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.