Fantasy is the type of genre that, in theory, I should love impartially, but I find myself borderline too picky most of the time. It's very hit or miss with me, but when it does manage to hit, it hits hard. I've been on the lookout lately for an awesome fantasy novel to crave…and I think I might have found it. Only problem? The release date. 

Title: The Orphan Queen
Author: Jodi Meadows (Twitter)
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: March 10, 2015
Genre: YA, High Fantasy
Pages: 400

Wilhelmina has a hundred identities. She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Yes. Freaking. Please. It sounds like The Orphan Queen has everything that I want in a fantasy novel - romance, power, magic and a whole lot of adventure to boot. Plus, Wilhelmina sounds like the type of protagonist that I could totally root for, especially if their adventures are dangerous and threaten their loyalties. Clearly, this is the type of fantasy book that I long for, and I'll be eagerly anticipating its release…forever. 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 feel like I swore up and down this past year that the dystopian genre was dead, but there are still a few books that absolutely blew me away and had me begging for more. One such author, Mindy McGinnis, wrote one of my all-time favourite dystopians, Not a Drop to Drink, and I've wanted more since the very last page of that book. Can you believe dreams do come true?!

Title: In a Handful of Dust

Author: Mindy McGinnis (Twitter)

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publish Date: September 23, 2014

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Pages: 384

Lucy’s life by the pond has always been full. She has water and friends, laughter and the love of her adoptive mother, Lynn, who has made sure that Lucy’s childhood was very different from her own. Yet it seems Lucy’s future is settled already—a house, a man, children, and a water source—and anything beyond their life by the pond is beyond reach.

When disease burns through their community, the once life-saving water of the pond might be the source of what’s killing them now. Rumors of desalinization plants in California have lingered in Lynn’s mind, and the prospect of a “normal” life for Lucy sets the two of them on an epic journey west to face new dangers: hunger, mountains, deserts, betrayal, and the perils of a world so vast that Lucy fears she could be lost forever, only to disappear in a handful of dust.

While I loved reading the story of Lynn in this novel's predecessor, I'm also pretty darn eager to see how the story works from Lucy's point of view. There was a raw power in Not a Drop to Drink that was painful, hopeless and distraught - very dystopian - that I really hope carries through into this novel. It made the first book remarkable, so I'm excited to see that this isn't a cut-and-dried sequel...rather a new point of view. Also, I must have this cover. Stat. 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: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth (Twitter)
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: October 22, 2013
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 526
Source: Personal Copy

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

In my time as a book blogger, I've reviewed very few series in their entirety. This is for several reasons. First and foremost, it's daunting to have to schedule reviews for one series on a blog. Second and, perhaps, most importantly though, series tend to have some very high highs for me, and some very low points, as well. However, I've been invested in the Divergent trilogy from the start, and I'll admit that I fell prey to the hype as much as the next person. As such, in many ways, Allegiant proved to be what I consider to be a worthy end to a fantastic series.

Allegiant has a bit of dichotomy to its reviews. It seems as though readers either love it or hate it, and there really is no middle ground. Veronica Roth took a true risk with this novel, knowing full well that she had us waiting with baited breath and turning the tables on us. This book offers us what we've been waiting for, but at the same time, it rips away that facade of happiness we've had all the while, too. Book three is one of emotional turmoil from start to finish, and it's a roller coaster. Throughout books one and two, I felt as though I always had Four and Tris's solid companionship to fall back on, but everything about this novel threw me for a loop.

When I get to the heart of the matter though, Allegiant is about a war. Yes, we're taking a journey with some incredible characters, and we've witnessed Tris's growth into a force to be reckoned with. Yes, we've come to know and love Four's strength, his resilience, his defiance and his heart. Yes, we've always known that war comes with casualties, but I don't think any of us were truly prepared for how very high the stakes were in this novel. At the end of the day, war comes at a cost, and people will always pay the price. Sometimes, it is the ultimate price, and while we think we're prepared to take these things in stride, there is a feeling of emptiness when it actually comes to pass.

My feelings for Allegiant run very deep. I do believe that Ms. Roth gave us a fitting end - albeit perhaps not the one I might have wanted. She made it abundantly clear that there is no real glory, or romance, or beauty in war. It will only bring about death, and grief, and destruction. I enjoyed that Allegiant diverted me from what I expected. I learned more about this world outside of the factions than I ever thought I would and, though it didn't necessarily make me happy, it worked. I did, however, have issue at times with the dual narration, was well as a few very abrupt character changes that I struggled to reconcile with. I think that  so much time was spent leading up to the grand finale that we lost some of the meat that would have made important scenes and events clearer in the end.

Overall, I understand why some readers really disliked the ending, but I have to say that I can appreciate what we received with Allegiant. It's not what I wanted, but at the same time, I think it's everything that I needed for closure in this series. I highly recommend lots of tissues when reading this book, and I give it a 4 out of 5. This book will be great for all lovers of YA and dystopian novels.

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: Ashes to Ashes
Author: Melissa Walker (Twitter)
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: December 23, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 356

When Callie's life is cut short by a tragic accident, she expects to find nothingness, or maybe some version of heaven. Instead, her spirit travels to the Prism, an ethereal plane populated by the ghosts she thought were fictional. Here she meets a striking and mysterious ghost named Thatcher, who is meant to guide her as she learns to haunt and bring peace to the loved ones she left behind.

However, Callie uncovers a dark secret about the spirit world: The angry souls who always populate ghost stories are real, dangerous, and willing to do whatever it takes to stay on Earth, threatening the existence of everyone she ever cared about.

As she fights to save them, Callie will learn that while it may no longer beat, her heart can still love-and break.

It's been a while since a paranormal book has intrigued me, and it's been, like, forever since a ghost story has intrigued me. Here's the thing. I'm of the theory that ghosts should be every bit as "human" as possible in stories, without the whole tangible, audible and physical thing. It sounds to me that Ashes to Ashes might just have all that and more. Plus, I'm in the mood for a good love story. This could be the trifecta! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Not a Drop to Drink
Author: Mindy McGinnis (Twitter)
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: September 24, 2013
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it...

Lynn's life is defined by water...or the lack thereof. Born after the Shortage, she lives in a world where water is so scarce that people live and die in a quest to find it. Raised solely by her mother in this world ravaged by carnage, she knows that, above all else, she has to protect the pond. This, their sole source of water, is the key to their mutual survival, and she must always put the pond first. Without it, and without water, they will die slow, painful deaths. But the water isn't the only thing worth killing for, and Lynn's world is about to turn on its head when she learns that everything she knows might not be enough. 

Although I've been fairly put-off by the dystopian genre in general, I've been intrigued by the premise of Not a Drop to Drink from day one. Offering readers a story that that is dark, terrifying and, frankly, entirely plausible, we're invited into a world so broken that young children learn to defend themselves and their water sources with guns from childhood. Author, Mindy McGinnis, has crafted a new spin on the dystopian genre, inviting readers a story that's dynamic, provocative and incredibly memorable. It's the type of story that will linger; haunting and baiting you with every sip of water you drink.

I'll be entirely honest and say that I wasn't sure what to think at the start of Not a Drop to Drink. It's a very internally-driven story,and although it's written in third-person, we're immediately drawn within Lynn's persona and state of mind. Because we begin with just two primary characters, we see the world in distinct and stark shades of black and white from her perspective, which can be a bit limiting. The story, however, progresses, and we get to see Lynn change from a girl with one sole purpose into someone that welcomes change and evolves as the world begins to change around her, as well. In large part, I loved Lynn's character. She had this aura about her and a carefully-constructed facade of protection around her that shielded her from the worst of her pain. Although, at times, I wish she showed more emotion, it was actually an asset to the storyline that she distanced herself from the worst of her emotions because it made the story a lot more plausible. I also loved that we got to watch as she gradually evolved throughout the novel. The changes weren't immediate, and we never lost sight of her as a person, but as the secondary characters such as Stebbs entered the picture, we began to see the walls melt. Lucy was a brilliant addition to the novel. Her innocent persona perfectly offset the frankness of Lynn's, and they counter-balanced each other well. I was worried that when Eli entered that we would suddenly have an insta-love on our hands, but their careful budding friendship and romance really heightened the tension, the drama and the ultimate stakes of the novel. I did have a few small issues with the novel including the revelation of the backstory. We don't understand how the world became the way it did until the final third of the book, which works, but left me a bit confused until I became too absorbed in the story to care. Also, I felt that the final events of the novel were rushed. The revelations of Lynn's father, the constant mentions of a city we never actually see and the untimely events that we hoped to avoid all happen in an instant, and I do think that the novel could have easily worked with a hundred or more pages. And, although I'm not a fan of epilogues for the most part, I have to say that seeing the story come full circle was a truly beautiful touch. 

All in all though, I really enjoyed Not a Drop to Drink. It's not a happily ever after tale, and it's certainly not a feel-good book, but it's profound and powerful. Despite a few flaws, I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA who enjoy darker 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: Hemlock
Author: Kathleen Peacock (Twitter)
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: May 8, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered. Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf. Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Years after her best friends' murder, Mac is still haunted vivid nightmares and visions of a restless Amy. Fearing for her own sanity and desperate for answers, Mac decides to take matters into her own hands and find Amy's killer herself. But Mac's in over her head. In a time where the werewolves are out and the virus is real, Mac's life is most definitely in danger, but she doesn't know where exactly this danger is coming from, or just how close to her it's going to get.

If you've been looking to satiate your paranormal-loving appetite, look no further than Hemlock by debut author, Kathleen Peacock. This riveting tale combines classic paranormal elements with some of the most beloved and winning traits of YA novels - love, danger, mystery and self-discovery. With a fast-paced plot that has you reeling from the start, readers will be thrust into a world that masks a troubling conspiracy and a deadly clash of races and cultures. Hemlock features heartbreaking characters, strong storylines and a vivid, emotional voice that will have you invested in the outcome from the start. 

I've long since been tired of paranormal novels, and I think I've yet to read a werewolf series which I actually love. I'm in the minority here, as I know there's a certain series by Maggie Stiefvater that I simply did not appreciate. However, Hemlock really defied my expectations which, admittedly, were not very high. Mac was the type of heroine I look for in paranormal novels. Rather than being weak and allowing the trauma of Amy's death to consume her, she throws herself headfirst into the throes of this simmering war and tension. She is the type of heroine that young girls should look up to with a true purpose and passion for those she loves and what she believes in. There is a love triangle in Hemlock, but I was surprisingly not too disappointed. It's fairly well-crafted, and the author does a good job of developing the sides of the romance and creating these polar opposite love interests that both have redeeming qualities. Kyle is sweet and caring on the surface, by Jason's outward vitriol lends to a deeply caring and compassionate heart, which makes you invested in his plight, as well. The best part about the triangle is that it never actually circumvents the plot, itself. We're given fast-paced action throughout, and rather than simply being consumed and overridden by a cloying love story, we're given a subtle triangle that weaves its way into our hearts and gives us something more to believe in. The puzzling mystery, too, is done in a way that kept me guessing from the start. I love not knowing where a book is going, and Hemlock managed to keep me on my toes throughout. The only downfall to this book might be the fact that the setup is pretty formulaic in terms of paranormal novels, but the author puts her own touch on it, which definitely brands it as her own.

Overall, I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed this book, and I find myself invested in a paranormal series despite my ardent reservations. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories and werewolves.

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: Erasing Time
Author: C.J. Hill
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

Sheridan and Taylor didn’t just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. They woke up in the wrong time. Everything they have ever known is gone, and the world they woke up in barely resembles the world they know. Language, clothing, animals – everything is different…and drastically different, at that. Sheridan and Taylor didn’t happen upon this new world by accident though. They were brought here with the sole purpose of creating a new weapon that might just ensure the ultimate destruction. But time is running out, and the girls must find someone to trust, some way to escape or simply settle for being pawns in a brutal game forever.

I will forever be a geek. I’m not ashamed to say that I let my nerd flag fly, and I really enjoy novels that embrace the concept of time travel. Erasing Time by C.J. Hill promised me that and so much more. Giving us a world that is a broken mess of twisted lies, deceit and power-hungry villains, we’re sent on a journey with the characters, hoping only to save ourselves in time. Easily embracing the concept of an ever-unraveling and changing time scenario, Erasing Time whisks us away into a world that’s entirely foreign to us, but oddly familiar, as well, promising adventure, drama and perhaps just a touch of fear.

I have so many thoughts about Erasing Time. Seriously…so many. There is a part of me that absolutely loved this book, and there’s a part of me that is so very on the fence about my thoughts. I’ll start with what rocked. The world of Traventon, where Sheridan and Taylor are sent, is a maze of contrasts. The colours are vivid, but the world itself is utterly bleak and desolate. There is an excitement in the novelties of this strange world, such as the unique beauty expressions in which the population utilize skin dyes to create their own unique look. On the other hand, there is a twisting, gut-wrenching terror that simmers in the underbelly of the novel, weaving its way throughout the characters and the plot. The dynamic between the twins was extremely well done and utterly believable. Though only one twin gets a perspective in the novel, I never felt as though Erasing Time was one-sided. I completely understood Sheridan and Taylor, and both had extremely distinct personas. Echo, too, was a fascinating character with his blue hair and careful demeanor – though I’ll admit that the insta-love…or lust…or whatever…was a bit unsettling. My one big qualm with Erasing Time is that I wanted desperately to understand the world better. We’re painted this desolate picture of what life is today, but we never really learn why. What made them live their lives in domed cities? What created their bizarre political system? Near the end, we’re finally treated to a new world of information, but it’s rushed and happens so quickly. I almost wish the tense, action-packed ending had been filtered throughout to keep me guessing the entire time. I guess I had really just hoped that the page-turning suspense would have lasted throughout – rather than just the last third.

Overall, Erasing Time had an engaging hook, dynamic characters and a refreshing spin on sci-fi. Though I wasn’t entirely satisfied, it was definitely a good book. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I thoroughly believe others will enjoy all the twists, too. I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy sci-fi and dystopian.

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: Insignia
Author: S.J. Kincaid
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: July 10, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian
Pages: 444
Source: Publisher

More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.

Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?

Tom’s life has never been easy…or lucky, for that matter. Frankly, he’s never been much of anything except the one destined to clean up his father’s continued messes again, and again and again. He wants more though. Tom believes he is destined for great things, and he just wishes he could find an in. Unlucky Tom catches a lucky break when someone recognizes his fantastic ability to blend, adapt and con his way to success. He is inducted into the Pentagonal Spire where he has the chance to become one of the elite – a human weapon in the third world war. But greatness always comes at a price…is Tom willing to pay it?

How many times have I said that I wish there were more YA books from the male perspective? Seriously…the answer is many. Insignia offers us the male viewpoint and so much more. Author S.J. Kincaid had her hands full with this one, to say the very least. With a world far bigger than the size of the book implies, Insignia envelops you in a tense, nearly alternate reality in which virtual reality is as real and as plain as day. With a richly fluid writing style, the novel pulls us into a world that is entirely different than our own, but also terrifyingly real and riveting.

Holy. Crazy. Geekdom. Before anything else, allow me to say that Insignia rocks the sci-fi genre, turning it on its head with an entirely new approach, fantastic wit and a host of characters that are engaging, blunt and utterly honest. I’d seen next to no hype about this book, so I definitely wasn’t expecting too much, though I’ll admit that the premise fascinated me. The concept of neural processors and having a computer inside your skull merges with concepts of gamers, which I’m entirely unfamiliar with. However, Insignia builds a plot and backstory that is so believable that it felt completely real. In fact, I could actually understand the concepts, and while it’s a fairly surreal concept, it felt disturbingly possible, which really amped up the strength of the novel. Then, there’s Tom. There are few male MCs that I can truly relate to and root for, but he is most certainly one of them. Tom was, in a nutshell, such an honest, stubborn and genuine guy, that I could actually put myself in his shoes – which is often a rather difficult task. Most importantly though, the fact that a female author wrote his story did not detract from him being a guy’s guy…and a totally believable one at that. Insignia was terse, action-packed and complicated, but at the same time simplistic, truthful and entirely refreshing. With careful humour, wit and sly intelligence, Insignia creeps up on you and steals you, heart and soul.

It’s been a while since I read such a surprising and delightfully exciting book, and Insignia really did blow me away. If you’re in the mood for something different and that breaks the mold, this is it. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy sci-fi, dsyopian and male MCs.

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