Crossing Universes For Love

"You can't fight destiny, and I didn't even want to try."

--Claudia Gray, Ten Thousand Skies Above You

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 432

Publication Date: November 3rd, 2015

Source: ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Previous Books in Series: A Thousand Pieces of You

Goodreads Description 

Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse—even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul’s soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she begins to question the destiny she thought they shared.

The second book in the Firebird trilogy, Ten Thousand Skies Above You features Claudia Gray’s lush, romantic language and smart, exciting action, and will have readers clamoring for the next book.

The Worlds
It was great being back in this realm of multi-universeses. I love the idea of world-jumping and how things can be so different yet relationships can be the same or at least similar. I will forever be fascinated by what Claudia Gray decides to do next in terms of what world she is going to bring us to and what factors have changed to make this world what it is. I won't spoil any worlds we get to visit this time but I will say it wasn't always easy. Not everything is the same and Marguerite has had to face some really hard truths.

The Love
I love the idea of fate and destiny and true love. While that element was still present in this book, it wasn't as prominent as I would have liked. I get it. The point of the book and plot in this book is to question it to an extent. The idea of questioning who we are at the core and whether it is ever-present and constant or transient. I do appreciate what the author was doing with this. However, overall the book dragged for me. There wasn't that all-consuming need to read it and I didn't feel that overwhelming love. Again, Marguerite and Paul are separated for most of the book and that sucked. Marguerite is playing savior again and trying to find Paul in the universes and it just didn't have that same drive as the first book did. The pacing was slow and it just wasn't that fun to read.

The Villains
The climax of the conflict of all the worlds comes together in this book. It isn't as exciting as one would think. To be honest, the "reason" behind all evil doing is really pretty crazy in a mental institution way, not in a good crazy way. It seems completely certifiable and I just didn't really buy it.

The End
I'm eager to see how Gray wraps up this story. I will definitely still be reading the final book and depending on how that goes, I might end up saying the book should have remained a standalone. We shall see because while I "get" what the point of this book was--again, no spoilers--I didn't see it really adding anything to the original story in the way it could have.

General Admission
If you liked the first book, multi-dimension universes, and true love...this book is for you.

Be True To Yourself

"We choose our own fate."

--Megan Shepherd, A Cold Legacy

Genre: YA Historical Fiction, Science Fiction

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Pages: 400

Publication Date: January 27th, 2015

Source: eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

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Previous Books in Series: The Madman's Daughter & Her Dark Curiosity

Goodreads Description

After killing the men who tried to steal her father’s research, Juliet—along with Montgomery, Lucy, Balthazar, and a deathly ill Edward—has escaped to a remote estate on the Scottish moors. Owned by the enigmatic Elizabeth von Stein, the mansion is full of mysteries and unexplained oddities: dead bodies in the basement, secret passages, and fortune-tellers who seem to know Juliet’s secrets. Though it appears to be a safe haven, Juliet fears new dangers may be present within the manor’s own walls.

Then Juliet uncovers the truth about the manor’s long history of scientific experimentation—and her own intended role in it—forcing her to determine where the line falls between right and wrong, life and death, magic and science, and promises and secrets. And she must decide if she’ll follow her father’s dark footsteps or her mother’s tragic ones, or whether she’ll make her own.

With inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this breathless conclusion to the Madman’s Daughter trilogy is about the things we’ll sacrifice to save those we love—even our own humanity.

The Drama

Now, I mean that title in the best way. The conclusion to Megan Shepher's Madman's series was not a walk in the park. This book was steeped in tension, moral dilemmas, and matters of life and death. Shepherd does not leave a stone unturned in regards to tying up loose ends from the previous books but in a way that does not feel like a rush to the finish line. It was paced well and had plot progression as well as resolution. I just really loved where the story went and how things were tied up. Obviously I am not going to give any spoilers but I am completely happy with how things concluded. The battle to get there was STRESSFUL because just as one thing ends and you breath a sigh of relief something else pops up to destroy our tenuous bubble of comfort. I honestly couldn't read fast enough  because I NEEDED to know if our characters were going to be okay.

Frankenstein's Monster

This part of our trilogy is a re-telling of Frankenstein and what a representation it was. The science and morality Juliet faces is epic. She was constantly struggling about what was right and what SHE believed it. While I felt it got a little tiresome at times, it definitely makes sense for her character. She needed to work through the painful process of examining her own beliefs and values and that she is NOT solely her father's daughter. She is her own person and can do what she wants to do. I loved seeing her go through this process especially after re-reading Her Dark Curiosity. I felt her journey was completely on point with where we left off in the previous books and I really just loved her working through her personal morality issues. I can't say enough how much I loved reading about this idea. The exploration of morality, life vs death, and the pros and cons of scientific advancement was amazing. It was so interesting to see each character have their own personal opinion on the matter and how it clashed with each other. Who believed what and what exceptions would each character make and why was just so interesting. The theme of this throughout the trilogy is fantastic and I kind of want to go back and re-read from the very beginning knowing now how it all ends.

The Genetic Dynamic

I love Juliet and I LOVE Montgomery but I was a little annoyed with how they both dealt with the aftermath of Juliet's father's experiments. I know that these two love each other deeply but it bothered me when Montgomery would try to push Juliet to be more like her mother or be like somebody she's not. And Juliet focusing solely on her father and thinking she had to be just like him was equally irritating. I understand this was part of the process she had to work through to find herself but it was irritating nonetheless. I wanted to shake them both a few times.

One Resolution 

While I'm really happy with how everything ended there was just one thing I was not happy about with a certain character. I really grew to like this character and wanted a happier ending for them. I know that's asking a lot but it really made me sad how this character ended up. *sigh*

Reserved Seating

I really enjoyed this series and loved what Megan Shepherd did with it. Fans of Victorian era books, Gothic stories, issues with morality, and character progression will really like this. And fans of this series already will not be disappointed in the final book. 

The Rebel and The Captain

"One thing...This is real."

--Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner, This Shattered World

Genre: YA Science Fiction, Fantasy

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Pages: 390

Publication Date: December 23rd, 2014

Source: eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Previous Books in Series: These Broken Stars

Goodreads Description

The second installment in the epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war.

I don't even think I could start to tell you how excited I was getting This Shattered World for review because These Broken Stars was one of my FAVORITE reads of last year and I could not wait to see how this companion novel not only progressed the story but *crosses fingers* connects our beloved Tarver and Lilac. (Sidenote: SWOONING just thinking about all the epic that was These Broken Stars but I digress) So, the story of Jubliee and Flynn is on Avon, a planet made of swamp and muck that makes most soldiers go rage crazy from a disease called Fury making the turnover of these soldiers quick. Jubliee is a Captain and has been on Avon for over a year which is unheard of but the Fury doesn't affect her. She's minding her own business in a bar when hey, hey, hey, she's kidnapped by a native of Avon--Flynn. From there, we move on to sacrifices and escapes, duty versus love, and doing what is right not doing what is easy. Le sigh.

The Story

Like I briefly mentioned about, the story is steeped in subterfuge and alliances nobody in this world would believe. Flynn is a native of Avon and just wants better for his people in the most peaceful way possible. All Jubilee knows is military procedure and following and giving orders. Together, these two shouldn't make any sense. But they both have things in their past that connect them in more ways than either of them could have known. I love stories that have characters questions what they've been led to believe. In this case, it's Jubilee with her mission on Avon and what is really going on with this planet. She questions what really is best and how the native people are being treated. Flynn goes against all odds and believes in her desire to understand and change. The dynamics of this plot and the politics of it all is rich in detail and intrigue. Nothing is at is seems on Avon and I felt like I was back with Tarver and Lilac trying to figure out what in the hell was going on in this bayou of deception. I can't give too much away on plot but know that things are amiss, things get crazy, and things are spectacularly sic-fi. I loved it all and I could not put it down.

The Romance

The relationship between Jubilee and Flynn is tenuous to say the least. They are most definitely star-crossed, le sigh, and most definitely on opposite sides of this war and battle for supremacy on Avon. So, understandably, their relationship is one built on understanding and trust in the most epic sense. They have no other choice than to believe they are crazy for trusting the other in a place that would kill them quicker than they could blink. I find this so incredibly beautiful how two different yet similar people, on opposite sides of this battle, could find a way to not only stop and listen to one another but start to understand and love one another. There are moments towards the end when my heart just felt like it was going to burst. Jubilee has tragedy in her past that we don't know exactly what happened. Flynn has his share of loss as well. What I loved was that Flynn was the first to bend. He felt more emotional of the two and more in tuned with his feelings of what was right and his judgement of character. Jubliee took a little longer to get there having dealt with her tragedy in the form of drills and proving she can be the best. If their roles were reversed I'm not sure the story would have turned out so romantically. Flynn was there to help Jubilee along the way in the feels department having deprived herself of them for so long. This broke my heart but I completely understand where she was coming from and it worked perfectly for her character and the story. Flynn's belief in her was a turning point in the story and I loved seeing how it progressed from there.

The Beginnings

Now I can't talk a lot about this but I will say this story does connect to These Broken Stars and...that's all I'll say...and that I squee'd out loud at one point...and then died of more feels...

The Finale

This story is badass and beautiful and oh so romantic. The setup for the final book has my head in the intergalactic clouds with wondering WHAT is going to happen, HOW it will all end, and WHO will be star-crossed in the final book. I cannot say enough with how excited I am to see where the story ends (sad!!!) and how all the pieces of the puzzle will fit together. IS IT NEXT YEAR YET?!?!?

The Pacing

While I was definitely invested in the story and wanted to keep reading to find out what happens, I felt like the beginning was a little slow and not as easy to get into as the previous book. I understand why everything needed to happen as it did but I found myself struggling a little in the beginning to become fully invested. Once we got all the major players and a sense of the plot and conflict, it flew by but up until that point I found myself wanting to get the story going.

Reserved Seating

If you love star-crossed love, fighting for what is right, shutting down an intergalactic oppressor, and ALL fans of the Starbound series...then this book is for you.

The Scientific Proof of Destiny

"I meant it when I said I didn't believe in love at first sight.
It takes time to really, truly fall for someone.
Yet I believe in a moment.
A moment when you glimpse the truth within someone, and they glimpse the truth within you.
In that moment, you don't belong to yourself any longer, not completely.
Part of you belongs him; part of him belongs to you.
After that, you can't take it back, no matter how much you want to,
no matter how hard you try."

--Claudia Gray, A Thousand Pieces of You

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 368

Publication Date: November 4th, 2014

Source: eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

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Previous Books in Series: First book in the Firebird Trilogy

Goodreads Description

Every Day meets Cloud Atlas in this heart-racing, space- and time-bending, epic new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray.

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him.

Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

A Thousand Pieces of You explores a reality where we witness the countless other lives we might lead in an amazingly intricate multiverse, and ask whether, amid infinite possibilities, one love can endure.

The Story

People, please excuse me while I get my geek girl freak on. This book introduces us to the idea that there are alternate dimensions and universes that are layered on top of one another. Marguerite is our main girl whose father recently was killed and is using her parent's research to travel between dimensions in hunt for his killer. She believes one of her parent's research assistant's is her father's murderer so she teams up with a different assistant to bring justice to her father. This whole idea of millions upon millions of alternate universes laying atop one another is such a fantastic piece of mind-fuckery I was in awe the entire time. The idea that there could be alternate versions of yourself living all these crazy different lives IS SO FREAKING COOL! Add into that storyline the component of fate and destiny and you get a recipe for amazing. But I'll talk more about that later.

Seriously though, this alternate dimension and travel between them made my nerd girl heart sing. The science behind it, experiencing Marguerite in different types of lives was just so freaking cool. Hint: Take a peek at the cover and it gives a major hint to where a piece of the story goes and anybody that knows me knows how freaking excited I was when this location came into play. Can I jump universes?

The Inevitable

You guys. I LOVE reading books that discuss the idea of fate and destiny. So. Freaking. Much. What's even cooler than this topic? The exploration that certain people in every single alternate universe will be drawn to each other. They talked mathematical pull that in every universe, certain people will always find one another. If that isn't one of the most gosh damned romantic things I've ever read, I don't know what is. I believe in fate. I believe in destiny. I believe wholeheartedly in the quote at the top of the review. I don't believe in love at first sight either but I believe in a connection, a moment. I found this line to be so perfectly in sync in what I believe and just ever so beautiful. Reading about Marguerite experiencing different versions of herself yet knowing that at the core of her soul she is the same as are the people she loves was absolutely amazing to read about. It gave me all the warm and fuzzies feelings.

The Details

The details and descriptions of the different realities was really fantastic. Claudia Gray did an amazing job with visualization of all these different worlds. I could see each universe perfectly in my head and I thoroughly enjoyed one particular universe for many, many amazing reasons.

The Jumpers

Marguerite, Theo, and Paul are the main focus of the story and we meet them in turn in each universe as well. The mystery surrounding Marguerite's father's murder kept me on my toes while not exactly guessing, see below. I can't give away too much plot but I can say that I LOVED how certain character's stories intertwined and developed. So much freaking love for this aspect. I REALLY want to be able to talk more details but I can't! I'll let you read and find out :)

The Shock

This is actually both a Belle and a Beast for me. There was one major reveal of the plot that I felt was starting us and Marguerite right in the face the entire time. How she didn't question this avenue or add things up was a little questionable to me because this is a very smart girl we are talking about here. However, while the biggest "shocker" didn't surprise me...it wasn't exactly what I thought either. So I guess I was still surprised at the endgame of the plot twist but the majority of it was a little too obvious to me.

The End

Again, a more pseudo-Beast. I loved how the book ended. I didn't know it was a trilogy when I requested it, I thought it was a standalone so I was a little irritated I was getting involved with another series thinking it would end on a cliffhanger with no answers but IT DOESN'T! While there are definitely ways to extend this story, this book was a completed story with the best type of an open ending if you can even call it that. The major issues of this story is resolved, we have our answers, a circle is completed. While I would like to read more about the characters because I like them, the book felt like a complete and independent book. There's room for more for sure but I liked that this particular story resolved. Yay!

Backstage Pass

While I was hesitant to start this because it's the first book in a trilogy, I was pleasantly surprised to feel very satisfied at this book's ending. Don't let the trilogy scare you. If you love sci-fi and the idea of destiny and romance, you'll love this book. It is smart, funny, and heartfelt. A great read to get your mind thinking.

Name: Kelly Call Sign: Nomad

"He refused to believe the sole reason for existence was the perpetuation of existence at any cost.
There had to be a reason for it all,
a meaning, a point to living in the first place.
A better future had to be possible."

--SJ Kincaid, Catalyst

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Pages: 432

Publication Date: October 28th, 2014

Source: eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

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Previous Books in Series: Insignia & Vortex

Goodreads Description

The explosive conclusion to the series reviewers have likened to Ender’s Game and “Hogwarts-in-Space”

This exhilarating, explosive, and heartrending conclusion to the Insignia trilogy brings Tom and his intelligent, passionate, and brave young friends stunning tests and dangerous confrontations and through to an impossible future they could never have predicted.

Tom Raines and his friends are eager to return to the Pentagonal Spire to continue training for the elite Intrasolar Forces, but they soon discover troubling changes: strict new regulations and the revelation that the Spire is under new military control. What begins as an irritating adjustment soon reveals a dangerous shift in reality. Those now in control are aligned with corporate sponsors and their ruthless agendas. And when the military academy begins welcoming new cadets with suspicious neural processors, the first step in a plan with horrifying worldwide ramifications, Tom is desperate to stop it, even if that means keeping secrets from his closest allies.

Then a mysterious figure, the other ghost in the machine, begins fighting against the corporations, but with methods even Tom finds shocking. And when the enemy comes for Tom, how much can Tom endure in the battle to save himself? He must decide if he can still fight when the odds of success seem to be sliding from his grip.

The Plot

Catalyst finds us once again with Tom Raines on vacation with Neil, his dad. Security breaches happen and Tom finds himself eventually back at the Spire with a whole lot of changes. No longer a civilian training facility type school for the mentally gifted but rather a pseudo-military boarding school. Can you imagine how Tom reacted to this? I can't give away too many spoilers but know a LOT happens in this book and the journey we take with Tom travels places that are out of this world...pun intended. The twists we see in the final book are well-placed and click together like a well oiled machine. I was jaw-dropping a few times over things that happen but they all come together in the end. Sorry this is vague but it's the final book people, I can't spoil the story!

The Relationships

The final book in the Insignia trilogy was a fantastic blend of technology and human interactions. I want to talk about the human interest part of the book first and get to the tech below. I have said this since Insignia and reiterated it in my review of Vortex that my favorite part of these books are the friends' interaction. Tom, Vik, Wyatt, and Yuri make the entire book for me. Their interactions, their witty banter, their conviction to go to the literal ends of the Earth for one another. It's all so beautiful and I feel like the book's main theme surrounds these friendships. The character development of this rag tag group of friends is exponential as the series progresses. The mistakes that go along with growing up are as cringe-worthy as they are relateable. Who hasn't said something stupid in front of somebody they like? I love that the characters are flawed and learn from their mistakes. I love that Tom goes from being a socially inept loner to realizing what truly matters in life. THIS. This right there is what this book is all about...see below shortly...

The Love

Whether it be friendship, parental, romantic, or platonic, the love shown throughout this book is an amazing juxtaposition to all the crazy technology we get get exposed to. The world continues to evolve in the technology field but one thing remains constant and that is that love will always be present. Machines cannot replicate that of family, friends, and loved ones. I love, love, loved that a major theme, especially towards the end of the book, was the importance of relationships. No spoilers. That's all I'll say.

The Tech

The way technology is described and used in the book will never cease to amaze me. It's as scary as it is realistic to believe that the world can one day easily advance to this type of intelligence. I also love, like I say below, the frank assessment that technology and intelligence in the wrong hands is terrifying. The idea that total control is not completely a far out idea is scary. I was a little nervous while reading and wanted to put all technology away from for the time being...then I remembered I'm reading on my Kindle so there goes that idea.

The Evil

While this might sound weird, what I loved about this final installment in the Insignia trilogy was SJ Kincaid wasn't afraid to really make the villain a villain. The depths to which Vengerov went in order to succeed in, let's be honest here, world domination is deplorable and terrifying. But with how everything turns out in the end, it all makes perfect sense with the story. Not in the 'this guy is redeemable' type way, in the 'oh my gosh the world could come to this one day' kind of way. Terrifying. Honest. Brutal. I loved it.

A Twist

There was one major point in the plot that seemed to happen just a little abruptly and was resolved a little too quickly for me. I know that sounds weird but I felt like the pacing was just a little off. I was reading along with the story when this 'thing' happens which didn't seem like a big deal with how it was introduced and turned out to be a major plot development to spur the rest of the story. I don't know, I felt like I needed a little more lead up and build up to with details. Again, vague but I can't ruin the story.

Reserved Seating

If you love sci-fi, Ender's Game, or anything with technology, this is a series for you. Overall, it is a fantastic trilogy with an intelligent plot. lovable characters, and the idea that technology in the wrong hands is terrifying. 

Forget What You Thought You Knew

"I'm sorry...
This was my fault.
Because I'd doubted him.
Because I'd believed all the wrong things and all the wrong people."

--Jennifer Rush, Erased

Genre: YA Science Fiction
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 288
Publication Date: January 7th, 2014
Source: Borrowed from library
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Previous Books in Series: Altered

Goodreads Description

They thought they had escaped. They were wrong.

After fleeing the Branch with Sam, Cas, and Nick, Anna is trying to make sense of the memories resurfacing from her old life. At the same time, she's learning how to survive in hiding, following Sam's rules: Don't draw attention to yourself. Always carry a weapon. Know your surroundings. Watch your back.
Then a figure from Anna's childhood reappears. Is it a Branch setup, or could it be the reunion Anna has hoped for? Uncertain of where her loyalties lie, Anna must fight to learn the truth -- before she is betrayed again. Ultimately, the answers hinge on one question: What was the real reason her memories were erased?
Jennifer Rush delivers a thrilling sequel to Altered in a novel packed with mysteries, lies, and surprises that are sure to keep readers guessing until the last page is turned.

The Pacing I love that these books are super fast-paced and easy to read. I kept wanting to read one more chapter, one more chapter. I read this book in one day and I love books I can do this with. I looked forward to reading this book while I was working and trying to figure out where the plot was going.

The Memory I love that the foundation of this story is all based in memory swipes and genetic alterations. How terrifying is it to think you either don't remember your past or you were forced to remember a false one. Who do you trust? Where should your loyalties lie? It was stressful trying to wrap my head around what Anna and the boys must be going through. I found it fascinating how the science fiction element is handled in this book. I loved the flashbacks. The piecing together of the plot. What hole was going to be filled next? What piece of somebody's past was going to be uncovered? I couldn't read fast enough to find out where these people actually came from.

The Reveals I LOVED where this story went in terms of secrets being revealed. More of the past was uncovered and none of it I saw coming. While parts of the plot were very predictable--see below--this aspect of the plot I had no idea what to expect and I LOVED it. I really like how anything can happen. These characters have no past to speak of and what can transpire plot-wise is infinite. ANYTHING can happen!

The Predictability While the memory holes were things I definitely didn't see coming, I felt like a lot of the rest of the plot was pretty obvious. The betrayals that occurred might as well have been highlighted because they were blinding me from the glaring obviousness of them. I also thought the writing of these portions is what made it obvious. Statements were made very bluntly and I was sitting here thinking, 'uh, why is this conversation not weird to these characters? How much more obvious can it get for them?'

The Choices With THAT said, I felt like our characters also weren't given enough credit for their super human intelligence. Parts of the betrayal were not only obvious, but they were discussing possible outlets for who the double-crosser was and they basically gave themselves the answers without being able to pin down the conclusion. I was all, GUYS, you are smarter than this! You should have figured this out by now! That was frustrating. Plot development as the reason? Fine, I can live with that but I still think our characters are smarter than they were written in this installment.

Yes This is a really great second book of the series. Secrets are revealed, memory gaps are covered, and while the story concludes without a cliffhanger, I am SUPER excited to see where and what this last book will be about. The possibilities are endless and I can't wait to see the conclusion to Anna and the boys.

Let Down Your Hair

"'But you're a prisoner.'
'I prefer damsel in distress.'"
--Marissa Meyer, Cress

Genre: YA Sci-Fi, Paranormal

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends, 560 pages

Publication Date: February 4th, 2014

Source: ARC borrowed from Kristina at Gone Pecan--THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Goodreads
Previous Books in Series: Cinder & Scarlet

Goodreads Description

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

The Belle

Cress. SO MUCH!! I adored Cress--the character--so, so much. I found her to be very innocent and naive but not to a fault. She grew so much as a person and discovered so much about herself. She was given a shit hand in life and to be exposed to so much in such a little time would be extremely overwhelming for anyone. She handled it with grace and found her inner strength. I loved that she told herself stories and played different roles. I LOVED her crush on somebody. I should have seen it coming but I LOVED this relationship. She sees the best in people, even when they don't see it in themselves.

The Boys. Wolf. Thorne. These boys hold up the show on the male front. I would have LOVED to see more Wolf but the parts we did see, I couldn't get enough of. I wanted more Wolf...but alas it wasn't his story. We DID get so much more Thorne, though. His sarcasm makes the entire story. He is hilarious and resourceful and I just love his relationship with Cress and how he grows to fight for her and not what she can do for him. 

The Politics. The political aspect is another thing that really grows and develops in this installment. The stakes get even higher and the red tape Kai has to go through with the Lunars is frustrating yet I love to read about it. I think it brings so much depth and reality to a story steeped in genetic advancement and sci-fi. It grounds the story to be more relatable to things our world deals with.

The Story. The plot continues to reveal so much about the inner workings and secrets of this world. The letumosis is still a major threat and so much is revealed to it--crazy stuff!! So much happens in the story and so many twists and turns (and heart breaks!) Oh, oh, OH!! We totally get a sneak peek into who Winter is--EEEP!!! I love love LOVED this part of it! I legit squealed and got so excited with the glimpses we saw. Is it Winter 2014 yet!??!?!   

The Beast

The Lengths...see what I did there? While I did really get into the story and loved reading it, it was a bit long. I think there was some stuff that was fun to read but wasn't completely necessary for the overall plot. I don't want to say the story dragged but it just felt like a long book. So much does happen but I think it could have been a little shorter. 

Should You RSVP to this Ball?

Most definitely. The Lunar Chronicles add yet another book that will have you enthralled and committed to these characters. The characters drive the story for me and I just love spending time with them! WHERE IS WINTER?!?!

You Do Know The Story of Icarus, Don't You?

"It’s not just the way she looks—although that would do it all on its own. 
It’s that, despite the way she looks, despite where I found her, 
this girl’s willing to go against the tide."
--Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, 384 pages

Publication Date: December 10th, 2013

Source: ARC received via publisher at BEA
Goodreads

Goodreads Description

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

My Thoughts

I hate when I have no idea how to start reviews…oh, ok well that was easy. You guys, I don’t know where to begin with These Broken Stars. I have been anticipating this book since I heard about is LAST year and it was STILL a year away from publication. All I knew at the time was star-crossed lovers. Space. Survival. Welp, that pretty much sold me. I am a total geek at heart so when I find a fantastic sci-fi book I geek hard. This books was amazing. I’m gonna try and break this down…try being the operative word.

The world building. Amazing. First off, we start on the Icarus, a massive luxury space ship that holds 50.000 people…no, I didn’t type that number incorrectly. We meet Tarver, a war hero, while he is attending a party and there he meets a beautiful girl who he later finds out is the infamous Lilac LaRoux. Can I just say I LOVE saying that name. It just rolls off the tongue and I want my name to be Lilac LaRoux. Anways, due to circumstances we find out later, the Icarus goes down. Tarver and Lilac are forced to make their way and try and find rescue while surviving on this unknown planet. The description of this planet is vivid, lush, and haunting. Something is amiss on this planet and it is difficult to decipher what is actually going on. I loved this element to the story. This foundation of mystery with it being just a bit creepy.

Sidenote—I cannot say enough how absolutely amazing the irony of naming the ship Icarus was to me. I found this absolutely brilliant and I commend the authors for this. I agree with Lilac. How much hubris does one have tempt fate by names a FLYING ship Icarus…honestly…

Tarver and Lilac—LOVE. Tarver is SO a contender for a new favorite book boyfriend. You all know how much I love military men and Tarver is so capable and strong yet also sensitive and deep; he just melts your heart. Lilac is a character that you would hate if you didn’t have her thoughts to read. I love this. Snarky and kind of mean (for a reason, of course) but underneath she is vulnerable and strong. She comes from a life of privilege and I love seeing her grow from a princess to a warrior. I love transformations like this. LOVE. I also LOVE the relationship dynamic that grows from hate. Well, I shouldn’t say hate. Clearly, these two were jonesing for each other since the moment they laid eyes on one another *sigh* but, again, circumstances we learn later, they cannot show their feelings. OH THE ANGST I WAS SCREAMING TO SHUT UP AND KISS ALREADY! The dynamic and build-up is not to be missed and it is just.so.good.

The plot is fan-freakin-tastic. The survival of these two and what they do to rescue each other at certain points is beautiful. The way they grow to adapt and depend on each other depending on their strengths is something I just loved. It wasn’t all sunshine and daisies but reading about their journey made me not want to put the book down…ever…I have been thinking about this book since after I put it down and I just love the story. I want more books now!

The sci-fi element I cannot fully talk about without giving some of the plot away. But know this, it is amazing. I LOVED the ending of the book and how things came together. I had ALL the feels and it was difficult to read at some point because of that shit leaking out of my eyes, the pages kept blurring, how annoying! So good. Meagan and Amie DEFINITELY know how to wrangle in your emotions. It’s just so good!

I seriously want more of this story. I keep thinking about it. I just want more, more, more!

Should You Read This Book? Uh, yes! Even if you’re not a sci-fan, you should. The element isn’t too heavy but the story and romance and characterizations will have you thinking about this book long after you’ve finished reading. 

If You Could Go Back and Change Things...Would You Do It?

"The truth is, the world is a fucked up place sometimes."
--Cristin Terril, All Our Yesterdays

Genre: YA Science Fiction and Dystopia

Publisher: Disney Hyperion, 368 pages

Publication Date: September 3rd, 2013

Source: Borrowed
Goodreads

Goodreads Description

"You have to kill him." Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was.

All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.

My Thoughts

Ok, so I have been hearing ALL the hype surrounding All Our Yesterdays. Debby was, like, freakin’ crying over Twitter about it and when deciding what to read next she won the Twitter war…I’m really glad she did. This book has everything the geek inside me wanted. Time travel, dual storylines, swoony boy, AND A QUOTE FROM SHAKESPEARE TO OPEN THE NOVEL. DONE.

The book grabs your attention pretty much immediately. Em is locked in a cell. The opening descriptions and vivid and you feel yourself right along side Em in this godforsaken hole in the wall. With the drain. Always about the drain. Oh yeah, and a mysterious boy that gets you through one hellish day after the other and lives on the other side of the wall *sigh* hello, angst of a romance. The pieces of the puzzle fit together slowly as to why she is there but then we also get Marina’s story from 4 years earlier. I love two perspectives in a story, I really, really do. Because I can’t delve too much further into the plot without ruining things, I’ll break down what I liked, etc.

Em—loved. She is cynical, a little bitter, but kind of a badass. She is running around with Finn after time traveling—YES time traveling—trying to race against the clock to basically save the world. My heart was breaking for her a lot of the story. She is a broken, a little damaged, but stays true to what she believes is right. Finn is right alongside her and you guys, I was swooning at page 21, just ask Debby. I love the Finn. Love love love. I could spend 2 paragraphs on why I love Finn but to ensure you keep reading and actually come back I’ll list adjectives. Snarky. Sarcastic. Strong. Lovable. Adorable. Smart. Brave. Compassionate. Caring. *sigh* Ok, that’s it for now.

Marina, however, took me a while to like her. She is superficial, a little stuck-up and naïve as all hell. BUT, you are the product of your environment a lot of the time and, again, without giving too much away, I liked seeing Marina grow throughout the book. She is not perfect, but it is her imperfections that I find endearing. Her strength in the face of tragedy is something to give her credit for. She grows, she adapts, she starts to see things from a different perspective and I love her for it.

Time travel. Hello, my geek card is calling and I am accepting all charges. I don’t read a lot of time travel books but I think this one was done amazingly. It was simple (if that can even be used to describe time travel) in a way that made the rules of this application understandable yet complex. I didn’t have to sit there re-reading the explanation over and over again, but I also didn’t understand every detail. Uh duh, I’m not an astrophysicist or whatever smart person job they use to do stuff like this. I liked that I could understand it yet also know a lot more was involved than the simple explanation. That make sense? Whatever, it was well done. That is all.

While we do get some explanation as to why the world went to shit, we don’t get a whole lot of detail. I would have liked a little more explanation on the world outside of our characters and I’m anticipating more answers and more of a breakdown in the next book.

So, I thought the book was a solid 4 almost the whole read through…then I get to the last 20 pages and OH MY GOSH THE FEELS?!? Where am I!? Where did they come from!? The ending is SO good! It twists in ways I NEVER saw coming and just when I THOUGHT I had something figured out, the entire book is flipped on its head again. I am happy with the ending…yet also not completely content. I am grabby hands already for the next book. Where is it?!

I loved this book. It brought a complex foundation, great characters and more feels than I’d like to admit to. Geeks of the reading world unite and read this book.

Should You Read This? Sci-fi, dystopia lovers will devour this. 

'Wanted: Alterations for a Crewel, Crewel World' Blog Tour Stop for Altered by Gennifer Albin!

"When I'm not there, 
remember you have the strength to free yourself."
--Gennifer Albin, Altered

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 387 pages

Publication Date: October 29th, 2013

Source: ARC from publisher at BEA
Goodreads
Previous Books in Series: Crewel

Goodreads Description

Adelice always knew there’d be a price to destroying the Guild, but is she willing to pay it?

After a daring escape to Earth from Arras, sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys thought she would finally be in control of her own destiny. She would be free to be true to herself and to her heart—to love Jost, the boy the Guild said she could not have. But Earth is not abandoned, as she’d always been taught it was. It’s inhabited with survivors waging a war against Arras. The world that was supposed to offer a new beginning is still tangled up in the past.

Now Adelice is being called upon to harness her phenomenal power and break Earth from the grip of the Guild. But even as she uncovers the truth about her parents and her former life, she discovers that nothing on Earth is as it seems either. Everyone has secrets, especially those she loves most. What’s more, those secrets are driving Adelice and Jost away from each other, and Adelice into his brother Erik’s waiting arms. Now torn between two brothers and two worlds, Adelice must decide what—and who--she’s fighting for, before it’s too late.

Hi Guys!!!! Welcome to my stop on the fabulous Altered Blog Tour! I am so honored to be a part of this tour. Crewel (review) was one of my FAVORITE books from last year. The entire concept and idea of this sci-fi world is amazing. Altered is no exception so I'm offering you all my review of Altered for my stop on the tour! Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY at the bottom for your chance to win a paperback copy of Crewel and a hardcover of Altered! Yay!! Without further ado, here are my thoughts!!

Ok so Crewel was TOTALLY one of my top ten favorite books of last year. I LOVED Adelice. Like loved! So sassy, so smart, so badass, so down with the man. One of my favorite heroines for sure. I was reading some of my favorite quotes from Crewel on Goodreads just for fun and I was legit laughing out loud because she is so freakin' funny...especially when talking back to Cormac. ANYWAYS, needless to say I was BEYOND excited to read Altered and was SO excited when I snatched it up at BEA. I was excited to get back into the weave (yep, I will definitely not skimp on the horrible puns...sorry not sorry) of things and catch up with Adelice and the boys ;)

And it was not a disappointment. This book, like Crewel, kept me constantly turning the pages and before I knew it I was 200 pages in and I'm all, halfway done?!? What!? What I loved most was that Gennifer didn't skimp on the info. I feel like a lot of second books in a series are stalling and really keen on giving us information to keep the plot moving and keep the reader interesting. So NOT the case with Altered. We get a lot of information on Arras, the secrets behind its construction, what happened to Earth, and our characters also have a little explaining to do with a few things. I was totally drawn in and thought plot really weaved seamlessly in and out of itself...see what I did there? I continued to be mind-messed but totally intrigued by all the science factors. I had to slow down sometimes to fully grasp the reality of what was going on but I like this. I love having to try and wrap my mind around the plot and how all the details fit together.

Adelice was my absolute favorite part of Crewel due to her totally snarky and badass attitude. While she continues to possess those qualities in Altered I felt they were a bit watered down and with very good reason. Adelice is a fighter. And man, does she fight. Crewel was one epic battle for her. The result? Obviously she is a little worn down. She remains true to herself in every aspect but her decisions will always weigh heavy on her. She's a good soul so it is very understandable that she takes things to heart. One of the many reason I adore her as a character. She is flawed...and as somebody tells her in Altered, it is the flaws that make her beautiful...*sigh*

SPEAKING of some sigh-worthy moments! The boys are definitely back in action and no spoilers ahead and while I'd like to say neither of them goes down without a fight, that isn't the case. One rises to the occasion while the other kind of bows out...which is which? Well...that's a secret I'll never tell ;) I will say this though. The boy that bows out was really irritating me and a lot of thing he says to Adelice is not only so off base in regards to her character as a person but also kind of mean. I was shocked. I was all, did he REALLY just say that?! Said boy gets put in his place later and I was SO FREAKIN' HAPPY. It was so spot on and true I wanted to start a slow clap. But yeah, I really enjoyed how the romantic aspect played out. I only hope that what we get in Altered we get MORE of in the final book. 

Altered was definitely not a disappointment. The ending is amazeballs and had me mentally screaming for the next book. I have such high regards for Adelice as a character that I cannot wait to see where the final book takes her. She is one of my favorite characters and I think her strength is so admirable. So I will sit her for another year eagerly anticipating the end...ugh, can I warp the weave and fast forward to the final book? 

Should You Read This? If you've read Crewel--obvi. If you haven't? Science fiction and strong heroine lovers will totally love this! 

Join the Agenda!

Connect with Gennifer Albin on the Fierce Reads Tour! Is she coming to a city near you?! Find out here!

Read Gennifer's short story prequel to CREWEL here!

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