White Cat by Holly Black

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 94/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Cassel comes from a family of curse workers — people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail — he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.
Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.
Holly Black has created a gripping tale of mobsters and dark magic where a single touch can bring love — or death — and your dreams might be more real than your memories.
I was so excited for this book. I love Holly Black. She is such an amazing writer and brings something unique to each story. Cassel is a conman, and while some might not like that. I found him to be a likable character and I liked his point of view. I enjoyed his family, which was full of so many unique people that I loved and yet hated. I really liked the mob aspect that was behind curse working, which is well amazing. I love anything to do with mobsters. I quickly became invested in the fabulous plot that Black spun. Every twist and turn in the Black Cat, kept me guessing on what would happen next. The world of White Cat is a unique and flawlessly developed book. Black didn't disappoint me and I am anxiously waiting for Red Glove. I recommend this book to fans of Holly Black, because it won't let you down.

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 20/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 98/100 or A
Source: Bought

Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.
In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.
Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

I loved Sydelle. She was such a strong character and full of so much life. Her strong voice made the story more enjoyable as does her hope. I also loved North. He was so strong and sweet at times, other times he was a complete jerk and I was never sure of his motives. The relationship between them developed really quickly and seemed unrealistic at times, but if you were traveling with someone like they were, you might do that too. The plot of Brightly Woven was epic. It captured my imagination really quickly and I just loved it. The world was developed into something that I have never seen before and was so detailed. Unlike a lot of fantasy, I understood what was going on and never felt lost. Bracken's debut leaved me wanting more from her. Brightly Woven was exquisitely written and will easily captivate you. I highly suggest that you read this book, it was exciting and a page turner.

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 93/100 or A
Source: Publisher

Natalie Sterling wants to be in control. She wants her friends to be loyal. She wants her classmates to elect her student council president. She wants to find the right guy, not the usual jerk her school has to offer. She wants a good reputation, because she believes that will lead to good things. But life is messy, and it's very hard to be in control of it. Not when there are freshman girls running around in a pack, trying to get senior guys to sleep with them. Not when your friends have secrets they're no longer comfortable sharing. Not when the boy you once dismissed ends up being the boy you wants to sleep with yourself - but only in secret, with nobody ever finding out. Slut or saint? Winner or loser? Natalie is getting tired of these forced choices - and is now going to find a way to live life in the sometimes messy, sometimes wonderful in-between.
Natalie reminded me of how I was, because I tried so hard to be the model student that I really missed a lot of things like high school dances and parties. She was so determined, smart, and sweet. The main problem that I had with her, was that she was so concerned with being a feminist that she was bitchy to people that she cared about. I really liked Spencer, because while she was like strong and powerful, she was also feminine and sure of what she wanted. Can I just say that I totally love The plot of this book was epic and I was engaged the whole time. I also found it to be unique from a lot of contemporary books, because it didn't seem forced or fake. Vivian's writing was epic. Natalie was a girl that anyone can relate to and I enjoyed her. I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as possible. It was epic.

Positively by Courtney Sheinmel

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 93/100 or A
Source: Bought
Since the day Emerson Pressman and her mother were diagnosed as HIV positive, nothing has been the same. When her mother dies of AIDS, Emmy has to go live with the father and stepmother she barely knows, and she feels more alone than ever. Now she has to take pills by herself, and there is no one left who understands what it's like to be afraid every time she has a cold. But when her father decides to send her to Camp Positive, a camp for HIV-positive children, Emmy begins to realize that she's not alone after all, and that sometimes, opening up to other people can make all the difference in the world.
When I got sick the first thing that they tested me for was HIV, and I was so afraid that I got it somehow. I didn't have it, but my disease is caused by the immune system. Even though our diseases are very different, I could totally relate to Emmy. I know that if I have 100% lung function by the time I am forty or if my liver doesn't stop from the pills, I am lucky and Emmy is faced with that too in other ways. There are days that I want to just throw my pills out or not get shots anymore, but I know that decision is a choice between life and death. When I first got sick, I went to a camp for teens with Primary Immunodeficiency and it was similar to what Emmy experienced at Camp Positive. Some of the friends from that time are dead, but they are far from forgotten. The part about the balloons really got to me, because that it what we do every year on my sister's birthday.

The plot is real, because you are constantly reminded how hard life can be for some people. This book is really original, because it leaves you with so much hope. Shienmel is a fantastic writer. I loved that this is based by her experience from with working The Elizabeth Glaser AIDS Foundation and is really accurate and realistic. I highly suggest that you read this book, it is a story of a girl with so much strength.

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 96/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.
She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.
Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.
But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?
I am not going to spoil this book, because I like not being killed by fangirl and plus spoiling is for jerks. This book was epic. The plot was really engaging and I found myself to be engrossed into every detail of this book. I just loved how it slowly revealed details about the plot and not everything was shown at once. I obviously feel very attached to every character in these books. I mean I have been reading it for six books. I love Rose and while it is sad to see her go, I was happy with her ending, along with other people. I also can't wait for the new series that is coming from this world and will luckily have some of the character who didn't get a real ending in Last Sacrifice. This is the end of a stunning series and it is definitely bittersweet. I can't wait for more from Richelle Mead. She is such a clever and gifted writer that brings something amazing to each book.

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

Rating:
Characters: 17/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 93/100 or A
Source: Publisher

The non-stop sequel to The Dark Divine delivers an even hotter romance and more thrilling action than Bree Despain's first novel. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved mother. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desparate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung. Readers, raveous for more Grace and Daniel, will be itching to sink their teeth into The Lost Saint.
The thing that infuriated me the most in this book was how niave Grace was. I found myself rolling my eyes at some of her decisions, but I think it is the way that she was raised. Even though some of her decisions were stupid, Grace became more kickass and aware through out the book and I did enjoy her character. I loved Daniel in The Dark Divine, but he seemed overbearing and even more protective of Grace, which is understandable after what happened, but she kind of has the super powers now. Their relationship really developed and became something else then what it was before, which is what happens when people grow up and change. I really liked Talbot, even though I suspected what happened in the end. I also liked the complexities that are later revealed in his character. I love that Despain creates realistic characters that seem to bounce off the page, because they have their flaws and great attributes that help you understand them.
The plot was exciting. I was engaged in every second. I loved the idea of searching for a sibling, because I would be doing that if I was in that sitution. I also liked seeing other demons and really how much darkness is in the world. Talbot's training with Grace was intense and interesting. I find Despain's take on werewolves to be unlike anything that I have read. I like the idea of being infected, but only becoming one, if you forget your instincts. Despain crafts a clever and action pack tale that is easy to become consumed with. I recommend this book, if you love paranormal fiction with some depth.

Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 91/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of elite vampire hunters, a legacy that is both a blessing and a curse at the secret Helios-Ra Academy, where she excels at just about everything. Thanks to her friendship with Kieran Black, Hunter receives a special invitation to attend the coronation of Helena Drake, and for the first time, she sees the difference between vampires that must be hunted and vampires that can become friends—or even more. When students at the academy fall victim to a mysterious illness, Hunter suspects they are under attack from within. She will need someone she can trust to help her save the future of Helios-Ra . . . help that shockingly comes in the form of Quinn Drake, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire. Who said senior year would be easy?

Hunter gives us another glimpse into Harvey's stunning world of vampires. The Helios-Ra is an intensely interesting organization with both it's good and bad qualities that keep you immersed in every detail of the book. The glance into what is happening in the Drake Family was also engaging. I really enjoyed seeing character from the past books in the series and seeing how they were. Hunter was such a kick ass character, but she also had a heart and honestly cared for people. Quinn made me laugh so much and I seriously loved every moment that he was in the story. The plot was really exciting and I adored every moment of this book. The plot is fast, fun, and fierce. Harvey's world building is so epically original and reflect some of the realities in the real world of politics. Harvey is a fantastic writer, creates such a stunning story that is full of lovable characters. Seriously, read this series!

Here is Alyxandra Harvey's Facebook fan page. There are a lot of amazing things happening there. Click here to have a sneak peak of her upcoming book, Haunting Violet. I also have a copy of Out for Blood for giveaway, just fill out the form below.

Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers

Rating:
Characters: 20/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 98/100 or A
Source: Publisher
From the author of Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are comes a gripping story about one girl’s search for clues into the mysterious death of her father.
When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?

Other then the book being absolutely amazing, I honestly don't know what to expect when I read something from Courtney Summers. She makes the most cliché topics into intriguing and raw stories that just completely engross and excite you.

Eddie was easy to relate and her struggles are something that we all will sadly experience. Death. Suicide. Sadness. I also LOVED seeing a vulnerable character from Summers, the emotions were so raw and just jumped off the pages and into my heart. I also loved that Summers showed that you can have vulnerability and strength like Eddie did. Milo is the most supportive and sweetest friend and I loved how much he cared for Eddie, even when she didn't want that at times. He is such a powerful and strong character that I loved. Culler Evans has so much appeal and I fell in love with him, when Eddie did. The characters made this book. I love that Summers can mold them into realistic and stunning that anyone can relate to.

This plot was amazingly captivating. I love the story and the twist that went along with it. It is also a story that everyone can relate to, I have lost people I love to suicide and several more to death. Grief and lost is hard part of life, but Summer captured it in a beautiful way. There was so much originality in this book and it was unlike anything that I have read this year. Summers is one of my favorite writers ever. Just when I am expecting something, she completely surprises and wows me. Her writing is also stunning and realistic that I love it. I recommend that you buy this book tomorrow, it is so amazing and epic. I promise that you won't be disappointed.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 93/100 or A
Source: Borrowed
To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.
Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.
Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.
I don't read much Adult fiction, but my mom handed this to me right after she finished and told me to read it now. I had heard quite a few amazing things about Room and decided to give it a try and I am glad that I did. This book was unlike anything that I have ever read. Room was haunting and stunning, while uplifting and hopeful. It keeps on just coming back to me. I can't imagine being in a room for my whole life and not realizing what I was missing. Jack was the original naive character as possible. He didn't know what was outside his world. I really adored his courage and strength through out the book. Ma also had a lot of strength and I loved how she made up these clever "games" on ways to get the neighbours to notice this shack. While she seemed selfish, I haven't had to deal with the horrors that she has. It was epically original. Donoghue created a unique and interesting book that I loved. Jack's world was powerful and unique. I recommend that you go buy and read this book now, you won't regret it.

Entice by Carrie Jones

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 94/100 or B
Source: Publisher
Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out.
For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?
And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned. She's Astley's queen.
This series just keeps on getting more enchanting and exciting. I love Zara, she is just as sweet as she was in the last book and I can still relate to her. Astley becomes so sweet in this book and he has to deal with so many probelms in this book, but Zara's happiness is a pirority to him. Devyn, Issie, and Cassidy are as great in the last books. Entice will capivate your attention from the first word and it is hard to not finish this book in one sitting. The obstacles in this book were thrilling and left you wanting more. This book is still extremely original and unlike anything that I have ever read. Jones is a stunning writer that knows what a book needs and writes it in an elegant and magical way that engages you the whole time. Just like the title, this book will entice you into wanting more. I recomend this series to anyone that hasn't read it yet. You won't regret it.
Here is a link to the Astley VS Nick poll. There is also a contest going on at the facebook fanpage. I also have a copy of Entice to give away. Enter in the form below.

When the Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 91/100 or A
Source: Publisher
A dancer driven to succeed.
A musical prodigy attempting to escape his past. The summer they share.
And the moment it all goes wrong.
Dance is Soledad Reyes’s life. About to graduate from Miami’s Biscayne High School for the Performing Arts, she plans on spending her last summer at home teaching in a dance studio, saving money, and eventually auditioning for dance companies. That is, until fate intervenes in the form of fellow student Jonathan Crandall who has what sounds like an outrageous proposition: Forget teaching. Why not spend the summer performing in the intense environment of the competitive drum and bugle corps? The corps is going to be performing Carmen, and the opportunity to portray the character of the sultry gypsy proves too tempting for Soledad to pass up, as well as the opportunity to spend more time with Jonathan, who intrigues her in a way no boy ever has before.
But in an uncanny echo of the story they perform every evening, an unexpected competitor for Soledad's affections appears: Taz, a member of an all-star Spanish soccer team. One explosive encounter later Soledad finds not only her relationship with Jonathan threatened, but her entire future as a professional dancer.
Through out the whole book, I could clearly feel that Soledad was just telling me this story. Her passion for dancing is similar to my passion for reading and writing, which made it so that I could connect to her. I could picture the scene and her action from the rich details each dance and emotion. She was such a strong and powerful character and I really appreciated that she was thinking about her future and not just about the present. Her romance with Jonathon is very important to the plot, as is her portrayal as Carmen for the drum and bugle corps. Jonathon seemed really sweet at the beginning, but Jonathon quickly became plagued with jealously. Their love seemed like us versus the world invincibility that a lot of first romance have. I also realized how troubled Jonathon really was. His love for Soledad wasn't healthy and it seemed like he was constantly questioning her feelings. He wasn't a bad person, he was just lost, because his relationship with Soledad was the first time that he was able to make choices. I adored Taz. He was such a funny and caring character and brought a lot to this story.
I really loved the drum and bugle crops part of this book. I knew just enough about it to understand the pressure that was on all of the characters and also didn't feel an information overload. It was awesome to see the dedication that people put into this sport and also how clique arise when you put teens together. I really enjoyed how original this book was. I haven't read a book like this in forever. The romance was so intense and consuming to the story and I loved it. The future aspect of the book was also fantastic, because that is what I am dealing with at the moment and few books are older YA. Ferrer is an amazing writer and I am so excited to read her next book. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Jenniefer Echols and Sarah Dessen. If you plan to read this, I would take a moment to just read about Carmen, because it will add depth to the story.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Rating:
Characters: 20/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 98/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?
I have not read a book that I have enjoyed as much as Anna and the French Kiss in a while. Anna is such a fantastic character. She reminds me of so many of my friends. She is uncertain of herself, but she is still able to find friends. I loved her interest in film. St. Claire is the type of guy that every girl wants. He is sweet, friendly, loyal, and sensitive. He also has a British accent and is cute, which just adds to his awesomeness. Like a girl with a crush, I loved every moment that he was in the book and wanted to know more about him. The relationship between Anna and St. Claire was realistic. It wasn't a sudden relationship, and started as a friendship and became a romance. The other friendships in the book were also a lot like what I have with my close friendships. The personal problems that St. Claire and Anna had, were explained enough that I understood the connection between them, but not enough that it overpowered the plot. The plot was stunning and I loved every moment that I was reading this book. It was very original in contemporary fiction. I haven't seen a lot book that are this realistic. The setting was also so intense and amazing. I really want to go to Paris and find the magic that St. Claire and Anna found. Perkins has become one of my favorite authors, since reading Anna and the French Kiss. I can't wait until her next books Lola and The Boy Next Door and Ilsa and the Happily Ever, which are companion books. This book was just what I wanted and I enjoyed the characters, plot, and setting. This book is a must for fans of contemporary young adult and I highly suggest that you buy this book now!

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 93/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.
She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.
Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?
Rich with emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery.
Fixing Delilah focused on her family and their many secrets. I believe that all families have that, even if your family is close, which my extended family isn't. I could relate to Delilah's questions about her history and what that means to her, because I feel that way. This book also focused on a mother and daughter relationship, and not another romance. Delilah has such an amazing voice, and I loved the sincerity and caring that I could feel through out the book. Patrick was such a sweet character. He was so patient of Delilah and really felt for her situation. I found the romance between Delilah and Patrick to be so cute. It was just so sweet and romantic. The setting of Red Falls, Vermont was gorgeous. I love the character that small towns hold, and I was interested in what was going to happen to the town after the book. I enjoyed the plot of Fixing Delilah so much. I found it to be captivating and stunning. It was also very original for contemporary fiction and I enjoyed it. Sarah Ockler created a stunning book about families, secrets, and hope. I can't wait for her next book. I would strongly recommend this book to fans of Sarah Dessen.

Matched by Ally Condie

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 20/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 95/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
I was really intrigued when I heard about Matched. The premise reminded me of one of my favorite books as a child, The Giver. While there are some similarities, between The Giver and Matched, the many difference made me love it. Imagine a society where everything from your job to your marriage are chosen for you. I found this to be extremely intriguing, because I have always really appreicated all of the choices that I have in life.

Cassia was a very sweet and niave character at the beginning, but slowly she learns about how much the Society is really taking away from her. Her grandfather helped with this discovery by giving her a poem that wasn't allowed. The discovery that she didn't have to be with Xander also helped, because it showed that the Society isn't always right. She begans to question their motives. Ky was such a mysterious and interesting character. I really enjoyed him and wish that there had been more about him. I didn't really understand the appeal of Xander. Cassia and Xander were suppose to be such great friends, but there wasn't really any chemistry between them.

Matched had such an amazing plot. I found it really exciting, because I didn't know what to expect next and the plot had so many twist and turns. I ussually don't enjoy love triangles, but this one was essential to the plot and acctually made it more intense. There was a lot of originality in Matched, like how excaltly was the society made that way or what was happening in the Outer Providences. Condie was a spetacular writer that created such an amazing world with amazing characters. I would reccomend this book to fans of Dystopian Fiction.

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 19/20

Originality: 18/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 19/20

Overall: 93/100 or A

Source: Publisher

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I really enjoyed Nightshade. Calla had such a strong backbone, but she also cared for others. I could also relate to her down-to-earth personality. Ren was the typical bad boy, but I could tell that he had genuine feelings for Calla. I really liked the banter that Ren and Calla had back and forth, it reminded me of the banter in Old Hollywood films, which I love. Shay was such a sweetie and had some mystique at the beginning, but secrets slowly unraveled and I found myself liking him more. The plot was really engaging. I found myself intensely drawn into Nightshade. The romances were very sweet and well developed. The action was also well written. This book isn't like most werewolf books, it had a twist which made it more intriguing. Cremer's writing was really well developed. I found myself drawn into her world and I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Paranormal Romance and is looking for something new.

Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft

Rating:

Characters: 19/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 20/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 19/20

Overall: 95/100 or A

Source: Publisher

When you piss off a bridge into a snowstorm, it feels like you’re connecting with eternal things. Paying homage to something or someone. But who? The Druids? Walt Whitman? No, I pay homage to one person only, my brother, my twin.

In life. In death.

Telemachus. Since the death of his brother, Jonathan’s been losing his grip on reality. Last year’s Best Young Poet and gifted guitarist is now Taft High School’s resident tortured artist, when he bothers to show up. He's on track to repeat eleventh grade, but his English teacher, his principal, and his crew of Thicks (who refuse to be seniors without him) won’t sit back and let him fail.

Jonathan's voice was very compelling. His voice and actions seemed to be very alienating and distant. This really helped me to understand his actions and relationships with his family and friends. It also show why he missed his brother and how much he really meant to him. The Thicks, his best friends, were really interesting and also brought depth to Jonathan. I also understood his hatred of sleeping, after losing someone and also his self doubt. I loved David, he had such an an amazing story and I admired him. The plot was remarkable. Each action was interesting. I also liked that a lot of the scenery was in Seattle, which is my home away from home. It was such an amazing tribute to the Seattle music scene with the amazing Eddie Veddor in the mix. Wesselhoeft is a stunning writer. Adios, Nirvana was a great story about finding yourself in music and in the world around you.

Split by Swati Avasthi

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 94/100 or A
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.

He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.

At least so far.

Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split—how do you begin to live again? Readers won’t be able to put this intense page-turner down.

Split is one of those books that gives you chills as you are reading it. Split focuses on the before and after of abuse, which I have never seen before. Jace's story horrified and captivated me at the same time. Jace was such a strong character and I felt so sad with each flashback that was revealed. I can't ever imagine a father doing that to his son and it broken my heart. The plot was very slow at the beginning, but it quickly gained momentum and became a fast and addicting read. Avasthi's debut was an emotional roller coaster. She created such strong emotional responses as you read this book. I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as possible. It was just so engaging and hopeful.

Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales

Rating:

Characters: 19/20

Plot: 18/20

Originality: 18/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 19/20

Overall: 93/100 or A

Source: Publisher

It’s Violet’s junior year at the Westfield School. She thought she’d be focusing on getting straight As, editing the lit mag, and making Scott Walsh fall in love with her. Instead, she’s just trying to hold it together in the face of cutthroat academics, Scott Walsh’s new girlfriend, and the sense that things are going irreversibly wrong with her best friend, Katie. When Katie starts making choices that Violet can’t even begin to fathom, Violet has no idea how to set things right between them. Westfield girls are trained for success—but how can Violet keep her junior year from being one huge epic fail?

I love funny realistic books and that is exactly what I found in Mostly Good Girls. I knew that I was going to love this book, when I opened it and found Violet's list of goals for this year. Violet was sweet, smart, determined, and funny. I loved that she was so realistic. She reminded me so much of one of my best friends growing up. Her best friend Katie was very awesome too. I loved that they were very loyal to each other and cared about what happened to them. They also had their fights, but no matter what they were friends in the end. I love private school books, because I didn't go to one. All girl schools just don't seem like a good idea, because all of the drama that happens. In this book that is what made it so awesome. All of the antics that Violet and Katie had were so hilarious. This book was really original, compared to most books I have read this year. It focused more on friendship, then on boys. Sales' writing was humorous and I loved that. I also didn't expect everything that happened and that there was some suspense in the ending. Mostly Good Girls reminds me of the Georgia Nicolson series, which I love. I really think that you should go read this book now, it is amazing!

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 17/20

Originality: 19/20

Writing: 18/20

Recommendation: 19/20

Overall: 91/100 or A

Source: Publisher

Seventeen-year-old Bronwen Oliver doesn't just want a family. She has one of those, and there's nothing terribly wrong with them apart from bickering grandparents, an image-obsessed mother and a brother she describes simply as Jesus. But there's no natural sense of connection between Bronwen and her family, leaving her with the belief -- and the hope -- that she was switched at birth, that she was never supposed to be Bronwen Oliver but someone else entirely.

When she begins dating college senior Jared Sondervan, she finds herself thoroughly embraced by the loving family she has always wanted and does not hesitate to say yes when Jared proposes on her 18th birhday. Plans for the Perfect Beach Wedding before her junior year of college become plans for the Perfect Beach Wedding before her freshman year of college. And a wedding so soon isn't exactly what Bronwen wants. But Jared is. And his family is. Or so she thinks.

Before Bronwen can determine what she truly wants, she must first determine who she truly is, and the answer, she discovers, is only partially what she thought it was. She wasn't switched at birth, but she's also not Bronwen Oliver and hasn't been for a very long time.

I really loved this book! Bronwen is extremely easy to relate to. Everyone feels out of place at times and wants to be someone else. I also loved that she was authentic and seemed like that girl that everyone knows. Jared was just wow! Seriously, he was so sweet and thoughtful. Bronwen and Jared's relationship made sense and kept me reading. The plot was adorable, but at the end, it seemed a bit rushed. I found this book to be very original. McCahan is a lovely writer and I can't wait for more from her. This was a cute book, with some substance. I would recommend this book to fans of Sarah Dessen and the Jessica Darling series.

Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 96/100 or A
Source: Publisher
“Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world.”
Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?
Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons?
I really enjoyed Hunger. I have always been interested in the apocalypse as said in the Bible and I really liked how Kessler presented it. I mean imagine of all the four horsemen being an anorexic and also in charge of famine. Lisabeth's mind was perfect for an anorexic. She was calculating everything and constantly planning ahead on what she could eat. It was also shown in her action. I found the plot of this book to be slightly fun, even that it is surrounded by such huge issues, such as famine and eating disorders. It was a really quick and interesting read. I also found this to book to be extremely original. I honestly can't think of a book like this. Kessler's debut in to young adult is stunning. I can't wait to see what else she will be bringing in the next book, Rage.