The Eternity Cure Review

446 pages
Release date: April 30th, 2013

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally. Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Review (ARC):
This series is exciting and takes you on a fast-paced adventure that will leave you breathless. Allison is such a strong heroine, physically, but emotionally she isn't sure where she fits, especially after all she's been through as a vampire. This novel begins with Allison searching for Kanin, and as she goes on this journey, she discovers that there is so much more to being a vampire than she thought. Sarren is one heck of a villain, and his plans are more devious and insanely brilliant than Allison even realizes. Quite a few old faces return in this novel and some have the potential to either destroy or help Allison in her journey. I liked the fact that we got more of an insight into how the vampires live in New Covington as well as those humans that they protect. The action is almost non-stop in this story and it keeps every new page fresh and intriguing. The ending is absolutely insane and leaves us on a crazy cliffhanger that made me want the third book to be out and in my hands already. I absolutely enjoyed this novel and I definitely recommend it to those who like vampire dystopian fiction. Of course since this is the second novel in this series, make sure to pick up The Immortal Rules first.

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The Ward Review

480 pages
Release date: April 30th, 2013

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure. However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.

Review (ARC):
This is a fast paced novel that grips you and doesn't let go. A world that is full of undrinkable water already promises a difficult life for those who can't afford better. Ren is one of those who struggle to survive, who only wants what's best for her sister and will do anything to help her through her sickness. I admire Ren because she is strong and fearless and also manages to survive in a world that is dominated by men. Almost all of the characters we meet have a hard outer shell to them from living dangerous lives. There is a bit of romance but not too much to overshadow the entire story. The only thing I didn't really like was the world building since I didn't really get a feel for the dystopian world Ren was living in. However, the little we know about Ren's world is barely noticeable in the larger adventure. This novel has so much more to it than just a post-apocolyptic adventure tale. There is mystery, action, and also some unexpected magic. I absolutely enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to see what happens next in Ren's world. I definitely recommend this if you like post-apocalyptic fiction.

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Quintana of Charyn Review

528 pages
Release date: April 23rd, 2013

Separated from the girl he loves and has sworn to protect, Froi and his companions travel through Charyn searching for Quintana and building an army that will secure her unborn child’s right to rule. While in the valley between two kingdoms, Quintana of Charyn and Isaboe of Lumatere come face-to-face in a showdown that will result in heartbreak for one and power for the other.

Review (ARC):
The Lumatere Chronicles has been an exciting series so far, and this novel is no exception to that precedent. Although from the title you would assume that this novel is mostly about Quintana, it actually focuses on the other characters we have come to know and love a bit more. However, this doesn't make this novel any less of an amazing read. Quintana has always been a bit of a mystery, and I'm glad we get a bit more of an insight into her personality. Froi has come a long way from the first novel and he continues to impress me as the man he has developed into. Finniken and Isaboe's life together isn't the easy happy ending you would assume, and we get to see them go through problems like a real couple. Isaboe is very complex, and we see that she still struggles with the things she had to go through to take her rightful place as Queen. There are so many characters who's storylines add to the rich plot of this novel and keep things interesting. This story is masterfully written and continues to keep you guessing until it comes to an end. I definitely recommend reading this if you like epic fantasy fiction but make sure to read Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles first. 

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Taken Review

360 pages

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone. They call it the Heist. Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive. Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

Review:

This was an interesting and new dystopian story full of intrigue. This story is told from the point of view of Gray Weathersby, and his angry yet brave personality gives this story quite the kick. Gray is used to being looked at as the "black sheep" of his family, since he tends to get in quite a lot of fights. 

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The Rules Review

416 pages
Release date: April 23rd, 2013

1. Never trust anyone.
2. Remember they are always searching.
3. Don’t get involved.
4. Keep your head down.
5. Don’t fall in love.
Five simple rules. Ariane Tucker has followed them since the night she escaped from the genetics lab where she was created, the result of combining human and extraterrestrial DNA. Ariane’s survival—and that of her adoptive father—depends on her ability to blend in among the full-blooded humans in a small Wisconsin town, to hide in plain sight at her high school from those who seek to recover their lost (and expensive) “project.” But when a cruel prank at school goes awry, it puts her in the path of Zane Bradshaw, the police chief’s son and someone who sees too much. Someone who really sees her. After years of trying to be invisible, Ariane finds the attention frightening—and utterly intoxicating. Suddenly, nothing is simple anymore, especially not the rules…

Review (ARC):
Ariane is definitely a different sort of heroine. Ariane's entire life, since she escaped from the lab, has been about blending in with humans. Not standing out means not being too smart, too popular or really too anything. The thing I like most about Ariane is that she sticks up for those who can't defend themselves although she doesn't always stick up for herself when necessary. Zane is an interesting character as well. Zane doesn't have the best home life and is constantly trying to live up to the pressures of being his dad's son. At first I wasn't the biggest fan of Zane because he seemed to let others control him too much, but Ariane definitely affects his life for the better. While this novel isn't full of non-stop action, the character development definitely makes it an interesting read. There are a lot of unexpected changes and new plot twists so it keeps you entertained. At the end I was left feeling that I need to see more of Ariane and what's next on her journey to discover more about herself. I definitely recommend this if you like science fiction novels with some added romance.

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Movie Monday: The Great Gatsby Trailer

The Great Gatsby is one of those classic novels that I'm sure most of us have had to read in high school. There has only previously been one major movie adaptation of this film so this remake should be pretty interesting. I mean who doesn't want to see Leonardo DiCaprio play Jay Gatsby?

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The Elite Review

323 pages
Release date: April 19th, 2013

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Iléa. America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide. Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Review (ARC):
I couldn't put this book down despite the fact that in this novel, America pretty much gets on my nerves. America doesn't believe in herself as a prospect for princess and this in turn gives her a lack of trust in others. America also continues to behave in a reckless indecisive manner, which drove me crazy. However, America does show growth towards the end of the novel, which gives me hope for her in the next one. Then there's the whole love triangle between Maxon, America, and Aspen. I'm team Maxon all the way but I guess I'm just biased because between Maxon and Aspen the choice seems pretty obvious to me. Aspen doesn't believe in America and that is a huge red flag. Despite all of the love drama, the political drama increases and also gains a bit of clarity. There is more to why Iléa is under the thumb of the monarchy and divided into castes than people actually know. The end of this novel leaves things on a cliffhanger and I'm excited to see where America's choice will send her in the next one. I definitely recommend this if you love dystopian fiction and romantic contests but make sure to read The Selection first.

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Man of Steel Trailer

Now I'm not the biggest Superman fan (Batman all the way!), but I have to admit this new trailer makes me pretty excited to see this Superman movie! What about you?

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The Kiss Review

368 pages

Whit and Wisty Allgood, a witch and wizard with extraordinary abilities, have defeated the ruthless dictator who long overshadowed their world. But for the first time in their lives, the powerful brother and sister find themselves at odds as Wisty is drawn to a mysterious and magical stranger named Heath. Wisty has never felt as free as she does with Heath, especially when the two of them share and test their magic together. But when a merciless Wizard King from the mountains suddenly threatens war, Wisty must make an excruciating choice. Will she unite with Whit to fight the mounting dangers that could return their world to a tyrant's domain? Or will she trust the beautiful boy who has captured her heart?

Review:
Now I wasn't the biggest fan of the last novel in this series, but the addition of this story has not only completely rekindled my love for this series but also brought a fresh storyline as well. Whit and Wisty may have thought all their troubles were over with the defeat of the One, but it seems that their troubles have only begun. Whit is as stoic as ever, not too many changes from the guy he has always been. Wisty, however still has a lot of growing to do especially when it comes to the relationships with people around her. There are a few new character introductions and with these characters come new revelations and also betrayals. The adults in the community still seem to have a lot to learn especially when it comes to dealing with the aftermath of the One's rule. There is quite a bit of action and adventure as the twins try to handle their town as well as deal with a new threat on the horizon. I definitely recommend reading this if you like books with magic but make sure to read the other books in the Witch & Wizard series first.

Witch & Wizard series
Witch & Wizard
The Gift
The Fire

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Fragments Review

564 pages

Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them? Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.

Review:
This is turning out to be an amazing science fiction series in which you don't know what could possibly happen next. The story is told from several perspectives, but it all comes back to Kira. Kira is strong and wants to help both humans and Partials, however, that journey is harder than she thinks. Kira is extremely conflicted between not knowing whether she identifies with humans or Partials. Most of the main characters return and all seem to grow in preparation for another impending war between humans and Partials. In this novel we are able to understand a bit more about the Partials and the war that decimated the human race. There is much more to the Partials than they're give credit for, and that went a long way to understanding them. There are so many unexpected twists and turns, that by the end I couldn't wait to see what else Kira and her friends would discover. There is a lot of action and adventure as everyone searches for answers that will help them survive. I definitely recommend reading this if you love science fiction novels but make sure to pick up Partials first.

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Poison Review

288 pages

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend. But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses. Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Review:

When I first picked up this novel I expected it to have a fantasy feel but was both surprised and delighted to see it also had a magical one. Kyra is an admirable character; she is strong and highly accomplished and also has a sense of purpose. Although Kyra has made a lot of mistakes in life, when it comes to doing the right thing she stands firm on that path. Fred is a funny yet brave love interest and even though he is a bit misguided at times, you can tell that he truly has a good heart. The other characters are interesting enough, although some are more developed than others. This book is pretty light-hearted and funny, sometimes the story itself is rushed, but beyond that entertaining as a whole. There is a lot of adventure and some romance, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction at the end. I am absolutely saddened to find out that the author died and didn't get a chance to see this book published or write the sequel it so richly deserves. I would definitely recommend reading this if you love fantasy adventures full of magic. 

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Apollyon Review

360 pages
Release date: April 9th, 2013

Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex. Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back. The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries. Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

Review (ARC):
I love this series more than I thought possible! No matter what happens in her life, Alex is a heroine to admire and look up to. Alex is strong mentally and physically, and has a deep concern for others over herself. Alex has grown so much from the impulsive girl she used to be and the awakening of her powers has made her stronger overall. Most of the characters from the previous novels return and we get to see changes in them as well. I love that despite the serious situation at hand, there is still some added comic relief from Alex's friends. The relationship between Alex and Aiden has gone through a lot so its good that we finally get to see them in a good place despite everything else going on around them. This novel felt like more of a filler right before the end of the series. A lot of it had to do with Alex's journey to find out how to stop Seth and the god who is helping him. There is so much action and danger that you just know there will be some losses along the way. I absolutely loved this novel and I'm excited to see how it all ends. I definitely recommend that you read this if you love mythology but make sure to pick up the rest of the novels in the Covenant series first.

Covenent Series
Half-Blood
Pure
Deity

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Awakening Review

400 pages
Release date: April 9th, 2013

Once a GEN (genetically engineered nonhuman) girl terrified of her first Assignment, Kayla is now a member of the Kinship, a secret organization of GENs, lowborns, and trueborns. Kayla travels on Kinship business, collecting information to further the cause of GEN freedom. Despite Kayla’s relative freedom, she is still a slave to the trueborn ruling class. She rarely sees trueborn Devak, and any relationship between them is still strictly forbidden. Kayla longs to be truly free, but other priorities have gotten in the way. A paradoxically deadly new virus has swept through GEN sectors—a disease only GENs catch. And GEN warrens and warehouses are being bombed, with only a scrawled clue: F.H.E. Freedom, Humanity, Equality. With the virus and the bombings decimating the GEN community, freedom and love are put on the back burner as Kayla and her friends find a way to stop the killing . . . before it’s too late.

Review (ARC):
This novel wasn't as exceptionally good as the first one but it still held its own. Kayla is strong, physically and mentally, even though she is a GEN. Kayla's life has changed quite a bit since joining the Kinship. Although the prejudice against GENs still exist, Kayla has found a satisfying, yet dangerous existance in helping the Kinship. The relationship between Kayla and Devak is complicated due to their different stations in life, and doesn't seem as if it will get any better. Then there is the issue with the Kinship supposedly helping the GENS. Even with all of the work being put towards equalization of the different classes, progress doesn't seem to be taking place. This story is a mass of intrigue as Kayla tries to figure out several different mysteries that all seem to be connected. Although there isn't a lot of action, the mystery of the bombings and the virus kept my eyes glued to each page until the end. I'm really interested to see how Kayla's story continues as well as the progression to freeing the GENs, in the next novel of this series. I would recommend this novel if you like science fiction but make sure to pick up Tankborn first.

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Naturals Review

352 pages
Release date: April 2, 2013

Tess is finally safe from the reach of the Council, now that she is living in the Middlelands with the rebel Isolationists. With James having returned to Templeton, she easily falls back into her friendship with Henry, though her newfound knowledge of Robert’s chosen one status still stings. Even surrounded by people, Tess has never felt more alone. So she’s thrilled when James returns to the settlement, demanding to see Tess — until she finds out that it’s because her sister, Louisa, has been recruited into Tess’s old position at Templeton, and that the dangerously sadistic chosen one George has taken an interest in her.

Review (ARC):

Experiencing the world of the Council and the chosen ones was harsh yet interesting in the first novel of The Lost Soul series. In this novel, we get to see the way the naturals live amongst the Isolationists. Although they are two completely different societies, there are more similarities between the naturals and the chosen ones than either side may know. Tess was used to being looked at as strong while living amongst the naturals in the Council society, but she discovers while living with the Isolationists that she isn't as strong, physically, as she thought. Tess does gain emotional strength and her development as a character really shows as the story progresses. The triangle between Tess, Henry and James is complicated yet intriguing. I don't like the fact that Tess feels like because she's never going to see James again then she should settle for Henry. Then again, Tess doesn't know much about love so it is hard for her to figure out her own feelings. Quite a few new characters are introduced to us and their difference in views is quite noticeable based upon the way they live. The Isolationists share prejudice against the chosen ones and that makes things a bit harder for Tess and her friends while living with them. Although this isn't an action-packed novel, the adventure of trying to survive with the rebels keeps things exciting. The ending is a cliffhanger that will leave you wondering what Tess will do next and anticipating the next book. I definitely recommend this novel if you love dystopian fiction but make sure to pick up Chosen Ones first. 

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Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters Trailer

If you haven't read the Percy Jackson series, go out and pick them up now! This movie is based on the second book in this series and it looks like its a good one! Will you go and see it?

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Trailer via MTV

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