Waiting on Wednesday – Week 121

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's to spotlight upcoming books that I'm DYING to get my hands on!

This week's WoW is:

My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

Sixteen-year-old physics nerd Aysel is obsessed with plotting her own death. With a mother who can barely look at her without wincing, classmates who whisper behind her back, and a father whose violent crime rocked her small town, Aysel is ready to turn her potential energy into nothingness.

There’s only one problem: she’s not sure she has the courage to do it alone. But once she discovers a website with a section called Suicide Partners, Aysel’s convinced she’s found her solution: a teen boy with the username FrozenRobot (aka Roman) who’s haunted by a family tragedy is looking for a partner.

Even though Aysel and Roman have nothing in common, they slowly start to fill in each other’s broken lives. But as their suicide pact becomes more concrete, Aysel begins to question whether she really wants to go through with it. Ultimately, she must choose between wanting to die or trying to convince Roman to live so they can discover the potential of their energy together. Except that Roman may not be so easy to convince.

February 10, 2015 ● Goodreads

This one sounds like an interesting one... kind of like Butter meets Life by Committee! Really interesting and I can't wait to see what goes down, February can't get here fast enough. Plus, the cover is GORGEOUS.

What are you waiting on?

The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

Release Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be?

I’m a fan of stories about revenge, and I’m a fan of cute contemporaries. So, when the two come together, I do everything I possibly can to get it into my hands. The Art of Lainey was the perfect blend. There was already a lot of hype, and I’m so glad that it actually lived up to my expectations and didn’t fall flat. I never really knew what The Art of War was about before I’d read this book and so I’m happy that I actually do now know what the book is about, and I may or may not use that to my advantage... hehe.

I hate saying this, but Lainey seriously pissed me off during some parts of the story. Firstly, there was the whole I-need-Jason-or-I’m-nothing vibe at the start of the book. I mean, seriously? ugh. Then there’s the other times when she acts like a complete brat which set my teeth on edge. Otherwise, there was some amazing character growth and development, and it’s only later in the book that I really came to love her character because she comes realise her flaws and actually does something about it. Plus, I love how she realises she’s falling for Micah. Totally adorbs! Speaking of: MICAH. THE NEW LOVE OF MY LIFE. Bad boy? Count me in. His character kind of reminded me of Jake from Saving June and likewise, I was seriously fangirling over him throughout the novel. He was seriously sweet and plus he has such a cute younger sister.
Before reading this book, I’d read several reviews and I have to agree on one thing– Bee is literally the best friend. EVER. “Ever” as in after reading so much young adult fiction, I’ve never seen a more dedicated best friend/sidekick character. Had loads of love for her because jeez, if only she were real... (Not that I’m complaining about my own friends. I love them, I swear!)

The Art of Lainey is a glittering debut by an author everyone needs to look out for. Paula Stokes has managed to capture the pain of heartbreak as well as the beauty of a new and unexpected relationship in her debut. You seriously don’t want to miss this one!

If you like this, try...

• Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald ● Goodreads
• Burn for Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian ● Goodreads

Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young

Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young

Release Date: March 6, 2014
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Rated: YA 14+
Format: ARC
Source: Pansing
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website (Patrick) ● Website (Young)

Caroline is at a crossroads. Her whole family is on her back, and her grandmother, the only person who really understands her, is sick, maybe dying. All she wants to do is escape. So when her best friend suggests a night out to forget her troubles, Caroline must choose: STAY by her grandmother's side, or GO to the party and live her life . . . and maybe meet the boy of her dreams. 

This decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths - and she's about to live them both. But there can only be one happy ending...

I was super excited when I got the chance to review this book. I’d heard of both Patrick’s and Young’s previous novels but unfortunately have never gotten the chance to read them. Besides– two amazing (from what I’ve heard) authors collaborating to create one book? After Burn for Burn and These Broken Stars I knew this was something I could not pass up. When I finally got around to reading it, after months of the book lying around in my room, I finished it in one sitting. I’m glad to say that this was a win for me and found myself enamoured by the story and its characters, along with the suspense of finding out what happens at the end. 

What stuck out for me when I’d first read the blurb was the whole split decision thing. At first I was like, “What?... this is a paranormal?” and it was only until I’d read the book that I realised that it was more like Choose-Your-Own-Adventure, except the reader does not choose the character’s course of action, but instead we see both sides of what would have happened if Caroline had chosen to stay with her grandmother or if she had gone to the party. I really enjoyed the dual timelines (really reminds me of the TV show Community), interweaved with alternating chapters and taking place at the same time as one another. What I especially liked was how different the timelines were, but they still had constant factors throughout each of their stories. I definitely preferred one timeline to the other – not going to say which – but in the end, fates collide and things do fall into place.

While I did like it when Caroline actually got to say goodbye to her grandmother in the STAY timeline, I liked her character better in the GO timeline. Weird right? I don’t know why, but I think she definitely made better choices during the latter timeline. However, I did like the constant presence of Simone during the STAY timeline as well as the relationship that grows between Caroline and her sister Natalie. Each timeline comes with it’s guys and relationships and it all comes down to one point in the end, so I can’t say I’m disappointed either way. It’s cool to see the way things play out, how actions have consequences and how this ends up affecting the involved characters.

A unique concept for narrative structure in young adult fiction, Just Like Fate was a fantastic ride that closes with a happy ending and an unexpected twist. Flawless and intriguing, I’m left blown away and desperate for more from Patrick and Young.

If you like this, try...

• Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott ● Goodreads
• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher ● Goodreads
• Don’t You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire ● Goodreads
• Maybe Tonight? by Bridie Clark ● Goodreads

▪ ▪ ▪ Thank you so much to Sasha from Pansing for sending me a copy for review! ▪ ▪ ▪

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Waiting on Wednesday – Week 120

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It’s to spotlight upcoming books that I’m DYING to get my hands on!

This week’s WoW is:

5 to 1 by Holly Bodger

In the year 2052, after decades of gender selection, India now has a ratio of five boys for every girl, making women an incredibly valuable commodity. Tired of marrying off their daughters to the highest bidder and determined to finally make marriage fair, the women who form the country of Koyanagar have instituted a series of tests so that every boy has the chance to win a wife.

Sudasa, though, doesn't want to be a wife, and Kiran, a boy forced to compete in the test to become her husband, has other plans as well. As the tests advance, Sudasa and Kiran thwart each other at every turn until they slowly realize that they just might want the same thing.

This beautiful, unique novel is told from alternating points of view-Sudasa's in verse and Kiran's in prose-allowing readers to experience both characters' pain and their brave struggle for hope.

May 12, 2015 ● Goodreads

I’m excited for this book for SO many reasons. Firstly, in YA, there isn’t a lot of Indian culture presented. Being Indian, this is really sad, and so far the only one that comes to mind is City of a Thousand Dolls. YAY FOR DIVERSE YA! Secondly, that cover is gorgeous. Love the mehndi (or henna) design – it reminds me so much of weddings, which is probably why it’s well-suited for the cover of this book. Thirdly, we’ve studied about this in geography. Population growth and how newly industrialised countries such as India still have a preference for boys over girls despite the growing economy and changing ways of the country. It’ll be cool to see this depicted as a dystopian novel. And FINALLY– the narrative structure. Verse vs. prose – a cool concept that hasn’t been explored much. I’m intrigued now and desperate to get my hands on this book. Why is May so far away...

What are you waiting on?

Adapting Books into Films: Take One

As some of you know, I have been accepted into Boston University to pursue a degree in Film and Television. Other than books, I LOVE Films and TV shows, and I’m super excited that I get the chance to learn about what I’m passionate about. Books have had a role in this drive to study and later on (hopefully) produce films and/or TV or become a screenwriter. It was when I saw Joe Wright’s adaption of Anna Karenina.

Not many people enjoyed the film unfortunately, but I really did. I studied theatre in the IB and my GCSE years, so four years of theatre and drama in total. I loved how Wright combined the elements of theatre and film in order to adapt the classic to the screen. I haven’t seen the other movie, yes, but this one was magical, dramatic and dazzling. The use of the stage was amazing and the symbols that were present helped me to understand what exactly Wright wanted to get across, as well as embodying the message of Tolstoy’s novel and his vision of Russia.
While I haven’t studied film before, I believe that learning about theatre – the practitioners and world theatre, as well as theatre in the making and the theory – will really help when it comes to representing the elements on stage. I really want to focus on adapting books, as YA fiction has become a large market, as well as classics reimagined as Wright has done.

Here are a few books that I can really see being adapted to the big screen – and hopefully someday I can actually be a part of this.



I. Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Goodreads

I can really see this one coming to life. Not only to represent the story that’s presented in this novel, but to also truly give a reflection of what it was like during the time of WWII and the growing monster within Hitler. While most of the book is fiction, parts of it is true or based on the truth so it would be interesting to see how both fact and fiction weave with one another. However, what would be even MORE intriguing is the relationship between Gretchen and Daniel, a Jewish reporter. Another Romeo and Juliet-esque book, only with action, mystery and deadly consequences. 

II. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Goodreads

If you haven’t read this book yet, you certainly need to. It’s not YA but it’s a shocking reveal of the corruption in India, looking at the caste system and the rise of communism in Kerala, all while reeling from the effects of colonialism and anglophilia. It examines the lives of two twins, Rahel and Estha, and how in one week of during their childhood, their whole world falls apart. The narrative structure is complex, so adapting this would have to be very careful with details, because it’s important the way things are presented in the book, as it moves from past to present to backstory. It really gives a chance for the true state of India, particularly during the time it’s set, to be depicted.

III. The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Goodreads

It’s only recently that I’ve grown an appreciation for gothic literature, and Shepherd’s retellings are stunning. I seriously think that being able to create the dark and somber mood of a movie based on a YA novel that’s based on gothic literature would be interesting to capture. I had to study and look at what exactly makes a piece of work gothic for the Extended Essay, so being able to culminate the elements into this series as films would be an amazing opportunity to bring back some of the darker classics to life. Historical paranormal? I’m in love.

IV. Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley

Goodreads

This book was really dark, but the subject matter fascinated me for months on end. I think it would be a really strong portrayal of abuse, kidnapping, and dissociative identity disorder, as well as digging up the past and looking for the clues that leads to a shocking finale. It would not only bring the attention of the audience to the realisation that this actually exists today, but also would hopefully bring around justice and an understanding of what happens to both the main character and the case that the book is based on.

Well, that’s all there is for today, and I’ll be sure to share my thoughts on what other books I’d love to see being turned into movies soon. What books can you envision being turned into Films? Leave a comment!

The Queen of the Tearling Blog Tour: Review

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Release Date: July 8, 2014
Publisher: Harper
Series: The Queen of the Tearling, Book 1
Rated: YA/Adult 16+
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads

On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend…if she can survive.

I’d heard a lot about The Queen of the Tearling before reading the book. I know Emma Watson has signed on for the movie, but as far as reviews went... several were negative. That being said, I was a little bit scared going into this book, not only because of the complaints and criticism, but also because it was a book aimed for adults, and I don’t tend to read books aimed for an older generation. However, I seriously don’t know what everyone is complaining about. I loved The Queen of the Tearling. I haven’t read a fantasy novel in a long time, so this definitely satisfied my appetite, despite it’s daunting length.

I was a little confused about the time that the novel takes place. Johansen has created a medieval sort of setting, but I’m sure it takes place in the future, as Rowling’s books are mentioned. Definitely an interesting concept, about a dystopian yet archaic society. Seriously makes it hard to peg which genre it belongs in then– kind of like a historical-fantasy-dystopian. Weird, but it works. Unfortunately, because this was an eGalley, the map doesn’t show up, but the author has clearly put a lot of thought and detail into this new world, and I think feels like the start of a new Westeros or Middle Earth. Hopefully, while this book did expand on the formation of Tearling as well as some of the other areas around it, in the rest of the trilogy, it can be developed even further.

One of the major complaints in other reviews was about Kelsea’s character. Okay, yes, I could totally see why. Sometimes, in the most inappropriate times, she would think about her appearance. I mean...really? You’ve been captured, or something serious is going on, but NOW is the best time to think about the way you look? I wish that the author didn't draw too much attention to the fact that the main character wasn’t “pretty” or “beautiful”. There was an awesome article written by the author about having a heroine that was considered ugly and what’s wrong with the way that today’s books are marketed for women. I totally agree with what she’s saying, but for pete’s sake, in your own book, stop reinstating the fact. I don’t want to read several times about how ruddy-faced Kelsea is. She’s a badass heroine who stands up for justice and garners respect from everyone around her. Sure, it would make sense if people were utterly repulsed by the way she looks, but not all of us can look like Emma Watson (which is why I’m a little perplexed by the casting choice), so seriously? LET IT BE. Stop drawing attention to her physical appearance unless it’s absolutely essential to the plot.
I liked the other characters as well, particularly the guards. Mace was a great character, I enjoyed his snark and no-nonsense attitude. Pen was really sweet and even though the author mentioned something about the lack of romance the book has, I wish that something will happen between him and Kelsea. Or then there’s always the Fetch... oh well. The lack of romance clearly didn’t hinder my love for Pen, so if there is no romance in the series, I don’t think it would bother me in the end. 

I know people have ranted against how it’s been compared to Game of Thrones, like that it could never compare to how great it is, but I could definitely see the similarities and because of some of these, I actually enjoyed the book even more. There’s several similarities between the two worlds, particularly with the use of swear-words and the constant mention of prostitution and explicit scenes. However, I agree with some of the rage. On the goodreads page for the series, I’ve seen that it’s been called “a female-orientated Game of Thrones”. Um, let me just say one thing that a bajillion other people have said before: The female-oriented version of Game of Thrones? It already exists because it IS Game of Thrones. Yeesh. Thought people would have known by now with the amount of awesome female characters the series has. 

It was only after I’d finished reading and took a step back when I saw how much actually transpired in the book. I mean the journey to the keep, Kelsea’s rule, betrayals and assassination attempts– this book has a TON of plot. Again, I don’t know why people complain about it. The pace might be a little slow, but you can’t complain about the lack of plot. Think about what happens and then complain if you must. Don’t put down a story because you think nothing happens when a lot actually does. I’m really looking forward to the next book now because I’ve got so many questions and I’m sure there’s a lot more things about to go down.

Spellbinding and gripping, The Queen of the Tearling is the start of a remarkable trilogy. With magic, a judicious queen, and a fierce growing enemy, I can’t wait to continue reading Johansen’s work. I’m undoubtedly all in for this series and am eagerly anticipating more.

If you like this, try...

• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo ● Goodreads
• Prophecy by Ellen Oh ● Goodreads

▪ ▪ ▪ Thank you so much to Megan from HarperCollins International for having me on the blog tour! ▪ ▪ ▪

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Strange and Ever After Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard

Release Date: July 22, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Something Strange and Deadly, Book 3
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository ● B&N ● iTunes ● Kobo
Goodreads ● Website

Read my review of Something Strange and Deadly HERE

Read my review of A Darkness Strange and Lovely HERE

In the conclusion to the trilogy that Publishers Weekly called “a roaring—and addictive—gothic world,” Eleanor Fitt must control her growing power, face her feelings for Daniel, and confront the evil necromancer Marcus...all before it’s too late.

He took her brother, he took her mother, and now, Marcus has taken her good friend Jie. With more determination than ever to bring this sinister man to justice, Eleanor heads to the hot desert streets of nineteenth-century Egypt in hopes of ending this nightmare. But in addition to her increasingly tense relationships with Daniel, Joseph, and her demon, Oliver, Eleanor must also deal with her former friend, Allison, who has curiously entangled herself in Eleanor’s mission.

With the rising dead chomping at her every move and Jie’s life hanging in the balance, Eleanor is convinced that her black magic will see her through to the bitter end. But there will be a price. Though she and the Spirit Hunters have weathered every battle thus far, there will be consequences to suffer this time—the effects of which will be irreversible. And when it’s over, only some will be able to live a strange and ever after.

Susan Dennard will leave readers breathless and forever changed in the concluding pages of this riveting ride.

After reading Something Strange and Deadly it unfortunately took me a very long time to finally get my hands on A Darkness Strange and Lovely. I wouldn’t have picked up the series – too many books and too little time – until I became a part of the blog tour for the final book: Strange and Ever After. So I find myself here, two years later after starting the first in the series, coming to the end. Wow. It was such an amazing end. Unexpected twists, a whole load of action, romance... absolutely perfect.

Eleanor was the best in this book. She wasn’t as annoying and I really enjoyed reading her focalised point of view. Oliver also got more of my respect in this book. While in the previous book he could get a little hot-headed and it was kind of a pain to see him and Eleanor go back and forth, constantly arguing, in this book their relationship really bloomed. Speaking of relationships... Daniel! Romance is definitely upped in this book :)

I LOVED the setting in this book. While Paris was amazing, Egypt and it’s mythology was even more so. It was interesting to read more about the local flavour as well as relearn some of the mythology that I had forgotten. Out of all three settings this book has been placed in, this one hands down is the best.
There’s a really shocking twist roughly halfway through the book, and I was completely taken by surprise. I freaked out by the end – it was another Gemma Doyle ending unfortunately, and I nearly flipped out with sadness.

Strange and Ever After was a bittersweet ending, but an amazing one at that. Dennard has created an amazing world, and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

SUSAN DENNARD

I am a writer, reader, lover of animals, and eater of cookies. I used to be a marine biologist, but now I write novels. And not novels about fish either, but novels about kick-butt heroines and swoon-worthy rogues (I really like swoon-worthy rogues).

I live in the Midwest with my husband and two dogs (Asimov and Princess Leia), and you can learn more about my crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on my blog or twitter.

My debut, SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY is now available from HarperTeen along with the prequel, A DAWN MOST WICKED, and the sequel A DARKNESS STRANGE & LOVELY.

Look for STRANGE & EVER AFTER in summer 2014 and TRUTHWITCH in fall 2015!

Website ● Goodreads ● Twitter ● Facebook ● Tumblr ● Pinterest ● YouTube

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Giveaway time!

Enter to win...

1 HB copy of Strange and Ever After (US only)

1 E-book of Strange and Ever After (INT)

Enter via the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Click on the button below or on the tour banner at the top of the post to follow the tour!

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Thank you so much to FFBC Blog Tours for having me along!

A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard

Release Date: July 23, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Something Strange and Deadly, Book 2
Rated: YA 14+
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

Read my review of Something Strange and Deadly HERE

With her brother dead and her mother insane, Eleanor Fitt is alone. Even the Spirit-Hunters—Joseph, Jie, and the handsome Daniel—have fled to Paris. So when Eleanor hears the vicious barking of hounds and sees haunting yellow eyes, she fears that the Dead, and the necromancer Marcus, are after her.

To escape, Eleanor boards a steamer bound for France. There she meets Oliver, a young man who claims to have known her brother. But Oliver harbors a dangerous secret involving necromancy and black magic that entices Eleanor beyond words. If she can resist him, she'll be fine. But when she arrives in Paris, she finds that the Dead have taken over, and there's a whole new evil lurking. And she is forced to make a deadly decision that will go against everything the Spirit-Hunters stand for.

In Paris, there's a price for this darkness strange and lovely, and it may have Eleanor paying with her life.

Before I start go on to give my thoughts on this book, can we please just appreciate how gorgeous the cover is? I mean that dress and steampunk-ness alone would have made me read this book. I’d read Something Strange and Deadly ages ago and I was a little afraid that I wouldn’t be able to remember what had happened in the book. Reading reviews of the first book from other bloggers and readers brought me back up to speed for the most part, but I found myself missing key scenes. Reading this instalment was a little challenging because of this as I couldn’t remember who characters were, who had died and what was the standing relationship between a couple of them. However, as the book went on, there was some recaps as to the events that occurred during the previous book and that helped me to understand where on EARTH I was concerning the story’s timeline with reading A Darkness Strange and Lovely. I really enjoyed this book– I haven’t read a paranormal book in a while, and one about zombies in an even longer time. Steampunk is something you don’t come across often in YA, but I’m so glad that it’s growing because it’s a cool twist on history by introducing new inventions and such.

Eleanor still somewhat annoyed me from time to time in this book, but in some ways, her character has also improved. I like that she’s a little more headstrong and confident, has actually taken charge of her life and done what is necessary to live alone. The whole “Miss Fitt” thing still bugs me because she mentions it EVERY TIME somebody calls her that (misfit. Yes we get it.) because she clearly thinks the whole world is making fun of her and has nothing better to do. I really loved Oliver’s character. His involvement in the book is much greater than I imagined but I enjoyed it. Of course, even the Spirit-Hunters! Joseph, Jie, and Daniel (swoon). The relationship with Daniel is a little awkward at first, but oh gods, DANIEL IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.

There were a couple twists along the way, some were very easy to guess. I like that we also got to learn more about demons, as they’re both important in this book and the next. The setting was interesting as well, and now I find myself wanting to go to Paris – yes, the descriptions of les morts did not hinder me. I actually understood the French in this book so now I feel pretty accomplished about it! But it’s really basic French, so those who never learnt it can get a sense of what’s being said.

A Darkness Strange and Lovely was dark, suspenseful and terrifyingly beautiful, and I can’t wait to read the next book. Dennard’s sophomore novel was enchanting, and while I’m sad to be heading into the final book, I have high hopes for what’s to come.

If you like this, try...

• The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross ● Goodreads
• Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare ● Goodreads
• Die for Me by Amy Plum ● Goodreads

Revolutionary Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Revolutionary by Krista McGee

Release Date: July 15, 2014
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Series: Anomaly, Book 3
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository ● B&N ● Kobo
Goodreads ● Website

Read my review of Anomaly HERE

Read my review of Luminary HERE

All her life Thalli thought she was an anomaly. Now she must use her gifts to fulfill the role she was called to play: Revolutionary.

Back in the underground State against her will, Thalli is no longer the anomaly she was before. She has proven herself to be a powerful leader aboveground and returns with information that Dr. Loudin needs to complete his plan of uniting the world under one leader: himself. But he, too, has information. A secret he has kept from Thalli her entire life. A secret that, once revealed, changes everything about the person Thalli thought she was.

Hoping to help Thalli rise up against the Scientists, both Berk and Alex join her underground, but their presence only brings more trouble for her. Now Dr. Loudin knows just the leverage to use on his captive, and she is forced to choose between the two of them. Is her first love her true love? Or does Alex ultimately claim her heart?

Unsure of everything around her, including her own identity, Thalli doesn’t know where to turn. She knows she needs the Designer, but he seems further away than ever. What she does know, though, is that if she doesn’t do something to stop Loudin, the fragile world aboveground will be lost once and for all.

It feels strange to read all three books in this series within a week but nonetheless I’m thankful for it. I actually was able to remember details from each of the books all the way through and I think that made my reading experience of the Anomaly series a lot more enjoyable. Coming from an okay-ish start with Anomaly to much more appreciation and improvement in Luminary, I find myself here: Revolutionary, the final book of the trilogy. This series has only gotten better and better as it went on, so I’m glad to say that I really enjoyed this novel. A lot more is revealed and the plot was fantastic, many more twists, even though some were easy to guess. The stakes are definitely a lot higher.

The book picks up where the last one left off. I like how we got to see more of Alex, giving him a fair share of “screen-time” so we could see how the romance with Thalli and him play out. Speaking of romance, it’s increased since the last book for sure. There *might* even be some kissing as well (hehe). Regarding the love triangle, there is a clear answer by the end with whom she chooses and since I was all for either Alex or Berk, I didn’t mind. The ending of the book answers and leaves everything at a good close, truly a perfect end with it’s bumps and sad moments.

When it comes down to it, you can really see that this is a battle between science and religion. I’m not saying one is more right than the other – I see both versions, partially from my religious view and what I’ve been taught in school. It’s interesting to see how the characters take this on, how much they’ve changed (particularly Rhen) from the beginning of the series and how they’ve accepted God (aka the Designer) and look to him for answers. I was pretty happy that this book wasn’t as preachy as the first and somewhat the second. It had the right amount – for me at least – and didn’t hinder my reading of the book.

An action-packed conclusion to the series, Revolutionary is the pinnacle of what readers have been waiting for with this series. I’m sad to say goodbye to a series that I’ve only just started, but it’s great to see a different dystopian and learn more about the Christian faith. Krista McGee has caught my eye and I’ll be sure to look out for books by her in the future.

If you like this, try...

• The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings ● Goodreads
• Delirium by Lauren Oliver ● Goodreads

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

KRISTA MCGEE

Krista writes for teens, teaches teens, and more often than not, acts like a teen. She and her family have lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica, and Spain. Her current hometown is Tampa, FL.

Website ● Goodreads ● Twitter ● Facebook

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Giveaway time!

Enter to win...

2 sets of the ANOMALY series (books 1-3)

US only

Enter via the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Thank you so much to YA Bound Book Tours for having me along!

To follow the rest of the tour, click on the tour banner at the top of the post.

Luminary by Krista McGee

Luminary by Krista McGee

Release Date: January 7, 2014
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Series: Anomaly, Book 2
Rated: YA 13+
Format: eGalley
Source: NetGalley
Buy: Amazon ● The Book Depository
Goodreads ● Website

Read my review of Anomaly HERE

She was an anomaly with a death sentence. Now she's free.

Thalli was scheduled for annihilation. She was considered an anomaly--able to experience emotions that should have been eradicated by genetic modification. The Scientists running the State couldn't allow her to bring undue chaos to their peaceful, ordered world. But seconds before her death, she is rescued.

Now Thalli is above ground in a world she thought was destroyed. A world where not even the air is safe to breathe. She and her three friends must journey across this unknown land, their destination a hidden civilization. It's their only chance of survival.

Broken and exhausted after an arduous journey, they arrive in New Hope, a town that survived the nuclear holocaust. When Thalli meets the people there--people actually "born" to "families"--her small world is blown wide open.

Soon after their arrival to New Hope, the town comes under attack. She has escaped imminent death, but now Thalli is thrust into a new fight--a fight to save her new home. Does she know enough about this world of emotions, this world of chaos, to save not only herself, but the people she has come to love?

While I did have some issues with the first book, Anomaly, there was no denying that there was a really great story that would carry on in the next two books. I enjoyed Luminary a lot more! While of course, the novel being Christian fiction, there wasn’t going to be a reduction of the amount of religious material in the text, it didn’t really hinder the plot for me. Overall, I thought the book flowed more than the first and had more of a story as well.

My wish came true! Definitely more character development was here concerning Thalli’s character. I also liked that we got to know more about Rhen’s character as well. There are a whole bunch of new characters, and I liked their involvement as well. It was really cool seeing how our four characters from the state interacted with the people who live aboveground. There is a love triangle that forms in this book, and I will admit: it’s really difficult to pick between the two of the guys. Berk I loved from the first book, but the new guy really poses a threat. Can’t wait to pick up the next book to find out who she’ll choose in the end.

While there’s still a lack of PDA in this book, with EITHER of the guys, there’s a lot more violence that there was in the first. The plot was definitely heavier and much darker, so this was an interesting twist of events compared to the first book. Just when you think the end is near, something comes along and shakes up the whole story. It leaves a clear idea of what’s going to happen in the final book, and I can’t wait to uncover more secrets and discover new ones.

Luminary was a thrilling follow-up to it’s predecessor and captivated me from start to finish. I’m hungry for the next book and long to know what’s going down in the trilogy’s finale.

If you like this, try...

• Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum ● Goodreads
• Matched by Ally Condie ● Goodreads