Away by Teri Hall

Source: Publisher
After crossing the Line, Rachel finds herself in a world where survival is never guaranteed - a world where bizarre creatures roam the woods and people have strange abilities. Everything has gone to ruin Away and the survivors have banded into warring clans. Rachel finds her father being held prisoner by a tribe of Others, and she and her new friends set out to rescue him. But when they cross back over the Line, Rachel and Pathik make a foolish decision, bringing them into further danger that can only be resolved with an unthinkable sacrifice.
An adventure filled with life-and-death choices, dark conspiracies, and heart-poundingly suspenseful moments, this sequel delivers.
After the intense ending of The Line, I thought that this book would start quickly. It didn't.  Instead it focuses on Away and everything that is going on, which I found interesting. The plot was really quick and as a result, I read the majority of it in one sitting. An issue that I had, is that all of issues in the book would arise and be quickly resolved. There was no intensity in this book. Hall's writing is as strong as the previous book and she wraps up the book nicely. My only real issue is that the events of the plot seemed really convenient and sudden. Overall, I think that this is a futuristic society that younger readers might enjoy more, but it you like the first one, I would recommend it.

Dangerous Boy by Mandy Hubbard

Source: Publisher
A modern-day retelling of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a chilling twist
Harper has never been worried about falling in love, something she is skeptical even exists. But everything changes when Logan moves to town, and to Harper's shock, the two tumble into an intense romance. It's everything she never thought she wanted.
Then she meets Logan's twin brother, Caleb, who was expelled from his last school. True, he's a bad boy, but Harper can't shake the feeling that there's something deeply sinister about him--something dangerous. When Logan starts pulling away, Harper is convinced that Caleb's shadowy past is the wedge being driven between them. But by the time she uncovers the truth, it may be too late.
The author of Prada & Prejudice, You Wish, and Ripple delivers a modern-day retelling of a famously gothic tale, full of suspense, lies, and romance.
Harper is a very sweet character. She has a lot of fears, but she is trying to overcome some fears with her boyfriend Logan. He is a very sweet and protective guy, but the person that he wants to protect her the most from is his brother Caleb. Strange things happen to Harper and people that she cares about. Harper begins to suspect that it is Caleb as he approaches her. While the first half is spent with many exciting events, the second half slows down as she tries to figure out what is happening.  Her stubborn nature towards the end annoyed me, because it went against her constant fear at the beginning. I mean she was constantly depending on other people and suddenly she is independent. It just didn't add up to me.  The plot was really exciting and intense.  Like the atmosphere from the book kept me reading, because it was so creepy and even scary at times.  Hubbard's writing was not as strong as the previous books, but it was still good. Overall I enjoyed this book, but it  could have been better. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants an intense read with great atmosphere. 

Waiting on Wednesday (122)

Title:  To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: April 22nd, 2014
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters…
This book sounds really cute and I want to read it badly.

Top Ten Tuesday: Best/Worst Movies

So I went a bit overboard on this list, so there are 12 best and 8 worst. I really enjoy movies and books, so I thought of a lot of them. I tried to add a few trailers and it didn't work out sadly.
Best:
1. The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
This series is what should happen when they make a series of film. I grew up on this series and loved it. Daniel, Rupert, and Emma will forever by my Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
2. The Hobbit/ Lord of The Rings Trilogy (2001-Forthcoming)
Peter Jackson makes J.R.R. Tolkien's books into such a remarkable world. I loved it so much.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Stephen Chbosky made his novel into such a great movie and it embodied the spirit of the book. I am slightly obsessed with Logan Lerman, so this only causes me to love it more as he portrays Charlie. Ezra Miller, Emma Watson, and Mae Whitman co-star and I love them too. 
4. The Great Gatsby (2013)
Baz Luhrmann makes over the top and colorful movies that are full of energy. Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan star. It captured the book so well. I also adore the soundtrack so much.
5. Wuthering Heights (2011)
This is the first adaption directed by a woman and I think that she captures the book so well. James Howson and Kaya Scodelario are amazing is this film.

6. To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
This movie is just amazing and such a classic. Gregory Peck is just stunning.
7. Never Let Me Go (2010)
I adore this movie and this book so much. It has Kiera Knightly, Carey Mulligan, and Andrew Garfield starring.
 8. The Hunger Games (2012)
I love this book and found the movie to be really well made. Plus it has Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawerance with a lot more of amazing cast.

9. Atonement (2007)
I adore this movie, which I know a lot of people don't like. I felt it was truthful to the plot and the cast is amazing
.
  10. Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging (2008)
This movie is so funny, which is how the books are. I love Georgia.
11. Now is Good (2012)
It is a bit different than the book, but I really enjoyed it. The soundtrack is perfect.
12. Gone With the Wind (1939)
This movie is as epic the book and just as long
 
Worst:
1.The Golden Compass (2007)
This movie makes me so angry when I think about it. I love the series and book, but it was majorly screwed up in the plot.
2. The Twilight Saga (2008-2012)
These movies are just so bad.
3. The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)
I loved this book, but not this movie.
4. Flowers in the Attic (1987)
It is the type of bad that you watch for laughs.
5. The Great Gatsby (1975)
It is not bad, but not as good as it should be.
6. War of the Worlds (2005)
It doesn't even follow the book at all and it is so bad.
7.  Gulliver's Travels (1996)
It is just so bad.
8. Stephen King’s The Shining (1997)
Why did they even remake this movie? The first one was perfect.

Invisible by Marni Bates

Source: Netgalley
Jane Smith has survived three years of high school without making a single enemy, all by keeping a low profile. Not even her three best friends, Kenzie, Corey and Isobel, can say the same. But with Corey dating the lead singer from ReadySet and Kenzie in a relationship too, being invisible tends to be lonely. But now she's written an article for her school newspaper that has accidentally snagged the attention of some celebrities. Turns out, people get really upset when their innermost secrets are splashed all over the front page. And new her well-ordered life is being blasted to hell, with results that are wildly unexpected. 
I really enjoyed Awkward. It was a really fun book, so naturally I was really excited for Invisible. I understood Jane, I have to go to professors that use participation as part of the grade and explain that talking in class is hard for me. I am not good at make-up.I liked that she defended her friends like I do. I just didn't get how she transformed so quickly in the book. Kenzie and Corey developed a lot and it was interesting seeing them from a different point of view. Scott was another character that I liked.  He was very sarcastic and caring at times.
The plot was engaging. It wasn't as funny as Awkward, but I still laughed a few times. It centered mostly around friendships and high school drama, but it was told in a way that made me want to learn more about the characters. I don't think that the main plot is original, but all of the sub-plots made it into a unique read. The writing is more towards the younger range or Young Adult, but I still enjoyed it. Bates creates likable characters and an entertaining plot, which are wrapped up with good writing. I recommend this to fans of Awkward, it is a fun read about high school. It would appeal to fans of Meg Cabot and Maureen Johnson
. I am excited to read Notable.

In My Mailbox (Week of July 7th)

This week I got two books in my mailbox, which I won from Zoe's Book Reviews. Thanks to Amy Reed and Zoe for these two.
Crazy by Amy Reed
He’s falling in love—and she’s falling over the edge of sanity. From the author of Beautiful and Clean, a heartwrenching exploration of a romance marred by mental illness.
Connor knows that Izzy will never fall in love with him the way he’s fallen for her. But somehow he’s been let into her crazy, exhilarating world and become her closest confidante. But the closer they get, the more Connor realizes that Izzy’s highs are too high and her lows are too low. And the frenetic energy that makes her shine is starting to push her into a much darker place.
     As Izzy’s behavior gets increasingly erratic and self-destructive, Connor gets increasingly desperate to stop her from plummeting. He knows he can’t save her from her pain...but what if no one else can?
I am dying to read this book. Like seriously I really want to read this book. I loved her debut novel and have been meaning to read more from her. Plus this book sounds amazing.
Over You by Amy Reed
Max would follow Sadie anywhere, so when Sadie decides to ditch her problems and escape to Nebraska for the summer, it’s only natural for Max to go along. She is Sadie’s confidante, her protector, and her best friend. This summer will be all about them. This summer will be perfect.
But that’s before they meet Dylan.
Dylan is dangerous and intoxicating, and he awakens something in Max that she never knew existed. No matter how much she wants to, she can’t back away.
But Sadie has her own intensity, and has never allowed Max to become close with anyone else. And Max doesn’t know who she is without Sadie.
There are some problems you just can’t escape.
This book also sounds amazing and I am exciting to read it.

I also got one book from the library:
The Reese Malcom List by Amy Spalding:
Things I know about Reece Malcolm:
1. She graduated from New York University.
2. She lives in or near Los Angeles.
3. Since her first novel was released, she’s been on the New York Times bestseller list every week.
4. She likes strong coffee and bourbon.
5. She’s my mother.
Devan knows very little about Reece Malcolm, until the day her father dies and she’s shipped off to live with the mother she’s never met. All she has is a list of notebook entries that doesn’t add up to much.
L.A. offers a whole new world to Devan—a performing arts school allows her to pursue her passion for show choir and musicals, a new circle of friends helps to draw her out of her shell, and an intriguing boy opens up possibilities for her first love.
But then the Reece Malcolm list gets a surprising new entry. Now that Devan is so close to having it all, can she handle the possibility of losing everything?
I have heard a lot great things about this book, so I requested it from my library. They ended up buying it, so naturally, I get to read it first. I am really excited to read this book.

ARC Giveaway: Horde by Ann Aguirre

So, somehow I ended up with two ARCs of Horde and decided to give the second one away. Here is the summary:
The epic conclusion to the USA Today bestselling trilogy.
The horde is coming.
Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.
Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.
This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.
Just fill out the form below if interested. US Only end on the 4th of August at midnight PST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Outpost by Ann Aguirre

Source: Publisher
Deuce’s whole world has changed.
Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn't fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.
To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.
Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
I really enjoyed Encalve and was very excited to read this book. I find Deuce to be a very intriguing character and I liked to see her be challenged by the environment around her. She really grew and developed through out the book.  I found this book to be very emotional and I grew attached to even the more minor character and liked the more prominent characters like Fade and Stalker. The book starts up rather slow with what is happening in Salvation, but the tension quickly grows as event after event is revealed. I was surprised at some of the twist and turn. The Freaks also continue to develop and the book gives a continuation from the previous book of what is happening with them. I literally had chills at several parts, because of how intense part of this book was. Aguirre is an amazing writer. She describes scenes so well that I think that I am there and her fighting scenes are spectacularly vivid. I recommend this book to fans of Enclave and if you enjoy thrilling and intense books, but haven't read the first book, I suggest that you start the series. I am really excited for the third book Horde and can't wait to read it.

Double Cross by Ally Carter

Source: Netgalley
Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?
W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?
There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.
Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.
When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?
The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists.
I love Ally Carter's Heist Society and Gallagher Girls series. I was dying to read a story where both of them met up and this is exactly what I wanted. Instead of focusing on the main characters, the story centers around Hale and Macey. I really like them as characters in the series and found their points of view to be interesting and similar to the ones found in both series. The plot is pretty fast since it is a novella. I read it in one sitting. I think it was a very original approach to novellas from the ones that I have. The writing was also fun and exciting. Overall, I suggest this book if you enjoy either series or what a quick read to figure out if it is right for you. 

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope that you all have a safe and great day.
If you are not in America, Happy Thursday!
-Sarah