Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. 

Avalon 

Publication Date: January 21, 2014

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

Can we all just take a moment and look at this cover? It totally screams epic. This could totally pass up as a movie cover. Heck if this was a movie, I would definitely check it out. I love sci-fi movies, but books? Not all the time. Sometimes they're a hit and miss for me. But this intriguing summary and that the fact that this is a stand alone (not entirely sure), I would totally read this in a heartbeat. 

Torn by Amanda Hocking

Torn (Trylle #2)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Pages: 324
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin' s Griffin

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…

She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.

Torn was five times better than Switched. I don't even know how that's possible when I thought the first one was epic. Torn immediately picks up where Switched left off. Wendy leaves with Rhys to go back home to her brother, Matt. I loved the reunion between them. Aside from Finn and Loki, Matt has to one of my favourite characters in this book. 

In the second installment of the Trylle trilogy, you get a better grasp of the history. You understand the reasons behind Wendy's mother's action. I wasn't surprised by her actions. She was cold and seemed heartless, but that was only for Wendy's benefit. I disliked how when I started to like her mother, it was the time when she was going to die. 

The world building was awesome - so much rich details, you literally feel like you're in their world. I was so invested into their world, I found myself complaining that I didn't get enough of it.

There is never a book where I happen to love all the characters. The characters make you love them and hate them all at the same time. To me, those are the best characters. I adored Loki - not sure if I like him better than Finn. He's charming, great with words and pleasantly funny. I'm sort of sensing a love triangle in the next book.  I definitely had seen some character development in Wendy. She began to realize what was important for and the rest of her people. In the end of the book, she was given more responsibilities than a normal teenager could handle.

Filled with action, twist and turns, Torn will leave you breathless for more.

5/5 STARS

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Pages: 392
Publication Date: July 31, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

I've had a rough start with this book. I hated it, despised it and I literally wanted to throw it across my room, but I couldn't do that because it was an ebook. I burrowed this book from my online library several times. I read  a few chapters, then returned it - thinking it was crap, burrowed it again because I thought it would be good, vice versa. After seeing one of my favourite bloggers talk about this book, I knew it was time to force myself to read this and see what the hype was about.

The main reason why I didn't like this book in the beginning was Noah. His POV was definitely hard to get into. I didn't like his character at all. I just thought he was a typical bad boy. Eventually, I grew to like him. His love for his brothers was the only thing attractive about him. To be totally honest with you, I cried when Noah was debating whether he should let his brothers stay with their foster parents or fight for his brothers through court. I understand the pain he went through because I, myself have foster siblings. I understood Noah's side and the foster parents' sides.

Pushing the Limits was a fantastic contemporary. Though it was sort of cliché, it was a fairly written one. I've read better love stories with emotionally/physically damaged characters. I don't see myself re-reading this book, but I will definitely check out the next book in the series.

4/5 STARS

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Switched (Trylle #1)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Pages: 318
Publication Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

If I knew I was going to be reading about trolls, I might have not been interested into reading it. I chose to read this becaues I recently heard that this was orginally a self-published book. If you guys don't know, but I have sort of an obession with self-published book or authors. I can't seem to have enough of them. If you guys know any good self-published books, feel free to tell me. I'll be sure to check them out.

Wendy was nearly killed by her mother when she was six years old. Her mother may have not killed her but she left a scar on Wendy's stomach. She was saved from futher damage by her brother, Matt. I adored the relationship between Matt and Wendy. I loved how Matt was overprotective of Wendy and how he was the one to name Wendy when she was born. Matt is a great representation of a perfect sibling.

Finn is a tracker - hunting down changelings, like Wendy, to bring them back to their home. Finn is hit with problems when Wendy refuses to leave her brother and aunt behind. Words can't explain how much I love Finn. Maybe it's because he and Wendy share a love that is forbidden. If you don't know, but I love reading forbidden love. Something about it is so addicting and sp time-consuming.

I have to say that the ending was perfect. Though it did not end in a cliffhanger it was enough for you to be curious for the next installment in the Trylle trilogy.

Overall, I'm highly impressed with Switched and is extremely amazed with Amanda Hocking's work. She surely deserves to be published.

5/5 STARS

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

                Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

 Time After Time (Time Between Us #2)

Publication Date: October 8, 2013

 

Calling Anna and Bennett’s romance long distance is an understatement: she’s from 1995 Chicago and he’s a time traveler from 2012 San Francisco. The two of them never should have met, but they did. They fell in love, even though they knew they shouldn't. And they found a way to stay together, against all odds.

It’s not a perfect arrangement, though, with Bennett unable to stay in the past for more than brief visits, skipping out on big chunks of his present in order to be with Anna in hers. They each are confident that they’ll find a way to make things work...until Bennett witnesses a single event he never should have seen (and certainly never expected to). Will the decisions he makes from that point on cement a future he doesn't want?

Told from Bennett’s point of view, Time After Time will satisfy readers looking for a fresh, exciting, and beautifully-written love story, both those who are eager to find out what’s next for Time Between Us's Anna and Bennett and those discovering their story for the first time.

I recently finished Time Between Us this past week and I have to say I'm in love with this. I don't normally like time travel books, but this one you definitely have to try. The first book was fantastic and I'm hoping this will be as great as well especially because this is going to be in Bennett's POV. October 8, please come soon!

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite (The Selection #2)
Author: Kiera Cass
Pages: 323
Publication Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen



 

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

The main reason why I requested this book (I was #51 on the waiting list) was because my best friend raved about this book. She finished the first two books in just a few days. And let's just say, my best friend doesn't have the time to read. Though I wasn't very fond of the first book, I decided to give this book a chance. 

I thought this book was good. Nothing special. It wasn't great; just a fairly good book.  Prince Maxon is one of the main reasons why I don't enjoy the book series. He's just a completely flat character. I couldn't connect with him at all. I tried, you guys, I really did. But quite frankly, I don't think he's a swoon-worthy character. Don't hate me, but I much rather prefer America choosing Aspen. 

 I really wished the selection ended in the first book. I hated how they dragged on the competition. They are so many possibilities and  twists and turns Kiera could have done if she ended the competition. Or maybe if Maxon kicked out America out of the competition. There's so much she could have done to make this series much more entertaining and fast-paced. After elminating twenty-nine girls, only six girls remain. Of course, America is one of them. One of the benefits of being an Elite was that she was moved up to a Three in the caste system, no longer being a Five.

Another thing that bothered me was the rebels. I was like, "Yeah! Finally some action!". You think that the rebels would be so dangerous, so evil, but nope, we got ourselves some properly-mannered rebels who steal books. I don't see why they need to steal books because if I was a rebel, the first thing on my mind would be the jackpot($). Maybe I need to read the third book to understand why they stole the books. 

Overall, this book was just the same as the first one in my rating system.

3/5 STARS

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Unraveling (Unraveling #1)
Author: Elizabeth Norris
Pages: 464
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Balzar + Bray





 

Sixteen-year-old Janelle Tenner is used to having a lot of responsibility. She balances working as a lifeguard in San Diego with an intense academic schedule. Janelle's mother is bipolar, and her dad is a workaholic FBI agent, which means Janelle also has to look out for her younger brother, Jared.

And that was before she died...and is brought back to life by Ben Michaels, a mysterious, alluring loner from her high school. When she discovers a strange clock that seems to be counting down to the earth's destruction, Janelle learns she has twenty-four days to figure out how to stop the clock and save the planet.

 By the summary of this book, it sounded pretty darn awesome. Countdown? The world was going to end? Sounded like my kind of book. But, really, it turned out to be a disappointment.

The beginning wasn't all that bad. The main character, Janelle was hit by a truck and died, but then she was brought back to life by Ben Michaels. Before she was saved, Ben remained as a "nobody" in her life. I was pumped by the scene, excited to tackle on some action. But nope, that did not happen.

Unraveling lacked action. It did not hold my interest. I felt like it dragged on for centuries. The world was supposed to be ending, however  I did not feel like the world wasn't going to end. I didn't have that "oh my, the world is ending" kind of feeling, but had the "when is it going to be done?"

Several people loved and adored this book. So I'm assuming that this was just a "it's not you, it's me" sort of thing. Though I didn't enjoy it, I would still reccommend to some of my friends. 

2.5/5 STARS

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Panic 

Publication Date: March 4, 2014

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

I am speechless right now. Words can't explain how excited I am for this book. I even watched the sneak peeks that Lauren Oliver posted on her blog because I'm dying to read it. I'm a big fan of Lauren Oliver and I'm willingly to read anything by her. I don't usually pre-order books because I might not like it, but anything by Lauren Oliver is an exception. 

How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

How My Summer Went Up in Flames
Author: Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
Pages: 307
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious.

To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget freedom of the road, Rosie wants to hitchhike home and win back her ex. But her determination starts to dwindle with each passing mile. Because Rosie’s spark of anger? It may have just ignited a romance with someone new…

This book was available on Pulseit, so I decided to read it since I've seen it come up in various blogs. The summary of the book seemed interesting. Lighting your ex-boyfriend's car on fire? Hilarious. Perfect revenge if you ask me.

But this book failed to impress me. Rosie was annoying, to the point where you want to slap some sense into the character. She kept bothering Joey, acting like an clingy girlfriend. She sent him text messages, kept calling him, etc. I seriously don't get it. Rosie, Joey cheated on you. You should be ignoring him. He should be the one wanting your attetnion. But no, it's reversed, you guys.

Rosie is out on a road trip with her best friend, Matt and his friends, Spencer and Logan. Her parents hope to put distance between Rosie and Joey. This sounds like a perfect summer read, doesn't it? No. This book was disturbing. First of all, why doesn't Rosie have a seperate room? She stayed in the same hotel room as them. Three guys and one girl? I have a hard time grasping this. Just wait, this is the best part, when went go camping, Rosie slept in between two guys, Matty and Logan.

Uh, yeah no.  What kind of parent agrees to this? I know her parents trusted Matty, but still, wouldn't this bother parents?

Eventually, the characters grow on you. Rosie starts moving on and actually begins to live life without thinking of Joey all the time. Oh yeah, heads up, 50% of the book may be unbearable for you, depending if you like a whiny main character or not.

Overall, this was an okay book. I would definitely not read this again. If you want a good road trip book, Amy's and Roger's Epic Detour is a fanastic one. 

2/ 5 STARS

Underworld by Meg Cabot

Underworld (Abandon #2)
Author: Meg Cabot
Pages: 336
Publication Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Point




 

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.

I'm extremely pleased. Very pleased. The first book in the Abandon series was bad, but fortunately, the second one redeemed itself and made it into a four star book for me. Underworld actually had a plot that made you want to read. Pierce is stuck in the underworld with John. It all changes when she sees a video of her cousin, Alex stuck in a coffin. It's Pierce's job to save it from happening.

I had a few problems with John. He was constantly lying to Pierce, and she didn't do anything about it. But it was interesting what he was hiding. I think Underworld gives you a better grasp of the history, making you want more and more. Usually, I don't care for the history, but here, I was totally devouring it. 

To those who were disappointed by the first book, please, I beg you, to keep reading. Underworld was a terrific sequel, much more better than the first one. I promise you that this book will leave you impressed. 

4/5 STARS

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Abandon (Abandon #1)
Author: Meg Cabot
Pages: 304
Publication Date: April 26, 2011
Publisher: Point

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away . . . especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

Meg Cabot is a very popular author, well known for her book series The Princess Diaries. I have not read it, but I have seen the movies which I absolutely love. I should have read that series first but I wanted to dive into her more paranormal/fantasy type of books. One that caught my eye was Abandon. I think what sparked my interest in this book was the mythology in this book. I've always been a fan of learning mythology ever since I was taught it in the eighth grade.

Abandon was a real disappointment to me. Mythology wise, it was decent. I didn't hate nor did I love it. The plot was extremely slow. I mean, it dragged on. It wasn't moving forward which frustrated me. For me to love a book, it needs action, plot, suspense or something that will catch my attention. 3/4 of the book was boring. I had to force myself to read this. Usually, I would have stopped reading it and move onto another, but I had a feeling that somewhere near the end, it would eventually pick up. And of course, it did.

I think if Abandon didn't focus too much on the past, it would have been better. Maybe add more action or new mysterious characters that would move the plot forward. Some loved this book, but for me it was okay.

2.5/5 STARS

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.  

  

 To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Publication Date: April 22, 2014

 To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters…

After finishing and loving the Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han, I am definitely wanting to read all of her other books. I loved the cover of this book. So beautiful! The summary is what attracts me most about this book. The letters that you wrote are being mailed to the boy you were writing about? Sounds pretty darn interesting to me! Why, oh why does this have be out in April?  Can't this be published this year?

Legend by Marie Lu

 Legend (Legend #1)

Author: Marie Lu

Pages: 336

Publication Date: April 16, 2013

Publisher: Speak

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

I have a thing for hyped books. I tend to gravitate toward them because usually I'm guaranteed an awesome read, but Legend, failed to do so. It wasn't bad per se, but it was disappointing. The characters and the plot were excellent, but how the author presented it, was the key reason why I didn't enjoy it as much.

The first one-hundred sixty pages were so predictable. She dropped the biggest hint in the beginning which made it boring. I knew exactly what was going to happen and how it was going to end. If the author left it only June's perspective or Day's, instead of having both of theirs, it would have been more satisfying.

As I said in the beginning, the characters were excellent. Day is a criminal, striving off of stolen food and money. He hopes to collect enough money so that he could buy a vial that could heal his brother, Eden. I loved how Day was so willingly to do anything for his family. I loved June. She was exceptionally smart and totally kicks butt! Hearing her thoughts and how she deciphers a person was so interesting. It kind of reminded me of Sherlock in a way. June is out on the streets, searching for her brother's murderer, Day. By all means, she will do whatever it takes to seek revenge for her brother, Metias.

The book is split into two parts. The first one being predictable and the second one, not as much. Though I didn't like the first one, the second part totally made up for it, raising it up a star. It probably would have been a four star if it wasn't insta love between the two characters.

Legend was slightly disappointing but I hope that Prodigy will be much better than the first one.

3/5 STARS

Gone by Michael Grant

Gone (Gone #1)

Author: Michael Grant

Pages: 576

Publication Date: June 24, 2008

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

I know I'm like the last person to read this, but it's never to late to start a series right? After reading non-stop five star reviews on this series, I finally decided it was time for me to hop onto the bandwagon and see what the hype was all about. Before I finished it, I thought the book was going to be a bit of drag since it was over five hundred pages, but it was not like that at all.

What I loved about this book was the beginning. I loved how it cut right to the chase. From the first page, you already have all the adults gone. Those who are fifteen or older were vanished from earth. I assumed that they would have been happy that the teacher were missing.  No teachers? No rules? YES! But they were actually all in shock. They couldn't believe what was happening especially when they found out their parents were gone as well. 

Gone is in third person but it is written several POV's. You were into Sam's, Caine's, Astrid's, Drake's mind and so much more. I loved the variety. They all had their own quirks and their flaws which I certainly enjoyed reading. How they coped with the situation was one of the main reasons why I loved this book. There were babies that needed to be changed, kids that needed to be fed and teens that needed to be healed. I've already dived into the second book because the first book left me wanting more. 

Overall, it is  fast-paced, thrilling and is filled with butt-whooping characters! 

4/5 STARS

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

The Alchemy of Forever (Incarnation #1)
Author: Avery Williams
Pages: 246
Publication Date: January 3rd 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Seraphina has been alive since the Middle Ages, when her boyfriend, Cyrus, managed to perfect a method of alchemy that lets them swap bodies with any human being. Sera ran away from Cyrus years ago, when she realized that what they were doing—taking the lives of innocent people—was wrong. Yet she doesn’t want to die, so she finds young people who are on the brink of death, and inhabits their bodies.

     Sera has just landed in the body of a girl named Kailey who was about to die in a car accident. For the first time, Sera falls in love with the life of the person she’s inhabiting. Sera also falls for the boy next door, Noah. And soon it’s clear the feelings are returned. But she can never kiss Noah, because for her to touch lips with a human would mean the human’s death. And she has even more to worry about: Cyrus is chasing her. If she stays in one place for long, she puts herself—and the people she’s grown to care for—in great danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that’s eluded her for centuries: true love?

I've seen this book on sale at Chapters, but I refrained myself from purchasing it since I've never heard anything about this book. Instead of buying it, I burrowed it from my local library.

This novel is the first book in the Incarnation trilogy. I'm not sure whether it's a trilogy or duo. Hopefully, it's a trilogy. The Alchemy of Forever is the first book I've ever read that involved incarnating into another person. Incarnation in this book involved breathing into the mouth of the body you desire to be in.

In order for the incarnation to work, you must first taste the elixir that allows your soul to jump from body to body. Then after completing the first step, you breathe into their mouth. Our main character, Seraphina/Sera is forced into kissing a woman who has stabbed her so that she may live. Her soul transferred into the other woman's body, leaving Sera's body dead.

This may sound weird, but I felt like I was reading Romeo and Juliet when I first read the prologue. They don't really have anything alike except for the masquerade-themed ball. I didn't really like how Cyrus and Sera got together. It felt like instant love. The love between them was too rushed. When Sera was dying, Cyrus was begging that she couldn't leave him. Cyrus was acting like the love of his life was at lost. But the problem was that they barely knew each other. They have had only spared each other glances.

Overall, this book was a surprise to me. I adored the author's writing. And I loved Sera. She is smart and thinks critically. To those who love incarnation, this book is a must read!

4.5/5 STARS

Across The Universe by Beth Revis

Across the Universe (Across the Universe #1)

Author: Beth Revis

Pages: 398

Publication Date: January 11, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

This is an excellent start to a series. It begins off with Amy following the footsteps of her parents, to be loaded in as frozen cargo to a new planet, three hundred years into the future. Her parents are known to be useful to the new planet, but Amy is known as non-essential cargo.

Fast forward and Amy wakes up fifty years before the ship is scheduled to land on the planet. She meets a boy named Elder, who is in training to be the newest leader. Elder is amazed at Amy's beauty since she looks different from the rest of them. 

Complications arise when Amy finds out that someone is purposely unplugging the frozen bodies. Together the both of them try to discover the truth behind the murder. As they unravel the truth, they not only find out the murderer but a shocking truth about the ship that will leave you breathless. 

Across the Universe is filled with great detail, making you feel like that you're actually living in their world. To those who don't love science fiction, you'll be absolutely changed once you read this! 

4/5 STARS

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Pivot Point (Pivot Point #1)
Author: Kasie West
Pages: 343
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 12, 2013

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

Pivot Point is a jaw-dropping debut from Kasie West. This book surpassed all of my expectations. I was literally blown away.

Addie is a Searcher, meaing that she can see the future only if she is faced a choice. Addie has to make a decision which parent she wants to live with. This book takes a unique take on two possible futures. The real question is: which one will she pick?

The two futures were completely different. I loved how both of the futures had a small connection to each other.If I had to choose for Addie, I would have chosen the life with her Dad. Mainly, because I loved Trevor. The other future was more suspenseful, which was one of the perks of it. But the main reason why I didn`t like it was because of Duke. I didn`t like him. He was just too suspicious and there was nothing to like about him at all.

This book was absolutely brilliant, well-plotted and breath-taking. Filled with twist and turns, you'll be dying for the second book. Pivot Point is a must read!

5/5 STARS

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine

Tumble & Fall

Publication Date: September 17, 2013

The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left? Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand. 

First of all, this cover is absolutely amazing. So adorable! I originally thought that this was YA contemporary romance, but surprising this is science fiction, with a dystopian background (that's what I heard). I'm extremely curious what this is about and hopefully it would be as great as the cover is. 

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly (Unearthly #1)
Author: Cynthia Hand
Pages: 435
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: January 4, 2011

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is the first book in the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand. I don't usually read angel stories but one of my good friends recommended this series to me, so I thought I would give it a try. I'm really happy that I read it. It was surprisingly good.

Clara is an angel, 1/4 to be exact. As an angel, you are given a purpose in life. The book starts off with Clara leaving her hometown and moving into Wyoming where her purpose has to be fulfilled. She goes into a new  high school, searching for the boy she has to saved. Eventually, she meets and later realizes that he isn't what he seems to be.

Clara was an overall good character. She didn't have any traits that annoyed me, though I sort of cringed when she went stalking Christian. When they first introduced Christian, I really thought he was going to be Clara's love interest. I really thought I had this book thought out, like I knew what was going to happen. But, I guessed wrong. And I really liked that.

Tucker was definitely a great character. He was funny, witty and insanely swoon-worthy. Usually, farm boys aren't  my cup of tea. But Tucker was an exception. He's definitely the other half of Clara. I can't even  imagine someone else being with Clara either than Tucker.

I loved Clara's mom. She was present throughout the whole book. She was basically the rock that Clara leaned on. She was very mysterious. You find yourself asking "what's her story?" or "what is she hiding?"

The ending was mind-blowing. Literally. After you finish reading it, you would instantly think "what just happened?" You get thrown so much surprises in the end. By the time you finish the last page, you'll be yearning for the second book.

Unearthly was captivating and probably one of the best angel books I've ever read. You definitely need to read this!

6/5 STARS

Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound (Everneath #2)
Author: Brodi Ashton
Pages:358
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: January 22, 2013

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

Everbound is the sequel to Brodi Ashton's Everneath. Everbound focuses on Nikki and Cole as they both find a way to rescue Jack. Despite Cole's feelings for Nikki, he does everything he can to help her. Together, they face difficult challenges of the Tunnels.

This one is much more action-packed and is filled with suspense that has your emotions all over the place. It will keep you guessing, and questioning every single move that each character makes. I don't normally like flashbacks but this book excelled in it quite amazingly. I was dying for more flashbacks rather than reading the present.

The characters were as better as ever. I loved Cole. You can actually get the evil and good side of him in this book. There were times where I loved him and time I wanted to kill him. In the end, he will have you confused. On the other hand, Jack, though he was absent for the most part in this book, you also get the positive and negative side of him. Both characters were complex and flawed, but they were well-written characters.

Everbound was a great sequel to the first book. Perhaps, even better than the first one. For those who haven't read it, you definitely should; it will definitely have you yearning for the third book.

5/5 STARS