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!

Waiting on Wednesday - October 3, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme from Jill at Breaking the Spine. To join in, share the book or books that you are currently drooling over as you await their release and report back to Breaking the Spine with the link to your post. The gorgeous badge above is brought to us by Lindsay at The Violet Hour!

The final book in another amazing series by Kelley Armstrong. Pick up the other two books and you will have to set aside a couple of days. You won't want to put them down!

The Rising by Kelley Armstrong

Hardcover, 400 pages

Expected publication: April 9th 2013 by HarperCollins

Review: The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

Hardcover, 391 pages

Published April 6th 2010 by Harper
Source: Purchased
Buy the book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal.

But normal is one thing I'm not.

For one thing, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother--who just happens to be a sorcerer--but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf.

Not normal.

My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us--permanently.

Definitely not normal.

And finally, I'm a genetically altered necro-mancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying.

As far away from normal as it gets.

The darkest powers finally comes to a  close in this twisty-curvy finale. Chloe and her gang uncover a plethora of secrets and information that turn their worlds upside down. The first two books should definitely be read before picking this one up. If not, you will be lost for the entire book.
We pick up right where we left Chloe and her gang as they are hiding away from the Edison group. During this time a lot of changes happen and the gang has to grow up quickly. I was happy to see Chloe actually standing up this time around, she can finally hold her own. Unfortunately, she and the others still have issues with their powers and its really problematic for their journey. There is a lot of back story for Derek and Simon included this time around. They end up playing a larger part than what I originally thought. Romance drips off the pages of this book. Relationships begin, grow stronger, and end, but not necessarily the way you think they will. The book has a steady stream of action that keeps you rolling for a majority of the book. Plot twists and turns will have you second guessing everyone's motive for even breathing.
While this is the ending of an entire series, I feel that it should have either been condensed or another couple of books added. There are so many unanswered questions at the end. More needed to be said about the necklace, Chloe's mother, Tori's secret, and what in the world happens with the relationships. It's an excellent book for the series, but I think there is still so much that needs to be said.

 

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.

Waiting on Wednesday - September 26, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme from Jill at Breaking the Spine. To join in, share the book or books that you are currently drooling over as you await their release and report back to Breaking the Spine with the link to your post. The gorgeous badge above is brought to us by Lindsay at The Violet Hour!

I can't wait to get started on this series! I will be headed to the Southern Book Festival in October to meet these authors as well. Can't wait to put my books on the "signed by author" shelf!

Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Hardcover, 576 pages

Expected publication: October 23rd 2012 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

 From Goodreads:

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate has spent most of his life longing to escape the stiflingly small Southern town of Gatlin. He never thought he would meet the girl of his dreams, Lena Duchannes, who unveiled a secretive, powerful, and cursed side of Gatlin, hidden in plain sight. And he never could have expected that he would be forced to leave behind everyone and everything he cares about. So when Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves.

Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes -- even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protect.

Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series.