The Jewel Review

Title: The Jewel (The Lone City #1)
Author: Amy Ewing
Release Date: September 2nd 2014
Publisher: HarperTEEN
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4.5/5

The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.

Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel’s glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess’s petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.

Review:

I think most, including myself, will be drawn to The Jewel because of it's gorgeous cover, this books is much more than just a gorgeous cover though. The actually story is much more dark and intriguing than the cover lets on and I loved every minute of reading The Jewel.

The Jewel was not what I was expecting at all, I didn't know that it was a dystopian when I first started it. It unlike any dystopian I have read, which is hard to do these days, they all seem to have the same plot points they must hit. I would compare The Jewel to The Hunger Games, the Eve trilogy, and The Selection  it has minor qualities that remind of certain aspects in these other dystopian worlds. There are some magical elements tied into story as well, I will only say that just to tease you.

I loved Violet as a character she is more mentally strong the physically unlike other heroines in a dystopian world. She is not the initiator the rebellion, characteristic of dystopians, but gets caught up in while trying to find a way to survive in this deadly world hidden beneath the wealth and beauty. The side characters were also amazing, they really added to the plot and my overall enjoyment of the book.

The reason this book gets a 4.5 rating and not a 5 is because her love interest, Ash, does not come in until a good portion into the novel and their was a bit of instant love. Prior to his addition into the story I had assumed her love interest would be with one, or both, of the other guys who appear close to the beginning of The Jewel.

I would definitely recommend The Jewel, it was an amazing debut that surprised me with its content. I was eagerly awaiting the next book, The Jewel had a killer cliffhanger that left me wanting more, immediately. Pick up The Jewel is you are looking for a unique dystopian that has dark and somewhat disturbing elements and a very well thought out and executed plot.

On the Fence Review

Title: On the Fence
Author: Kasie West
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: July 1st 2014
Source: eARC for Review
Rating: 3/5

She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door…

Charlie Reynolds can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at a chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world. To cope with the stress of her new reality, Charlie takes to spending nights chatting with her neighbor Braden through the fence between their yards. As she grows to depend on their nightly Fence Chats, she realizes she's got a bigger problem than speeding tickets-she's falling for Braden. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Review:

After hearing many great things about Kasie West's sci-fi series and her previous contemporary novel I was excited to give her a shot. I was very intrigued by the concept of On the Fence, a tom boy who is interested in her best friend who also happens to be her neighbour and so close she considers him a fourth brother. Ultimately the plot of On the Fence is what I loved them most.

I read through On the Fence in only a matter of days (quick for a university student such as myself) because it was very addicting and drew me in. Kasie West is also a very good writer who draws you in through the power of her words. While I enjoyed the book and loved the plot I had a few minor issues:

1) I don't see how a tom boy, such as Charlie, would ever get a job a clothing store. I just doesn't seem realistic.

2) I didn't really like Charlie as a character. I like and admire her getting down and dirty being one of the boys. What I didn't enjoy was her tendency to lie and alienate herself by saying constantly that she is not a "normal" girl as is there was a definition to what a normal girl is. By the end of the book Charlie does become somewhat of a different person and I did appreciate that.

3) Charlie and Braden's relationship. For the majority of the book you could she that there was a romantic relationship forming, but it just took way to long to develop. It isn't until about 90% of the book that Charlie realizes that she is in love, and from there the last 10% try to jam in everything that should have happened between them earlier.

Overall On the Fence was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to conptempory fans who are interested in reading a story through a tom boys perspective. I did have some issues with it, but I don't think it will be an issue for everyone. It would make  a great summer read!!

Cruel Beauty Review

Title: Cruel Beauty
Author: Rosamond Hodge
Release Date: January 28th 2014
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Review:

Cruel Beauty mixes two of my favourite things into one: mythology and a retellings of classic fairytale. At first I was a bit skeptical as to how these to ideas to mix together but at the same time excited to see someone try. My final verdict is that it worked pretty well and made for a new and refreshing twist on an old fairytale.

Cruel Beauty follows the story  on Nyx who was chosen instead of her twin sister to marry the "Beast", who is actually very handsome and charming, and kills him in revenge for enslaving her world and killing her mother. For the most part the plot is much different than the original story, which is good because you don't know where the story is going to go and it's much more fast passed and action packed which is always a plus in my book.

I found Nyx to be a very unique character is YA fiction, she is full of hate. Specifically towards her sister and her father, her reasons are just in some ways so she is not an unenjoyable character as she may seem from this statement. I actually enjoyed her quite a lot and I especially loved her husband. There is a bit of a love triangle I would say, but is not your "typical" one, you will have to check out the book for yourself to find out more.

The only bad aspect for the book I can think of is that it goes heavily into detail with Greek mythology and not the myth and characters that the average person would know much about. It wasn't a problem for me because I have taken many mythology and ancient civilization classes but I can see where many may be confused and not enjoy the book as much due to this.

Overall Cruel Beauty was a refreshing addition to the fad of retellings with its added dark elements and mythology. The story is quite different than the Beauty and the Beast you may be used to but the basic plot points are still there... with a twist. I highly recommend this book to mythology, fantasy, and of course fairytale retelling lovers you won't want to miss this one.

Elusion Review

Title: Elusion
Author: Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam
Publisher: Katherine Teagen Books
Release Date: March 18th 2014
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4/5

Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

Review:

I won't lie, I was ultimately drawn to Elusion due to its gorgeous cover, just look at it it's beautiful!! But Elusion is much more than just a pretty cover though, it has a unique, and in a sense relevant, concept with amazing world building that makes it a very visual appealing novel.

What I enjoyed most about Elusion is how much it can relate with modern issues in society and creates a future that seems realistic due to these issues such as pollution and our dependency on electronics and technology. In Elusion people are forced to wear oxygen masks to breathe because of pollution and escape into the world of magical worlds of Elusion, a technological invention, to get away for the harsh and depressing truth about reality. While we don't have this kind of technology (yet) I can see the future looking a lot like this one day and I like this aspect of the novel because the majority of dystopian societies aren't all that realistic (in my opinion) and finding one that is really drew me into the story made me intrigued and drawn into the story.

In addition to being a futuristic, sic-fi, dystopian novel Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam create a plot that is very much a mystery, and of course it also has a little bit of a romance thrown into the mix as well. What I'm trying to say is this book has got it all, the mesh of so many genres and aspects works and very well and creates a complex, but easy to understand and follow. and riveting roller coaster ride of a book.

I can't wait to see what happens next to Regan and the rest of the characters from Elusion, Elusion ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I am eagerly awaiting more! I definitely suggest giving Elusion a try, Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam make quite the power duo.

3:59 Review

Title:3:59
Author: Gretchen McNeil
Release Date: September 17th 2013
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Source:ARC for Review
Rating: 4/5

Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.

Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.

Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo.

Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day.

But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.

By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late?

From master of suspense Gretchen McNeil comes a riveting and deliciously eerie story about the lives we wish we had – and how they just might kill you.

Review:

 

Being a previous fan of Gretchen McNeil's work and the horror/suspense genre I had high hopes when starting 3:59 and let me tell you I was not at all disappointed. I wouldn't classify 3:59 in the horror genre, it's more of a suspenseful sci-fi novel. It does feel horrific at times for completely different reason which I will touch upon in a bit.

 

I absolutely loved the concept of 3:59; an alternate universe that appears to be an exact replica of the one Josie is living in that she can see for 60 seconds every 12 hours makes for a great plot and a unique story. I have to say my favourite aspect is the fact that 3:59 is a very scientific book, I personally love science I find it fascinating and one its used in a book to explain/prove what it happening makes the events seem all the more real, even though in the world we live in it couldn't possible happen. It makes me almost believe is could though!

 

The reason the book is a bit creepy it because of it being a scientific driven plot giving it the aspect of realism. The realism also enables you to put yourself in Josie`s shoes also adding the creep factor. For those not desensitised by creepy things may not want to read this after dark.

When you actually read 3:59 you will see that the actual plot of the book is not even mentioned in the synopsis, which I think is a great thing because I was surprised in a good way. I should also say that the synopsis does not to the book justice.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of 3:59, it`s more of a plot driven story than a character one that is packed full of suspense, action, and romance. I definitely suggest this book to anyone and everyone, once you start you wont want to stop until you`re done and it will keep you thinking about it days after you have finished reading.

 

The Chaos of Stars Review

Title: The Chaos of Stars
Author: Kiersten White
Release Date: September 10th 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 3/5

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.

Review:

 

I've been a fan of Kiersten White for years, ever since Paranormalcy came out. So when I heard that see had an Egyptian mythology book coming out I was really happy since Egyptian mythology is my favourite type and I had yet to read a good book on the topic. While I did enjoy alot of things about The Chaos of Stars, somethings just didn't work for me.

 

My favourite thing about the novel is the concept, a mortal girl with immortal Egyptian Gods as parents. While that is very interesting White failed to explain how immortals could give birth to mortal children. The main character, Isodora, Kiersten's classic witty humour which I really enjoyed. I also really enjoyed how at the beginning of each chapter there was excerpts of Egyptian myths that related to the story told in The Chaos of Stars.

 

While The Chaos of Stars is a mythology book, I would say it's more of a contemporary book. The book follows Isodora who feels she was only born to worship her parents so that they wouldn't disappear because they were forgotten. Because of this she has trouble to the concept of love, she feels that humans are disposable and love only causes pain and heartache. The plot pretty much consists of Isodora dealing with these issues with Egyptian mythology tied into it. Just a heads up there is also some greek mythology.

 

Overall The Chaos of Stars is not my favourite Kiersten book to date, but I did enjoy it for the most part. I wish it wasn't a standalone, I would like to see what happens to Isodora and her friends next.

The Selection Review

Title: The Selection ( The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 24th 2012
Source: ARC from trade
Rating: 5/5

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review:

 

I've debated long and hard as to whether I should write a review on The Selection or not. In the end I decided to in the hopes I could sway those hesitant to pick up this book like myself to do so.

 

I've had The Selection in my possession since long before it was released in 2012, and just now picked it up. Boy am I glad I did, I absolutely loved The Selection! The dystopian word the Kiera Cass has created is The Hunger Games meets reality TV in the Bachelor. Which in my opinion is an amazing combination and works extremely well together. Right from the first chapter you will automatically be drawn into this amazing world.

 

As for the characters I loved all the main ones; America, Maxon, and Aspen. Though is respect to the love interest I am partial to Prince Maxon, I would describe him as a gentlemen in sexy form. What I enjoyed the most about the characters in The Selection is the relationship they have with each other, while reading you can really feel the connection and tension at times between them. The other girls part taking in the selection aren't so great and I was glad to see some of them sent home.

 

All though The Selection lacks on the action it is still a very fast paced read that will have you thinking about it for days after finishing it and have you scrambling to get your hands on The Elite (believe me I know). I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone but because of it's nature I feel it would be more suited for the female audience.

Rush Review

Title: Rush (The Game #1)
Author: Eve Silver
Release Date: June 11th 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Source: ARC for Review
Rating:  4

So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

 

Review:

 

First off I have to say that Rush has to be one of the most unique books in the YA sci-fi genre, the whole video game aspect was a great idea. Because "the Game" which is what the characters refer to it as where they are pulled to fight aliens is set up like a video game, where character earn points for each kill I think Rush will appeal to not only girls but boys too in a wide age range. The super hot guy, Jackson is definitely for the girls. *swoon*

While I enjoyed all the characters in the book I would have to say that Miki is not my favourite she just seemed over confident throughout the majority of the book. That being said her two possible love interests Jackson and Luka were fantastic. I absolutely loved them both, but Jackson won me over by a fraction.

I loved how Rush was  fast paced  and action packed right from the first chapter it really grabbed me and didn't let go until the end (which has a greuling cliffhanger by the way). The only complaints I have would be that rather than having one climatic point there were many with slow moments in between. I can see this appealing to some though. I also found the book to be a bit comfusing at the beginning but Eve Silvers descriptive writing cleared thing up rather quickly.

I really enjoyed Eve Silver's, a local Toronto author, debut novel Rush. It was unique, action packed, and had swop worthy prominent male characters that cannot be helped but to love. Rush is definitely a book that should be checked out by individuals of any age and any gender.