Title: The Program
Author: Suzanne Young (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: April 30, 2013
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Pages: 405
Source: Personal Copy

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

I've been avoiding dystopian novels like the plague lately, so reading The Program was very much like a warm welcome back to this genre that captivated me over a year ago. Giving myself a break from the genre gave me a chance to clear my mind, think objectively about such intricacies in a dystopian society and allow me to once again form connections and bonds with characters within their worlds. Suzanne Young offers up a dystopian reality that's vaguely reminiscent of other novels we've read before, but there are harsh extremes within this novel that set it apart entirely.

I found that the idea for The Program was incredibly well-presented, and I found that the double-edged sword aspect of the plot, itself, made for a memorable experience. Teenagers are known to be volatile, emotional and far too often unguarded, making them susceptible to extreme emotional swings, which are both frowned upon and immediately stopped within this society. One recorded outburst equates to a stint at the Program where teens are forever changed - and their memories are wiped. But the cost is high, and the moral implications within this novel are challenging, thrilling and exciting. Is life worth living without memories, emotions and feelings, or is life worth living solely as a shell? What emotions make you…you? These questions fueled my rabid reading of the plot, as well as my overall curiosity throughout.

I must admit, however, that I failed to make the strongest connection with Sloane or James though, and while I loved the setup and the intricacies of this novel, I desperately wanted to feel something for the two of them, as well. Much of their setup was focused upon their love story, which is established prior to the novel's beginning. I'm all for a pre-established relationship, but I need to understand each person's character and role within the relationship to better understand the dynamic of how they work and relate to one another, as well. Trust me, Sloane was a likable girl, but was she the most memorable at the end of the day? Perhaps not as much as I'd hoped, which did, unfortunately, lessen my desire to root for her.

Overall though, despite my struggle to fully connect with the characters within The Program, I was really surprised with how intriguing I found the setup of this novel to be. Furthermore, it must be said that Ms. Young takes her time building this eerily ordered world, and I'm definitely going to continue on this series - and hope that I learn to better understand Sloane, James and the other important characters, as well. I give this novel a 4 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it for fans of YA, especially those looking for a well-built dystopian.

Title: The Edge of Falling
Author: Rebecca Serle (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: March 18, 2014
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

Growing up in privileged, Manhattan social circles, Caggie’s life should be perfect, and it almost was until the day that her younger sister drowned when Caggie was supposed to be watching her. Stricken by grief, Caggie pulls away from her friends and family, only to have everyone misinterpret a crucial moment when she supposedly saves a fellow classmate from suicide. Now she’s famous for something she didn’t do and everyone lauds her as a hero. But inside she still blames herself for the death of her sister and continues to pull away from everything in her life, best friend and perfect boyfriend included.

Then Caggie meets Astor, the new boy at school, about whom rumours are swirling and known facts are few. In Astor she finds someone who just might understand her pain, because he has an inner pain of his own. But the more Caggie pulls away from her former life to be with Astor, the more she realises that his pain might be darker, and deeper, than anything she’s ever felt. His pain might be enough to end his life…and Caggie’s as well.

The Edge of Falling is, first and foremost, a novel about the human condition and grief - something that might not work for everyone. The synopsis of the novel offers us something fairly generic; a girl who has experienced a great loss and is trying to get back on her feet, little by little. And, I'll admit, I expected a fairly generic novel, as well, with the obligatory love triangle that helps our protagonist feel alive again. What I didn't expect, however, was to read a novel that was so beautifully crafted in a way that many might not recognize. There's a great, terrible beauty to this book that invites you into the hollowness of despair as our author, Rebecca Serle, works to mend both our characters and ourselves.

Caggie was a tedious character to get to know, which can be a bit off-putting when first starting a novel. She's built powerful walls around herself to keep herself safe and others at a safe distance from the pain she feels she's bestowed upon others. As such, we feel as though we're standing on the outside for much of the front half of the novel, simply gazing in on this watered-down version of her life. I feel that Ms. Serle should be credited for her portrayal of grief in Caggie. I've seen many reviews state that they felt it was boring, and I'll admit that much of the first half of the novel is descriptive, hollow and a bit standoffish. However, there's also an incredible power in the way we're introduced to the life of our protagonist. Through her dulled eyes, and her world that's seemingly filled with emptiness and echoes, we understand the magnitude of her grief and her pain. It's an interesting and unique stance for the author to have taken, and I highly commend it.

While I found The Edge of Falling  to be a bit predictable, it's important to note that the story is not actually about the secrets behind her sister's death, or the untimely heroism of saving a former classmate. The story is much more introspective than that and, as such, hiding these plot points isn't necessarily the most important part of the novel. I will say, however, that it would have been nice to hold some elements a bit closer to the chest, if only to build the momentum of the novel a bit more towards the end. 

In terms of characters, we're offered a bit of a hodge-podge of Manhattan's elite. From Caggie, to her broken-down mother, to her friends and love interests, we're given an eclectic mix of people with whom we can relate. I did feel as though some of the secondary characters, such as Laila, felt a bit like tropes. I hoped for a bit more power and depth from their characters, but I could see that this was Caggie's story in the end, and it was her journey that was going to propel us through the novel. Ms. Serle's writing doesn't let us down, and her cleverly-articulated plot and prose is powerful for those who can read between the lines to understand the enormity of grief, guilt and moving on.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Edge of Falling. I think that it's a bit more high-brow than other novels on the market today, so it won't work for everyone, but the author gives us a lot to think about with a great deal of skill. I give this a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of upper YA and intelligent YA fiction, especially those who enjoy character-driven contemporary 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: This Side of Salvation
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: April 1, 2014
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 384

Everyone mourns differently. When his older brother was killed, David got angry. As in, fist-meets-someone-else’s-face furious. But his parents? They got religious. David’s still figuring out his relationship with a higher power, but there’s one thing he does know for sure: The closer he gets to new-girl Bailey, the better, brighter, happier, more he feels.

Then his parents start cutting all their worldly ties in to prepare for the Rush, the divine moment when the faithful will be whisked off to Heaven…and they want David to do the same. David’s torn. There’s a big difference between living in the moment and giving up his best friend, varsity baseball, and Bailey—especially Bailey—in hope of salvation.

But when he comes home late from prom, and late for the Rush, to find that his parents have vanished, David is in more trouble than he ever could have imagined...

I've been dying to read a really strong contemporary novel from a male POV for a long time, and I have to say that this couldn't have come at a better time! I absolutely love powerful themes of family, religion and self-discovery, and it really seems as though this novel might just be the trifecta. Plus, the author is a proven powerhouse storyteller, so how can you go wrong with that? I'm definitely excited to get my hands on this. 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.

Title: Fault Line
Author: Christa Desir (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: October 15, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 240
Source: Publisher

Ben could date anyone he wants, but he only has eyes for the new girl — sarcastic free-spirit, Ani. Luckily for Ben, Ani wants him too. She’s everything Ben could ever imagine. Everything he could ever want.

But that all changes after the party. The one Ben misses. The one Ani goes to alone. Now Ani isn’t the girl she used to be, and Ben can’t sort out the truth from the lies. What really happened, and who is to blame?

Ben wants to help her, but she refuses to be helped. The more she pushes Ben away, the more he wonders if there’s anything he can do to save the girl he loves.

Contemporary fiction is a genre that seems to either hit very well with me, or simply miss me entirely. I know that many readers and reviewers read contemporary for escapism. I, however, read the genre when I'm looking for a hearty dose of reality that I cannot otherwise find in fantasy, paranormal, or dystopian books. Fault Line promises readers a dark, emotional journey and, as we're thrust into a tumultuous and emotional journey, Christa Desir exposes the underbelly of society that we do not like to see. 

Fault Line is one of those books that will have either extremely strong advocates for it, as well as those who are immensely opposed to it. Dealing with the messy, painful topic of rape, this book embraces the grittiness and rips us from our comfort zones. There is strength in this, as it isn't glossed over or muddled with unimportant romance. Rather, the aftermath of such a heinous act feels as though the book, the characters and, at times, the plot, have been broken and ravaged by such a vicious crime.

I, for one, can appreciate that Ms. Desir didn't turn this book into merely a cautionary tale in which we see the hurt, but we watch our main character simply bounce back after the fact. I think that would have defeated the purpose of Fault Line. Rather, as the title implies, we see where everything begins to crack, crumble and fall apart, causing this ripple effect of destruction to everyone and everything about Ani. When we meet Ben and Ani, their banter is endearing and hilarious. They are real, and it's a great draw into the story. However, the crime decimates Ani's character, shattering her reality and, essentially, ripping away Ben's identity, as well. 

Despite the strengths of the premise though, I felt that Fault Line became too obvious and too jumbled at times. There are so many gray areas and so very many emotions that can be played out throughout the story, but they truly got lost in the shock value of the novel. There is a meaning to the lighter on the cover, and there is certainly a meaning to the message "Who do you blame?" on the cover. My issue is that we're offered almost too much and from the wrong point of view. We bounce from one painful act to the next and, when I feel like I know Ben, he does something that makes me lose faith in his character entirely. I simply could not come to terms with his rationale. 

Overall, Fault Line has a ton of potential, but it isn't without its flaws. The author makes a bold choice when tackling such dark subject matter, but I think that any inherent meaning is a bit lost in the shock value we see.   I give it a  2.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to upper YA/NA readers, as the subject matter is heavy and, at times, a bit graphic. This is for fans of contemporary fiction.

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

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

Title: Afterparty

Author: Ann Redisch Stampler 

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publish Date: January 7, 2014

Genre: YA, Contemporary

Pages: 384

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Slice of Cherry
Author: Dia Reeves (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: January 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Horror
Pages: 505
Source: Personal Copy

Kit and Fancy Cordelle are sisters of the best kind: best friends, best confidantes, and best accomplices. The daughters of the infamous Bonesaw Killer, Kit and Fancy are used to feeling like outsiders, and that’s just the way they like it. But in Portero, where the weird and wild run rampant, the Cordelle sisters are hardly the oddest or most dangerous creatures around.

It’s no surprise when Kit and Fancy start to give in to their deepest desire—the desire to kill. What starts as a fascination with slicing open and stitching up quickly spirals into a gratifying murder spree. Of course, the sisters aren’t killing just anyone, only the people who truly deserve it. But the girls have learned from the mistakes of their father, and know that a shred of evidence could get them caught. So when Fancy stumbles upon a mysterious and invisible doorway to another world, she opens a door to endless possibilities….

Kit and Fancy have a fascination with death. They have a penchant for killing, as did their father, and they gladly do so without fear, without remorse and without any hesitation. There is a rush when they do it, and it's a high unlike any other. But all such things come with a price, and when Fancy finds the door to another realm, she might just have opened the door to the perfect hiding place for all their crimes. After all - they are sisters above all else, but daughters of a serial killer first and foremost.

I'm a fan of horror, and I don't know why I put off reading Slice of Cherry for so long, but I was finally convinced the other day. Dark, disturbing and immensely satisfying, this novel is a masterminded tale of horror to the finest degree. Dia Reeves gives us a pair of equally quirky and terrifyingly realistic girls in whom we must invest ourselves to fully understand not only their psychoses but their crimes, as well. The darkness of Slice of Cherry is, indeed, all-encompassing and, at times, acrid, but there is something dangerously alluring that will invite you in, as well.

When I started reading Slice of Cherry, I have to be honest and say that I wasn't all that excited about it. While I love watching (ok, not so much watching as squealing in fear) horror movies, but I'm always wary about a horror novel. If it's too scary, there tends to be a lack of character development. If it has perfect characters, we often lose the terror aspects of the book. With this novel though, we get the best of both. Kit and Fancy were pretty much opposites, and Kit was absolutely foul. She was a brat and the depth of her disturbia was fully evident. Fancy was a bit of an oddball. Though in her teens, she dressed and often acted far younger than her age. It was almost as though she was trying to never grow up - only serving to add to the already creepy nature of the novel. What really intrigued me most was that yes, these two girls were sadistic and cold-blooded, but there were also developing layers of emotional depth that we uncover throughout Slice of Cherry, as well - ones which keep us reading long after we think we should have stopped. I will say, however, that I did end up having somewhat mixed feelings about the book though, simply because it really is truly terrifying and disturbing. The author never shies from the brutality, or the torturous aspects of the novel, which is really, utterly sadistic. It works in the schemes of things, but it also served to make my blood run cold at times. So, on one hand, the mission was accomplished. On the other hand, I felt filthy having read it.

Overall though, I can't really fault Slice of Cherry for truly embodying the genre. Despite my qualms with the gruesome nature of it - it does work, and I think a lot of readers will really get what the novel is giving us. I give this book a 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of upper YA, especially those who enjoy horror. Please bear in mind that this is a horror novel and readers will encounter incredibly disturbing content.

Title: The Book of Broken Hearts
Author: Sarah Ockler (Twitter)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: May 21, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 352
Source: Personal Copy

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong? Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

It's Jude's final summer at home before college begins in the fall, and she's planning a summer of all the traditional fixings...but with a twist. Jude's the final of four daughters to leave the nest, which means that her summer will also be spent caring for and watching over her ailing father. As she watches her father slowly but surely begin to succumb to early-onset Alzheimer's, she finds just the ticket to bring a little spark back into their final summer together at home. Together, they'll repair her father's old motorcycle...but that means she must also interact with a Vargas boy, which means trouble. And, perhaps, just a little bit of love.

I've been on a bit of a contemporary bender as of late, but I tend to struggle with my selections, simply because I am extremely picky when it comes to the type and quality of the genre that I read. The Book of Broken Hearts was highly recommended to me by Ginger from GReads and, trusting her expertise on the genre, I decided to give it a whirl. It's not my first novel by author, Sarah Ockler, and I can wholeheartedly say it won't be my last. Where the cover might imply a sweet, simple story, we're presented with enormous challenges, pain and the desire to change. Evocative and emotional, The Book of Broken Hearts will shatter yours into a million pieces, all the while slowly but surely piecing it back together.

Before I can even start my review, I must simply state that this book is precariously close to the line of perfection, perhaps even toeing it. It embraces and embodies all the pain and challenges that come with a disease that is all-too familiar to many of us, and while we feel the deep and profound sense of loss that both Jude and her father feel, we also sense the connection that this debilitating disease is awakening. There is a delicate darkness to the subject matter of The Book of Broken Hearts because Jude's father's illness is always lurking stealthily in the background, waiting to strip away his last bit of dignity. However, through it, watching Jude build a beautiful and powerful relationship with her father was incredible. I worried a bit about the relationship aspect of the story, simply because I thought it would overpower the connection that Jude had with her father. Rather though, we see Jude's initial prejudices from years of scheming with her sisters against the Vargas brothers, and we see Emilio for far more than the girls thought he was. While her home life fought an uphill battle, Emilio was that proverbial lighthouse in the storm. He was sweet, kind, caring and patient, and we watch as his strength serves to bolster Jude's, giving her the strength she needs to survive her struggles. Emilio originally came off as cocky and, perhaps, a bit arrogant, but we see that beneath this teasing, he is a genuine, gentle guy who could melt your heart with his character, as well as his dimples. I felt as though I was utterly absorbed in the story, feeling every heartbreak, every laugh, every single bump in the road, and that, my friends, is what makes The Book of Broken Hearts work so very well.

I've always said that the books we love the most are the hardest ones to review, and I can guarantee I did not do this book justice. I do, however, hope lots of other readers will see my ramblings and give The Book of Broken Hearts a go. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy strong contemporary fiction.

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: Live Through This
Author: Mindi Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: October 2, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 304

Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her from the annoying drama. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a stepdad and mom who would stop at nothing to keep her and her siblings happy and safe.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and as Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

Guys, you know how I feel about contemporary novels, so you're probably a bit surprised to see this bad boy as my WoW. Here's my reasoning though. Live Through This, if done well, could be the shining example of what the genre could be. It has enough issue subtext and drama that it could very well break the mold of the girl that has to rely on the boy to fix her broken life. The idea of a life spun from lies intrigues me, and I really hope that it becomes a whirlwind and action-packed drama. I think that if you can take an everyday girl and make her story into something extraordinary...that's success. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein (ARC), Thank you, T.M. Goeglein

Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler (ARC), Thank you, Simon Pulse

The List by Siobhan Vivian (ARC), Thank you, Push

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

ARC - Thank you, HarperTeen

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body.

FOR REVIEW

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

ARC - Thank you, Simon Pulse

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better? Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected. Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall....

FOR REVIEW

Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

ARC - Thank you, Flux

Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain. After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves.

Also, be sure to enter my international giveaway for my second ARC of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi! Click HERE to find out how!

Title: Clean
Author: Amy Reed
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: August 9, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 288
Source: Netgalley/Publisher

Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva have one thing in common: They’re addicts. Addicts who have hit rock bottom and been stuck together in rehab to face their problems, face sobriety, and face themselves. None of them wants to be there. None of them wants to confront the truths about their pasts. But they’ll all have to deal with themselves and one another if they want to learn how to live. Because when you get that high, there’s nowhere to go but down, down, down.

Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason and Eva have next to nothing in common except their addictions, but even their addictions are nothing like each other's. Each facing emotional baggage, addiction and a desire to lose themselves, they're forced into rehab in Seattle to regain a handle on their lives and get back to the promising futures they once had. To change though, they must first admit their problems before they can take the necessary steps to get better. Some want to, but the others are in denial. One thing is certain - they have to learn to accept themselves, but they might just need each other to do so.

I don't read too many books about addiction. Disorders, yes. Diseases and death, yes. Addictions though...not so much, and I don't know why. Addiction is not something I'm really familiar with, but I know that it can grip one's life and never let go. Clean does a remarkable job of accurately portraying addiction, the effects it has on one's life and what might be behind a teen's addiction, as well. Amy Reed presents the reader with a no-holds-barred account of life in the grips of an addiction that's debilitating to the minds, bodies and souls of everyday teens. Filled with raw emotion, realistic situations and a powerful, resonant theme, Clean is tangible and powerful.

I think one of the most intriguing things about Clean was the style in which it was written. I have a fascination with books and authors that break the mold and dare to do something a little different. In the case of Clean, the book is told through a series of essays, narratives and sessions, lending the reader an insider perspective to the teens' lives in rehab. This could easily have been botched and felt false, but Clean presented it in a very real, believable manner, making the characters relatable and harrowing. I felt for them. I laughed for them, and I definitely teared up for them, as well. Though featuring a large cast of characters, Clean managed to fully flesh out each one, too, and each character had a specific impact on the book, which was great. The only issue I really had with Clean was the crass language that was so prominent throughout. Don't get me wrong...I know that teens swear. Hell, I swear. That said, I don't necessarily want to read it on every page to the extent that it actually makes me cringe. However, the positives did outweigh this negative for me in Clean.

All in all, Clean was a powerful and intriguing read that made me step out of my comfort zone and read about something new. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and issue books. I also recommend it to an upper YA audience due to graphic language.

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: Fury
Author: Elizabeth Miles
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: August 30, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay. Em and Chase have been chosen.

Emily's crush is finally spending time with her, and she's ecstatic. The catch? It's her best friend's boyfriend. Chase's love interest is finally showing interest in him, but it appears she has a secret, and it's driving him mad. With teens, rampant hormones, festivities and a group of gorgeous girls who are set to wreak havoc on those committing sins against one another, it's setting up to be one heck of a holiday. Love makes people do crazy things, and winter break in Ascension, Maine is about to get crazier than ever.

Fury is the first book in a planned trilogy loosely based upon the myth of the Greek Furies. Placed in the modern context of a high school dynamic, loaded with teenagers and rampant with hormones, Fury explores the idea of what might happen if, indeed, these mythical Furies were real and how life would continue for a group of teens. Author Elizabeth Miles has created a pulse-pounding adventure alive with detail and imagery sure to captivate teen readers. Fury features a pressure-building approach, leading up to an ultimate climax that will leave you desperate for book two.

I have to premise my review saying that if you're going into reading Fury looking for a true and accurate take on the Furies, allow me to enlighten you. This is what I like to call "mythology-lite," meaning simply that Fury takes liberties that changes much of the actual idea of the Furies, while borrowing the idea of their revenge as the fuel for the fire of the story. That said, let me focus on the characters for a moment. I'll be honest and say I didn't really like any of them, but let me clarify that my saying that I don't believe I was supposed to. The fact that I didn't like them actually made me like the story more because they felt more tangible and their acts seemed more real and reprehensible, if that makes sense. Em and Chase were pretty good characters - fleshed out and flawed, which drove the story towards the whirlwind finish. The Furies, however, were a bit too surface-only for me. I didn't get much anger, or emotion at all from them. Mostly, I just knew they were deceptively gorgeous, and a lot of time was spent on that. I wish I'd known more about them. Also important to note is the pacing of Fury. Not quite slow, but certainly steady, I found that the pace grew a bit tiring for a bit, but as you reach the end of the book, the action is fast, intense and white-knuckle worthy.

All in all, Fury was a pretty good book with a great premise and a pretty decent follow-through. While I think a lot could have been played up and played out, I do look forward to seeing book two (hopefully) exceed book one. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to upper YA audiences due to some graphic and foul language, as well as other lurid teenage activities. Those who enjoy paranormal stories and series will also enjoy Fury.

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: Between Here and Forever
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: May 24, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 256
Source: S&S Galley Grab

Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible. Until the accident.

Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her. She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.

Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...

Abby feels like she's always been living in a shadow. Tess had this personality that drew people in, and Abby always felt she lived in her shadow. She'd never be as pretty, or smart or athletic, or so she thought. But when an accident leaves Tess in a coma, Abby is left wondering where her place actually is. She's always been Tess's little sister - how can she live without that defining her life? Abby is positive there is a secret switch to wake Tess up though, and she's confident in her happy ending. The thing is...Abby never really knew the real Tess, and the real Tess might not just wake up how Abby wants her to.

Between Here and Forever is (I confess) my first taste of the contemporary author phenomenon that is Elizabeth Scott. Before you stone me in the street, please remember that contemps have never been my thing, so I always avoided such stories like the plague. Between Here and Forever portrays a heavy balance of character arcs, stunning revelations and plot points that fuel Abby's story forward from the first page to the last. With carefully crafted characters and strong emotions, Between Here and Forever is the embodiment of a story with a stunning twist that will leave the reader speechless.

I loved the writing style of Between Here and Forever. The writing is clear and succinct, the prose isn't flowery or overdone and the tone is accessible. I think that's the true strength of the book. That said, I'm going to have to throw this out there - I am so dang sick of self-deprecating female protagonists in contemporary fiction. I desperately wanted Abby to step out of her shell and come into her own in Between Here and Forever, but she seemed to just have this "woe is me" attitude throughout the entire story. She always made snide little comments about how ugly she was, or how stupid she was, or how she could never be like Tess. Ok, cool, we all have self-loathing moments, but it was so over-dramatic. I wanted to punch her in the face. I will, however, say that the revelation about the truth of Tess's character managed to save Between Here and Forever for me. The one thing I felt lacked in the story was more development of Eli's character. I felt he was a bit of a shadow lurking behind Abby's overdone hatred of herself. That said though, the sweet romance on the story was simple and believable, so that, too, was a good thing.

All in all, Between Here and Forever is a good read, and the author is a fabulous writer. I loved the voice, and truly it was just the main character that drove me mad in the end. I give it a 4 out of 5 for the writing and the overall story, subtracting only for Abby's ridiculousness and not knowing enough about Eli. I would recommend this one to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this eARC 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: Sometimes It Happens
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: July 12, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 256
Source: S&S Galley Grab

On the last day of her junior year, Hannah's boyfriend Ryan dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah's side...until it's time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava's boyfriend, Noah, who's such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah's good conversation and their fun times at the diner.

But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction--and one night, into a passionate kiss. The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Ryan, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think...

Hannah isn't quite sure where she belongs in the social hierarchy anymore. She's been a best friend, a peacemaker, a wallflower and she's about to embark on the first day of her senior year, but there's a nagging suspicion in her mind that everything's about to change. She's right. When Hannah's friendship with her best friend's boyfriend crosses the line into something more while she's away, friendships, relationships and the entire fate of her senior year is on the line, and there's a good chance everything she's built is about to unravel. Will everything Hannah has fall apart? And, if so, was it worth it in the end?

Sometimes It Happens easily fits into the chick-flick niche of the YA contemporary genre. With a host of female characters, plenty of drama and a steady-paced plot, it's one of those books that moves from start to finish with no real hiccups. Author Lauren Barnholdt has a fun, conversational tone that I'm now familiar with from her other work such as One Night That Changes Everything. Allowing the reader direct access to the main character's mind, Sometimes It Happens gives us a firsthand look at both an internal and external character struggle without becoming preachy or overbearing. Fun and flirty, cute and heartbreaking, Sometimes It Happens is sure to find a home on many a teenage shelf.

Now, while I really love the overall tone of Sometimes It Happens, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have some issues with the book. First of all, the synopsis as presented is misleading, and I'll say that I knew what had really happened to Hannah about two pages into the book because the foreshadowing was so heavy. I'm all for a bit of a hint of what's to come, but I'd really rather it be a surprise. Sometimes It Happens also features a bit of an interesting pace, that I think I'm leaning towards liking, though I wasn't sure at first. The book starts in the present, then shifts back to three months ago, giving us a bit of background, then shifts back to present-day. Luckily, Sometimes It Happens does this with ease, and it didn't feel too jarring. Here's my real issue with the book though, whether it be more personal opinion or not - I'm simply not an advocate of that statement "sometimes it happens." True, but it doesn't have to. Rant over. Being objective, I liked the development of Hannah's character, loathed Ava and her nasty streak, enjoyed Lexie's fun attitude and actually found myself liking Noah. Good characters can usually make up for what a book is lacking.

All in all, Sometimes It Happens was a cute read. Did I love it? Love is a strong word, so no, but it was fun, and it was a quick, easy read. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of the YA genre, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

I received this eARC 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: Stay
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: April 5, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 320
Source: Galley Grab

Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Clara knows all too well what it means for someone to be dangerously co-dependent. It started as love, and a love far greater than she had ever known, at that, but it quickly grew into something deeper and more serious. Christian loved Clara, but he loved her to the point of possessiveness, and Clara's world became constricting and pained, despite the supposed "love" that was bestowed upon her. While he put her on a pedestal far above others, the dark lining simply meant she had farther to fall when her world crumbled beneath her. Clara needs to learn that loving herself is far greater than being the true object of one's eye.

Stay is my first stab at work by author Deb Caletti. I've heard wonderful things about her work, and I was eager to try it based on the premise. There's something haunting and more powerful about stories involving love gone wrong, but they can easily become cliche and overbearing. I can happily say that Stay defies the odds and exudes far more emotion than I could have hoped. It made me cringe, it made my cry and above all else, it made me think about self-worth. If a book can make me reflect upon my own life and my own choices, then the author has made the story ring true.

Clara was a twisty character in Stay...but this is not to be confused with twisted. She felt a sense of power in the love Christian felt for her, and it was understandable. To have that sort of love must truly build one up. She had a unique and unusual voice that completely separated her from the author's voice, which was utterly refreshing. Clara spoke in a way that was upfront, open and honest, but reading the meaning in her words was much like peeling and onion. The hidden layers beneath the words themselves took her story and character to the next level. I was also completely refreshed by her father, a secondary character with a true and defined personality. He clearly respected his daughter, but he gave her the freedom to make her own mind. Christian's character was the counterpart - eerie, dark and more haunting because of Clara's upfront approach to her situation.

I'm on a roll with contemps, it seems, and I'm so happy to have read Stay. Raw and powerful, Stay is fast-paced read but exudes both depth and feeling. I give it a firm 5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

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