Review - The Last Princess

by Galaxy Craze
publisher: Poppy/Little, Brown BFYR
date of publication: May 1, 2012
format: hardcover
pages: 295
source: from the publisher for review
read it in: 2 days

From Goodreads:

Happily ever after is a thing of the past.

A series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey. The people are growing restless.

When a ruthless revolutionary sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year-old Princess Eliza manages to escape.

Determined to kill the man who destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps her remember how to hope—and to love—once more. Now she must risk everything to ensure that she not become... The Last Princess.

In a post-apocalyptic England, the royal family has been set upon by tragedy after tragedy at the hands of a zealous would-be tyrant and as the result of a string of natural disasters.  Eliza, the youngest princess, finds herself alone after a night of blood shed and abduction.  It is up to her to find the man responsible and exact revenge on behalf of her shattered family.  As she fights to survive in an increasingly hostile world, Eliza finds love in an unexpected place and learns to keep hope alive.

Eliza was a pretty easy character to "get along" with.  Though she can be a bit flat at times, she is an intelligent, loyal girl who doesn't consider giving up easily.  While I wished to learn at least a little more about her, I did find myself enjoying the story as told from her point of view.  She was made for an easy to follow main character who didn't let anything stand in her way.  The villain in the story, Cornelius Hollister, is a truly despicable human being.  While he claims to be fighting for the greater good of what remains of society, it is apparent that he is nothing more than a power hungry monster.  He's one of those villains that you just love to hate, which definitely added to the intensity of the story.

I have seen this novel referred to as dystopian several times over, but please don't be mislead.  The Last Princess does not fall under that particular umbrella.  Instead, it falls more under the post-apocalyptic umbrella than anything thanks to its ravaged landscape, dwindling population, and chaotic atmosphere.  Society has broken down and there is no pretense that things are fine.  It all makes for a brutally riveting plot that almost fully arrested my attention and imagination.  The only things I really had pressing questions about was the Roamers, a group of cannibalistic people that aren't given as much explanation as other groups throughout the book.  Nonetheless, The Last Princess proved to be a well thought-out story with some wonderfully alarming aspects that I enjoyed very much.

The Last Princess has much to recommend it.  From its intense setting to its engaging characters, The Last Princess is a vastly entertaining read that you won't find easy to put down.  Though there are some aspects that could use a little fleshing out, I found that there was still a lot to learn about the world in which Eliza lives.  If you haven't read much post-apocalyptic fiction, The Last Princess could be a good starter for you.  It has earned a permanent home on my shelves thanks to its engrossing action sequences and frightening world.  It has made me more interested in the genre, which is a definite plus.

Buy The Last Princess at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This finished copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher.  No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.

Review - Belles

by Jen Calonita
publisher: Poppy
date of publication: April 10, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 356
source: Southern Book Blogger ARC Tours
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls' lives forever.

What I Thought

I usually only read contemporary fiction when the premise catches my eye.  In this case, Belles by Jen Calonita is one of those books.  The book's description lends it a Cinderella story-like vibe, and the fact that it is set in the south made it all the more intriguing.  I also couldn't help but appreciate the play on words in the title itself.  I knew that this would be one contemporary novel I should read and I am glad that I did.

Isabelle and Mirabelle, the two Belles alluded to in the title, are as different as one would expect based upon the settings in which they grew up.  However, there are also differences of world outlook that are even more surprising and, at times, disturbing, namely on Mirabelle's part.  While Isabelle does her best to remain open-minded in her situation, Mirabelle holds certain prejudices against her cousin, all the while believing that she, herself, is being open-minded.  Isabelle is an admirable character in that she still manages to be herself even when life as she knows it has changed so drastically.  Mirabelle, on the other hand, was a hard sell based on her initial actions and the way in which she stands by while her supposed best friend sets out to ruin Isabelle.  I would have liked a little more depth from both girls, however.  I was left feeling like an impassive reader at times, as I just wasn't completely engaged at certain points in the book.

The plot was an interesting one and I did enjoy the aspect involving the Monroes learning to live with Isabelle and vice versa.  However, some of the scenes at the school came across with a bit of a soap opera quality.  The relationships, gossip, and sabotage were somewhat over-the-top and predictable.  However, the scenes between Isabelle and the Monroe family more than made up for it and I was left still able to enjoy the book immensely.

In the end, Belles proved to be a very enjoyable book and was a nice change of page from my typical reads.  If you're a southern YA reader who, like me, doesn't read much contemporary but is looking to change things up, I would recommend this one.  There is a lot of emotion involved, as well as a number of lessons being learned.  Jen Calonita has written an engrossing account of a family's changes and challenges.  I'm glad that I read it.

Obligatory legal statement: This ARC was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Southern Book Blogger ARC Tours. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review

Review - Darkness Falls

by Cate Tiernan
publisher: Poppy
date of publication: January 2, 2012
format: hardcover
pages: 400
source: from the publisher for review
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

Nastasya has lived for hundreds of years, but for some reason, life never seems to get any better. She left her spoiled, rich girl life to find peace at River's Edge, a safe haven for wayward immortals. There, she learned to embrace River's Edge, despite some drama involving the sexy Reyn, who she wants but won't allow herself to have. But just as she's getting comfortable, her family's ties to dark magick force her to leave.

She falls back into her old, hard partying ways, but will her decision lead her into the hands of a dark immortal? Or will it be her first step to embracing the darkness within her?

What I Thought

Darkness Falls picks up where Immortal Beloved leaves off, including the fantastic writing of Cate Tiernan, which doesn't falter in the least from book to book.  There is no middle book syndrome here.  Darkness Falls contains as much humor, depth, and mystery as Immortal Beloved while still bringing forth new ideas and problems.

Nastasya is back and just as conflicted as ever.  Still adjusting to her new life, Nastasya is more vulnerable than ever before, which leaves her open to self-doubt and bad influences.  She may not be at her best in Darkess Falls, but she is certainly a more complex character for it.  In addition to her snarky repartee, she also sheds more light on her past and discovers new worries that serve to make her a more dynamic character.  As for Reyn, however, there is still much mystery involved.  The emphasis isn't so much on romance as it is on Nastasya's coming to terms with her past and learning to live life anew.  This made for an excellent character study that left me fully attentive.

The plot contains a lot more danger than that found in Immortal Beloved via the reintroduction of figures from Nastasya's past, including the resurrection of her old partying ways.  The darkness that surrounds this situation makes for a mysterious, frightening story that is very successful in drawing the reader in.  Tiernan takes an already good thing and runs with it, insuring a consistent, intriguing story.  Truly horrific things occur that, while very disturbing, elevate the sheer level of danger which Nastasya must deal with and survive.  This is edge-of-your-seat action, suspense, and tragedy.

Darkness Falls is a fantastic follow-up to an intriguing novel.  This series is shaping up to become an awesome one.  If the third installment continues at the same pace, a great series will be the result.  I can not wait to see what happens next as Nastasya continues her journey toward a different life.  Kudos to Cate Tiernan for an exciting series.

 
Obligatory legal statement: This finished copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. Many thanks to Poppy for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.

Review - Immortal Beloved

by Cate Tiernan
publisher: Poppy
date of publication: January 2, 2012 (1st pub. 9/10/2010)
format: paperback
pages: 407
source: from the publisher for review
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

Cate Tiernan, author of the popular Sweep series, returns with an engaging story of a timeless struggle and inescapable romance, the first book in a stunning new fantasy trilogy.

What I Thought  

Immortal Beloved first caught my interest with a unique premise: rehab for wayward immortals?  Tell me more!  I had certainly never come across anything else like it, so when the opportunity came up for me to read and review this title along with the second in the series, I jumped at the chance.  At first, I found myself hesitant as the book begins with Nastasya at her worst, including a very fractured series of memories.  However, as the pace picked up, I became more and more hesitant.  You see, I didn't want to put it down!

Nastasya is one of those characters that has to grow on you, though she grows on you pretty quickly.  When her story begins, she witnesses something horrible, which makes her look at herself and realize that she has hit rock bottom.  She is a troubled, broken girl who is running from a traumatic past that she has been running away from for more than 400 years.  While she is a bit difficult to follow, at first, due to some very disjointed flashback sequences, she soon becomes a more engaging character with a vibrant, tragic history.  As she struggled with her inner darkness and set out to improve her life, she became a much more relatable character.  One can't help but feel for her as she reveals the source of her issues and learns to come to terms with her horrible past.  I found her to be a very entertaining character due to her sense of humor, as well as her history and her purpose.  She made for a great narrator when all was said and done.

The settings for Immortal Beloved were a bit touch-and-go.  The settings that are introduced in Nastasya's memories are, to be honest, difficult to get a clear mental image of.  This could be due to the nature of Nastasya's memories, but they were somewhat more difficult to become immersed in.  It isn't until she arrives at River's Edge that a really vivid setting takes shape, one that definitely made the story come completely to life.  Everything about River's Edge was intriguing, from its residents to the descriptions of its appearance.  I especially enjoyed seeing the effect it had upon Nastasya as she took on the task of saving herself from her own darkness.  

The style in which Immortal Beloved is written is completely refreshing.  Rather than completely revolving around Nastasya's relationship with a love interest (though there is one present at some points), this book is more geared toward Nastasya's relationship with herself.  I really enjoyed the ways in which she had to learn to come to terms with her past and discover fully what she wanted for herself before a romance entered the picture.  It was such a fantastic break from the typical PR equation that I couldn't help but feel enthusiastic about this book.

Immortal Beloved is an intriguing approach at the concept and pitfalls of immortality.  If you are looking for a different approach to paranormal romance, look no farther.  With a witty character and unique premise, Immortal Beloved makes for an absorbing read and a great change of pace.  If you find yourself impatient with the beginning, trust me when I say it's worth waiting for.  Otherwise, you will miss out on some laughs, some tears, and some interesting ideas.

Obligatory legal statement: This finished copy was provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. Many thanks to Poppy for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.

Review - The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

by Jennifer E. Smith
publisher: Poppy
date of publication: January 2, 2012
format: eGalley
pages: 151
source: Netgalley widget from the publisher
Amazon / Goodreads / B&N

From Goodreads:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18B. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

What I Thought

Though I'm not usually one for contemporary fiction, this book caught my eye from the first time I saw it.  The plot description did a great job of playing up the good points of this book and I found myself wanting to read it.  It isn't often that one has the opportunity of reading a book that takes place over the span of a single day.  Add in the cute premise and a few tough issues and you have a book that begs to be read.  The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight was a whirlwind read that lived up to the hype and kept me feverishly reading until the book was finished.  I couldn't have asked for a better second experience with contemporary YA.

Hadley is a complicated girl with a tough situation in her life.  The daughter of divorced parents, Hadley is in the position of feeling bitter and angry toward her errant father.  The fact that she is going to be in his wedding with an unknown and much-resented woman makes the situation all the more difficult for Hadley to cope with.  As we read of her journey to London to face the outcome of the break-up of her family, Hadley learns a lot about not only herself, but the nature of love, itself.  Meeting Oliver plays a huge role in her education and watching their interaction with each other definitely enhances the overall learning process that Hadley goes through.  Oliver is a sweet, funny boy and it isn't a hardship to read about him.  I came to enjoy the two characters equally and found an appreciation for the ways in which they were portrayed.

The storytelling is nothing short of amazing.  The pacing is perfect for the day-long series of events that take place, as well as the descriptions of everything from the locations to Hadley's feelings, is spot on.  Ms. Smith definitely has a certain flair for telling a story and I found myself absorbing every word as I sped through the book.  This is a book that you will get sucked into from the very beginning.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is the perfect choice for fans of contemporary YA romance with a touch of quirky fun and just enough references to tough issues to give it even more emotion.  If you are in the mood for a quick, sweet, well-written read, then you won't go wrong with this one.  It is well worth your time.

Obligatory legal statement: This eGalley was provided to me free of charge by the publisher via Netgalley. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.