Blackout Review

Title: Blackout ( Blackout #1)
Author: Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: October 1st 2013
Source: ARC from Edelweiss
Rating: 4/5


Laura and Alec are trained terrorists.

Jack and Aubrey are high school students.

There was no reason for them to ever meet.

But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.

Review:

 

Usually I'm put off my a book that seems like it's geared towards to male audience, but in the case of Blackout I was so intrigued by a virus giving teens powers and terrorists I just had to pick it up. I am SO glad I did because I ended up really enjoying this book and can't wait to read the next one ASAP.

 

I have never read a book told partly in the third person perspective of a terrorist, it was very refreshing to read from a perspective of a "villain". I put villain in quotation marks because I am not quite sure if these teen terrorists are in fact bad, the motive behind their destruction may be justified. The overall story reminded me of Gone by Michael Grant which is a book I really enjoyed, with the twist of a virus spreading around powers.

 

While most of the powers acquired by some of the characters are not the best, I give Robison Wells bonus points for being creative. In most books the same basic powers are recycled over and over again, in Blackout you are in for some unique ones.

 

I ended up really enjoying Blackout; it was fast paced, very unique and it's sure to be a pick hit because it does appeal to both sexes and I event think it would appeal to all sorts of age groups as well. It's a very well rounded novel! Do not fear die hard romance fans there is some romance tied into the action paced teen terrorist novel.

Asunder Review

Title: Asunder (New Soul #2)
Name: Jodi Meadow
Publisher: Katherine Teagan
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

Review:

 

After thoroughly enjoying the fantastic world Jodi Meadow created in Incarnate, Asunder was a sequel I couldn't wait to get my hands on. With the super  adorable relationship between Sam and Ana and the new revelations and questions that arose in Asunder, the book certainly does not disappoint.

I absolutely love the world of The New Soul trilogy, it's creative, magical, and unique. The journey that Ana and Sam undergo is just all the more awesome because of the genius world Jodi has created. The tension between the Old Souls and their negative feeling towards New Souls like Ana causes some very dramatic moments that readers will be fascinated with. The writing is also extremely well done, it's very descriptive and beautifully done.

The only thing that I can say against Asunder is that I would love to see some of the mythical creature mentioned throughout the book like trolls and unicorns. Dragons were apart of Incarnate, and were awesome, but seeing more of them and others would be amazing.

With the introduction of new characters,  a well written continuation of Incarnate with the sweetest of all romances, and with an ending that will have you egerly awaiting the final book in the series, Asunder is a sequel you won't want to miss. It's a case where you should jugde a book by it's cover, and this book has a gorgeous cover.

Team Human Review

Title: Team HumanAuthors: Justine Larbiester & Sarah Rees Brennan
Publisher: Harper Teen
Source: Library
Rating: 3

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity!

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Review:

 

Having heard great reviews on Team Human and hearing that it was quite humorous I had high expectations when starting the book. While I did enjoy the book I didn't absolutely fall in love with it, it was just an okay read for me.

 

All the raving about how funny Team Human was is what ultimately made me want to pick it up. After reading I don't know why others found this book to be funny, I didn't laugh at all while reading unfortunately and I tend to laugh at things that aren't all that funny.

 

I did quite enjoy how the authors poked funny of the typical insta-vampire love, and wanting to be with each other for eternity. All though while picking on it, it actually had to happen falling in with the cliche vampire love.

 

I really enjoyed Mel as a main character. She was easy going and very easy to like and genuinely cares about her friends. She has a investigating side to her which led to my favourite aspect of the book, the mystery that Mel was trying to solve. Throughout the book you keep guessing what happened and who the bad guy is.

 

The other best thing about Team Human is Kit. Kit is a character who was raised by vampires, and doesn't completely understand how humans live. Things do get a little humorous with him around. It also doesn't hurt that he's a hottie and Mel's love interest.

 

Team Human isn't a fantastic read, but it is a short and sweet one that pokes funny of the classic YA vampire stories. Definitely pick it up if you're looking for a quick, fun and enjoyable read.

 

Something Strange and Deadly Review

Title: Something Strange and Deadly
Author: Susan Dennard
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: July 24th 2012
Source: ARC for Review
Buy: Amazon / Book Depository
Rating: 3.5

Summary:

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Review:

I really enjoy the steam punk genre and I love zombie book, so Something Strange and Deadly seemed like the perfect mix of those two for me. This is the second novel  I have read with that combo of steam punk and zombies, and I can say that I really enjoyed this book. Zombies aren't the focal point of the story the steam punk aspect is for those who are expecting a heavily zombie influenced book.

For me it had the perfect amount of zombie action, I don't tend to like to many. They are also pretty gruesome which I loved. The feeling of being in the late 1800's is very prominent and sets the setting very well. Eleanor as a character is very interesting because her personality is much more different than is typical for girls of that era to act. She is also a very strong character who is willing to take risk for the greater good.

Right from the beginning of the story it wastes no time with getting right into the story, and grabs your attention from the very start and keeps it to the last page.Romance isn't a large part in this book, which I actually enjoyed, but I can see there being more in the future which I am all for. Daniel is an interesting young man that would be a great mix with Eleanor. Besides there being zombies in this book, no duh, there is also ghost/spirits that are pretty terrifying as well.

The only thing that I didn't love about this book, is how predictable to plot is. I could guess right away what was going on and where that would end up in the end. Susan gave very obvious clues throughout the book that  may not have been for the greater good ofvthe overall story. Sublte clues are always better so there is more of a surprise at the end.

I am really looking forward to see where Eleanor and Daniel's story goes in the next instalment. I will be eagerly waiting for the next book to come out so that I can see what is in store. Eleanor was left on a shokcing note and I really want to see how she will deal with it.

Insurgent Review

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HaperTeen
Release Date: May 1st 2012
Source: Bought
Buy: Amazon / Book Depository

Summary:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Review:

By this point if you have yet to read Divergent, I have to say what is wrong with you?? Read it! I am one of the few who waited a while to read it, but as soon as I did I totally understood why this series has gotten the buzz that it has. I loved Divergent and I loved Insurgent, the second book may be a smidge better if that is at all possible.

I love the idea of factions, if I were to be in one I would choose dauntless or Amity. I know that they're the opposite of each other but that's just how I roll. As you know Divergent was left on sort of a cliffhanger, Insurgent picks right back up where the last book left off. Seeing the development of the faction war that the Eurdite want to happen is pretty awesome. Also learning more about the Divergent's, why they are the way they are, and discovering more people with their abilities is just a few of the reasons that I loved Insurgent.

Another one of those reasons would be Tris and Four, I love them as a couple, they are two strong, brave individuals. Their relationship is put to the lest countless times throughout the book. Just something that annoyed me is how Tris calls Four Tobias most of the time and his nickname, Four, other times. I prefer the name Four, but I would like for her to just stick with one name.

The Divergent series is probably one of the best dystopian and best book period that I have read. Veronica Roth is an astounding writer with an insanely amzing creative mind. She should be proud of what see created in both Divegent and Insurgent. There is never a dull moment, everything is very well explained and makes sense in the context of the book. I love this series and Veronica Roth.

Enough of me raving and being a fan girl. If you haven't noticed I really think this is a great book and you should pick it up now. The tension, drama, and revelations towards the end is to die for and the cliffhanger with be on your mind until you will be able to pick up the final installment in 2013. This is a book I can see being turned into a movie.

Sweet Evil Review

Sweet Evil

Wendy Higgins

Harper Teen

May 1st 2012

A copy was provided by Harper Collins Canada for review. Thanks!

Summary:

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip to meet her father forces Anna to face the reality that hope and love are not options for her kind. When she confronts her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Review:

I knew that I was going to enjoy Sweet Evil because whenever angels and demons are involved I'm happy. Unfortunately because of some minor issues I didn't completely love Sweet Evil. The concept and story line are completely new and super interesting though on the up side.

Something you've probably already heard about Sweet Evil is the steamy romance that happens between Anna and Kai. Considering Kai's father is the demon of lust and Anna's is the demon of substance abuse you can only imagine how steamy this romance gets. Kai will definitely sneak his way into your heart, he's the total package, British, hot beyond you wildest imagination,  dark and mysterious with a sweet side, and lastly he's the drummer in a rock band. *swoons* Basically he's a total bad boy.

One things that disappointed me a bit was the lack of action througout the book, I would have prefered more but there was a bit towards the end that leaves the next book open to include much more. My favourite thing about Sweet Evil is the dark aspects it has to it. I found the angel/demon lore to be amazingly created and shared throughout the book. What Anna, Kai and the rest of the half-demon have to do on a daily basis is to bring bad influences into the world based on what their father is the demon of. I personally think that Wendy Higgins take on Angels is a genius one.

Being that Anna and Kai are literally polar opposites I couldn't relate to the attraction they had for eachother at first, but as things progressed it really shows the opposites attract. Also I don't think any person in real life is a nice as Anna is, it's just not natural.. but it is a parnormal book. I enjoyed the effects that both Anna and Kai had on eachother, Anna brings out the good in him and Kai lower Anna's goodness down a bunch of notches. The thing I disliked about Sweet Evil that I totally wasn't expecting was just how mature this book got. I think that this book should not be read by those who are under 16, things get a a bit out of control with all the drinking and sexual stuff that is going on.

Sweet Evil is a great book that has a very creative take on angels and demons. Although it's not the best book that I have read it has some great qualities to it. Definitely check it out if you want to fall in love the bad boy that will but all others to shame. You won't want to miss sweet southern girl, Anna's story. Do keep in mind that Sweet Evil does contain a lot of mature content that may not be for all readers.

Hemlock Blog Tour: Guest Post - The Wolves of Hemlock

Here's my second post in the Hemlock blog tour, the first post was my review of Hemlock. Go HERE to check it out. I would like to say thanks again to Shannon at Harper Collins Canada for putting together this blog tour and asking me to take part in it, and Kathleen Peacock for writing the amazing Guest Post below.

The Wolves of Hemlock

My intro to werewolves was almost exclusively through the screen. I watched Michael J Fox wolf-out on the basketball court and followed an American werewolf as he ran through the streets of London. Oz stole my heart and Ginger snapped. As much as I loved watching werewolves on screen, though, the thought of writing a werewolf novel was the furthest thing from my mind.
But some of those images stuck.

Shifts that were tied to anxiety and hormones. Bone-crushing transformations. Stories that worked on multiple levels. They were the wish list I kept without consciously thinking about it. When I did finally have an idea for a book—one I thought I could stick with long enough to write—that wish list was combined with a very practical set of story needs to create the Hemlock take on werewolves.

The Practical

I needed prejudice to divide the characters, so werewolves had to be “out” to the rest of the world.

There had to be an element of fear—even in people who felt sympathy for the wolves—so werewolves became victims of an epidemic which could ensnare anyone.

I needed certain characters in certain places at certain times with their claws out, so shape shifting couldn’t be restricted to the full moon.

The Wish List

I wanted excruciating transformations. Nothing comes without a price, and the strength and speed the wolves gain in Hemlock is paid for with blood and pain. It’s also brutal for the uninfected to watch. Part of the “fun” of writing the transformation scenes is that they’re all filtered through Mac’s fascination and horror.

I wanted the wolves to struggle 24/7. This isn’t a once a month kind of problem, and there is no werewolf Midol. That’s one of the things I liked about the Teen Wolf movies when I was a kid: the wolf came out when the boy was nervous. In Hemlock, the wolf comes closer to the surface when characters are afraid or angry, and some people are better at suppressing it than others. I wanted the wolves to grapple with self-control but ultimately have the choice of using their wolfish side to protect or to harm.

The Hope

For me, the most interesting takes on supernatural creatures like werewolves and vampires are those that say something about the human condition. Werewolves are set slightly apart from the rest of the world, but they remember what it was like to be fully part of it.

While I hope Hemlock readers like the fight scenes and cringe during the transformations, I also hope they see themselves in the werewolves and take something away from their plight.

About Kathleen:

Kathleen spent most of her teen years writing short stories. She put her writing dreams on hold while attending college but rediscovered them when office life started leaving her with an allergy to cubicles.

Hemlock, her first novel, will be released on May 8th by Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4124788.Kathleen_Peacock
Twitter: @kathleenpeacock
Website: www.kathleenpeacock.com

Hemlock Blog Tour: Review

Thanks to Shannon from Harper Collins Canada for putting together this fantastic blog tour, and thanks to Kathleen Peacock for writing a freaking amazing book. To follow along with the other blogs participating in this tour go HERE to find links to their reviews and guestposts/ interviews.

Title: Hemlock
Author: Kathleen Peacock
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: May 8th 2012
Source: ARC for review ( Thanks Harper Collins Canada)
Buy: Amazon

Summary:

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.
Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.
Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.
Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.
Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

Review:

When I first heard about Hemlock I expected to really enjoy it, turns out it went over my expectations and I ended up loving it to death. So far it's the best book I have read in 2012 and is high up on my list of overall favourites. Kathleen Peacocks taking an interesting and refreshing take on the werewolf and paranormal genres.

Now on to the endless reason why I loved Hemlock and why you should run out and buy it! The writing in this book is very engrossing and will immediately suck you in the amazing world of Hemlock. I speed right through this book and loved every second of it. What really stands out about this book is how different Kathleen's approach to werewolves is, seeing how many times they show up in YA fiction this isn't a small accomplishment.  I loved how Lupine Syndrom ( werewolf disease) is out to the public and people who have it are sent to confinement camps where we don't know for sure what happens to them from there.

Besides being a totally awesome paranormal book the plot of Hemlock also has a heavy amount of mystery and suspense. Honestly this just makes an awesome book even awesome-er. I don't even think I can put into words how much I loved the three main characters Mac, Kyle, and Jason, they each have qualities that I love to see in a person. If I were to chose one guy though it would be Kyle, the hot rocker guys who has a sensitive and sweet side to him. The things he says makes my heart melt. Mac is a strong lead character, she;s very  respectable, even though she tends to lie I love her. Jason is also a really great guy (just not as much as Kyle) he has a tortured soul and fights his demons by drinking. I just didn't agree with some of the decisions that he made in the book..

The mystery for the most part is very well down, it takes many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was able to guess Amy's murder pretty early on in the book that's just me though I always am able to, I think most people will be shocked by who it turns out to be. The motives behind the murder were a complete shock to me.

Kathleen Peacock really delivers in Hemlock, I can't think of a better book to debut with. Along with Hemlock being added to my all time favourites, Kathleen Peacock has been added to my favourite authors as well. She's Canadian too, just thought I should add that in as well.An amazing, unique take on werewolves, with a twist of mystery that makes Hemlock a definite page turner. I would suggest picking up Hemlock this Spring when it' is released and not entering 2013 without reading it. I stand by my word when I say that you will not be disappointed in you decision if you do.

 

 

Check back on April 19th for a awesome guestpost written by Kathleen Peacock on The Wovles of Hemlock.

Glimmer Review

Glimmer

Pheobe Kitanidis

Balzer + Bray

April 17th 2012

A copy was provided by Harper collins Canada for review.

Summary:

What if you forgot your identity and had to rely on other people to tell you who you were?

And what if to discover your true self, you first had to unravel a mystery so big and terrifying you were not sure you’d survive solving it?

When Marshall and Elyse wake up in each other’s arms with zero memory of how they got there oWhen Marshall and Elyse wake up in each other’s arms with zero memory of how they got there or who they are, it’s the start of a long journey through their separate pasts and shared future.

Terrified by their amnesia, the two make a pact to work together to find the answers that could jog their missing memories. As they piece together clues, they discover they’re in the idyllic mountain resort town of Summer Falls, where everyone seems mysteriously happy, but as Marshall and Elyse quickly learn, darkness lurks beneath the town’s perfect facade. Not only is the town haunted by sinister ghosts, but none of its living inhabitants retain bad memories of anything—not the death of Marshall’s mom, not the hidden shame in Elyse’s family, not even the day-to-day anguish of high school.

Lonely in this world of happy zombies, Marsh and Elyse fall into an intense relationship...but the secrets they uncover could be the death of this growing love—and the death of everyone, and everything, they love in Summer Falls.

Review:

Things can't get any weirder than waking up naked next to person you don't know, and having no memories of how you got there and who you are. For Marshall and Elyse, believe it or not, things do get weirder from there. Waking up in a town full of happy zombies, ghosts, magic, and the risk of ending up in the asylum, with no memories of how you got there makes for an interesting plot line.

My final though after reading Glimmer are, that was an unusual and different book than I have ever read before. It was truly an awesome book, the mystery is very well done, you don't know what's happening in this seemingly happy town, and why Marshall and Elyse have lost all of their memories. When you do find out what it really going on it's unusual but very interesting. I was hooked from the very first chapter and stayed hooked until the last page. Just to clear things up this book is NOT about zombies, I've heard some people think it is. The two paranormal aspects in Glimmer are ghosts and magic.

Pheobe Kitnaidis was very successful in creating an unforgettable story, the plot was very well though out and the writing consistent. Ultimately readers will be struck by just how unique a book the Glimmer is. Elyse and Marshall are the perfect match for each other, together they are a perfect team. The paranormal part of the book is really cool, but if I talk about it too much I will spoil you, which would be bad, so I won't. The only real complaint I can share about Glimmer is that I didn't really connect with the main characters and with the alternating chapters I sometimes forgot who's voice I was reading from because it wasn't too distinct.

Just a example of how weird the town of Summer Falls is to leave you something to chew on is that the people have something called a "heatnap" and randomly they with pass out into a nap when having a conflict. When they wake up they remember nothing of the event that occurs before and go on living happy. Weird!!  Overall Glimmer is a totally unique YA paranormal book, with a interesting concept that I strongly believe will amaze people other than myself. Pheobe Kitanidis has created a story that will be hard to follow up on in the originality department.

REVIEWrE

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