Title: Thirty Sunsets
Author: Christine Hurley Deriso (Twitter)
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: July 8, 2014
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 240
Source: Publisher

To Forrest Shephard, getting away to the family's beach house with her parents and her brother, Brian, is the best part of every summer. Until this year, when her mother invites Brian's obnoxious girlfriend, Olivia, to join them.

Suddenly, Forrest's relaxing vacation becomes a mission to verify the reality of Olivia's rumored eating disorder. But the truth behind Olivia's finicky eating isn't at all what Forrest expected. And over the next thirty days, Forrest's world is turned upside down as her family's darkest secrets begin to come to light.

This isn't my first novel from Christine Hurley Deriso, and I can tell you from the start of this review that it will not be my last. In the past, Ms. Deriso's novels have rang true in some respects but really lost me in others, so I hesitated to read Thirty Sunsets for a while. With a setup like the synopsis implies, I knew that this would be a hit or miss sort of novel in which either the protagonist captured me, or we would be left for petty subplots in the end. Fortunately, Ms. Deriso gives us a novel - and a heroine - that's worth rooting for, and I felt that I became invested in the story despite even my bold, preconceived notions.

Thirty Sunsets stands apart from Ms. Deriso's other titles in that it's a rich, multi-layered story. Instead of giving us all the facts and pieces of the picture from the start, we're left to slowly unravel this twisted maze of relationships between Forrest, her brother, her parents and Olivia. Furthermore, the this plot is twisted and winding, offering us drama in unexpected places that actually adds to the story in the best possible way by fostering relationships, heightening the tension and forcing our protagonist to really search inside of herself. I like novels that afford me the opportunity to be introspective, as well, and this is the type of book that really had me wondering "what would I do?" if I were in Forrest's shoes.

Forrest was immediately the type of character that I could become invested in, and I admired her protective, fiercely loyal personality. What I didn't, unfortunately, love was her willingness to believe her self-worth depended on a boy's interest in her. That said, I understand that this was a novel in which we're shown the self-deprecation that many teens feel when their feelings aren't reciprocated by the opposite sex. There was a strength of character within Forrest that slowly develops as the plot unfolds, and though I truly believe Scott is a despicable human being, he made her come into her own through a series of crazy events. While, at times, I felt that it was a little bit too heavy-handed and forced, I do believe that Forrest showed her potential and true colours in the end of Thirty Sunsets, and I could get onboard for that.

The fact of the matter is that Thirty Sunsets is a fast summer read. Avid contemporary fans will comfortably read this book in one sitting, which I think is a double-edged sword for a novel like this. On the one hand, I can appreciate so much depth in a slim book. On the other hand though, tackling issues like rape, teen pregnancies and unfolding family secrets requires a little more time, thought and overall analysis in the end for me. I don't think that a novel marketed as a summer romance should hide behind such a thin guise, especially when it shows the truth of destructive relationships and character growth. 

Overall though, I think that Thirty Sunsets was a strong title - albeit a bit too short for the subject matter. I'm just the type of reader that thinks that all options should be explored, as well as all background, which didn't necessarily happen in this case. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA contemporary, as well as those who enjoy emotional books about relationships. 

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Some Quiet Place
Author: Kelsey Sutton (Twitter)
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: July 8, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 350
Source: Publisher

Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions...she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one - Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.

Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?

Once a normal child, Elizabeth now possesses a very unique gift. Rather than feeling the emotions that people experience from day to day life, she can see them. Carefully guarded though, Elizabeth has always managed to ward off these emotions by keeping them at arm's length. But these emotions are tangible and, as is the case with Fear, they can be relentless. Something wants to know the truth about Elizabeth though, and she's not as safe as she might think. Will she discover the truth about her past in time, or will her past come back to haunt her?

There are very few books that enter the YA market today that truly capture me with the sheer originality of their premise, but Some Quiet Place was definitely one of those few. Author, Kelsey Sutton, has crafted a haunting debut novel in which a girl is lost in the deadly throes of an unimaginable power and emotions are every bit as tangible as you and I. With a deft hand, evocative prose and overflowing originality, Some Quiet Place carves a spot for itself in the YA market, promising readers a powerful journey of self-discovery and rich, heartfelt emotion.

I have to say, I was completely blown away (and, admittedly, somewhat confused) by the premise of Some Quiet Place. Elizabeth sees emotions as personified beings that meddle and tinker with people's lives. Rather than just feelings, the emotions within the story are actual entities, which took me a while to wrap my head around, though I loved the concept. I thought I'd have a very difficult time getting into Elizabeth's head because of her inability to feel, but we're provided a well-rounded, deep and highly accessible character, mostly through her, often times, painful interactions with others, as well as her stark and honest voice. I also really loved how emotions were actually portrayed in the novel. They skulk around in the shadows, only intervening when they want to be felt, and it's both a complex and fascinating idea to ponder. I really, really loved the relationship between Elizabeth and Fear. It wasn't so cut-and-dried as many paranormal romances that I've seen before. Naturally, the two characters have significant hurdles to overcome simply to relate with one another properly. Their interactions are complex and profound, and Fear is an unlikely, but extremely swoon-worthy, love interest. On the flip side though, I was a bit disappointed that Some Quiet Place presented a love triangle, too. Personally, I thought the relationships already established presented enough of a challenge to Elizabeth as it was, and it seemed like a touch of an afterthought to pacify some of the YA romance crowd. I also felt that there was so much put into the illustrative prose and fantastic primary characters that the secondary characters felt like mere stereotypes of what they represented. 

Overall though, I really enjoyed the originality that Some Quiet Place brings to the YA market. This book can easily stand alone, which is a treat, however, I think it would also serve as a strong stepping stone to a great series. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance stories.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. 

Title: Insomnia
Author: J.R. Johansson (Twitter)
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: June 8, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Thriller
Pages: 360
Source: Publisher

Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp enters the dream of the last person he’s had eye contact with. He spends his nights crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing psychosis and even death.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. Parker starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day. Everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.

Parker hasn't slept in four years. In that time, he finds that everything around him is becoming more and more unbearable. Instead of sleeping at night, Parker unwillingly slips into the dreams of those with whom he makes eye contact during the day. It's a deadly and painful condition in which he loses all control becoming crushed by the weight of others' lives each night. But when Parker meets Mia and discovers an antidote to this disease that is slowly killing him, he wants...and needs to be around her. Unfortunately, somebody else has their eye on Mia, and suspicions are eventually bound to turn right back around to Parker.

It's always refreshing when a book comes onto the scene with something new to offer, and Insomnia promised to do that exactly. Offering a male main character with a crippling power that, while not altogether new in the realm of YA paranormal, definitely sets itself apart, we're given a new twist on thrilling and mysterious adventures. J.R. Johansson has crafted an edge-of-your-seat, suspense-filled novel filled with twists and turns that are sure to keep you guessing. Insomnia is one of those books that might just keep you awake for days.

There was a lot about Insomnia that I found quite refreshing. In large part, I thought that Parker was a believable and relatable main character. His agony and desperation to sleep was tangible, and you could definitely feel his frustration with his inability to share this condition with anyone else. Because this was so thoroughly explored, his fascination with Mia was entirely plausible, though I'll admit it was still bordering on psychotic. That, in a nutshell, is why I enjoyed the premise of Insomnia. There's a touch of psychosis to this novel, and you need to sift through the layers of stress, damage and trauma to expose who these characters, namely Parker, really are. I will say that I felt Mia was a bit too much of a flat character. Because I felt like I never really got to know her, the hints of romance felt a bit stereotypical and forced to me, which detracted from the overall message of Insomnia. However, the strength of the book is honestly the no-holds-barred take on the creepy elements, and it lets them sing through the pages, leaving you with an intimidating and, at times, daunting mystery from which we must emerge.

All in all, I felt that Insomnia was a good start to a new series. While the ending felt a bit hurried, in my humble opinion, it was a pretty strong read with a lot to offer its intended audience. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal, mysteries, thrillers and male MCs.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Narc
Author: Crissa-Jean Chappell
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: August 8, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

"You're going to hate me forever when you learn my secret."

Seventeen-year-old stoner Aaron Foster was offered a choice: go to jail or turn undercover narc to find the dealer who's funneling drugs into Miami's Palm Hammock High School. But Aaron has never been good at getting close to people. He's human wallpaper, a stoner wastecase who's obsessed with video games and street magic.

With a cop from Narcotics breathing down his neck, Aaron gets himself invited to parties where the deals go down. To get close to the school's biggest players, Aaron lies to everyone--most of all, the cute but troubled Morgan Baskin. With the Everglades party on Halloween night--and a planned drug bust there--just days away, Aaron realizes that he's falling hard for Morgan . . . and trying to protect her could cost him everything.

Aaron’s life has just gone from bad to worse. A night of speeding with his little sister in the car became a night in jail and the possibility of the situation becoming permanent. The drugs his car changed everything. However, Aaron has the opportunity to clear his slate if he wants. All he has to do is find the inner ring of the drugs being dealt at his school and report it back to the police. To some, this is an easy trade-off. Aaron gets to go to all the parties and simply report the information back. But Aaron realizes there’s more to it than that…especially when he meets Morgan. Being a narc could jeopardize his loved ones, his friends and, quite possibly, everyone he cares about most.

Narc is the brainchild of author, Crissa-Jean Chappell, known for crafting heart-wrenching, emotional and poignant novels regarding the human condition. This novel is no exception. Written from a male POV, which is tricky as it is, Narc embraces the emotional underbelly of society and brings the humanity of all its characters to life. The sparse, haunting prose isn’t flowery or too descriptive. Rather, the emotions, the themes and the pain takes center stage making the story incredibly raw and real, despite the dark tones. With extreme empathy and endless feeling, Narc soars.

I think it would have been very easy for Narc to become a trite, cliché and annoying stereotype of drug and substance abuse in YA literature. What impressed me most was the book not only embraced the male POV with ease, but it did it well. Aaron was entirely believable. His pain, frustration and confusion in regards to his difficult situation was tangible, and I felt for his situation. He wanted to do what was right, but he didn’t want to hurt anyone in the process, and he consistently felt like all he was doing was the latter. Narc lets you put yourself in the characters’ shoes, but it allows you to form your own opinions, as well. It poses the question about what you would do in such a situation without actually asking them; it makes you think. Perhaps the most powerful message within the story, however, was that Narc shows at that drugs do not define the people who take them, and they can affect anyone from any position on the social ladder. Rather than alienating the characters lost in the throes of addiction, the book places them front and center and allows you to access their humanity. With strong secondary characters and no shortage of emotion, Narc feels real. My only issue with the book was that it felt a bit too rushed in the latter half of the book. I, personally, would have loved to have seen it fleshed out a bit more to show a broader range of the fallout.

Overall though, Narc was a tremendous read, and it embodies the parts of contemporary fiction that I actually love. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA and adult fiction, especially those who enjoy contemporary stories and issue books.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.