REVIEW: Winter Queen by Amber Argyle

~Becoming a winter queen will make Ilyenna as cold and cruel and deadly as winter itself, but it might be the only way to save her people from a war they have no hope of winning.~

Mortally wounded during a raid, seventeen-year-old Ilyenna is healed by winter fairies who present her with a seductive offer: become one of them and share their power over winter. But that power comes with a price. If she accepts, she will become a force of nature, lose her humanity, and abandon her family.

Unwilling to pay such a high price, Ilyenna is enslaved by one of the invaders, Darrien. While in captivity, she learns the attack wasn’t just a simple raid but part of a larger plot to overthrow her entire nation.

With the enemy stealing over the mountains and Darrien coming to take her to his bed, Ilyenna must decide whether to resurrect the power the fairies left behind. Doing so will allow her to defeat Darrien and the other invaders, but if she embraces winter, she will lose herself to that destroying power—forever.

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MY THOUGHTS
I've read Amber Argyle's other book, Witch Song, and enjoyed it, but I admit that I really wanted to read this book based entirely on the beautiful cover. After I read the synopsis, I wanted to read it even more!

When Tryon attacks, slaughters, and enslaves members of Argon clan, the Shyle clan is shocked. The clans have a treaty among them and until now, there has been no fighting amongst the clans. The Shyle clan is friends with the Argon clan and sends help.  Ilyenna is clan mistress of the Shyle clan, her father is the clan chief, and is caught up in this. The Shyle clan is able to rescue a few Argons, but things get even worse when the Shyle clan gets targeted. When a raid occurs, Ilyenna ends up dying in the snow. But the winter fairy see promise in her and revive her to be the new Winter Queen, with a catch: she must lose all of her emotions. Ilyenna declines for now, in favor of helping those she loves, but ends up being captured by Darrien, who was the one that tried to kill her. Darrien is the Tryon clan chief's son, one of them. The other son was killed by Ilyenna the same night she was meant to die. Ilyenna has to be Darrien's slave and maybe wife if he has his way, in order to keep those she loves alive.

The book had a fairytale/folklore like quality to it, and I don't mean Disney. This book has the feeling of the original tales from various cultures, the darker kinds, and I very much liked it. The entire world-building in general was very well-developed. I was able to get a very good grip on the different clans and the lives of the clans, as well as their culture. All in all, my favorite part is still the fantastical storytelling in this book!

Ilyenna is a very strong and capable character. She has her own flaws, like everybody else, but she has an admiring amount of loyalty and strength. As clan mistress, she's very loyal to her clan and puts their needs above her own. She has to make very hard decisions for her clan and herself all throughout this book, sometimes putting her in horrible positions for herself. She has to go through so many horrible things as Darrien's slave and she's very strong throughout all of this. She does have her breaking points, but that makes her so much more human, as I wouldn't be able to believe that anyone to go through something like this without breaking at a few moments.

I have an odd relationship with the romance. I liked Rome, our obvious love interest, in the beginning. He was such a nice guy. He was enormously helpful towards Ilyenna, despite the fact that it put his life at risk, and was helpful towards both of their enslaved clan members. In the beginning, it was obvious that he loved Ilyenna, though Ilyenna thought he still saw her as a little sister. There was a defining moment in the book where Rome began to piss me off and come across as an a-hole. I will hide this due to spoilers, but I just didn't like how he began to treat Ilyenna. <highlight to view spoiler>So, Rome professes love and they have sex. Then, Rome becomes distant and doesn't even give any sign that he once professed love to her. Ilyenna is saddened deeply by this and eventually confronts him. He tells her that he regretted it. Nice move, asshole. In this society, she is now 'ruined', she's now pregnant (though, he doesn't know), and thinks he never loved her. He elaborates, much later, that he loved her, but he regretted ruining her. It wasn't that he regretted being with her, he just regretted 'ruining her'. WHAT THE HELL WAS SHE SUPPOSED THE THINK?! You are distant towards her, you say you regret it, and you think she would be fine with it?! So, yeah, my image of him was ruined after that. <end of spoiler> 
For those who read the spoiler, I'm sorry about the rant.

Other than that, I didn't really have any issues with the romance or the book in general. The ending was a bit confusing and rushed, but I honestly can tell why it was this why and it actually makes sense based on how it was told.

IN CONCLUSION
This was a very great fantasy read and I do definitely recommend this book! I did have issues with the romances, but the plot, story, and main character really make up for it! I will be reading Summer Queen, which, from what I understand, is a companion book!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: The Infinite by Lori M. Lee

The walls of Ninurta keep its citizens safe.

Kai always believed the only danger to the city came from within. Now, with a rebel force threatening the fragile government, the walls have become more of a prison than ever.

To make matters worse, as Avan explores his new identity as an Infinite, Kai struggles to remind him what it means to be human. And she fears her brother, Reev, is involved with the rebels. With the two people she cares about most on opposite sides of a brewing war, Kai will do whatever it takes to bring peace. But she’s lost her power to manipulate the threads of time, and she learns that a civil war might be the beginning of something far worse that will crumble not only Ninurta’s walls but also the entire city.

In this thrilling sequel to Gates of Thread and Stone, Kai must decide how much of her humanity she’s willing to lose to protect the only family she’s ever known.

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NOTICE: THIS IS A SEQUEL FOR ANOTHER BOOK. THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FOR THE PREVIOUS BOOK.

MY THOUGHTS
I enjoyed Gates of Thread and Stone, but I enjoyed this book even more!

This book takes place shortly after Gates of Thread and Stone ended. Kai is trying to awaken Avan's memories after he became an Infinite, to no avail. At the same time, Kai is losing her grips on being able to manipulate the threads of time. In fact, she isn't able to use her power at all.And things are even worse than that, as a war is beginning to loom closer.

My issues with the first book mainly stemmed from the fact that I was so distracted while reading it (I read almost all of it while waiting at the DMV). This time I was able to read at the comfort of my home, so I enjoyed it so much more.

I did have issues at first, since I was unable to recall anything from the first book. Eventually, I could recall and I began to be fully immersed in this book! The world-building in this book is amazing! I was able to get a full understanding of it despite the fact that I read the first book a year ago! And, we get so much more information on the world in this book! Don't forget to mention, that this entire idea is very unique!

What I really liked about this book was how much happened in this book! Horrible, horrible things happen in this book, but this book is overall very action-packed, which I enjoy in books. Also, there are so many surprising twists in this book! Again, horrible, but I love it when a book can surprise me!

Lastly, there isn't really any romance in this book. Avan, the love interest in the last book. doesn't remember Kai, so there isn't much in the way of romance between them. Also, as I mentioned, A LOT happens in this book. There is especially a lot of violence. So many things are so much more important than a romance! There is the possibility of a future romance, which I ship, but that's it.

IN CONCLUSION
This was an amazing, action-packed sequel! So much happened and I'm really sorry about being vague, but I want you guys to be as surprised as I was! I will definitely be continuing the series!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

Never underestimate the power of friendship.

When Colie goes to spend the summer at the beach, she doesn't expect much.

But Colie didn't count on meeting Morgan and Isabel.

Through them, she learns what true friendship is all about, and finally starts to realize her potential.

And that just might open the door to her first chance at love...

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MY THOUGHTS
I've read almost all of Sarah Dessen's books and, I most say, her books are absolutely brilliant. This isn't my favorite of hers, but this was still a very good book.

This book focuses on Colie. Both Colie and her mom used to be fat, until her mom becomes Kiki Sparks, fitness guru. Now both Colie and her mom are skinny and Kiki Sparks is famous for getting people fit! Kiki has to go on tour, so Colie is left with her electric aunt in a small beach town for the summer. In the course of one summer, Colie will learn how to be someone other than the daughter of Kiki Sparks.

I think Sarah Dessen's book are entirely mislabeled. Sarah Dessen seems to be known as a romance writer, but I never see her books are romance. Her books are all coming-of-age stories and they are just so amazing. Colie changes so much throughout this book! Colie is still haunted by her past, with bullies, both before the Fat Years and after. It was amazing to see the change in her! This book is also a great friendship book! It doesn't seem like it would be at first, as when Colie first meets Morgan and Isabel, they don't really hit it off. But it actually turns into a nice little friendship which helps Colie become more confident in herself.

There is a little romance in this book, but in Sarah Dessen style, it doesn't truly happen until the very end. Still, from the beginning it is very obvious who the love interest is. He's such a great character and has a wonderful personality! Also, he's an "art freak" and, as an art freak myself, I just love seeing fellow artists in books!

IN CONCLUSION
This was a really quick read and it left me with a really good feeling after finishing it! If you love contemporary books, Sarah Dessen, you just want a pick me up, this is a good read for you!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Pure by Julianna Baggott

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .

There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

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MY THOUGHTS
A few years ago, I picked up this book, read the first chapter, and just stopped. I have no idea why, I guess I wasn't in the mood, but I turned it back into the library, never intending to finish it. Fast forward to a few months ago and I see this book at a cheap book sale. Obviously, it's a sign from fate telling me that I need to read this book, so I took it home. And now I am quite happy that I picked it up again!

This book is probably one of the oddest books I have ever read and I absolutely loved it! This book takes place almost a decade after the Detonations, the bombings that destroyed a majority of the world. Those who were outside during the Denotations, and survived, now live harsh lives and all have deformities. The bombings melded their flesh with other objects and, sometimes, other creatures. Pressia is one of those who lives on the outside. She lives with her grandfather and she has completely forgotten what life was before the Denotations and only has her grandfather's stories. But her 16th birthday is coming closer, meaning that the militia will take her from her home. 
Then, there's the Dome. Few 'lucky ones' remain perfectly safe in the Dome. Partridge is one of the few living here and his father is a prominent figure in the Dome. Partridge soon begins to question his father and the Dome, especially when he finds out that his mother might still be alive. That she might be living outside the Dome.

What is really interesting about this book is how complex and unique the world-building is. I mentioned how those outside the Dome have deformities earlier and this was a really weird factor about the book, but it was actually really great. Pressia has a doll's head as a head, her grandfather has a electric fan in his throat, there's a boy with birds in his back, and there's another person who has his own brother attached to his back. That's not even all of it. There are even Dusts, who melded with dirt or rubble and basically will kill anyone who will come across them. Another popular one is the Groupies, those who melded with other people. All of this sounds really weird, and it is, but it actually is easy to just consider it normal when reading this book! Also, the author does such a great job defining how dangerous and destroyed the world outside is! 

This book also has alternating perspectives, not just Pressia and Partridge, This was actually very easy to follow and made the book so much more interesting! I also really liked all of the characters and got incredibly invented in all of them! As for romance, this is not a romance heavy book, but there are some ship-worthy couples!

IN CONCLUSION
This was a really great dystopian and so very unique!! I am so glad that I picked this book up again! If you want a very dark, odd, but amazing dystopian, then please read this. Meanwhile, I'll be reading the sequel!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

Hot sun. Blue waves. New romances. Old secrets.

Gemma had her summer all planned out, but it takes a sharp turn when she gets dumped and finds herself back in the Hamptons after a five-year absence.

Being there puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friends (that is, before Gemma ruined her life). But people don't hold grudges forever. Do they?

Gemma intends on making amends, but a small case of mistaken identity causes the people she knew years ago—including Hallie and her dreamy brother, Josh—to believe she's someone else. As though the summer wasn't complicated enough already.

Filled with summer sun, boys, and friendships gone sour, Katie Finn's first novel in the Broken Hearts and Revenge series sizzles and delights.

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MY THOUGHTS
I admit it. The main reason why I picked up this book is because Katie Finn and Morgan Matson are the same person. As Morgan Matson is one of my all-time favorite authors, I just had to read a book by her alter-ego!

This book is about Gemma, who was planning on doing charity work over the summer with her boyfriend of two years. The boyfriend who decides to dump her right before the trip. Gemma's mom and stepdad were planning on going to Scotland over the summer and Gemma can't go with them. The plan: Gemma can stay with her dad in the Hamptons. The problem: Last time she was there, Gemma ruined a girl's life. When Gemma gets to the Hamptons, she runs into Hallie, the girl she was cruel to. But with her new makeover and a cup of coffee with the name Sophie on it (her best friend), Gemma is a completely different person. Gemma decides to take up being 'Sophie' while trying to make up for what she did to Hallie, but karma is out to get her and she just keeps running into trouble.

This is a fun read, but not a fun read. The synopsis describes it perfectly "Filled with summer sun, boys, and friendships gone sour". This book has many fun, light-hearted aspect, but with Gemma's past at the Hamptons, her mishaps, and her lies, it brings out the sourness to the story! But I did greatly enjoy reading it, even if it was predictable at times.

Gemma is a great main character and she does have her flaws, which I actually appreciate in a character. She regrets what she did to Hallie and, while what she did was horrible, I can see why a kid would do that considering her circumstances. She really wants to make things up with Hallie and even when things hit the fan, she still tries and I really appreciate that. I don't exactly like how she lied though. I can see why she did, but it was just a disaster waiting to happen.

I did have issues with the ending. The last 20 something pages are the climax and a lot of interesting stuff happens in those pages. There was no cliffhanger, but I felt like the book ended right at the end of the climax.

IN CONCLUSION
 This was a really great read! It was enjoyable and fun, but also very drama-filled. It was predictable at times, but it didn't take away from the book. This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read the sequel!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

There's death all around us.

We just don't pay attention.

Until we do.

The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When she had a family that was whole. A boyfriend she loved. Friends who didn't look at her like she might break down at any moment.

Now she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. And it feels like that's all she'll ever be.

As Lex starts to put her life back together, she tries to block out what happened the night Tyler died. But there's a secret she hasn't told anyone-a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything.

Lex's brother is gone. But Lex is about to discover that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on.

From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand, The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a gorgeous and heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and letting go.

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MY THOUGHTS
I've been wanting to read this book ever since it was called Untitled and the closest thing to a synopsis that this book had was 'Cynthia Hand's contemporary novel'. I added this book right away, even without knowing what this book was about. When I finally found out what it was about, I wanted to read it even more!

This book focuses on Lex, whose younger brother died over Christmas break at age 16. Her brother, Ty, shot himself in their garage. Lex can't help but think of how she might've stopped it, how she didn't even notice to clues. She also can't help but wonder: why?

This is a very sad book and it is absolutely heartbreaking. If you're looking for a feel-good read, this is not the place to look. But do not disregard this book because of that fact, this is an enormously realistic and beautiful book that you don't want to miss out on.

Now, I am glad to say that I have never faced loss in my life (unless you count various pets and my grandfather, who died when I was 1) and I have never known anyone who committed suicide, but I do sometimes feel like I understand suicide. I'm sorry for getting too personal in my review, but there have been quite a few bouts of depression and my strong hatred towards myself that I have thought about suicide. What has always stopped me is that, while I hate myself, I do have two loving parents and I do not want them to have to go through the loss of a child. Again, I'm sorry for getting personal, but I do have a point in mentioning all of these. This book focuses on precisely what a family goes through after the suicide of a member. Not only does Lex question what she could've done and how should could have not seen the signs, but her mom has resorted to drinking and sees life as not worth living anymore. Even her father, an a-hole that cheated on her mom, is distraught by the fact that Ty never forgave him. It is really sad to see this, especially as this is very true to life. Many families have lost family members to suicide, which is becoming more and more common.

Lex, our main character, is a bit more put together than her mother, though she still feels like she's falling apart. What I really liked about this book was Lex's growth. In the beginning, she's afraid to talk about her brother and is afraid to get close to anyone. She's in a deep depression throughout this book, which is understandable, but she grows in this book to start remembering Ty again and live her life fully. The big takeaway from this book is that you're never going to fully get over the death of someone close to you, but the pain will lessen and you can be able to move on.


IN CONCLUSION
This is a very well-written and realistic book. Though, it's very heartbreaking to read, I strongly recommend this book, along with Unearthly (The author's other book that has a very different subject matter).

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Farist by Marissa Meyer

In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,

Who is the fairest of them all?

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

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MY THOUGHTS
I was kind of upset about this book coming out at first. Not because of the book itself, but because of the timing. I wanted Winter to come out instead (I'm still in denial that i have to wait until frexing November!). I was dead set against not reading this book just out of spite, but I can't resist more Lunar Chronicles.

This is a very short book, around 200 pages, but it's from Levana's perspective before the events in Cinder. It starts out from a 15 year-old Levana and goes onward. While this is a prequel, it does have a few spoilers for the other books in the series. Though, you may not notice them if you haven't read the other books. If that makes any sense.

It was very horrible reading the mind of Levana. She's not as horrible in the very beginning as she is in Cinder and other books (still horrible), but, oh, does she grow to be more and more horrible as the book goes on. It was also very interesting to see into her mind and I can understand, even though it's no excuse, why she became so horrible. Her parents, who just died, never loved her and her sister is a horrible being (much like Levana, but I believe Levana actually grows to be worse).

Because she's never been loved, she doesn't really know what love is. She has had a crush on a guard, for a while now, even though he is much older and married. She obviously hates his wife, too much to be considered normal, and she sees his friendship as love. She fully believes that he loves her and wants to be with her and she actually ends up using magic to get him, still believing that this is love. It is all so very very horrible and I really felt sorry for Evert, the guard, at how horrible he was being treated.

Really, this book is very tragic. If you read the other books, then you know what will eventually happen and it is absolutely awful seeing them from Levana's perspective. Seeing how she see nothing wrong with what she was doing.

IN CONCLUSION
This book isn't really necessary for the series, but I do strongly recommend it. It was very interesting to get both Levana's backstory and a look into her mind. It was horrible and tragic, but it was still a very great read.

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth. This extraordinary first novel has captured the imaginations of teenagers and adults across the country.

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MY THOUGHTS
Yeah, I'm a bit late to this one aren't I? This book is a huge mark in the YA world and it come out 15 years ago, so the fact that I didn't get to this one now is very unusual. At least I got to it, right?

This book focuses on Melinda who just started high school and is a social outcast. She used to have friends, until Melinda called the cops on a party over the summer. Now, no one wants to talk to her. All the while Melinda is falling apart, trying to hide within herself what really happened.

The only thing I really knew about this book was that it's about <highlight to view spoiler> rape.<end of spoiler> I think everyone in the book world already knew that about this book, since it's been out for 15 years, but just in case. I really do wish I could've gone into this book without knowing that, so I would be more shocked as I think that was the intent, but oh well.

I must admit, I was on the fringe on whether I should have given this 3 or 4 stars. I completely love the message behind this book and the writing is absolutely amazing. This book captures greatly how you can speak out about something and about depression as well. Really, this book does a great job at focusing on tough subjects. We need books like this out in the world!

It is very easy to feel for Melinda in this book, even without knowing what she went through. And, while I have never gone through what Melinda has gone through, she is relatable. My only issue with this book is just the pacing and overall non-existent happenings.This book is incredibly realistic and it captures Melinda's depression in an entire school year, and it makes for a slow book. Don't get me wrong, I really think this is perfect for the book, I just had some trouble with that.

IN CONCLUSION
I can honestly see why this is practically considered a YA classic. It is a very sad book, and I hate thinking that girls (and some guys I guess, but mostly girls) have to go through this. The author did such a great job with creating such a realistic read with a tough subject.

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

The distinctive new crowdsourced publishing imprint Swoon Reads proudly presents its first published novel—an irresistibly sweet romance between two college students told from 14 different viewpoints.

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....

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MY THOUGHTS
I was drawn to this book by the fact that it's from fourteen perspectives (one of which is a squirrel!) and they're basically shipping a couple together. I was really interested in this book because of the squirrel, but I'm also a shipper at heart, so a book that is basically about shipping? Heck yes!

If this book wasn't from fourteen different perspectives, it wouldn't be as unique. It would be almost like every other teen contemporary. But this book was so uniquely written! And it worked out so well for the book! It was very interesting seeing Lea and Gabe's romance play out from neither of their points of view. But it actually felt like they were the main characters, and they are.

One would think that with fourteen perspectives, one would get confused, but that was not the case with this book. As I said, Lea and Gabe are the main characters and the fact that each perspective follows them around. It was really interesting seeing them through the eyes of so many people. And the mass of perspectives were all wildly different.

The romance in this book was really sweet, slow-going, and realistic. I, like many of the characters, wanted Lea and Gabe get together. But, as shipping goes, it takes forever. Lea and Gabe are obviously great for each other but they just can't seem to see it. I know they have their own problems, but it was really frustrating that they couldn't see how they liked each other. It was a constant back and forth of I don't think he/she likes me.

IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this is an adorable, quick, and realistic read. This book is very unique with the many perspectives. I liked the romance, but it did annoy me at points. If you want a quick feel-good contemporary, pick this one up!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Unmarked by Kami Garcia

The heart-pounding sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller, Unbreakable, by New York Times bestselling Beautiful Creatures co-author Kami Garcia.

He is here... and he could be anyone.

Kennedy Waters lives in a world where vengeance spirits kill, ghosts keep secrets, and a demon walks among us–a demon she accidentally set free.

Now Kennedy and the other Legion members–Alara, Priest, Lukas, and Jared–have to hunt him down. As they learn more about the history of the Legion and the Illuminati, Kennedy realizes that the greatest mystery of all does not belong to any secret order, but to her own family. With the clock ticking and the life of someone she loves hanging in the balance, Kennedy has to ask the question she fears most: what is it about her past that has left her Unmarked?

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NOTICE: THIS IS A SEQUEL FOR ANOTHER BOOK. THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FOR THE PREVIOUS BOOK.

MY THOUGHTS
It's been awhile since I've read Unbreakable, so I was very worried that I wouldn't be able to get into this book. Thankfully, it was actually very easy to get back into the series. This book slowly references to events in the first book and my brain easily was able to recall them. Characters were also introduced again, but simply. This book actually was better than the first book, which is rare for sequels.

In Unbreakable, Kennedy actually set a dangerous demon free. A demon who is intent on opening up the gates of hell. The world is in havoc. People are dying in odd deaths, the weather is acting funky, and everyday a girl disappears, girls who look a lot like Kennedy. The Legion is currently trying to find a way to destroy the demon along with trying to find the fifth member of The Legion. Along the way, their lives will be at risk and Kennedy will find out even more secrets that her family kept.

The book was actually darker than book one if you can believe it! It's hard to explain fully without spoilers, but all the demonic activity is very creepy and scary. A lot also happens in this book! As I mentioned, Kennedy learns a lot more about her family, which is well deserved. We also see the Illuminati in this book, which was interesting. I was a bit overwhelmed with all the stuff I learned though.

The romance was much better in this book. It wasn't overwhelming and I could honestly feel for Kennedy and Jared. I know some people were worried about a love triangle being introduced in this book, but there is no love triangle at all! So, no worries!

A lot happens in this book, yet there is so much more to come. It's very odd, but not much is accomplished in this book. The ending, though, makes it obvious that stuff is going down in the next book! It's not a cliffhanger, but it made me feel like I was left hanging.

IN CONCLUSION
This was an amazing sequel! I highly encourage people to continue with this series! If you enjoy dark books with demons and ghosts this is a really great series for you! I know for sure that I will continue reading this series!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: The Labyrinth by Allen Houston

Time is running out for Lily and Silas Blackwood in their hunt to destroy Pandora’s Box before the beings of Nightfall Gardens unleash its evil upon an unsuspecting world.

Loyalties will be tested and friends will make the ultimate sacrifice as the two face off against an army of horrors that live in the Gardens.

At the center of it all stands the Labyrinth, a maze haunted by dying gods and startling secrets that Lily must navigate to find Pandora’s Box. But will she be too late?

"The Labyrinth" is the nail-biting conclusion to the “Nightfall Gardens” trilogy.

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I received an ecopy of this book  in exchange for an honest review.

NOTICE: THIS IS THE THIRD INSTALLMENT IN A SERIES. THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FOR THE PREVIOUS BOOKS. Review for book one/ Review for book two.

MY THOUGHTS
This was such a great series and this was a great finale!

In the last book in the Nightfall Gardens trilogy. the evil within the gardens are amassing to break out of their prison. Finding, and destroying, Pandora's Box is even more important than ever. Lily, Silas, and the other friends and allies have to find the box along with trying to fight a war with the creatures inside the gardens.

Wow. A lot happens in this book! I felt like this book was very long, but how action-packed things were just made up for it! The ending was a bit rushed, but it was still a very great conclusion!

I must repeat myself from my review of the last book: the characters change so much! Again, I hate the circumstances that make them change, but if you were to compare the characters from this book to from the first book, they would be completely different. It is even more heartbreaking in this book what the characters must go through, which is horrible considering what has happened in the previous two books. This series is not all gumdrops and rainbows!

IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I really think this series is worth it! If you enjoy dark, gothic books, then this is a great series for you! I am very satisfied with this series!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: The Shadow Garden by Allen Houston

Precocious Lily Blackwood carries a responsibility far greater than other people. As the last female Blackwood, she must keep the evils in Pandora’s Box from destroying the world.

With the help of her younger brother Silas, the dusk riders and her best friend Cassandra, she must protect Nightfall Gardens and ensure that the fairy-tale monsters, old gods and deathly shades stay separated from humanity.

But now, the creatures bound to the Gardens are gaining strength and threatening to break loose. Bemisch, a malevolent witch, has escaped into the mist land to join forces with Eldritch, a powerful nature god. The mysterious Smiling Ladies hold the key to a dark secret from the Blackwood family’s past, and something once again roams the halls of the manor, trying to kill Lily.

Worse yet, her fourteenth birthday is approaching and with it a dangerous rite of passage. Lily must enter the Shadow Garden, home of all that is nightmarish, and come face to face with her most terrifying threat yet.

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I received an ecopy of this book  in exchange for an honest review.

NOTICE: THIS IS THE SECOND INSTALLMENT IN A SERIES. THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FOR THE PREVIOUS BOOKS. Review for book one.

MY THOUGHTS
I loved Nightfall Gardens, so I was quite happen to get into the next book right away!

This book takes place right where Nightfall Gardens left off. Lily is now the protector of the gardens and most prevent the terrors inside from unleashing into the world. Though, she's not alone. She has her brother, Sila, and her best friend, Cassandra, along with others to help her. Now the siblings and friends are finding more and more dangerous secrets about the gardens and their home. Even worse, her 14th birthday is coming closer and she has to face the Smiling Sisters in the Shadow Gardens. A challenge that many of her ancestors did not survive.

Many of my thoughts of the first book continue with this book.This book series is still incredibly imaginative and, again, love the world-building! What I really loved about this book is how we get more information about the gardens ans the creatures! We got a whole bunch of information, that I loved, in the first book. but with this book being focused strongly on one of the gardens, I felt like I was getting do much more info and it was absolutely interesting! Although, I have to say this: this series is still very very dark, and I loved it. Of course.

I loved the characters in the first book, but in this book I see this grow so much more. It's sad, how they are changing, due to the circumstances, but I loved how strong these characters become. Lily, who was described as vain in Nightfall Gardens, has changed so much since the beginning! She has to change, and I hate that, but she has become so strong! Silas is the same way! I also need to mention Cassandra! She's such a great friend!

IN CONCLUSION
I am loving this series! It's such a dark, gothic, gory series, and I love it! While this was the 2nd book it a trilogy, it had no middle-book syndrome whatever and I am definitely looking forward to the conclusion!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Sing Sweet Nightingale by Erica Cameron

Mariella Teagen hasn't spoken a word in four years.

She pledged her voice to Orane, the man she loves—someone she only sees in her dreams. Each night, she escapes to Paradise, the world Orane created for her, and she sings for him. Mariella never believed she could stay in Paradise longer than a night, but two weeks before her eighteenth birthday, Orane hints that she may be able to stay forever.

Hudson Vincent made a pledge to never fight again.

Calease, the creature who created his dream world, swore that giving up violence would protect Hudson. But when his vow caused the death of his little brother, Hudson turned his grief on Calease and destroyed the dream world. The battle left him with new abilities and disturbing visions of a silent girl in grave danger—Mariella.

Now, Hudson is fighting to save Mariella's life while she fights to give it away. And he must find a way to show her Orane’s true intentions before she is lost to Paradise forever.

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MY THOUGHTS
I literally had no idea what this book was about, besides the fact that it had something to do with dreams. Now, I am quite thankful for that as this book took me completely by surprise!

Hudson and Mariella have one thing in common: They both dream of Paradise. A dream world in which is absolutely perfect and the only way to live there is to give something up. Hudson gave up fighting.  Mariella gave up her voice. When Hudson runs into a gang that wants revenge on him, Hudson tries to break the rules to protect his 4 year-old brother. He's frozen into place and has to watch his little brother die. Hudson realizes that Paradise is dangerous and is run by demons. He breaks his hold off of Paradise and chases after visions of two girls and fire...
Mariella hasn't spoken in four years. She's in love with Paradise and Orane, the man who lives there. In order to protect Paradise, she has given a vow of silence. When Orane says that soon, Mariella can live there forever, she's ecstatic. But her new neighbor keeps trying to put doubts in her head. And her memory is not the way it used to be...

My favorite aspect of this book is the dream world! The idea of a paradise world that you could be taken to in your dreams is a fantastic idea by itself, but what if it isn't really a paradise? That is the idea that this book brings up and it is so unique and original!

I loved Hudson! I loved how much he loved his younger brother and I hated how much pain Hudson had to go through. What is really great about Hudson is how much he wants to save others from going through what he went through. He travels to a town he has never been to before to save a complete stranger. He's also a really great guy in general and it was amazing how he never gave up on saving Mariella, even when she wouldn't believe what he said.

Mariella, on the other hand, did annoy me, but I can't fault her for it. It bothered me how much she loved Orane and how she would believe him (the demon!) over Hudson. But I can see why. She loves Orane and Hudson is a guy she doesn't really know. Also, she really sees Paradise as a paradise and anyone would want to live in a paradise. I did really feel for her, though. She has given up so much and she has gone through so much without even realizing it.

Another person I would like to mention is K.T. She's a minor character, but she helps Hudson and Mariella so much in the book. She was Mariella's childhood friend and, despite the fact that Mariella doesn't remember her, she helps out. And she does know what is really going on! Her sister also is in a coma, thanks to the demons (if you stay in Paradise, you get in a coma).

IN CONCLUSION
This is such a new, amazing book! If you would like to read a book with a unique, dark take on dreamworlds, then you don't want to miss this one! I am definitely planning on reading the next one!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Nightfall Gardens by Allen Houston

Vain Lily Blackwood and her shy brother Silas wonder if their family will ever settle in one place long enough to lead a normal life. When a mysterious stranger arrives claiming to be their uncle, they discover their parents have been hiding a secret that turns their world upside down.

The two are kidnapped to Nightfall Gardens, the family’s ancestral home, a place shrouded in ancient mystery, where they meet their dying grandmother and learn of an age-old curse placed on Blackwood females.

Lily must take over as protector of the house and three haunted gardens that hold mythical beasts, fairy-tale nightmares and far worse. If she doesn’t, the evil trapped there will be unleashed and bring on a new dark age.

While she deals with malevolent ghosts inside the house, Silas is put to work in the gardens, where one wrong step means death.

Along the way, they search to unlock the secrets of the house and to stop the creatures in the gardens before time runs out and the world is destroyed.

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MY THOUGHTS
I usually read YA books, but I also have a love for MG. This is a very very very dark MG book! But I loved it!

Lily and Silas Blackwood's family is constantly moving from place to place, running various 'pathetic' plays. When a mysterious uncle shows up, one Lily and Silas knew nothing about, wanting to take Lily away, things change completely. It turns out that the Blackwood family is related to Pandora and since she opened the box, all the females in the family have to watch over Nightfall gardens and the horrors Pandora unleashed. Now, their grandmother (that, again, they never knew) is dying and Lily has to take her place. The siblings now have to face the horrors of the gardens and prevent the horrors from making it out into the real world.

The world-building and imagination involved in creating this book is amazing and I was fully able to imagine this horrible environment! I also liked how there was somewhat of a basis of mythology from multiple cultures added into the book. And the gardens are so very very creepy!

As for characters, there is a large handful. Lily and Silas are obviously the main characters and we get to switch every so often. Sometimes we see Lily in the mansion and sometimes we see Silas in the garden (as the men in the family are not allowed to be at the mansion). The two have their own flaws and, as siblings, do have points when they act as if they dislike each other, but they obviously do care about each other. There is also a large amount of supporting characters--some good, some not--but all fit well into the story!

IN CONCLUSION
Very dark but great start to a new series! If you enjoy dark, gothic books then I strongly suggest picking this book up!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer.

She devises a plan to get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street. Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.

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MY THOUGHTS
I loved Ruta Sepetys' Between Shades of Gray, as heartbreaking as it was! So, I wanted to see if this book would be just as beautiful! This book is still dark, but definitely not as dark as the author's previous book!

This book takes place in 1950's New Orleans. Josie's mother is a prostitute and doesn't care for Josie at all. Josie just wants to leave New Orleans and go to college, but her lack of money makes that very hard for her. After a man is mysteriously murdered, Josie wants to know who this man was and what exactly happened to him. To make matters worse, Cincinnati, a guy in the mafia, has returned. Josie's mom is, apparently, in love with this man even though he beats her. Josie has to struggle with trying to find the murderer, prevent Cincinnati from causing more damage, along with finding a way to get into a good college.

A misdemeanor of historical fiction is that they are slow-paced. This book was definitely not slow-paced! There is event after event after event and it is very thrilling but also very upsetting, as none of it goes very well for Josie. Still, the whole vibe behind this book, even though all the action, is just how vividly realistic this book is. All the characters and the world are so very real and full of flaws. Honestly, Ruta Sepetys is very talented at created raw and real stories.

As for Josie, she is a very great main character! It's very easy to connect with her. She has had such a hard life and she is such a strong character. I especially loved how much she wanted to stick to her dreams and how she would continue to go after them!

There wasn't really a romance in this book per say, even though there was an odd love triangle. I say there wasn't really a romance because of how realistic it was and how this book is not a romance. The focus of the book is on, really, everything else and the little romance there was just hovered in the background. I, honestly, think this was perfect for the story.


IN CONCLUSION
I didn't like this as much as Between Shades of Gray, but this is still a really great read. This book is incredibly real and fast-paced! Ruta Sepetys is a wonderful author and I am definitely reading anything else she writes!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

Bryn Aven is an outcast among the Kanin, the most powerful of the troll tribes.

Set apart by her heritage and her past, Bryn is a tracker who's determined to become a respected part of her world. She has just one goal: become a member of the elite King’s Guard to protect the royal family. She's not going to let anything stand in her way, not even a forbidden romance with her boss Ridley Dresden.

But all her plans for the future are put on hold when Konstantin– a fallen hero she once loved – begins kidnapping changelings. Bryn is sent in to help stop him, but will she lose her heart in the process?

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MY THOUGHTS
I actually enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would! I liked the Trylle trilogy, but I only gave the books three stars each. I don't know if my tastes have changed or if this book was just awesomer than the Trylle trilogy!

This spin-off series focuses on Bryn who is part of the Kanin troll tribe. Bryn is an outcast in the tribe due to the fact that she is only half Kanin, a fact that is obvious thanks to her blond. She dreams of being a part of the King's Guard and does her best to prove herself to everyone that she is Kanin. When young changelings, about to be taken back to their Kanin families, keep getting kidnapped, things take a turn for the worse. It doesn't help that the man kidnapping them once tried to kill Bryn's father and was once Bryn's idol.

I really liked seeing the world from the Trylle trilogy expanded from just seeing the trylles. In this book, we get more insight on the other tribes, not just the Kanin tribe. It really goes without saying, that Amanda Hocking really knows how to create a world! Not only is the idea of the different troll tribes done brilliantly (and I applaud the originality!), but we also get a complete backstory and history.

Also, characters of the trylle trilogy sneak in from time to time! Not enough to confuse those who have not read the other series, but still enough to make past fans happy!

Our main character, Bryn, is definitely a strong character! Obviously, as she is a tracker and dreams of being part of the Guard, both of which takes strength! She does have her moments when she may not make the smartest decisions, but she still shows strength. And she also obviously works very hard and is good at what she does!

I have mixed feelings on the romance. The romance between Bryn and Ridley was there, but it wasn't a big romance. They shared a kiss and there was feelings, but they didn't become a couple. Big reason: Ridley has a girlfriend. The fact that there was cheating irritated me. I'm also worried that there might be a love triangle eventually.

IN CONCLUSION
This is a great start to a new series! If you're a fan of the Trylle trilogy, you definitely want to pick this one up! Even if you haven't read the Trylle trilogy, you can still enjoy this book! I admit, most of this book leads into the next books and the romance is kind of meh, but this book was still very entertaining! I'm quite glad that there isn't a long wait for the next one!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!

REVIEW: Mary Hades by Sarah Dalton

Not many seventeen year old girls have a best friend who’s a ghost, but then Mary Hades isn’t your average teenager.

Scarred physically and mentally from a fire, her parents decide a holiday to an idyllic village in North Yorkshire will help her recover. Nestled in the middle of five moors, Mary expects to have a boring week stuck in a caravan with her parents. Little does she know, evil lurks in the campsite…

Seth Lockwood—a local fairground worker with a dark secret—might be the key to uncovering the murky history that has blighted Nettleby. But Mary is drawn to him in a way that has her questioning her judgement.

Helped by her dead best friend and a quirky gay Goth couple, Mary must stop the unusual deaths occurring in Nettleby. But can she prevent her heart from being broken?

The first in a series of dark YA novels, Mary Hades follows on from the bestselling Kindle Single 'My Daylight Monsters'. A spine-tingling tale with romance, readers will be shocked and entertained in equal measure.

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MY THOUGHTS
I read My Daylight Monsters awhile ago and loved it! It was great as a novella, but I still have a few unanswered questions. So, I was ecstatic when I found out that it will be expanded into a series! And it did not disappoint! (Just so you know, it is not necessary to read My Daylight Monsters before reading this book, but if you get a chance to read it, go for it! It is a really great novella!)

Mary Hades sees creatures whenever something bad is about to happen and death seems to follow her. Seeing these caused Mary to be put in a mental ward, then it turns out that one of the doctors was killing patients (and killed her friend there, who now 'haunts' Mary in ghost form). After this event, Mary's parents decide that a holiday in a small village will be perfect for recovery. Until a little boy jumps off a building and dies. It turns out that there's a ghost in the village, one that likes to kill men and grows more powerful with each kill. Mary needs to find a way to stop this ghost, especially when her new friend, maybe boyfriend, may be the next target.

I love ghost stories. Sure, they scare the hell out of me, but I find them so very interesting! This book is very similar to other ghost mysterious, but I still loved it! The ghost was very creepy and the tone of the book was dark. I actually loved the creepiness, I think it's a must for any ghost story.

The characters are really great in this book. Mary is a great main character. She has a very abnormal life, with seeing creatures, a dead best friend, and death following her everywhere. Oddly enough, I was able to connect with her. She is very strong-willed and , while she wishes she could be normal, she won't stand back and let a ghost destroy lives. All the other characters are really great as well. She makes new friends in this book and they help her with stopping the ghost. They even believe her when she talks about ghosts!

The romance was a nice addition, but more of a just there kind of thing if that makes any sense. It was just a little romance, but while it was nice, it wasn't long lasting. I did like the love interest though. And while the romance was small, I did like it. It didn't distract the plot and it wasn't annoying

IN CONCLUSION
This is a very good beginning to a new ghost mystery series. I get the feeling that each book will focus on a different ghost and I am actually very excited to see that! If you enjoy reading ghost stories, then this is your book!

I hereby give this book

4 Wheels

Meaning: It was amazing!