Title: The Forgotten Ones
Author: Laura Howard (Twitter)
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: April 28, 2013
Genre: NA, Paranormal
Pages: 197
Source: Author

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

As most of you know, I've avoided the new adult genre like the plague, simply for the innate fear that it will become host to a bevy of novels that are trite, cliche and altogether meaningless. I am, however, a sucker for a gorgeous cover and a unique premise, so I was instantly sold on the premise of The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard. The author presents readers with a rich and imaginative world, all the while grounding us in reality with characters readers will relate to and situations that feel all too real at times.

It must be said though, that I was expecting much more new adult content from The Forgotten Ones. With Alison being 21 and Ethan being 23, it's completely acceptable to class the novel as such based on that alone. However, I found that the budding romance had a much more YA feel to it, as it was sweet and, if I'm entirely honest, innocent. The beauty of NA is that readers can expect more sexual tension without blurring the lines of age-appropriate material. It felt as though The Forgotten Ones teetered somewhere along the middle of these genres though, blurring the lines.

Ms. Howard gives readers a completely exciting paranormal premise in which we follow Allison to Tir Na Nog, uncovering the truth behind the myths of the fairies, and the truth behind Allison's own nature, as well. The story is rich and intriguing, and we're offered careful subtle glimpses into an amazing magical realm complete with spells, paranormal creatures and a backstory that is, for all intents and purposes, to die for. 

The main problem that I had with The Forgotten Ones was simply that it was so short. Had we been offered another hundred pages or so, we might be able to fully envelop ourselves in the world. As it is though, The Forgotten Ones teases us with tempting details, but it never fully absorbs us into its magical escapism. I also felt that, at times, the novel warred between a contemporary romance and a paranormal tale. Both elements were prominent and strong, but I think the emphasis on romance might have taken away from the actual paranormal offering in the end. 

Overall though, I'm intrigued by the premise of The Forgotten Ones. The pronunciation of a multitude of names was tricky to grapple with at times, but it didn't really detract from my enjoyment. It's a solid series opener, and I'll definitely be looking to see if the series improves as it progresses. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of both NA and YA, especially those who enjoy romance and paranormal.

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

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Hexed

Author: Michelle Krys (Twitter)

Publisher: Delacorte

Publish Date: June 10, 2014

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Pages: 369

If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won’t stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn’t want to be her?

Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But it’s when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie’s world that she learns her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn’t get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that’s seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she’s a witch too.

Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie’s about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.

I've been looking for a new paranormal lately, and I've always had a thing for witchy endeavors. Hexed sounds like it might just fit the bill. Despite the fact that I'm a little concerned about this one having the opportunity to fall into the petty and predictable trap, I do like that the main character seems to defy the norm for paranormal protagonists. I like that. I also love the cover font because, well, I choose books by their covers, obvs. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

The Top Ten Terrifying Book Covers (That I Love)

Remember how I told you that I love me some horror? Well, I do, but it's a sadistic addiction, guys. Horror terrifies that living sh*t out of me, and that goes for creepy book covers. And yet, for some sick reason, I gravitate towards these books like that's for some reason going to change. It's never going to change. And I love all these covers...even though they also make me want to cry for various reasons.

Find Me by Romily Bernard, The House of Dead Maids by Clare B. Dunkle, Doctor Sleep by Stephen King, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry, Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick, The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff, Bzrk by Michael Grant, Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith

Title: Goodbye, Rebel Blue
Author: Shelley Coriell (Twitter)
Publisher: Abrams
Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Rebecca Blue is a rebel with an attitude whose life is changed by a chance encounter with a soon-to-be dead girl. Rebel (as she’s known) decides to complete the dead girl’s bucket list to prove that choice, not chance, controls her fate.

In doing so, she unexpectedly opens her mind and heart to a world she once dismissed—a world of friendships, family, and faith. With a shaken sense of self, she must reevaluate her loner philosophy—particularly when she falls for Nate, the golden boy do-gooder who never looks out for himself.

Rebel's life is a never-ending series of detentions and debauchery. Rather than walk the line like everyone else, Rebel strays from the norm and does everything she possibly can to change what could have been an otherwise sterling reputation. But a chance encounter with Kennedy, her absolute opposite, changes the path on which Rebel is headed. Rebel has the chance, and the choice, to change her ways and do some good in Kennedy's name...but it might just change her...forever.

There's a subtle sincerity to Goodbye, Rebel Blue that sang from the premise alone, urging me to pick up the book. Contemporary fiction, when done well, can sway one's emotions - taking them from the depths of despair and catapulting them to hope, faith and peace. Author, Shelley Coriell, has taken each and every one of these elements and woven them into a story that is heartfelt, sweet and urges one to find their passions and live them each and every single day.

As a rule, I don't like books that are preachy or force a certain way of thinking down my throat. So, despite the solid premise and engaging plotline, I had a few concerns about Goodbye, Rebel Blue, and I worried that the novel would take a sharp turn from inviting and rich, to cliche and kooky. Thankfully though, the heavy undertones and aching sadness that creates a base for the story also anchors it in reality, keeping the story heading in a strong, straightforward direction. The bucket list aspect of the story was definitely engaging, and it was a fun way to proceed with the plot, fueling it along, item by item. It was also wonderful to watch as Rebel slowly but surely (and believably) transformed with each and every item she completed in Kennedy's memory. There's a delicate balance of plot and character-driven drama in the novel, too. While the actual bucket list drives the events, the changes in Rebel, and the soft, flowing romance that we're privvied to with Nate, gives us a reason to become truly invested. I'll admit that I struggled with Rebel at first. She remarked heavily about how her greatest attribute was her honesty, but she was often so dishonest with herself. Watching her vulnerabilities surface and take hold made her much more accessible though and, as such, gave me more of a reason to enjoy Goodbye, Rebel Blue.

Overall, Goodbye, Rebel Blue was a sweeping story that could probably have continued another 50 pages without ever losing my interest. Though I would have changed Rebel's initial attitude, at times, I think that it served to better the book in the end. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

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.

Let's Talk is a weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

With Halloween Being Next Week, What are Your Favourite Spooky/Creepy Reads?

It's no secret on this blog that this miss loves her horror books. Let's be honest, I can't sit through a horror movie without plugging my ears and covering my eyes (plus having nightmares for weeks), but I'm addicted. I just can't help it. The same goes for books, really. The creepier the better, for me, and if a book is classed as horror or scary - it had better live up, or I'll be personally offended! There are a few books that have really stood out in this category for me though, and I they're my go-to books when readers ask for recommendations.

The thing is, each of these books has something else going for it. 172 Hours on the Moon is dark, eerie and contemplative. There's a danger - faceless and daunting - that consistently lurks in the background and creeps you out with every page. Anna Dressed in Blood, while more contemporary, embraces the vivid gore of true horror and manages to make a fascinating character out of a psychotic ghost. 

Harbinger is a lurking mystery. While not always outwardly terrifying, there's a danger in every word, every page and every turn. It's a high-stakes book. Lockdown is horror in it's most straightforward form. There's a vivid grunge feel to it that makes you feel as though you're trapped with the character - not a good place to be. 

What about you? Link up and share your favourites!

You guys know me and science fiction. We're like two peas in a bod. It's the peanut butter to my jelly...the butter to my popcorn. You get the picture though. I love it, and when something new hits my radar that excites me, you'd better believe I'm going to share it with the world! And so, in the spirit of sharing, the lovely folks of Penguin are giving us our very first peek at Scan, an exciting forthcoming sci-fi novel by Walter Jury & S.E. Fine that's sure to hit the mark! 

Title: Scan

Authors: Walter Jury & S.E. Fine

Publisher: Putnam Children's

Publish Date: May 1, 2014

Genre: YA, Sci-Fi

Pages: 336

Tate and his father don’t exactly get along. As Tate sees it, his father has unreasonably high expectations for Tate to be the best—at everything. Tate finally learns what he’s being prepared for when he steals one of his dad’s odd tech inventions and mercenaries ambush the school, killing his father in the process and sending Tate on the run from aliens who look just like humans.

Even with all he knows like how to defend himself with useful tools made out of bubblegum, Tate fears he’s still inadequate. With the help of his girlfriend and estranged mother, all Tate can really do is keep moving and ensure his father’s invention stays out of the hands of his pursuers and that his father didn’t die in vain. A riveting, fast-paced adventure, Scan is a clever alien thriller with muscle and heart.

Amiright?! Seriously. This book sounds (and looks) just delicious!!! And on that note...a bit on the authors:

Walter Jury was born in London, has a background in the film industry, is a big fan of the New York Giants, and is an enthusiast of Jamba Juice’s Protein Berry Workout smoothie only with soy, never whey. Scan is his first book for teens. Oh, and under his real name, he’s a producer of one of 2014’s biggest blockbusters. Let’s just say he “diverges” in his career from film to literature quite well.

S. E. Fine was born on the West Coast, raised in the Midwest, and is now firmly entrenched on the East Coast, where she lives with her husband and two children. She’s a clinical child psychologist and the author of the YA fantasy series Guards of the Shadowlands. (The Strange Situation)

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Want to win a copy for yourself?! I know I do! Thanks to the folks at Penguin, I'm offering up one (1) ARC of Scan. This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only and will end promptly at midnight EST on 10/31! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter to enter!

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Mini Review: Sick by Tom Leveen

Title: Sick 
Author: Tom Leveen (Twitter)
Publisher: Abrams
Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Horror
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

Brian and his friends are not part of the cool crowd. They’re the misfits and the troublemakers—the ones who jump their high school’s fence to skip class regularly. So when a deadly virus breaks out, they’re the only ones with a chance of surviving.

The virus turns Brian’s classmates and teachers into bloodthirsty attackers who don’t die easily. The whole school goes on lockdown, but Brian and his best friend, Chad, are safe (and stuck) in the theater department—far from Brian’s sister, Kenzie, and his ex-girlfriend with a panic attack problem, Laura. Brian and Chad, along with some of the theater kids Brian had never given the time of day before, decide to find the girls and bring them to the safety of the theater. But it won’t be easy, and it will test everything they thought they knew about themselves and their classmates.

Sick embodies everything that pop culture is completely fascinated by these days, which is a huge plus for the author of this one-of-a-kind story, Tom Leveen. As a reader, I love the idea of different lifestyles and cliques being forced into unimaginable circumstances together and challenged to either get along and overcome the obstacles, or simply fall to pieces. I also love zombies. I don't even need to elaborate upon that because it's truly the highlight of this novel. Sick doesn't hesitate to show readers the true, gruesome and gory nature of zombies, which is too often watered down in YA fiction.

Sick is marketed to readers as "The Breakfast Club meets The Walking Dead." I urge readers not to put too much stock in this tagline. Here's the thing. This book might actually have met audiences better without that because, going in, we expect the charm and ingenue of misfits uniting to soar through the story. Unfortunately, we're offered a high-stakes and highly implausible relationship that actually took away from the story. Had we simply been left with misfits dealing with a new-age type of zombie (for the record, they sparkle, and that bothers me), Sick might have succeeded.

While overall well-written, I felt a bit cheated by Sick. I expected one thing and was give something almost entirely different. The author's writing is solid, but the plot and the romance really detracted from the story for me. I give it a 3 out 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy horror and zombies. 

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.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Afterparty

Author: Ann Redisch Stampler 

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publish Date: January 7, 2014

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Pages: 384

Emma is tired of being good. Always the dutiful daughter to an overprotective father, she is the antithesis of her mother -- whose name her dad won't even say out loud. That's why meeting Siobhan is the best thing that ever happened to her...and the most dangerous. Because Siobhan is fun and alluring and experienced and lives on the edge. In other words, she's everything Emma is not. And it may be more than Emma can handle.

Because as intoxicating as her secret life may be, when Emma begins to make her own decisions, Siobhan starts to unravel. It's more than just Dylan, the boy who comes between them. Their high-stakes pacts are spinning out of control. Elaborate lies become second nature. Loyalties and boundaries are blurred. And it all comes to a head at the infamous Afterparty, where debauchery rages and an intense, inescapable confrontation ends in a plummet from the rooftop...

You guys know me. I'm a huge sucker for drama...but not surly, petty drama. I like my drama rich and deadly with characters and lies as thick as thieves. This makes me an odd duck. I know this, however, I'm totally okay with it, too. Afterparty sounds like it might just fit the bill, and you'd better believe I'm coveting this something fierce. I'm not sure the cover matches the severity of the premise, but I love it in its own way. This is, however, coming out just, ya know, 3 days after my wedding. Guess I'll have to read it on the honeymoon? What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

The Top Ten Character Names That I Love

1. Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter - Umm...Dumbledore? This one doesn't need an explanation, really. There's something about it that just rolls off the tongue, and it fits his persona perfectly. As an aside, I once had a fish named Dumbledore.

2. Finnick Odair from The Hunger Games - Honestly, it sounds like a cocky name, and as he's quite the cocky fellow, it works. Plus, it's just different enough to capture my attention, but it's not to weird to leave me wondering where the heck his name came from.

3. Jace from The Mortal Instruments - Doesn't  his name just scream bad boy? Well, it did before everyone and their aunt started naming their babies Jace. But he'll always be the first.

4. Adelice from the Crewel World Series - It seems like a fitting name for a fairytale-esque type of story, but it's not too strange that I wouldn't see it in, say, Utah. But really, I just love it.

5. Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars - I don't know why, but I just love this name. It's so different from teen heartthrob names, and it really just sound utterly genuine...just like his character.

6. Spencer from Pretty Little Liars - I've been swearing up and down for years that when I have a daughter, I'll name her Spencer (sorry, Ryan, it will happen). There's something about girls with boys' names.

7. Glenn from Magisterium - Like I said...girls with boys' names. I think it makes them a little quirkier, plus, they're not quite so frou-frou, so I don't immediately expect them to fall into the pitiful YA girl trap.

8. Delaney from Fracture - It's quirky and it's off-beat, which really embodies her character. Plus, I think I know a grand total of one person named Delaney, and she's great.

9. Rhine from the Chemical Garden Series - I love, love, love this name. It's feminine, it's sweet and it's not too different that it makes me want to pull my hair out and wonder why? It embodies her character.

10. Tobias/Four from Divergent - Frankly, you could call him just about anything, and I would still think he's hot. That's just honest. I'd totally call him Four though. It has a nice ring to it.

Title: Pretenders
Author: Lisi Harrison (Twitter)
Publisher: Poppy
Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

My picture is on page eighteen of Noble High's Phoenix yearbook. I am one of the Phoenix Five. You nominated me. You thought I was one of the most outstanding students in our freshman class. You were wrong.

Still, I accepted my award. I acted special. But I couldn't help wondering what it was like to be that way for real. So I broke into Ms. Silver's safe in the faculty lounge and stole all five of our journals. I'm not exposing them out of jealousy or anger. I'm doing this because I am tired of the lies. The bar is too high, and cheating is the only way to reach it. Instagrams are filtered, Facebook profiles are embellished, photos are shopped, Manti T'eo's girlfriend was a fake...is anything real anymore?

I found the answer in our journals. These are 100 percent real and 100 percent unedited. The proof is in the pages: We're all pretenders.

The Phoenix Five are the elite...the best of the best...the most likely to succeed in everything in life. Awarded and revered, they are untouchable; until now. Stolen journals of the Phoenix Five reveal that nothing is real and everything the students - and the town - have seen is a lie. TO attain perfection, one must create the illusion of perfection; but if they leave a trace, it's bound to be found. And now, the truth is out there for everyone to see.

Offering readers the age-old premise of the truth behind the lie, Pretenders will have a solid base of readers and fans based on premise alone. The evocative hook is alluring, offering us a peek behind the mask of perfection - something I'm certain I'm not the only one who covets. Author, Lisi Harrison, has written a story that whittles five picture-perfect teens down to the truth behind the facade and give us the real, hard truth. Rife with spice, intrigue, drama and plenty of reveals, Pretenders is a rollercoaster read.

I mean it when I say with utter certainty that Pretenders has all the makings of a great first book in what could be a captivating new series. Ms. Harrison paints her characters, at first, in extremes - perfect and glossy. As the novel begins to peel back the layers though, the gray areas and the festering underbelly of their perfection is exposed. All these things make such an expose like that of Pretenders pack a powerful punch. Unfortunately, I had some qualms with the ultimate execution of much of the story. We are given five different POVs in this novel, and each is actually in diary form. Three girls and two boys pour their innermost feelings onto the pages, and I can honestly say that, at times, I couldn't remember which character I was reading about because each one seemed so dang similar to the last. They were immature, snotty, pretentious and fake - all of which I could forgive if I got to see a vulnerability to their characters that made them more accessible. That wasn't provided though. I think that, had the book been about 200 pages longer, this could have worked because the petty, shallow natures played well into the story. I just wanted much more progression than we actually got in the end. Furthermore, as this book is just the first installment in a new series, I was left with a lot of nagging questions about motives, events and even the characters themselves as we're thrust into a pretty massive cliffhanger, which felt more like being dropped off a cliff than anything else.

Overall, Pretenders was not a bad book, but it felt a bit lackluster for having given readers such an excellent premise. I wish there had been perhaps two fewer characters and a few more answers, both of which would have kept me invested in the series. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary stories and mysteries.

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.

Let's Talk is a weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Do you ever re-read books that didn't work for you the first time around but have them work the next time? Has it ever worked the opposite for you?

I'm a re-reader. Any books that I actually keep on my shelves are ones that I'm committed to re-read to this day, but I can't say it's always been that way for me. I love books. I love collecting books, and I love to have thousands upon thousands of pages of the written word throughout my house - good or bad. Through book blogging though, it's safe to say that I've amassed quite the collection, and re-reading has really served to narrow those books down for me a little bit.

Take, for instance, Mockingjay. The first time around, I gave it a five-star review. As much as it pains me to admit it, I think that I got swept up in the hype and loved the rush of reading the final installment. When the hype died down and the craze had settled just a little bit, I decided it was time to read it again. And, lo and behold, I found myself immensely disappointed in it.

The magic that we had between Katniss and Peeta had truly been watered down into mere shades of what it was before. The tension between Katniss and Gale was, well, non-existent. And, frankly, we watched Katniss go from a proud, enigmatic heroine to one coloured deeply by revenge and retribution. It darkened my impression of her.

On the flip side though, I first read Madeleine L'Engle's Time series when I was in middle school, and I hated it. I remember reading the first few chapters of the fourth book, Many Waters, and thinking it was just horrible. I didn't want to read more about the boys, and I really didn't want to read about a fantastical world where mammoths were real, Seraphim and Nephilim walked the Earth, and unseen El was going to rain hell on the planet.

When I read it a year or so later though, I was utterly entranced by this remake of the Biblical tale, and it remains one of my all-time favourites to this day. I cannot believe so many people haven't read it, and that my judgment was so wrong the first time around. This is one book that I'm so glad I re-read

I think it works both ways. I really have to be in the right mind to give a book another shot, and I won't always give books a second go. If I loathed it the first time around, or if the writing is really bad, chances are it won't get a re-read. Some books though...some books deserve that shot.

Title: Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always
Author: Elissa Janine Hoole (Twitter)
Publisher: Flux
Publish Date: November 8, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 360
Source: Publisher

Cassandra fears rocking the family boat. Instead, she sinks it. Assigned by her English teacher to write a poem that reveals her true self, Cassandra Randall is stuck. Her family's religion is so overbearing, she can NEVER write about who she truly is. So Cass does what any self-respecting high school girl would do: she secretly begins writing a tarot-inspired advice blog.

When Drew Godfrey, an awkward outcast with unwashed hair, writes to her, the situation spirals into what the school calls "a cyberbullying crisis" and what the church calls "sorcery." Cass wants to be the kind of person who sticks up for the persecuted, who protects the victims the way she tries to protect her brother from the homophobes in her church. But what if she's just another bully? What will it take for her to step up and tell the truth?

Cassandra colours within the lines. She plays by the rules and does as she's told by her family and her religion, but she knows it's not her. It doesn't make her feel whole, or complete, or normal. Honestly though, Cass isn't sure who she really is, and she doesn't know how to discover that but by professing her innermost feelings on a blog. But the blog opens a Pandora's box in which everything is taken out of context and Cassandra is more confused than ever. Who is she really, and how will she tell the world - and her family - that it's time to meet the real Cassandra?

In a novel that redefines what it means to tackle issues head-on, Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always grapples with hard-hitting topics that have defined a generation. Author, Elissa Janine Hoole, presents to readers a sympathetic character who wants desperately to fit in but doesn't know her place or how to define it. Surrounded by issues including fundamentalist religions, cyber-bullying, homophobia and more, the novel challenges readers to zero on those issues which they've encountered in real life and relate them back to the story.

This is a tedious review for me to write because a part of me likes what the author set out to accomplish with this Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always. There is another part of me, however, that feels incredibly burdened by the cumbersome and somewhat overbearing details throughout the story. The beauty of the book lies within the fact that we're given characters with whom we can empathize and those who we desire to see change and succeed. And, when you break the plot down to its most minute elements, it works, and it's well planned out. The writing is solid, and the storyline is one which I was most intrigued about. Unfortunately, however, my enjoyment in reading the story was overshadowed by extreme excesses. In most novels, we'd see one main issue tackled - say, cyber-bullying. In this book, however, we're thrust into utter chaos with multiple issues including but not limited to religious zealots and extreme prejudices. It honestly felt like there was so much happening at all times that I never really got to see Cassandra develop and transition from the immature girl at the start to the empowered young lady at the finish. And, because there was so much going on at once, I never felt as though I could focus on just one main issue at a time. At times, the novel comes this close to succeeding in imparting a theme in our minds, but then it transitions at lightning speed, and we're onto the next issue. Essentially, it was a case of less really is more.

Overall, Sometimes Never, Sometimes Always has all the makings of a successful novel, but it fell a bit short of my expectations and left me wondering why it didn't tackle one issue on its own. I give it a decent 3 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

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.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Here and Now

Author: Ann Brashares (Twitter)

Publisher: Delacorte

Publish Date: April 8, 2014

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Pages: 288

Meet seventeen-year-old Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Except Prenna didn’t come from a different country. She came from a different time—a future where a mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins.

Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they’re from, never interfere with history, and never, ever be intimate with anyone outside their community. Prenna does as she’s told, believing she can help prevent the plague that will one day ravage the earth. But everything changes when she falls for Ethan Jarves.

Ummmmm time travel?! Post apocalyptic time travel?! The Here and Now has me based on that alone, but seriously, what doesn't it have to offer. The author (one of my favourites, by the way) is making her foray back into teen fiction for the first time since The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and I couldn't be happier. This book sounds like it has it all - drama, love, heroism and survival. I want it all. Plus, that cover is amazing. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

The Top Books I Was Forced to Read

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - When the series first started, I made fun of the first two books. I told my sister she was silly to read them, but she pushed and pushed and pushed until I finally gave in. I ended up loving it...and going to every book midnight premiere.

2. The Shack - A lot of people actually pushed this book in my direction. I didn't think it would be for me, as religious novels tend to leave me feeling a little put-off. This one, however, spoke to my soul, and I swear it's one of the best I've ever read.

3. Anna and the French Kiss - This one is thanks to all of YOU! I swore up and down that I wouldn't read this book. I proclaimed that it was far too "girly" and "petty" to be the type of thing I would like. I ate my words.

4. The Giver - This was actually required reading in school. Generally speaking, I hated required reading because I don't like being boxed into a corner and made to think a certain way. This novel, however, transcended my aversion.

5. Fahrenheit 451 - This, too, was a novel we were required to read in middle school. I think it was my first real taste of a dystopian society, and I was utterly captivated by the fact that something could so irreparably damage our world.

6. Gone with the Wind - I must credit my older sister, Nikki, for pushing this novel on me. I didn't think I'd ever read it, simply because something that's declared to be the greatest love story of all time doesn't really speak to me. This one, however, is gold.

7. Vampire Academy - This one goes to all the bloggers out there, as well! I believe several dozen bloggers told me I was really missing out and, despite my aversion to vampires, I gave it a go. Dang...I'm so glad I did!

8. Speak - I'd read other novels by Laurie Halse Anderson, and I'd seen the movie, but I'd never actually read the book. There is something so magnetic and powerful about this novel, and if it hadn't been for the rave reviews convincing me to try, I would still be missing out.

9. Pushing the Limits - Yet again, I read this book because of the blogosphere. It's not my normal type of read, but when you see the rave reviews abound, you can't help but be intrigued. I loved it, I loved the second book, and I even loved the third...more please?

10. Jane Eyre - For some reason, some of the classics have escaped me. I was encouraged by a good friend to try this one though because she knew of my love for Pride & Prejudice, as well as books such as Little Women. Yeah, she was right. Loved it.

Title: The Burning Sky
Author: Sherry Thomas (Twitter)
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: September 17, 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 464
Source: Publisher

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.

Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to avenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal. But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life.

Iolanthe has a powerful gift, and with it comes a powerful and extraordinarily intense destiny. She is prophesied to defeat a magic tyrant whom has long tormented her realm, but she's young, green and doesn't handle her temper well. Titus knows that she is the one that they have waited for, and he swears to protect Iolanthe at all costs, but such a promise does not come without its challenges. And love could very well ruin, rather than save, everything.

It's been a long while since I've read a young adult fantasy novel that has inspired me to write a true review. I often find them to be long-winded and redundant, so I actually hesitated to pick this one up. Sherry Thomas, however, surprised me with The Burning Sky - in the best possible way. Rich prose, a fantastical story alive with drama, magic, powers, deception and intrigue and a host of characters that inspire and fascinate us. The Burning Sky is a solid and engaging fantasy tale in which many a reader will easily lose themselves.

The Burning Sky was interesting to me in many ways, but perhaps most of all was the setting. Set in 1883, the novel takes place primarily at Eton College, we're given a very real and tangible backdrop which plays host to magic, incredible mythological beasts and powers beyond our wildest imagination. This unique and realistic setting grounds us, making readers feel as though, despite its fantasy genre, it could almost be real. The characters, however, are what brought the novel alive for me. Iolanthe was every bit the heroine. Full of immense power and responsibility, this girl is also believably flawed with real and tangible insecurities which make her more accessible to the reader. I also found a great relief in the fact that she had an intense gut reaction to the revelations of her destiny. While some novels might thrust their heroine into complete compliance with their fate, Iolanthe doubts her destiny and panics, giving us yet another reason to root for her to understand just how incredible she is. Titus was an enigma at the start of the novel. Seemingly arrogant, strong-willed and often quick to react to situations, I wasn't sure that I would be able to see any positives in his character, but through his encounters with Iolanthe, I gained better insight into his demeanor, as well as his end-goals. Moreover, as we discover more of his character and his motivations, we see that he's created a very careful mask with which he protects himself from the worst of their realm and help him to survive. The love element of The Burning Sky was done extremely well, too. As opposed to a quick, head-over-heels turn to love as we see in much of YA, Iolanthe and Titus have a burning, powerful tension and passion that rivals the danger they have to face every day. It adds an entirely different dimension to the novel, as well as sets up a powerful connection between to vastly different, but equally important, characters.

Overall, The Burning Sky was an absolutely fantastic read. Despite my initial reservations, I must say that I'm very much looking forward to continuing on with the story. I give it a 4 out of 5, only marking it down because of a bit of a lack of backstory as to the state of the realm, and I recommend it to all fans of YA fantasy.

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.

Let's Talk is a weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

What are some of your all-time favourite book quotes, and why do they remain your favourite to this day?

This prompt is actually one that's pretty near and dear to my heart. For the past five years or so, I've kept a little journal of all my favourite quotes. Whether they be from friends, poetry or novels, every quote in that journal speaks to me on some deeper level. These quotes range from funny, to sweet, to evocative and descriptive...not all of them might seem straightforward, but they all have their reasons and their place in my heart.

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light."

- Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter

"We've all got both light and dark inside of us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are."

- Sirius Black, Harry Potter

"Roses. Wolf mutts. Tributes. Frosted Dolphins. Friends. Mockingjays. Stylists. Me. Everything screams in my dreams tonight."

- Mockingjay

"You will find joy, frustration and sorrow in your quest. Never forget that friendship and loyalty are more precious than riches...Happiness can be brief, but it knows no time in the land of dreams."

- Pearls of Lutra

"My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations."

- The Fault in Our Stars

"Just like there's always time for pain, there's always time for healing."

- Hate List

Obviously these are just a small few of the quotes that mean so much to me, but they speak to me on so many different levels. They're about feeling, passion, pain, growth and learning to live life fully. What quotes are on your list of all-time favourites, and why are they favourites of yours?

Title: Crash Into You
Author: Katie McGarry (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: November 26, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 474
Source: Publisher

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other.

Rachel and Isaiah have built their lives in careful facades. They both have buried secrets - hidden pain - and they know that bringing them to life will only spell trouble. While Rachel is from the right side of the tracks and Isaiah is from, well, the opposite, there is a sort of undeniable, kinetic tension that draws them together. But nothing worth having comes easy, and Isaiah and Rachel will have to decide just how important they are to one another.

It's no secret that the second book in this series stole my heart. When I first heard that Isaiah was going to be the focus of this novel, I had a moment of pause, and they I realized that I was pretty excited about it. Katie McGarry, yet again, delights her ardent fans with a novel that offers us what we love most - love in its purest, finest and most raw moments. Fleshing out to polar opposite characters who have a painfully beautiful love for one another, Crash Into You will envelop you in a world of drama, rich, unbridled tension and passion. 

Isaiah is one of those characters that just speaks to my soul. On the outside, he's rugged and rakish with tattoos and piercing eyes, but on the inside, he's warm, tender and soulful. That's honestly the best way that I can describe his persona because his warmth and his character brings Crash Into You alive in the very best way. We fall for him from book one, but it's his rich energy that keeps us coming back for more. I was pretty sure that, by her description, I would Rachel. Entitled teens are usually a pet peeve for me, but there was a sadness about her that added depth to her quiet, pure and rather innocent persona. Her personality perfectly balanced with Isaiah's, and their complementary natures made the story - and the romance - soar for me. Another thing I loved about Crash Into You is that there are soft, sweet moments between the couple and then times when your adrenaline is fueled with heart-pounding drama. It provided a well-rounded storyline and, ultimately, solidified the fact that Isaiah and Beth would never have worked in a story like this. Rachel and Isaiah, however, created a sort of solid ground, or an eye to the storm that raged around them. There love was like coming home in Crash Into You, and while we see cameos of previous characters, these two take center stage. Last but not least, I have to mention how much I loved the secondary characters. They added such a dimension to the story, drove me nuts at times, but altogether sold me on the fact that I absolutely must know more about West.

Overall, yet again, Katie McGarry has stolen my heart with her writing. Crash Into You is even more rich and emotional than its predecessors, and I can't wait to see what we get with the next story. I can't help but give this one a 5 out of 5 and highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

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.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Mirk and Midnight Hour

Author: Jane Nickerson (Twitter)

Publisher: Knopf BYR

Publish Date: March 11, 2014

Genre: YA, Paranormal Thriller

Pages: 384

Seventeen-year-old Violet Dancey has been left at home in Mississippi with a laudanum-addicted stepmother and love-crazed stepsister while her father fights in the war—a war that has already claimed her twin brother.

When she comes across a severely injured Union soldier lying in an abandoned lodge deep in the woods, things begin to change. Thomas is the enemy—one of the men who might have killed her own brother—and yet she's drawn to him. But Violet isn't Thomas's only visitor; someone has been tending to his wounds—keeping him alive—and it becomes chillingly clear that this care hasn't been out of compassion. Against the dangers of war and ominous powers of voodoo, Violet must fight to protect her home and the people she loves.

There is something about this time period that completely and utterly fascinates me. Add in one hell of a  creepy locale for a story, and you've pretty much got me hook, line and sinker. The Mirk and Midnight Hour sounds as though it's the perfect blend of what I love to read. It's got the creepy, sinister mystery that I love so much, magic, voodoo and a whole mess of dark and otherworldly things to contend with. Oh yeah, and that cover is eerie...and awesome. Yes, please! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

I was going to post my regular top ten post this week, but I realized I've actually posted on the same prompt multiple times. So, what to do? Another review, or...and then I remembered. There is something I just had to post about because it really inspired me.

About a week ago, I was approached by the lovely folks over at Macmillan to explore their new site, Swoon Reads, which was touted as the perfect place for aspiring writers to pitch their finished manuscripts, as well as for readers to fall in love with and decide what the next big thing in literature really is. Being book bloggers, I'm sure you're all squeeing about as much as I did when I discovered just what Swoon Reads has to offer. 

So, what's all the fuss about, you ask? Well, I think it's pretty obvious to the bookish world that books, literature and reading is constantly shifting towards bigger and brighter things. As social media takes a hold on our generation, it seems as though the possibilities are fairly limitless for the world of published, so enter Swoon Reads. What is it? It's simple...

"Swoon Reads is dedicated to publishing books that capture the intensity of teen love. More than an imprint, Swoon Reads is a community – one whose members are included in every step of the publishing process. We open the doors for writers and readers to discover the best, most Swoon-worthy teen romance novels and make their voices heard. Together, we publish love stories you will want to read over and over again." (quote via)

This means that we, the readers, have the opportunity to read unpublished talent, vote on what we believe is the most swoon-worthy and, essentially, decide the next big thing to be published! Even better, for authors out there, this is a golden opportunity. Those authors who score the most votes in both the community and the publishing board will land a coveted contract with Macmillan, a hefty advance and the chance to be published in both print and e-book formats. I can tell you this: when I finally grow a backbone, I'll be submitting my labour of love, RACE, to Swoon Reads, and I sure hope it hits the jackpot! 

Have any of you visited Swoon yet, and if you have, what are your thoughts on this fantastic new site (and imprint)? Writers...do you think you'll try your hand at submitting via Swoon Reads? Why or why not? 

If you haven't visited Swoon Reads yet, what are you waiting for?! Check it out today! 

Title: The Vow
Author: Jessica Martinez (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: October 15, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher

No one has ever believed that Mo and Annie are just friends. How can a guy and a girl really be best friends? Then the summer before senior year, Mo’s father loses his job, and by extension his work visa. Instantly, life for Annie and Mo crumbles. Although Mo has lived in America for most of his life, he’ll be forced to move to Jordan. The prospect of leaving his home is devastating, and returning to a world where he no longer belongs terrifies him.

Desperate to save him, Annie proposes they tell a colossal lie—that they are in love. Mo agrees because marrying Annie is the only way he can stay. Annie just wants to keep her best friend, but what happens when it becomes a choice between saving Mo and her own chance at real love?

Annie and Mo are about as close as you can be without actually being a couple. They know each other through and through and, above all else, they have their backs. Mo's life, however, is in turmoil when his father's work visa is denied and the inevitability of his deportation is imminent. Annie is equally devastated, but she's determined to do something. The answer is there, but it could change everything - even there friendship. Is it really worth it?

The premise of The Vow is remarkable and incredibly relevant for much of our culture, so when it crossed my radar, I knew that I had to have it. Known for her ability to craft meaningful, relevant and sensitive tales that speak to even the most stubborn of hearts, Jessica Martinez has written a story with two loving and lovable characters sure to pull at your heartstrings. With a delicate touch of sincerity, naivety, plenty of drama and the story of two vastly different worlds, The Vow has it all.

Before I even begin my review, it must be said that Ms. Martinez is truly a remarkable writer. She has this ability to spin true reality into something that's raw, tangible and accessible without ever seeming even remotely preachy. That is great for a fairly issue-driven novel such as The Vow. Annie and Mo were two very different characters. Annie was, at times, needy and driven by selfish motives which, in essence, actually fuels the fire of the plot. Mo was a bit selfish, as well, only thinking of himself, rather than his family as a whole. He also lacked a sort of personal drive and ambition that would have pushed my liking his character to the next level. I was essentially kind of iffy on the both of them, simply because I couldn't truly find myself invested in their motives. That said, the plot of The Vow is another story entirely. While I struggled to find a sort of sense of compassion for Annie and Mo, I felt so very invested in the plotline, itself. As their actions and lack of understanding of the gravity and enormity of their actions started to come to light, the tension of the story kicked up to an entirely different level. At this point, there was a minor character shift, and I could almost see a lightbulb turn on for Annie, which redeemed her somewhat in my eyes. While the plausibility of the two teens doing this nagged at my rational side at times, I was generally impressed with how the story played out, though I'll definitely state that the writing and plot overshadowed the characters.

All in all, The Vow wasn't without its flaws, but it's a solid story and another great example of Ms. Martinez's writing. I definitely know I can look to her for quality contemporary. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

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.