Brad About Books: Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin

Read from April 19 to 20, 2013

BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD
Published: September 18, 2012
Publisher: FSG (Macmillan)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 350 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Birthright, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read All These Things I've Done. 

What a fantastic sequel! Gabrielle Zevin has created another masterpiece with Because It Is My Blood, which I loved even more than the first book!

I'm officially addicted to this series. The world-building is so unique and original - I love getting to see the new city Zevin created! And one thing I love so much about this second book is the fact that we get to step outside of the country, which book one was set entirely inside the United States. The world and the world-building in Because It Is My Blood was so vivid and bright and I loved it! It was definitely a highlight of the book!

Anya is... oh gosh, what can I say? She's fantastic - that's all there is to it. She has rapidly become one of the strongest characters I've read about. She's determined, fierce, and wonderful in every single way. The entire cast of characters is great too. Gabrielle Zevin is also a master of making an ensemble of characters all important and play a strong role in the novel. Anya, though, is definitely the best part of the characters and the book.

And wow! The sequel slump totally missed this series, and I'm so happy. Because It Is My Blood was phenomenal. I honestly couldn't find a single flaw! The pacing, the characters, every single bit of this book is great. I highly recommend and push this series onto everybody!

Overall, Because It Is My Blood is an electric and mind-blowing sequel. I honestly can't express my love for this series enough! So excited for In the Age of Love and Chocolate, but I'm so scared as to what's going to happen!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Reboot by Amy Tintera

Read on April 15, 2013

REBOOT
Expected Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Edelweiss ARC
Page Count: 352 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: Reboot, #1

Five years ago, I died. 178 minutes later, I woke up.

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

Reboot is a fast-paced, high-action novel that brings a fierce protagonist and a strong ensemble of characters to the table. Reboot is epic!

I had some trouble at the beginning of the book. I was having to learn what a Reboot was and understand the new landscape of the world. But after awhile, I got the hang of things and understood Reboot. And believe me when I say that Reboot is filled with loads of action. There's usually a heart-pounding, blood-racing scene per chapter; I loved that Amy Tintera did that! Love me some action in a book.

Wren... oh gosh, what is there to say about Wren? Move over, Tris! Wren has become one of the most strongest characters I've ever read about. I mean, come on. She was dead for 178 minutes (which is what the cover is referring to; the barcode with 1, 7 and 8 poking out)! Right from the beginning, I knew I would like Wren, and I did throughout the entire book! I never got annoyed with her - mainly because she was too strong to be whiny. Callum was always really cool. I will admit that he was a bit naïve in the beginning and too... clumsy. After a bit, he became strong. I even felt bad for him in one scene towards the end of the book!

The entire concept of Reboots and Rebooting is so cool and original! But it's also pretty terrifying. Imagine dying... then waking up however many minutes later with no emotions, no fear and no care for anything in the world but fighting. So freaky but so awesome! That's the part I love the most about Reboot - how original and unique it was!

Overall, Reboot is an energy-filled read that shocked me and made me fall in love with this world. Amy Tintera is an author to watch!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Legend by Marie Lu

Read from March 1 to 2, 2013

LEGEND
Published: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Putnam {Penguin}
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 305 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Legend, #1

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

FAN. TAS. TIC. Legend is a phenomenal dystopian that stands out in every single way possible. I couldn't get enough of this book!

This book is now in my top favorites of dystopian books ever, and Legend is definitely a favorite of 2013 for me! I read it so quickly, simply because I was sucked into the book right from the beginning. There was so much action within the first few pages, and it never stops - it only grows with tension and craziness. I absolutely adore this book. Why didn't I read it sooner?!

And the fantastic characters... don't even get me started! Day was an awesome character. I felt bad for him with his situation he was stuck in, but he's so sly with everything he does, it's hard not to root for him throughout the book. June was just as great. I love that she is this military prodigy and how smart she is, which is why she can do so many incredible things during Legend. I mean, wow. Marie Lu did a brilliant job at weaving these characters together and making them feel authentic and true! This is another reason why I love Legend so, so, so much.

The twists and turns that Legend brings are unbelievably and indescribably amazing. I didn't expect quite a few things that weren't revealed until towards the end of the book, and I adore it when a book can shock and surprise me. And Legend does just that. If you're aboard the dystopian bandwagon {like I am}, Legend is an absolute must-read. I've been pushing this novel onto everybody lately, and I don't think I'll be quitting anytime soon!

Overall, what can I say about this masterpiece of a book? It's wonderful. Phenomenal. Outstanding. Marvelous. Legend is easily one of my new favorite books!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Read from February 9 to 11, 2013

THE NAME OF THE STAR
Published: September 29, 2011
Publisher: Putnam (Penguin)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 372 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Shades of London, #1

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago. 

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

I want to first start off by saying that this won't be a positive review. You may have noticed that the majority of books I review generally have high ratings. That's because I'm okay with stopping books (I believe life is too short to read bad books), so books I don't like, I don't read or review. But I had to make an exception for The Name of the Star - it was the YT Book Club pick, so I had to power through it. So that's why you usually see positive instead of negative reviews on BookYAReview. But today, I bring you my review of a disappointing read.

Before I begin, you can watch the LIVE discussion I participated in for YT Book Club!

The Name of the Star was a disappointing read. I had such high expectations - Jack the Ripper re-telling? Yes please - but none of them were met. 

The biggest problem I had with this book was the slow pacing. I hate to say it, but almost nothing happened. I just couldn't handle the slow parts of this book, and The Name of the Star is filled with them. Scenes of field hockey, loads of description, and unnecessary chapters of drama and nothing more were crammed into the book, and it seriously let me down.

The only part of this book I enjoyed were the chapters not told in our main character's point of view. They were suspenseful and scary. I really enjoyed them! However, I didn't really care for Rory, thinking back on it now. She was too whiny and too naïve for my likings. Plus, she just felt bland and two-dimensional for me.

I was expecting so much more with this ghost murderer. I expected scenes that would terrify me late at night or shock me to the point where my mouth would fall open. Unfortunately, none of those dreams were met. I just... I have no idea how to put it into the words. I guess The Name of the Star wasn't for me.

Overall, I am sad I didn't enjoy this book. I was really looking forward to it, but in the end, it wasn't the book for me.

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Read from February 26 to 28, 2013

MONUMENT 14
Published: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 294 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Monument, #1

Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong. 

In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.

Monument 14 is an explosive and thrilling read that left me shocked, stunned and amazed. This book was purely epic!

I will admit that I had some trouble at the beginning of the book. I couldn't connect to the writing style and none of the characters appealed to me. Luckily though, I kept reading the book - the second half is so much better. But still, I had troubles with the characters. Maybe it was because there were so many (fourteen) at one time, I couldn't remember who was. All I remember off the top of my head are Dean, Caroline, Niko and Alex. And the only one I thought was manageable was Dean. All the others seemed whiny at times {I can understand the little kids, and at some times, the teens, but not always}. 

Monument 14 shines out in the post-apocolytpic genre, though. I mean, deadly storms, a chemical weapons spill and hugh hail? Yeah, Monument 14 is insane. Laybourne does a fantastic job at making these awful and tragic events realistic, scary, terrifying and believable. I hope they never happen, but I could visualize it all thanks to Laybourne's writing style!

And I really like the idea of being trapped inside a superstore. Think about it: you have everything you need. Food, clothes, even entertainment stuff like books (yes!), toys, etc. But then again, it's scary. After you run out of that stuff, what do you have left? It's terrifying, which is one of the reasons that I enjoyed Monument 14.

Overall, this was a quick read that was fun and fresh, but I do have to say that I much prefer the second half to the first. Brutal, shocking and fascinating, Monument 14 promises and delivers an action-packed tale of survival!

MY RATING

Brad About Books: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Read from April 22 to 23, 2013

ELEANOR & PARK
Published: February 26, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 325 pages
Source: Publisher

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Wow. That's literally all I can say: wow. This book is a stunning and amazing in every way possible. Eleanor & Park is an absolute must-read!

And I'm not a big fan of contemporary. I find realistic fiction just a tad boring and never appeals to me. I had heard so many good things about Eleanor & Park, and I knew I had to check it out. Luckily, I loved this novel. So much so, I can officially say that it's my favorite contemporary novel. Contemporary fans, non-contemporary fans, you must read this book. It's a story of first love, first heartbreak and discovering who you are in the world. I have been pushing this book onto everybody ever since I finished it, and I don't see that stopping anytime soon.

What makes this novel so great are the characters. They're so easy to fall in love with and care for; Rainbow Rowell did a fantastic job at crafting together these characters and making them feel real and authentic. I felt so bad for Eleanor the first time she enters the book, but I also felt so many emotions with her: I loved her and her ways, I was angry at her decisions, and I wanted her to get out of her awful home-life. Eleanor was my favorite part of Eleanor & Park, but Park was great too! Park is just so nice and caring to Eleanor - they're both misfits in the world, but they go together so well.

Everything about Eleanor & Park is wonderful. I can't find a single flaw with this novel, and it's become one of my favorite books. I'm looking forward to picking up more of Rowell's novels - she's become a promising author after this book! Love!

Overall, Eleanor & Park is a wonderful and heart-warming read. I'm not even sure how to end this review without repeating over and over "this book is amazing". Absolutely and highly recommended!

M Y   R A T I N G

Waiting on Wednesday (19): Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine!

This week, I'm waiting on...

Another Little Piece - Kate Karyus Quinn

Expected Publication Date: June 11, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Page Count: 432 pages

The spine-tingling horror of Stephen King meets an eerie mystery worthy of Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars series in Kate Karyus Quinn's haunting debut.

On a cool autumn night, Annaliese Rose Gordon stumbled out of the woods and into a high school party. She was screaming. Drenched in blood. Then she vanished.

A year later, Annaliese is found wandering down a road hundreds of miles away. She doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know how she got there. She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon.

Now Annaliese is haunted by strange visions and broken memories. Memories of a reckless, desperate wish . . . a bloody razor . . . and the faces of other girls who disappeared. Piece by piece, Annaliese's fractured memories come together to reveal a violent, endless cycle that she will never escape—unless she can unlock the twisted secrets of her past.

You don't even understand how excited I am for Another Little Piece! It sounds haunting, spooky, and thrilling - just what I like. The line "She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon" freaks me out and makes me even more excited! I. CAN'T. WAIT.

What are you waiting on this week? Leave links to your WoW in the comments below!

Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like More/Less

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!

This week's topic is Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like More/Less, and I've picked five for each! If a title is clickable, it will take you to my review!

I Thought I'd Like More

1. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation - Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry and its sequels were fantastic; I absolutely loved them. But I have a different story with How to Ruin a Summer Vacation. I couldn't connect with the main character, and I didn't find the story as engaging. Maybe I'll give it another try one day.

2. Everybody Sees the Ants - A.S. King

I had heard such fantastic things about this novel, but it took me awhile to really get into the story. I liked the main character, but everything felt jumbled for me, and it was hard to keep up with the events and understand the story.

3. Fever - Lauren DeStefano

I enjoyed Wither - while a bit dark, it was very hooking and gripping - but I didn't have the same love for the sequel. I didn't connect with the characters like I had previously and the plot didn't flow right for me. I'm not sure why I didn't enjoy it, I just didn't. And I was really looking forward to this sequel!

4. Easy - Tammara Webber

I had heard amazing things about Easy, but in the end, I thought it was just okay. I'm not a fan of contemporary either, so that was a definite reason why I couldn't get in the swing of things. I'm sure contemporary and New Adult fans would love this book, but myself, I didn't.

5. The Name of the Star - Maureen Johnson

I had high expectations for The Name of the Star going into it, but none of them were met. It dragged a lot, the main character annoyed me, and really, the only thing I enjoyed about it were the interludes told in different POVs. Disappointed. 

I Thought I'd Like Less

6. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien 

I'm not sure why I didn't have high expectations for The Hobbit - even though I love high fantasy; sometimes I don't understand my reasoning - but I loved The Hobbit. It was such an epic and fun fantasy ride!

7. Bittersweet - Sarah Ockler

Like I said before, I'm not a fan of contemporary. I was pleasantly surprised by Bittersweet! I loved the main character, the romance and chemistry, and the entire plot. I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a light and fun read!

8. Vampire Kisses - Ellen Schreiber

I thought this was going to be a typical paranormal romance, but Vampire Kisses is a fun, yet haunting and spooky, read! I read it under ten hours and loved it!

9. The Iron Witch - Karen Mahoney

The beginning was a bit troubling for me, but after awhile, I fell in love with The Iron Witch and everything about it. Mysterious, creepy and a fast read, The Iron Witch is one of a kind!

10. Deadly Cool - Gemma Halliday

Oh my gosh, you will never find a book as fun as Deadly Cool. This is the perfect novel for getting out of a reading slump, and Hartley Featherstone is the new Nancy Drew! Are there going to be more in the series after Social Suicide? I sure hope so. But I loved this book!

Did you do a TTT post today? Leave links to your post in the comments below!

Brad About Books: Taken by Erin Bowman

Read from April 16 to 17, 2013

TAKEN 

Published: April 16, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover

Page Count: 360 pages

Source: Amazon.com

Series: Taken, #1

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

Oh. My. Gosh. Taken is absolutely phenomenal! Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite books of the year. Taken shines new light onto the dystopian genre in a fresh and riveting way that stands out. I can’t begin to describe my love for this book. 

The world-building in this novel is so unique. I loved getting to explore Claysoot in all its strange and peculiar ways, and the fact that we get to learn even more about Claysoot is on my favorite parts of Taken. The Wall is pretty scary, but even more scary (literally, I had a nightmare about it): The Heist. I’m a guy, and in Taken, all boys disappear at midnight on their eighteenth birthday. WHAT? That freaked me out and seriously scared me! And I adored it.

Gray is an awesome protagonist. I feel like he’s a character you’ll instantly connect with or not. Luckily for me, I did. He’s a younger brother, I’m a younger brother. I agreed with him on loads of his reasoning, especially when it came to try to figure out what happened to his brother and family. And we get to meet even more cooler characters! Blaine, Emma (whom I wished we got to see a bit more of it), and a fantastic (but some wicked) ensemble of characters. And the character development was marvelous! We get to see Gray become even stronger and take control of his world. Erin Bowman did a fantastic job at crafting together these characters and this world!

And wow, talk about action scenes! Many can be found in Taken, and there is never a dull moment. I loved getting to see fight scenes, scenes where the truth is revealed, and honestly, I loved every single bit of Taken. Definitely a highlight for the year!

Overall, Taken is a wonderful and exciting read that kept me on the edge of my seat and my eyes glued to the page! Highly recommended!

M Y  R A T I N G

Weekly Recap (5)

Welcome to my fifth weekly recap! Each week, I tell you what I read from Sunday to Saturday. They're always spoiler free, and I will be doing full reviews on them!

Books read from April 14 to April 21

Re-read from April 13 to 14, 2013

1. The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle, #1) - Maggie Stiefvater

This was actually a re-read for me, and I loved it even more the second time around! The first time, although I liked it, it was a bit slow and confusing. But now that I understood everything, everything fit right into place. I absolutely love The Raven Boys! Can't wait for The Dream Thieves!

5 stars

Read from April 14 to 15, 2013

2. Once (Eve, #2) - Anna Carey

Wow! Even better than Eve! I had some troubles with the first 30 pages, but after that, there was so much action and drama. Once was great!

4 stars

Read on April 15, 2013

3. Reboot (Reboot, #1) - Amy Tintera 

What a fast-paced and electric read! Reboot is one of a kind. I absolutely loved our strong and fierce protagonist, Wren, and just the idea of Reboots is insane! Love this book!

4 stars

Read from April 15 to 16, 2013

4. Storm (Elementals, #1) - Brigid Kemmerer

Fun, original and awesome, Storm packs a wild ride that can't be topped. I've never read a book like Storm, and it's one of the main reasons that I love this book. Also, the main character, Becca, is great!

4 stars

Read on April 16, 2013

5. Rush (The Game, #1) - Eve Silver

Rush is deadly, fantastic and a stunning YA debut. Miki was great, and the entire concept of the Game (fighting aliens; need I say more?) was brilliant!

4 stars

Read from April 16 to 17, 2013

6. Taken (Taken, #1) - Erin Bowman

I can't even begin to describe to you all my love for Taken. This book is fast-paced and simply fantastic. Love the characters, the world-building, everything about this book worked for me. A definite highlight for the year.

5 stars

Read from April 17 to 18, 2013

7. Dead Silence (Body Finder, #4) - Kimberly Derting

It's. Over. My mind can't handle this. I absolutely adore the Body Finder series, and it's over! Has anyone else noticed that 2013 is the year of series ending? I'm so sadden to see this series go, but this was a phenomenal final installment. 

5 stars

Read on April 18, 2013

8. Arise (Hereafter, #2) - Tara Hudson

I think I like the first book, Hereafter, a tiny bit more, but that doesn't mean Arise wasn't a great sequel. I loved being on another adventure with Amelia and Joshua, and they were in New Orleans in this book! Woo! I can't wait to see how everything wraps up in Elegy. 

4 stars

Read from April 18 to 19, 2013

9. The Compound (Compound, #1) - SA Bodeen

I really enjoyed The Compound! Definitely engaging and hooking, and I absolutely loved the premise of this book! I can't wait for the sequel!

4 stars

Read from April 19 to 20, 2013

10. Because It Is My Blood (Birthright, #2) - Gabrielle Zevin

I LOVE this series! And I honestly can't believe it, but Because It Is My Blood was even better than book one, All These Things I've Done! The first book was one of my most favorite reads of 2012, and this sequel lives up and surpasses it. I'm so sad but so excited for the final book!

5 stars

Read on April 20, 2013

11. Ruby Red (Ruby Red, #1) - Kerstin Gier

This novel is a major hit in Germany and was recently turned into a movie (if I can get a hold of the DVD with English subtitles, I'd love to watch it)! So going into it, I was expected to be wow-ed. And luckily, I was. The first couple of pages were confusing, but after awhile, everything meshed together nicely. I am in love with this story; I will definitely be picking up Sapphire Blue soon!

4 stars

Books Read This Week: 11

Books Read This Year: 79

Did you read anything good this past week? I'd love to know; leave them down in the comments!

Happy reading!

Brad About Books: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Read from July 6 to 8, 2012

ALL THESE THINGS I'VE DONE
Published: May 8, 2012 (paperback)
Publisher: Square Fish (Macmillan)
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 354 pages
Source: Parnassus Books
Series: Birthright, #1

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

All These Things I've Done is a fast-paced, magnificent novel of a daring and fierce heroine and fighting for the ones you love. I absolutely adore this book.

I must start off this review by saying that Anya is one of the strongest, toughest, and most dynamic character developments I have ever read. Right from the first page, I knew I was going to like Anya. But when I finished this book, I realized that I loved Anya's character and everything about her. I felt bad for her with all the struggles and conflicts going on in her life, and I was rooting for her the entire way. I was always connected to her storyline, and Gabrielle Zevin did a marvelous job at making such a great protagonist!

A world where chocolate and caffeine are illegal? How about no. I wouldn't classify All These Things I've Done as dystopian specifically - mainly because their is no overbearing or wicked government for the entire book - but there are definitely traces of some sci-fi/dystopian elements. But really, All These Things I've Done shouts a melody of things in my mind, and it's one of the main reasons that I love this book. It stands out so much, and it's hard to find a book like it (I don't think there is one!). 

And this novel played out like a movie in my head. I mean, a strong protagonist sneaking around in a mafia-filled family while trying to figure out the curious incident of her family's past? Yes please. All These Things I've Done was one of my absolute favorite novels of 2012, and I still think about it to this today! I'm so happy I read this book, and if you haven't picked up this book, you must.

Overall, All These Things I've Done is a mind-blowing, mind-bending read that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Phenomenal!

M Y   R A T I N G