Review: Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Hardcover, 464 pages

Published: October 9th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

Velveteen Monroe is dead. At 16, she was kidnapped and murdered by a madman named Bonesaw. But that’s not the problem.

The problem is she landed in purgatory. And while it’s not a fiery inferno, it’s certainly no heaven. It’s gray, ashen, and crumbling more and more by the day, and everyone has a job to do. Which doesn’t leave Velveteen much time to do anything about what’s really on her mind.

Bonesaw.

Velveteen aches to deliver the bloody punishment her killer deserves. And she’s figured out just how to do it. She’ll haunt him for the rest of his days.

It’ll be brutal... and awesome.

But crossing the divide between the living and the dead has devastating consequences. Velveteen’s obsessive haunting cracks the foundations of purgatory and jeopardizes her very soul. A risk she’s willing to take—except fate has just given her reason to stick around: an unreasonably hot and completely off-limits coworker.

Velveteen can’t help herself when it comes to breaking rules... or getting revenge. And she just might be angry enough to take everyone down with her.

     I absolutely loved the concept of this book and really wanted to love it in its entirety as well. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The synopsis feels very misleading after reading the book. I was looking for a book about a girl getting revenge on her killer. Instead, I was thrown into a world that revolved around the Departurists and I was confused by this. I do not know if this was merely me missing some steps, but others have commented on this as well when I asked around. I liked the details the book incorporated, but nothing seemed to mesh for me. 
     I couldn't get attached to Velveteen or her attitude especially. She felt likable enough but there were no characteristics that made me feel connected to her or to help understand her. There was no outstanding qualities or abilities. The synopsis made me think she would be a powerful character that would take charge. I never got to see this from her. She and the other characters were just puppets that floated from one scene to the next. The lack of cohesion in this book was too much for me to enjoy it. I may revisit it later, because I usually do not leave books with this result and want to re-confirm this evaluation. 

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Paperback, 371 pages

Published August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Here were meet Zoe. Typical, standard daughter until she starts to glitch, or disengage from the source that the community uses to control their members. Now, at first glance this premise is awesome. Love the idea and the continuing concepts that are spread throughout the book. However, it is Zoe herself that drags it down. She's never had to be strong, think on her own, or simply accept things that she cannot control. It takes some very hard lessons for her to learn some of these things. Even then she does not do them well, but I think she has very strong potential from just what I have seen so far.. Especially after she learns of glitchers' special talents and what can be done with them. Adrian was by far my favorite character. I liked him instantly for some reason and it broke my heart when he gained and almost simultaneously lost Zoe in so many ways. Teenage love story short, I'm rooting for him all the way!  
I am hoping that the story will pick up going at the same pace as this one ended. It is because this one started out extremely slow. You have to learn along with Zoe through her experiences. As I said before, this is a vicious cycle to have to deal with. After she starts getting her feet on the ground though the story starts to fly by and you are finished before you know it. This one is definitely a keeper and I can't wait to see where it goes next!

Review: Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

ebook, 304 pages

Published June 1st 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Source: NetGalley, ARC
Buy the book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha—that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me…something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing—and I don't know if I can get it back.

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me….

 I could not wait to see how Rowen wrapped a story around her take on the angel and demon concepts. It is really a different look compared to many others that are on the market right now. The story and plot fall into place beautifully. They have just enough of action, romance, and intrigue to keep you interested and the story flowing. There were a couple of things that seemed odd or inconsistent at times, but they are too spoilery to put on here. Trust me, you'll recognize what I am talking about when you read it. It would also be nice if locations were shaken up some. It seemed everything happened in one or two spots. Otherwise, the characters follow a somewhat predictable path, but the twists that Rowen puts on the angel/demon lore make it worth while. It is one of those books that blurs the lines significantly and makes you wonder if you have ever been told the truth about them before...I love this way of thinking and writing in a book.

The characters were hit or miss with me. Sam is pretty straight up front: ordinary girl that turns extraordinary. There were times I couldn't completely connect with her, but for the most part she is an enjoyable character. I did get really tired of her being called "special." For the love of all that is holy, calm that down please... Bishop is a great character and love interest, but he and Sam's relationship seems so typical and contrived in an otherwise distinctive story. He needs to be brought up a notch or two in the bravery part as well. If this would happen I think I could fall for him on another level. However, Kraven was definitely my fav character in this book. He's snarky yet serious and has wonderful good and bad sides that make you want to hug him one minute and slap him the next. Rowen, if anything slows down in the story just insert one or two lines from him and it will make the scene! I hope that we can learn more about the characters in the next book. It feels like we just got the basics in this one. I think it would greatly help both with connecting with them and totally immersing the reader into this awesome story.

Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published June 12th 2012 by EgmontUSA
Source: ARC, NetGalley

Buy the Book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.

Revisiting McEntire's world with Emerson was as eventful as always. However, this time we get to see it from Kaleb's point of view. Fortunately, there is a lot personality background work done this time around and it illuminates the inner workings of the characters. This is especially true for Kaleb and helped me understand what exactly made him the playboy that he is. It also means that there is more Lily this time around and you are in for a ride with her! I loved having more interactions with her this time. Em and Michael are back with their plights and sarcasm, but with everything coming from Kaleb's view they have whole new dimensions as well.
There is so much additional information in this installment. I believe McEntire must have waived holy water over the plot to keep it from completely bogging down. Whatever she did, it worked pretty well. Rips and secrets are deeply dug into and lays a definite path for the next book. I loved the details and thought-provoking aspects of the rips this time. I do wish that the book could have picked up the pace a little more though. It still carries a great steady pace, but it feels like it was just a notch below that of Hourglass. Regardless, the book is still a solid folllow-up and journey that you won't want to miss.

Review: Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

 Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz
Paperback, 371 pages
Published March 27th 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Source: Netgalley, ARC
Buy the Book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although…it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a seventeen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain—especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close….But something dark and hungry is using Emma's and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in überspells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.

Shultz's writing is absolutely some of my favorite. The quirks and personalities she gives her characters are very easy for me to relate to and follow. I really liked the growth in the main characters this time, especially Angelique. I'm happy that Emma advances and stays true to herself, but Angelique is definitely my favorite character in these books. I loved the fact that she now has bigger role in the grand scheme of things. Brendan, Brendan...He is still his wonderful self in this installment, but we get to learn more about him and why he is the way he is. Unfortunately, some things come up and it makes him even more protective and annoyingly broody. However, I am really glad they progressed in their relationship...get ready for some steamy scenes in this one! I liked the adversary a lot better this time. Instead of the sniveling fool we had before there is someone a little more worthy of battling this time. Overall, there was good character development this time, but there were a few things that were over the top.

The plot is both good and bad this time around. It is the book's greatest savior from over the top personality aspects, but is also its biggest demon for several reasons. The first is its predictability. If you pay any attention at all you will catch the not so subtle hints early on of what is to come and who is going to do it. Another aspect that really irritated me was the languishing love and sacrificing for each other. This is essential to the story I know, but it really went overboard and got old quickly. It is a good thing that these aspects were wrapped in a series of events that kept me turning the page. The action is kicked up a notch and the pitfalls keep coming. While it has its draw backs, Shultz's second installment will leave you satisfied and eager to see what is in store for next time.

 

Review: Rapture by Lauren Kate

Rapture by Lauren Kate

Hardcover, 448 pages

Published June 12th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Source: NetGalley, ARC
Buy the book:  Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

RAPTURE, the fourth & final FALLEN novel, is the Lauren Kate book the world has been waiting for.

The sky is dark with wings. . . .

Like sand through an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past, they must find the place where the angels fell to earth.

Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again. Yet together they face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed.

And suddenly Luce knows what must happen. For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her—and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now is the only one that truly matters. In the fight for Luce, who will win?

The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer.

The series had really been hit or miss with me. The first book was ok, the following two were simply "eh, I've come this far, might as well continue on..." Now, I am glad I did. After all that these characters have been through, they realize there is always hope in humanity.
The story picks up where it left off in Passion. It takes a little bit for it to pick up, but their traveling to find the place where the angels fell does help speed things up. Here lies the obstacles that they have to deal with and forces that they have to eradicate. The journey with this was heartbreaking but yet invigorating. The plot line with Daniel, Luce, and Heaven becomes really interesting in this book. Kate had always before just alluded to certain aspects, but this time we get to learn more about how our heroes ended up the way they did. Kate's take on Heaven and the inner workings for it is not really conventional to what I know, but I do like it. For this story it fit well.
The sacrifices with Luce and Daniel are extreme. We lose friends and foes in this book, no one is safe. However, this helps everyone grow in many ways. They take it in stride and strive on to meet their goal..and sometimes their doom. The ending. Ah, the ending. The price for happiness can be extreme in reality, let alone in their fictional world. Here it is no different. These characters literally have faced Heaven and Hell to fix things...and those left standing have a few surprises and decisions to make. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the solid ending it was for this series. It will probably not be on my top favorite series of all time, but it is definitely one that you should consider if you are given the chance to.

Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Paperback, 296 pages

Published March 27th 2012 by Harlequin Teen

Source: NetGalley, ARC
Buy the book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

KATE WINTERS HAS WON IMMORTALITY.

BUT IF SHE WANTS A LIFE WITH HENRY IN THE UNDERWORLD, SHE'LL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

 Yep, Kate did it! She's won immortality and is set to be the Queen of the Underworld. Or so she thought. 

Kate and Henry are now married, but that's where the pleasantries end. Henry had redeemed himself a little at the end of Goddess Test, but now he completely goes off the deep end. His issues cause a great deal of problems and situations as the plot develops. He just can't let go of the past. Trust and communication are simply not the virtues in their relationship and it begins their downfall. Kate is left fighting to salvage their lives and futures. Aside from the obvious "out of reality" aspects, their relationship is actually quite believable and could happen in real life. 
The book provides a fast-paced journey through the characters trials and tribulations. I loved the banter between the different sets of characters. The quips kept the relationships between everyone from failing at times. The romance is a very small part of the equation. It keeps kindling the fiery plot the Carter methodically weaves. Everything explodes when Kate realizes she needs the one person that causes her so much pain with Henry, Persephone. I admire Kate's guts and determination, she holds her head high and pushes through. This ride keeps you guessing...and then lets you drop off a cliff at the end. Literally. Be warned, friends. This is a page turner and then drops the "cliffhanger bomb" directly on your head!

Review: Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

Paperback, 490 pages

Published February 28th 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Source: NetGalley, ARC
Buy the book:  Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn't help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive.

An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return...

Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.

Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn....

Ok, I didn't have as much love for Legacy as I thought I would. So, when I was about to start Allegiance I was really afraid it would suffer "Second Book Syndrome" and be worse. Good thing I did take a chance on this one. It turned out to be one of the rare cases that the second book greatly surpassed the first!

The book picks up shortly after the end of Legacy. If you haven't read it, don't read this one until you do. The amount of details you will not know will be monumental.
The plot and minor story lines really pick up in this book. Real drama, intrigue, and mystery made this installment a treat to read compared to the first. The story slows down in several parts, but I can understand why to a point. It is necessary to see a peek of such young queens thoughts and actions, but some routine things should be cut. Secrets become prevalent, but it greatly adds that little something that the plot needed. Now there is more wonder, excitement, and tough decisions for the characters. The results of their choices were probably not what they had hoped, but it does set up for a wonderful third book. 
This book does a great job at really letting us see the characters from a different perspective and more in-depth within their personalities. An excellent example of this is Steldor. I really disliked him in the first book, but I get to see a new him in this book. Be prepared, I actually liked the man by the end of the book and I never thought I would say that. Narian only makes slight appearances here and there, but those instances really make a difference. The one that really intrigues me in this book is London. He's holding a lot of information back I believe. I think I know where a lot of these secrets and "lost" information is heading. Unfortunately, I will have to wait for third book to find out. I see an amazing conclusion to this series in the works if Kluver's writing continues to grow and improve like this. :)

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Hardcover, 485 pages
Published: April 24, 2012 by HarlequinTEEN
Source: ARC - NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads


From Goodreads: In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.
Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.
But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

*In the News*

On April 19, 2012, Julie Kagawa and Harlequin TEEN announced that Palomar Pictures has optioned The Immortal Rules for the big screen! Read my post with their press release!

Now, on to the regularly scheduled programing: the review!

I jumped for joy when I found out Julie Kagawa was writing a vampire story. I had a feeling that it would be written to suit my taste compared to most that been published lately. I was absolutely correct. The premise, logistics, and characters define what will be one of my top books this year. This is the way it should be done.

I connected instantly with Allie in Chapter 1. The heartache and struggles she has dealt with in her short life make her both vulnerable and strong. She's a survivor and she'll do what it takes to keep it that way. How Allie manages to still have kindness in this decaying world and through the changes she experiences is beyond me. Throughout the book, I watched her grow and strengthen her resolve to even higher standards. I believe I see the path that she is headed down. If so, the next two books are going to highlight these strengths tremendously. Zeke. He's adorable. The "boy next door" personality he carries is addictive. He goes through his own trials and tribulations alongside Allie, but he remains himself and refuses to be changed. Any reader should be able to feel the trust he exhumes from the beginning. The evil characters, there are no exclusions to only vampires, humans, or other, that Allie encounters can actually give you chills. I have only had this type of response to characters in a well-done horror flick, let alone inside my own mind reading a book. The rabids in particular are the most disturbing to me. I do not like the idea of being hunted and I kept waiting on each page for one to jump out...

The plot and pacing steadily builds as the story progresses. From the humble beginnings where we learn about Allie and the life she leads until the culminating sequence of events at the end that will leave you breathless. It did slow down for me during the time just after she becomes a vampire, but this was just because I felt I having to relearn her all over again. I don't see this as detrimental because Allie was also doing the same and I knew it had to be that way.

-Slight Spoiler-

An aspect I was not expecting was the concept of knowledge in this book. Its uses and regulations regarding it hit very close to home for me. Books and information have become my bread and butter in my career and degrees. It cuts me deeply to know that in this world its not available to all. The phrase "Knowledge is Power" is taken very seriously in it and only those with power are allowed to have it. Any others are severely punished if caught with materials that could enlighten them. Institutions for knowledge and learning are nonexistent and/or destroyed. It is a part of the core plot and it will be interesting to see how it is dealt with and, hopefully, overcome in the following books.

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

New Girl by Paige Harbison
Paperback, 302 pages
Published: January 31, 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Source: ARC - NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads: A contemporary young-adult retelling inspired by the classic 1938 romantic suspense bestseller Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.
They call me 'New Girl'...
Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.
Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.
Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.
And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

The book had an intriguing synopsis, but did not live up my expectations. This is a re-telling of the book Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, but I have not read it so I can't make any comparisons. Unfortunately, this was the first book in a long time that I was not able to finish. I liked the premise and characters well enough, but the plot and pacing of book killed it for me. The plot revolves around teen parties and love interests ...that's as far as it expanded to. It felt like a back and forth battle between these to incidents and it got old really quick. This may appeal to some readers, but it just wasn't a good fit for me at all. 

Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

Halflings by Heather Burch
Hardcover, 287 pages
Published: February 1, 2012 by Zondervan
Source: ARC - NetGalley
Buy the Book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads: After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, 17-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret---and the wings that come with.

Halflings premise intrigued me, but it did not quite live up to it. The main character, Nikki, fills the role of an excellent protagonist. However, there are plot and logic aspects that just did not stick well with me. The book is great overall and should be good read for most.

Nikki is very easily related to. Is she your typical teen? No, but she is balanced well enough that I connected with her in many ways. The biggest issue I had with characters was the love triangle. I do like them sometimes, but this one hinders the story at times. Mace and Raven provide good interests for Nikki, but the broodiness can sometimes be irritating over the situation.

The first quarter of the books is great. The book grabbed me from the first chapter. Unfortunately, it drops off to slow crawl after that. The writing probably was the main reason for this. I've read other reviews about the metaphors and I completely agree. I thought several times "Huh? That was seriously the best way to say that?" There is a lot of back story that is given, even some that probably could have been better placed elsewhere or not at all at this point. I do like that the angel history and information is well woven into the story. I would not have to know the complete history of Angels to read this book. I have had this issue before and given up on books because of  the details that the reader is supposed to know even before reading the book. The ending is only decent at best. It doesn't leave me feeling anything was finished as it should and felt very anti-climatic. It wasn't the best book I've read this year, but it is still far from the worst. I would  and have recommended to friends who want a quick read in this genre.