Fairy tales are my jam, people. There's something about reading those stories that we read when we were little and seeing them come to life in all new ways that really gets the literary lover in me going. I like to think, too, that the magic is still alive, so seeing them portrayed in new ways, new lights and new times gives me great joy. Plus, something about it is just a beautiful breath of fresh air. Colour me sold on all fairy tale retellings.

Title: A Wicked Thing
Author: Rhiannon Thomas (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: February 24, 2015
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 352

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairytale.

Her family is long dead. Her “true love” is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept. Everyone expects Aurora to marry her betrothed and restore magic and peace to the kingdom before revolution tears it apart. But after a lifetime spent locked in a tower for her own safety, Aurora longs for the freedom to make her own choices. When she meets a handsome rebel, he tempts her to abandon everything for a different kind of life.

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.

First of all, this book is releasing on my birthday, so it has to be amazing. Second of all, Sleeping Beauty was by far my favourite fairy tale growing up, as evidenced by my watching Maleficent three times. There's something about the idea of a Sleeping Beauty that wants a little bit more; an Aurora that might put her own needs first above her own kingdom. I'm intrigued, and I'm totally in love with this cover (even despite hating the pretty girls in dresses trend). Sign me up, people! I'm sold! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature from Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I've been in a fantasy sort of mood lately, and I swear that these books have been very hit or miss for me lately. So, as you might imagine, my literary craving has been a bit of a double-edged sword. Luckily for all of us though, it seems like 2015 might just be the year for fantasy because some of the books I've seen floating around look like they might just be to die for.

Title: Red Queen
Author: Victoria Aveyard (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: February 10, 2015
Genre: YA, High Fantasy
Pages: 320

Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood—those with red and those with silver. Mare and her family are lowly Reds, destined to serve the Silver elite whose supernatural abilities make them nearly gods. Mare steals what she can to help her family survive, but when her best friend is conscripted into the army, she gambles everything to win his freedom. A twist of fate leads her to the royal palace itself where, in front of the king and all his nobles, she discovers a superhuman ability she didn’t know she had.

Except...her blood is Red. To hide this impossibility, the king forces her into the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks her new position to aid the Scarlet Guard—the leaders of a budding Red rebellion. Her actions put into motion a deadly and violent dance, pitting prince against prince and Mare against her own heart.

Yes. Yes yes yes yes yes. I find it extremely hard to put into words just how amazing Red Queen sounds to me. There's something about a novel that embraces royalty, deceit, powers, the lust for dominion and a strong female protagonist that just speaks to me, and it sounds like this novel has it all. I have to say that it sounds like fantasy is erring on a darker, more devious sort of note these days, and the tricky side of me is just loving it. Sign me up for this one! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature from Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Four
Author: Veronica Roth (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: July 8, 2014
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 208
Source: Publisher

Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader did the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is a chance to begin again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child.

Newly christened “Four,” he discovers during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning, though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future—and the future of the entire faction system.

Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her, it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

Fans of the Divergent trilogy know, love and appreciate what a fantastic hero Four, or Tobias, is throughout the series. However, we also know that Divergent is Tris's story, and it's her path to her destiny. While we're privy to plenty of Four's story, there were countless times through the series that I wanted more from his perspective. I wanted to know, to feel and to fully comprehend what he had to face to become the person he is today. Finally, Veronica Roth has given us what I'm sure many others hope for, as well; a deeper glimpse inside the mind of our hero, Four.

The beauty and curse of Four is a bit of a double-edged sword. Reading the story through his eyes made me wish that we could see the entire series all over again through the same perspective. There is something wholeheartedly refreshing about his journey to personal freedom and integrity that speaks to my soul, and reading the novel really clarified exactly why he because such a beloved character for many. His strength of person, his crisp, clear and passionate point of view shine through these four installments, and it's something I wish I could have read much more of.

It's always a bit difficult to analyze novellas, simply because they're such small snippets of the larger overall picture. Four is no exception to the rule and, in fact, pretty much epitomizes why I want so much more from novellas and tend to steer clear of them. All of that said though, Ms. Roth does a beautiful job of painting four of the main parts of the Divergent story from Four's point of view. While I worried it might feel a bit too familiar and commonplace after having read the full series, the beauty of this collection is that it feels so separate and singular - meaning that Four shines, while when we see Tris, she's clearly a secondary character.

The true talent of this collection, however, is how beautifully Ms. Roth has managed to string avid fans like myself into her incredible world, yet again. Through the eyes of Four, I got to see how he truly because a member of Dauntless, how he met and fell for Tris and how he coped with the incredible changes and challenges that dominated his life. And, while these four novellas definitely tied whatever those missing elements from the series might have been back together, Four stands alone in its raw power and insight into our beloved character's heart.

It's rare for me to read a novella and come away feeling satisfied, but while I wasn't entirely fulfilled (because hey, who doesn't want more), I loved reading every bit of these novellas from Four's eyes. Fans of the series will fall hard for Four all over again, I'm sure. I give this collection a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who are fans of the Divergent series and love dystopian 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: On the Fence
Author: Kasie West (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: July 1, 2014
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door…Charlie Reynolds can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at a chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world.

To cope with the stress of her new reality, Charlie takes to spending nights chatting with her neighbor Braden through the fence between their yards. As she grows to depend on their nightly Fence Chats, she realizes she's got a bigger problem than speeding tickets-she's falling for Braden. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

There was a time (okay, many years) in my blogging journey that I swore up and down that contemporary fiction was child's fodder and that not a single author could capture my attention. I've eaten my words time and again since those days, and yet I always hesitate just a little when picking up a new summer read. On the Fence is the quintessential summer read - packaging and all - marketing to teenage and adult readers and offering a glimpse of love, growing up and the harsh realities of life. Author, Kasie West, welcomes readers into a delightful summer novel with open arms, enveloping you in the light of first love and self-discovery.

Perhaps my greatest trepidation when starting On the Fence was that there wouldn't be enough intrigue throughout the novel to keep me going. I shouldn't have been too concerned though, as we quickly learn that not all is as it seems. Charlie is a tomboy. Raised with three brothers and a father that's a cop, she can do anything the boys can. However, her mother passed away at a young age, and the girly things don't come as quickly to her. It's a foreign world that's she's condemned because it brings forth lost memories of her mother and because she fears it will separate her from her family - and the boys who love her most. There was a subtle beauty to Charlie's character arc. On the one hand, she's a powerful force of a girl, yet when displaced from her comfort zone, we see as that careful facade begins to crack and reveal a lost little girl within.

It must be said, too, that Braden has quickly secured the heartthrob of the summer title for me. I found him to be a highlight of On the Fence, in large part because he's somewhat of an enigma throughout. We can sense he's hiding something from Charlie through their interactions and encounters, but when we think we understand the reveal, we can also sense there is so much more to it. Braden was genuinely a good guy that cared for Charlie - as much as a sister as he might have as a love interest. He was protective, caring, kind and good-natured, but there was also a degree of respect and maturity that set him apart from the masses.

On the Fence was reminiscent of those warm summer nights of my youth. Powerful and evocative, this seemingly light summer novel is alive with family, warmth, friends and fun. And yet, as much happiness as we encounter, we also learn of a deep-rooted secret that changes Charlie's reality forever. I was immensely pleased with how that twist played out. It was simple and poignant, making way for changes in all of our characters' lives and allowing us the chance to watch and understand the growth taking place. Ms. West has crafted a masterful story that will resonate with the joys of summer long after the summer days have gone.

Novels like On the Fence are the reason I can humbly eat my words and say that the contemporary genre has much more to offer than I might have ever imagined. With a subtle power and grace, this is a book that you'll read fast, but once you close the last page, you'll wish you'd read it slower. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and summer reads.

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.

If I've mentioned it once, I've mentioned it a million times. Thrillers, horrors and mysteries are my thing, people. If a novel has some sort of gripping, dark action, or terror in its synopsis, colour me hooked. From my vantage point, there are a bunch more on the market this year, too, so I'm in luck!

Title: Blackbird
Author: Anna Carey (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: September 16, 2014
Genre: YA, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 256

A girl wakes up on the train tracks, a subway car barreling down on her. With only minutes to react, she hunches down and the train speeds over her. She doesn’t remember her name, where she is, or how she got there. She has a tattoo on the inside of her right wrist of a blackbird inside a box, letters and numbers printed just below: FNV02198. There is only one thing she knows for sure: people are trying to kill her.

On the run for her life, she tries to untangle who she is and what happened to the girl she used to be. Nothing and no one are what they appear to be. But the truth is more disturbing than she ever imagined.

The Maze Runner series meets Code Name Verity, Blackbird is relentless and action-packed, filled with surprising twists.

There are a few things about this one that have me absolutely hooked. First of all, to see a second person POV doesn't happen too often, and knowing that I enjoy Anna Carey's writing style gives me hope that it will be done well, too. Second, there's something cryptic, dark and terrifying about this synopsis that's just detailed enough to capture my attention, but just vague enough to keep me salivating for more. I'm sold on this one. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature from Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: After the End
Author: Amy Plum (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Pages: 352

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there. At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

Just when I think I'm totally sick of the dystopian genre, another novel pops up and catches my eye. I'd be lying if I said the genre has become a bit tired and repetitive lately, but I like the sound of the twist of this one. It seems like, if it's done well, it might be just different enough to pique and capture my interest throughout the story. So, I can't help but say that I'm lusting over this one shamelessly this week. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

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 Vanishing Season

Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson (Twitter)

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publish Date: July 1, 2014

Genre: YA, Mystery, Thriller

Pages: 256

Girls started vanishing in the fall, and now winter's come to lay a white sheet over the horror. Door County, it seems, is swallowing the young, right into its very dirt. From beneath the house on Water Street, I've watched the danger swell.

The residents know me as the noises in the house at night, the creaking on the stairs. I'm the reflection behind them in the glass, the feeling of fear in the cellar. I'm tied—it seems—to this house, this street, this town. I'm tied to Maggie and Pauline, though I don't know why. I think it's because death is coming for one of them, or both.

All I know is that the present and the past are piling up, and I am here to dig. I am looking for the things that are buried.

It's no secret that I love me a good mystery and, frankly, the creepier, the better. There's something about disappearances in novels that always haunts me and draws me in, so The Vanishing Season fits the bill perfectly. Plus, we're promised danger, intrigue, love, betrayal and a mystery that might just make our heads spin. How in the world am I supposed to pass something like that up? Oh, and it doesn't  hurt that the cover is absolutely gorgeous. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

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: House of Ivy & Sorrow

Author: Natalie Whipple (Twitter)

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publish Date: April 15, 2014

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Pages: 352

Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline.

Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves.

Curses?! Witches?! You shut the front door! For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you know I've been clamoring around looking for a new paranormal novel to darken (or brighten, depending how you look at it) my doorstep. House of Ivy & Sorrow sounds like it's all that and more. I'm a huge fan of dark and twisting novels that evoke powerful emotions for tangible characters in a fantasy-driven environment, and I can't wait to give this one a go. Plus, for the record, the cover art is just to die for. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Blackout
Author: Robison Wells (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher

Laura and Alec are trained terrorists. Jack and Aubrey are high school students. There was no reason for them to ever meet.

But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.

Aubrey didn't have a very exciting life before. She was barely noticeable on the best of days, and when she was noticed it was because of her father, the drunk, or her less than posh clothing. Jack didn't care though. There was always something about her that he knew was special, even if she didn't know it herself. When Aubrey starts developing the power to disappear, she has to push away the ones she holds closest and live a lie. But the lies are catching up. The government is zeroing in on Lambdas - kids with powers - and using them to fight terrorists that harbour the same virus...but who can they really trust, and just how much does this virus take over their own beings?

I've read previous works by Robison Wells, and I've been nothing but impressed, so I've been just itching to read Blackout for some time now. Capitalizing on a the buzz of the sci-fi genre, this book offers readers a little bit of everything - war games, intrigue, powers and a sweet, soaring love to keep you invested in the characters throughout. Brimming with drama, overflowing with suspense and offering fans of the genre a series of modern-day heroes in whom to believe, Blackout will give you a taste of awesome and leave you wanting more.

I had a tricky time crafting my review for Blackout because while there was a lot about this story that I absolutely loved, I did have a few issues with it, as well. First off though, I loved Aubrey's character. We're not introduced to her first, but I feel as though her story arc became the most prominent in later chapters, and I latched onto her storyline above the others. She was a perfect mix of vulnerability, opportunism and strength. She clearly didn't have the best home life, but she did the best she could, and she certainly took advantage of the power she'd been given. It was something that I believed anyone her age would actually do, so I felt like I could understand her better. Jack, too, was a great character. He had the sort of all-American vibe to him that made you simply want to root for him just because he's a darn good guy. Plus, he has this almost adoration of Aubrey that is honest, pure and heartfelt. I loved that their gentle romance didn't simply jump to love. Rather, it stayed innocent and true of a simple teenage relationship. I don't feel as though I got to know Alex or Laura enough to form true opinions on their characters, though their arcs are just as important, if not moreso. Laura, from what I could tell, was a badass for all intents and purposes, but sometimes she showed a softer side. I never really got a grasp on whether that was all for show, or if it was real. Alec, was just a villain...and by a villain, I just mean he was generally an ass. My main issue with Blackout, however, is that we're given terrorists fighting a war with their superpowers, but we never really get to know what they're fighting for. What was their agenda? What exactly did they want? Then, we see that the government wants to mobilize these teens, activate their powers and pit them against the terrorist teens. My big question that seemed to stick with me throughout was just...why? Don't get me wrong, this story has a lot of elements that are crucial for success. We have incredible powers, multi-dimensional characters, a strong premise and all the makings for a great setup. I just think we need a little more backstory behind the rift in society to better understand why the world has fallen to pieces.

Overall, Blackout is an incredibly intriguing concept, and I'm invested enough in the kids' stories to want to know more from the next installment. Perhaps that's when we'll learn the big "why." I give this story a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy science fiction and dystopian 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: Find Me
Author: Romily Bernard (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: September 24, 2013
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 307
Source: Publisher

"Find Me." These are the words written on Tessa Waye's diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa's just been found...dead.

Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target. Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick. Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick's deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step?

Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare. But she's going to find this killer no matter what. Because it just got personal.

Wick's life hasn't been easy. She's bounced from foster home to foster home with her little sister, barely escaping the notoriety of her father's bad rep with the authorities and her hacking prowess which, for all intents and purposes, should and needs to remain hidden from the rest of the world. But someone knows what Wick does behind closed doors, and somebody is sending her on a wild goose chase to uncover exactly what happened to Tessa. But just in case she needed a little more motivation, this time, the creep is after Lily.

Many a reader will agree with me, I'm sure, when I state that there is nothing like a good mystery tale to keep you awake at night, guessing throughout and pondering the turnout long after you've closed the last page. Find Me is that tale; preparing to burst onto the market with a tense, atmospheric and, often times, terrifying guessing game. Romily Bernard carves a name for herself on the YA market with this fantastic and thrilling debut, offering readers a tangible tale, likable characters and a heroine worth believing in. 

I've been a bit let down by the mystery aspect of the YA genre as of late, so when I heard about Find Me, you'd better believe I was intrigued. When I read a mystery story, there are a few things that I absolutely must have. I want action, first and foremost. I want real, palpable tension that makes me cringe at times. And, above all else, I don't want the answers before I'm supposed to receive them. Find Me delivers all that and more. From page one, we are thrust into an early-hours game of cat-and-mouse which, in all honesty, left me on edge and had me double-checking the locks on my doors. And, from the start, we got to see Wick's personality. She's a bit edgy and rough, but we're privvied to just enough of her backstory to give us a glimpse as to why she strays from conformity and why she spends her private hours hacking. Although she seems a bit scrappy at times, there is a softer, more vulnerable side when it comes to Lily, her sister. Speaking of Lily, she was the perfect counterpart for her sister - just innocent enough to make it believable that Wick truly did have to play the role of heroine and caretaker for her little sister. In terms of the mystery, the author delivers pieces and tidbits of information just when we need it most, making certain not to let the foreshadowing and clues reach the limelight too soon, distracting us and making us lose interest. Plus, we're given a touch of a romance, which I am pleased to say was not heavy on the insta-love. Griff is an edgy, alternative hero that plays well into Wick's character, exposing more emotion than her desire to just find the culprit and the person after her sister. I will say that I wished we'd seen more of Griff, his background and how it played into Wick's present in Find Me, but I can only hope we're given a sequel. 

All in all, I was really pleased with Find Me. I think it's an excellent debut novel, and the writing has a distinct, memorable and appealing voice, which makes it all the more enjoyable to read. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. 

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: Black Out
Author: Robison Wells (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 352

Laura and Alec are trained terrorists. Jack and Aubrey are high school students.There was no reason for them to ever meet.

But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.

Have I ever professed my love of X-Men on this blog before? If I've failed to do so, please allow me to share with you my not so mild obsession with the general concept of people having powers. Add to that the fact that Robison Wells is an author's whose work I admire, praise and slightly worship, and I can honestly say that I'm pretty dang stoked to get my grubby little paws on Black Out. It sounds like we're in for a ride with this one, and any time a book can throw me for a loop, I'm sold. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: What's Left of Me
Author: Kat Zhang
Publisher: Harper
Publish Date: September 18, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Pages: 356
Source: Publisher

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Addie and Eva live in a world where all children are born with two souls, and it’s completely natural. Over time, one of the souls simple fades away, and the dominant soul takes control of the body, leaving just one soul, one body and one mind. Addie and Eva are different though. Eva doesn’t seem to want to fade away, and being a Hybrid in their world is a dangerous thing. It must be hidden because if the world realizes that Addie never really settled and Eva still exists, they might deem her a threat. There’s a chance – a miracle, even – that there could be a way for both girls to exist, but it means risking everything. Can they do it, and can it be done in time?

Before I launch into a review that doesn’t accurately portray all the feelings (yes, I have FEELINGS for this book) I have toward What’s Left of Me, let’s just take note of something. This book has, hands down, one of the most beautifully brilliant and original plotlines that I’ve read in a very, very long time. Throughout the novel, I would pause and take a moment to think about just how utterly refreshing it was to read something entirely new. That, in and of itself, is an amazing accomplishment, and Kat Zhang should be immensely proud of her creation. Incredible pacing, personable characters and a deep, imaginative plot combine to create a whirlwind of action, adventure and drama.

There was something so very poetic about What’s Left of Me that managed to break my heart, piece it back together, and then shatter it about five or six more times throughout the book. By creating two incredibly dynamic characters in Addie and Eva, I was able to fully envelop myself in the world of the novel through two unique perspectives. The torturous part was that only one of those characters could actually talk and act for herself. Eva’s desperate desire to speak, feel and move for herself clawed its way into my soul. Such small, minute actions she craved, but she wasn’t able to accomplish them without Addie. Watching her pain and feeling her struggle was beautifully unbearable. She couldn’t even lift a finger, but Eva becomes one of the most poignant and powerful female MCs for me in YA literature. Addie, too, was brilliantly crafted through her conflictions and pain, as well as her relationship with her soul sister (no pun intended). Each character, action, event and setting of What’s Left of Me was painted with an expert eye so as to draw us into a world that is flawed, broken and completely tangible. My only qualm, if you can even call it that, was that I desperately wanted more of a climax at the end. The tension built to this furious intensity then I felt like it wound down and wrapped itself all neatly for the finish. You know me. I like it to be a little messier than that!

Overall though, What’s Left of Me is one of the most poetic and powerful reads of 2012 for me, and it’s not one that I’ll soon forget. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian, sci-fi and 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.

Title: Drain You
Author: M. Beth Bloom
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: July 24, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 400
Source: Publisher

Every night I'd lie there in bed and look out at the hills behind our house, listening. I knew there'd be consequences. Actions meant reactions. Sunrises meant sunsets. My fear was too permanent, lasting longer than eyeliner, something I wore every day and didn't wash off.

Quinlan Lacey's life is a red carpet of weird fashions, hip bands, random parties, and chilling by the pool with her on-and-off BFF Libby. There's also her boring job (minimum wage), a crushed-out coworker (way too interested), her summer plans (nada), and her parents (totally clueless). Then one night she meets gorgeous James, and Quinn's whole world turns crazy, Technicolor, 3-D, fireworks, whatever.

But with good comes bad and unfortunately, Quinn's new romance brings with it some majorly evil baggage. Now, to make things right, she has to do a lot of things wrong (breaking and entering, kidnapping, lying, you name it).There's normal, and then there's paranormal, and neither are Quinlan's cup of Diet Coke. Staying sane, cool, in love, and alive isn't so easy breezy.(less)

Quinn’s teenage existence follows the status-quo in every way possible. She has a decent job, decent friends, decent interaction with her parents and, well, pretty much decent everything. However, she’s bored. There has to be more to life than the petty sun-up to sundown life she revolves in constantly. Then she meets James, the mysterious stranger that will turn her life upside down and change everything she thought she knew forever. James is darker than anything she’s ever experienced before, and with the darkness comes fear and instability. Maybe she should have thought twice before wishing for more excitement. Can true love really conquer all?

I do believe there is still hope in the YA genre for vampire books. Despite all the bad ones that keep cropping up, I still have hope for the fact that there might just be a diamond off there, hiding out in the rough. Drain You, however, follows the somewhat well-known formula of a vampire novel, giving us the boy, the girl, the drama and all the fixings in a mashup of plotlines and intrigue. Author M. Beth Bloom has crafted a novel that will surely please a wide audience of vampire-loving young ladies, and her easy, fluid writing style is certain to whet many a YA appetite.

I absolutely hate writing bad reviews. On the flip side, I also hate when a book has all the potential in the world to break the stereotypical mold and simply rests on its laurels instead. Most unfortunately, Drain You was exactly the latter of the two. In the case of vampire novels, each new book that emerges on the scene has the chance to take the genre and turn it on its head, but none of them really seem to do so, which is quite frustrating. Quinn, as a main character, infuriated me. She was self-absorbed, clueless, self-deprecating and completely complacent to just let the ridiculous chips fall as they may. James, too, was a very surface heavy character with little to no depth at all. He had the dark aura we’ve come to expect, as well as the brooding temperament and utter lack of personality. Yet, somehow, there is this “love” connection that blossoms instantaneously throughout this drawn out and rather chaotic plotline. My main issue with that is that I can reconcile with insta-love if there is a fragment of believability in the characters, themselves. Unfortunately, neither of the main characters in Drain You sung enough alone to make their chemistry (or lack thereof) resound together.

I realize I’m being atypically hard on Drain You, but the fact of the matter is that we, as a young adult reading audience, should expect more depth and more drama below the surface. I want tension, and I want to make a connection with the characters. Both, unfortunately, simply didn’t work with this novel for me. I give it a 1.5 out of 5, and I would recommend it to those looking for the YA audience looking for a simple, run-of-the-mill vampire novel.

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.

Guys, I'm so excited to have the amazing Rachel Carter on my blog today for the So Close to You blog tour! I just read the book the other day, and it was such a refreshing twist on the YA genre with little touches of just about everything I love in YA lit. If you haven't heard about this book yet, read this synopsis, and I dare you to tell me you don't want to read it:

Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices--and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself.

1. Please describe SO CLOSE TO YOU in five words or less. 

Time travel. Mystery. Conspiracy. Love.

2. What, if anything in particular, inspired the story of SO CLOSE TO YOU? 

My biggest inspiration was hearing about the real-life conspiracy of the Montauk Project. The idea that the government could be hiding a secret paranormal project in a small town like Montauk, New York, was so interesting! I started doing more research and the story kept developing from there. 3. Lydia is such a strong character, and she is so full of life. Did you want to make her an empowering female MC? .

I did! But I also wanted her to seem like a real person, and real people are not always perfect and brave and right. Lydia is a seventeen-year-old girl who has her world turned upside down, and she has to struggle to make sense of that. Does she always make the right decision? Not necessarily. But at the core she’s strong and determined, and that definitely helps her handle this strange situation she finds herself in. 

4. What sort of research did you do to bring the alternate time period within SO CLOSE TO YOU alive? 

I read history books. I googled my brains out. But learning facts about a time period is not the same as living in it – for example, in a hundred years, if someone looks back at 2012 they’ll see that Justin Bieber was number one on the music charts. But that doesn’t reflect a true spectrum of what teens are actually listening to. So the most valuableresearch I did was talking with my grandmother about what life was like during World War II. She taught me the slang, the songs that were popular, and sheeven showed me her old yearbooks. 

5. Wes, though swoon-worthy, remains somewhat of an enigma. Will we ever get to explore his character deeper? 

Oh Wes. Mysterious, frustrating Wes. Don’t worry - you’ll see a lot more of him in book 2, and you’ll start to learn more about his past and his personality. But I think a part of him will always remain a little bit mysterious and closed off…it makes sense given his past. 

6. How did you choose the setting for SO CLOSE TO YOU? 

The setting was pretty easy – the book is about the Montauk Project, which takes place at the end of Long Island. And when I visited Montauk for the first time, I fell in love with the beachy, small-town vibe. In a weird way it reminded me of where I grew up, which was also in aresort town (though a ski resort in Vermont!). I felt like I instantly understood the relationship between outsiders and locals that happens in vacation towns, and that helped me a lot with the setting. 

7. What do you think makes SO CLOSE TO YOU stand out from the crowd in YA lit? 

So Close to You blends a lot of different genres. It’s a little bit sci-fi, a little romance, a little history. I don’t think you can easily put it into any YA category! 

8. What theme, if any, do you hope for readers to take away from SO CLOSE TO YOU? 

It’s a theme that all three books in the series will grapple with: Is discovering the truth about something worth it if you can’t always change your fate? 

9. Did you read books when you were younger that inspired a story of time travel? 

I used to love the Caroline B. Cooney books – Both Sides of Time, and Out of Time. They were so romantic! I need to go back and read those again…

10. Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers? 

This has been such an amazing experience, and interacting with readers is definitely one of the best parts. Please feel free to email, tweet, or facebook me... I’d love to hear your thoughts on So Close to You!

Title: Dreamless
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: May 29, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Mythology
Pages: 487
Source: Publisher

Helen needs to get through hell in two ways: by night they reflected the underworld, even worse torments her day that Lucas and they may possibly love. In the underworld, Helen meets Orion. The more time they spend together, the closer they come to. Then something totally unexpected happens, the forces calculated for holding and Lucas Orion: The four houses are combined and Scion, a new Trojan war seems inevitable!

Helen’s destiny cannot be fought. The ancient prophecy that states she can and must free the Scions from blood debts owed to the Furies now rests solely on her shoulders, and her task is arduous, her journey long and the road is rough. She is the Descender, and every night she must cross into the Underworld to find and defeat the Furies’ quest for vengeance, which makes the Scions kill one another. Night after night, she follows her duties alone until she meets another Scion – one she’s never met before – who might just have to save her from dire circumstances. But Descending takes its toll, and Helen’s losing her faith, losing her sight on what’s real and she might just be losing her mind. Can Helen fulfill the ancient prophecy before it’s too late?

I didn’t review book one on my blog simply because I couldn’t put into words how much I loved it. So, naturally, my adoration of the writing style and fluid plot led me to be concerned (at best) for the fate of Dreamless. I shouldn’t have worried though. Veteran author, Josephine Angelini, continues in her proven vein of master-storytelling, crafting a story so rich and vivid that, at times, you might just feel as though you’re in Helen’s shoes. With a soft and steady gait, the plot overtakes you in its alluring web, trapping you in the midst of the characters’ fights for their lives and an epic battle that feels more real than surreal. The words leap from the pages, breathing new life into a tired genre and prove that sophomore installations can meet and surpass their predecessors.

The characters truly soar in Dreamless, allowing the readers to reach new heights of the story by giving us truly unlimited access to their psyches. We get to see what makes Helen tick in this installment, more than ever before, and her quiet subtleties in both her actions and inactions are incredibly telling. We watch as Lucas evolves slowly, as well, and we meet Orion, as well as other new characters, who twist the plot to their personalities, making the storyline evolve throughout. There are touches of romance in Dreamless, but it’s not the end-all, be-all of the book. Rather, they serve to bolster the plot and move it along, changing and manipulating the story as it goes. However, the true strength of the novel lies within the action of the novel. The storytelling is superb, and the pace is flawless throughout. The continuous twists and turns are emphasized with careful detail, description and melodious words. The settings are phenomenal, and more than once I wished I could visit these lands that Helen journeyed to.

I’m a tough critic, but I really loved Dreamless. I thought it was a fantastic sequel, and I’m extremely excited for the next installment. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and mythology.

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.

Guys, I just want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work and dedication to the #TeamAmity cause leading up to the release of Insurgent by Veronica Roth. As you all know, the book came out yesterday from HarperTeen, and I highly recommend you buy it...stat!

I'll be posting my review of it this coming Saturday, and I have to say that epic just doesn't describe it at all. So, go out and see what you should definitely NOT be missing! Most of all though, thank you for being a part of this awesome release promotion.

To my Amity faction members: You guys are awesome, and I seriously got the luck of the draw being in this with you! Thank you for your tireless effort and devotion. It paid off! Because #TeamAmity won, the awesome Veronica Roth recorded a special message for us...adorable...and super exciting!

Again...thank you, thank you, thank you...go buy Insurgent today!

Title: Social Suicide
Author: Gemma Halliday
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

Twittercide [twit-er-sahyd]: the killing of one human being by another while the victim is in the act of tweeting.

Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the Herbert Hoover High Homepage would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper’s brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went... a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the Homecoming Queen-hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH’s resident body finder, I’m stuck trying to prove that Sydney’s death wasn’t suicide.

I’m starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos...

Hartley is back with a mystery more dastardly than ever, and she’s going to need to draw on all of her media-savvy, her wits and her crime-solving prowess to solve this one. Law enforcement is convinced that Sydney Sanders’ death was accidental, but Hartley’s not so sure. Lurking in the corners of her mind, Hartley has an idea what might have happened, and she’s determined to uncover it at all costs. But Hartley’s got more on her hands than ever before. She’s working for the paper, keeping up with school and then there’s Chase, who might be exactly what she wished for, in all his bad-boy glory.

Social Suicide is the much-anticipated sequel of author Gemma Halliday’s debut novel, Deadly Cool. Running in the same vein as its predecessor, we’re given a quirky heroine with all the flaws and faults of friends we might find in real life, giving us a realistic take on a crazy murder-mystery ride. Unlike most murder mysteries though, this series has a way of turning them into uproariously hilarious tales that are cringe-worthy, biting and just a touch snarky to whet your appetite for a fun and entertaining read. Heck, if I was murdered, I’d want Hartley on my case.

I remember how completely blown away I was when I read book one. It was witty, didn’t take itself too seriously and it had this protagonist that just had me laughing the entire time. With Social Suicide, we are treated to Hartley’s antics, yet again, and I have to say it’s no less of a treat than before. Her offbeat character voice and subtly ironic humour really complements the layered mystery that, while serious in nature, is still engrossing and entertaining to become involved in. Unlike the first installment, we have a new hint of romance this time around, and it’s every bit as fun and flirtatious as the mystery, itself. Hartley and Chase have an incredibly fun and offbeat romance that truly adds a layer of sweetness to Social Suicide. Hartley’s confusion regarding Chase’s inability to commit to one viewpoint on a relationship was honest and charming, and I’m sure plenty of teen girls can relate. The true strength of Social Suicide lies within the awkward humour that, at times, feels like a nail-biter, but at other times has you wheezing with laughter. Above all else, Hartley’s not the best mystery-buster, but her attempts make us laugh without fail. Just like before, Social Suicide is a teen read, quick and painless – offering you fun without any strings attached. It’s almost like a take it or leave it approach.

Overall, though I think book one was stronger and funnier than Social Suicide, this was still an entertaining and fast-paced sequel – one you can easily finish in a single evening. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries, touches of romance and humour.

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: Pandemonium
Author: Lauren Oliver (Twitter, Facebook)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: February 28, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 375
Source: Publisher

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lena's been through hell and back...as literally as possible. Her mind is broken, her body is broken and her heart is shattered into a million pieces after losing Alex. When she is discovered by the Invalids, Lena is more than shocked to find that they nurse her back to health, rather than brutally kill her like she was led to believe they did in the Wilds. But Lena's journey is far from over. As she recovers and grows stronger, so does her mind and her heart. She becomes a member of the resistance, finding something to believe in, but danger lurks in every corner. Is the fight for Love worth it, or will the ultimate freedom come with the ultimate price...again?

I remember how blown away I was when I first read Delirium, despite my hesitance. So, naturally, I had extremely high expectations for Pandemonium, especially as the second book in the series. Lauren Oliver has delivered a stunning sequel to the first book in her epic dystopian series, giving us more of the brutal battles, ruthless world and breathtaking love story that we've come to expect from her. With impeccable grace, Pandemonium sweeps us into the ravaged Wilds and gives us a heroine that might be battered and broken, but is every bit as fierce and determined as we could hope. In a sentence, Pandemonium is tragically beautiful and painfully rich, giving us the very best in dystopian fiction.

Guys, I have an extremely strong aversion to love triangles, so you should make note of that going into this review. Pandemonium took my heart and gradually repaired it with a soaring, sweeping love though, where its predecessor tore it from my chest and stomped on it a million times. Lena, as usual, is a wonderful heroine. Her humanity is the driving force of her character, making her someone I want to read about, and the added strength she gains through living in the Wild only serves to foster that investment in her being. Furthermore, though we're given a host of new characters to meet, including Julian who I desperately wanted to hate but just couldn't, Pandemonium balances an action-packed plot and a host of characters with ease. The real strength of Pandemonium, however, lives in the writing, itself. Perfectly switching between Then and Now, the story is never jarring or false, and it flows effortlessly, guiding a soaring plot arc throughout.

All in all, Pandemonium was a brilliant sequel to a nearly perfect first book. I am so excited to be able to say it lives up to book one because I was a bit scared. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian 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.

Title: Balthazar
Author: Claudia Gray (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: March 6, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 374
Source: Publisher

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago.

Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

Balthazar has, for all intents and purposes, a tormented past, and it's one that he carries with him every day of his life. But Balthazar can no longer hide from it when he makes this decision to help Skye, once a student at Evernight. His past follows him everywhere he goes though, and Balthazar doesn't know the evil undercurrent consistently boiling below the surface. Just when he finally discovers there could be redemption and happiness for him after all, Balthazar is thrown into a final battle that could end everything for good.

I have to admit that while I enjoyed the Evernight series, it was never really at the top of my list of absolute favourites. In a genre full of vampire novels, while the writing was solid, the story didn't sing to me. However, the character of Balthazar was always a beacon, so when I discovered that a companion novel to the series was being released, I was hooked. Claudia Gray has spun a mesmerizing tale of love and redemption in Balthazar, giving voice to the unsung hero of her beloved series. With clean, easy writing and a vivid, emotional plot, the story soars from start to finish, leaving the reader breathless throughout.

It's quite a feat when a vampire novel has me singing it's praises, but I have to say that Balthazar succeeded on many levels. Balthazar, though a vampire, felt human to me in the sense that he was open, honest and totally transparent. While on the one hand, Balthazar was a totally kickass vampire, on the other hand he was an rich, intoxicating MC with a soul that sears through the pages. Skye, too, was a fun character to explore in Balthazar. Whereas she was previously an afterthought, her spunk and character balanced Balthazar's with ease, bringing a sense of light to a dark and tumultuous plot. Furthermore, Balthazar deftly balances two very clear and distinctive POVs with ease, which is a success in and of itself. Most of all though, Balthazar seamlessly merged action, suspense, drama and emotion into a beautiful package that was well-rounded and a pleasure to read.

Overall, Balthazar was a brilliant start to a new series (I think/hope?). While it is a companion novel, I don't think it's necessarily imperative to have read the Evernight series, as the story does its due diligence and can stand alone. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, as well as those who love paranormal and fans of the Evernight series.

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: Variant
Author: Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Thriller
Pages: 356
Source: Publisher

Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life. He was wrong.

Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive. Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

When Benson is accepted into Maxfield Academy, he's elated. This is his chance to get out. This is his opportunity to become something bigger and better than he would otherwise be. At least, that's what the academy looks like from the outside. Once inside the walls of the prep school he was so honoured to attend, Benson realizes that he now lives within a veritable petri dish. There are no adults. The school is locked tight, and the students trust no one. But Benson soon realizes that there are two choices in Maxfield Academy. Follow the rules and suffer the consequences, or break the rules and pay the ultimate price. When the choice is death or eternal suffering, which would you choose?

It's safe to say that Variant takes the dystopian genre, throws in a twisted core and makes for a tumltuous and entirely destructive novel that's a thrill ride from start to finish. Author Robison Wells has created a masterpiece in Variant that blends the best of horror, dystopian and character-driven novels into a rich, frightening and utterly original world. With a powerful cast and an equally potent premise, Variant presents a dark and terrifying world that is easy to become lost in. Trust me when I say that you want to be lost in the world of Variant, but you will be truly glad to escape it in the end. Mind-bending and haunting, it will leave you spellbound.

Before I say anything else, I have to say how refreshing it was to read a book with a male MC that is first-person narrated. In a genre dominated by female protagonists, it was such a breath of fresh air to hear how the world looked from Benson, a teenage boy's, point of view. Plus, his voice was truthful and real, lending to the carefully crafted lunacy of Variant. There's a beauty in the despair of a true dystopian novel, which Variant embodies. You're given the bleakness, you're given true darkness and you're driven towards a lack of hope that lends to desperation. Variant gave us a unique spin, however, presenting a carefully controlled environment in this dystopia, but allowing that environment to twist into utter chaos within its chains. Watching the world of youth turn in on itself was bone-chilling, and the author crafted it carefully in order to keep us riveted. The beauty of Variant is that it makes you question everyone, without fail. The tagline, "trust no one," was entirely accurate, and I could never have guessed the end, which left me reeling. The writing is solid, and the plot is phenomenal, so without giving anything away, allow me to say that Variant breaks the mold and gives us a fresh new take on the genre.

All in all, Variant blew me away. I was expecting a good read, but I got an amazing read, and that is a true pleasure. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend this book to all fans of YA fiction, especially those who enjoy dystopian and thrillers.

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.