Review - Cress by Marissa Meyer

by Marissa Meyer
publisher: Feiwel & Friends
date of publication: February 4, 2014
format: ARC
pages: 550
source: publisher
series: The Lunar Chronicles (#3)
buy it: Cress (Lunar Chronicles)

From Goodreads:

In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

Things in the Lunar Chronicles universe are really starting to get exciting.  After Scarlet and Wolf's narrow escape, Cinder and company were left to orbit earth in order to avoid the authorities.  Enter Cress, computer hacker extraordinaire and prisoner of the Lunar crown.  Her biggest wish is to be released from her exile in space and to experience the planet she sees from her satellite's port window everyday: Earth.  Little does she know, her chance is about to arrive.

Cress was a very surprising character.  Usually when a girl in a story is daydreaming of being rescued, I'm silently yelling, "Save yourself, girl!"  This time, however, I was surprisingly patient about it.  That's probably due to the location of her prison (space) and the fact that she wasn't exclusively waiting on a prince-like figure to come save her.  While she was attracted to Captain Thorne, she was also aware that Cinder and her cohorts would play a large part in her release from the satellite.  When you take her naivete into account, it makes even more sense.  Here is a girl who has been isolated from interactions with all but one living being.  Her only company is a computer generated voice that she programmed to be her friend, after a fashion.  Seeing her learn her way through life outside the satellite is all the more fascinating because of all the aforementioned reasons.

The plot in Cress is really cooking now.  Here is where all planning ceases to be plans and becomes action.  Here is where Cinder and crew prepare to make their move.  Everything is on the line and the tension is just what it should be.  The world at large is nothing short of spectacular.  It takes on a special emphasis when you observe the characters moving about in it.  All in all, Cress absolutely comes alive.  You can't help but jump right in and get lost for a while.

This series continues to amaze me.  Each book is better than the last.  Cress is no exception.  I can only imagine what book 4, Winter, has in store.  If these past 3 books are indication, it's going to be phenomenal.  If you have yet to pick up book 1, Cinder, trust me.  You must read these books, especially if you enjoy science fiction and/or fairy tales.  The nuances the adaptation of each fairy tale lends to the story overall makes it something you won't want to miss.

Review - Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

by Kerstin Gier
publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
date of publication: October 30, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 368
source: publisher
series: Ruby Red Trilogy

From Goodreads:

Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

Picking up where Ruby Red left off, Sapphire Blue at first suggests that things are going to progress in much the same manner as before.  Gone, however, is some of Gwen's carefree spirit.  She has been through a lot and it really starts to show in Sapphire Blue.  What I as a reader am not so sure about, however, is whether or not I like where things are going.  There are certain themes that I simply can't enjoy that are starting to crop up in the series that I sincerely hope don't come to fruition.  I don't think I could take it.  I will share those concerns with you as well as the things I enjoyed today.

Gwen.  What do I say about Gwen?  While she still has much of what made her such a great main character in Ruby Red, she is starting to fall victim to that most dreaded theme in YA:  the so-called bad boy.  More often than not, bad boy is code for jackass, which is unfortunately the case for Gideon.  This is probably one case where I would welcome a love triangle just in hopes that Gwen might come to her senses and kick Gideon to the curb.  Unless she falls for that pesky little gargoyle, however, that isn't likely to be the case.  While Gideon has his moments where he isn't completely heinous, there are also points that made me want to reach through the book and slap him on the back of the head a la NCIS.  When you spend more time outraged by the love interest than the villains, you know there's a problem.  Other than her penchant for questionable love interests, however, I enjoyed Gwen's reactions to the experiences she had.  Each trip into the past provided a lot of entertainment and really played up the sparkle of her personality.  I sincerely hope this doesn't go away in the next book, as it is definitely a favorite.

Just when I thought I couldn't enjoy the settings more, Gier pulls off scenes that are beyond all those that came before.  I was especially impressed with Gwen and Gideon's trip back in time to a party that occurred during the Rococo period (at least, I'm pretty sure that's the right one; it's been a few weeks).  As just one example of the vibrancy of Gier's world-building, let me just say that picturing this time period I am only vaguely familiar with was a breeze thanks to the great care taken in describing everything from the dress to the architecture.  That this was accomplished without an overload in information is simply great.

I am still holding out hope for the final installment in this series.  Though I remain not sold on the romance aspect of this story, the world-building and intrigue manage to make up for it.  If you enjoy a good time travel narrative, this series is definitely worth your attention.  With such vivid imagery and just the right amount of tension, Sapphire Blue was able to resist the sophomore slump and leads me to believe that there is still much to look forward to in Emerald Green.  So long as I don't feel compelled to rant and the world building remains as well-done as before, I will be a very happy reader.

Buy Sapphire Blue at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This advance review 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 - God Save the Queen by Kate Locke

by Kate Locke
publisher: Orbit
date of publication: July 3, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 354
source: LibraryThing Early Reviewers

From Goodreads:

Queen Victoria rules with an immortal fist.

The undead matriarch of a Britain where the Aristocracy is made up of werewolves and vampires, where goblins live underground and mothers know better than to let their children out after dark. A world where being nobility means being infected with the Plague (side-effects include undeath), Hysteria is the popular affliction of the day, and leeches are considered a delicacy. And a world where technology lives side by side with magic. The year is 2012 and Pax Britannia still reigns.

Xandra Vardan is a member of the elite Royal Guard, and it is her duty to protect the Aristocracy. But when her sister goes missing, Xandra will set out on a path that undermines everything she believed in and uncover a conspiracy that threatens to topple the empire. And she is the key-the prize in a very dangerous struggle.

 

Having been a fan of other works by Kate Locke (in the persona of Kady Cross), I was very much looking forward to God Save the Queen in spite of my continuing disinterest in vampire stories (the burn out continues).  In many ways, God Save the Queen was as I expected.  In the areas of world building and plot, this book was right up my alley.  There were, however, things that just didn't work for me.  Both sides of the coin will be covered in this review and I will tell you all about why I was left on the fence about continuing with this series.

Xandra Vardan as a main character left me feeling conflicted.  On the one hand, she's spunky, determined, and capable of much butt-kicking.  What's not to love, you may ask?  For me, the dislike comes in due to Xandra's voice.  I get that the story takes place in London, thus there is bound to be some English slang used.  However, for much of the book it just felt like overkill.  When it gets to the point that one feels intense exasperation every time the main character speaks, that says something.  So far as the remaining cast of characters goes, however, I very much enjoyed the variety (vampires, werewolves, goblins, and humans) and the wide array of personalities.  It definitely helped make up for a not-so-appealing MC.

The world building is probably the most well-done aspect of this book.  While I hesitate to dub God Save the Queen full-on steampunk, it definitely had lovely flourishes of steampunk goodness.  Instead, it has a distinctly urban fantasy feel that worked great with the high level of action and the background for how this world came to be.  I especially enjoyed the sublevels of London where the goblins hold court.  Overall, this is a gritty, dangerous world where you can never quite guess what will happen next.

While I didn't hate God Save the Queen, I also failed to completely win me over.  After following this first installment of Xandra's story, I am unsure as to whether or not I can bring myself to pick up the second book.  While I liked where the story was headed at the very end, I just can't tell if it will continue along the same vein.  I will continue to keep an ear out for others' opinions and decide as I hear more about where things are headed and whether or not the copious use of slang subsides.

Buy God Save the Queen at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

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

Review - Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

by Veronica Rossi
publisher: HarperTeen
date of publication: January 8, 2013
format: digital review copy
pages: 352
source: Edelweiss

From Goodreads:

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

In Through the Ever Night, the second installment of Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky series, we once again meet Aria, Perry, and Roar as they reel from the aftermath that was the culmination of Under the Never Sky.  Each now carries a heavy burden that leaves each facing challenge upon challenge.  It is these challenges, as well as the increasing dangers of the volatile atmosphere, that lend Through the Ever Night its intensity and overall appeal.  As a continuation, Through the Ever Night delivered in so many ways.

Aria continued her track record of being both stubborn and pragmatic.  Both traits help to make her the intriguing character she has been since the very beginning.  However, there was a little something lacking.  The best way I can describe it is Je ne sais quoi.  I can't quite put my finger on it, but something in the way Aria handled the situation in the Tides community and her relationship with Perry didn't quite match expectations.  Perry, too, left me feeling bewildered at times, even to the point of wanting to reach through the book to shake him and ask what the heck he thought he was doing.  Roar proved to be the rising star this time around.  He exhibited a great range of emotion and even more of the things that make Roar, well, Roar are revealed.  He then became all the more likable as a character and left me looking forward to seeing what he gets up to next.

So far as the plot goes, Through the Ever Night presented what one would expect after reading Under the Never Sky.  There is a great deal of social conflict, atmospheric volatility, and much betrayal and overall evil behavior.  However, the sense of urgency behind it all just wasn't doing it for me.  I wouldn't say that I felt blasé about the whole thing, but I came quite close.  There were some shake-ups and unexpected events that kept me on my toes, but there were also certain occurrences that were almost too predictable, leaving me feeling so-so about them.  I will say, though, that the continuation of the Liv storyline was superb.  It was interesting, enjoyable and, ultimately, fraught with emotion. 

This series continues to hold my attention captive and grows on me even more with every new addition.  It's hard not to become wrapped up in the story of Aria, Perry, Roar, and Liv.  It's also difficult to ignore world-building that includes skies roiling with aether storms of such magnitude as to remain a constant threat.  If you've already read Under the Never Sky and are hoping for another great story, you won't be disappointed.  If you have yet to read either book, I highly recommend them.  Through the Ever Night is especially fun to read on stormy days.  Talk about your atmosphere!

Buy Through the Ever Night at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

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

 

Review - Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

by Marissa Meyer
publisher: Feiwel & Friends
date of publication: February 5, 2013
format: ARC
source: from the publisher for review
pages: 464

From Goodreads:

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Picking up right where Cinder leaves off, Scarlet takes an already fantastic story and runs with it, all the while introducing more characters and creating even more nuances for what is already an intriguing and fully engaging story.  This isn't the Little Red Riding Hood you may remember from your childhood.  Instead, you get to experience a futuristic, suspenseful adventure that will render you speechless.

Not only do we get to continue with Cinder (who we already know is an awesome character), we also meet a new character, Scarlet, who has her own challenges and her own objective.  In some ways, Scarlet has a lot in common with Cinder.  She was brought up by someone other than her parents and has a fiery demeanor that keeps those around her on their toes.  Unlike Cinder, however, Scarlet is much more stubborn, leaving her with little patience and a great deal of trouble.  Add a mysterious stranger in the form of Wolf and an egotistical, self-styled space captain and you have the makings for a rousing adventure with many twists and turns.

Plot-wise, Scarlet is every bit as riveting and surprising as Cinder.  The addition of new settings and storyline shifts keeps the story from becoming stale.  Instead, Scarlet picks up the pace and carries you away with its ever-increasing intensity.  If you thought Cinder introduced everything there was to know about the world of the Lunar Chronicles, think again.  You haven't seen anything yet.

With Scarlet, The Lunar Chronicles just got even better.  If Cinder and Scarlet are this good, I can only imagine how Cress and Winter will turn out.  Whether or not you have already read and enjoyed Cinder, trust me when I say that Scarlet is well worth the read.  If you haven't read Cinder, do so.  You need to read Scarlet as soon as humanly possible.  Know that Scarlet is no wolf in grandma's clothing.  This series is well worth your time and attention. 

Buy Scarlet at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

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

Review - Ultraviolet

by R.J. Anderson
Publisher: Orchard Books
Date of Publication: June 2011 (UK) / September 2011 (US) 
Format: digital review copy 
Pages: 303
Source: NetGalley


From Goodreads:

Once upon a time there was a girl who was special.

This is not her story.

Unless you count the part where I killed her.

Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison’s condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can’t explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori—the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that’s impossible. Right?

Like those who have reviewed this book before me, I don't want to say too much because A.) I don't want to give anything away, and B.) I want YOU to get it as soon as possible and read it for yourself. Still, I'll try to give some vague indications of my thoughts. *read: I LOVE THIS BOOK!*
 

From the first moment, I was in love with the writing. It is poetic and engrossing and makes you want to paint your walls with the words because they are so beautiful. The descriptions and raw emotion got me so inside the mind of Alison, the MC, I felt like I was there by her side through everything. I yearned for her to reach her goals and figure out what was going on as much as she did.

All of the characters felt real to me, like I knew someone just like each one of them. The story itself, well, if I told you it wouldn't be any fun for you! Suffice it to say Anderson peppered clues and mysteries throughout so I never got bored. One minute I'd be wondering about this, the next about that, and before I knew it I was getting some answers. Of course, the answers only raised more questions, so the cycle of give and take between the story and myself was a good one that was not at all frustrating to me.

The only thing I could say that sounds somewhat negative (but really isn't) is that some of the flashbacks or relived memories (yes, there are those but trust me, they are great and relevant to what goes on) were a little description heavy and slowed me down in my quest to learn what had led Alison to be where she is.  But honestly, the heavy description is true to Alison's character, so I wouldn't change it. It was basically me just being impatient and wanting to know so badly what was going on rather than anything Anderson should have done differently.

Ultraviolet is an amazing ride and one that I enjoyed thoroughly (and will enjoy again, I am sure). There were so many different ways the story could have gone and overall I was very pleased with the how it all happened and how it ended, even though it might catch some people off guard with the direction it took. But trust me, it is a book worthy of any shelf.

AND, be on the lookout for the companion novel, Quicksilver, coming out in 2013!

Where you can buy Ultraviolet:

Amazon / The Book Depository / Indiebound

*Note: This review originally appeared in its unrevised format on Writer Quirk.

Review - Glitch

by Heather Anastasiu
publisher: St. Martin's Press
date of publication: August 7, 2012
format: digital review copy
pages: 371
source: Netgalley

From Goodreads:

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

I'm not even sure where to start with this review.  Glitch left me a confused, frustrated mess as I did my best to finish the entire book.  I did so, but upon finishing I realized that very few things struck me as enjoyable.  Some of the quirks and occurrences gave me much pause and I debated whether or not I wanted to continue.  So much was uncomfortable to read and I couldn't help but wonder why such a thing would be included, especially since the main character never really realized the severity of the situation.  She didn't seem to learn from it, so why?  I still don't know the answer to that question, but perhaps someone with different insight than me can share their opinion with me.

I was not at all impressed with the main character, Zoe.  She just rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning.  If she's not freaking out about the spores found above ground, she's allowing herself to be treated like a possession by her wannabe boyfriend, Max.  He practically marked his "territory" and acted like a huge horse's behind.  I know Zoe is inexperienced in real human emotion, but you would think such behavior would frighten even the most naive girl.  As if that wasn't enough, she didn't seem to take anything away from the experience.  What was the point of including a verbally abusive, possessive ahole if she isn't going to realize the situation and impart a warning.  She just goes along with Max's constant bursts of anger.  It all left me with a sour taste in my mouth.  Adrien was the only character with even a shred of common sense, but one character just isn't enough to carry the whole plot, especially when that character is a supporting one.

I had several more questions in regard to the logistics of the plot.  For instance, the citizens of the Community are supposed to be continually wired in to an internet-like network that keeps them complacent.  This whole thing starts because Zoe is becoming more and more prone to disconnecting and acting "anomalous."  What I wonder is just how does she manage to fly under the radar when she gives herself away in many ways throughout the story?  It just didn't seem very consistent with the idea behind the plot.  The only piece that truly evoked interest in me were the powers that began to manifest when Zoe glitched more and more.  That part was actually kind of fun and lead to the one moment that I actually liked her.

Overall, I just wasn't a fan of Glitch.  It just didn't manage to suspend disbelief, which is a fatal flaw in any book.  If you don't often get hung up on small details, you may enjoy this book provided you don't mind the character's personality and behaviors.  As for myself, I wasn't very enthusiastic about it and don't yet know if I will continue with the series.  If the second book continues in the same vein as the last 2 or 3 chapters, I would consider it, but I just can't deal with a repeat experience.

Buy Glitch at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This digital review copy 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.

Review - Revived

by Cat Patrick
publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
format: hardcover
pages: 336
source: from the publisher for review
score: 3.5 out of 5

From Goodreads:

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency's true goals, she realizes she's at the center of something much larger — and more sinister — than she ever imagined.

Right away you know that Revived is going to be quite interesting.  The first chapter opens with Daisy in the midst of dying.  This isn't the end of Daisy, however.  We soon find out that Daisy is different than the majority of kids: she can be brought back from the dead and be a living, breathing girl all over again.  Since she can't exactly show back up around town when so many saw her die, she and her guardians make another move that will wind up changing Daisy's life in many ways.  What ensues is a story full of mystery, intrigue, espionage, love, and heartbreak.  

Daisy has been on the move for so long that she has become a bit of a loner.  I felt for her as it struck me as a lonely existence.  In spite of this, however, she seems amazingly well-adjusted and has a great voice as a character.  Her dialog is so engaging that the pages fly by quite easily.  Her burgeoning friendship with vivacious Audrey and her budding romance with Audrey's brother, Matt, round out the most frequently seen characters.  I enjoyed all 3 of them, though I felt that Daisy shared her secrets with Matt too soon, making her perhaps a bit too naive.  Over all, though, it's a nice cast of characters that make for a smooth read.

The aspect of the book that I was the least sold on was the background.  It is lacking in further information on the who, how, what, and why involved in the making of Revive.  While you're reading it doesn't register so much, but once you put the book down there are so many questions left without answers.  Also, the threat didn't really strike me as especially urgent.  I think it's partly due to the delivery and partly the lack of information on the culprit once they are apprehended.  Knowing a motive would have been great, too.  

In spite of its flaws, Revived proved to be a fun read for a rainy Saturday afternoon.  With great character interactions and its premise, Revived is worth checking out.  I'm glad that I finally had the time to read it.  I will warn you, however, that if you are prone to becoming very emotional you will need tissues on hand.  A particular part of the book hit me pretty hard due to a past event in my life, so it's something to keep in mind.  If you're looking for a book that's a little bit sci-fi, a little bit romance, you may want to give Revived a chance.

  

Buy Revived 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 - Ruby Red

by Kerstin Gier
publisher: Henry Holt BFYR
date of publication: May 10, 2011
format: hardcover
pages: 324
source: own
rating: 5 out of 5

From Goodreads:

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

I'll preface this by saying that my good friend Amy has earned the right to say, "I told you so!"  She told me how enjoyable this book is and, as always, she's right!  From the very first chapter to the very last page, there is so much to discover.  Time travel, plots, danger, humor, and clothes.  Oh, the clothes.  If you are at all interested in different points in English history, you should definitely check it out. 

Gwyneth turned out to be such a fun character.  She has gone through life in the shadows of her golden child cousin, Charlotte, yet she takes it all with good grace.  When she discovers that she is, in fact, the inheritor of the time travel gene, her world is pretty much rocked.  You have to hand it to her, she made quite the entrance on her second trip!  Though she is unprepared for her new role, Gwyneth, though unhappy, knows she will have to take charge.  She's not perfect, but her imperfections help to make her the great character she is.

I thought I would be spending the book just waiting for the time travel scenes.  That was definitely not the case.  Gwyneth's home time period has its very own charms that makes it just as engaging as the time periods she travels to.  After all, funny classmates and a friendly ghost don't exactly make for a boring reading experience!  Each setting is well thought out and vividly described.  It wasn't much of a stretch at all to picture Gwyneth's surroundings.  The writing in Ruby Red is smooth and well-wrought, as well.  It was so easy to become immersed in this fantastic story.

The only thing about Ruby Red that I'm sorry about is that I didn't read it sooner.  I practically tore through this book and couldn't believe it when I came to the last page.  It's all I can do to wait to read Sapphire Blue.  This series has the promise of a great story and fun reading.  Ruby Red is definitely piquing my interest in time travel novels.  I'm definitely a fan after having read this book.  I think many of you, dear readers, will enjoy it, too.

Review - Timepiece

by Myra McEntire
publisher: EgmontUSA
date of publication: June 12, 2012
format: digital review copy
pages: 336
source: Netgalley

From Goodreads:

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.

After the events of previous weeks, Kaleb Ballard is spiraling out of control.  Suffering from confusion and resentment, he has turned to the bottle to help him drown out the chaos he feels.  Little does he know he is about to get a wake-up call in the form of time slips he can now see, the return of Jack Landers, and the introduction of spit fire and Emerson's best friend, Lily, into his life.  As Kaleb deals with his feelings of resentment and burgeoning feelings for Lily, things are getting crazy in Ivy Springs.  Can Kaleb, Lily, Emerson, and Michael pull it together in time to avoid the ultimate disaster?

Oh, my!  I thought I enjoyed Emerson as a main character, but Kaleb's point-of-view was something else!  Here is a character that puts new meaning to the phrase, "more than meets the eye."  Kaleb brought a fresh new voice to the table that added an entirely new dimension to the story.  I also enjoyed getting to know Lily more as a character.  Her interactions with Kaleb, Emerson, even her grandmother made for some great reading.  She's such a fiery character that it's hard to overlook her.

I wasn't sure how Myra McEntire was going to top the events that took place in Hourglass, but I should have known she would pull something truly mind-boggling and amazing out of her hat.  Both settings (Ivy Springs and Memphis) are made all the more captivating through the time slips that become more and more present throughout the story.  The pacing is done very well and suffers few to no snags.  Even though there is a lot of information to take in, it is handled in such a way that it isn't overwhelming and is fairly easy to keep up with.  Overall, Timepiece is a no-holds-barred, riveting, and all-around fun novel.

Timepiece has managed something I didn't think would be possible.  You see, I enjoyed it even more than I enjoyed Hourglass, and that's saying something, as I rated Hourglass as a 5.  All I can say that if this trend continues, Infinityglass is going to be absolutely phenomenal.  The change in narration and the higher stakes all made for a fantastic read that left me reeling and wanting more, all at the same time.  This series is one you definitely don't want to miss.

  

Buy Timepiece at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This digital review copy 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.

Review - Unraveling

by Elizabeth Norris
publisher: Balzer + Bray
date of publication: April 24, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 445
source: DAC ARC Tours
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save hers,elf, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.

What I Thought

There once was a time when science fiction novels just did not manage to capture my attention.  Luckily for me, that has been changing.  Otherwise, I probably would have missed this little gem of a novel, and that would just be sad.  Unraveling packs such a surprising amount of scientific jargon, intrigue, and romance into one book that I was completely caught up.  The story I was about to sink into was a total treat, one which held several good points for me.

Janelle is a pretty no-nonsense character, all things considered.  I can only imagine that what happens to her completely knocks her for a loop.  As Janelle is a very analytical and observant person, however, she is readily able to accept her own memories of the incident and, rather than fall apart about what happened, Janelle sets out to find answers.  Ben was a bit of a surprise for me.  At first, I was expecting a typical bad boy type.  However, the truth behind Ben was more than that and I found myself liking him as Janelle's love interest in this story.  After all, it's hard to ignore a guy who knows his literature!  These two characters work very well together, so I am left without a single complaint, on that front. 

The pacing of Unraveling started out a bit laboriously, leaving me concerned that I was going to find finishing the book to be a struggle.  This wasn't the case, however, as things began to progress fairly quickly after that.  The premise is very interesting and has something for almost everyone: science; crime investigation; mystery; romance; and action.  Ms. Norris weaves these various threads together into a very compelling story.  You would be hard-pressed to not find something about Unraveling that you like.

I certainly hope that Unraveling is the beginning of a series, as I enjoyed both the characters and the premise immensely.  The ending left my eyes damp and my curiosity piqued, so I have all the more reason to hope for at least one more installment.  If you're looking for a fun blend of science fiction and romance, Unraveling would be an excellent choice.  Elizabeth Norris has written a fun, harrowing story that will both challenge your mind and leave you with butterflies in your stomach.  If at first you find yourself concerned with the pacing, keep at it.  You won't want to miss out on this book.

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

Review - Starters

by Lissa Price
publisher: Delacorte BFYR
date of publication: March 13, 2012
format: eGalley
pages: 450
source: Netgalley
Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

From Goodreads:

HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER

Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. . . .

What I Thought

There's nothing quite like a good dystopia, and Lissa Price has written one to give others a run for their money.  Set in a world in which there are children/young adults, senior citizens with enhanced life spans, and nothing in between, Starters is a story that will make you wonder.  With a combination of fantastic technology and an insidious society where the young are, for the most part, less than second class citizens, an action-packed thrill ride is at your fingertips.  

I simply adore Callie.  She will do anything to take care of her younger brother, yet has a distinct moral compass that sets her apart from most of the other characters in the book.  Her experiences are absorbing and you can't help but become part of the story through her eyes.  Her renter, Helena, was also surprisingly compelling and I immediately wanted to know more about her.  The villain, Prime Destinations as fronted by a mysterious figure known as The Old Man, is truly chilling and made for an excellent foe for Callie.  They constantly took me by surprise with the sheer amount of evil they were capable of.  The Old Man is definitely a villain you love to hate.

Starters has a great pace, as well as a really compelling storyline.  The concept is truly imaginative and the setting is an interesting blend of bleak, war-ravaged land and high-tech opulence.  The air of threat is thick and the trials Callie goes through are exciting, all making for a read that seemingly flies by.  Don't be surprised to find yourself fully immersed in Callie's world and coming up for air after hours have flown by. 

Starters now has a place as my newest must-have book.  There wasn't a single thing I didn't like about it and I can not wait to add it to my shelves.  The next book in the series is going to be one for which I anxiously wait.  If you're looking for a thrilling dystopia set in a post-apocalyptic setting, Starters would be an excellent addition to your TBR pile.  This is one I'm going to want to read over and over again.

  
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.   

Review - Cinder

by Marissa Meyer
publisher: Feiwel & Friends
date of publication: January 3, 2012
format: ARC
pages: 387
source: from the publisher
Amazon / Goodreads / B&N

From Goodreads:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

In this thrilling debut young adult novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.

What I Thought

When I first read the plot description, I was caught somewhere between bewilderment and intrigue.  I am a sucker for a good fairytale variation.  However, I was surprised to see mention of androids and cyborgs.  However, feeling adventurous, I knew that I had to try this book.  I am very glad that I did.  Not only did Cinder satisfy my craving for a unique Cinderella variation, it also piqued my interest in a genre that I typically don't read very often.  That speaks very well for the book, already.

Though I took a little time to warm up to the idea of a cyborg as a main character, I quickly grew to love Linh Cinder.  Not only is she unique, she is also tough, witty, and sarcastic, all qualities that I enjoy in a lead character.  This isn't your mama's Cinderella figure.  Instead of a damsel in distress, Cinder gets herself out of any scrape she gets into on her own and all the better for it.  I found it really refreshing that she didn't need saving by her prince.  Instead, it's up to her to save the prince from a terrible fate, something which I found to be a great change of pace.  That's not to say that Prince Kai is a weakling.  On the contrary.  While he has his doubts about his imminent ascension to the role of Emperor, he is no pushover.  There's no weakness to be found from the main characters, something which I adored about this book.  As for the "bad guys," there are plenty.  Cinder's stepmother and the evil Lunar queen Levana are some of the most infuriating antagonists I've read in quite a while.  I was positively seething when I read about the stepmother's treatment of Cinder.  As for Levana, I wouldn't have been at all surprised to found out that she was the cyborg manifestation of some murderous dictator in disguise.  She was that evil.  You definitely won't be left lacking for in-your-face characters.

The setting for Cinder was probably the biggest adjustment for me to make.  It is very futuristic in an almost bleak way.  You really get the sense that though technology has made vast advancements, these advances have come about as the result of some terrible things.  New Beijing is described as half-way between budding wasteland and bustling metropolis, something I found to be difficult to picture.  It was actually very much a dystopian setting, something that I hadn't quite anticipated.  Eventually, though, I was caught up and it all became an integral part of the story.  I enjoyed every bit of it in the end.

Cinder is one of the most unique variations I have ever read.  When I couldn't stop thinking about the book after I finished reading it, I knew that I had read something very awesome.  Whether you are a fan of science fiction or not, give this one a try.  Marissa Meyer doesn't disappoint with her vivid imagination and detailed world-building.  Cinder gets a 5 hoot rating for its fresh and riveting storyline.

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