The Nightmare Garden

Author: Caitlin Kittredge

Narrator: Katie MacNichol
Title: The Nightmare Garden: The Iron Codex Book Two

Publication: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers /Listening Library

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 432
Length: 14 hours and 19 minutes

Audience: 16 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the Amazon.com): Everything Aoife thought she knew about the world was a lie. There is no Necrovirus. And Aoife isn't going to succomb to madness because of a latent strain—she will lose her faculties because she is allergic to iron. Aoife isn't human. She is a changeling—half human and half from the land of Thorn. And time is running out for her.

When Aoife destroyed the Lovecraft engine she released the monsters from the Thorn Lands into the Iron Lands and now she must find a way to seal the gates and reverse the destruction she's ravaged on the world that's about to poison her.

My thoughts:

 My plans were not to continue with the series, but I could not get the characters or the story out of my head. I also accidentally read the cover of the last book in the trilogy, and I just knew I had to read it. After listening to this novel and the first, I have come to the conclusion that the first book is mainly to set the stage and introduce all the characters. This book is mainly action and a lot of truths come out in this one. The evidence behind the truth was always there, but were you clever enough to catch it? I wasn't and at first I was shocked, but when I thought back on the story the little revelations made a lot of sense.
Aoife really steps it up in this book. She is no longer the good, quiet Victorian girl. She is her own woman whether or not others like it. She also makes her own decisions and pays dearly for their consequences, but she is not as naive and is ready to face the challenge. Her brother Conrad is such a jerk in this novel. I'm not sure how she ever looked up to him. Dean is just as charming. Aoife and Conrad's father is now in the picture but he cannot make up for lost time. Plus, Aoife is smart and has already made up her mind.
There are some new characters and they help the action sequences along. I feel like Aoife really steps up to the game and accepts the responsibility for all that she has done and will do. She is such a strong willed character. There is more action in this novel than the first. From the synopsis of the last book, it looks like it will be filled with some action and life or death situations.
 I really enjoy Katie MacNichol's audio performance. If there was ever a movie production of this series, she would have to play Aoife (as well as Dean, Betina, and Conrad, Narissa, etc). She does the narration so well! There is never any confusion of who is speaking when and the voices she does for each individual character has been unique. She is a wonderful narrator and makes this crazy, sci-fi, dystopian, steam punk story an enjoyable story to listen to. I cannot wait to get my hands on the audio version of The Mirrored Shard.

Review & Giveaway: Echo by Alicia Wright Brewster

Title: Echo 
Author: Alicia Wright Brewster  
Publication: April 25th 2013
Publisher: Dragonfairy Press 
Genre: YA Sci-Fi

Audience: 14+

Amazon|Barnes & Noble|Goodreads 

Synopsis:
The countdown clock reads ten days until the end of the world. The citizens are organized. Everyone's been notified and assigned a duty. The problem is... no one knows for sure how it will end.

Energy-hungry Mages are the most likely culprit. They travel toward a single location from every corner of the continent. Fueled by the two suns, each Mage holds the power of an element: air, earth, fire, metal, water, or ether. They harness their powers to draw energy from the most readily available resource: humans.

Ashara has been assigned to the Ethereal task force, made up of human ether manipulators and directed by Loken, a young man with whom she has a complicated past. Loken and Ashara bond over a common goal: to stop the Mages from occupying their home and gaining more energy than they can contain. But soon, they begin to suspect that the future of the world may depend on Ashara's death.

My Thoughts: This story had me interested from the the first sentence. Ashara was supposed to be enjoying time with her family and relaxing until the end of the world came. "Ten days, four hours, twenty-one minutes." Instead she is pulled into a world she had didn't know she belonged to and had not received the proper training for. 

Ashara is the type of female lead that I love. She is strong, values family, and has a haunting past. Ashara is determined to do her part in saving the world. Even if that means she must die. Even though Ashara is not sure she should be apart of the Ethereal task force she works hard to learn her role and harness her power. 

Alicia Wright Brewster has created a fast paced, action packed story that will keep you on pens and needles till the very end. It is easy to connect with the characters and each one is important to the story and very memorable. Sci-fi and YA lovers a like will delight in this read. 

Author Bio:

Alicia Wright Brewster is a mild-mannered lady of average height and above average paranormal obsession. By day, she works in an office. At night she is an author, an electronics junkie, and a secret superhero.

In her virtually non-existent free time, she loves to read, watch movies, and eat food. She is particularly fond of the food-eating and makes a point to perform this task at least three times per day, usually more. 

Website|Goodreads|Facebook|Twitter 

Giveaway: There are two giveaways. The first is for an (1) ebook copy of Echo. The second is the Tour grand prize. (1st prize) A print or ebook + $25 bookstore e-gift card; and (2nd prize) A print or ebook + $10 bookstore e-gift card. Both giveaways are open internationally. Please use the rafflecopter forms below to enter. 

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The Iron Thorn, The Iron Codex Book One: Audiobook

Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Narrator: Katie MacNichol

Title: The Iron Thorn, The Iron Codex Book One

Publication: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Ember

Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Steampunk

Length: 13 hours
Pages: 512

Audience: 17 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from Goodreads): In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors rule and a great Engine turns below the streets, grinding any resistance to their order to dust. The necrovirus is blamed for Lovecraft's epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets after dark, and for everything that the city leaders deem Heretical—born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. And for Aoife Grayson, her time is growing shorter by the day.
     Aoife Grayson's family is unique, in the worst way—every one of them, including her mother and her elder brother Conrad, has gone mad on their 16th birthday. And now, a ward of the state, and one of the only female students at the School of Engines, she is trying to pretend that her fate can be different.

My thoughts:
Umm...well...where to begin? I picked this book up and was interested by the cover and synopsis. So here is a quick run down of my reactions to the book. I was excited, I was a little nervous and thought it was weird, then I loved it, then I hated it and wanted it to be over, and then I was angry because it got pretty good at the end and left me hanging. The final book to the trilogy just came out so I can finish the trilogy...maybe. I'm just not sure I want to. This book makes you think you are reading a harmless young adult, dystopian, fantasy, steampunk novel...but in reality it drops you into a world of creatures orginially created by the master of horror,sci-fi, and fantasy himself, H.P. Lovecraft. If you love H.P. Lovecraft then I suggest you read it. Ms. Kittredge made many, many references to him and his works. I think she throws everything into the novel except Cthulhu (he may appear in the later novels). I know I put this in a horror genre. I wasn't really scared, but some of the descriptions were so gross and the monsters so scary that I would define it as more of a light-horror (if there is such a thing! Ha!)
The characters in the book are the only things that seem real in this crazy weird story. Aoife (pronounced like Ee-fa) is our main leading lady. She is strong willed, a bit naive, a bit gullible, but she won't let her disadvantages get in her way. Her disadvantages include being a girl and possibility of going mad on her 16th birthday. Like I said though, she is a tough character and I can respect her for that. Her best friend Cal, I wish he would have been killed off because he was so whiny and scared through most of the book. It really grated on my nerves. Dean was the sexy bad heretic who helps Aoife and Cal find their way. I really liked him because he looked like the big bad wolf, but inside he was a soft marshmallow. One character I just loved who was not a main character was the maid, Betina. I have no idea why I loved her because she could be annoying at times, but her accent was awesome, and she was a bit loveable with all the craziness around.
The audio was performed by Katie MacNichol. She was really great to listen to. She did different accents to a believable Scottish to a manly Cajun accent. She was really great and I enjoyed her audio. When she played Aoife she really acted the part. If Aoife was out of breath, angry, or crying Ms. MacNichol acted it out as she read. She kept me entertained even though the story seemed to drone on and on in parts. The audio was superb, the story was entertaining enough that I stuck with it. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.

Saga Vol.1 by Brian K. Vaughan

Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrator: Fiona Staples

Title: Saga
Publication: October 10, 2012

Publisher: Image

Genre: Science Fiction, humor, action

 Pages: 160

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 5 out of 5

Source: Bought

Synopsis (Amazon):

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe. From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults. This specially priced volume collects the first six issues of the smash-hit series The Onion A.V. Club calls "the emotional epic Hollywood wishes it could make." Voted one of the top graphic novels of the year by the NYT, IGN, the Examiner, and SF Weekly. Voted Best Comic of the year by MTV Geek and Best New Series by Paradox Comics. Voted a finalist in the GoodReads Best GN of 2012 contest. Voted #2 Graphic Novel of 2012 by Amazon editors.

My thoughts:  Saga. Wow, what can I say about Saga? I picked up this book on a recommendation from a friend, without knowing one single thing about it other than, "Dude it's amazing you need to read it." So I did, and was blown away. This is the story of two military deserters from two opposing planets at war and their newborn child, on the run from a cruel universe. I loved Saga, it has everything from guns and swords to spaceships and ghosts. Keep in mind this book does have nudity, strong language and heavy violence, but don't let that scare you away, because this is a very touching and action packed story. I can not wait till the next volume.



 

Audio Review: Colony by Scott Reeves

Title: Colony

Author: Scott Reeves

Narrator: Martin Scott

Publisher: Scott Reeves

Format: Unabridged Audio

Length: 4 hrs: 12 mins

Publication: September 28, 2012

Source: Publisher

Genre: Science Fiction

Amazon|Author's Blog|Goodreads|Barnes&Noble

Synopsis: In the 13th century, Earth is dangerously overcrowded. To reduce the population, people are chosen by lottery and shipped off to the stars to colonize other solar systems. Shiploads of colonists are dropped off on unexplored worlds and left to their own devices.

Jorge Leever and Meesha Androva are the only survivors of one such failed attempt to colonize a distant planet. For 20 years, they've been alone, unable to communicate with Earth. Now, another cargo ship arrives and discharges a new group of would-be colonists.

Jorge and Meesha intend to guide the development of the new colony, since they've accumulated 20 years' worth of knowledge about the planet.

Bannock, a brutal, criminal slumlord back on Earth, has other plans. He intends to reestablish his crime syndicate on this fledgling colony world and eventually return to Earth as a conqueror. But Jorge and Meesha stand in his way.

My Thoughts: Jorge and Meesha were selected to populate a new planet, along with 48 others. 20 years have passed since they arrived and as the only survivors they are tasked with guiding the new influx of colonist. Jorge and Meesha have high hopes for their new home. They have envisioned it as a New Earth without all the pitfalls of Earth. As with all good books this will be no easy task for Jorge and Meesha.

All of the characters are well developed and easy to relate to.  Jorge is a bright, strong, and loyal character. He has a strong desire for the colony to succeed. Jorge interest lay in what is best for the colony. His experiences on earth have allowed him to be a good judge of character.

I truly enjoyed this intriguing story.  It is easy to see myself living in this future environment. The government of Scott Reeves future did not surprise me. There is adventure, mystery, and budding romances. My favorite part was finding out the true nature and power of the avian’s. I can easily envision this as a series there is so much more that can be explored.  The plot was a little rushed at the end; this did not take away from the story. 

This story is suited for an audio adaptation.  This is a single-voiced production. Martin Scott did an excellent job of distinguishing between the characters. The animation in Martin Scott voice during the production kept me engaged. Appropriate pace was maintained throughout. There are no interruptions in the plot. 

Review: Sound by Shelley Workinger

Title: Sound (Solid #3)

Author: Shelley Workinger
Publication: October 1, 2012
Publisher: CreateSpace
Source: Author 
Genre: Young Adult
Audience: 13 and up
Rating: 4.5 of 5

Solid Series Website|Amazon |Shelley's Blog|Goodreads

Synopis: Clio Kaid's had one crazy summer.

After learning she was one of a hundred teens who were genetically modified before birth, she and the others departed for "camp" at a classified military site.

Besides discovering her own special ability, uncovering a conspiracy, and capturing a killer, she's also forged new friendships, found love, and managed to lose them both.

With no answers and the end of summer closing in, Clio's terrified of going home more lost than when she arrived.

Will she finally find everything she's been looking for?

Find out in this exciting conclusion to the Solid trilogy.

My Thoughts: This is a great story I adore it. Sound picks up where "Settling" left off. Clio Kaid and her friends are finishing out their summer at "camp". Friendships have been tested lines drawn and sides chosen. Clio struggles to mend her relationships all the while learning about herself. Something mysterious and calculated happens while the campers are on an outing. Yet, only Clio seems to be concerned. She is determined to find out who is behind it and why. Clio has great instincts that have been right on track in the past. *I have a sneaky suspicion that she may develop the ability of premonition* 

The suspense is perfect. I was not able to figure out who was behind everything. I was quite surprise with who it was and their reasoning behind it. I want more and I'm sad to have the series end. The epilogue leaves things open. 

"You don't get all the answers in life. That's what keeps it interesting" - Jack

Review and Giveaway: Settling by Shelley Workinger

Title: Settling (Solid #2)

Author: Shelley Workinger
Publication: July 4, 2011
Publisher: CreateSpace
Source: Author (won in a Giveaway)
Genre: Young Adult
Audience: 13 and up

Solid Series Website|Amazon |Shelley's Blog|Goodreads

Summary

At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren't ordinary kids... 

Soon after learning they were the products of a rogue genetic experiment, the teens began developing super-abilities ranging from bounding lightness to blocking heaviness; blinding brilliance and the ability to vanish. These same gifts made them targets of a psychopath in officer's clothing, and they found themselves fighting for their lives. 

Picking up where "Solid" left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren't ready to go home; they're determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn't feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away - even kill. 

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them...

My Thoughts: This series is a must read. I can easily see this being adapted into a movie. I was curious to see where Settling was headed and what twists and turns were in store. I was not disappointed by this installment. Clio and her friends don't feel quite ready to leave the campus. I completely understand, who would want to leave after some crazed woman has just tried to kill you. The whole world now knows about C9x and many are not happy about it. The kids are also in need of information about what C9x has done to them. Clearly, the superpowers are one result but are the other more harmful side effects out there?

Settling is told from Clio's point of view. The group interactions continue to be the best. They make me smile and remind me of my high school lunchtime chats. The banter between the characters shows true friendship and trustfulness. The kids have gotten "internships" and remain busy, not allowing for as much time as a group. That does not keep the excitement from coming to them.  

Strange things are happening to on campus especially to Clio. Many times I was wondering if Clio was loosing her mind. She seemed on edge for most of the book, sometimes it was understandable other times not so much. As a result of everything going on Clio spends a lot of time alone reflecting and trying to figure out who is causing all the chaos. The individual attacking people at the camp remains a mystery until the last moments. I enjoy it when I don't see things coming. It keeps me on my toes. In the end Clio learns more about herself and the strength of her friendships. 

Be sure to check back in on October 4 for my review of Sound, the conclusion to the Solid trilogy. This will surely be a special event. 

Please look at the Giveaway tab for the rules. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. 

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Amped: A Novel (Audiobook)

Author:  Daniel H. Wilson

Title: Amped: A Novel

Publication: June 5, 2012

Publisher: Doubleday

Genre: Adult, Adventure, Science Fiction, Futuristic

Pages: 288
Length: 8 1/2 hours

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 3.5 out 5

Source: Public Library

 Favorite Quote: "I'd rather be weird and know it than be a stupid ass."- Nick


Synopsis (from the cover):
 Twenty-nine-year-old high school teacher Owen Gray had long ago come to terms with the tiny device in his head, which was implanted to control the seizures he suffered in his youth. Owen's "amp" gave him a normal life, even though he question where his brain ended and the computer began. 
But when the Supreme Court rules that "amplified" humans like Owen are not protected by the same basic laws as pure humans, his world in downtown Pittsburgh instantly fractures. Before he can get his bearings, Owen receives desperate news from his father, the doctor who originally implanted Owen's "amp". He confides a dangerous secret: Owen's "amp" has the potential o do something extraordinary- and there are people who will come for him, and want to kill him for what is in his head. 
Owen begins a harrowing journey to a dusty community in rural Oklahoma where he finds the one man who can explain his true abilities He also meets Lyle Crosby, whose stunning physical abilities and ruthless ideas show Owen how to harness his own startling gifts- but also threaten to drawn him into a dark world from which there may be no moral return.

My thoughts:
This book has been on my mind ever since I read it. I want to know why it bothered me so much to listen to this book. I've read books by Chuck Palahniuk, the author of books like Fight Club, Diary, Rant, Choke, etc. He isn't an easy author to read. His books are very graphic, gritty, dirty, and painful. I've watched graphic movies and TV shows like Dexter, The Expendables, etc. and I've had to look away every now and then because it was hard to watch. I think I didn't like the book for three reasons 1. I was listening to it with my boyfriend who loved it, and felt bad if I turned it off (we were on a looooong road trip). 2. I can look away at graphic scenes or I can imagine them less graphic when I'm reading. However, when something is being read to me in a certain tone...I can't exactly stop or look away...I just listen and imagine. 3. This book scared me because I can see medical implants with chips coming into existence in my lifetime, and having to deal with the issues the people in the book had to deal with. I will go out on a limb and call this book a boy book. A friend of my boyfriend suggested it and he and my boyfriend loved it. If you like really gritty books and science fiction, then I recommend it. It may not be so bad if you read it, but listening to it was so hard for me. There were times I know I had to look goofy because the details were so painful that I was making pained and disgusted faces for most of our trip. As for the idea and the storyline- I loved it. I think the way the book was written with little snippets from news blogs and historical documents was really cool. The characters were well written that I could actually imagine people I know as some of the characters. I love the quotes in the first chapter of the novel because it talks about how reliant we are on technology that it is inside of us, taking over us. I enjoyed the book overall, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it instead of listening to it.

Cinder (Audiobook)

Author:  Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder

Publication:January 3, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Genre: Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure

Pages: 400

Audience: 15 and up

Rating: 4 out 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover): 
Sixteen year old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interface has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. The reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an "honor" that no one has survived. But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for.

My thoughts:
This isn't a book I would have normally picked for myself. Cricket suggested it to me. I thought she had read it until I decided to try to discuss a part with her and she covered her ears. I found out quickly it is on her "to read" list. I really don't know what to say about the book. There was a whole lot going on during the novel because it really is a cyberpunk, dystopian, fantasy, adventure novel for young adults. I was unsure how the Cinderella theme fit in, but by the end of the book it all makes sense. I listened to the audiobook, and I'm not going to suggest that. I finally found someone who had actually read the book, and I asked them if Cinder sounded like a whiny teenager. She said said Cinder did not sounded like a I'm-not-going-to-take-crap, strong, female lead. The lady who narrated the book made Cinder sound like a brat, and I just wanted to slap her in a few scenes. Now the narrator did an excellent robot voice. The robot, Iko, ended up being my favorite character because her voice was perfect. I also found myself leaning towards the evil villain side. I almost always go with the protagonist, but evil Queen Levana's glimmer is working on me. She is just a perfect evil, wicked witch of a queen who stops at nothing to get what she wants. The book as a whole was entertaining. I once again suggest reading it. The audio was okay, but I think reading it you can maybe see more of a stronger version of Cinder. Overall, the book was a good read and something outside of what I usually read. Marissa Meyer plans to make the novel into a series titled, The Lunar Chronicles. The next novel is titled, Scarlet, which comes out in February 2013. I can't wait to see what that series has in store.

Review: Solid by Shelley Workinger

Title: Solid (Solid #1)
Author: Shelley Workinger
Publication: July 9, 2010
Publisher: CreateSpace
Source: Author (won in a Giveaway)
Genre: Young Adult
Audience: 13 and up

Solid Series Website|Amazon |Shelley's Blog|Goodreads

Summary

Clio Kaid may be 17 and just beginning the last summer before her senior year, but her life is anything but typical.

She's just discovered she was genetically altered before birth and is now headed to a top-secret Army campus to explore the surprising results of the experiment.
Follow Clio and the other teens as they develop fantastic super-abilities, forge new friendships, find love, and uncover a conspiracy along the way.

My Thoughts:  This is an incredible story. It has a great mix of mystery, romance, and suspense. It is plausible that some government personnel has or will take it upon themselves to test their theories on unsuspecting citizens. We have all heard of these theories, Roswell, Agent Orange, Operation Mockingbird, Manhattan Project, Oak Ridge... the list goes on and on. I digress this is not about conspiracy theories but about this awesome read. Solid is very exciting I was on pins and needles waiting to see what would happen next. I love how the relationships were built and how realistic they are. Having been raised in a military family I related to the characters. I could easily see myself being friends with each of them. One of the things I love most about this story is that it is clean. Some of the YA books out there are a little to "hot". There's romance but it's not towing the line between what's adult content and what isn't. This is a must read add it to your TBR list. I wonder what super-abilites will surface in Settling. We will be giving this title along with the next book in the series, Settling, later this week. So check back with us and enter to win. 

Jennifer Armentrout Interview + Giveaway! -- INT

Jennifer Armentrout Interview

I sat down with Jennifer (I mean sat in my chair in front of my computer to type out questions, of course. Speaking to her via skype would be awesome.) and asked her a few questions about her work. I'm excited to share her answers! I reviewed her book Obsidian,  click here to see it.

Q. Do you recall when you decided writing was a career for you?

A. I don't think there was an exact moment. I just always loved to read and write, so it seemed natural for me to pursue a career in writing.

Q. Who is the hardest character for you to write?

A. Aiden and Seth are tied for that. Both of them are characters that have so many layers and honestly, you really don't know what you have until you've scraped them raw. Both do very surprising things and have vastly different reasons for being who they are today. They are also hard to get into their heads. Writing from their POVs is usually the hardest for me. 

Q. How do you develop characters?

A. I *see* them first and then I just start writing the story. The development just comes as the story unfolds. Usually during 1st draft edits, I go back and add traits in to make them stand out more, but most of the development is spur of the moment. 

Q. What do you like reading in your spare time?

A. I read YA and Adult in my spare time, but I've been on an adult reading kick lately.

Q. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

A. Toughest criticism? I guess someone just flat out hating your book and finding no redeeming quality, but that's sort of the name of the game. It happens. The best compliment is when someone says they've fallen in love with the characters, because then the story has become real to them and that is awesome.

Q. How does it feel to be the winner of the first round of the YA Sisterhood Tournament? Do you think Daemon will be easier?

A. It feels great. *Kayleigh did an awesome job and I'm sure Daemon will have just as much competition.

*Kayleigh is probably her biggest fan. She tweeted the crap out of the competition and even made a video about it. Props to her!

Thanks to Jen for answering these questions! Now it's time to...

Win her book

That's right! Wanted Readers is giving away an ebook of Obsidian. Just use the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. If you don't have a kindle or nook, you can download them free to read on your computer. This is an international giveaway, so anyone can win!

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Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian
Publication: May 8th, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 4.5 out 5

Goodreads | Facebook | Amazon | BN

Synopsis: Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. And then he opened his mouth. Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me. You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 
If I don't kill him first, that is.

Thoughts:  The main character – Katy – is written beautifully. She’s strong willed, fun, doesn’t take crap, loyal friend, and intelligent. Her love interest – Daemon – is the complete opposite. He’s arrogant, rude, bossy, and argumentative. You would think these aspects in a guy are awful (which they are) but it actually makes the story interesting. He will do anything for his family, which is an “awww” moment. Daemon is also extremely hot (so many muscles it will make any girl swoon) and can be charming, which means you can almost forget how bad his attitude is. During the book he warms up to Katy, and you end up loving him.

The plot is semi-slow. You read the same thing over again, such as “He’s so rude and bossy but he’s so hot!” which gets old when it’s written in every chapter. When it comes to the storyline, it rocks. Cute bad-boy alien with charming qualities? Sign me up! I’m personally into the whole “I’m a bad boy but actually good and charming when you get to know me” or “I drive everyone away but not you because you’re different”. Those two statements are in the book, but it’s not the main character development.

You can see both Katy and Daemon grow, which is an aspect that I admire. Again, my personal taste is character development in a book instead of someone doing the same thing without learning consequences or thinking the same thing through out the whole storyline. I don’t want to read the same character traits chapter after chapter! Katy learns from her mistakes and is a better person because of them. She's very relatable and you're definitely going to be team Katy all the way! This book is an entertaining read. I recommend it if you’re into hot and steamy romance. It loses 1/2 point for the repetitive paragraphs.

Review: Starters by Lissa Price

Title: Starters

Author: Lissa Price

Publication: March 13, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian

Audience: 12 and up

Raiting: 5 out 5

Website/Goodreads/Amazon

Goodreads Summery
Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders- seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party- and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined.


My Thoughts:Starters is the fascinating story of Callie, a 16 y/o left orphaned after the post apocalyptic sport war. She is caring for her sick brother and struggling daily to live. Callie is given a job opportunity that can change her life for the better. Is this job to good to be true? I found this to be a great story. The author had me from the first sentence and I could not put this down. I really like Callie as she is strong and will do anything for her family. I can relate to her in that way. As for the starters, in general, I feel empathy for them. They are left all alone to fend for themselves. They trust no one including other starters. As for the enders I am angered by them. Many of them have the ability to make things easier for the starters and they choose not to. This book is full of mystery and leaves you wanting more. I'm anxiously waiting for the next installment Enders to answer the questions I was left with after reading Starters.

Review:Omega Child By G.S. Anderson

Title: Omega Child

Author: G.S. Anderson

Publication: October 29, 2011

Publisher: CreateSpace

Source: Purchased

Genre: Science Fiction

Audience: 10 and up
Amazon

Amazon Summary In the summer of 2012 an alien from the Alpha Centauries star system came to visit earth. Her people were the most powerful of aliens known to earth's governments; the Omega class. She befriended Jennifer and her friends and showed them many wonders. They visited the planets of our solar system and the different countries of our world, but she made the mistake of showing them the part of our world that no one was supposed to see. Now they must fight together, a battle they must win or have their eyes closed forever.

My Thoughts: This is a very quick read; perfect for children. This is the story of an Alien that comes to earth and befriends a group of girls. Jennifer and her friends (Nicole, Tiffany, Amanda, Thao) are enjoying their summer together. While at a sleepover Jennifer is woken up by a thunderstorm and then sees what she believes is a ghost outside. The next day, Jennifer notices a puppy following her. It doesn't have a collar so she takes him home and names him Mikoe. Strange things begin to happen immediately after this new puppy comes into the family. As Jennifer is preparing for bed one night Mikoe changes from a cute little puppy into the little girl she had seen outside during the sleepover. After the initial shock Jennifer befriends the alien and decides to call her Angelica. Angelica has broken the laws of her land by revealing herself. A chase and battle ensue. You must read this to find out how everything pans out but I'm sure you will enjoy it. My only complaint is that the story left me confused at times (where are they now, and how did they get there). I would love to see more detail in future editions. I do love this story and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.