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: Landry Park by Bethany Hagen

Read from October 27 to 29, 2013

LANDRY PARK
Expected Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Dial (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 374 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Landry Park, #1

Downton Abbey meets The Selection in this dystopian tale of love and betrayal.

In a fragmented future United States ruled by the lavish gentry, seventeen-year-old Madeline Landry dreams of going to the university. Unfortunately, gentry decorum and her domineering father won't allow that. Madeline must marry, like a good Landry woman, and run the family estate. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers the devastating consequences her lifestyle is having on those less fortunate. As Madeline begins to question everything she has ever learned, she finds herself increasingly drawn to handsome, beguiling David Dana. Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to spread, and Madeline finds herself and David at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must make a choice between duty - her family and the estate she loves dearly - and desire.

Landry Park is a beautiful, enchanting read that drew me in right from the beginning, and with the way that Hagen crafted the world of Landry Park of stunning characters and exceptional writing, it was impossible to put it down. Landry Park is truly one of a kind.

Are you getting sick and tired of the dystopian genre? Landry Park is sure to change your mind about that. Instead of building a future that's unlike anything in our present day world, Hagen draws from the past and how a torn United States quickly becomes like that in the old age. It was so unique to see this play on dystopian, and it's one of the many reasons why Landry Park stands out to me. From the elegance of the land and the proper manners to the scandal and betrayal happening behind the scenes, Landry Park makes its mark ever so gracefully and standout-worthy. Even though I read this book months ago, it's still on my mind. Landry Park is wickedly marvelous!

Madeline is such a strong, fantastic protagonist. She doesn't want to follow the rules set by her land, and she won't let her freedom be taken from her. With war brewing in the land, Madeline has a whirlwind of adventure on her hands, and the way that Hagen executes this adventure was incredible. There is never a dull moment in Landry Park. It's so vivacious, dark, and contagious - it's truly impossible to stop reading Landry Park. The world-building will have you caught up in Madeline and Landry Park, the writing will carry you away with the love and war stirring in the land, and the characters will make you head over heels fall in love with everything about this gem. I cannot stress enough how much I adored this book. I need the sequel so bad!

Can we just talk about the fact that Bethany Hagen is a master of suspense? Honestly, I had no idea what to expect while reading Landry Park. There are so many masterful and unique elements thrown into the novel that I totally didn't see coming, and they weren't the kind of plot twists thrown in for the sake of shocking the reader - they moved the story along and benefited it greatly. Landry Park will shake you, captivate you, and leave you wanting more long after the final page has been turned.

Overall, I loved Landry Park so much. With phenomenal world-building and one of a kind characters (plus an ending I never saw coming, and once I read it, my jaw literally fell open), Landry Park will blow you away.

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Pawn by Aimée Carter

Read from November 11 to 15, 2013

PAWN
Expected Publication Date: November 26, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 296 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: The Blackcoat Rebellion, #1

YOU CAN BE A VII IF YOU GIVE EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked - surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed, and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

The first move is hers...

Pawn is an intriguing, exceptional story that grabbed me from the first page and held me captive far after I turned the last page. It's been a long time since a book has made me feel this way, and I absolutely adored Pawn. A perfect start to a very promising series!

My favorite part about Pawn? It's not your typical dystopian by any standards. You've got rankings that determine how well you do in this world, and I loved how we follow a broken girl throughout the story. Kitty is at the bottom of the barrel, but she's given a rare opportunity to join an elite, yet lethal, society. There is so much scandal and betrayal in Pawn, and it's impossible to set this book down. This book completely took over my mind. Every chapter makes your heart race and your pulse pound even harder than the last - this is definitely a standout for books I've read this year. If you're craving something to fulfill your dystopian needs, Pawn is a must-read.

Like I said earlier, there is so much betrayal. I loved how our protagonist goes from zero to hero, but she's thrown into an insanely deadly and shadow-filled world where one wrong move will cost her her life. Kitty has had to study everything about Lila, the person she's become, and if she can't pull it off, all will be lost. Carter did an exceptional job with tackling and evolving this situation into such a gripping, fast-paced story. Seriously, this book was the only thing on my mind. Pawn is a one of a kind gem that shouldn't be missed - an incredible novel that shines out!

Holy ending, Batman! The final 100 pages of Pawn are non-stop, wham-bam kind of scenes that had me turning pages as fast as I possibly could. I loved traveling with Kitty through the entire story - she's such a fantastic protagonist! She's broken and flawed, and that's what I love most about her; she didn't try to be anything more than what she was. Highly absorbing and electric, Pawn will have readers fully enthralled in the story and begging for more.

Overall, Pawn is a stunning dystopian that is unlike anything I've ever read. Epic in every sense of the word!

M Y     R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Altered by Gennifer Albin

Read on June 10, 2013

ALTERED

Expected Publication Date: October 29, 2013

Publisher: FSG (Macmillan)

Format: ARC

Page Count: 400 pages

Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Series: Crewel World, #2

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

Altered is dazzling, epic sequel that had me in moments of suspense and others loving to explore this new exotic world with Adelice. Gennifer Albin nailed it with this sequel.

After the mind-blowing ending of Crewel, the circumstances have changed, and everything is deceptive and dangerous. Albin does a fantastic job at building upon this new world and developing the characters even further. It's so interesting to see how much things have changed since Crewel - Altered brings forth a world that will shock you, shake you, and have you in its clutches. This is easily one of the best sequels I've ever read. It plays upon the already built arc of a story, while adding new key elements that were brilliant. I love everything about this series, and you should too. It's absolutely fantastic.

The characters are truly one of a kind. Adelice starts off a bit naïve in the first book, but now that everything has changed, she's fierce and strong, and she knows what she wants from the world. Albin took her character development to a whole new level in Altered; it proves that Adelice is one of the best protagonists out there in YA. Loyal, determined, and a gem of a protagonist, Adelice is stunning. But only does Adelice evolve and morph in Altered; Jost and Erik evolve as well. They become awesome heroes who would do anything to protect Adelice, and I really appreciated Albin's way of progressing their relationships with Adelice. Altered is a phenomenal sequel that's not just unique, it's addictive. 

That ending! Woah! Gennifer Albin is a master of plot twists, and there are so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Altered will wrap itself around your mind, and you won't be able to put this novel down. Mind-bending, mind-blowing, and 100% consuming, Altered is an incredible addition to this masterpiece of a series. I need the third book like crazy!

Overall, Altered is marvelous sequel that had me on the edge the entire time, and I loved every second of it.

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: Blackout by Robison Wells

Read on July 20, 2013

BLACKOUT
Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 432 pages
Source: ALA

THE VIRUS HAS SPREAD.

Laura and Alec are trained terrorists.

Jack and Aubrey are high school students.

There was no reason for them to ever meet.

But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.

Blackout is, simply put, epic. Divergent meets X-Men in this fast-paced, awesome story that always kept my eyes glued to the page and my pulse racing with these characters. Legendary!

I'm a huge sucker for post-apocalytpic, dystopian novels, and the fantastic thing about Blackout is that it brings something new and fresh to the table. Kids being infected with powers? Sign me up. I was invested into this rich and vast world right from page one and never wanted to leave. Not only is this world dark and strange, it's one of the most unique settings I've ever seen done. With superhumans and terrorists running around a plagued world, disaster and havoc will arise; Wells did a phenomenal job with this novel. Fans of Divergent will eat this book up. Blackout is one of my new favorite novels for the year!

What a marvelous cast and ensemble! Laura and Alec are a great contrast between right and wrong; is what they're fighting for worth the cost? And Jack and Aubrey are the shining light of innocent, but they might be turning rotten on the inside. I loved this contrast between good and evil! Robison Wells plays on so many levels of good vs. evil and the fight for power. If you love your books with the right amount of action and characters that will blow you away, Blackout is a must-read. I truly believe that this will be a new buzz book! It's rich in it's fast-paced, tension-filled moments, stunning with its flawlessly contrasted characters, and original with its storyline and writing style. So amazing!

That ending! Please tell me there's a sequel! Wells did an exceptional job with this ending. Even though there was never a dull moment within Blackout, that ending just knocked the book out of the ballpark. It's almost like a race against the clock - time is ticking, and you're not sure if you'll come out on the other side. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and I absolutely fell in love with this book.

Overall, Blackout is a new, shining gem within the post-apocalyptic genre that shouldn't be missed. Wholly unique and brilliant, Blackout is an exceptional and astonishing new novel that captured me and never let me go!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Kinslayer by Jay Kristoff

Read from August 31 to September 1, 2013

KINSLAYER
Expected Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin's Press)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 432 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: The Lotus War, #2

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

Kinslayer is a powerful, satisfying follow-up to one of the best fantasies I've ever read. Jay Kristoff's phenomenal series packs a punch and never lets up. A must-read for fantasy fanatics!

Let me explain this series in a nutshell: dystopian Japanese steampunk. A girl with a thunder tiger fighting against the government. Who in the world wouldn't want to be invested in that world?! And Jay Kristoff builds upon the already awesome world even more in this epic sequel. I always talk about the dreaded "Sequel Syndrome" - in which, a sequel falls flat compared to book one - but I am thrilled to report that it passed over Kinslayer's head! It packs a hard punch, and the action scenes are superb. With so much mysterious and tension, Kinslayer is impossible to put down. Jay Kristoff has done it again!

Let all us talk about the awesomeness that is the duo of Yukiko and Buruu. They have quickly become one of my favorite pairs in any book; they compliment and contrast each other so perfectly, and they work together so well. Their bonds are really tested in Kinslayer, but Kristoff does a phenomenal job at giving each character their own spotlight, then merging the epic duo together on the battlefield. They're honestly my favorite part about the Lotus War series; they're some of the best characters ever written. Absolutely phenomenal!

That ending. I can't even process it! If you thought the ending of Stormdancer was crazy, you haven't seen anything yet. When I said that this sequel packs a punch, I mean it so much. There are so many twists and turns you will never see coming in Kinslayer, and after I read the last chapter, my mouth was hanging open. It tormented me, fractured me, and completely shattered my reading world. Definitely one of the best endings I've ever read. More please!

Overall, Kinslayer is a revolutionizing story in the fantasy genre that will leave fans begging for more. Epic beyond belief! So amazing!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

Read on June 23, 2013

STORMDANCER
Published: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin's Press)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 313 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: The Lotus War, #1

A DYING LAND
The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever.

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST 
The hunters of Shima’s imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger – a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.

A HIDDEN GIFT 
Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her.

But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

"Feathers grow back. Sisters do not."

Stormdancer is a marvelous, phenomenal tale that blends together a dystopian world with Japanese steampunk - who wouldn't be intrigued?! Jay Kristoff has weaved together a fantastic story that captivated me right from the first page and never let me go. A new favorite book of mine.

Come on, guys. Japanese dystopian steampunk. If those three words don't catch your attention, I have no clue what will. Stormdancer is a highly addictive and unique novel that is impossible to put down. I have never read a book like this masterpiece, and I was tremendously blown away by it. I say it all the time, but world-building is everything to me in a book. The world of the Shima Imperium is toxic and enthralling, and I simply couldn't get enough of this book. This book, you guys. So good.

In a world that is dying of poison with such a unique setting and a fantastic writing style, what else could Jay Kristoff possibly add to it? Oh, that's right. An awesome kick-butt heroine and a thunder tiger. That's what. Stormdancer has everything a fantasy/dystopian lover could ever want, especially with Yukiko being an epic protagonist. In the beginning, while she's headstrong, she makes mistakes and is careless with her actions. But as Stormdancer progresses, she evolves into a strong, determined, and fierce warrior, and I appreciated Kristoff so much for creating such an awesome character. I absolutely fell for Yukiko. And Buruu! Who wouldn't want a tiger for themselves? He's been hurt, haunted, and banished, but when he joins forces with Yukiko, they become unstoppable. They're a brilliant duo, and they're one of the many reasons why I loved Stormdancer!

Stormdancer never, ever has a dull moment. The action scenes are superb; the writing style makes the reader feel as if they're on the battlefield with Yukiko and Buruu. But the writing style also has the lyrical, haunting aurora when describing the dying wasteland of the Shima Imperium. The world is beautiful, lethal, and something I've never seen done before. Seriously, if you love fantastic worlds with an epic protagonist and a one of a kind writing style, Stormdancer is a must-read.

Overall, Stormdancer is a phenomenal debut that leaves its mark on the YA genre. Amazing, fantastic, all the feels. I was enthralled by this gem!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

Read from August 25 to 26, 2013

PERFECT RUIN
Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Format: ARC
Page Count: 356 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Internment Chronicles, #1

(fantastic title, fantastic cover)

On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil.

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

Perfect Ruin is a phenomenal masterpiece that shouldn't be missed. With incredible world-building, a brilliant and strong heroine, and a mystery that will completely consume you, you can't go wrong with Perfect Ruin. I can't even explain to you how much I adore this book!

World-building is everything to me in a book. I love a good, creative world that will capture me right away and make me want to explore it with the characters. I have never seen a world like Perfect Ruin. Could it be because it's a city in the sky? Or that if you fall off the edge, it's over? Or that it's enclosed by trains running around Internment? How about all of the above. Everything - and I do mean everything - in Perfect Ruin worked for me. Lauren DeStefano has weaved together a genuine masterpiece that I fell in love with so hard. Unique, original, and absolutely fantastic, Perfect Ruin is easily one of my favorite books of the year.

Oh gosh, Morgan. Morgan is a stunning protagonist. She's headstrong, determined, and loyal - she knows what she wants and will go to the extreme to get it. And with this big of a mystery surrounding a city floating in the sky, how could you not be intrigued? Morgan knows of the lethal dangers that is surrounding Basil and Judas, and she knows that getting to the bottom of this mystery could lead to her doom. Such a strong and wonderfully developed character like Morgan doesn't come around very often, and I appreciated that DeStefano crafted a brilliant protagonist like Morgan. Actually, every character was brilliant! Pen, the loyal and awesome best friend; Judas, the dark and mysterious stranger who you never know is help or a wicked force; and Basil, the supporting and marvelous male lead that stayed beside Morgan's side all the way through. Perfect Ruin did not disappoint by any means. So good!

That ending crushed me. It ripped out my heart, threw me around, shook me up, and kept me in its clutches. Perfect Ruin was impossible to put down. I was so hooked with the mystery and wondered whether Morgan would end up like her brother; if I wasn't reading this novel, it was the only thing on my mind. I could ramble on and on explaining my love for this beautiful and amazing start to a promising series. Fantastic. Stunning. All the feels.

Overall, Perfect Ruin is a masterfully done and unique novel that made me beg for more and fall to the temptation of Internment. Lauren DeStefano's newest novel is sure to be a mega hit! I'm so happy to add this book to my all-time favorites shelf.

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Brad About Books: Love in the Time of Global Warming by Francesca Lia Block

Read from April 1 to 2, 2013

LOVE IN THE TIME OF GLOBAL WARMING
Expected Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 240 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

(Sorry, but I have to point out that this cover is amazing)

Seventeen-year-old Penelope (Pen) has lost everything—her home, her parents, and her ten-year-old brother. Like a female Odysseus in search of home, she navigates a dark world full of strange creatures, gathers companions and loses them, finds love and loses it, and faces her mortal enemy.

In her signature style, Francesca Lia Block has created a world that is beautiful in its destruction and as frightening as it is lovely. At the helm is Pen, a strong heroine who holds hope and love in her hands and refuses to be defeated.

Love in the Time of Global Warming is an original and vivid story that captured me with its beautiful prose and lush world-building. A stellar novel that shouldn't be missed!

The best part about Love in the Time of Global Warming? It's so unique! I have never read a book like this, and I appreciate Block weaving together a wholly original story that hooked me from the first page and never let me go. The entire concept of this novel sounds fantastic, and it lives up to the hype! A huge disaster wipes out the world, monsters roam the land, and darkness lurks around every corner. How could that not intrigue you? The world was so achingly beautiful and eerie - I never wanted to put  Love in the Time of Global Warming down!

World-building is a major part of the story for me, and this world has been ruined and destroyed - but it's so vivid and awesome! I loved getting to explore this world with Pen, and though she encounters many obstacles, she trudges through them; she's a fantastic character. While Love in the Time of Global Warming comes off as weird and odd, there's so much more to this story. I found that the farther I got into the story, I discovered layers upon layers to this world, characters, and concept in general. It was so, so great.

And the writing! Gah! It took me a little to get situated with Block's style, but after awhile, I sank deeper and deeper into the story - the writing was brilliant! It's lyrical and mysterious, yet at the same time, gorgeous and haunting. Love in the Time of Global Warming is one of the most original books I've read in a long time, and I loved it to pieces.

Overall, Love in the Time of Global Warming is a riveting, luminous read that unfolds with a deeper meaning and wonderful world. One of a kind!

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Brad About Books: Once We Were by Kat Zhang

Read on May 7, 2013

ONCE WE WERE
Expected Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 352 pages
Source: ALA
Series: The Hybrid Chronicles, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, What's Left of Me.

Once We Were is an electrifying and fantastic sequel that not only surpassed the first installment in this epic series, it blew my mind and made me fall even more in love with this world. Zhang's sophomore shines bright and is an absolute page-turner!

What's Left of Me is one of my favorite books ever, and I have no idea how Kat Zhang managed it, but she made the sequel even better! Sequels can be tough, since you have to build upon the characters and the world that's already been formed. And believe me, the world expands tremendously in Once We Were! We get to see even more of this broken world, and I loved getting to see it with Eva and Addie. Plus, new characters were introduced! I can't even tell you how thrilled I was about that. I will admit that some sequels fall flat compared to the first novel, but that is totally not the case with the Hybrid Chronicles. I love these books to pieces!

The characters are phenomenal. Truly, amazingly, and utterly phenomenal. Being inside Eva and Addie's head is one of a kind, and now that things have changed since What's Left of Me (you'll have to read it to find out what!), we get to see how they have evolved and changed - not only as hybrids surviving in a brutal and harsh world, but also as sisters. They have their moments when they can't stand each other (I mean, when you have to deal with one person all the time and share the same body, it'll be tough), but they also have moments where they truly love each other and would do anything for their sister. The relationship feels authentic and real, and it's one of the many reasons why Once We Were is one of the best sequels I've ever read!

And SO. MUCH. CRAZINESS. goes down in Once We Were! Explosions, climatic scenes, and tension-filled times, there is never a dull moment. Everything flies at the reader so quickly, and so many dark secrets are brought to the light. I devoured this book in mere hours, simply because I couldn't dare put it down! If you loved What's Left of Me, just wait 'til you get a copy of the sequel - it will blow you away!

Also: can I just express how badly I need the third book?! I love this series so, so, so much, and I'm dying for the next novel!

Overall, Once We Were is a fantastic and magnificent sequel that grabbed me right from the first page and never let me go. Absolutely marvelous!

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Waiting on Wednesday (24): Infinite by Jodi Meadows

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

This week, I am eagerly waiting on...

INFINITE (INCARNATE, #3) - JODI MEADOWS

Expected Publication Date: January 28, 2014

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (Harper)

To avoid spoilers for anyone who hasn't started this series (which, if you haven't, you are CRAZY), I will post the synopsis to book one, Incarnate.

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

~

If you don't know, Incarnate is my favorite book of all time, and the sequel, Asunder, is just as amazing! So obviously, I am dying (and I literally mean, dying) for the third and final book, Infinite! But I'm so sad to let this series go - I just don't want to! I am positive that this conclusion will be fantastic, and while I'll be sad it's over, I am anticipating this book like nobody's business! I need this book, like, yesterday!

I WANT NEED THIS BOOK SO SO SO BAD.

What are you waiting on this week?

Brad About Books: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Read from June 26 to 27, 2013

THE IMMORTAL RULES
Published: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 485 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Blood of Eden, #1

To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness…

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for…again.

Enter Julie Kagawa's dark and twisted world as an unforgettable journey begins.

The Immortal Rules is a brilliantly-executed and wholly-original story that captivated me into this dark and lethal world, and made me never want to leave! An epic tale that readers will fall in love with.

Vampires have been used over and over so many times, it's becoming redundant. However, The Immortal Rules takes vampires and puts a twist on it (one that I adore so much) - Julie Kagawa added dystopian/post-apocalyptic elements to this book. And she balanced both genres out so well! The post-apocalyptic and ruined wasteland was frightening and chilling, especially with the eerie atmosphere looming over it. Kagawa is fantastic writer, and this novel proves it. With all the hype surrounding it, The Immortal Rules definitely delivers. 

The Immortal Rules starts off with a bang and never lets up. We are thrust right into this world (with a huge action scene), and there is never a dull moment in this novel! There is a new twist and turn during every chapters, and you know what's the best part? The shockers feel authentic, not forced. Some surprisers seem like they're there to keep the reader interested, not to move the story forward. I don't know how in the world she did it, but Julie Kagawa moved the story forward with plot-twists while keeping me interested even more than previously. Absolutely stunning!

And I loved the unique spin that The Immortal Rules brings with our protagonist, Allie. She becomes the monster, the paranormal creature, instead of falling in love with one. It's so awesome! And Kagawa never veers away from the dark and monstrous Allie side. She has moments at times where you think she's going to go all out and become a ruthless killer. And while that's in her head, we get to see the last little bit of Allie's humanity left in her. I can't explain it, but it was just wonderful to finally get a fresh paranormal story. Move over Buffy, because Allison Sekemoto is a shining new heroine!

Overall, The Immortal Rules rocked my world and left me in complete and utter shock with its killer cliffhanger. But I loved every second of it. Dark and original, The Immortal Rules is a marvelous and phenomenal journey that you'll never want to end.

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Brad About Books: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Read on May 31, 2013

THE 5TH WAVE
Published: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Putnam (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 457 pages
Source: RAK
Series: The 5th Wave, #1

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Words can't even begin to describe how amazing The 5th Wave truly is. This book deserves every ounce of hype surrounding it - it's absolutely fantastic. Definitely a favorite of all-time!

The creepiest part about The 5th Wave? The silence. This is, honestly, the most terrifying world I have ever read about. Think about it: You have aliens who have come in, destroyed the world and everyone you know... then... silence. You don't hear anything from them. They're sinister and quiet, waiting for the perfect moment to finish what they started. You can NOT tell me that that is not super scary. I would be scared for my life in Yancey's magnificent world. The world-building was fascinating, and I loved getting to explore this wasteland of a world with our ensemble of character: Cassie, Evan, Zombie, and everybody else.

Speaking of which, the characters are amazing. Another cool thing Rick Yancey brings to the table is that this book is split into parts (fourteen, I believe; I could be wrong.), and each part is from a different POV. They rotate between a couple of characters (the main ones being Cassie, Evan and Zombie), so you can see this world through multiple eyes. But he doesn't tell you right away who you are experiencing this world with. It takes awhile before the character is mentioned and we understand who is speaking. Usually, this is a major turn-off for me, but for some reason, it works with The 5th Wave. We get clean slates of who these characters are, and it just fits with the tone of the book so well! I never thought I would actually like that in a book, but I loved it in The 5th Wave!

And the entire concept of an alien invasion! So cool! I have read very little alien invasion books (a standout in my mind is Icons by Margaret Stohl) - The 5th Wave is such a unique take on aliens. The destroying waves, the eerie silence, and the Silencers (my gosh, they are FREAKY! Silencers are one of my new favorite villains), EVERYTHING about The 5th Wave is marvelous, fantastic, and utterly phenomenal. If you have not gotten this book yet, run -- AND I DO MEAN RUN -- to the bookstore and purchase this amazing, amazing start to a promising new series. You won't regret it.

Overall, The 5th Wave is definitely a new favorite for 2013 and of all-time. As soon as I finished this book, I wanted to go right back to the beginning and start all over again; I can definitely see me re-reading this book soon. Yancey's newest novel is a climatic thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and had chills running down my spine. And I adored every minute of it.

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Brad About Books: Eve by Anna Carey

Read on April 13, 2013

EVE
Published: October 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 318 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Eve, #1

Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth's population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school's real purpose--and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she's ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

In this epic new series, Anna Carey imagines a future that is both beautiful and terrifying. Readers will revel in Eve's timeless story of forbidden love and extraordinary adventure.

Eve is a highly-explosive, pulse-pounding dystopian read with excellent world-building and action-sizzling scenes. A wonderful debut!

The world-building was fantastic. I loved getting to explore this New America with our runaway protagonist; this new world was terrifying and haunting. Everything seemed to be broken... and I loved that! Most dystopians have an overbearing government, but government is really the problem in Eve. All of this world is awful. People afraid of each other, rebels attacking - it would be a scary place to live in! And I love that Carey didn't shy away from the frightening aspect. 

Eve is a great main character. I loved being inside her head and exploring this unknown territory with her. Yes, she could be naïve at times, and yes, she could be a bit overdramatic, but I still loved her! I thought that she insightful and riveting! If I had to choose a character to journey New America with, I would have chosen Eve. I just simply love her character.

And the twists this book takes! There are some things I saw coming, but for the majority, I didn't see a bunch of these turns and twists coming! Again, Anna Carey didn't shy away from making scenes awfully tragic, and I adore that! I can't wait to see what she writes next. That ending was very fast-paced and energetic - I couldn't help myself but tear through those pages!

Overall, if you're craving more dystopia in your life, Eve is the book for you. Wonderfully plotted and building with tension, Eve soars and never comes down.

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