Cover Reveal: United We Spy by Ally Carter

Oh. My. Gosh. You guys. I am having a minor fangirl attack at the moment. Okay, okay. A MEGA fangirl attack. I just need to let out a little scream.

Why, you ask? Because, of course, the title, description, and cover reveal for the last book in the Gallagher Girls series was released today. Yes!!!

Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.

This cannot come out soon enough!! I can't wait!

Cover Reveal: Champion by Marie Lu

This is so strange, to be posting a cover reveal on the final book of one of my favorite series. But I'm so excited for this book and the cover is amazing! Without further ado, I shall get straight to the point.

The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion? 

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

Don't you love it? Don't you?! I love it. So much.

Cover Reveal: The Taming of the Tights by Louise Rennison

I simply adore this series. It is, in a sense, a guilty pleasure of mine, or a way to relive younger days. I think everyone should definitely give this series a try; it's guaranteed to make you chuckle and grin like an idiot.

Without further ado, here is the wonderful cover.

Gadzooks! It's another term at Dother Hall for Tallulah and her mates. But can they keep their minds on the arts with all those boys about...After the thing-that-will-never-be-mentioned last term, Tallulah is keen to put all thoughts of Cain behind her. But that seems like that the last thing he wants. Their performing arts college may have been saved by Honey's mystery benefactor, but for how long is anyone's guess. So will Tallulah finally get to wear those golden slippers of applause or will Dr Lightowler swoop down on her glory days? And with Seth and Flossie forever snogging, Vaisey and Jack loved-up and Phil and Jo fondly biffing each other can Tallulah resist the call of her wild boy? Don your craziest tights and Irish dance your way to some surprising and hilariously unexpected answers...

Hardcover, 256 pages

Expected publication: August 13th 2013 by Harper Teen

Doesn't it look great? I love the amusing covers.

Well, I suppose I shall have to anxiously wait for this. Sigh...

Cover Reveal: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Yes, the first book is still sitting in my TBR pile. But I felt the need to go ahead and put this baby on display! It's just too awesome-looking not to do it. Plus, since I just heard about it today, I am far too ecstatic not to tell at least someone about it.

Obviously I chose you guys.

The second installment in the all-new series from the masterful, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after... 

Can you guys just look at this cover a moment? Just gaze at it as I am doing at this exact moment. Ponder the amazingness that has been made. Also, can I just mention that I am so relieved there is not a sudden cover change? It really grates on my nerves when publishers do that, because none of my books would match anymore!

Putting that aside, I love how the ravens just seem to fly from him, his very being. He is the raven.

Okay, sorry. I was on a little fan craze at that moment.

Anyway, I cannot tell you how excited I am for this. There are no words. If you're excited for it as well, comment below and tell me what specifically you can't wait to see more of in this series!

Until later,
Sam

Review: A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Description: This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?

Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.

But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose?

Language: Mild (hardly any)

Violence: Moderate

Sexual: Mild (From the dog’s view, it says that he sees a couple “wrestling” on the couch and thinks nothing of it, but the dog falls asleep after mentioning that. Also, it says something about a “new game” that the dog discovered, which he soon lost interest in after being fixed)

There is a reason this novel was on the top list of 2o1o on GoodReads! I just cannot get enough of this story, with its interesting and fresh premise and lovable dog as the narrator.

The reason I picked up this book was because I was hoping this would make me smile. You see, I find it difficult these days, with stress and drama, to find a reason to smile, especially since fairly recently one of my best friends, who had been with me since I was a baby, died (my dearest dog). I was also hoping I would get some closure. But this book did so much more than make me smile; it made me laugh, grin even, and feel close to tears a few times. People were right to say that this is a story you will not forget.

Never once have I had mixed feelings about this novel: it was all love for it. Considering I’ve never read a book with the dog as the heroine, I wasn’t exactly certain what to expect. It was a little out of my comfort zone, but I am so relieved I took the plunge and dove right into this incredible story. Although it is quite short (at roughly three hundred and twenty pages), you will fly through the pages, and I am not sure whether it is the story itself or the amusing writing style that makes it so addicting. It did not take me long at all to complete this novel.

Whether you are quite familiar with Mr. Cameron’s works or you just love dogs, I can guarantee that this will move you and leave you with a comforting and settling feeling.

Cover: I love the simplicity of it. Refreshing.

Setting: Whether it’s the Yard, the loving home, or anywhere else, this dog faces new excitement and troubles along the way.

Characters: The dog. I love that dog. The owners were unique as well.

Storyline: Several adventures from the eyes of a dog.

Writing: The loose and easy-going writing style purposely tells us that dogs truly are simple creatures.

Surprises: I was impressed that there were a few surprises in this novel.

Overall: 4.5 stars. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2013 so far, and I won’t hesitate to pick up the second book.

Recommended: I would recommend this book to all dog lovers out there, along with the loyal fans of this author.

Review: Twilite: A Parody by Sue Knott

Description: This parody skewers the best-selling novel about the sparkly undead. Whether you're a "Twilight" lover or hater*, you'll laugh out loud. The scribd preview generated over 50,000 hits, a 5-star rating and rave reviews including:
"GOLD!"
"I love Twilight. But I swear I think I almost love this even more."
"This was hilarious!"
"boi i luv this book!! amazing"

Whether you're a "Twilight" lover or hater, you will enjoy the non-stop humor and subtle commentary on that best-seller's view of the world. (If you haven't read "Twilight," you'll just say, "Hunh?" If you've seen the movie, but haven't read the book, we're not sure what you'll think...let us know!)

People ask whether it's worth reading all 498 pages of "Twilight" just to truly appreciate "TwiLITE A Parody." That's a tough question. "Twilight" is a page-turner, but you'll never get those hours back. However, if you really, really love to snicker, it's worth it. 

Do not confuse this parody with fan fiction. This is a true parody. It follows Stephenie's book non-event by non-event, exposing the ridiculous every step of the way. Its stars are Edward Sullen and Bella Swoon, and boy is she clumsy.

Because author, Sue Knott, believes Twilight's endless descriptive passages of vampire hunkieness could not possibly be rendered more absurd, only the "meat" of the original novel is mocked. That makes this parody blessedly shorter than the lengthy vampire tome it skewers...but you'll wish there were more! 

This is the perfect gift for friends who don't understand why you don't like Twilight.
Read it. Laugh. And come back to share your review. 

*Disclaimer: haters find it funnier than fans.

Language: Mild

Violence: Mild

Sexual: Mild

Honestly, I am not a huge fan of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, so reading a parody on it was awesome and a nice change to my reading norms. It’s not that I strongly dislike Twilight, but it is not something I generally leap at the chance to buy or read. This book is another thing I would not charge to the book store to buy, but it is one I am glad to have read. It is an interesting and rather hilarious story for me, considering it is fairly unusual for me to read parodies. But it sounded unique, and I thank First Reads for allowing me to read and review this piece.

Despite the fact that Twilite: A Parody is not the lengthiest story (at around one hundred and twenty pages), it is a funny and insightful book, making the original novel by Stephenie Meyer have a new insight on the fellas such as I whose hearts are not won by the vampire/werewolf/human love triangle. This being said, I could chuckle numerous times throughout this parody, clearly knowing before I started that I would not be offended whatsoever, but humored.

Cover: Simple, it plays off of the cover of Twilight with a funny twist.

Setting: Phoenix.

Characters: The author makes fun of the characters, changing their names to sound similar to the characters created by Stephenie Meyer but making them more amusing to the reader, and manages to make the reader laugh at their obliviousness and lack of integrity throughout this well-told parody.

Storyline: A girl moves to a small town, and thus begins the blossoming of a romance and adventure nobody in the story expected would ever happen. Unique, I know. Call me sarcastic.

Writing: I enjoyed reading the hilarious writing style as I strolled through this quick read.

Surprises: Predictable but still entertaining, this is a story that both makes fun of and brings more insight onto the original story it plays off of.

Overall: 3 stars. This is very different from anything I have ever read before, which is something that is easy for me to state because I read very few parodies, and it is a read that may annoy some readers from time-to-time. Although extremely short in size and with bigger print, this book has a longer feel to it (probably because of all the exclamation points Bella uses and incorrect grammar I could pick out quickly).

Recommended: I would recommend this to anyone who loves parodies, doesn’t prefer Twilight, and will push the offensiveness of the fans aside for an enlightening read.

Review: Tempestuous by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes

Description: Recently banished, unfairly, by the school’s popular crowd, former “it girl,” Miranda Prospero, finds herself in a brave new world: holding dominion amongst a rag-tag crew of geeks and misfits where she works at the Hot-Dog Kabob in the food court of her local mall. When the worst winter storm of the season causes mall workers and last-minute shoppers to be snowed-in for the night, Miranda seizes the opportunity to get revenge against the catty clique behind her social exile. With help from her delightfully dweeby coworker, Ariel, and a sullen loner named Caleb who works at the mall’s nearby gaming and magic shop, Miranda uses charm and trickery to set things to right during this spirited take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Language: Moderate

Violence: Mild (there’s a mention of robbers who steal laptops, iPods, etc. in the mall, and some cases of revenge, some risky and including BB guns)

Sexual: Mild (a few kisses and innuendo)

Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for providing me with an ARC.

Have you ever had that feeling where the pacing is so slow that you feel you’ll lose interest in it quickly, and yet at the last moment when you’re about to close the book, you just need to find out how the book will end? That’s how I felt after finishing Tempestuous.

I’ve never read The Tempest by William Shakespeare, so I had to go on Spark Notes and find more details on it, because I searched Barnes & Noble’s website for a vague description, but it only told me things on the physical book, rather than the story on the inside. So, after reading the summary off Spark Notes, I understood a bit more about Tempestuous. It’s actually semi-amusing to me the way the authors modernized and twisted this story until it was molded into their own creation. I appreciate that. It takes guts to try to modernize a Shakespeare masterpiece, and so I give a round of applause for Kim Askew and Amy Helmes.

This being said, there are a few things in the book I didn’t appreciate. I didn’t like how everyone but Caleb was practically a slave to Miranda; I don’t know if this was the case in the original Shakespeare play, but I’m going to go on a whim and say it is this similar class, and if it is, I apologize for the negativity on that part. Still, I felt the whole grudge on her ex-friends and ex-boyfriend went on for a bit too long. I realize Brian cheated on her with her best friend, but the revenge seemed an inch below her level.

Other than the few things I didn’t care for, this was a pretty good book. There were some slow moments, some that weren’t as interesting, but even the lesser intriguing parts was still well written and made me want to continue on with the story.

The title of this book was actually what captured my attention—“Tempestuous: A Twisted Lit Novel.” If that doesn’t get you to read through the synopsis, I don’t know what will. Twisted Lit? I’m a fan of all old stories that have been manipulated into modern literature, and that’s the main reason I requested this one.

There was another thing I loved about this book. Actually, two things: firstly, this entire book takes place in a little more than one day (how cool is that?), and secondly, the chemistry that grew between Miranda and Caleb had a force to the readers that’ll have them cheering for them.

Now, I don’t know if you will fall upon the same issues I have with this novel, or if you will find it as surprising as I did, but take a chance and pick up this book. It’s not one you can easily forget.

Cover: I like the cover. It reminds me of a mall fountain mixed with an Old Roman/Grecian one, but that was probably the point, right? The soda on it is cute as well.

Setting: The local mall.

Characters: Miranda is a girl who can be very self-centered at times. It makes sense that her nickname is “princess,” because it seems she has many people wrapped around her finger, especially her friend and coworker Ariel, who she sends off to get revenge for her on her two ex-friends, even though those friends did nothing but emotionally hurt Miranda and her “friends.” (Really, it was Brian and Rachel who were to blame.) But thankfully, I got to know her better as the story progressed, and she isn’t as bad as I thought.

-Caleb is a character all in his own. I love how he doesn’t put up with Miranda’s crap, and points out her selfishness whenever there’s a chance. It seems as though he doesn’t care about what anyone thinks about him, and I like that about him, too, along with the fact that he has just an edge of bad boy genes in him.

-Chad and the other jocks Miranda accuses of being “nut-logs,” some of which include the infamous band, aren’t all that bad. They aren’t exactly the nicest people in the world, but they’re much better than Brian is, that’s for sure.

-Whitney, Britney, Rachel, and Brian were all complete jerks at the beginning of the story, especially towards Miranda, Ariel, and Caleb. Although Brian remains a player and the three besties’ eyes are only set on revenge, and I did get more than a little tired of reading about this, the story wouldn’t be as interesting without them.

Storyline: Teenagers get locked in a mall after being snowed in.

Writing: The writing is okay, in my opinion. It’s a little amusing at times, while the narrator can also appear snotty at others.

Surprises: (A small spoiler here.) I know this sounds a little weird, but I laughed so much at the thought of Caleb, Chad, and a few other guys in a band together. Just picture a sarcastic and stony-looking guy who works at a game store wearing a magician’s cape with a jock in another funny costume playing guitar and drums together. Laughing yet? No? Okay. Other than this, there actually weren’t a whole lot of surprises until the very end. The rest was more amusing than surprising, however.

Overall: 4 stars. This is interesting story that others may have enjoyed somewhat more than I did, but I did give it the rating I think it deserved. Like I said before, I really like Shakespeare, although I’ve only read a few of his works, and this was an intriguing and exciting book for me.

Recommended: I’d recommend this one to all who love Shakespeare and would be interested in reading a twist on the story all the fans know and enjoy.

—“Remind me why I'm doing this again?" I whispered back.
“For your real friends, of course: Me, Caleb, and Chad.”
“That's sweet of you to say, but I'm not sure we're all friends. Mr. Darcy over here," I indicated Caleb with a nod, "finds me barely tolerable.”

—“Where are you taking me?” he asked.

“To Got Games for a pair of those trick handcuffs,” I said. “I’m not letting you get away so easy this time.”

Review: Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett

Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make.…

1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enragedand out for blood. Mine.

3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.

(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)

(Sorry. That was rude.)

Language: Moderate

Violence: Mild

Sexual: Moderate (talk of virginity)

Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for providing me with an ARC.

When I started Confessions of an Angry Girl, I wanted a break. I wanted a light and quick read to ease my mind off the recent business and things that are beginning to overcome my life. It is a quick read, but what I got after reading this was so much different than I expected it would be.

The thing is, this book defines the word angst. The majority of it talks about sex, drugs, and partying. Oh, and let’s not forget about Rose’s anger problems, but I’ll get to that in a moment. Something I was looking forward to was a complicated relationship in the midst of it all. Yep, it is complicated, but it isn’t fulfilling.

Something about Rose: she’s an angry girl (hence the title). But as I read this, the only anger coming from her is complaints and the occasional tantrums she throws. She is understandable in the terms of her father’s death that last summer (which is the worst summer of her life), her brother moving away to college and seeming to not really care much about her (or that’s what she thinks), and her mother who rarely says a word to her that isn’t therapeutic. But other than this, she seems immature with her attitude, but wise with other things. Strange.

Now for a fun fact: I relate to characters in stories way too easily, whether it’s something I’m reading or something I’m writing. This story really made me connect with the characters. I felt Rose and her family’s pain through the story, all the irritation and the reality of the situations. After reading this, I felt angry, sad, confused, shocked, scared at the right moments, and gleeful at the slim moments Rose was, all through this novel. I even laughed out loud at a few parts, at Rose’s expense. So you can imagine how flustered I made everybody with my reoccurring bipolar attitude through two days I took reading this. Honestly, there were more than a few times that I wanted to slap Regina. I still do, in fact. Yeah, there were a couple of moments that I wanted to knock some sense into Tracy and even Rose, but multiply that by fifty-six and you’ll understand my emotions for the spiteful Regina.

Honestly, I was desperate for things to work out between Jamie and Rose while reading this. I wanted Jamie to come to his senses and stop dating Witch Head-Cheerleader; I wanted Tracy to stop acting like a twit and realize that she’s being a snob; I wanted Regina to “trip” and fall in a hole; I wanted Rose to be happy for once and to stop being so angry, grab hold of her senses and acknowledge the fact that her father was dead; I wanted her mom to actually act like a real mom should; I wanted Matt to join Regina in that hole, but die from the impact of the fall so he can’t be a bigger sleaze-ball than he already is; but most of all, I just wanted everything to run smoothly and have a happy ending.

But I’m afraid I cannot tell you if it ended to my anticipation. I can tell you that some things ended the way I wanted it to, but then, some things made me want to throw the book at the wall. Somehow this author makes me want to scream about the story, but at the same time make me want the second book. That’s talent, right there.

I really don’t know what the second book will be about, but I guess I’ll have to wait and see.

Cover: I like the cover, actually. I think it fits Rose nicely on the whole anger thing and is pretty unique.

Setting: High school. Need I say more?

Characters: I hate to be mean about them, but most of these characters are honestly annoying and self-centered. Rose’s friend, Tracy, is one of the worst, who mostly is only interested in losing her virginity to her boyfriend, Matt (a hormonal jock who cheats consistently, unbeknownst to his girlfriend), and doesn’t listen to Rose when she gives Tracy advice. That annoys me so much. Plus, she doesn’t pull through until the end. That added bonus points to her, but I can’t get over what she did to Rose.

-Another note: the cheerleaders. I understand they’re mean (even meaner than the real ones, especially Regina, the leader), but it seems that Rose has a huge grudge on them, even before she found out Jamie was dating the head cheerleader. Sure, they either ignore or bully her, but why does she seem like she wants to strangle them?

-Jamie. I don’t understand why he’s such a big deal. Yes, he can be really sweet and is overall a good guy, but he cheats on his girlfriend. Whenever there’s a rare moment that he’s sweet, all the other times he’s expressionless and basically a brick wall. Nothing. And yet everyone makes a huge deal about him. Explain why, please.

-Rose. She seems to hate most things. Yeah, her dad died last summer in Iraq, and I understand her pain of getting over it, and yes, she is definitely interesting and has a different personality, but there are few things that interest her or things she doesn’t know, besides relationships. This being said, I realize she is supposedly a geek, but really? Another thing that irritated me about her was how she always complained about her looks, how she wasn’t pretty enough, etc. Have some confidence, Rosie! Even though I’ve come to understand her more, my points still stand firm.

-Peter and the mother: let me get this out there: the mom annoyed the crap out of me. She seemed to be in this shell that wouldn’t break, always going into therapy-attack on Rose. On another note, Peter is anything but in a shell. Not only does he have a major potty mouth, but he also doesn’t act like the older brother Rose knew and loved. He’s like a guy friend, telling her to have fun and party in school because life is too short. Other than this, Peter seems like an okay guy. Not great, but not terrible either.

Storyline: A coming-of-age story about a girl trying to survive high school.

Writing: The writing was okay. It has this strange addictiveness that makes me want to continue the story, even though it annoys me more often than not.

Surprises: There weren’t exactly a whole lot of surprises in this one, besides the cruelty behind the fake smile of Regina and the other cheerleaders, and how Tracy finally came force in the end (after the wreck was ended). Oh, and that last part about Jamie.

Overall: I’m a little iffy with this book. On one hand, the characters get on my nerves. But on the other hand, they make me want to continue on with the series (because I hear there’s another one coming out early next year) and read more about them. I suppose I have a love-hate relationship with it, but I hear a lot of people do. Nontheless, Confessions of an Angry Girl was surprising and I found that, despite my somewhat annoyed review, I did enjoy reading this.

Recommended: I recommend this book for ages fourteen and up, just because of the conversations about virginity and the risks of sex, plus all the language included. But those who love contemporary and coming-of-age novels with a hint of humor and a whole lot of angst will find this one to their liking.

—But I do remember that day in study hall in the beginning of the year when he was drawing that house. Jamie’s a really good artist, unlike me. Which is why, when he grabs his stuff off the shelf in the back of the room and sits right next to me, I feel a little intimidated, along with everything else I feel when I’m around Jamie. (pgs. 246-247)

—“She deserved to get knocked on her a**.” (p. 248) Finally, someone has the nerve to say it!

—When he says stuff like that to me, about me, it makes me feel naked. His ability to see right through everything actually makes me a little mad right now, given our weird circumstances. He doesn’t want to be around me, so he shouldn’t get to say stuff like that. (p. 249) Oh, but I think he does want to be around you, Rose.

—Bad things happen whether you’re scared or not, so you might as well not bother being scared. It’s a waste of time.

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Description: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Language: Mild

Violence: Heavy

Sexual: Mild

Take a journey through the future, where everyone is able to choose a category they fit best in at age sixteen; a place where you will stay and follow the rules, or else you will be factionless and tossed into the streets, with few to help you get by.

Let me just get this fact out there in the open: I fell in love with Divergent.

Basically we are all Divergent. Our attitudes and actions are mixed together between all the factions. In this time, Divergence is normal. It’s what everyone is. But in this novel, Divergent may as well be a demon sent from hell. It’s unusual and yet not unexpected to not make it into any of the “normal” factions, but you will either be factionless or executed. You can act like you fit in, follow the rules, or you can take charge and fight for what’s right, with the high possibility of making it through the battle.

Many deaths were in this book, a whole lot of action and suspense that’ll make you chew on your nails in nervousness and almost fall right off the edge of your seat, and a romance that wasn’t over the top, which I was happy about. It’s awful when a gushy romance is too much for the story and it coats it in gooey insta-love, which also wasn’t the case here.

This book left me thinking long after I pried my eyes away from the intriguing story. How would you handle being brought up to be someone you aren’t? What would you do if you didn’t fit in any of the factions, if you didn’t want to follow the rules, and if you knew this world you lived in wasn’t fair and you would be willing to follow Tris and risk your life and others’ lives?

Cover: I love the cover! It’s very fitting, in my opinion, and original. Simple covers do not mean the story isn’t amazing.

Setting: A Dystopian world where everything is chosen for you.

Characters: Four: the man who is basically the assistant trainer in Divergent. He’s cruel, stubborn, and will push anyone their hardest. But deep down, he has a kind heart and will do anything to protect those he loves.

-Tris: the willful girl who is strong, fierce, and is still human enough that she is compassionate and tries to protect everyone, no matter the cost. Whether it’s putting her own life on the line or training in battle, Tris will win you over. And hopefully she will win the battle for the truth as well.

-Al: the betrayer. That’s all I have to say.

-Christina and Will: they were some of my favorite characters as well. Even though it seems more time than not that Christina should just shut her mouth and keep quiet, she was a great secondary character and won me over, along with the accompaniment of Will, who actually wasn’t in the book as much, but I loved him just the same and was extremely sad when… well, I can’t say…

-Peter, Molly, and Derek: I hate them. Sure, they’re Dauntless, but I wouldn’t call them brave. Brave people wouldn’t hurt others for the sake of winning the game or for their own benefit. That’s just cruel.

-Eric and others: most others were ones I had a strong dislike for, especially Eric. There were a few others that I do like, whose names have oddly escaped my mind at the moment…

Storyline: The beginning of this novel starts off as the usual Dystopian tale, which made me somewhat hesitant to continue if I hadn’t been sucked right into the story. But rest assured that this book is nothing like the usual ones out there. Just read it and you will understand.

Writing: It was so easy for me to lose myself in Tris’s voice. It’s right between simple and elaborate, but exceptionally enthralling and intriguing. It makes me feel as though I’m actually walking through this Dystopian world, following the rules and then breaking them, going through dangers and risking my life for those I love, right along with Tris, instead of making me feel like I’m just reading it.

Surprises: There were so many things in this book that I never saw coming, but I find I can’t state these surprises unless I want to spoil it for all of you. Which is tempting, but not my thing.

Overall: 5 stars! This book is one of the best that I’ve read in 2012. Even if you’re not a fan of the particular genre, there is everything in here that I can guarantee you will love if you give it a chance.

Recommended: I would recommend this book for years thirteen and over and for all of those who love unique Dystopian stories.

-         -“I might be in love with you.” He smiles a little. “I'm waiting until I'm sure to tell you, though.”

-         -“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.”

-         - “Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing.'

“Well,” he says, “I would only go if there was cake.”

-         - “Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.” 

-         -“Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.” 

-          -“I am selfish. I am brave.” 

Cover Reveal: The Grass is Always Greener by Jen Calonita

How many secrets can one family keep?

Amid preparations for Emerald Cove's extravagant Founders Day celebration and their own shared sweet sixteen, Isabelle Scott and Mirabelle Monroe are longing to break free from the tight constraints that come with being the daughters of a prominent public figure. When Izzie's estranged aunt, Zoe, breezes into town, the already uneasy family dynamic is turned on its head.

Izzie's finally found her footing in Emerald Cove by leading the Social Butterflies, her school's prestigious club, and she has no interest in getting to know yet another long-lost family member. But Mira, who's on a mission to try new things and make new friends, is drawn to Izzie's artsy aunt. And when Mira meets a handsome, brooding painter, her entire perspective on life begins to shift.

As tensions mount in Emerald Cove, Zoe's laid-back attitude appeals to both girls. But when she offers Izzie the chance of a lifetime, it's time to make a tough decision. What's more important: family or freedom?

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: April 16th 2013 by Poppy

ISBN

0316091103 (ISBN13: 9780316091107)

series

Belles #3

___
What a lovely cover! Not the fanciest or the most intriguing, but lovely nontheless. Any thoughts?

Cover Reveal: Free Souls by Susan Kaye Quinn

I am so excited about this one. It is the third and final book in the trilogy, and the cover is amazing. Susan Kaye Quinn is a self-published novelist, with fresh and intriguing stories to pour into that'll leave you wanting more.

When your mind is a weapon, freedom comes at a price.

Four months have passed since Kira left home to join Julian’s Jacker Freedom Alliance, but the hole in her heart still whistles empty where her boyfriend Raf used to be. She fills it with weapons training, JFA patrols, and an obsessive hunt for FBI agent Kestrel, ignoring Julian’s worries about her safety and repeated attempts to recruit her for his revolutionary chat-casts. When anti-jacker politician Vellus surrounds Jackertown with the National Guard, Kira discovers there’s more to Julian’s concerns than she knew, but she’s forced to take on a mission that neither want and that might be her last: assassinating Senator Vellus before he can snuff out Julian’s revolution and the jackers she’s come to love.

Doesn't this sound awesome? I can't wait!

Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Description: Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

Language: Heavy

Violence: Moderate/Heavy

Sexual: Moderate

   I have several different emotions souring through me after reading this book. Anticipation, adoration, the need for more, and an even stronger love for the story itself and Daemon and Katy; nothing was boring to me and there were only a few typos in the eBook version, which I forced myself to ignore and focus on the greatness of the overall book.

   There were so many things I want to point out, but that would be spoiling the whole thing for you guys. But it’s so hard not to gush about it! I mean, just think about it. Daemon: he’s his amazing and arrogant self who will make you wish you had a Daemon of your own just to cuddle with, despite the fact that he’s an alien. Oh, and Katy? She’s even feistier. Just register all of this.

   Overall, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat, but at the same time releasing a breath you hadn’t known you’d been holding.

Cover: I love all the covers! The models on the cover (aka Pepe Toth and Sztella Tziotziosz) resemble the characters I’ve imagined as Katy and Daemon extremely well. The couple looks very well together, and I really like the background as well as not just the models.

Setting: West Virginia.

Characters: It’s pretty obvious who my favorite character is: Daemon. Oh, Daemon. Who wouldn’t like him? The reason I like him is because, well… Daemon is Daemon. The sarcastic, charming Daemon. And I don’t like him just because he’s hot. Even though he can be rude and definitely envious, it’s almost impossible for most people not to fall for him, much like Katy did (another one of my favorite characters, who is feisty and somewhat relatable), even though she denies it through most of the book, which I found quite annoying.

Storyline: Onyx starts right where Obsidian leaves off. The entire storyline I found was awesome and flowed really well. Very suspenseful and intriguing, but I will say no more because no one likes a spoiler.

Writing: I absolutely adore the writing style of this! It makes me never want to stop reading the book, but once it’s finished, I’m begging for more.

Surprises: There were quite a few things I didn’t see coming laid out sporadically throughout the book, ones that made my jaw drop. There was rarely a dull moment in this story—heck, in this series in itself—but this is to be expected.

Overall: 5 stars! Once again, Jennifer L. Armentrout does not disappoint. She is one of my all-time favorite authors, one who you can be guaranteed will have a great and intriguing romance, an interesting and thrilling story, and loveable and wonderful characters included in her novels.

Recommended: I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a unique alien story, and any sci-fi or paranormal lovers! Even if you don’t like aliens, this book changed my liking of them and it’s possible to change yours as well.

Cover Reveal: Fracture by D.D. Chant

I've never read anything from D.D. Chant before, but this novel sounds so interesting! It doesn't release until March 2013, but I'm still excited about it.

In a world torn apart by war and divided in to three nations Astra struggles to achieve balance. As a child she experienced a horror that caused her life to fracture around her and change everything she’d ever known in an instant. 
Sixteen years later and Astra has been pressured into a false position by her past taking a stand that enables her to keep her loved ones safe, but the cost is high.
Caught in an intolerable position Astra is loyal to only one thing: the family that loves her. But when a diplomatic mission from the Free Nation arrives for peace talks with the Tula, Astra’s precariously balanced world begins to fracture again.

To receive an alert when this book is published please visit this page:
http://authoralarms.com/

I like the cover because it's simple and, yes, it isn't the usual posing-girl-in-beautiful-dress on the cover, as it seems most every YA books have. Even though this isn't necessarily a YA book, I still appreciate the difference. I'm looking forward to it!