Stacking the Shelves (4)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

 

Bought

 

 

 

Rush by Nyrae Dawn
Trust In Me by J. Lynn

Proxy by Alex London

Half Bad by Sally Green

I solemly swear I'm not buying another book before I've read some of the books I've got recently. I'm truly a book addict and I need detoxification. However, I bought Half Bad because I needed something to cheer me up after one of entrance exams (and seriously, that's one heck of intriguing synopsis!), and the others... well, Proxy and Rush I just had to have especially after I've heard so much about Proxy. And Trust In Me was on discount so I got it.

Review: Arrival (Hybrids) by Chris O'Guinn

Arrival (Hybrids)
by Chris O'Guinn
Published by Lightbane Publications
Ebook (received from the author, thank you!)
YA, LGBT, sci-fi

The night that Joaquin witnesses the fire in the sky was the last night of anything normal for him. His world of high school and football is completely upended as he comes face to face with an extraterrestrial being.

Thrace, as the alien calls himself, seems friendly enough. However, he has abilities that are far beyond human. And he comes with word that others of his race are already on Earth.

Joaquin's friendship with Thrace takes him into danger and chaos as he learns the terrible truth of why the aliens have come to Earth. He and his friends must find some way to help Thrace stop his people, or the human race will suffer the consequences.

The only thing that Joaquin now knows for certain is that our world will never be the same.

 

 

Firstly I'll confess: I didn't expect to adore Arrival this much. Don't get me wrong, I was excited to have a chance to read and review, and I liked synopsis. However, I expected more of action packed sci-fi with aliens and big fight to save human race. It was lot like that but there was so many subcategories that I didn't expect at all. Arrival has depth like no other sci-fi for young adults that I've read. Character's truly struggled with themselves and their beliefs of what's right for everyone. There was so many good, thoughtful points made of humanity and other races living out there. I was amazed, especially when there still was lots of action and world saving.

 

The character developement was stunning. Mainly for Joaquin and Thrace as the book tells firstly their stories. Now, after finishing, I'm amazed how much Joaquin changed from the first chapter to the very last one. He grew up, was able to let go of his anger and learned important lessons. As for Thrace; he was so naive (though so lovable and adorable - it wasn't annoying at all) but he grew up, too, and learned more about his people and how true world works. I'm flattered that I could travel this journey with them. Supporting characters were also very interesting, not flat at all, and I was delighted how much they affected the story - O'Guinn gave time even for his supporting characters. And his villains weren't villains without conscience nor reasons for their actions. I'd say there wasn't anyone who was truly villain, more like characters with different morals and goals.

 

Also, romance did not steal away the meaning of the story. Truthfully, this isn't romance at all. The affection was there, underneath but at the plain sight but there was no actions toward romantic relationship. It was good decision to left the romantic relationship out of the story because this clearly isn't about romance - no, more like friendship and tolerance.

 

If you're looking for action packed story with deeper meaning, great and intriguing characters and well-written story, then this is for you. Even if you aren't that big fan of sci-fi, give it a chance. There's so many themes that deserves to be recognised alongside the main genre. Arrival is clever, funny at times, magnificent and powerful story. Give it a chance!

 

5 of 5 stars.

 

 

Arrival on Goodreads.

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Waiting on Wednesday #4

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Car Crash Hearts by Kelley York & Rowan Altwood!

 

Car Crash Hearts

by Kelley York & Rowan Altwood

Expected publication: 2014

 

When 19-year-old Luc Argent’s body begins to reject his new heart, he knows he doesn't have a lot of time left. Which means he’s pushing everyone away more than he usually does in order to minimize the collateral damage when he finally kicks the bucket.

Then Evelyn comes back to town.

Evelyn left California—and her best friend Luc—three years ago. Since then, she hasn’t gotten so much as an e-mail from him. So when she returns and he shows up at her doorstep with an insane idea for an impromptu road trip, she doesn't know what to think. Running away with a guy is something her mother does. Not her.

But even after all this time she doesn’t known how to tell Luc no. Just like Luc hasn’t learned how to tell Evelyn about his illness and how serious it really is. He has a destination in mind, he has a plan, and it all revolves around him and Evelyn and what little time he has left.

 

 

I've only one reasoning for this one: it's Kelley York's and I do yearn for her books. Also, I'm ready for giving a chance for Rowan Altwood (CCH will be her debut!) I fell for synopsis and the cover which is real beauty - it has depth, little details, so much emotion, mystery air on it and the colours are simply fantastic. I can only congratulate the artist who did it. I'm sold for good, now all that's left is waiting for publication.

 

 

Car Crash Hearts on Goodreads.

Review: Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Every Other Day
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Published by Egmont
Paperback (bought)
YA, paranormal, fantasy

“Don't think this means I'm giving up. There's more than one way to decapitate a hellhound, and as it so happens, I know them all.”

Every other day, Kali D’Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She argues with her father. She’s human.

And then every day in between . . . she’s something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her, and unfortunately she’ll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive... and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

Lively, intriguing and unique story caught me and didn't release on its grip until the very end of the book. Not your average paranormal on any standards, no - Barnes told an unique story and I'm not going to spoil anyone about of what it was unique version. There's mystery, fast-paced action that makes heart skip a beat at times, and what's maybe the best thing: no over-consuming romance. For once it's actually mainly focused some other thing that YA romance.

Kali's different, indepented and very lively character who's point of view is sarcastic, a little bit snarky and lots of fun without forgetting the serious tone underneath everything. I'd say perfect package: both Kali and the book. I was swept away and for once it wasn't because delicious male character. Supporting character's were witty, interesting and as multilayered as Kali - and it felt real. Barnes created wonderful characters and yes, I'm so reading more of her books.

Every Other Day is a stand alone. It's fresh and seems to be very rare nowadays when every YA book is part of a trilogy, or there's at least going to be a sequel. I'd like to read more adventures with these characters but I'm glad there's no more - Barnes told us what she had to say about Kali's story and she didn't prolong it. There should be more stand alone's like this one!

Read it. It's unique, thrilling and lively story that's one of the kind with amazing characters.

 

5 of 5 stars and everything else I can possibly give.

 

“This was our language: half-truths, obvious lies, accusations neither one of us would ever make. It was a system eery bit as complicated as Morse code or the dancing of bees. Don't ask, don't tell, stay civil.”

Every Other Day on Goodreads.

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Stacking the Shelves (3)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

 

For review

 

          

 

 

The Mean Girl Apologies by Stephanie Monahan

Rules of Survival by Jus Accardo

The Descartes Legacy by Nina Croft

 

 

You guys can guess what made my Wednesday? All these on my email box. I'm overly excited about Rules of Survival and a chance to read and review it just before release? Oh yes, I'm over the moon. Also synopsis of the other two books are intriguing so yes, can't wait to read them all!

Waiting On Wednesday #3

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Between the Spark and the Burn by April Genevieve Tucholke!

 

 

Between the Spark and the Burn (Between, #2)

by April Genevieve Tucholke

Expected publication: August 14th 2014

 

Freddie once told me that the Devil created all the fear in the world.
But then, the Devil once told me that it's easier to forgive someone for scaring you than for making you cry.

 The problem with River West Redding was that he'd done both to me. The crooked-smiling liar River West Redding, who drove into Violet's life one summer day and shook her world to pieces, is gone. Violet and Neely, River's other brother, are left to worry—until they catch a two a.m. radio program about strange events in a distant mountain town. They take off in search of River but are always a step behind, finding instead frenzied towns, witch hunts, and a wind-whipped island with the thrum of something strange and dangerous just under the surface. It isn't long before Violet begins to wonder if Neely, the one Redding brother she thought trustworthy, has been hiding a secret of his own.

 

 

I was taken by Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. It promised me everything and delivered as much which is why I worship Tucholke. I've yearned for this one since I read the last captivate line of the first one. Cover's breathtaking, though I loved the first one more but yeah, this one's beautiful, and I need it now. I wish for stars: please let this be as good as the first one, or better. (And give it to me now.)

 

Between the Spark and the Burn on Goodreads.

Review: Erased by Jennifer Rush

Erased (Altered, #2)
by Jennifer Rush
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Reader
Hardcover (bought)
YA, sci-fi, romance

"I wondered how long I would see that woman's face, too. Maybe forever."

They thought they had escaped. They were wrong.

After fleeing the Branch with Sam, Cas, and Nick, Anna is learning how to survive in hiding, following Sam's rules: Don't draw attention to yourself. Always carry a weapon. Know your surroundings. Watch your back.

When memories from Anna's old life begin to resurface--and a figure from her childhood reappears--Anna's loyalties are tested. Is it a Branch set-up, or could it be the reunion Anna has hoped for? Ultimately, the answers hinge on one question: What was the real reason her memories were erased in the first place?

Jennifer Rush delivers a thrilling sequel to Altered in a novel packed with mysteries, lies, and surprises that are sure to keep readers guessing until the last page is turned.

Fast paced perfection which hold me so tight I could only sleep for short hours before continuing. Normally a book, even a really good one, takes three to four days for me to finish it. Jennifer Rush must have cast a spell on her books because like I read Altered I also finished Erased on 24 hours after starting it. For me, it's sign of perfection. I admit, I had my fears that Erased wouldn't life up to my expectations that Altered sett but let me tell you, it was just as perfect and thrilling and stunning as the first one. It's a miracle - and shows that Rush knows what she does, book after book.

I'm pretty much loss at words with this one. I loved it, as simply as that. I'm grateful that there will be third book (Nick's book, I have to have it!) but some ways Erased left me a little bit sad because it was end for Anna and Sam's story. Stunning and witting end, but still an end. Their journey was colourful, filled with fast paced action and I lived it with them so it's hard to say goodbye. I hope we get more of Cas and Trev on Nick's book because yeah, I need more of them, too.

If you liked Altered, you're going to love Erased. As simply as that - this isn't one of those sequels which will bring you down with every unfilled expectation and promise. No, this is everything Altered was and even more.

That's all you need to know. Go buy your own copy, shush.

5 of 5 stars and everything else I can possibly give.

 

 

Erased on Goodreads.

Review: The Here And Now by Ann Brashares

The Here And Now
by Ann Brashares
Published by Delacorte Press
Paperback (bought)
YA, sci-fi, contemporary, romance

Follow the rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love.

This is the story of seventeen-year-old Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Except Prenna didn’t come from a different country. She came from a different time—a future where a mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins.

Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they’re from, never interfere with history, and never, ever be intimate with anyone outside their community. Prenna does as she’s told, believing she can help prevent the plague that will one day ravage the earth.

But everything changes when Prenna falls for Ethan Jarves.

Firstly I have to say that this was interesting mix of genres. Contemporary and sci-fi? Also, how well those two worked together on this book. Well done, Ann Brashares!

 

The characters were well written and I liked how down to Earth they were. There was no extraordinary superpowers, not leading female with importance like no other - no, there was two pretty ordinary, if not smart persons, who were interesting on their own. No insta love, well, not really because the book started somewhat in the middle of everything: the prologue told the story how Prenna and her people came from the future (on Ethan's point of view, and if I may say, I loved the prologue very much) and the first chapter started four years later. Some may feel like the author took half of the journey because she doesn't show how Prenna's and Ethan's relationship started to grow before the things start to happen but I liked it. Telling about those four years during the book was something I liked and what made difference between this one and so many other books out there. This wasn't girl meet boy and things start to happen -kind of book. Different, and I love it.

 

Brashares' writing style was intriguing, easy to read but not boring at all. Her word choices and the sleepy feeling I got was stunning. By sleepy feeling I don't mean any way that it was boring or I was falling asleep - no, it was the unhurried pace that the book had on some points, the slow and beautiful scene that made me smile.

 

The only thing I'm going to whine about... the ending. Like, what? Is there more coming? Because I need more for thousand differend and all valid reasons. You can't end good book like that! I need to know things.

 

Otherwise, it's good, different and beautiful book with elements you're not used to mix up. Wonderful!

 

(And the cover, look at it. It has so many layers and it's so stunning.)

 

4 of 5 stars.

 

 

The Here And Now on Goodreads.

Waiting On Wednesday #2

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Rules of Survival by Jus Accardo!

 

 

 

Rules of Survival

by Jus Accardo

Expected publication: June 2nd 2014

 

If you want to survive, you have to follow the rules…

Mikayla Morgan is wanted for her mother's murder. She's been on the run for almost a year now, avoiding not only the police but the real killer. Tired of running and desperate to clear her name, she breaks one of the most sacred rules: never return to the scene of the crime.

Every bounty hunter on the Eastern Seaboard is after the Morgan girl—but Shaun Denver and his partner snagged her. She's a piece of work, and Shaun can't decide if he wants to kiss her or kill her. When things take a sharp turn south, Shaun does the only thing he can think of to keep her close—he handcuffs them together.

As the danger mounts and the killer closes in, the chemistry between them threatens to explode. Shaun and Kayla will need to break all the rules if they hope to get out of this alive.

I adore Jus Accardo. I love her Denazen saga, and Rules of Survival sounds like a gripping story that will wisp me away and stole my soul. Cover's great, too, I like the color theme, fonts and yes, the handsome man. It seems this is her first stand alone and I'm overly excited about this one. Bring me summer and all those promising books which I cannot wait to read and own!

 

 

Rules of Survival on Goodreads.

Out now: The Beast of Callaire by Saruuh Kelsey

The Beast of Callaire (The Legend Mirror, #1)
by Saruuh Kelsey

"In a world of myth, what will make you human?"

Yasmin is a descendant of the Manticore. A creature of Persian mythology. A Legendary.

But she doesn’t want to be. Unlike the Legendaries in The Red, Yasmin wants nothing more than an ordinary life. She tries to fool herself into believing that she doesn’t change into a beast every full moon and savagely kill innocent people.

But when Yasmin starts hearing a voice in her head and is drawn into dreams that aren’t her own, she is led to Fray—a girl who once saved Yasmin from hunters, who has shadowy memories that hint at her having Legendary magic—and Yasmin is catapulted into a life of Majick and malevolence.

Despite the danger around her and Fray, Yasmin might finally have a chance at being a normal girl with a normal girlfriend. But with Legendaries being killed, a war between the Gods brewing, and the beast inside Yasmin becoming stronger each moon, her mundane life is little more than a dream.

I have only few words for this: give it to me. I've pre-ordered my copy so hurry up and go grap yours! 

 

Go buy copy of your own from Amazon (both UK and US), Barnes and Noble or Smashwords!

 

The Beast of Callaire on Goodreads.

Follow Saruuh Kelsey on twitter.

Saruuh Kelsey's website.

The Legend Mirror tumblr.

Waiting On Wednesday #1

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Mary Hades by Sarah Dalton!

 

Mary Hades (Mary Hades, #1)

by Sarah Dalton

Expected publication: June 2014

 

Not many seventeen year old girls have a best friend who’s a ghost, but then Mary Hades isn’t your average teenager.

Scarred physically and mentally from a fire, her parents decide a holiday to an idyllic village in North Yorkshire will help her recover. Nestled in the middle of five moors, Mary expects to have a boring week stuck in a caravan with her parents. Little does she know, evil lurks in the campsite…

Seth Lockwood—a local fairground worker with a dark secret—might be the key to uncovering the murky history that has blighted Nettleby. But Mary is drawn to him in a way that has her questioning her judgement.

Helped by her dead best friend and a quirky gay Goth couple, Mary must stop the unusual deaths occurring in Nettleby. But can she prevent her heart from being broken?

The first in a series of dark YA novels, Mary Hades follows on from the bestselling Kindle Single 'My Daylight Monsters'. A spine-tingling tale with romance, readers will be shocked and entertained in equal measure.

Beautiful, breathtaking cover with promising synopsis - and for once a book that will not take place US. I'm thrilled! Sounds intriguing, looks interesting and yes, I'm sold. 



Review: Made of Stars by Kelley York

Made of Stars
by Kelley York
Published by Entangled Publishing
Paperback (bought)
NA, LGBT, contemporary

“Even the stars are lies. They sparkle so brightly, but their shine takes years to reach us.”

When eighteen-year-old Hunter Jackson and his half sister, Ashlin, return to their dad’s for the first winter in years, they expect everything to be just like the warmer months they’d spent there as kids. And it is—at first. But Chance, the charismatic and adventurous boy who made their summers epic, is harboring deep secrets. Secrets that are quickly spiraling into something else entirely.

The reason they've never met Chance’s parents or seen his home is becoming clearer. And what the siblings used to think of as Chance's quirks—the outrageous stories, his clinginess, his dangerous impulsiveness—are now warning signs that something is seriously off.

Then Chance's mom turns up with a bullet to the head, and all eyes shift to Chance and his dad. Hunter and Ashlin know Chance is innocent...they just have to prove it. But how can they protect the boy they both love when they can’t trust a word Chance says?

 

While Hushed tore me apart (but gave me hope) Made of Stars left me bleeding, bleeding and still bleeding. I wouldn't have it any other way, though. I'm devoted fan on Kelley York, because her writings are so unconvetional, emotional and they leave me gasping for breath. In all their glory, her books are golden to me.

 

Back to the Made of Stars. I demand one thing above everything else from books: good, well-formed characters who won't feel fake. Hunter, Chance and Ashlin were good main characters because they felt real with their flaws and sorrows and problems. Especially Hunter and Chance made me fall for them, both for a different reasons. Hunter's a good main character with a clear, strong voice and his character developement during the book was nice to follow. Chance, however, remained mostly as a mystery with climbses on his persona. And oh, how much he touched my heart. Chance is special and even though the story was wonderful, Chance made it downright stunning.

The story is beautiful because it's characters and backround. And it's real! Definitely a plus is also the fact that one of the characters is bisexual. Often it's either straight or gay, it's made so black and white that it's good to have a book to represent those who are neither. Did I already say the story is truly, beautifully heart-frecking? I still loved it - or maybe I loved it because of it.

 

Made of Stars left me weeping, a little bit empty and finally, satisfied as I found yet again a book of perfection by Kelley York. She's not one of my favourites for nothing - no, her writings are so good because it's raw, fresh and leaves you aching for more.

I may never be over this one. Gadly, I don't even want to.

5 of 5 stars and everything else I can give

 

“It breaks my heart a little in the same way that it makes me smile. We're so close to a happy ending.”  

 



Made of Stars on Goodreads.

Stacking The Shelves (2)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Bought

 

 

              

 

The Here And Now by Ann Brashares

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Portray of a Turkish Family by Irfan Orga

The Hanged Man by Robert Bartlett


For review

   

                              

 

Hybrids: Arrival by Chris O'Guinn

Gypsy by Trisha Leigh

 



Review: Obscura Burning by Suzanne van Rooyen

Obscura Burning
by Suzanne van Rooyen
Published by Etiopia Press
Paperback (bought)
YA, LGBT, sci-fi

The world's going to end in fire...and it's all Kyle's fault.

Kyle Wolfe's world is about to crash and burn. Just weeks away from graduation, a fire kills Kyle's two best friends and leaves him permanently scarred. A fire that Kyle accidentally set the night he cheated on his boyfriend Danny with their female friend, Shira. That same day, a strange new planet, Obscura, appears in the sky. And suddenly Kyle's friends aren't all that dead anymore.

Each time Kyle goes to sleep, he awakens to two different realities. In one, his boyfriend Danny is still alive, but Shira is dead. In the other, it's Shira who's alive...and now they're friends with benefits. Shifting between realities is slowly killing him, and he's not the only one dying. The world is dying with him. He's pretty sure Obscura has something to do with it, but with his parents' marriage imploding and realities shifting each time he closes his eyes, Kyle has problems enough without being the one in charge of saving the world.

Over a week after reading Obscura Burning and hundreds of discussions with a friend and in my head I'm still not sure what to say. Did I love it? Absolutely. Did it confuse me? Yes, a little bit. Did it leave me gasping for breath? Without any doubt.

 

Obscura Burning is mind-blowing, stunning, breathtaking, unique, confusing, hopeless but still wishful. It was everything at once, and I was mesmerized by every word, twist and turn. At times (read: almost always) Obscura Burning was straight-forward, a little bit rude with language and one thing that I'm happy about: shameless. Van Rooyen made her characters say and think things like they are - there was no word playing and twisting things into something they weren't. Sex was sex, drunk was drunk and everything between sky and earth was like it was meant to be. It's a blessing on a YA genre where, especially on American books, things like sex are hidden behind everything and only hinted towards. Obscura Burning aren't for those who lives in a bubble or tries to shelter someone from the cruel world.

 

What makes Obscura Burning so good, so fresh, is the characters that have many layers. Especially Kyle kept surprising me all the time, and I loved it. Van Rooyen's characters are real, brutal, harsh, grievous and multifaceted. No one was perfect, every one of them had handful of flaws and sorrows but there still was a little bit hope, a tiny wish that maybe everything will be allright at the end.

 

A cripping story of hard choices, consequences of every choice made and quilt that won't disappear. It's also a different kind of story about friendship, family and how things aren't always so good. Obscura Burning is, without doubts, story about life that's real; so real you can feel the earth crumbling beneath your feet.

 

 5 of 5 stars and everything else I can give.

Obscura Burning on Goodreads.