Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott


Published: May 24th, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rating: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Simon & Schuster's Galley Grab
Amazon ❘ Goodreads ❘ Website


Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible.

Until the accident.

Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her.
She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.
Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...

**This Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy). The final text/cover may be different.**

This book is so emotional. I couldn't help but feel so sorry for Abby, how she has to deal with a perfect older sister, and how she keeps visiting in the hospital, hoping she'll wake up. It's so sweet how she talks to her sister, tries to make her wake up, and deal with her parents as well. Everything seems to unfold onto Abby, and she's the one trying to find out about her sister, figure out what about her changed. I guessed the "big" surprise about her sister (I actually couldn't believe I was RIGHT!) and so I was pretty happy that I knew it would come around.


This is the 4th Elizabeth Scott novel I've read, and I have to say, this has the most emotion. It's not the most saddest (that goes to Living Dead Girl) but it's definitely one giant roller coaster full of melancholy, love and thought. I sometimes though wanted to shake Abby to stop complaining about her perfect sister. But I guess, it's pretty understandable from her standpoint.
LOVED Eli! Elizabeth Scott definitely knows how to craft the male characters into making them irresistible :) Claire was also a key character– without her, I have no idea how the story could ever be as dramatic!
I love the topics touched by Elizabeth Scott, it's not taken lightly, and it shows the true colors of real life. I found myself being pulled in by them and finding a much different outlook on them. I didn't know what some of the things were, example OCD, but this book really helped me look at life from a different perspective.
This book was short, and easy to dive into, but difficult to come back out to the surface again. Every character has sympathy for different reasons, and it's just such a overwhelming book with everything turning out in the end, with Abby's first boyfriend, Tess' secret, why Tess and Claire don't talk to one another, her parents trying to cope–there's definitely a LOT to this book.


Between Here and Forever is a story of acceptance, discrimination, and that somethings don't appear what they seem to. The ending was left with hope, but I really do hope there's a sequel or something, because I don't like where it's left off– I want it to continue! A sensitive, touching novel, Elizabeth Scott does not disappoint.

If you like this, try...

• Dreamland by Sarah Dessen (Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

Top Ten Tuesday - Week 14

"Top Ten Tuesday" is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This weeks top ten is: Top Ten Books that should be in your Beach Bag. Totally perfect for summer 8-) I typically think of light, "fluffy" type books which I would really enjoy at the beach...so here it is!

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han 
Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads


This one's the most obvious, it's got summer in the TITLE for pete's sake. I've already read this one, and I loved it! Totally makes summer special...I can't wait to get my hands on the 2nd book, It's Not Summer Without You. The trilogy just ended and I REALLY want to know what happens!


2. Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont
Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads


This one was slightly a bit heavier, but it's about a summer of camping and other wilderness related things, and I think it's perfect! Really loved it. I read this online, so I'm hoping someday I can get a physical copy so I can ACTUALLY bring it to the beach ;)


3. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Amazon ❘ Goodreads


Oh. My. GOD. I can literally read this series over and over–and over again. Love the classic tale of Carmen, Lena, Bridget and Tibby :D I can't believe a 5th one is coming out! I'm SO EXCITED! Can hardly wait :)


4. How to be Popular by Meg Cabot
Amazon ❘ Goodreads


This one is HILARIOUS. Had me laughing out loud so much– it's perfect! Light and Fluffy, all the way ;) with some seriously funny consequences. This and Teen Idol. ALL THE WAY.


5. Agatha Christie Mysteries (Hercule Poirot)
Goodreads


When I generally think of summer, I think of the Agatha Christie's on my aunt's shelf in India. I always read 2 or more of these, and I can't wait to go and dive into another of the fabulously told stories.


6. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Amazon ❘ Goodreads


This one FINALLY arrived in the school library and I can't wait to go ahead and borrow it (dumb "4 books only" policy....GAH! Nearly finished XVI, so we'll see ;D). It sounds cute and really "summerish". Been recommended so many times, and I'm just so glad it's finally available for moi to devour. 

Well, that's all I can think of unfortunately! How about you?? Got any amazing summer reads to recommend? Leave a link/comment!

In My Mailbox - Week 16

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's to show you all what amazing books/swag I received/bought/borrowed etc. this week!

For Review (eBooks):

Sent from Author:


High School Heroes by James Mascia (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)


**Thank you to James Mascia for sending me High School Heroes for review!


Simon & Schuster Galley Grab:


Possession by Elana Johnson (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Love Story by Jennifer Echols (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott (Amazon ❘ Goodreads) [Review coming soon!]


NetGalley:


Legacy by Cayla Kluver (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

Borrowed from Library:

Hunger by Michael Grant (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

That's it for this week! What did you get this week? Leave a link/comment!

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross


Published: May 24th, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Steampunk Chronicles, Book 1
Rating: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Amazon ❘ Goodreads ❘ Website

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

**This Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy). The final text/cover may be different.**

This was the second Steampunk book I've read (Clockwork Angel being the first), and Disney's Treasure Planet is probably the only Steampunk movie I've ever seen. So, what is Steampunk for all of y'all out there who don't know? I have to admit, I didn't either, so here's a little explanation from Kady Cross' website, her explanation about Steampunk.

Steampunk is basically a Victorian/Edwardian world where the science fiction of the time is reality. So, people like Dr. Jekyll might truly exist. Man could fly to the moon, or build incredible automatons. Dorian Gray could really be that handsome man sitting next to you, and you’d never know about the secret in his attic.

Steampunk is about discovery and industry, science and nature. Also, it has some pretty cool fashions. 

Hopefully, that's enough for you to understand what it's about. Onto the review!

This book was BRILLIANT. One of the best Victorian era books I've ever read. It's her debut, and it's been so well written! I fell in love with it instantly. I didn't want to stop reading it, but unfortunately I had to due to other "commitments" such as homework and other dull boring stuff in my life. I love how different it is, than the "typical" historical books. This fuses modern and history together...kinda like bringing on The Industrial Revolution! Only probably, more advanced (I dunno, I don't take history!).

This book seriously reminded me of different stories fused together. There's "The Machinist" in this story, which reminds me of the Magister in Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, which also of course, being a Steampunk book, has automatons and all other machinery and such. *SPOILER ALERT* And the main scheme of The Machinist? it really reminded me of Disney's The Great Mouse Detective...you gotta admit, it's pretty similar! *SPOILER OVER*

I LOVE Finley. Gods, she's so...brave! She really reminds me of Savannah Grey in Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish. They both have weapons, which "change" them when they're threatened. Just throwing that out there! I loved Emily as well, she's so sweet as a character. I seriously loved, like, ALL the guys in this novel: Griffin, Jack, Sam and Jasper. Although, of course, I found Griffin best. I found that Emily was quite the "attracter" in this book and her romance is so cute :)

I found that the tone of this book ranges through a lot. There's a lot of emotional, "heavy" type moments, such as sadness, anger etc. and yet, there's also a lighter, funnier mood during other times. This is one action-packed book, so the icebreakers were very welcome! I was hooked onto the fighting scene's in this book, and of course, with all the romancey-cute scenes I took that very slowly and read over every word...*sigh* Cross is so good with detail and description. She grabs the readers attention and makes sure they never let go on this eventful roller coaster.

I have to say though, the plot was somewhat...easy to get. I mean, like maybe around 3/4 through the book I already knew who the Machinist was and what the scheme was. Well, maybe that's just me and my love for Agatha Christie Mysteries, but that's besides the point. Look for clues. It'll be a big hint if you find them! Or rather, don't do that if you don't want the plot told earlier for you...hopefully, you know what I mean.

The cover of the book is GORGEOUS! I kinda picked the book, because the cover was really attractive :) But I'm glad I judged a book by it's cover, 'cause otherwise I wouldn't have read this...possibly. But I do have to say, the gown on the cover is beautiful (reminds me of The Luxe!) and is it just me, or does the cover model kinda look like Megan Fox? I dunno, she just kinda has her...face shape and stuff, I guess.

Overall, if you're one of those people who love technology, and/or love historical novels, this book is DEFINITELY for you. Engrossing, mysterious, and fantastically dark, The Girl in the Steel Corset will keep you hanging until the last word. Kady Cross has written an amazing debut, and I can't wait for more Steampunk books from her.

If you like this, try...

• Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish

Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish


Published: April 28th, 2011
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Rating: YA 13+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Amazon ❘ Goodreads


15 year old Savannah Grey has never felt she's belonged. She keeps her distance, so she's surprised by her attraction to the new boy Reece. Then strange things begin to happen: nature, it seems, is exerting an overpowering force on the world. Birds behave strangely; gusts of wind blow leaves so fiercely they seem to lure people away. And Savannah learns she has supernatural powers. Nature has a purpose for Savannah and her friends. For they are on course to meet the vile and evil Orcrassa, who wants to destroy the world by corrupting nature. And it wants Savannah Grey to help realise its savage intent.

**This Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy). The final text/cover may be different.**

This book was so creepy! I swear, it was like scary from the first chapter onward. The Horror?? I got scared by the name itself. It like then stalks this girl–beyond creepy. And of course, the throat thing! This book was FULL of creepy things...and I loved it. It's so original, and so dark and mysterious. It'll give you plenty of nightmares if you read the book in chunks (like I did) so I strongly suggest reading it in one go. I'm sure the mystery of it all would keep you wanting to find out more, if it isn't the horrifying-ness of it all before that!


I found the characters like-able, and I loved how it all twists around in the end. People aren't what they seem to be...and it completely caught me off-guard. I didn't expect the ending at all! But Savannah is an amazing main character, and I so love how REAL she is. She gets scared and emotional, even though she has like super human strength and the weapon inside her. Every character develops throughout the novel and it's so good to see that.


I love the change in perspectives, shifting between the Horror (the beginning of the novel), Savannah and The Ocrassa (who is, BEYOND creepy). I found the Ocrassa's story boring though (until the end!) and mainly had to rush through those, because the eGalley was due in an hour by the time I was a bit more than half-way through the book. The Horror...creeped me out (definitely gave me nightmares) and of course, Savannah's story was interesting as we found out more on what she can do with her throat and get to know the people surrounding her. *SPOILER ALERT* I have to say, I loved Reece at first, but the ending? It completely blew me away. I was shocked. I LITERALLY had my mouth hanging open at that part. Just so unexpected!


I wish I had gotten more time to read this book, as I could have read it in more depth, but with timing issues, I ended up reading really fast, and only catching the main few bits. Hopefully, I can pick up a copy soon to read and then begin taking it in, with more focus. But I have to say, from what I read, it seems enough to know what happens and goes on in the book.
The ending was absolutely stunning. Perfect conclusion. I wouldn't want this to become a series, because where it ended was just...I can't think of anything to describe it. But it had finality to it and it just concluded so well. That's all I will say without giving away too much!


Overall, Savannah Grey never fails to excite and scare, it'll keep you up at night, horrified at what happened and wishing it would never happen to you. The surprises and twists will keep your jaw-hanging and the action in the story will keep you flipping pages. Frighteningly good!

If you like this book, try...

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
• The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (Review ❘ Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

Other Covers:

Friday Finds - Week 15

"Friday Finds" is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading. It's to show you all what amazing new, old and upcoming books I've discovered this week!


This week I found...

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Pure by Julianna Baggott (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
The Right & the Real by Joëlle Anthony (Goodreads)

The Hunt of the Unicorn by C.C. Humphreys (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

The Summer Before Boys by Nora Raleigh Baskin (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Blood & Flowers by Penny Blubaugh (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

Devoted by Hilary Duff (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Jonas by Eden Maguire (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Angelology by Danielle Trussoni (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

Before I Die by Jenny Downham (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares (Amazon ❘ Goodreads)

WOW. Okay, thats a load of finds this week! Can't wait to get my hands on these :) What did you find this week? Leave a link/comment!