Review: The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

May 23, 2013 By 4 Comments

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

 

Release Date: June 4, 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: NetGalley
IBSN:978-1476730943
Blurb:

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

reviewtagYou’ve read all the rave reviews, right? Well, you’re about to read one more. I’m not sure that I can say anything that hasn’t already been said about The Sea of Tranquility over and over, but I have to put my two cents in. I started this book expecting to like it. That’s usually a recipe for disaster, but all those glowing things I’d heard about this book were absolutely true.

The Sea of Tranquility is one of those books that stick with no matter what you’re doing. Even when I put the book down I was still so immersed in the story. Nastya and Josh were always on my mind and have been for days after I finished it. It’s been a long time since a book did that to me and I adore that feeling. The characters were certainly my favorite part, Josh especially. He was so real to me. He was someone that I could have easily fallen for or at least wanted to be friends with. It doesn’t hurt that he has that whole wounded boy thing going for him too. Oh, and he was also just a nice guy. No matter what he thought about himself, he was a good guy.

Nastya was a little harder to get to know. Her back story comes out very slowly and that made for a nice mystery surrounding her. At times she was just a little odd, though. She did very strange things and she could have easily been hard to relate to or unlikeable, but Katja Millay finds a perfect balance for her.

The pacing of the story was the kind of slow I love. Things just unfolded perfectly and I was so taken with just seeing Josh and Nastya form their bond that I never wanted to rush the story. Honestly, I probably could have read 100 more pages of it. I also want to say that this book felt like so much more than a romance to me. It’s also about amazing friendships, family, and overcoming horrible odds. The Sea of Tranquility is a gorgeous book and if you haven’t been convinced to add it to your to read pile yet there might be something wrong with you.

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Filed Under: Contemporary, Katja Millay, Review, Young Adult

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

May 13, 2013 By 7 Comments

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

 

Release Date: June 4, 2013
Series: The Grisha #2
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
IBSN:9780805094602
Blurb:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

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I raved about Shadow and Bone last year.  It was definitely one of the best YA  fantasy novels I’ve came across. Siege and Storm was an incredible follow-up to a hard to follow book. Just like its predecessor this one starts off quick and doesn’t let you go until the end…if then. I was somewhat rusty on the details of the first book, but Bardugo does a wonderful job of catching you up without an annoying information dump.

In the first book I loved seeing Alina overcome so much. Her character growth was extraordinary. She’s so capable and strong, but in Siege and Storm she has an edge. She’s walking a very fine line between good and bad. I loved that her character didn’t stop developing after book one. She still has so much to reveal to us. I think we’ve only scratched the surface on her character and I’ve very anxious to find out more.

There’s some new characters introduced in this edition. My favorite was definitely Strumhond. I just might be a little in love with him. He can’t replace The Darkling in my heart, but The Darkling is kinda…evil and I suppose that’s a negative on his part. Mal is very present as well, but I just don’t love Mal like I should. Strumhond definitely overshadowed him. Leigh Bardugo certainly has a knack for writing impossibly swoon-worthy boys.

That’s really all I’m going to say. I don’t have a extensive enough vocabulary to express my love adequately. Just read these if you haven’t. You don’t have to be a fantasy nerd like me. If you’re a fan of extremely well written books then you should like these.

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Here’s my review of book one, Shadow and Bone.

Filed Under: Fantasy, Leigh Bardugo, Review, The Grisha series, Young Adult

Review: Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

May 9, 2013 By 4 Comments

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

 

Release Date: February 5, 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Kindle Store
IBSN: 9781423166009
Blurb:

Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it’s that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting-or stealing-whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale’s family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother’s billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there’s no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won’t let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother’s will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company’s fortune. So instead of being the heir-this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she’s willing to save her boyfriend’s company if it means losing the boy.

reviewtagThe Heist Society books are one of my go to fun series. You really can’t go wrong with such a fun bunch of characters that steal things under impossible circumstances. These books are delightful and perfect escape reads.

Perfect Scoundrels is the third book in the series. While the plot lines are always somewhat similar, a big heist and all the planning leading up to it, they manage to stay refreshing and compelling always. What I loooved about this one is that there’s lots of Hale in it…and kissing. I love Hale and kissing so much. Sigh…

Perfect Scoundrels may not have been my favorite of the three books, but it was a utterly enjoyable read. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of this series. If you haven’t picked them up you’re missing out.

pi4Check out my reviews for the other books in the series: Heist Society by Ally Carter & Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Filed Under: Ally Carter, Heist Society, Review, Young Adult

Review: Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

May 3, 2013 By 15 Comments

Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

 

Release Date: May 28, 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Edelweiss
IBSN:9780062184689
Blurb:

Things you earnestly believe will happen while your parents are away:

1. You will remember to water the azaleas.
2. You will take detailed, accurate messages.
3. You will call your older brother, Denny, if even the slightest thing goes wrong.
4. You and your best friend/bandmate Lukas will win Battle of the Bands.
5. Amid the thrill of victory, Lukas will finally realize you are the girl of his dreams.

Things that actually happen:

1. A stranger calls who says he knew your sister.
2. He says he has her stuff.
3. What stuff? Her stuff.
4. You tell him your parents won’t be able to—
5. Sukey died five years ago; can’t he—
6. You pick up a pen.
7. You scribble down the address.
8. You get on your bike and go.
9. Things . . . get a little crazy after that.*
*also, you fall in love, but not with Lukas.

Both exhilarating and wrenching, Hilary T. Smith’s debut novel captures the messy glory of being alive, as seventeen-year-old Kiri Byrd discovers love, loss, chaos, and murder woven into a summer of music, madness, piercing heartbreak, and intoxicating joy.

reviewtagWild Awake was extraordinary captivating story and nothing like I was expecting. The summary makes you think it’s just a normal contemporary. No parents, boys, throw in some heartache and mystery and you have yourself a good book. Hilary T. Smith took it so much farther, though. She made this story into something incredibly unique.

Wild Awake turned me into a rubbernecker. At times it was almost hard to read, but there was no putting it down. I’m going to go ahead and say it instead of being vague about it: This book deals with mental illness. That was my takeaway, at least. Kiri is a fantastic main character and she is just so well done. At first she was a very normal girl and you can’t really help but like her. After she gets the mysterious phone call she start to come ever so slowly unglued. Her fall is done in such a way that you don’t notice it at first and then BAM! I really, really thought it was so well done. Have I said that already? Now, don’t be put off by this because there’s still so much more to the story and Kiri remained very likable for me throughout the book.

There’s also the mystery involving the death of her sister. There’s Skunk and his dark past, and there’s music.  There were a lot of elements that came together beautifully and really do make the book impossible to put down. I really loved Kiri’s relationship with Skunk. He’s definitely not your typical YA boy. While, what they had might have been a little on the strange side, it always felt very genuine to me.

I dare you to take a chance on Wild Awake this spring. It may not be for you. I don’t think everyone will like it, but I think everyone can appreciate the amazing story that Hilary T. Smith has written. She’s definitely a talent I’m going to keep my eye on.

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Gone, Gone, Gone by Hannah Moskowitz

 

Filed Under: Contemporary, Hilary T. Smith, Review, Young Adult

Review: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

April 29, 2013 By 5 Comments

Transparent by Natalie Whipple

 

Release Date: May 21, 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Edelweiss
IBSN:9780062120168
Blurb:

Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.

reviewtagFor some reason I had really high hopes for Transparent. I thought it was going to be different and exciting. It really wasn’t. That’s not to say it wasn’t an interesting read, but it just wasn’t what I was hoping for.

An invisible girl caught up in the world of crime. Sounds like a promising premise, yes? But it really came off as a fluffy, been there done that read for me. Fiona was a nice, but forgettable main character. She’s supposed to be a bit of a sympathetic character. She’s being used against her will and you know, she’s invisible. So no one ever sees her. Even with all that I couldn’t get behind her fully.

There also isn’t much world building in Transparent. That’s what I found most disappointing. I do love me some world building and I found the back story to be lacking. All that being said, I did manage to finish the book. That might be the only 100% positive thing I can say about it. Lots of other readers have adored it. I just went in expecting too much.

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Filed Under: Natalie Whipple, Review, Supernatural, Young Adult

Review: The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

April 25, 2013 By 13 Comments

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

 

Release Date: May 21, 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
IBSN:9781442430389
Blurb:  When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

reviewtagThe Book of Broken Hearts wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. Nope, it was so much more. I’m not sure I had even read the blurb anyway. All I needed to see was Sarah Ockler and I was sold. But when I opened the book and started reading I was a tad bit surprised. A vintage motorcycle? A dad with early onset Alzheimer’s? A huge family and, of course Emilio Vargas. This book was a lot of uncommon themes done beautifully.

Jude was such a fun character. I knew I was going to adore her from the very first chapter. (How could you not love her after that inner monologue with the short shorts?) She’s in such a tough situation. She, of course, wants to have a normal teenage summer, but chooses to spend time with her ailing father instead. I loved her selflessness and maturity. She was a little naive, but really who wouldn’t wish that one simple thing could make the person you love all better. She really was just an all around loveable character.

While the book does have some sad elements, there’s still plenty of lighthearted and fun moments. Jude definitely brought a lot of light to the story, but there was also Pancake the family dog. Yeah, he was pretty awesome. I loved that Sarah Ockler included these little snippets of Pancake’s doggy thoughts. They made me smile every time. Jude’s father was also delightful. I really enjoyed his stories and his surprising strength. I was really infuriated by Jude’s sister, though. Wow did she get under my skin, but in the best possible way. I really love when a book can bring that much emotion out in me.

One thing that I’m happy to say The Book of Broken Hearts is missing is broken hearts. There is romance, of course! It’s slow burn. It was never super angsty or at all irritating. I really loved Emilio. I adored how honest he was. His feelings were clear from pretty early on so he never went through a jerkface stage as some YA boys are prone to do. He was really just a nice, swoon-worthy boy.

As you can tell I really adored The Book of Broken Hearts. It was the perfect mix of funny, lovable characters and a real family issues. It was heartwarming and I loved ever word of it. It’s definitely a great Summer read.

pi5You Might Also Like

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Filed Under: Contemporary, Review, Sarah Ockler, Young Adult

Audiobook Review: The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

April 17, 2013 By 7 Comments

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

 

Release Date: January 20, 2011
Read by: Kirsten Potter
Age Group: Adult
Received From: Library
IBSN: 9780399157226
Blurb:

A major new talent tackles the complicated terrain of sisters, the power of books, and the places we decide to call home.

There is no problem that a library card can’t solve.

The Andreas family is one of readers. Their father, a renowned Shakespeare professor who speaks almost entirely in verse, has named his three daughters after famous Shakespearean women. When the sisters return to their childhood home, ostensibly to care for their ailing mother, but really to lick their wounds and bury their secrets, they are horrified to find the others there. See, we love each other. We just don’t happen to like each other very much. But the sisters soon discover that everything they’ve been running from-one another, their small hometown, and themselves-might offer more than they ever expected.

reviewtagI’m not exactly sure why I was so drawn to this book. I saw it quite some time ago and just instantly wanted to read it. It was something about that simple, but gorgeous cover. I just had to find how about these weird sisters. So when I happened upon the audiobook I didn’t hesitant to start it.

The Weird Sisters is about three very complicated and unique sisters. Rose, Bean, and Cordie weren’t always the most likable of characters, but they were each so fascinating. It was easy to understand their motives most of the time. Even if I didn’t agree with them. Their growth throughout the story was pretty remarkable, but I loved that they didn’t turn into this Brandy Bunch happy family by the end of the book. It was much more realistic than that.

My favorite element of The Weird Sisters was definitely the writing and how the story is told. The writing is just plain gorgeous and very lyrical. The story is told from the collective point of view of all three sisters at once. This was just a tiny bit odd for me in the beginning, as I kept trying to figure out which sister was talking. Once I realized it was all three I had no problems and enjoyed it quite a lot. It’s a very unique way to tell a story.

The audiobook is read by Kirsten Potter. This was my first time listening to a book read by her, but she has a very soothing voice that didn’t get in the way of the story. All in all I really liked The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown and looked forward to listening to it everyday. I definitely recommend it if your in the mood for a nice adult literary fiction novel.

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Filed Under: Adult, Audiobook, Audiobook Review, Eleanor Brown, Review

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