did really enjoy it, and I appreciated the storytelling style. I think this is a fun contemporary read that's refreshing and different. 

Have you read this book? If so, let me know what you thought in the comments, and if you have any good YA contemporary recommendations, let me know!

From the paper world,
V

Reading Review - Ashes to Ashes by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

First off, this is the third book in a series and it's definitely the sort of trilogy you don't want to be spoiled about if you want to read it! So, my review for Ashes to Ashes, as well as the synopsis and Goodreads links, will be posted after the jump break. If you want to see my thoughts on the first book in this trilogy, check out my review of Burn for Burn on Goodreads. And here's a quick look at what the series is all about with the synopsis of the first book.

Postcard-perfect Jar Island is the kind of place where nobody locks their doors at night, where parents can sleep easy, knowing their daughters are tucked away safe and sound in their beds. 

But bad things can happen, even to good girls . . . and sometimes, the only way to make things right is to do something wrong. 

Lillia used to trust boys, but not anymore. Not after what happened this summer. And she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her little sister from the same fate. 

Kat is over the rumors, the insults, the cruel jokes made at her expense. It all goes back to one person--her ex-best friend. Someone needs to teach her a lesson, and, with Lillia and Mary behind her, Kat feels up to the task.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she’s not the same girl anymore. Now that she’s got friends who have her back, he's going to be in big trouble.

Three very different girls who come together to make things right. Will they go too far?

Reading Review - Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Edie Kramer has a score to settle with the beautiful people at Blackbriar Academy. Their cruelty drove her to the brink of despair, and four months ago, she couldn't imagine being strong enough to face her senior year. But thanks to a Faustian compact with the enigmatic Kian, she has the power to make the bullies pay. She's not supposed to think about Kian once the deal is done, but devastating pain burns behind his unearthly beauty, and he's impossible to forget.

In one short summer, her entire life changes, and she sweeps through Blackbriar, prepped to take the beautiful people down from the inside. A whisper here, a look there, and suddenly... bad things are happening. It's a heady rush, seeing her tormentors get what they deserve, but things that seem too good to be true usually are, and soon, the pranks and payback turns from delicious to deadly. Edie is alone in a world teeming with secrets and fiends lurking in the shadows. In this murky morass of devil's bargains, she isn't sure who—or what--she can trust. Not even her own mind...

Mortal Danger on Goodreads

Ann Aguirre's Website

Rating - 4 Stars

Major Pros - Unique Narration and Protagonist, Tone

Major Cons - Some Character Development, Melodramatic

Continuing on with the series? yes

How I Read It - Purchased

Today's review is on a book that was the first I'd finished in two months... Yes, it's sad but the book itself is really interesting and unique! Mortal Danger is a story that combines intrigue and suspense in an expertly written narration of a protagonist who isn't entirely reliable or good. I really appreciated the depth that went into the characters and the story, especially as things continued on.

In terms of characters, the narrator is one who tells the story well, and usually remained interesting. There were definitely times when she acted melodramatic about certain aspects that weren't as pressing as other issues in the story, but overall Edie was a unique narrator that told the story well. Kian was a character who generally avoided the mysterious bad boy trope, and his story is one that develops over the course of the story alongside Edie's. Edie's family was another aspect that was really well written and developed throughout the story. In addition, the supporting characters gained some development as well, and throughout the story there were many good and bad characteristics to each individual.

The story was intense and interesting, even if it lacked cohesion at parts. Sometimes, while reading, I would feel as if we were diverging from the story and plot line, although these moments were brief and very rare. The story itself was dramatic, suspenseful, and tragic at times. In general, the story itself avoided the first book tendency to rely too much on exposition, and instead brought action, intrigue, and danger into the story.

I think this is a YA different from others I've read. If you're looking for an intense and mysterious story with secrets and tragedy throughout, then this would be a book you might want to read more about!

From the paper world,

V

The Five Star Spotlight - Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.  But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss? Visit the website of Stephanie Perkins Anna and the French Kiss on Goodreads Rating - 5 Stars Major Pros - Writing, Setting, Character Development and Interaction, Plot Development Major Cons - Minor issues with some supporting characters Continuing on with the series? Absolutely! How I Read It - Purchased Today's review is going to mainly consist of me talking about my love for this book. I struggled trying to find cons to put in the quick info above. So, before I start, let me say that Anna and the French Kiss is absolutely wonderful, creative, and sweet. I didn't put this book down. I mean that literally- I read it in one sitting, except for the last few chapters which I saved for later so I wouldn't have to say goodbye. I fell in love with this book. It completely pulled me in and I was sitting there with Anna, her group, and of course Etienne St. Clair. For me, this was one of those books that swept me away. I needed a light, happy read and this book was absolutely perfect, but it didn't read as overly cutesy with no substance. These characters were developed, and they didn't have perfect lives, which added depth to the story. Let's talk about the setting, Paris. The writing that portrayed Paris was inspiring- it didn't focus on cliche things, and it brought lifelike detail to the city. I truly loved how Paris was portrayed, and I think it was well done and expressive. The characters were also fantastic in this novel, although some of the side characters were a little stereotypical mean high schoolers without much dimension, the vast majority of the characters in this book were unique, layered, and developed. I loved how we not only knew Anna, but we got to know her friends and the people around her. There was wonderful characterization throughout, and the romance was never obnoxious. I personally don't read many contemporaries because I'm not the biggest fan of overly romantic stories, but Anna and the French Kiss was beautifully written and done. I recommend this book. That's an understatement, to be honest. I think there's something in here for everyone to enjoy, and this is a marvelous story with truly memorable characters. Reading it, I could tell that this is a novel I'll treasure and reread any time I need another heartwarming, beautiful story. From the paper world, V

Reading Review - A Million Suns by Beth Revis

*sequel review- check out my Goodreads review of the first book, spoilers for the first book below*

Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. 

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. Everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed.

But there may be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to act on his vision—no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder learns shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a mystery that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier. Their success—or failure—will determine the fate of the 2,298 passengers aboardGodspeed. But with each step, the journey becomes more perilous, the ship more chaotic, and the love between them more impossible to fight.

Beth Revis catapulted readers into the far reaches of space with her New York Times bestselling debut, Across the Universe. In A Million Suns, Beth deepens the mystery with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

A Million Suns on Goodreads

Beth Revis

Rating - 4 Stars

Major Pros - Elder's Character Development, World Building, Mystery

Major Cons - Some supporting characters

Continuing on with the series? Yes

How I Read It - Purchased

A Million Suns is the type of sequel I wanted to see after the ending of Across the Universe. The society aboard Godspeed is free of Phydus, and the characters are facing the aftermath of everything they'd uncovered in the first book. Elder is dealing with a society charged with tension, unrest, and problems. The society made me nervous for him, and this book saw a lot of character development for Elder. Amy had her part in the story as well, and I liked her character more in this book than in the former. She seemed more mature and contributed more to the problem solving. However, the society is one of the defining factors of this book. Beth Revis wrote a city and people on edge, ready for anything to happen. It was chilling, eerie, and intense in a way that the Phydus controlled society hadn't been.

This story is another mystery, and I was left guessing more in this book than I had been in Across the Universe. I think I appreciated this book more because there was development in this book- Elder as a leader, the society without Phydus. Amy's point of view chapters didn't stand out to me as much, but she didn't annoy me as much as she had in Across the Universe. There is a build up of impossible problems and plot twists, and this book definitely has a faster, more consistent pacing than its predecessor.

While A Million Suns still had some character flaws, this book improved upon the issues I'd had with the first book. There's still drama, but more focused on important issues, and there's character development and a mystery as well. I'm definitely going to be completing the series and seeing how the story finally unfolds in Shades of Earth. A Million Suns is a sequel that's even better than the first book, and makes me excited to see how the adventure continues in the trilogy's finale!

From the paper world,
V

Reading Review - Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park on Goodreads

Rating - No Rating Given

Major Pros - Writing

Major Cons - Not much side character development

How I Read It - Gifted

Today I'm reviewing a book that I've heard a lot of amazing things about, and that I'm very happy to have read. Eleanor & Park is a contemporary that it seems everyone has read and loved. I mentioned hype in my book blogger confessions, and I'll probably have a discussion post on it this fall, and if you know my thoughts on that you can guess why I was nervous about Eleanor & Park. Everyone talked about how this was one of the best contemporaries, etc. and honestly I really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure about my thoughts on the novel until I realized how beautiful a particular occurrence was, how realistic it was written, among other things.

Eleanor & Park isn't a perfect novel- I wasn't a fan of some of the character development, and I thought the side characters were missing some development to them. However, the writing and the story is memorable. There's some great qualities to this novel, and I think it's a beautifully written story. My heart broke for the characters at points throughout the novel.

There's not a lot to say about this novel that hasn't already been said, but Eleanor & Park is a unique, memorable book that I would recommend reading.

From the paper world,

V

Reading Review - Hourglass by Myra McEntire

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should've happened?

Hourglass on Goodreads

Visit the Author's Website

Rating - 3 Stars

Major Pros - Unique, Good Pacing

Major Cons - Protagonist

Continuing on with the Series?  - Yes (the sequels are told from other POVs)

How I Read It - Gifted

Hello, everyone! I return with yet another book review, this one is for a series starter that I've been wanting to read for awhile. Hourglass by Myra McEntire has always sounded really interesting, and so I'm really glad I was able to pick up the book and read it. However, I ended up having some problems with some key elements of Hourglass, so I ended up slightly disappointed in the book. I gave Hourglass 3 out of 5 stars.

To begin, my biggest problem was with the narrator and protagonist. She was awesome for the first bit of the book and then suddenly...insta-love struck. I actually had a whole discussion post on paranormal and my recent problems with it, unfortunately that got deleted. However, one of my main problems that I'd mentioned in the post was about how insta-love can take over a paranormal. I'm the sort that likes more supernatural powers and abilities and supernatural element building than romance build up. So I was disappointed in the fact that the protagonist's abilities came in second place to 'that guy with the dreamy eyes'. 

Aside from the insta-love, the protagonist was kind of obnoxious at points, especially during interactions with the love interest. The other characters were interesting yet felt underdeveloped. Typically the secrecy of the paranormal leads to the pre-supernatural adventure best friend being completely off topic in a paranormal and, most of the time, annoying to the point of making me want to skim. With Lily, however, I loved how unique and spunky her character was, and I honestly wish we'd seen more of her. The protagonist's family was another aspect I would have liked to see more of- her interactions with them were equally as annoying as the ones with her love interest, as the protagonist showed little consideration for others. Although the supporting characters weren't featured frequently, I was really impressed with McEntire's creation of a supporting cast so unique that I wanted to know more about them.

The pacing and unfolding of the story were overall well done. I was definitely invested in the story's action and mystery, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen. The story, romance aside, was a perfect blend of action and paranormal aspects. I loved how unique the Hourglass and the protagonist's abilities were shown, although I wish there was more about the abilities of the characters. Hopefully, there will be more of that in the second book!

I've decided to start including whether or not I'll continue on with this series in my reviews. For the Hourglass trilogy, I'm definitely planning on continuing on. I've seen that the sequel, Timepiece, is told by another narrator that is a character I want to know more about. I'm excited for this one because I'm sure it will include more paranormal world building, and continue on with the overarching story and have some fantastic character development. While I was definitely not a fan of the protagonist, this is a unique paranormal that I can't wait to continue on with the world and series with another perspective in the sequel.

From the paper world,
V

Reading Review - Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.

But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy.

They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.

I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.

I've been trained to fight.

And I have a mission.

Dorothy Must Die on Goodreads

Rating - 4 Stars
Major Pros - Unique retelling, Action
Major Cons - Narration, Character Interactions

Continuing on with series? Yes
How I Read It - Purchased

Today I'm going to be reviewing a 2014 debut that I've really been looking forward to- Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. I read this as part of a readalong with Cassi of My Thoughts Literally, who I've done a readalong before with and always has the most insightful comments that make me appreciate the book more, and also Elizabeth of Book YAbber, who I had never talked to before and I'm so excited to have gotten to know a little. Hopefully we can have another readalong soon!

Dorothy Must Die isn't a retelling of Oz so much as a continuation of how things went drastically wrong. Dorothy has returned and taken control, and Oz has undergone some dramatic and terrible modifications. I will say that I haven't read the prequel novella, which is around 130 pages (so awesome to have longer novellas!) that depicts Dorothy's return to Oz if I'm not mistaken. However, I think that's definitely going to have to be something I pick up soon, as this book has made me very curious.

There is a lot of great qualities about this book- for one thing this series has very unique characters, and there's a lot of attention to detail in the retelling. This is also different from a lot of YA I've read in that the violence and despotic rule of Dorothy isn't sugar coated- gruesome things are happening in Oz and Amy is a member of the audience for a lot of them. The story itself is unexpected, which is definitely exciting- I couldn't predict where the story was going to turn next. It went differently than what I had anticipated, and I loved the way it unfolded as opposed to what I'd expected, since it left me curious. The last part of the book is definitely where everything starts coming together. I couldn't put the book down or look away as all of the action and build up intensify. By the ending, I was ready to read the next book and continue on with the adventure.

However, I did have a few problems regarding Dorothy Must Die, and although none of them were enough to really make me put the book down there were a few qualities that bothered me. The protagonist, while interesting, seemed a little contradictory and related to the other characters in a strange way. I would notice as I was reading that her reactions and thoughts about a character could seem completely different as she was talking to them and later when she was thinking about them on her own. It felt like a little bit of a disconnect and made it harder for me to connect to Amy's narration since I was confused as to what she was actually thinking, and I didn't connect well with the protagonist for the majority of the book. In the beginning, the story felt a little scattered as Amy tries to come to terms with her situation- it made the first part of the book slow for me. The very end of the story left me with questions- not only in a cliffhanger, I want to read more sense (although that definitely did happen!) but in a questioning the logistics of what's going on. However, my only main, overarching problem was with the protagonist/narrator and despite this, I still found the story grabbing my attention more and more as it went on.

Overall, I think Dorothy Must Die is an interesting read. It has a lot of awesome qualities that make it different from other YA I've read, and I think it's  fun read for a group of people to discuss. I ended up giving it 4 stars, so while I had some problems with it the good obviously outweighed the bad and I'm happy to say I did enjoy it a lot!

Have you read Dorothy Must Die or the prequel novella?

From the paper world,

V