Title: Unbreakable
Author: Kami Garcia (Twitter)
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Kennedy's life has gone from bad to worse as of late. Once a normal girl, everything changed the day she found her mother dead. Now, Kennedy's life is thrust into a world of supernatural creatures - spirits, demons and deadly forces that want nothing more than to kill her. From everyday schoolgirl to a member of a demon-fighting Legion, Kennedy must take up her mother's cause and continue her mission...and everything along the way is new, dangerous and deadly to her.

Before I review this book, I must say that I wasn't the world's biggest fan of Beautiful Creatures. It just felt like something was missing to me, so I really did have pause when this one showed up on my reading radar. That said, I do believe that Kami Garcia has a great mind and a fantastic author's voice, plus I was very intrigued to read a paranormal story for a change. Unbreakable seemed like the perfect story for me because it's devoid of the typical werewolves and vampires. Rather, we're offered a menacing demon, a mystery in which to become invested and a race for survival.

For all my hesitation going into reading Unbreakable, I have to say that I was pretty darn pleased with the writing of this novel. It has a strong, fast and extremely solid pace, and it really felt as though the plot was steady throughout. Furthermore, I thought that Kennedy was a great protagonist in whom to become invested. Though devastated, she had a strength and resilience about her that was both endearing and believable. Above all else though, she was a strong female character, and that's such a necessary element for me in paranormal tales these days. In addition to Kennedy, we get an ensemble cast including Priest, Jared, Lukas and Alara who match her evenly and never really take a back seat. I really enjoy it when secondary characters bring their own arcs to play, as well, and the supporting characters of Unbreakable definitely did. I did have a bit of an issue with the ease of the mystery though. As the teens search to find the missing pieces to this weapon that can destroy the demon once and for all, they find them with relative ease, and they're all extremely centrally located. If it was such a formidable weapon, I would really have loved to see them struggle a bit more to find the pieces. I would assume that this weapon would be scattered, rather than held in one veritable stronghold. There is also, unfortunately a love triangle in this novel, and while I liked that Kennedy had to choose between two equally great guys, it did get a bit cloying and overwhelming as the story went on. Without that, I think I could have dealt with a single relationship instead.

Overall, I think that Unbreakable was a pretty strong and intriguing start to a new series. Despite the few issues I had with it, I'll definitely continue on. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA and paranormal stories.

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: Fathomless
Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: September 4, 2012
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 304

Celia Reynolds is the youngest in a set of triplets and the one with the least valuable power. Anne can see the future, and Jane can see the present, but all Celia can see is the past. And the past seems so insignificant -- until Celia meets Lo.

Lo doesn't know who she is. Or who she was. Once a human, she is now almost entirely a creature of the sea -- a nymph, an ocean girl, a mermaid -- all terms too pretty for the soulless monster she knows she's becoming. Lo clings to shreds of her former self, fighting to remember her past, even as she's tempted to embrace her dark immortality.

When a handsome boy named Jude falls off a pier and into the ocean, Celia and Lo work together to rescue him from the waves. The two form a friendship, but soon they find themselves competing for Jude's affection. Lo wants more than that, though. According to the ocean girls, there's only one way for Lo to earn back her humanity. She must persuade a mortal to love her . . . and steal his soul.

I have always been a sucker for fairy tales. Always. Especially because they usually have a darker, more sinister underbelly if you read between the lines. Fathomless is the latest in this fantastic series of awesome fairy tale retellings, and let me tell you...mermaids?! Sold. The characters sound fantastic, and I love the fact that there is a deeper hidden meaning within that synopsis, and I can't wait to uncover the secret parts of the classic story of The Little Mermaid. 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: Perfect Escape
Author: Jennifer Brown
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: July 10, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 352

Kendra has always felt overshadowed by her older brother, Grayson, whose OCD forces him to live a life of carefully coordinated routines. The only way Kendra can stand out next to Grayson is to be perfect, and she has perfection down to an art -- until a cheating scandal threatens her flawless reputation.

Behind the wheel of her car, with Grayson asleep beside her, Kendra decides to drive away from it all -- with enough distance, maybe she'll be able to figure everything out. But eventually, Kendra must stop running and come to terms with herself, her brother, and her past.

I've read a few of Jennifer Brown's books now, and she never ceases to amaze me. While I'll admit that I've started to have a bit of a soft spot for contemporary fiction, I'm still rather picky, and issue books are usually the way to go. I like some depth - more than the everyday romance and "boy meets girl" story. Because of that, I think that Perfect Escape might just be an awesome fit for me. It sounds like yet another deep, meaningful story in which I can become invested in the characters, so I can't wait! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: The Shattering
Author: Karen Healey
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: September 5, 2011
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 305
Source: Publisher

Seventeen-year-old Keri likes to plan for every possibility. She knows what to do if you break an arm, or get caught in an earthquake or fire. But she wasn't prepared for her brother's suicide, and his death has left her shattered with grief. When her childhood friend Janna tells her it was murder, not suicide, Keri wants to believe her. After all, Janna's brother died under similar circumstances years ago, and Janna insists a visiting tourist, Sione, who also lost a brother to apparent suicide that year, has helped her find some answers.

As the three dig deeper, disturbing facts begin to pile up: one boy killed every year; all older brothers; all had spent New Year's Eve in the idyllic town of Summerton. But when their search for the serial killer takes an unexpected turn, suspicion is cast on those they trust the most.

As secrets shatter around them, can they save the next victim? Or will they become victims themselves?

Keri is used to being in control. She knows how to prepare, and she's ready for every twist and turn, but when her brother suddenly dies, she's thrown for a loop. Jake wasn't the type to commit suicide. He would never have simply left her, and she's so convinced of the fact that when a childhood friend suggests the possibility of murder, Keri is on board. So, she's got a goal again. Keri will find out who killed her brother, and while she's at it, she, Janna and Sione might uncover more than they were searching for.

The Shattering is an eerie book, to say the least. There's a darkness in the prose that resonates throughout, growing and expanding with each turning page and twist of the mystery. Karen Healey, author of Guardian of the Dead, has nailed down the suspense-factor, spinning riveting tales that are equal parts harrowing and mind-bending. By developing a fully-fleshed plot, relatable characters and a storyline that doesn't quit, The Shattering grips the reader in a world they can easily become lost and terrified in.

There are parts about The Shattering that I loved, while there were aspects of the book that were a bit puzzling for me, I'll admit. First of all, the author has placed The Shattering in a small New Zealand town, letting the richness of the landscape and environment sing through the pages and make the story that much more tangible. Then, she's placed a cast of characters within her dynamic backdrop and given them personalities, backgrounds and motives that make them accessible to the reader. Keri, for example, was brilliant. She had a quiet, steady strength that, while wavering at times, was powerful and a true presence. Plus, the way The Shattering combined folklore, grief, suicide and coming out was delicate and creative, ensuring that each element and theme played an equal part. That said, I will say that I felt the mystery element often overshadowed some of the others - namely the grief. It seemed as though it was meant to be a driving force, and it got lost sometimes. Furthermore, I felt that there were a few plot hiccups as the pacing slowed, then sped too fast. Like I said though, the strengths and weeknesses did balance.

Overall, The Shattering was another solid and entertaining novel from an established author. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy YA, especially those who like mysteries and dark stories.

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: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: September 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Karou is, for all intents and purposes, your average art student living life in Prague. She has an ex boyfriend that treads daily into her life and messes things up, an eccentric best friend and a penchant for drawing wildly daring artwork that seems unimaginably alive. When classmates ask where her inspiration comes from, she smiles and says it's all true. Karou lives a little on the edge behind closed doors though. Her life in secret is one of mystery. Raised by demons, knowing magic and the depth of the realm of possibilities the world has to offer is a beautiful and dangerous gift. So dangerous that meeting Akiva could be both the greatest and worst thing that could have ever happened to Karou.

Before I say anything else, I have to say that no matter what I write in this review, I will never be able to adequately put into words the sheer ingenuity that is Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I've read twists on the paranormal. Heck, I've read at least fifty books claiming they're the next big thing. It's when a book like Daughter of Smoke and Bone creeps up and takes your breath away that you realize there is still room to grow in the young adult genre - there are still ways to dazzle readers and enthrall them with a world beyond our own. Laini Taylor has written a book I want to lose myself in forever. Fabulously original, richly engrossing and utterly refreshing, she's created a world within Daughter of Smoke and Bone that is unlike anything I've ever read and that somehow manages to make me feel both mesmerized and uneasy all at the same time. Lyrical and imaginative, you too will forget where the real world ends and Daughter of Smoke and Bone begins.

The story begins with two lines that could very well serve as the entire synopsis of Daughter of Smoke and Bone: "Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well." If you're thinking of cliches and time-tested angels/demon stories, think again. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is nothing if not original. Whereas so many books regarding good versus evil lapse into a world that pacifies readers with physical beauty and little to no twists on time-honoured tales, Daughter of Smoke and Bone pushes the boundaries. Rather than settling with what we think we know about angels and devils, the book creates a haunting and brilliant backstory that throws every caution and preconceived notion to the wind. Daughter of Smoke and Bone seamlessly merges character development, a brutal, bloody feud and breathtaking imagery into a story that packs a punch throughout. Karou was never overdone. Her confusion and willingness to learn and grow was believable. She wasn't weak, but she wasn't overtly strong either, which made her a character that truly resonated. Then there's the love element. Don't be alarmed though - there is no insta-love in Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Rather, the romance begins to bud far into the story, searing through tense moments and making the events and emotions smolder that much more, making them so much more powerful. Furthermore, it must be said that the verbiage, the tone, the imagery and the setting, in general, were impeccable. Every word in this lengthy story had a purpose, and that is a feat in and of itself.

Like I said though, nothing I can say will do this book justice. You'll simply have to read it to understand the beauty of it for yourself. As one who aspires to someday (hopefully) be an author myself, I have to say I seriously covet the author's writing talents. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to both YA and adult audiences, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance.

I received this ARC 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: Bitter End
Author: Jennifer Brown
Publisher: LB Books for Young Readers
Published: May 10, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 359
Source: Gift

When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole, a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her, she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate-someone who truly understands her and loves her for who she really is.

At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her best friends, Zack and Bethany, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all of her time with another boy? But as the months pass, Alex can no longer ignore Cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats. As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose - between her "true love" and herself.

Alex has found the guy of her dreams. He's everything - a star athlete, good looking and absolutely adores her. She can't imagine her life without him, and she has no intention of ever having to do so. There's something else taking hold of her relationship though, too. It's a kind of possessiveness that's foreign to Alex but very familiar to Cole. He doesn't want to have to share her, and he'll do anything to ensure he doesn't have to. Alex doesn't want to lose him, but it's more than that. She's afraid she's begun to lose herself, and she's not sure who she really is, or even was anymore.

I'm not going to dance around this review at all. I usually like to lead into a review and break it down into pieces, but some books make it easy for the reader to understand the book and feel fulfilled from the start. Bitter End was the epitome of a homerun YA contemporary read. Powerful, hard-hitting and extremely realistic, author Jennifer Brown clearly did her research when writing this book. Bitter End presents a story that's fairly common though often in an undercurrent in society, bringing it to a new light with a teenage girl who is vulnerable, yes, but learning to find herself through a maze of abuse.

Bitter End could very easily have been a so-so read. All that had to happen was have an emotionally disconnected main character with no spine and a self-deprecating attitude. Luckily, however, Alex was none of the above. She was a strong girl with the world at her feet, and the terror of her relationship with Cole was that it didn't start with blatant physical abuse. Cole slowly chipped away her armour until he had her in the palm of his hand. By that time, it was so believable that Alex was alone in her world that, as a reader, I could understand why Cole had such a power over her. Bitter End presented a harrowing tale with a main character that broke my heart and slowly helped me piece it back together again...a feat that is hard to find in a lot of the books I read.

I have a habit of looking for flaws in the books I read today, but I have to admit that I couldn't find any in Bitter End. Emotional and raw, I give it a 5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction. Fans of Raw Blue will probably find this to be an extraordinary read.

Marc said he heard the dark song when he creeped houses. The song the predator's heart sings when it hears the heart of the prey. I heard it now. Marc said it had always been in me. Lurking. Waiting for me to hear.
Ames is not the person she was a few months ago. Her father lost his job, and her family is crumbling apart. Now, all she has is Marc. Marc, who loves her more than anything. Marc, who owns a gun collection. And he'll stop at nothing--even using his guns--to get what he wants. Ames feels her parents have betrayed her with their lies and self-absorption, but is she prepared to make the ultimate betrayal against them?
Taken from GoodReads.

In Dark Song, we meet Ames. She’s a golden girl with the world at her feet. Born into a life of privilege, cushy mansions, and excess, Ames doesn’t know the first thing about loss until the rug is pulled out from under her feet. When her father is fired from his job, details emerge revealing him for what he truly is, and Ames feels betrayed. Lost and confused, her perfect world starts to unravel, and suddenly she’s thrust into a new town with new lies and new losses. But Marc offers her an out. He offers her protection and a sense of stability…but how much is Ames willing to give up for him?

Before I say anything else, let me state that Dark Song is NOT a feel-good book. If you are looking for something light and fluffy, this is not the book for you. I didn’t really know what I was in for when I started Dark Song, but I was intrigued, and I’ll admit that I devoured this book in about four hours. It’s a quick and fast-paced read that sends you on a dark and enthralling ride as a good girl goes bad. Gail Giles strings you along with Ames and her family, hooking you with a plot that won’t let you go.

I was amazed by just how dark Dark Song really was. I had a general idea where it was going, but wow…it dips into some pretty dark and messy material – stuff that I’m not usually used to or want to read. That said, I think Gail Giles handled the issues with due tact. I will, however, state that while I found the characterization of Ames, her family, and Marc to be superb, I was really, really disappointed in the secondary characters at the beginning like Kim. Her first introduction is as “the anorexic girl,” and her descriptions that followed were stereotyped and a bit crass. Furthermore, her cronies were the stereotypical mean girls that I loathe so much. I wished those characters broke the mold like Emily. I also had some trouble stomaching the actual relationship between Marc and Ames. It’s very…graphic, shall we say. I think, however, that was the point of Dark Song.

All in all, if you’re looking for a no-holds-barred take on one girl’s downward spiral from good to bad, Dark Song is a really great read. It’s very dark though, so if you do read, be prepared for the content to be rather heavy. I give this a very strong 4 out of 5, and I’d recommend it to fans of YA, contemporary fiction, and I think an adult audience would appreciate it, as well, as it’s a very poignant story.

This ARC was given to me free of charge from the publisher, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.