Title: Witchlanders
Author: Lena Coakley
Publisher: Atheneum
Published: August 30, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 411
Source: Publisher

High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.

It’s all a fake.

At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?

But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must confront the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned — Are about him.

Ryder doesn't believe in the power of the Witches that govern his mountain homeland. He longs to escape the hard labour of his family's farm in favour of a life by the sea, but his plans change drastically when he loses his father. Left to manage the farm, care for his eccentric mother and younger sisters, he is forced to accept the life he doesn't want. Falpian lives a very different life with the Baens. While mourning the loss of his twin brother at sea, he's sent to live alone in a tiny cottage during the winter. Fighting both his own grief and his father's discontent at his inability inherit the family's abilities, he finds his luck changes when a man appears with a scroll and tells him to open it in fifty days. Both Ryder and Falpian are set on a collision course that will ultimately define who they are as individuals and in their societies.

I don't read too much high fantasy. Honestly, I find a lot of it to be a bit too high-brow for me, and I want to feel like I'm becoming a part of the story. Witchlanders by the amazing Lena Coakley is one of those stories that allowed me to do so. Rich and engrossing, Witchlanders combines the enthralling nature of fantasy with powerful themes of tolerance, racial tension and religion. A single misstep could have unwound the delicate thread of this novel, but strong characters, a vibrant plot and a fabulous world within the pages kept the story alive and breathtaking. The world of Witchlanders is sure to live in my imagination for a very long time.

Alternate narration is always a bit tedious for me to read, but I have to say that Witchlanders manages to portray two very different boys with two entirely distinct voices with ease. By adding dual narration with views from both Falpian and Ryder, we're allowed insight into both character's minds, thus giving us insider perspectives to two very different and warring civilizations. Furthermore, it helped me develop a bond with both characters through Witchlanders, and it helped me feel like I understood where both characters were coming from with every action and inaction. The dynamic between the two (when they finally meet) also heightens the story astronomically. Truly, the nature and complexity of their interaction was tense, and true-to-life, as Witchlanders did not shy away from portraying their warring beliefs while feuding with their inner turmoil. Through it all, the prose is magical and picture-perfect, drawing you into a new world in Witchlanders.

All in all, Witchlanders was a beautiful and poetic read. The only thing I would wish to change would be the ending of the story. Though the ends are tied up, it's still a bit open-ended. Not quite a cliffhanger, mind you, but still a bit raw. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend this to both YA and adult fans, especially those who enjoy high fantasy novels.

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: Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale
Author: Ramona Wray
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: February 1, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 254
Source: Author

Like most girls at Rosemound High School, seventeen-year-old Lily Crane is acutely aware of Ryder Kingscott. Hands down the cutest guy in school, Ryder is cool, mysterious, and utterly untouchable…especially for Lily. 

For when she touches someone, Lily instantly learns all about their lives. And while such a skill might seem nifty, in truth it is wrecking Lily’s life. So she is shocked when Ryder asks her out — and even more shocked to discover he has a rival. 

Lucian Bell is the gorgeous new kid who can’t take his eyes off of Lily. Being pursued by two hotties should make a girl happy, but Lily is skeptical. The boys act as if they’ve met before, hating each other with a passion that could only be rooted in a dark, dangerous past. A past full of terrible secrets. The kind of secrets that could get a girl killed.

Lily is pretty much your everyday teenage girl, unless you take into account her incredible psychic abilities. With a single touch, Lily can learn everything about a person, including their entire past and present. This, unfortunately, leaves Lily crippled in the realm of a social life, so she pines over the handsome Ryder from a distance. When he asks her out one day though, Lily is floored, and even more so when she’s asked out by a second, equally good-looking guy, Lucian. But when Lily discovers the truth about her own past, she’s forced to confront the truth about these two cute boys, a dangerous hex, and a past life that continues to haunt her to this day.

I was expecting Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale to be cutesy, if I’m being honest. I think I was expecting fluff and fun, based purely on the cover (I’m not really a cartoon cover person), but I was certainly not expecting the depth of the story to be so rich. Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale is the third English book by author, Ramona Wray, a Romanian-born writer now living in Plymouth. Blending the fantastic stories from her youth with a fresh take on fantasy and paranormal in the YA genre, Ramona has created an adventure-filled whirlwind sure to keep you riveted to the very end.

While I’m not into the whole love-triangle shebang, Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale truly is a refreshing take on the age-old premise. Lily is an empowering protagonist despite her crippling gift, and both Lucian and Ryder had strong motives and great character-building. I loved how Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale carefully wove the past and present into an intricately woven web that was designed to determine all three characters’ futures. And yet, in the midst of a story of destiny, fate and curses, Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale shows Lily, Ryder and Lucian making choices to determine their own fate. Furthermore, the self-discovery within the story, was rich and powerful, fueling the strong premise.

Overall, I was really, really surprised by just how good and interesting Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale was. I definitely had a few questions lingering after it was done, but when done right, that leaves me with a lasting impression of a book. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy fantasy and paranormal stories, as well as a bit of romance.

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.

Title: Recovery Road
Author: Blake Nelson
Publisher: Scholastic
Published: March 8, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

From acclaimed author Blake Nelson, the story of girl meets boy...in rehab.

Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a drinking and rage problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other during a really crazy time in their lives.

Madeline gets out and tries to get back on her feet, waiting for Stewart to join her. When he does, though, it's not the ideal recovery world Madeline dreamed of. Both of them still have serious problems. And Stewart's are only getting worse....

Recovery Road is the story of two teens, Madeline and Stewart, both with blemished pasts and a brand new opportunity for a fresh start from rehab. At the lowest point in their lives, Madeline and Stewart fall for one another, giving them a sense of togetherness in a void of confusion, but when they’re released, reality strikes back. When Madeline is released, she’s determined to get her life back together, and she’s excited for Stewart to join her in healing after rehab, but when he’s released, it’s clear the darkness is still there, and they’re spiraling downwards together. Again.

I’ve been dying to read Recovery Road for a long time now, in large part because of the captivating premise and simplistic cover. Blake Nelson has created a story where the characters are every bit as addicting as the addiction itself, spinning you along on a path of destruction, self-discovery and, ultimately, the desire for redemption. The beauty if Recovery Road lies in the realistic portrayal of the devastating nature of addiction, whether it be to drugs, attention, or companionship. Addiction, in itself, becomes a character, making it a raw and real adventure.

Madeline is one of those characters that I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to relate to but somehow could. She has rage issues, drug dependency and a desperate desire to find fulfillment somewhere and, frankly, anywhere. Stewart is presented as your typical bad boy, but there’s an endearing edge to him, as well, making him someone you love to hate and hate to love. Throw in a few secondary characters with their own issues, and Recovery Road is a rollercoaster ride of emotion. I have to say that the plot was strong for Recovery Road, but the characters were stronger, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s almost as though one fuels and tempers the other, making the pacing strong and steady. The only real issue I had with the book was the chapter length. They were only a few pages apiece, and I prefer medium-length chapters. Luckily, however, it didn’t affect the pacing, so that’s just personal preference.

All in all, Recovery Road was a fabulous, fast-paced ride in which you feel for the characters every step of the way. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who like edgy stories and contemporary fiction, specifically.

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

Title: The Darlings are Forever
Author: Melissa Kantor
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: January 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

Jane, Victoria, and Natalya. Together, they are the Darlings. Best friends forever. They have matching necklaces, their own table at Ga Ga Noodle, and even a shared motto: May you always do what you’re afraid of doing.

When the friends begin freshman year at three different high schools in distant corners of New York City, they promise to live by their motto and stay as close as ever. The Darlings know they can get through anything as long as they have each other. But doing scary new things is a lot easier with your friends beside you. And now that the girls aren’t spending all their time together, everything they took for granted about their friendship starts to feel less certain. They can’t help but wonder, will they really be the Darlings forever?

Jane, Victoria and Natalya are best friends – always have been, always will be. They’ve been inseparable since kindergarten, but the time has finally come for the three girls to separate when they entered high school. One is in school for performing arts, one is desperate to stay under the radar while her father runs for Senate, and the third is attending a prestigious private school on scholarship. Three best friends now have three separate paths and must find the time to remain the best of friends or go their separate ways and grow apart.

When I received this book for review, it was described as a cross between The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Sex & the City for the younger lot. First of all, let me say how much I loathe people saying this book is the “next something,” or “this book for the younger lot.” It implies too much, and it takes something away from the originality of the story for me, making it feel a bit lackluster and unappealing. I tend to look for things that break the mold. All that aside though, The Darlings are Forever is a sweet and sassy tale of three friends growing up and learning to stay the best of friends through both thick and thin. Melissa Kantor has a definitive writing voice that’s simple but accessible, and masters multiple points of view with ease.

The Darlings of Forever is, perhaps, not the most original story, but it’s definitely well-written and appealing despite not necessarily thinking outside of the contemporary fiction box. The three girls, Jane, Victoria and Natalya were each well-rounded and individual, they had their own voices and story lines, and the plot delicately wove these three stories into a single, sweeping arc about growing up and the value of friendship overpowering differences. The Darlings are Forever manages to balance three separate viewpoints and still hold individual voices for each, which is tricky, so I definitely appreciated that. I also thought the individual love interests were sweet and simple – not overdone or cliché – just nice and sweet, going with the theme of the book.

We all know I’m not the biggest fan of contemps, so when a book defies the odds and exceeds my expectations, you better believe I’m going to sing its praises. The Darlings are Forever is sweet and refreshing, and perhaps the most realistic portrayal of young girls growing up and being friends because, hey, not all teens are into drugs/sex/partying. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend this to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy a good chick-lit and contemporary fiction.

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

Title: Revolution
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Publisher: Delacorte
Published: October 12, 2010
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Contemps
Pages: 496
Source: Personal Copy

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Andi wants all of it to end. She's tired of the pain, plagued by guilt over her brother's death, and wishes there were a way for it all to just stop - and she's tried multiple times. Desperate to save his daughter from expulsion and self-destruction, Andi's father brings her to Paris to finish her thesis so she can graduate and have a life, but Andi is certain nothing will change...but it does. Andi finds the diary of a girl named Alexandrine who lived hundreds of years ago, and yet, their lives have uncanny parallels. Both girls loved and lost. Both are desperate for a purpose, and both are bound to a life that is so similar that the two are destined to meet in some way.

I have to admit that despite all the rave reviews for Revolution, I had my reservations. First, the hype is often so much better than the book. Second, books with multiple story arcs from two MCs tend to be either hit or miss with me because both have to be entirely relevant and believable. Jennifer Donnelly has created a masterpiece in Revolution. The writing is fluid and beautiful, haunting and mesmerizing, and the story is, in no way, light. I was captivated by the different story lines, and the snippets of the Alexandrine's diary were interwoven beautifully, so the story never seemed jarred or abrupt. Revolution swept me along from Andi's world to Alexandrine's and had me rooting for both characters the whole time.

I think the biggest highlight of Revolution was the character development. Andi and Alexandrine were perfectly defined and separate, yet I could see something so similar in them - despite their similar losses and pain. I often toyed with the idea that the girls were actually one and the same - almost a reincarnation, if you will, with the previous soul helping the current one. Perhaps I read too much into that, but it worked. The description of Andi's life felt a bit more real than Alexandrine's to me, but at the same time, the detail that went into revealing Alexandrine's world in the French Revolution was beautiful. Now, the only lowlight I will give this book was the eventual climax, to be honest. It's noted in the summary, and I felt it missed the mark with the story line. Luckily, the strengths of Revolution overwhelmed that weakness.

Overall, I really enjoyed Revolution. Part history, part fiction and wholly moving, it was a swift, powerful read. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5 with the only deduction being the climax. I would recommend this to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and historical fiction.

Title: No Going Back
Author: Jonathan Langford
Publisher: Zarahemla Books
Published: October 5, 2009
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 312
Source: Author

A gay teenage Mormon growing up in western Oregon in 2003. His straight best friend. Their parents. A typical LDS ward, a high-school club about tolerance for gays, and a proposed anti-gay-marriage amendment to the state constitution. In NO GOING BACK, these elements combine in a coming-of-age story about faithfulness and friendship, temptation and redemption, tough choices and conflicting loyalties

Paul is your everyday LDS (Mormon) teenager. He enjoys video games. He is an upstanding citizen on his way to earning his Eagle Scout badge. He works hard to be a good member of his teacher's quorum and be a good and faithful Christian. Paul is also gay. In a religious society where emphasis is placed on the value of family and carrying on the Lord's word to a wife and children, Paul must grapple with the idea that unless he changes, he can never have any of that. He must also face scrutiny, judgment, and ridicule in a society where he consistently receives conflicting messages about whether or not who he is as a person is morally wrong.

When I was approached to read No Going back by the author, Jonathan Langford, I was struck by just how poignant this book sounded. Having lived in Salt Lake City for more than four years and developed many LDS friends, I have come to learn a lot about the culture, the belief system and the values. I, in no way, judge what the LDS believe, but I figured this would be a fascinating read, especially with an LGBT context. Langford has created a masterpiece in No Going Back. Brimming with morals but never preachy, heartwrenching but never overdone, the story of Paul is one of valor, life, and love of belief and oneself - something everyone can relate to on some level.

There are a lot of strengths in No Going Back. The prose is real and honest - a bit too gritty and brutal at times, but it works between a male teenage MC and his friends. Paul is well-rounded and tangible, and I enjoyed the level of detail when it came to showing what Paul was attempting to reconcile with in the LDS religion. Now, that's not to say that No Going Back was without his faults. I think there were a few secondary characters like Sandy, the bishop's wife, that simply didn't ring completely true for me. She felt a bit one-sided and flat. I also wish that the time period for the book was explained better. It was important when discussing Paul's decision to vote or not vote on the issue of gay marriage.

All around though, No Going Back was a powerful, moving read with a strong message of friendship, family and tolerance. Whether religious or not, I believe everyone can find a meaning in this book, and need for a few tissues, as it's a tearjerker. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to both fans of YA and adult novels, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and LGBT story lines.

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

Title: The Ancillary's Mark
Author: Daniel Cohen
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: November 4, 2010
Genre: YA, Science Fiction
Pages: 246
Source: Author

The legend of the Ancillary flower has existed for centuries. Foretold to bring out the limitless potential of its bearer, the flower and the legend have been forgotten by many. Recently, strange events in a shrouded Tibetan town have sparked rumors among those who still believe.

Jacob Deer is a quirky young man, bound for college, with an eccentric old librarian for a best friend, an obsession with sitting down in elevators, and a strange birthmark on his hand that's shaped mysteriously like the markings on the Ancillary's petals. When Jacob's mentor Mr. Maddock reveals to him his connection with the legendary Ancillary, it sets in motion a series of events that sends Jacob and friends across the world. Alongside an alluring young woman, a marine-reject, and a Tibetan kid obsessed with comic books, Jacob must face off against a vengeful maniac for the fate of the flower, the legend, and all mankind.

Jacob Deer marches to the beat of his own drum, makes his own rules, and has a fascinating birthmark on his hand that bears an odd resemblance to the legendary Ancillary flower…a flower that gives the bearer access to unlimited potential. When his mentor tells Jacob about his true connection to the Ancillary flower, his future is set in motion as he travels to Tibet to find the truth of his destiny and the Ancillary flower, itself. Along with a beautiful girl named Sophia, his bodyguard named Diego, and a young Tibetan boy with an obsession with Superman, Jacob’s life is just beginning to get interesting – and dangerous.

Ok, remember when I discussed craptastic covers the other day (no offense, Dan!)? The Ancillary’s Mark is the epitome of this phenomenon. With a powerful premise, an intriguing cast of characters and a unique voice that manages to draw readers in and send them on a journey, The Ancillary’s Mark is FAR better than the cover implies. Daniel Cohen has created a masterful science-fiction tale that somehow manages to balance continuously changing perspectives through the story with a powerful myth of a legendary flower that fuels the story throughout.

The biggest strength of The Ancillary’s Mark was the characters. Jacob Deer has to be the most resonant and endearing MC that I’ve read of in a long time. I like his flaws, and I like that they are emphasized because they make him human and tangible. Even the secondary characters like Sophia and Diego are well-rounded and add to each element of the story. Plus, even with an unstoppable plot, the characters manage to successfully weave humour into every situation. I think that another strength was the balance of descriptions and dialogue within The Ancillary’s Mark. The descriptions are interspersed throughout, and each one is alive with detail – they never seem superfluous or redundant. Each one adds a little something to the story and brings it alive.

I couldn’t have been more surprised with just how great The Ancillary’s Mark was, and I urge you to look past the seemingly-adult cover. The singular qualm I had with the book was that it was too short. There were certain situations I wish would have been drawn out, but that’s personal preference. I give The Ancillary’s Mark a 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it all fans of YA and even adult fiction, especially those who enjoy a good science-fiction and fantasy story.

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.

Title: Class Collision

Author: Annette Mackey

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Published: Aug. 13, 2010
Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 283

Source: Author

What if you didn't know your boyfriend was worth millions?

Born into wealth and privilege, David spends his days rattling the servants and torturing the maid until he is kidnapped for ransom and left for dead. Grueling years follow until he meets Linda. She's sassy, pigheaded, beautiful and way more than he can possibly handle. Hate, love and passion combine as he tries to win her heart. She sees him as a drifter. Little does she know he's a prince in disguise.

Taken from Goodreads.

Class Collision follows the story of David, born into a life of privilege, wealth, and notoriety – that is, until it’s all whisked away in an instant. David is kidnapped, held captive, then left for dead…but he doesn’t die. He survives and learns to live in his new life. It’s tedious, but it works. Then he meets Linda. Linda is gorgeous and precocious, thinks David is penniless, and for some reason, David is completely taken with her. Can the two find love in the uncertain times of the Great Depression, or will their collective secrets tear them apart before they truly connect?

I have a fascination with the time period of the Great Depression, so when I heard the setting of Class Collision, I was extremely excited to give it a go. Author, Annette Mackey has created a rich coming-of-age story that asks the age-old question – can money buy you happiness? Alive with detail and flowing prose, the story is filled to the brim with morals and values without ever feeling preachy or tedious. Rather, Class Collision lets love drive the plot of the story.

I’ll admit I didn’t know a thing about Class Collision when I first picked it up, but that didn’t hinder the story a single bit. David plays the likeable protagonist well, and we watch his transformation from a spoiled and arrogant child into a young man of integrity and grace. Linda’s transformation is slower and more defined, but every bit as poignant as David’s. Their journey to ultimate self-discovery of one another fuels the plot and value of Class Collision, breathing life into the story. There were a few spots that were a bit too descriptive for my taste, but overall, the balance between characters and plot was flawless. I also have to be nit-picky and say that I really dislike the cover...that said, the story far exceeds the cover.

I was definitely pleasantly surprised by just how beautiful Class Collision was. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I am definitely going to read the sequel in the Fall From Grace series, called Phoenix Rising. I would recommend this to both a YA and adult audience, especially for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, contemporary fiction, and historical fiction.

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.

I had a life anyone would kill for. Then someone did. The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?
Taken from Goodreads.

In The Lying Game, Emma has lived her life in foster care, bouncing from home to home without any real family to depend on. Unbeknown to Emma, her twin sister Sutton is the opposite - popular, privileged, and has a reputation to kill for. Then someone did. Sutton is dead and has no choice but to watch as Emma slips into her shoes to find out what happened to the twin sister she never knew. Along the way, Emma discovers exactly how feared and awed Sutton was in life, and realizes there's a lot more to Sutton's disappearance than meets the eye. Can she find Sutton's killer...and can she find the killer without endangering her own life?

I have to admit, I wasn't expecting too much from The Lying Game, but I really enjoyed Pretty Little Liars, so I figured a new series by the same author would still be fun. I was right! The Lying Game is a great start to a brand new series filled with plot twists, turns, and a mystery that consistently kept me guessing throughout. Sara Shepard has done it again - she's created a perfectly put-together whodunit mystery that has the reader wanting more...and it delivers, but manages to remain a nail-biter throughout.

The only minor hiccup I had with The Lying Game was the prologue, to be honest. I hate prologues. Frankly, I think they're unnecessary 90% of the time and actually detract from the story. The prologue was quite unnecessary, as The Lying Game jumps right into the story from the get-go. The details in the prologue could have easily been established in the first chapter, as well. The greatest strength of The Lying Game, however, were the characters. Emma and Sutton were perfect polar opposites, and while the book is told from Sutton's POV as she watches Emma, Sara Shepard manages to keep the characters from becoming confused with one another by distinctly identifying them.

All in all, The Lying Game is a solid and entertaining start to the new series, and it's not so much like Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars series as I'd anticipated. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend this book to all YA fans, especially those who enjoy a good mystery and contemporary fiction.

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

Lockdown follows the story of tweenage Alex, once a normal boy who got into stealing and ended up being framed for a murder. Condemned to Furnace prison, Alex discovers that it's not ordinary lock-up. Furnace makes the most heinous of all prisons look like paradise. Full of under-age criminals, Furnace employs monsters to guard the little monsters inside, and when the lights go out in Furnace for the night, the darkness of the prison becomes all-consuming. Alex, along with Donovan, his cellmate, and a quiet schemer hellbent on escape, Zee, must learn to survive or escape Furnace once and for all, or the darkness might consume them all together.

Ok, I like dark stories. I should put that out there. I really do. Lockdown completely satiated my appetite for a creepy, eerie, and slightly insane novel. Though written for a younger YA audience, the descriptions within Lockdown were enough to give me chills and to make me cringe at certain points. I believe that's the measure of a good author. Perfectly balancing that age-old test of show vs. tell, Alexander Gordon Smith has created a thrill-ride of a story that will have you cheering for the characters, reading with baited breath, and still leave you longing for more.

I really don't have many qualms with Lockdown at all. I think the characters were well-rounded and each one adds a little bit to the story. Furthermore, the MC, Alex, is truly relatable. You can get inside his head, feel what he's feeling, and get a sense of what's happened to his world by being condemned to Furnace. The only slight hiccup that I have to mention in the story is that Alex seemed to slip in character slightly near the end. He was strong the entire story, but then his personality seemed to falter for a bit. I found that a little disappointing, but I was pleased to see him redeem himself in the end.

All things considered, I have to give Lockdown a very strong 4.5 out of 5. It's well-written, slightly terrifying, and a little bit psychotic just to keep you on your toes. I would recommend this to an upper YA audience, especially those who enjoy horror and sci-fi. Due to a wee bit of graphic violence, I would recommend this to those who can stomach such stories.

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