Review ~ Crash by Lisa McMann (Note: Couldn't Finish)

Crash (Visions #1)
by Lisa McMann
YA Paranormal
Published: January 8th 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It's not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.

What she can't handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow.

The vision is everywhere-on billboards, television screens, windows-and she's the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it's someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember.

In this riveting start to a gripping series from New York TImes bestselling author Lisa McMann, Jules has to act- and act fast-to keep her vision from becoming reality.

My Somewhat Review

**1 Star** 

I almost stopped at page 68, but pushed on until I hit about page 110. Then I just skimmed through the ending. The main character was annoying in how she spoke, acted, and kept listing things out. I just couldn't get into the book.

Review ~ The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite (The Selection #2)
by Kiera Cass
YA Dystopian Romance
Published: April 23rd 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

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 Ilea.

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.

My Review: 

**3 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: I didn't enjoy this one as much as The Selection, but it was still good. I like how the author brings in more of what the princess, and eventually queen, would have to do. It isn't an easy job.

PROS: Of course I loved learning more about the society and how it came to be. I found it very interesting seeing the beginning of the society from the founder's perspective. Maxon has faults! It is refreshing to see them, and see how he tries to twist his faults to work out for the better.

CONS: Aspen, Maxon, Aspen, Maxon... arg make up your mind! America is so fickle when who she likes. It is all about who she is with at the moment and it gets frustrating and annoying. Maxon really likes her and it feels like Aspen is just using her.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I really look forward to reading the next book. I also just found out that the series will be made into a TV show on CW. I might watch the first one or two just because Anthony Head is going to be in it, but I don't hold out much hope as it is on the CW channel.

Review ~ Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Unremembered (Unremembered #1)
by Jessica Brody
YA Sci-fi Romance
Published: March 5rd 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage-alive-is making headlines across the globe.

Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn't on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can't be found in a single database in the world.

Crippled by a world she doesn't know, plagued by abilities she doesn't understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can't remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she's running out of time to answer them.

Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?

From popular young adult author Jessica Brody comes a compelling and suspenseful new sci-fi series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten.

My Review: 

**3 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: Exciting, boring, exciting... wait! That is the ending?!?!?!? That is how you are leaving it?!?!?!? Talk about a cliff-hanger (literally).

PROS: Seraphina's character is written in a way that is likeable and relatable, even though she has no memories. It is a quick and intriguing read, filled with mystery and romance. Zen's character was also written well. You could tell that he cared a lot for Sera and would do anything for her.

CONS: I felt that the romance was a little too overdone in this book. It seemed that Sera was encouraged to focus more on that, than finding out why there are people after her. It also got a little dry in the middle.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: With an ending like that, why wouldn't I read the next one! I look forward to finding out what happens with Sera and Zen.

Review ~ Origin by Jessica Khoury

Origin
by Jessica Khoury
YA Sci-fi
Published: September 4th, 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home--and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.

Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia's origin--a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.

Origin is a beautifully told, shocking new way to look at an age-old desire: to live forever, no matter the cost.

My Review: 

**4.5 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: How would you live your life if you were immortal? Do you stay in a "cage" in hopes that you can help create more immortals like you, or do you escape and see the world? Truly live? This is what the main character, Pia, in Origin faces.

PROS: I loved this book and just couldn't put it down. It was written beautifully and I felt the struggle Pia went through. I think her conflict between staying in her "cage" and getting outside the compound was perfect. It is just houw I would imagine it would be.

CONS: Even though it is reflected in a bad light, the testing done on animals still bothered me. You can tell me that it happens, but don't go through a scene of torture with me. I don't want to know all the details. Part of me broke when I had to read about the "killing kittens for science" thing. I am a big cat person and I hate it when something happens to them.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this book and the writing style. I can't wait for the author's next book.

Review ~ Wake by Amanda Hocking

Wake (Watersong #1)
by Amanda Hocking
YA Paranormal Romance
Published: August 7th 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention-but it's Gemma who's attracted theirs. She's the one they've chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all-she's carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He's always been just a friend, but this summer they've taken their relationship to the next level, and now there's no going back. Then one night, Gemma's ordinary life changes forever. She's taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she's forced to choose between staying with those she loves-or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

My Review: 

**2 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: I had such high expectations for this book upon reading the synopsis. I have also heard great things about the author. However, I was very disappointed with Wake.

PROS: I liked Harper and Daniel's relationship and how it changed through the book and the experiences they went through.

CONS: Gemma was annoying. She also wasn't a believable character. There are three girls that creep her out and yet she goes to hang out with them. Then, once they tell her that she is a Siren, Gemma is all, "Ok, cool - wait, no I don't want to be one." There isn't ever a point where she doesn't believe they exist and that it is not possible. I also felt like it was set up for something bigger to happen with Daniel, but it didn't.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: The book just fell flat. I don't plan on reading the rest of the series, however I will pick up another book by this author.

Review ~ Forgive My Fins by Terry Lynn Childs (Note: Couldn't finish)

Forgive My Fins (Fins #1)
by Terry Lynn Childs
YA Paranormal Romance
Published: May 19th 2010
Goodreads Link

Blurb:

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it's not that she has a huge crush on a gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you're a normal teenage girl, but when you're half human, half mermaid like Lily, there's no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily's mermaid identity is a secret that can't get out, since she's not just any mermaid - she's a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn't feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she's been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems - like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher - but it has that one major perk - Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren't really the casula dating type - when they "bond," it's for life.

When Lily's attempt to win Brody's love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

My Some-what Review: 

**1 Star**

I am sorry to say that I couldn't finish this book. I gave it to 164 pages before I put it down.

I couldn't connect with the main character and found her very annoying. All she cared about was a guy that she barely ever talked to, and who hardly ever talked to her.

Review ~ The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles #1)
by Kady Cross
YA Steampunk Romance
Published: May 24th 2011
Goodreads Link

Blurb:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one... except the "thing" inside her. When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finely, she fights back. And wins. But no "normal" Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch....

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of "them." The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, and American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on-even if it seems no one believes her.

My Review:

**3.5 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: I was originally going to give this book a 4 star review, then upon consideration decided to go with a 3.5. I picked up this book hoping for a lot of steampunk, and instead got a lot of awkward romance.

PROS: I really enjoyed the steampunk aspects of the book, as well as the mystery. In my opinion Emily is the stronges and most developed character. She seemed to have some depth that the other characters lacked. Except for maybe Sam. His character was pretty complex.

CONS: It was hard to get a good understanding of who Finley was. Because of her personality separation, you never really get a good grasp on her. She was also getting annoying with her "I like Griffin. No, I like Jack Dandy. I can't be with Griffin. I shouldn't be with Jack." Arg. Love triangle.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Will I read the next one? Probably, but it is somewhat low on my priority list. I will most likely pick it up when I feel like reading a steampunk-lite book.

~ April Review Recap ~

~* April Review Recap *~

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins 
    ~ 3 Star Review (Link)
    ~ Dystopia Reading Challenge (book 5 of 24) 
    ~ 2013 Sequel Challenge (book 5 of 15)

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
    ~ 2.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ Dystopia Reading Challenge (book 6 of 24)
    ~ 2013 Sequel Challenge (book 6 of 15) 

The Rising by Kelley Armstrong
    ~ 4.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ 2013 Sequel Challenge (book 7 of 15)
    ~ Paranormal Reading Challenge (Werewolves/Shifters)

Blood and Snow by RaShelle Workman
    ~ 3.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ Does not meet any challenge

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
    ~ 4.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ Dystopia Reading Challenge (book 7 of 24)
    ~ 2013 Sequel Challenge (book 7 of 15)

Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum
    ~ 2.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ 2013 Debut Authors (book 4 of 12)
    ~ Dystopia Reading Challenge (book 8 of 24)

Boundless by Cynthia Hand
    ~ 4.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ 2013 Sequel Challenge (book 8 of 15)
    ~ Paranormal Reading Challenge (Angels/Nephilim)

Review ~ Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless (Unearthly #3)
by Cynthia Hand
YA Paranormal Romance
Published: January 22nd 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her... even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she's headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he's not the only one... With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won't come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

My Review: 

**4.5 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: I can't believe it is over. Cynthia Hand has made me fall in love with all her characters. It is bittersweet that Boundless finishes Clara's journey.

PROS: What can I say, other than it was an amazing journey. Boundless is packed full of conflict, visions, action, and romance. The last one being just the perfect amount to where I wasn't gagging every ten minutes. : )  Clara, Christian, Tucker, and Angela's stories have come to a conclusion and what an ending it was!

CONS: Tucker, oh Tucker. Where-for art thou Tucker? I missed him in the beginning of the book. But understandably, he couldn't be in the beginning. I wish Jeffrey's story had ended up a little differently. It almost seemed a little thrown together towards the end.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Ok, so now hoping that a series comes out about Web! Even if there isn't one, I can't wait to read what Cynthia Hand puts out next.