Brad About Books: Hungry by H.A. Swain

Read from March 5 to  7, 2014

HUNGRY
Published: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 384 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

In the future, food is no longer necessary—until Thalia begins to feel something unfamiliar and uncomfortable. She’s hungry.

In Thalia’s world, there is no need for food—everyone takes medication (or “inocs”) to ward off hunger. It should mean there is no more famine, no more obesity, no more food-related illnesses, and no more war. At least that's what her parents, who work for the company that developed the inocs, say. But when Thalia meets a boy who is part of an underground movement to bring food back, she realizes that most people live a life much different from hers. Worse, Thalia is starting to feel hunger, and so is he—the inocs aren’t working. Together they set out to find the only thing that will quell their hunger: real food.

H. A. Swain delivers an adventure that is both epic and fast-paced. Get ready to be Hungry.

Hungry is unlike anything I've ever read in a fantastic way. This refreshing dystopian is sure to have you chomping at the bits and craving for more long after the final page.

I'm sure that we're all somewhat tired of the dystopian genre: it's been blowing up over the last couple of years in YA, and eventually, it gets to be just a tad tiresome. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the genre, but I do need a break now and then. However, Hungry is unlike any other dystopian I've ever read. Yes, Hungry revolves around the idea of food not being a necessity and a revolution to bring it back; I would've never imagined up this world. Food is most definitely a necessity in life, but what do you do when it's no longer a need? And of course, Hungry takes the route of the government (or technically, scientists in this case) controlling the people, but Hungry's premise makes it unique and stand out amongst other dystopians out there today. Packed with its remarkable world-building and outstanding characters, Hungry delivers a dystopian unlike any other that is sure to appeal to fans of Legend and The Program. Hungry had me in its clutches the entire time and never let me go!

Speaking of characters, Thalia was a great protagonist! In a world where scientists (especially scientists who are your parents) control what you consume and your nutrients and Thalia isn't sure who to trust after a foreign feeling begins to grow inside her, I could totally understand where she was coming from for the majority of the novel. I loved following her on this incredible journey. However, I will admit that this journey got confusing at times, which was my main problem with the novel. There's a lot of sci-fi crafted into Hungry, and I applaud Swain for being able to pull the science element of the novel off, but with all the somewhat info-dumps and world-building that goes above and beyond some dystopians, it was hard for me to keep track of the events and characters sometimes. It was eventually sorted out, though, but that was the hardest part for me to connect to with Hungry.

And the writing was superb. I felt completely immersed into this world and felt as if I were traveling alongside Thalia and Basil and the underground revolution. While it was hard to deal with the insta-love of Thalia and Basil, I still enjoyed their relationship nonetheless. And woah, the plot twists that Hungry throws! There were a couple times that my mouth actually fell open, and I had to set the book down just to let the events sink in - I love that when a book can do that to me. So needless to say, Hungry is an action-packed, twisted, and mind-bending story that has plenty of thrills and secrets to keep the reader fully invested in the story.

Overall, Hungry is a one of a kind dystopian that shouldn't be missed. Needing something new in you're dystopian craving needs? Hungry will most definitely fill and satisfy that need.

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Nil by Lynne Matson

Read on September 29, 2013

NIL
Published: March 4, 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 384 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

How do you escape from an island that doesn't exist?

On the mysterious island of Nil, the rules are set. You have exactly 365 days to escape—or you die.

Seventeen-year-old Charley doesn’t know the rules. She doesn’t even know where she is. The last thing she remembers is blacking out, and when she wakes up, she’s naked in an empty rock field.

Lost and alone, Charley finds no sign of other people until she meets Thad, the gorgeous leader of a clan of teenage refugees. Soon Charley learns that leaving the island is harder than she thought . . . and so is falling in love. With Thad’s time running out, Charley realizes that she has to find a way to beat the clock, and quickly.

Nil is a thrilling, heart-pounding read that had me tangled up in the race against the clock of surviving this deadly island - it's unlike anything I've ever read!

Nil starts off with a bang and the action never stops. Right from page one, Matson throws us into turmoil right alongside the characters, and each page has something to offer that will either having your heart racing or have you looking over your shoulder (or both!), and I really loved that she managed to capture the feeling of fear in Nil. This island is a true nightmare and with all the secrets that are revealed about the island, I would hate to be stuck on it - but it was a blast to read about. The clock is ticking for our characters, and Matson does an exceptional job at keeping the energy going throughout Nil.

Speaking of characters, I thoroughly enjoyed all of the inhabitants on Nil! Charley is such an awesome protagonist. I loved her smokey, unclear background - she wakes up not knowing anything about the island, and we get to discover the secrets with her. Not only do we discover secrets about the island, we get to know more about Charley and the other characters throughout Nil, and I thought it was fantastic how no one was truly what they seemed to be. If I had just one complaint about Nil, it would be that I would've liked to have seen a little more character development from the side characters. Other than that, all the characters (or villagers of Nil, I guess you could say) are truly fascinating, and they're definitely one of the best team-effort YA groups I've ever read about!

I'm all for anything thriller/mystery/anything that can keep my eyes glued to the page and have me turning pages as fast as I can, and Nil did just the trick. From its absorbing atmosphere of darkness and peril to the small quirks of the island the reader discovers while sinking deeper into the mystery of the island Nil, Nil is sure to have readers entwined with its stunning mystery and haunting prose. 

Overall, Nil is an epic, fast-paced thriller that is highly intriguing and addicting. Wonderful!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Something Real by Heather Demetrios

Read on January 24, 2014

SOMETHING REAL
Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 403 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Winner of the 2012 PEN New England Discovery Award!

There’s nothing real about reality TV.

Seventeen-year-old Bonnie™ Baker has grown up on TV—she and her twelve siblings are the stars of one-time hit reality show Baker’s Dozen. Since the show’s cancellation and the scandal surrounding it, Bonnie™ has tried to live a normal life, under the radar and out of the spotlight. But it’s about to fall apart…because Baker’s Dozen is going back on the air. Bonnie™’s mom and the show’s producers won’t let her quit and soon the life she has so carefully built for herself, with real friends (and maybe even a real boyfriend), is in danger of being destroyed by the show. Bonnie™ needs to do something drastic if her life is ever going to be her own—even if it means being more exposed than ever before.

Something Real is a captivating, tantalizing read that had me hooked from the beginning and never let me go. Everything about this book is raw, unique, and real.

I'm going to start off this review with a bang with what I loved most: the brother-sister relationship between Bonnie and Benny. They fight and argue, but they also get along and complement each other so well. Bonnie and Benny are definitely some of my favorite siblings I've ever read about. Actually, all of the characters in Something Real are incredible! There's so many brothers and sisters to keep track of, but Demetrios does an exceptional job at making their character relevant to the family and Bonnie. Characters are a very important part of a book for me, and the characters in Something Real are stunning. 

Something Real provides such a fresh, interesting story - it was so hard to put down! Reality shows are somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me, but reading it through the eyes of someone who doesn't want to be apart of exposing their life for the world to see was marvelous. How the story was set up - exposing Bonnie's secret public identity to filming the show - was truly one of a kind, and Something Real is really something special. I think that Something Real is perfect for fans who don't usually read contemporaries. Something Real has it all: wonderful characters, phenomenal writing, and a story that will enthrall you and engross you. 

Something Real will definitely pull at your heartstrings. The emotions and the struggles that Bonnie faces (both in the eye of the public and her inner self) make you root for her and cheer her one, but it connects you to her in a way that I've never seen done before. I connected to Bonnie instantly, and she has remained to be a favorite heroine of mine. Something Real is truly a must-read!

Overall, Something Real is a beautiful, radiant read that is equally both wonderful and pulsing with great characters. Loved it!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Rule of Three by Eric Walters

Read from November 24 to 26, 2013

THE RULE OF THREE
Expected Publication Date: January 21, 2014
Publisher: FSG (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 405 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

One shocking afternoon, computers around the globe shut down in a viral catastrophe. At sixteen-year-old Adam Daley’s high school, the problem first seems to be a typical electrical outage, until students discover that cell phones are down, municipal utilities are failing, and a few computer-free cars like Adam’s are the only vehicles that function. Driving home, Adam encounters a storm tide of anger and fear as the region becomes paralyzed. Soon—as resources dwindle, crises mount, and chaos descends—he will see his suburban neighborhood band together for protection. And Adam will understand that having a police captain for a mother and a retired government spy living next door are not just the facts of his life but the keys to his survival, in The Rule of Three by Eric Walters.

The Rule of Three is unlike any other disaster story you will ever read! Unlike many in its genre, The Rule of Three bends the circumstances and focuses more on the regrowth of the world (with the rebels and trouble here and there) than putting its point of view more on the downfall of the world. I loved how unique this book was.

I've read many disaster stories but none quite like this one. The Rule of Three starts off casually, but Eric Walters doesn't leave the reader in the slow build up for long. Within at least fifteen pages of The Rule of Three, action is flying off the page, and it's impossible not to be absorbed into this world. Darkness is ruling over everything, and Adam is having to fight and struggle to live in this world. Our world is now entirely built on technology (and I admit that I am very addicted and hooked on technology), but it was such a cool spin to see the downfall of technology and how our generation has to rebuild the world by using methods that our generation doesn't practice that much anymore (planting crops, creating a fort for survival, etc.), and it really makes for a great, engaging story. The Rule of Three is unlike anything you will ever read!

Catastrophe lurks everywhere in The Rule of Three, and Walters did a stunning job with it. Most disaster stories have a climatic, foreshadowing feeling to them, but I have to say, I didn't feel that with the writing of The Rule of Three - and I really appreciated that it was different! I couldn't ever predict what was going to happen next, because if I would predict, Walters would throw something huge and unexpected into the story. Traveling with Adam and his mom through this perilous strike was so interesting and enthralling, and I loved how The Rule of Three was able to create a story that is both equally epic and dark. 

Adam is such a cool protagonist. What I liked most about his character was how he didn't always have the answers. He had to rely on others to manage during this shutdown, and to rebuild something, I believe that's what you to do. The relationship between all the characters felt authentic, and they proved to be a strong team together. If I had only one complaint about The Rule of Three, it would have to be the somewhat lacking middle. I felt that not a lot pushed the story along in the middle except for the characters, but by the end, the action was intense.

Overall, The Rule of Three is a marvelous, original story that will shock you, stun you, and hold you in its clutches until the awesome, mind-blowing finale. Irresistible!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Read from November 20 to 22, 2013

SHATTERED SOULS
Published: December 8, 2011
Publisher: Philomel (Penguin)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 326 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Souls, #1

Love.

Death.

Destiny.

Danger.

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Shattered Souls is a sensational, irresistible novel filled with a sweeping romance and a writing style unlike any other. Shattered Souls is intoxicating!

I read Mary Lindsey's Ashes on the Waves earlier this year, and I was very eager to read another novel from her - and just as I was expecting, I was blown away! Lenzi was such a great character. When she discovers who she truly is, she's fearless and ready to take on whatever comes at her. I loved having a strong protagonist to accompany this epic story, and believe me when I say that Shattered Souls is a very epic story. Each page will have you on the edge of your seat, and the secrets and betrayals that Shattered Souls reveals are beyond amazing. If you're craving that paranormal read that will completely consume you, Shattered Souls is that book.

So. Much. Action. With a spirit out to kill Lenzi, the boy she's been dating for awhile and the boy who has been chosen to protect her out for her heart, and the voices in her head that can't be silenced, it's impossible to put down this book. Lindsey is a master at suspense and thrilling scenes, and Shattered Souls is proof of that. I was so captivated by this novel, I never wanted to put it down. Everything about Shattered Souls is one of a kind, and I honestly can't recommend it enough. 

The ending! The last 75 pages of Shattered Souls are so fast-paced and climatic; when I got to the very end of the novel, my mouth had seriously fallen open, but I couldn't contain myself from turning the pages as fast as I could. I fell in love with Shattered Souls, and it has easily become one of my favorite paranormal reads.

Overall, Shattered Souls is a dazzling read that will enthrall you from start to finish. Marvelous!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Engines of the Broken World by Jason Vanhee

Read from July 17 to 18, 2013

ENGINES OF THE BROKEN WORLD
Published: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Format: ARC
Page Count: 272 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Merciful Truth and her brother, Gospel, have just pulled their dead mother into the kitchen and stowed her under the table. It was a long illness, and they wanted to bury her—they did—but it’s far too cold outside, and they know they won’t be able to dig into the frozen ground. The Minister who lives with them, who preaches through his animal form, doesn’t make them feel any better about what they’ve done. Merciful calms her guilty feelings but only until, from the other room, she hears a voice she thought she’d never hear again. It’s her mother’s voice, and it’s singing a lullaby... 

Engines of the Broken World is a chilling young adult novel from Jason Vanhee.

(Brad About Books note: This book will mess with your mind in the most fantastic ways.)

WOAH, YOU GUYS, THIS BOOK. Engines of the Broken World is an eerie, chilling read that will have you looking over your shoulder and keep you up into the late hours of the night. This book messed with my mind - and I loved every second of it.

Let's go ahead and state something: this is not your typical book. Right from the first page, Engines of the Broken World is a creepy, unique novel that begins with something out of the ordinary. In fact, everything about this novel is out of the ordinary. You will never find another book like Engines of the Broken World, and I was so entangled with this world. Merciful and Gospel have to bury their dead mother, but now that she's hearing her mother singing to her, she knows something isn't right. Engines of the Broken World sent chills down my spine - it's the perfect book to read in the dead of night. Needing something creepy or deliciously eerie? Engines of the Broken World is the perfect choice.

The world is completely falling apart, and I love how the reader is never quite sure what has happened to the world. Another fantastic thing about Engines of the Broken World is how you can never trust anybody. Something is wrong and creepy about every character (especially The Minister), and deception is always lurking. Vanhee's writing perfectly matched the uniqueness of the book. Each word and sentence is haunting, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Engines of the Broken World has easily become one of my favorite horror, creepy reads.

Oh gosh, the ending. Fast-paced and heart-racing, Engines of the Broken World kept me biting at my nails and turning pages in anticipation. I was so connected to Merciful so much, and I loved traveling through these odd, scary situations with her. Unique and thrilling, I couldn't get my mind off of Engines of the Broken World. If you're needing to be creeped out, read Engines of the Broken World - it's terrifying and marvelous, all at the same time.

Overall, Engines of the Broken World is one whirlwind of a ride. Bizarre and fantastic, Engines of the Broken World shouldn't be missed.

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Waterfell by Amalie Howard

Read from October 26 to 27, 2013

WATERFELL
Expected Publication Date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 350 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: The Aquarathi, #1

THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age. 

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

Welcome to the Aquarathi, the ocean's best-kept secret...

Waterfell is a completely consuming read that enchanted me in right from the beginning and had me hooked. For fans of Of Poseidon and Wake, Waterfell is a fantastic tale that shouldn't be missed.

This novel caught my attention when I heard the awesome synopsis, plus the absolutely fantastic cover, and I just knew I had to read it. What I thought was unique about Waterfell was how the dilemma and main protagonist, Nerissa, were structured. It seems like the norm would be for the character to find out that they are destined for greatness and must pass trials in order to achieve this - however, that is not the case with Waterfell. Nerissa knows exactly who she is and what she must do, and I absolutely loved that change that Howard brought us. Nerissa was a stunning character. She was flawed, but she was determined to take back her rightful throne, no matter what the cost. And though she allows herself to fall for the mortal Lo, she knows she must have Waterfell back in her possession. Waterfell is a unique, captivating read that had me turning pages as fast as I could - a fantastic whirlpool of a novel.

I love anything and everything ocean novels, and Waterfell definitely leaves its mark. I loved the legends and lore brought up in Waterfell and how Amalie Howard weaved together the Aquarathi to a mystical, enticing place of danger and deceit. If I only had one problem with Waterfell, it would be that I would have liked to seen more of the antagonist throughout the entire novel. The journey to Waterfell with Nerissa and Lo was incredible - Howard's descriptions are stellar, and I truly felt like I was emerged into this world. If you're looking for a great paranormal read, I highly recommend Waterfell.

Betrayals and scandals are afloat in Waterfell, and it was so interesting to see how Howard put a paranormal twist on these betrayals. There are so many twists and turns in Waterfell that I didn't see coming - they shocked, surprised, and captivated me, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Waterfell is an engaging, phenomenal start to a very promising series - Howard is a brilliant voice in young adult.

Overall, Waterfell is everything I love in a novel: exceptional world-building, a genuine and authentic romance, and a plot that's so addictive, I stayed up late into the night to devour this story. So, so great.

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Read from October 7 to 9, 2013

THE IRON TRAITOR
Expected Publication Date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 342 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, The Lost Prince.

Talk about a whirlwind of emotions. The Iron Traitor is an electrifying sequel that not only set the bar high for faerie novels, it proves Julie Kagawa's mark in YA. One of a kind.

We got to see so much of Ethan, our main character, in The Lost Prince, but in this sequel, his character development is taken to a whole new level. He knows and understands who he truly is, but now he's having to readjust to the reality around him. With bullies and love dilemmas, Ethan's life is stressful in The Iron Traitor, but Kagawa does an exceptional job at bringing his character to life off the page. He has evolved so much from book one, and right from the first page, his character development skyrockets. Ethan is truly a hero for the ages.

So. Much. Action. There is never a dull moment in The Iron Traitor - I found it near impossible to tear my eyes away from the page, just because there was so much tension and fast-paced moments on the page. I knew that Julie Kagawa is a master of thrilling scenes from the previous Iron Fey novels, but she proves herself in The Iron Traitor. The Forgotten! They're so creepy and delirious, but I couldn't get enough of them. And the world-building that is built upon the Nevernever was awesome. We get to see the most darkest sides of the world in this second novel, and I adored that. Thrilling and intense, The Iron Traitor is an epic story that will have your eyes glued to the pages and your pulse racing.

If you thought that The Lost Prince was awesome, prepare to have your mind blown by The Iron Traitor. Like the title infers, there's some betrayal circling this world, but I never expected the secrets that are revealed to be so addictive and consuming. If I have to knock anything about this sequel, it would have to be that I felt the middle was a bit draggy. It picked up very quickly, but it was a little sluggish in the middle. But most definitely, I never wanted this book to end; I was so tangled up in this world, it was impossible to escape it. More, please!

Overall, The Iron Traitor is an incredible sequel of deception, love, and the true cost of betrayal. With wonderful writing and incredible characters, The Iron Traitor shouldn't be missed!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: UnSouled by Neal Shusterman

Read from September 11 to 12, 2013

UNSOULED
Published: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Format: ARC
Page Count: 403 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Unwind, #3

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't started this series.

Okay, sure. Dystopian is immensely enormous right now, and though I personally adore the genre, I just can't seem to escape it. However, the Unwind dystology is one of the most original and shockingly incredible dystopian series I have ever. I've never came across a series like this: this powerful, this captivating, this authentic. And UnSouled was a fantastic addition to this series.

We've been through so much with these kids throughout the first two books. And you might be thinking to yourself, 'There is no way that this can get any worse.' If you thought that, you were wrong. New questions and stakes are raised in this third volume, and (once again) Shusterman does an exceptional job at building up this world and adding even more foundation to it. More action flies at the reader, the writing is incredible, and the character development is brilliant. From the characters that we first met in Unwind to the new characters added in UnWholly and UnSouled, each character evolves in some way to make them either better or wicked; and I loved that.

If I had to knock the series for anything, it would have to be that there are way too many characters and points of view. I liked having multiple characters in the beginning, but we have to be following at least ten different characters in UnSouled. Some have many chapters, others a few here and there. The "here and there" character chapters are what bugs me: with having to keep up with other characters, it was very hard for me to try to remember what happened to a character that we saw 200 pages ago. That's my biggest issue with the series. It grew on me towards the end of the book, but it was definitely a struggle to keep up with so many unique characters.

I thought that the Bill of Life dilemma was settled at the end of UnWholly, but Shusterman threw a plot twist on me in UnSouled that I didn't see coming. More dilemmas are ascending, and the tragedies keep adding up in this world. I have to say, UnSouled is my personal favorite of the series so far. There's mystery, romance, suspense, action, and mind-blowing endings. I can't wait to see how everything turns out in the next book!

Overall, UnSouled is a very nice addition to this ever epic saga. Wholly unique and addictive, I couldn't get enough of UnSouled!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Read from July 20 to 21, 2013

NEVER FADE
Expected Publication Date: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Format: ARC
Page Count: 512 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: The Darkest Minds, #2

This review is spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, The Darkest Minds.

Never Fade is an electrifying, sizzling sequel that not only met my expectations - it surpassed them. Even better than the first book!

Beginning to say how epic and fantastic this series is is nearly impossible. I'll try to do my best: this is a dystopian series like none other. Super powers, on the run, and falling in love along the way all combine to make an equally great and one of a kind story. Everything is more dangerous and treacherous than before, and I couldn't put Never Fade down. The storyline moved so rapidly, I got invested into the story and couldn't leave the world. I love it when a book does that to me, especially a sequel. So good!

Ruby becomes such a fierce and determined character in this novel. She knows the risks, but she's willing to push all the limits in this daring, dazzling second installment. I was so surprised to see just how much she had evolved! Bracken is a master with character development. Each character grows and changes - some for the better, others for the worse (which in this case, made for an exciting plot) - and everybody gets a spotlight. Loved that about Never Fade. Never Fade is fantastically incredible, and it's a marvelous gem in the YA genre. If you loved The Darkest Minds, you're going to be even more captivated by Never Fade! Stunning!

We've all heard - and seen in action - the dreaded Sequel Syndrome, in which a sequel doesn't even compare to the first novel's awesomeness. I was so thrilled to see that Never Fade was even better The Darkest Minds. The plot was more epic, the writing was superb, and all the characters either unraveled or grew tremendously. I can't even explain my love for Never Fade. I need the third novel now! 

Overall, Never Fade is a phenomenal sequel that lured me in and never let me go. I never wanted to fade away from this story!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Read from July 19 to 20, 2013

THE DARKEST MINDS
Published: December 18, 2012
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 488 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: The Darkest Minds, #1

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

The Darkest Minds is an interesting, unique ride that gripped me tight and never let me go. Bracken has woven together a great dystopian that will shake you to your bones.

We've all seen the dystopian craze spread like a virus. The thing that makes The Darkest Minds stand out against other dystopians is more focus on the superpowers instead of the government and society. The government and society is still there - they make this novel chilling and haunting, and I adored that. But what I loved most was the superpowers or so-called "curses" that the characters possess in The Darkest Minds. They make each character original and set them apart from other ensembles in dystopians. Everything about The Darkest Minds is original, and I loved it so much!

Anything with people being on the run and in hiding, I'm down for. And that's exactly what The Darkest Minds offers. It's impossible to set this novel down; each chapter brings fast-paced, thrilling scenes that will keep readers's eyes glued to the novel and turning pages as fast as they can. Alexandra Bracken was this way of writing that captured me into East River and made me feel like I was training and fighting alongside with Ruby (by the way, she was a phenomenal protagonist!), and her writing style was, simply put, enticing and engrossing. For fans of X-Men and Unwind, The Darkest Minds did not disappoint! Fantastic!

The Darkest Minds is one of those one-sitting reads. Though it may be a behemoth, The Darkest Minds is so captivating, it's hard to leave this world. If I wasn't reading the novel, it was on my mind always - that's how much this book consumed me. If you're a fan of anything dystopian, The Darkest Minds is a fantastic novel that to emerge yourself in. Hauntingly beautiful and masterfully crafted, The Darkest Minds is sure to be a hit!

Overall, The Darkest Minds is a rich, action-filled novel that is an powerful and ultimately incredible story.  A must-read!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

Read on July 7, 2013

THE CHAOS OF STARS
Published: September 10, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 288 pages
Source: ALA

(fantastic cover, fantastic title)

Family is forever. 

Especially when they're immortal.

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.

The Chaos of Stars is an extraordinary and incredible take on Egyptian mythology that left me starstruck and in complete awe. Kiersten White has done it again! 

I haven't read a whole lot of Egyptian mythology (in fact, I don't think I've read any!), so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into The Chaos of Stars. But believe me, I was blown away! Being the only mortal in an immortal Egyptian gods family, it can get stressful, and White did a phenomenal job with developing Isadora's character. She starts off a bit whiny and naïve, but she evolves into a fierce and fantastic protagonist as the novel progresses. And I think that was done on purpose: you're not suppose to fall in love with Isadora automatically - you grow to love and cheer her on. That was done masterfully! All of Isadora's family members are messed up and twisted, but I couldn't help but love them all. Seriously, The Chaos of Stars is a true gem of a novel. 

 Even though The Chaos of Stars comes in under 300 pages and is on the smaller side of novels, it packs a punch and the action is non-stop. Action scenes and high tensions are thrown at the reader like gunshots; I tore through these pages so fast! The Chaos of Stars is a brilliantly crafted novel that will have you in its clutches and never let you go. I was still invested into this story long after I turned the final page.

Speaking of final page... holy woah, that ending was phenomenal! I didn't expect that much action in the ending, but there was so much of it. It didn't feel forced at all; the action scenes weren't just "there" to give the book that extra oomph. They felt authentic and deserved a spot in The Chaos of Stars, and they complemented the novel so well. If I had to give this book a flaw, it was that I had a little rocky beginning with the book. But as the novel moved on, I fell in love so hard with this novel. A must-read!

Overall, The Chaos of Stars is a masterful and powerful novel that utterly enticed me and kept me way into the night, turning the pages as fast as I could. Kiersten White has knocked it out of the ballpark once again! I loved this book!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Fallout by S.A. Bodeen

Read from May 25 to 26, 2013

THE FALLOUT
Expected Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 336 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: The Compound, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, The Compound.

The Fallout is an extraordinary and stunning sequel that had me on the edge of my seat and begging for more. A pulse-pounding and dazzling sequel to one of the most original and incredible post-apocalyptic stories out there.

I loved The Compound, and I was very eager to see where the story was going to be taken to in The Fallout. Since it sounded quite different than book one (again, no spoilers here!), I was sure what to expect, but S.A. Bodeen blew me away! Even though revenge and lethal tactics do play a major part in The Fallout, what I loved the absolute most about this sequel was that it was more about suffering and being traumatized from a haunting memory, but having to move on from it. Bodeen handled this situation masterfully, and I couldn't have asked for a more powerful, delivering sequel. Fans of Divergent and Gone will devour this series! Fantastic!

I was so happy to be on another journey with Eli. In The Compound, he was a naïve, yet tough, child, and he has evolved and matured in such a way that I couldn't even fathom. S.A. Bodeen did a phenomenal job with developing Eli's character even further. And with the ending of The Compound, I couldn't blame Eli for the things he done. I loved The Fallout even more than book one - it packs a punch and the action never lets up. The Fallout delivers a superb storyline that can't be topped; amazing!

With any Bodeen novel, the ending... oh boy, it had me in its clutches and never let me go! It was fast-paced, thrilling, and I honestly had no idea how it would end. If you're a fan of disaster stories with a fierce, awesome protagonist and an unique plot, this series is for you. The Fallout not only lived up to my expectations, they exceeded them. So, so good.

Overall, The Fallout is an incredible follow-up to a fantastic post-apocalytpic story, and S.A. Bodeen did a marvelous job with returning to Eli's shattered world. The Fallout is thrilling, wondrous, and unputdownable!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Substitute Creature by Charles Gilman

Read on May 23, 2013

SUBSTITUTE CREATURE
Expected Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Quirk
Format: ARC
Page Count: 176 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Tales from Lovecraft Middle School, #4

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't started this series.

Read my reviews from previous books in this series:

Professor Gargoyle • The Slither Sisters • Teacher's Pest

Substitute Creature is wicked fun! Dark, compelling, and a wild adventure, these books are unputdownable! Such an awesome series.

The Lovecraft Middle School series is one of my favorite MG series - it's got everything you could ever want in a creepy story. An epic trio of characters, sinister secrets lurking in the darkness, mutational animals, and something new and fresh in each book. And Substitute Creature did not disappoint by any means. With each book, I'm always shocked and creeped out by the new and perilous evil that Gilman throws into every book. Substitute Creature is such a creeptastic and epic novel! Who wouldn't be scared by a weird substitute teacher who may or may not be a monster? I love these books so much, and Substitute Creature was a fantastic continuation of the series.

I love going on adventures with Robert and the gang. Lovecraft Middle School is a quirky and odd place, and we get to explore darker realms of it in every novel - Substitute Creature definitely brought on the darkness! I wasn't expecting a lot of the events to actually happened, but I was so glad that Charles Gilman wasn't afraid to take risks in this fourth book. With a fourth book, things can get a little draggy with the story; that's not the case with this series. There's never a filler book, and each plot twist plays a vital and important role to the story. The perfect Halloween read!

Action, action, action! It was impossible to put Substitute Creature down. This was definitely the most fast-paced of the series, and I was shocked, frightening, and enchanted by the twists and turns thrown at the reader. The monsters terrified me, and the illustrations, as always, were an even more awesome addition to the story. (Seriously, some of these illustrations are super freaky!) Substitute Creature was an absolutely brilliant novel to this ever-epic series. I love this series to pieces!

Overall, Substitute Creature is a true gem in the middle grade genre. Fast-paced, horrifyingly marvelous, and one of a kind, this series is a must-read for all ages!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Hideous Love by Stephanie Hemphill

HIDEOUS LOVE
Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 320 pages
Source: ALA

From award-winning author Stephanie Hemphill comes the fascinating story of Mary Shelley, a brilliant teenager who wrote one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time: Frankenstein.

An all-consuming love affair.

A family torn apart by scandal.

A young author on the brink of greatness.

Hideous Love is the fascinating story of Gothic novelist Mary Shelley, who as a teen girl fled her restrictive home only to find herself in the shadow of a brilliant but moody boyfriend, famed poet Percy Shelley. It is the story of the mastermind behind one of the most iconic figures in all of literature: a monster constructed out of dead bodies and brought to life by the tragic Dr. Frankenstein.

Mary wrote Frankenstein at the age of nineteen, but inspiration for the monster came from her life-the atmospheric European settings she visited, the dramas swirling around her, and the stimulating philosophical discussions with the greatest minds of the period, like her close friend, Lord Byron.

This luminous verse novel from award-winning author Stephanie Hemphill reveals how Mary Shelley became one of the most celebrated authors in history.

Despite from seeing some not-so-good reviews, I loved Hideous Love! The beautiful writing, the engaging arc, and the tragic and achingly stunning story of Mary Shelley all worked together flawlessly for me - I really, really enjoyed this book!

I'm just going to go ahead and state the obvious Goodreads has shown me: Hideous Love didn't receive the best of reviews from my friends. But it was one of my most anticipated books of fall, so I knew I had to give it a shot; and in the end, I'm so thrilled I did! This, to me, is the best example of trying something for yourself before you knock it. I thought that the writing was masterfully done. While it is a slower-paced novel, I was so hooked and engrossed by Mary Shelley's story and the twist that Hemphill spun on it. The fact that Hideous Love was told in verse was superb; it fit the story so seamlessly, and I fell in love with this book so much. Beautiful, enthralling, and fantastic!

Like I said before, Hideous Love is a slow-build kind of book. It took me a couple of pages for me to get into the groove of the story, but it wasn't long before I caught myself sinking deep into this rich and fascinating world. If something happened to Mary, I ached for it. If she succeed, I cheered her on. I absolutely love it when an author can make me connected to a character like that, much less an actual person. What's weird is that I didn't enjoy Frankenstein at all, but I loved the story that was based off of the author! If you're in the mood for a wonderful historical that will have you falling in love with the characters and captured by the writing, definitely give Hideous Love a try!

Stephanie Hemphill, why don't you just rip my heart out. The ending of Hideous Love is what made the book for me. Hemphill just reflected the scenario of Mary Shelley's pain and struggles so incredibly, and I felt a better understanding for Mary after this novel. And though I've said that Hideous Love is a slow-build book, it's not boring by any means. The pacing fit the story so well - whether it was her family or Mary's writing, she goes through many hardships, and Stephanie Hemphill brought that essence of obstacles to Hideous Love so well. Highly recommended!

Overall, Hideous Love is a slow-paced, brilliant book that enthralled me and made me feel a connection to the characters I haven't felt in a very long time. Hideous Love is lovely!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Read on April 20, 2013

RUBY RED
Published: May 10, 2011
Publisher: Henry Holt (Macmillan)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 322 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Ruby Red, #1

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Ruby Red is a whirlwind of a novel, with combinations of epic moments and wonderful characters that make this crazy and awesome read even more enjoyable. I wish I could travel back in time to experience Ruby Red again!

The concept of Ruby Red is very engaging and highly addictive - how could you not resist a time travel story?! And luckily, Ruby Red is one of my favorite time travel stories I've ever read. Wanna know what I loved most about this time travel? There was a plot reason for time travel. It's not just something cool to give the story that extra dazzle, extra push. The story revolves around family secrets, heartbreaking betrayals, and traveling back in time to fix the past and restore the future. And the mystery! Gosh, Ruby Red is such a tension-filled, edge-of-your-seat type of book, and it's impossible to put down. My only regret was not picking this one up sooner! Loved it!

Gwen was awesome, short and simple. I get that some times, characters need to be a little naïve in order to get a true grasp on the situation at hand, but I feel that some characters go way past the boundaries with being naïve. Thankfully, Gwen wasn't that type of character. Sure, she was apprehensive at first (who wouldn't be?), but she handled the situation very maturely, and I loved her character! And can I just give Kerstin Gier a round of applause for not putting insta-love in the book? It could've been so easy to make Gideon an insta-love character that would fall in love with Gwen, and the story could have taken off from there. But Ruby Red doesn't revolve around love! It worked flawlessly. Ruby Red was masterfully structured and complexly rich; Kerstin Gier did an incredible job with this fantastic novel.

And while I had just a little trouble getting into the beginning (by, like, 25 pages, maybe?), it's so easy to be captivated and fall under the spell of Ruby Red. It will absorb your mind and consume you whole; I never, ever wanted to put this book down. It was that awesome.

Overall, Ruby Red is an explosive, fiery tale that wrapped itself in my brain and never left. I still think about it to this day. Ruby Red is epic!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Starfall by W.A. Fulkerson

STARFALL
Published: February 23, 2013
Publisher: Createspace
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 364 pages
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review
Series: Starfall, #1

The day an Ungifted witnesses his star fall from the heavens is a moment that shapes the rest of his life. Finding one’s star means choosing a gift, and having a gift means a better life- especially for Ducasus and Malleus. Born into slavery on a Flare’s plantation, the twin brothers spent their youth watching the sky, waiting, wishing, hoping for the day when their ticket to freedom might come. When it does, it is nothing like either of them ever expected. 

Starfall is an exciting, adventure-filled journey inside a world filled with giants, monsters, and races not yet known. A new mythology begins now.

Starfall is a dynamic, explosive tale that packs a punch. This novel is a force to be reckoned with. 

After reading the synopsis, I knew I had to have my hands on this book. And while I'll admit, the beginning threw me off, and I was confused, everything settled out towards the middle and ending. A new mythology is brought forth in Starfall (side note: how awesome is that?), and things take a bit to get set up. But once we learn everything, this novel takes off like a rocket and never lets up. It's impossible to put down, and it consumes your mind. Very epic and highly addictive!

The idea of a slave discovering his destiny is quite interesting! I'd never seen it done before, and I was definitely curious to see how everything would play out. What I wasn't expecting was loads of awesome and peculiar creatures, fast-paced scenes that kept me up late into the night, and wonderful characters that were fantastic to be on an adventure with. I can't tell you how happy I am with Starfall - for fans of Percy Jackson and Shadow and Bone! You won't be able to put Starfall down!

That. Ending. Woah. I keep mentioning it, but it's insane how crazy it is to quit reading this book - it's nearly impossible. I hated to tear my eyes away from the page, and the ending of the book was completely wrapped around my mind and wholly captivated me. I need the next book pronto! Loved it!

Overall, Starfall is an epic, stunning tale that will pull readers in and never let them go. Needing some awesome fantasy in your life? Look no further; Starfall has you covered.

M Y    R A T I N G