Book Review: Reached

Reached

"After leaving Society to desperately seek The Rising, and each other, Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again. Cassia is assigned undercover in Central city, Ky outside the borders, an airship pilot with Indie. Xander is a medic, with a secret. All too soon, everything shifts again."

Author: Ally Condie

Year of Release: 2012

Publisher: Penguin

Genre: Dystopia

Book Version: Hardback

Where did you get the book?: Library

Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are some spoilers in the last paragraph of this review

Review: I was vastly disappointed in this conclusion of the Matched trilogy. I thought Matched and Crossed were pretty good, with the latter being the best, so I thought this one would be good as well. I was wrong. The plot was immensely boring and dull. I could never get into it. It dragged on and on. It seemed much too long for no reason at all.  I found myself not even caring about any of the characters or who I wanted to end up with Cassia.

In 99.9% of dystopian books that have risings in them, there is action, suspense, and I get a feeling of anxiety wondering who is going to survive and who will be killed. Reached did not have any of that. There was no violence, no panic, nothing. The rulers of the Rising just simply took over with no battles or anything. There was death, though, but I found myself not caring. Instead of having the things I mentioned, the main dilemma in this novel consisted of a plague and it's mutation. That would have been an excellent problem in addition to a revolt, but obviously there wasn't a revolt.

One thing I did like about this book, though, was that the ending answered all my questions, and the boy Cassia didn't end up with, ended up with somebody else. But again, as I metioned earlier, this book was much too long for no reason at all. Many parts could have been shortened or removed entirely.

Book Review: The Beginning of Everything

The Beginning of Everything

"Golden boy Ezra Faulkner believes everyone has a tragedy waiting for them—a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen. His particular tragedy waited until he was primed to lose it all: in one spectacular night, a reckless driver shatters Ezra’s knee, his athletic career, and his social life.

No longer a front-runner for Homecoming King, Ezra finds himself at the table of misfits, where he encounters new girl Cassidy Thorpe. Cassidy is unlike anyone Ezra’s ever met, achingly effortless, fiercely intelligent, and determined to bring Ezra along on her endless adventures.

But as Ezra dives into his new studies, new friendships, and new love, he learns that some people, like books, are easy to misread. And now he must consider: if one’s singular tragedy has already hit and everything after it has mattered quite a bit, what happens when more misfortune strikes?

Robyn Schneider’s The Beginning of Everything is a lyrical, witty, and heart-wrenching novel about how difficult it is to play the part that people expect, and how new beginnings can stem from abrupt and tragic endings."

Author: Robyn Schneider

Year of Release: 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen

Genre: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction

Book Version: Hardback

Where did you get the book?: Library

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are major spoilers in the last paragraph of this review

Review: The Beginning of Everything is quite a bit different from most books that I usually read. I am glad that I do not limit myself to books of certain genres. I would be missing out on very interesting stories.The Beginning of Everything really made me think about life in a different way than I ever have before. It had some very deep messages that could be interpreted any way the reader wants and I liked that about this novel.

Even though the book didn't really seem to have a main dilemma that most books have, I still enjoyed this book. The story and the way it was written reminded me of John Green's books, especially Looking For Alaska. It's kind of funny because I didn't even like Looking For Alaska, but I liked this book quite a bit. However, they were similar in a few ways which I won't go into for those who haven't read Looking For Alaska.

The characters and the story seemed very authentic and genuine, like I was reading about real people in high school. I felt as though Ezra was talking right to me. Schneider used words that any teenage guy would use when telling a story about a significant time in his life. I really liked that. I also liked Toby a lot. He was quite hilarious and I liked his relationship that he had with Ezra. I also liked Cassidy somewhat, but she seemed a bit mysterious and I didn't like some of the decisions she made. I still thought Ezra's relationship with her was cute, real, and authentic. It wasn't a perfect relationship the way many relationships are portrayed in books, and I liked that.

Overall, this story was quite good. I enjoyed it. I liked how the ending wasn't a happy or sad ending, but a realistic ending. I really, really liked that. It is very rare for high school relationships to last, but it seemed as though Ezra's relationship with Cassidy opened his eyes a bit and made him realize some things he hadn't before.

  

Book Review: Boundless

Boundless

"The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all."

Author: Cynthia Hand

Year of Release: 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Paranormal

Sequel(s): none 

Prequel(s): Unearthly, Hallowed & a novella called Radiant

Book Version: Hardback

Where did you get the book?: Library

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are major spoilers in this review

Review: Boundless was a very good ending to this trilogy. Like the other two books, it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what's going to happen next, and of course, to see who Clara ends up with. Cynthia Hand is an incredible writer. She is descriptive without going over board and she has such an amazing talent of being able to make the reader feels what the characters feel. Books that make me feel the same emotions as the characters are always the best.

I was expecting not to enjoy this book due to the knowledge that there would be a lack of Tucker, and at first, I will not lie, I was annoyed and aggravated by the lack of him. I never like it when one of the love interests has a smaller role or is not in the book at all. I can think of several other books in series that are like this. However, after reading Boundless, I understand why there had to be a lack of Tucker. When I read Hallowed I was beyond upset that he and Clara broke up because of Clara's purpose among other things. I felt as though she didn't love him even though she kept claiming that she did. When reading Boundless, I realized that she never stopped loving him; she was just pushing him away in order to protect him. It was really heartbreaking that they had to breakup, but I understand why.

I was genuinely surprised and happy when Clara accidentally teleported to Tucker's barn the first time she tried without her dad, but was quickly dismayed by the way Tucker was treating her (which was understandable, of course, but still upsetting). I liked how she kept ending up there every time she tried to transport somewhere. It was pretty hilarious, but I never quite understood why until the end. I also found it odd that Tucker just so happened to be there every time she transported there. How unlikely is that? I mean, each time she teleported there, he could have been doing plenty of other things, but he was always nearby. Each time, it became more and more obvious that Clara still had feelings for him, and by the third time, I knew without a doubt that she would end up with him.

Once I arrived at that conclusion, I started to enjoy the novel more. I liked the other storylines with Angela, Jeff, Sam, and Christian as well. It was very addicting. They all tied together really well. As I said previously, I do like Christian. He seemed like a great guy: very sweet, protective, and loyal. He's just not the person for Clara, in my opinion. To me, he always seemed like a brother figure to her, not a love interest. I will not lie, I really, really liked the part when the two of them went out together and when he tried to kiss her, she pictured Tucker. That was downright hilarious. 

The climax of this novel was so much better and much more terrifying than the small little fight that Clara had with Sam in Hallowed. Normally during intense scenes, my stomach doesn't start to hurt with anxiety, but it did this time around when Tucker's life was in jeopardy. I was reading at a much faster pace and ended up crying (which I rarely ever do). I was so upset and angry. Things worked out, and I couldn't have been happier. I absolutely loved how the epilogue was just an extended version of Clara's daydream that she had of Tucker in Hallowed. Now, I'm starting to think that her daydream was a one time vision. 

Overall, this was a great end to this trilogy. I was quite satisfied with the ending, but I want more. I was left with several unanswered questions that I'm dying to know the answer to. Knowing how it ends now, I have a deep desire to reread the first book which I probably will do within the next year or two. I would also probably enjoy Hallowed and Boundless even more a second time.

Book Review: Hallowed

Hallowed

"For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to Unearthly, Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are."

Author: Cynthia Hand

Year of Release: 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Paranormal

Sequel(s): Boundless & a novella called Radiant

Prequel(s): Unearthly

Book Version: Hardback

Where did you get the book?: Library

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are major spoilers in this review

Review: Hallowed was a good, satisfying sequel, but I must admit that Unearthly had certain things in it that Hallowed didn't thus the reason why I am lowering my rating of it, as well as because things in this book did not turn out the way I wanted them to. 

While reading this book, I felt many different emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, and confusion. During one part, I'm bursting with joy and the next thing I know, I am on the verge of tears. In other words, this book made me feel all the feels.  That is definitely one thing that makes a great novel.

People say that girls shouldn't rely on guys in order to be happy, and I agree, it should be that way in real life. The same should be said when it comes to fictional characters as well. But my love of Tucker controlled my emotions throughout this novel. I couldn't help it and it started to bother me. I felt like a girl with a huge crush on someone and whenever Tucker wasn't in a scene, I felt like I was just reading through it to get to a part with him in it. However, there were many parts of it that didn't have him in it that I did enjoy. 

I thought the romance in Unearthly was better done or maybe I am just biased when I say that because I like Tucker so much. But still, I sometimes find myself enjoying "the buildup" to a relationship better than the relationship itself. By "buildup", I mean "the buildup" to the start of a relationship. Clara had a huge crush on Christian for the first two-thirds of Unearthly and was completely blinded by the fact that Tucker liked her. Tucker started out being a jerk, but only because he liked her. I liked the slow and realistic way in which their relationship blossomed in Unearthly. It happened when she was least expecting it, just as falling in love happens in real life. The fact that she ended up with Tucker when you think she'll end up with Christian was a bit of a surprise, and I liked that a lot. However, Hallowed didn't have that "buildup" because they were already together. Other than a few other scenes, I didn't enjoy reading about their relationship as I thought I would, mainly because it seemed as though Clara didn't love him anymore. She claimed that she loved him and that she chose him over Christian, but the way she described things made it seem as though she didn't. It even felt as though her relationship with Tucker was awkward while her friendship with Christian was more comfortable and at ease. 

I even started freaking out because: a) first I thought Tucker would die (and feeling guilty because I wanted it to be her mom who dies and not Tucker, and then feeling even more guilty when it really does turn out to be Clara's mother who is going to die), and b) thinking that he and Clara won't end up together because of her purpose. I seriously am not used to not getting my way when it comes to love triangles, and I was becoming very, very upset. I was annoyed that I let the romance aspect of this book control how I overall felt about everything that was going on. 

With all of this said though, I do like how Clara has not let any single boy control her happiness and that she doesn't think that her life has ended knowing that she and Tucker can't be together. It breaks my heart, but I'm glad that Clara has come to terms with it even though, like I said, it felt as though Clara didn't even love him as much in the first place.

Even though I am absolutely in love with Tucker, I can't say that I don't like Christian, not at all. I love how even though he feels as though he and Clara are meant to be together, he still respects Clara's decision to be with Tucker. He seems like a great guy and if Tucker weren't in the picture, I'd totally be in love with him. However Christian was a hypocrite because he said that he wasn't the type of guy to hit on another guy's girlfriend and then a few chapters later, he's kissing Clara when she's still with Tucker. That made me want to slap both him and Clara.

The story itself was quite good and was very well written and plotted out. It was very addicting and was hard to put down. There were a few things that I guessed accurately, but there were several parts that I never would have been able to predict and I loved that. I always enjoy reading books with unexpected twists and turns. It makes me love them so much more. There were also two scenes in this book that I just loved. The first was the scene at the beginning of the book with Tucker and Clara when she went over to his house and she ended up falling asleep in his bed with him. The next morning, Tucker's dad caught them together. It was so awkward and so hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing. The other part was when Tucker and Christian started physically fighting over Clara. It really is a girl's dream to have two attractive and nice guys fighting over her. Clara had even mentioned that she didn't like being in a love triangle and she never found them realistic (I completely agree), but man, oh man, I just loved that scene. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was a good sequel, but I did not like it as much as Unearthly. However, I would not classify it as a bad sequel at all.

Book Review: Unearthly

Unearthly

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

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

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

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart."

Author: Cynthia Hand

Year of Release: 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Fantasy

Sequel(s): Hallowed & Boundless & a novella called Radiant

Book Version: Hardback

Where did you get the book?: Library

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are some spoilers in this review

Review: I was blown away by how good this novel was. It started out pretty well, but it consisted of parts that seemed cliché. The soon ended, and the story quickly turned into something that I really, really enjoyed and couldn't stop reading with the desire of wanting to know what was going to happen next. Cynthia Hand had a way of making an angel story unique. There are plenty of angel novels out there, but this one was different in a good way. It was captivating and really enjoyable.

The plot in this novel was very well done and very well paced. I didn't feel as though it was rushed even though a lot of time went by in only 435 pages. Cynthia Hand had a very good way of handling that. The book also never had a dull moment. I never got bored. Cynthia was able to keep me entertained throughout the entire book. As I mentioned earlier, this book was hard to put down.

As a romance lover, my favorite aspect of this novel was the romance. At first, I was surprised when Clara discovered that Christian, who she is meant to save, already has a girlfriend. I was expecting what most novels have: a love at first sight type of thing. It was strange at first. I had become so accustomed to books where characters fall in love right away that I was actually getting annoyed that it wasn't happening. Then I realized that this story (the love aspect anyway) was realistic. Although people can fall in love within a few weeks of knowing each other, it's much less likely to happen. Clara has a massive crush on Christian, but he already has a girlfriend. Typical if you ask me. I experienced that when I was in high school myself. Their relationship was gradual and natural, the way it would be in real life which I liked.

Enter Tucker Avery. Oh my gosh. I knew he was a potential love interest because of the summary, but by the way the summary describes her relationship with him, I expected him to be a bad type of boy with a sweet side like Patch from Hush, Hush or Jace from The Mortal Instruments. I was entirely wrong. He started out as a total jerk to Clara and I was starting to wonder how this guy was going to become a love interest. She pretty much loathed him and it appeared that he despised her as well. Enter Wendy Avery, Tucker's twin sister who is one of Clara's best friends. I liked the scene between the two of them where Wendy wants to know what's going on with Clara and Tucker and Clara is stunned that Wendy would ever consider such a thing. Wendy mentions that Tucker is only being a jerk to her because he likes her. I hadn't realized that as a possibility considering that no other love interests in books that I have read start out as complete jerks. That was a very unique way for Cynthia to do this, and I liked it. As the novel went on, I started to like Tucker more and more. Clara was falling for Christian, and I found myself falling for Tucker by the little things he did: giving money to Wendy when she was going to go shopping with Clara, taking three girls to prom because none of them had dates, offering Clara a ride home, and of course, willing to take Clara out on a tour of the area when nobody else was around during the summer. I was stunned that he wasn't a jerk at all, but actually a real gentlemen who opened doors for ladies. It was really sweet. I'm still blown away by his relationship with Clara slowly progressed throughout the novel and by the revelations of his character. I never would have expected Clara to fall for him. I just thought he would be the guy who liked her from a distance who eventually told her his feelings, and that she would decline him. I thought he was the underdog. I was, again, inevitably, wrong. (Yay!)

The final chapters of this book were very intense and I enjoyed them a lot. I found myself reading them quickly wanting to find out what happens next. I also found myself in bed still in my night clothes at 12:30 PM still reading. It was that good. What ended up happening was totally unexpected and I have many questions now, but fortunately, I have the last two books already from the library so I will be starting Hallowed very, very soon.

ARC Book Review: Infinite

Infinite

"DESTRUCTION
The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.

FLIGHT
Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.

CHOICE
The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.

With gorgeous romance and thrilling action, the final book in the Incarnate trilogy offers a brilliant conclusion to the compelling questions of this fascinating world, where one new girl is the key to the lives of millions."

Author: Jodi Meadows

Date of Release: January 28, 2014

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: Fantasy

Sequel(s): none

Prequels(s): Incarnate and Asunder

Book Version: ARC hardcopy

Where did you get the book?: Won it in Jodi Meadows's Reviewer Appreciation Giveaway

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Review: Infinite was my favorite book of this trilogy. I normally don't read novels that are just fantasy. Most fantasy novels that I have read are urban fantasy, intertwining the real world and a mythological world, so when I read novels like this that take place in a made up world, I'm blown away. Many things in this novel came entirely from Meadows's imagination from the city of Heart to the way dragons communicate. It's amazing. Speaking of dragons, I absolutely loved the mythological creatures in this novel. I found myself wanting to read more about them. They are just so unique and interesting.

As I have said in my reviews of Incarnate and Asunder, this trilogy has a very interesting and unique premise. I greatly enjoyed reading it. There were a few boring parts, but was overall pleased with the conclusion to the series. It kept me reading to see what happens, and answered all my questions that I had after reading Asunder. The ending was a bit ambiguous though. I was left with a few additional questions that were not answered. This might be just me though. I'll have to go back and re-read some the last chapter or so. Overall, when this book comes out in January, I believe that fans will be greatly satisfied with Meadows's last book in the Incarnate Series. 

Book Review: Heaven

Heaven

"Bethany, an angel sent to Earth, and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier, have been to Hell and back. But now their love will be put to its highest test yet, as they defy Heavenly law and marry. They don’t tell Beth’s archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, but the angels know soon enough, and punishment comes in a terrifying form: the Sevens, who are rogue angels bent on keeping Beth and Xavier apart, destroying Gabriel and Ivy, and darkening angelic power in the heavens.

The only way Bethany and can elude the Sevens is to hide in the open, and blend in with other mortals their own age. Gabriel and Ivy set them up at college, where they can’t reveal their relationship, and where there is still danger around each corner. Will Bethany be called back to Heaven – forever – and face leaving the love of her life?"

Author: Alexandra Adornetto

Year of Release: 2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Genre: Paranormal

Sequel(s): none

Prequels(s): Halo and Hades

What motivated you to read this book?: Really enjoyed Halo & Hades & wanted to see what happened next to Bethany & Xavier.

Book Version: Hardback

Where did you get the book?: Library I work at

Favorite Character: Xavier Woods

Other noteworthy characters: Bethany, Ivy, & Gabriel Church as well as Molly

Thoughts on Cover: Stunning! It's my favorite cover of the three. I love the blue coloring and how Xavier and Beth's arms form a heart!

Recommended to: Angel fans, Catholics, Other Christians, religious people, Twilight fans, Paranormal fans

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Review: This book was really good, but I there were certain things about it that I found bothersome especially a few mistakes that Adornetto made that I won't go into. There was also one part that really wasn't necessary to the story. I also found it annoying that Beth still has let her life revolve around Xavier. She acted as if her life depended on him. I didn't like how she didn't want to be in heaven because of him and that she would do anything to get out of heaven and be with him. I also didn't like how there were bad angels that God didn't know of and that God was too busy to deal with Beth's situation. As a believer of God, I believe that God knows everything and is never too busy to handle any situation. My final complaint is that it seemed as though Beth's problems took over Gabriel and Ivy's lives and because of Beth they couldn't focus on the real reasons why they were there on earth. I still have yet to figure out what that was since that was never the main issue in the story.

Although this book had its multiple faults, I still enjoyed it and was rooting for Xavier and Beth the entire time. As always, I really liked Xavier. Of course, I still feel as though his character was too good to be true, but it's just fiction. I'm glad that he was in this novel more than the previous one. I also found myself liking Molly's character a lot more than I did in the previous two books. As I've mentioned before, I'm glad that Beth has a friend (and a life) other than Xavier. That's definitely important.

Overall,  this novel was really cute and I am glad that I read it. I was happy with the ending, but I felt as though it ended rather abruptly compared to the first two books that both had epilogues. This novel definitely needed an epilogue. It seemed like there should have been more.

Book Review: Hades

Hades

"Heaven Help Her.

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier’s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well."

Author: Alexandra Adornetto
Year of Release: 2011
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: Paranormal
Sequel(s): Heaven
Prequels(s): Halo
What motivated you to read this book?: Really enjoyed Halo & wanted to see what happened next to Bethany & Xavier.
Book Version: Hardback
Where did you get the book?: Library I work at
Favorite Character: Xavier Woods
Other noteworthy characters: Bethany, Ivy, & Gabriel Church, as well as Tucker and Hanna
Thoughts on Cover: I really like it! The colors are great, and I like how realistic the lightning looks. The question I have is: is that Jake or Xavier with Beth?
Recommended to: Angel fans, Catholics, Other Christians, religious people, Twilight fans, Paranormal fans
Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are some spoilers in this review

Review: I am truly stunned at how much better this book was than Halo. Halo was pretty good, but Hades was so much better. Halo had a lot of unnecessary things and I thought there wasn't much of a problem till the end, but Hades had a main problem throughout the entire novel and everything that was occurring seemed to be important to the plot, so it was a huge improvement!

In this book, Bethany has been kidnapped by Jake Thorn who is a demon and one of the first fallen angels that fell along with Lucifer and was banned into hell for all eternity. When I started reading this book, I knew she was going to end up in hell because of the summary and I was thinking she'd only be there for four or five chapters before she was released, but I was wrong. I'm glad that I was wrong and that as I mentioned earlier, there was actually a main problem in this book---that she was an angel in hell!! I think the only thing I missed from the previous book was the romance between Beth and Xavier, but then again, I was glad that while she was kidnapped that she didn't obsess over him and mope around the way she did in the first book. Instead, she was strategizing and made two new friends: Tucker and Hanna. They were quite likable, and I definitely hope they'll make an appearance in the final book! I was also very pleased that before she was kidnapped that she actually had a life outside of her relationship with Xavier with her friends. I never like it when girls who are in relationships only spend time with their boyfriends and nobody else. 

Another thing that I liked in this novel was that although Bethany was in Hades, she was still able to project and see what was going on with her family and with Xavier and Molly. That was a very creative way for Adornetto to explain what was going on outside of Hades. I would have been vastly upset if most of the book lasted without Xavier. I also enjoyed the fighting going on between Molly and Xavier. It was pretty funny. However, Molly did get on my nerves sometimes. It makes me wonder what Beth saw in her as a friend.

All in all, I was quite satisfied and pleasantly surprised with this book! I look forward to reading what happens next in Heaven.

Book Review: Halo

Halo

"An angel is sent to Earth on a mission.

But falling in love is not part of the plan.

Three angels – Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human – are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.

Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong.

The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?"

Author: Alexandra Adornetto 

Year of Release: 2010

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: I don't know what to classify it as. I believe in Angels in real life, so I can't classify it as fantasy because fanasty consists of fantastical beings.
Sequel(s): Hades & Heaven

What motivated you to read this book?: I was at half-price books a few weeks ago, and I saw the second book in this series, (At the time, I had no idea that it was the second book.) and the cover caught my attention, and I knew I wanted to read it after reading the summary. After going to Goodreads, I discovered that it was a series and that the first book is Halo. I couldn't wait to read it because it reminded me so much of the Hush, Hush saga, and I love that series!!

Book Version: hardback
Where did you get the book?: Library I work at
Favorite Character: Xavier Woods

Other noteworthy characters: Bethany, Ivy, & Gabriel Church

Thoughts on Cover: I really like it. Stunning! I like how it doesn't show their faces so the reader can picture them how they want. I also love the sunset/sunrise in the background and the font used as well as the curly thing used around the title. However, I don't like Xavier's hairstyle in it, and because of the cover, I'm now stuck imagining him with that awful style. ugh.

Recommended to: Angel fans, Catholics, Other Christians, religious people, Twilight fans, Urban Fantasy fans
Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are some spoilers in this review

                      
Review: I really enjoyed this novel. I truly did. I loved that although this novel is fiction, it could have happened in real life even though it's not classified as realistic fiction, and I love that. Being a devote, religious Catholic, I loved that the main character and her family were angels and that they came down to earth to try to end as many of the horrible problems as possible. I also loved all the references to God and the respect the characters have for Him. Many books do not mention God or religion. Some do but view it in a bad light. I loved that this book didn't. They honor God, and I loved that. I also loved all the other religious references as well and that Xavier and his family are Catholic (they don't specifically say that he is, but I can tell.) His mother has the same values that I have--loved that!!

Although I loved this novel, there were many things that I found wrong with it. For starters, the plot seemed to be going nowhere for the first 300+ pages. The trival problems that were occurring were solved within a few chapters, sometimes within a few pages. There didn't seem to be a huge problem until the end of the novel. It basically just covered daily things that were going on in Beth's life, nothing major. If the characters weren't so likable, I would have found this to be annoying. I also didn't quite understand what the purpose of Beth's family's mission. Obviously it's to bring peace and end the bad stuff going on, but I felt as though the book focused so much on Beth's relationship with Xavier and not enough on the main reason why she was on earth in the first place!

Second of all (and probably most importantly), Beth's obsession with Xavier got on my nerves. Yes, he's very understanding. Yes, he's an awesome guy, but no, he's not perfect. I hated that she only saw him as Mr. Perfect Boyfriend. There was even one part where she said something along the lines of "Even if there was something wrong with him, I'd still love him." Well, I would hope so, considering that that's what people do--love their significant other despite their flaws. I really wish that his flaws were emphasized more. It was also quite annoying how her happiness depended on him. Nobody--male or female--should rely on someone else for their happiness. They should be happy regardless. When Xavier broke up with her, she was completely ruined just as Bella Swan was in Twilight. It was horrible. It's like seriously--"Yeah, it's upsetting, but get over it! There are other guys out there!" There was even one part when Bethany told him that she wanted to die after he broke up with her. Ugh. Seriously? I also hated that Bethany always wanted him to rescue her/protect her. A girl should be able to take care of herself. However, I was glad that Xavier didn't become Bethany's entire life (even though she pretty much said he was), because she made time for her other friends, too.

Next (okay, this was kind of mentioned before), Xavier's character is too perfect. Maybe it's how Bethany always described and talked about him, but still, his character was too good to be true. For existence, during one part at the beginning when Bethany asked him why he liked her, he basically just said it was because "they clicked". That would have been a totally acceptable answer had he not lost his girlfriend in a fire and pretty much refused to date anyone else because he was too upset. I mean, yeah, Bethany could have been that girl who was different from all the other girls at their school, but it seemed as though he fall for her awfully fast considering that he refused to date anyone else after what happend. (It's hard to put it into words.) 

Overall, this book had it's downs, but they didn't bother me to the extreme. I would definitely recommend it. I really enjoyed this book. I loved Xavier. Even though his character is too good to be true, I still loved him and found myself wanting him to be in the parts where he wasn't there. He pretty much sums up my dream guy: attractive, Catholic, religious, protective, kind, understanding, athletic, has a good relationship with his family, etc. I also liked Bethany even though she had a selfish, unhealthy obsession with Xavier. I thought her innocence was cute, and I loved how she was willing to sacrifice herself for her friend. I have already started reading the sequel & am liking it!

Book Review: Asunder

Asunder

"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.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful."

Author: Jodi Meadows

Year of Release: 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: Fantasy
Sequel(s): Infinite & one novella, Phoenix Overture

Prequel(s): Incarnate

What motivated you to read this book?: I enjoyed reading Incarnate, so I wanted to read it's sequel! I also wanted to read this book before the novella is released in a few weeks!!
Book Version: e-book
Where did you get the book?: digital library
Favorite Character: Sam

Other noteworthy characters: Ana, Cris, Sarit

Thoughts on Cover: It's okay. I prefer the cover of Incarnate more.The mask makes the girl's face look strange.

Recommended to: Fantasy fans
Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Review: I must admit it took me several chapters to get into this novel, and sometimes when I did get into it, I would lose interest again later on. I'm not really sure what it was that made me not have interest in it originally. Lack of interest in the story line and what was happening? Lack of description? The fact that I read this after reading an amazing series and was still experiencing a hangover from it? I think it was a combination of all three. Fortunately, that ended and I was able to enjoy the story.

There seemed to be a vague description of everything, from the description of the settings to the description of Ana's emotions. I'm used to reading books that go on and on with lots and lots of details. Even though I've read Incarnate, I'm still not quite used to the vagueness of it. I guess I shouldn't complain because I'm not very descriptive in my writing either. Also, I have come to appreciate the information Meadows incorporated into the story that most readers wouldn't even notice. What I'm referring to is the music and flower element of the story. Meadows must have done a lot of research to assure the accuracy of everything. I admire Meadows a lot for that because I'm lazy when it comes to doing research for my novel that I'm writing.

As I said in my review of Incarnate, the plot and overall premise of this story is very unique. I've never read any novel like it before reading this series, and I love reading original novels/series. Jodi Meadows has a very creative mind. Not only that, but I found it interesting, and enjoyed learning the information that Ana and Sam discover throughout the book.

I also still have a growing fondness for Sam. He is definitely the type of guy I would like to date. He's kind, selfless, brave, understanding, honorable, helpful, and not to mention, attractive. I really like him a lot. I did get annoyed with him during one or two occasions in the book when he and Ana were fighting, but I got over it when Ana did. I loved it when he practically bragged about her during one scene in the book. He's just so sweet! My favorite part with him was definitely chapter 25!! I also like Ana as well. I admire her willingness to stand up for the other Newsouls, and the way she handled herself during difficult situations. In addition to Sam and Ana, I also liked Cris as well. He reminded me a bit of Sam himself, and I love his kindness. The character Sarit was also likable as well. She was very funny!

Overall, I liked this book, but it wasn't "I have to find out what happens next" type of book. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel and the novella, Phoenix Overture, written about Sam!!

Book Review: Shades of Earth

Shades of Earth 

"Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing. FUELED BY LIES. RULED BY CHAOS. ALMOST HOME."

Author: Beth Revis

Year of Release: 2013

Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: Science Fiction
Sequel(s): none, last in the series

Prequel(s): Across the Universe, A Million Suns, & As They Slip Away (a novella)

What motivated you to read this book?: Well, I had to find out what happens to my beloved Elder & Amy
Book Version: Hardback
Where did you get the book?: The library system I work in
Favorite Character: Elder 

Other noteworthy characters: Amy Martin, Emma Bledsoe, Maria Martin (Amy's mother)

Thoughts on Cover: I definitely prefer the original covers a lot more, but after reading why the publisher changed the covers on Beth Revis's website, I understand that they were trying to appeal to a wider audience. It's interesting to know that they were trying to appeal to SciFi fans considering that I thought the original covers were perfect SciFi covers. This cover reminds me of the Maze Runner series and all SciFi books in a series that all have similar covers but with a different color background. Boring! Oh, well. The story is still the same regardless.

Recommended to: Science Fiction fans & those who enjoyed Inside Out & Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are some vague spoilers in this review

Review: Beth Revis has done it again! Shades of Earth ended this phenomenal series with a bang! She was able to keep the same characters who have grown and developed throughout the first two novels and put them in a completely new setting-Centauri-Earth. Not only that, but she has been able to create another wonderful story that ties mystery, science fiction, and my favorite, romance.

As always, I loved Elder in this novel. I liked him since the beginning of Across the Universe and I still love him. I just adore his kindness, selflessness, bravery, and ability to lead others despite being so young. I definitely felt bad for him though during certain parts of the beginning of the book. He will definitely be the character I miss the most now that I have completed the series.

I liked Amy as well. Of course, there were parts where I was annoyed with her. However, I assumed she would do certain things, but she proved me wrong, fortunately. I admire her determination and willingness to help those from Godspeed.

The mystery aspect of this story definitely seemed different from the mystery element of the previous two books. In the previous books, the reader knows that the bad guy is one of the passengers on the ship, but in Shades, the reader doesn't know who or what the monsters on Centauri-Earth are. I made a prediction and it was somewhat correct, but I never would have predicted the details behind my prediction!!

Like in Across the Universe and A Million Suns, Shades of Earth's plot was quite intense and made the book very hard to put down. There was seriously not a dull moment in the entire book. It jumped quickly from one scene to the next. I liked that a lot. There was also quite a surprise at the end of the book that I never thought would happen in this series, but I pretty content with how the series concluded. It could have had a few more chapters, afterwards, but then again, that would probably be unnecessary. I like how it ended focusing on Elder's and Amy's relationship. I also like how Beth concluded it in a way that makes it a satisfying ending, but also in a way that if she ever decided to write more, it wouldn't seem phony or fake.

Overall, I have been very pleased with this entire series!! I would definitely recommend it to any YA readers!! Brilliant read and if Beth Revis ever releases another book/series, I will definitely read it! Now, I'm just upset that it's all over, and that there are no more books or any opportunities to explore the universe with Elder and Amy.

Book Review: A Million Suns

A Million Suns

"Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. 

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. Everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceshipGodspeed.

But there may be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to act on his vision—no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder learns shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a mystery that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier. Their success—or failure—will determine the fate of the 2,298 passengers aboard Godspeed. But with each step, the journey becomes more perilous, the ship more chaotic, and the love between them more impossible to fight.

Beth Revis catapulted readers into the far reaches of space with her New York Times bestselling debut, Across the Universe. In A Million Suns, Beth deepens the mystery with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship."

Author: Beth Revis

Year of Release: 2012
Genre: Science Fiction
Sequel(s): Shades of the Earth

Prequel(s): Across the Universe & As They Slip Away (a novella)

What motivated you to read this book?: I loved Across the Universe, and started reading this book the day I finished reading Across the Universe, because I loved it so much!
Book Version: Hardback
Where did you get the book?: The library I work at
Favorite Character: Elder or Amy

Least Favorite Character: Luther, most likely, although there were other characters I didn't like

Thoughts on Cover: I really like it. It's perfect. The coloring is great with all the stars and planets! Plus, I love how it shows Elder & Amy holding hands without showing their faces! So pretty! This is how a cover should be done!

Recommended to: Science Fiction fans & those who enjoyed Inside Out & Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are some spoilers in this review! There are also Across The Universe spoilers in it!

Review: Stunning!! Love it just as much as Across the Universe, maybe even more! It is a fantastic sequel. I absolutely love science fiction and this book did not disappoint in that category. I also found myself loving the mystery aspect as well. I haven't read a mystery book since I was a kid, but now after reading A Million Suns and Across the Universe, I might actually consider reading it again!

The two protagonists, Elder and Amy are great! I love how they were the same people that they were in the first book, but have grown so much. I enjoyed seeing Elder in charge of Godspeed rather than Eldest, but I definitely felt horrible for him when he was having such immense problems with the protests and riots! I really admired him for not giving up and for doing what he thought was best for the ship! I also really liked Amy as well. She definitely has grown and changed a lot. I didn't like though that she kept keeping a few things from Elder that she should have told him about in the last book, but I am glad that she did in the end. I also didn't like how she seemed so stubborn about getting one thing that she wanted at the end, but I guess that's because I sided with Elder on the issue. With my complaints aside, I really do like her. I admire her determination on figuring things out and how she's so smart in doing so!

I also love the romance element in the story. It's not like romance in other novels at all, when two characters meet then they fall in love with each other almost right away. This series is not like that at all. It's much more realistic and not rushed at all. I liked that. It made me enjoy the romance even more once it finally happened. It was nice seeing the growing fondness that Amy had for Elder. Elder obviously liked her immediately, but her feelings for him gradually evolved. I like how their friendship slowly turned into something more. I also like how patient Elder was while waiting for her to figure out how she feels.

The story itself was great! It was very fast paced. I could hardly put it down! One exciting event happens and then almost immediately another exciting event happens! It was great! And although I predicted most of what would happen (no major surprises, at least not for me, but I could just be a lucky guesser. Well, there was one part that kind of surprised me.), but I still enjoyed finding out if my predictions were correct.

Overall, I thought this novel was phenomenal and I would definitely recommend it!

Book Review: Across the Universe

Across The Universe

"Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the vast spaceshipGodspeed. She expects to awaken on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, Amy's cryo chamber is unplugged, and she is nearly killed.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense.Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir.

Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she? All she knows is that she must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again."

Author: Beth Revis

Year of Release: 2011
Genre: Science Fiction
Sequel(s): A Million Suns & Shades of the Earth

Prequel(s): As They Slip Away (a novella)

What motivated you to read this book?: I honestly cannot remember the first time I saw this book, it's been a long time, but when I read about it, I thought it seemed very interesting. The trailer also looked fascinating! I love science fiction and knew I had to read it. I really wish I had read it sooner though!
Book Version: Paperback
Where did you get the book?: The library I work at
Favorite Character: Elder

Other noteworthy characters: Harley & Amy Martin
Least Favorite Character: Eldest

Thoughts on Cover: This was the cover of the version of the book that I read. I prefer the orginial(?) cover much more than this one. This one would have been better if it didn't look fake. You can tell that the girl in the bubble window obviously isn't really looking out a bubble window. You can tell that it's photoshopped. Again, I almost always hate it when people are on the cover of books and you can see their faces clearly. The original(?) cover is much more fasciniating than this one. I finally understood the two face thing after reading the book!

Recommended to: Science Fiction fans & those who enjoyed Inside Out & Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Review: I loved this book!! This book is the definition of science fiction, and science fiction is my favorite genre! I was truly impressed with the entire idea of freezing people from earth and putting them in chambers in the ship that will keep them frozen and alive for 300 years until they land on the new planet. The concept was very unique and eerie. I was also truly surprised with the world that developed overtime on the ship. All the people on the ship are human, but they are completely different from the humans on earth and their society seems completely out of the ordinary. I was fascinated that the society was an attempt to be a utopia and yet there were so many things completely wrong with it.

The characters were very interesting too. Amy was one of the frozen people on the ship and she was mysteriously awaken approximately 50 years early. Nobody knows who woke her or why. She now has to live on the ship in with a messed up society and she feels as though she does not belong for many different reasons. She is definitely a likable character. I admire her love that she had for her parents, and her willingness to sacrifice her life on earth to be with them. I also pity her. I couldn't imagine giving up my entire life for a whole new world to only be vastly disappointed when woken up early and being told that I couldn't be frozen again and that my parents shouldn't be woken up because they are essential to the mission.

I also liked Elder. He is the youngest person on the ship before Amy wakes and yet he is next in line to rule all the people on the ship. Eldest, the current ruler, is attempting to train and prepare Elder for when he will have to rule, but Elder does not always agree with everything Eldest does, particularly the lying part, and I loved how he was so stubborn and does not always listen to what Eldest tells him to do. Harley was also a likable character. He is several years older than Elder and yet he seems to have an air about him that makes him seem younger than Elder, like a child almost. He was very humorous and likable.

I really, really loved this book! This book is fantastic! The story was a bit slow at first, but not so slow that I got bored, and it definitely seemed as though there was only one thing going on for a bit, but I am not complaining. A few of my guesses of what happened/was going to happen next were correct, but I guess I'm just a good guesser! A lot of it was actually a surprise that I never would have been to guess.  Read it! You won't regret it! I even started reading the sequel just hours after finishing this book.