Review ~ Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

Valkyrie Rising
by Ingrid Paulson
YA Fantasy
Published: October 9th 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: A tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she'll finally get out form under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she's there.

What Ellie doesn't anticipate is Graham's infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and the strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there's suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it's up to Ellie-and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck-to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl's unexpected-epic coming of age.

My Review: 

**4 Stars**

Oh boy. This was a great book. I really like all the mythology that was integrated into the book. And, oh yes, Tuck is soooo book boyfriend material. He is smart, funny, and loyal to his friends. Oh yeah, and hot.

I feel bad for Ellie in a lot of ways. It has to suck to have such an over protective older brother. He doesn't give her room to even breathe. I also feel bad for her being left in the dark about what is going on over the summer. Her grandmother didn't seem very interested in keeping her safe by telling her what was going on. Why does everyone seem to think that ignorance is best? It is the worst possible thing you could do. Prepare the girl! Tell her what is going on!

Ok, anyway. I really enjoyed the book and very much look forward to seeing if there is another one on the horizon.

Review ~ Undead by Kirsty McKay

Undead (Undead #1)
by Kirsty McKay
YA Fantasy Humor
Published: September 1st 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Out of sight, out of their minds: It's a school-trip splatter fest and completely not cool when the other kids in her class go all braindead on new girl Bobby.

The day of the ski trip, when the bus comes to a stop at a roadside restaurant, everyone gets off and heads in for lunch. Everyone, that is, except Bobby, the new girl, who stays behind with rebel-without-a-clue Smitty.

Then hours pass. Snow piles up. Sun goes down. Bobby and Smitty start to flirt. Start to stress. Till finally they see the other kids stumbling back.

But they've changed. And not in a good way. Straight up, they're zombies. So the wheels on the bus better go round and round freakin' fast, because that's the only thing keeping Bobby and Smitty from becoming their classmates' next meal. It's kill or be killed in these hunger games, heads are gonna roll, and homework is most definitely gonna be late.

Combining the chill of THE SHINING, the thrill ride of SPEED, the humor of SHAUN OF THE DEAD, and the angst of THE BREAKFAST CLUB, Kirsty McKay's UNDEAD is a bloody mad mash-up, a school-trip splatter-fest, a funny, gory, frighteningly good debut!

My Review: 

**3.5 Stars**

It is so cliche it is funny. At points it reminded me so much of the movie "Shaun of the Dead." The book lost its steam, however, around the middle. It got a little stagnant and needed a little more excitement after the exciting, action packed beginning.

I did find the reasoning behind the turned zombies interesting and worth building upon. However, I realize that the main point of the story was to be funny and it can be hard to add a serious theme to comedy.

I would recommend the book for any fans of "Shaun of the Dead" and anyone who likes cliche humor. Especially with zombies! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Review ~ A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns
by Khaled Hosseini
Adult Contemporary
Published: May 22nd 2007
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan's last thirty years, from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to post-Taliban rebuilding, that puts the violence, fear, hope and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives, the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness, are inextricable from the history playing out around them.

Propelled by the same storytelling instinct that made The Kite Runner a beloved classic, A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once a remarkable chronicle of three decades of Afghan history and a deeply moving account of family and friendship. It is a striking, heartwrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love, a stunning accomplishment.

My Review:

**4 Stars**

A Thousand Splendid Suns was one of my required books for a college class. I was dreading reading it because I did not think I would like it at all. I actually ended up enjoying this heartbreaking story. Khaled Hosseini did a fantastic job creating the two main characters. I developed such an attachment for them that it was hard to read the book at points.

The book also made me very aware of what Afghanistan and its people have gone through. I knew that the women who lived there were treated poorly, but I had no idea that they did have a certain amount of freedom at one point when the Soviets had control. It brought up the question... is it better to have and have lost, or never had at all?

I would highly recommend this book to all. It is very emotional and be prepared to cry a lot.

Review ~ The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)
by Maggie Stiefvater
YA Fantasy
Published: September 18th 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

"There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve," Neeve said. "Either you're his true love . . . or you killed him."

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them-not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He has it all-family money, good looks, devoted friends-but he's looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we've never been before.

My Review: 

**2.5 Stars**

I didn't not like, but I didn't love it either. It took me a while to actually get through it. It just didn't have a fantastic flow, and the 3rd person POV kept changing between characters without warning.

I didn't like how Blue kept repeating her "no-boys-especially-Raven-boys" motto at the beginning. It seemed really repetitive and unnecessary aside from the initial mention. I did like how Blue and Gansey came together and ended up working together. She fit right into their group. Noah.... surprised me. It was sad what happened. I would actually like to hear more of his story from before The Raven Boys. 

Blue's family was also interesting and I do look forward to hearing more of their stories. So, yes, I guess I will be continuing the series. It won't be at the top of my list, but I will continue.

Review ~ Prodigy by Marie Lu

Prodigy (Legend #2)
by Marie Lu
YA Dystopian
Published: January 29th 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb:

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request-June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It's their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she's haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood-what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

My Review: 

**4 Stars**

Oh boy, where do I start? June and Day are fantastic as always. I can't stand the Patriots and Anden is great. There... that is my review.

Just kidding. I really don't like the Patriots though. That part is true. They are just another form of the Republic vying for power. And we really see this lack of difference when June and Day make it to the colonies. Yup, they do.

Now onto Anden. I like him. I think he will be the leader that the Republic needs. One the people can rally behind. I just don't think he and June should end up together. She and Day have gone through too much for their relationship to end. Yes, he is a good fit for June, but the June before she met Day.

Arg. There are so many questions left unanswered. I cannot wait for Champion to come out. I am really excited to learn what happens to not only Day and June but the country as well. Wondering if it will still just be from their two perspectives or if a third will be added in... hmmm.

Review ~ Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Phoenix (Black City #2)
by Elizabeth Richards
YA Dystopian
Published: June 4th 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Ash and Natalie are just starting to build a life together when things in the United Sentry States go from bad to worse. Ash and Natalie find themselves at the center of turmoil when dictator Purian Rose threatens Natalie's life unless Ash votes in favor of Rose's Law-a law that will send Darklings and other dissenters to a deadly concentration camp known as the Tenth.

When Ash can't bring himself to trade Natalie's life for those of millions of Darklings, her fate is sealed. Enter Elijah Theroux, the handsome Bastet boy Natalie once saved from her mother's labs, where he'd been experimented on and tortured. It was his venom the Sentry used to create the lethal Golden Haze, the heart of the government conspiracy that led to Black City's uprising and Ash's rebirth as the Phoenix, the face of the rebellion. Elijah is back and Ash doesn't like him; it's clear he's taken with Natalie, and Ash fears she may have feelings for him as well.

But Elijah also may have the answer to taking down Purian Rose for good-a powerful weapon called the Ora. Ash, Natalie and Elijah just have to escape Black City undetected to find it. But fleeing the city and finding this weapon (if it even exists) are easier said than done, and the quest could tear Ash and Natalie apart, even pushing them into the arms of others.

This enthralling sequel to Black City is just as absorbing, delicious and steamy as the first book, leaving readers hungry for the series conclusion.

My Review: 

**4 Stars**

While I enjoyed bits and pieces of Black City and was invested enough to continue reading the series, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Phoenix. I actually liked it a whole lot better than Black City. The characters had more development and depth to them and it wasn't all about Ash and Natalie's relationship. Well, I guess Black City wasn't either, but it felt like it.

Phoenix is a non-stop adventure right from the beginning. There is so much that happens and at points you are left feeling empty and wondering, "did that really just happen?" I won't say who, but I will tell you that Elizabeth Richards has no problem killing her characters. Elijah is an interesting character that I still don't know if I like or not. Ok, after the ending... don't think I like him.

I can't wait to read what happens next. Especially since I no longer want to smack Ash and Natalie on the back of the head and tell them to trust each other again. Excellent book that actually makes me want to go back and re-read the first to see what I missed.

Review ~ Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1)
by Marie Lu
YA Dystopian
Published: November 29th 2011
Goodreads Link

Blurb:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths-until the day June's brother Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

My Review: 

**4 Stars**

I went to pick up Prodigy after having read Legend over a year ago. Of course, I couldn't remember where Legend had left off, so I had to re-read it. This is my review for the re-read.

Once again, I have to give Legend 4 stars. It was a really enjoyable and quick read. The world Marie Lu created is fascinating. It is a dystopian that you can see actually coming true to a point.

June goes back and forth between likeable and stuck-up-rhymes with witch. Once the story progresses more and she finds information Metias left for her, you can see that she just strongly believed what the Republic told her. It isn't that she harbors hatred because she is mean, it is what has been engrained in her by her country.

Day is a fantastic character and has a lot of depth to him. You can see why he does what he does every step of the way. He is one of those brave few that actually take a stand for what they believe in, instead of sitting around doing nothing.

As before, I really look forward to Prodigy and seeing how everything progresses. I have a feeling we will see more of the Patriots and how they work.

Review ~ Gravity by Melissa West

Gravity (The Taking #1)
by Melissa West
YA Sci-fi Dystopian
Published: December 18th 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

In the future, only one rule will matter:

Don't. Ever. Peek. 

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed - arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she's been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she's falling for him. But Ari isn't just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She's a military legacy who's been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know - especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

My Review: 

**2.5 Stars**

Gravity  was not what I expected. The "history" behind the Ancients was really interesting. I wish I could have learned more. The book seemed like it couldn't quite decide what it wanted to be - dystopian or sci-fi. The blend between both genres wasn't done quite well enough to make sense. Overall it felt more sci-fi with hints that everything was occurring after the almost complete destruction of Earth.

Also, I did not understand the reasoning behind the Taking. Why do the Ancients still need to do this - and what were they "taking" from humans to begin with. They live off of Xylem - which humans' don't have.

Ari was a likeable character for the most part. While she did question the society she lived in at points, she was really naive at others. I do plan on reading the next book, but not sure if I will continue after that. It all depends on what happens.

Review ~ Glitch by Heather Anastasiu (Did Not Finish)

Glitch (Glitch #1)
by Heather Anastasiu
YA Sci-fi
Published: August 7th 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they're caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

My Review: 

**1 Star**

I hate to say, I couldn't finish the book. I didn't have any connection with the characters, and even though the world was interesting, it wasn't interesting enough for me to continue past the 150 pages I read.

There were a lot of plot holes, the main one being that if Zoe (really any Community member) couldn't smell, then why did she keep comparing new smells to old ones? For example: the sewers she compared to rotten eggs and turned butter - but how would she know what those smelled like?

Also the "swearing" started grating on me. They were made up words that were used over and over in place of common swears. They were used way too much and it just got really annoying.

I wish I could have finished the book, but it just wasn't holding my interest and attention.

A Spark Unseen Blog Hop, Day 2

I am very excited to be one of the stops on the A Spark Unseen blog hop. I absolutely loved The Dark Unwinding (you can find my review HERE) and was very exited to take part in promoting the sequel. So, I will start with some information about A Spark Unseen.

A Spark Unseen (The Dark Unwinding #2)
by Sharon Cameron
YA Historical (or Gothic Steampunk)
Expected Publication: September 24th 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

The thrilling sequel to Sharon Cameron's blockbuster gothic steampunk romance, THE DARK UNWINDING, will captivate readers anew with mystery and intrigue aplenty.

When Katharine Tulman wakes in the middle of the night and accidentally foils a kidnapping attempt on her uncle, she realizes Stranwyne Keep is no longer safe for Uncle Tully and his genius inventions. She flees to Paris, where she hopes to remain undetected and also find the mysterious and handsome Lane, who is supposed to be dead.

But the search for Lane is not easy, and Katharine soon finds herself embroiled in a labyrinth of political intrigue. And with unexpected enemies and allies at every turn, Katharine will have to figure out whom she can trust--if anyone--to protect her uncle from danger once and for all.

Filled with deadly twists, whispering romance, and heart-stopping suspense, this sequel to THE DARK UNWINDING whisks readers off on another thrilling adventure.

My Review:

**4 Stars**

I received an advance copy for an honest review as part of this blog tour. 

I am sorry to say that I didn't enjoy A Spark Unseen as much as I had The Dark Unwinding. Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoyed it, just not as much. Majority of the book takes place in Paris, so we lose the mysteriousness of Stranwyne Keep. However, Paris has plenty of mysteries too - just not in house form.

A Spark Unseen really delves into the history and political tension between the British and the French during this time period. Yes, I know it seems steampunk, but it is actually historical. There were actually gas lanterns in the later 1800's.

I really feel for Katharine in this book. She has such hard decisions thrown at her left and right, and she can't be sure which way is correct. I am so glad that Mary has a big part in this book, and I enjoyed the introduction of Henri.

Great book. Fabulous continuation of the series and I can't wait for the next one. Highly recommended series.

Behind-the-Scenes with Lane:

I was so excited that I was able to host the behind-the-scenes information for Lane. He was a great character in The Dark Unwinding and became even more complex (if that is possible) in A Spark Unseen. I do have to admit that when I read the 4th fact... I cried.

So, directly from Sharon Cameron, here are the five things that The Dark Unwinding and A Spark Unseen will NOT tell you about Lane Moreau:

*Lane received his name because of the woolen blanket he was wrapped in the first time he was placed in Jean Moreau's arms. Laine is French for "wool." You can hear it pronounced HERE by clicking on the little speaker button.

*Lane's parents held him to an invisible standard that he could not understand, even when he was small. It always made him feel not quite good enough. It was one of the reasons he loved being with Mr. Tully.

*Lane got the silver for his animal statues by melting down candlesticks he found in Stranwyne. He never told Katharine, and she never thought to ask.

*Lane and Davy had a secret gamed called "Finding Franklin," named after the explorer who disappeared while traversing the Arctic. The game consisted of Lane hiding "treasures" all over the house, then giving Davy "accidental" clues to find them. Once Davy's treasure was a box containing grass, cabbage leaves, and a tiny, baby bunny.

*Lane knew he loved Katharine the first time she kissed Uncle Tully on the forehead. He had to admit he'd never stop loving her when she hit him with a brick.

Find Sharon: 

On her website
On Twitter
And, of course, on Facebook.

Follow the Tour: 

Be sure to check out the rest of the tours on this hop. To see the previous blog please click HERE. For the next blog on the tour, please click HERE.

Giveaway: 

Since I am the blog on the list for today, I have the pleasure of having the rafflecopter giveaway on my blog!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review ~ Reached by Ally Condie

Reached (Matched #3)
by Ally Condie
YA Dystopian
Published: November 13th 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

After leaving Society to desperately seek The Rising, and each other, Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again. Cassia is assigned undercover in Central city, Ky outside the borders, an airship pilot with Indie. Xander is a medic, with a secret. All too soon, everything shifts again.

My Review:

**3 Stars**

A disappointing end to the series. It left a lot of questions unanswered, yet it wasn't open enough for the reader to create their own ending. I just wish there was a little more. Not another book more, but another couple chapters just to finish everything up.

I really liked how Xander's point-of-view was added in. It gave Reached something that Matched and Crossed seemed to have been missing. My complaint about the switching POV's is similar to my complaint about Crossed; you really had to pay attention to the name at the chapter's head. Even though the characters' locations were different, it was easy to get confused as the POV's were all similar in tone. This mad it a little hard to distinguish between characters.

It had the potential to be a fantastic ending to the trilogy, but the ending of the book just fell a little short. There were a lot of things answered, and a lot of things left too open. I do plan on reading what ever Ally Condie decides to write next.

Review ~ Hysteria by Megan Miranda

Hysteria
by Megan Miranda
YA Thriller
Published: February 5th 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb:

Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past. But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others.

In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.

My Review:

**2 Stars**

This book was hard to rate. While it was good because it kept you guessing, the character connection just wasn't there.

I really liked how there was a hard time telling what was actually happening to Mallory and what was just psychological. It was creepy at times and kept you guessing.

However, Mallory's situation was not believable in the slightest. She killed her boyfriend (yes, in self defense, but still) and did not suffer any jail time. A couple weeks after this happened she was sent off to an elite boarding school - that ACCEPTED her despite her homicidal tendencies. I just don't see any boarding school - never mind an elite one - accepting anyone with a criminal background (self-defense or not).

There also wasn't a lot of character development between Mallory and Reid. They had a history that we got glimpses at - but it was never fully developed.

Overall it was a decent read, but I'm not sure I would recommend it to many people.

Review ~ The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns #1)
by Rae Carson
YA Fantasy
Published: September 20th 2011
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. 
Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king-a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn't die young.

Most of the chosen do.

My Review: 

**4.5 Stars**

Note: Do not start reading this book at the same time you start watching Game of Thrones. I kept getting confused as to what took place in which setting. :)

This is one of those books that I knew I was going to love, but never found the time to read it for some reason. I am so glad I finally picked it up, and right when the 3rd book is coming out so I can keep reading and not have to worry about waiting a year or two for a cliffhanger to be brought back up to safety.

I loved how the author played out Elisa's changes and growth. In the beginning of the book, she is fat, naive, and pretty ignorant of her country's going-on's. But by the end of the book, trials and hardships have caused her to not only loose weight, but become a stronger person on the inside as well.

I cannot wait to read more about this beautifully crafted world and the characters who live in it. I think I am most excited to learn more about the other Godstone carriers. Highly recommended, especially for High Fantasy fans.

Review ~ A Midsummer Night's Scream by R.L. Stine (Did Not Finish)

A Midsummer Night's Scream
by R.L. Stine
YA Horror
Published: April 2nd 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

The master of horror takes on the master of theater!

Get ready for laughter to turn into screams in R.L. Stine's re-imagining of Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Everyone knows that Mayhem Manor is cursed. After production on the horror film was stopped due to a series of mysterious deaths, it becomes a Hollywood legend-which makes it perfect for Claire and her family. If they can successfully finish the film, it should be enough to save their ailing movie studio.

Sure, the old haunted house is creepy, and strange stuff has been happening, but this is Claire's chance. Her chance to become the movie star she's always dreamed and her chance to finally convince her friend Jake that she is girlfriend material. Of course, the fact that Jake thinks he's in love with her best friend, Delia, who is crushing hard on Jake's friend Shawn, who insists on following Claire around, could be a problem, but Claire is sure she can figure it out. After all, the course of true love never did run smooth.

But once shooting starts, "creepy and strange" morphs into "bloody and deadly," as the lines between film and reality begin to blur...

My Review: 

**1 Star**

Ok, I am sorry to all the R.L. Stine fans that I may offend, but I couldn't even get 10 pages into this book. The writing style was horrible. It felt like a children's book with a young adult content. Everything was just stated - nothing was observed or thought from a character's perspective.

I don't mind third person - it is very common for a book to be written in this format. But when there is a benevolent narrator he shouldn't be forming his own opinions, rather making note of the characters' opinions.

Overall, there was no emotion and no connection. It felt like I was reading an essay.

Review ~ Shadowlark (ARC) by Meagan Spooner

Shadowlark (Skylark #2)
by Meagan Spooner
YA Dystopian Fantasy
Expected Publication: October 1st 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Ever since she escaped the city within the Wall, Lark Ainsley's wanted one thing: to find her brother Basil. She's always believed he would be the one to put an end to the constant fear and flight. And now, hidden underground in the chaotically magical city of Lethe, Lark feels closer to him than ever.

But Lethe is a city cowering in fear of its founder, the mysterious Prometheus, and of his private police force. To get the truth about what happened to Basil, Lark has no choice but to face Prometheus.

Facing her fears has become second nature to Lark. Facing the truth is another matter.

Lark never asked to be anyone's savior. She certainly never wanted to be anyone's weapon. She might not have a choice.

My Review: 

**4 Stars**

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

**Flips page frantically** Where is the rest of the book???? Breathe.... I only have to wait another year for the next book. *sob* Yup, that is my reaction to the ending. I really enjoyed Shadowlark and actually liked it a lot more than Skylark.

Um, who didn't see the "twist" with Prometheus coming? Really? Lark... YOU should have seen that coming. Oh well, it was still really great how the author wrote it. I also enjoyed the rebellion in Lethe. It is interesting how much Lethe is starting to turn into Lark's old home.

Nix!!! So glad Nix is still around. Although, I did miss it at some points. Need more Nix! And Oren. Oh, Oren. I still love you and hope Lark never lets you go. I can't wait for the next book and am hoping beyond hope for an earlier release date.

~* August Review Recap *~

~* August Review Recap *~

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
    ~ 4.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ 2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge (book 15 of 30)

Undeadly by Michele Vail
    ~ 2 Star Review (Link)
    ~ Does not meet any challenges

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence
    ~ 3.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ 2013 Dystopia Reading Challenge (book 16 of 24)

Timespell by Diana Paz
    ~ 3 Star Review (Link)
    ~ Does not meet any challenges

The Iron Traitor (ARC) by Julie Kagawa
    ~ 4 Star Review (Link)
    ~ 2013 Sequel Challenge (book 18 of 15)

SYLO by D.J. MacHale
    ~ 4.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ Does not meet any challenges

Dark Triumph by R.L. LaFevers
    ~ 3.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ 2013 Sequel Challenge (book 19 of 15) 

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
    ~ 3.5 Star Review (Link)
    ~ 2013 Debut Authors (book 7 of 12)