Brad About Books: The Merciless by Danielle Vega

Read from March 11 to 12, 2014

THE MERCILESS
Expected Publication Date: June 12, 2014
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 279 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned.

Brooklyn Stevens sits in a pool of her own blood, tied up and gagged. No one outside of these dank basement walls knows she’s here. No one can hear her scream.

Sofia Flores knows she shouldn’t have gotten involved. When she befriended Riley, Grace, and Alexis on her first day at school, she admired them, with their perfect hair and their good-girl ways. They said they wanted to save Brooklyn. They wanted to help her. Sofia didn’t realize they believed Brooklyn was possessed.

Now, Riley and the girls are performing an exorcism on Brooklyn—but their idea of an exorcism is closer to torture than salvation. All Sofia wants is to get out of this house. But there is no way out. Sofia can’t go against the other girls . . . unless she wants to be next. . . .

In this chilling debut, Danielle Vega delivers blood-curdling suspense and terror on every page. By the shockingly twisted end, readers will be faced with the most haunting question of all: Is there evil in all of us?

The Merciless is a mind-twisting, fully engrossing story that had me on the edge of my seat from page one and never let me go. I have never read anything like this, and this seriously chilled me to the bone. I adored this book. 

First things first, this book is messed up in the best way possible. I absolutely love that Vega took some risks with The Merciless. So many things in this book disturbed me and freaked me out like no other book has, and I honestly can't believe it, but I loved every single second of this book. There is never a dull moment in The Merciless - I couldn't put it down. From the darkness lurking around each corner to the sinister secrets that the girls are harboring, everything about The Merciless will have you looking over your shoulder and send chills up your spine. This is, hands down, one of my favorite books I've read this year. This was a phenomenal debut. 

There are so many twists and turns in this novel. When Brooklyn was chained up in the basement and the girls were planning their sinister plots, I was seriously scared to death (it probably didn't help that I was home alone when I read this). I've read some YA horror novels, but none of them have kept me so engrossed and so scared like The Merciless did, and I applaud Vega for doing that. Sofia was a stunning protagonist. I felt that she was very realistic with her situation of wanting to fit in, and I loved how she was honest with herself - if she ever questioned whether she was just as evil as Riley and the gang, she never wavered from it or contradicted herself. It was so refreshing to read about a protagonist who wasn't always confident in knowing what she capable of it; it made the story even more creepy, haunting, and addictive. And the girls… they're some of the best villains I've ever read about. Riley was a headstrong, fearless, and evil ringleader of the clan, and I couldn't help but love to hate her, but hate to love her. Grace and Alexis, on the other hand… I loved how I could never tell what they were going to do next. I was always questioning who's side they were truly on, and I loved how this book kept me guessing.

That's another thing - this book is so unpredictable. There was one point where I thought I had figured the mystery out, but I was completely wrong. The spin that Vega sent instead was even more mind-blowing than I could have possibly imagined, and it made me fall even more head-over-heels in love with The Merciless. If you're looking for something different in YA that will have you completely wrapped up in the story, The Merciless has got you covered. One of the best debuts I've ever read. 

Overall, The Merciless is a must-read. Haunting, chilling, and one of a kind, The Merciless had me at its mercy by keeping me up late into the night and always checking over my shoulder. Fantastic in every sense of the word.

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: This Strange and Familiar Place by Rachel Carter

Read on July 21, 2013

THIS STRANGE AND FAMILIAR PLACE
Published: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 264 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: So Close to You, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, So Close to You. 

This Strange and Familiar Place is a very nice sequel, however, I felt that it was lacking in progressing the story along in certain parts of the plot. Though I had this problem with this sequel, it was still entertaining. 

I'll start with what I did enjoy about This Strange and Familiar Place: more questions appear and the stakes are raised to a new notch. Book one set up the whole conspiracy theory, but book two plays on it and evolves it into something so much bigger than what the reader - and Lydia, the protagonist - ever imagined it to be. When there's an action scene in This Strange and Familiar Place, you're in for a wild ride that will have you glued to the edge of your seat.

But my problem with This Strange and Familiar Place was the parts that weren't action-filled, and unfortuantely, there's quite a lot of them. Even though the book clocks in at just a little over 250 pages, the story feels very dragged out over parts - and the middle of the book felt filler, in my opinion. Nothing evolved from the plot in the middle, and I didn't find anything that pushed the storyline further. I am happy, though, that the ending of This Strange and Familiar Place saved the book for me. It was fast-paced, and there were things that really made my jaw drop. I just wish that there were more scenes like that consistently throughout the sequel. The ending did set up a very nice overview to the conclusion of the series, so I will definitely be checking out book three, Find Me Where the Water Ends. 

My favorite part about This Strange and Familiar Place has to be Lydia's character development. In So Close to You, she was very naïve to everything around her, but in This Strange and Familiar Place, she knows what she needs to do to take charge, and I really appreciated her character development. Carter did an exceptional job at building up Lydia's character, and I adored how she wasn't afraid to break her down. While This Strange and Familiar Place was just okay for me, it still grabbed me like book one did. I can't wait to find out how everything wraps up!

Overall, This Strange and Familiar Place is a pretty good sequel with a slow middle chunk but an ending that makes up for it.

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil

Read on June 17, 2013

3:59
Published: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 368 pages
Source: RAK

Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.

Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.

Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo. 

Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day.

But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.

By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late?

From master of suspense Gretchen McNeil comes a riveting and deliciously eerie story about the lives we wish we had – and how they just might kill you.

3:59 is a spine-tingling, chilling read that shook me to the bone and had me so wrapped up in this world. Gretchen McNeil has created another supernatural masterpiece - one that sets the bar high and can't be topped. I fell in love with this book so hard.

Gretchen McNeil has written some of my favorite books of all time: they're always spooky and haunting, and I just can't get enough of them. 3:59 was no exception to McNeil's incredible storytelling. Everything about 3:59 will send chills down your spine and have you looking over your shoulder. The best thing about McNeil's novels is how all of them are so original: Possess has demons and exterminating them, Ten is a creeptastic murder mystery that kept me up all night, and 3:59 is parallel worlds and the danger of how looks can be deceiving. Gretchen McNeil's novels are the perfect creepy readers, and I highly recommend them all. 3:59 is so fantastic. I've never seen a novel like this before, and the way that McNeil tied in the worlds and brought in deception was mind-blowing. Chilling and eerie, 3:59 is a read that kept me up late at night, turning pages as fast as I could. Absolutely loved this book.

I love to compare and contrast in books, and 3:59 has some great examples. The balance between Josie and Jo is incredible - they are similar in traits, but at the end of the day, they are far from similar. They each want different things and are willing to use lethal tactics in order to succeed in them. I adored how Gretchen McNeil tied Josie and Jo together but gave them different outlooks on life; everything about these two characters were phenomenal. I love a good world-building structure in a novel, and woah, 3:59 has brilliant world-building. Josie's world is crumbling all around her - sorrow and danger is everywhere she turns. Jo's world is literally crumbling at the seams. The shadowy creatures that eat human flesh in the night scared me and rocked me to my core, and Jo's world is absolutely consuming and reckless. If you love a story that will leave a mark on you long after you turn the final page, then 3:59 is the book for you.

That ending! All the feels! With a Gretchen McNeil novel, I can always count on a shocking ending, and I totally got that with 3:59. There were so many plot twists in 3:59 that I didn't see coming, and one scene in particular made me jump out of my seat. I was always on the edge of my seat during this supernatural masterpiece, and I adored this book so much. Highly, highly recommended!

Overall, 3:59 is an addictive, absorbing novel that shouldn't be missed. Thrilling and masterfully done, 3:59 is a true gem.

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney

Read on July 21, 2013

THE BROKENHEARTED
Expected Publication Date: October 8, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 336 pages
Source: ALA

MY HEART STOPPED. MY LIFE STARTED.

A teenage girl is transformed into a reluctant superhero and must balance her old life with the dark secret of who she has become.

Prima ballerina Anthem Fleet is closely guarded by her parents in their penthouse apartment. But when she meets the handsome Gavin at a party on the wrong side of town, she is immediately drawn into his dangerous world. Then, in a tragic accident, Anthem falls to her death. She awakes in an underground lab, with a bionic heart ticking in her chest. As she navigates her new life, she uncovers the sinister truth behind those she trusted the most, and the chilling secret of her family lineage…and her duty to uphold it.

The Dark Knight meets Cinder in this gripping and cinematic story of heartbreak and revenge. From Alloy Entertainment, this inventive new superhero story is sure to captivate any reader.

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock...

The Brokenhearted is a phenomenal novel that is equally unique and epic. I have never read a story like this masterful one, and I adored every single minute of The Brokenhearted.

The Dark Knight meets Cinder. A girl receives a bionic heart - one that makes her like a superhero - that is counting down like warfare. What more do you need to hear to convince you to read The Brokenhearted?! I was so excited to dive into this novel - luckily, all of my expectations were met. I expected a highly addictive and epic story that would grab me at the beginning and make me feel entwined with this world, and thankfully, The Brokenhearted did just that for me. I don't think I've ever read a "superhero" type of story, but I was so pleasantly surprised to see just how fantastic The Brokenhearted was. I truly loved every thing about this book. Definitely a new favorite read of mine.

The world-building was stunning. Chicago is now a dark, hollow place, and it's up to Anthem Fleet to stop the sinister forces determined to take everyone down. Betrayal is such an awesome topic in YA books, and betrayal basically revolves around The Brokenhearted. As Anthem uncovers the truth about her family, she's thrust deeper into darkness and evil, but with her bionic heart, she's unstoppable. Anthem is such an amazing character. Sure, she's naïve at first (who wouldn't be when you're a cyborg suddenly?), but as The Brokenhearted progresses, Anthem evolves and becomes such a fierce, epic protagonist that is willing to take on anything. The Brokenhearted as one of the best world-building and character-developments I've seen in a young adult book in a long time.

That ending! Thrilling! Action-packed! Biting-your-nails worthy! I zoomed through the final 100 pages of The Brokenhearted. Kahaney spun a plot twist on the ending that made me so absorbed and caught up in the pages, but I couldn't stop turning the pages and emerging myself farther into the story. But that ending! Please tell me there's a sequel; I need more of this world. The Brokenhearted is easily one of my favorite books of the year.

Overall, The Brokenhearted is a dazzling, marvelous novel that is sure to be a mega hit. For fans of Revenge and Revolution 19, The Brokenhearted will captivate you and consume you!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier

Read from April 29 to 30, 2013

EMERALD GREEN
Expected Publication Date: October 8, 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 464 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Ruby Red, #3

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

Read my reviews for previous novels in this series:

Ruby Red • Sapphire Blue

Talk about a fantastic ending! Emerald Green is an incredible, stunning conclusion to one of the most addictive YA series. Nailed it!

Don't you just love that feeling when you walk away from a series and know that each novel in said series was even better than its predecessor? That's how I feel about the Ruby Red trilogy. Every single book was better than the one before it. Emerald Green was truly fantastic! Kerstin Gier brought it every single question raised in the first two novels and tied up all the loose ends. And every question played an important role to the story! Emerald Green definitely showed that Gier was a master of wrapping everything up very nicely, and I applaud her for that. If you love this series, Emerald Green will not disappoint at all!

I have to talk about Gwen: she's the best. She was naïve about the whole time travel experience in the first novel, but in Emerald Green, everything is on her shoulders, but she's ready to tackle it head-on. She's grown so much as a character over this trilogy, and it's been a blast to go on these adventures with her and watch her mature and evolve. Due to circumstances with with Gideon and Gwen, Emerald Green made it very tough on their relationship. The boulders and mountains they must climb to achieve what they both want is extraordinary, and I appreciate how Gier wasn't afraid to break Gideon and Gwen down to ashes. They've faced so many hardships, but Emerald Green puts their bonds of love to the ultimate test. I loved that so much!

It's insane how much backhistory and research goes into these novels. We're presented with family trees and maps to complement the story, and I have to admit, Emerald Green provided my most favorite information about Gwen's past. I was shocked and stunned with how much work has gone into these novels, and I loved every single bit of it. I'm sad to see this series go, but I couldn't have asked for a better ending. Brilliant!

Overall, Emerald Green is a phenomenal finale to a marvelous, unique series that shines bright. Loved it so much!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Read on April 22, 2013

SAPPHIRE BLUE
Published: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt (Macmillan)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 362 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Ruby Red, #2

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

Sapphire Blue is wild, thrilling ride that hooked me from the first page and never made me want to put it down. I wasn't sure if this sequel could be any better than book one, but it was! This series is a one of a kind gem!

Time travel is such an interesting and unique topic, and the way that Kerstin Gier handles it is flawless. There's so much history and backstories behind this family, and I loved getting to experience it all with Gwen. Gier has put so much thought and time into making this family tree of history just bloom off the page and come alive, and I applaud her for that. It makes this series complete! With Sapphire Blue, we delve deeper into the mystery of what's going on behind closed doors; this sequel blew me away. If you loved Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue will knock your socks off!

Not only are Gideon and Gwen stunning characters, new characters get a spotlight in this sequel, adding to this already rich world. This series is a breath of fresh air in YA, and I couldn't get enough of Sapphire Blue. Gier's melodic and captivating writing style flowed off the page masterfully - it's vibrant and bubbly, but also has a dark undertone that breaks through the cracks to reveal sinister secrets. I was so happy to see that the dreaded Sequel Syndrome flew over this series' head. So good!

With the twelve time travelers, Gwen has a lot on her shoulders in Sapphire Blue, and I loved that Gier wasn't afraid to break her characters. She put them through so many trials of betrayal, defiance, and love, and they all played a key part in this sequel that wove together an incredible story. Sizzling and daring, Sapphire Blue exceeded my expectations and more!

Overall, Sapphire Blue is a compelling and fantastic sequel that grabbed me right from the beginning and never let me go. Kerstin Gier nailed it with this one!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Read on July 6, 2013

THE DREAM THIEVES
Expected Publication Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: ARC
Page Count: 448 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: The Raven Cycle, #2

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

The Dream Thieves is, simply put, one of the best sequels I have ever read. Stiefvater built upon this rich and vast world, and I couldn't get enough of this book. I never wanted it to end. Phenomenal.

What I loved the absolute most about The Dream Thieves was the fact that are main protagonists in book one, Blue and Gansey, were mostly sideline characters in this sequel. We definitely get to see more of them, don't get me wrong - and they're just as great as ever! I adore Blue so much. I love how she handles her situations, and how she deals with being wrapped up in this complex and overwhelming mystery. Gansey is also fantastic - he's continuing his search, and I loved how Maggie Stiefvater really pushed his character to see what his limits were and what he would push the boundaries for. But in The Dream Thieves, we get to see more of Ronan, who was a supportive character in The Raven Boys. I LOVE it when a series does it! You guys don't even understand. Ronan is such an interesting character! He's dark, mysterious, and even a little sinister. And while I loved Blue's voice in The Raven Boys, it was definitely a nice change to hear more from Ronan. Maggie Stiefvater knocked it out of the ballpark with The Dream Thieves - mind-bending, heart-shattering, and all-around fantastic.

For those of you who have read The Raven Boys (and if you haven't, what is wrong with you?! GET ON THAT.), you remember the mystery that was surrounding the town, correct? Stiefvater takes it to a whole new level in The Dream Thieves! Dark secrets come to light, and the amount of the truth that is revealed is stunning. The last line of The Raven Boys boggled my mind for months, but I completely understand now. I'm not even joking you, I love this book to pieces. Stiefvater's Raven Cycle has easily become one of my favorite series of all-time. If you haven't started this series, I highly, highly recommend it. You won't regret it!

Can we just talk about the last 25% of the book?! So much action and tension and drama and I just can't. I was on the edge of my seat, biting at my fingernails, looking over my shoulder, and all that goodness while reading the ending of The Dream Thieves, and I absolutely loved it. But really, all of this book is excellent. The writing is gorgeous, the plot is exquisite, the characters are fantastic, and the entire plot is unique and one of a kind. My gosh, The Dream Thieves was brilliant.

Overall, The Dream Thieves has become one of my favorite sequels of all-time. Addictive, enthralling, and a masterfully executed story, The Dream Thieves completely consumed me. Marvelous!

M Y    R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Read on July 3, 2013

MARIE ANTOINETTE, SERIAL KILLER
Expected Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: ARC
Page Count: 304 pages
Source: ALA

Let them eat cake... and die. 

Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.

But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.

Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger . . .

Acclaimed author Katie Alender brings heart-stopping suspense to this story of revenge, betrayal, intrigue — and one killer queen.

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer was, unfortunately, a little disappointing for me! I really wanted to enjoy this book, and while I did at some parts, others fell flat for me.

I'll start with what I did enjoy about this book: the aspect of Paris was fantastic! I felt like I was roaming the streets of the City of Lights with Colette and a definitely-freaky-scary murderer, and I could really tell that Alender put a lot of research into this book. And I really appreciated that! The world is great, and I especially loved the twist on Marie Antoinette, and Paris in general! Colette was a great character for me... for the most part. Sometimes, she seemed naïve and didn't understand the situation wholly, but still went into it headstrong (which can be a good quality), and other times, she'd be a kick-butt, take-no-crap-from-anybody character that I fell in love. I flip-flopped with how I felt about her character.

Now, with what I didn't particularly enjoy... some of the scenes felt a little silly. The plot sounded awesome! And Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer was awesome at times, for sure. But others seemed a little farfetched and too out there for my likings. And I noticed that some of the deaths repeated! I was hoping for a little more substance from this book, and I, unfortunately, didn't get that.

But that's not to say that this isn't a good book, because it was! I think I set my expectations a tad high for this one, and not all of them were met. But if you're looking for a fun, eerie read, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer is the perfect choice!

Overall, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer is a good read that had me on the edge of my seat at times, and drifting off from the book at others.

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Find Me by Romily Bernard

Read on July 3, 2013

FIND ME
Expected Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
Format: ARC
Page Count: 307 pages
Source: ALA
Series: Find Me, #1

Come out, come out, wherever you are...

"Find me."

These are the words written on Tessa Waye’s diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa’s just been found . . . dead.

Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target.

Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick. Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick’s deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step?

Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare.

But she’s going to find this killer no matter what.

Because it just got personal.

Woah. This book, guys. Find Me is a captivating and wholly fantastic read that is impossible to put down. This book packs a punch, and I loved every single minute of it.

Hacker murder mystery? Yes please! I was looking forward to Find Me ever since I saw that awesome cover and a synopsis that sounded phenomenal. And believe me, this book lived up to all of my expectations and more. You will never find a book like this one - not only is Find Me unique and original, the characters are so clever and epic. I've never experienced characters or a book like this before. Find Me is an absolute must-read - if you love fast-paced novels with edge-of-your-seat moments, you won't want to miss this gem.

Wick has easily become one of my favorite protagonists of all-time. Not only is she smart, but she's quick and incredibly developed. Romily Bernard created a protagonist that captured my heart and took me on a wild, insane ride; and I was so happy I got to experience that ride with Wick. Loyal, fierce, and determined, Wick gives Katniss Everdeen a run for her money. And of course, I can't leave out Griff and Tessa. The whole plot idea with Tessa was genius, and I love how we get snippets of her diary throughout Find Me! Griff was just awesome, plain and simple. Griff and Wick are two misfits, but when they come together, they are an incredible force. Oh my gosh, I can't explain how much I loved all of these characters!

I am determined that Romily Bernard is a master of suspense. Right from page one, we are thrown into the midst of an action scene, and the action never lets up. There is never a dull moment in Find Me, and I couldn't force myself to tear my eyes away from the page! That ending?! I stayed up long into the night, desperately turning pages to figure out how it would all end. Amazing, marvelous, genius. Do I  need to explain my love for this book further? Find Me is a riveting, fantastic read that is one not to be missed!

 Overall, I loved Find Me to pieces, and I never wanted it to end. This book needs to be on your radar - you won't regret it!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: This Side of Jealousy by Lili Peloquin

Read on July 23, 2013

THIS SIDE OF JEALOUSY
Expected Publication Date: August 20, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 288 pages
Source: Arcycling
Series: The Innocents, #2

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

This Side of Jealousy is a stunning sequel that gives off the perfect vibe for not only summer, but an intriguing mystery. For fans of Revenge and Pretty Little Liars  - this sequel delivers!

I loved The Innocents so much, and I was definitely excited to jump back into the world of Serenity Point! This seaside town offers so many secrets; it's impossible to put these books down. I tore through these pages, desperate to know what would happen to these sisters. And these sisters have been through it all. Lili Peloquin balanced each sister's personality so well. We have Alice, the quiet and reserved one, and Charlie, the outgoing and wild sister - and since this series switches POVs, I could see how it would be hard to get jumbled up with this duo. But Peloquin veers away from the norm and wove Charlie and Alice together so uniquely and great. This just added to my ever growing list of why I love these books!

Serenity Point is a place I'd love to visit! Its residents harbor many dark and sinister secrets, and many secrets get brought to light in This Side of Jealousy. Sequels can be tricky - you can either build upon the world and make an even more interesting story, or you can stay flat and keep with the same world and characters, not developing them or pushing them forward. Luckily, This Side of Jealousy built upon not only the world, but the characters. Peloquin built the characters in The Innocents, and in the second novel, she broke them and tore them down. Which is awesome! More problems for Alice and Charlie arise, and this sequel doesn't feel forced or slow. So, so great. The perfect summer read!

And it's so easy to get invested into these novels - I sure have. The Innocents series is highly addictive, massively engaging, and overall, a one of a kind revenge story. But I love how revenge isn't the total feel for this series - there are many tones and undertones: romance, family, friendship. They all play a major part in this series, and when combined, they make for an awesome story. Needless to say, I loved This Side of Jealousy so much!

Overall, This Side of Jealousy is a marvelous sequel that gripped me, enticed me, and never let me go. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series takes us!

M Y   R A T I N G

Brad About Books: Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Read from July 2 to 3, 2013

UNBREAKABLE
Expected Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Format: ARC
Page Count: 320 pages
Source: ALA
Series: Legion, #1

Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller, the first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia. 

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

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

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

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

Unbreakable is a chilling and haunting read that completely absorbed me and kept me turning pages late into the night. The perfect spooky read!

I started Unbreakable late at night, and I have to say, that was a bad decision. Why? Not only was it freaking me out and sent chills down my spine, it had me wrapped up in this mysterious and eerie world - I didn't want to put it down for a second! I was emerged into the world right from page one, and I was enthralled and captivated by the story. It's unputdownable. I really enjoyed Beautiful Creatures, but woah, Unbreakable was epic! Absolutely loved this one!

Kennedy was such a great protagonist. She has had a hard and sad life, but everything changes once she joins the Legion. I loved being on this journey with her, and she never let me down - not once! And of course, everybody in the Legion was awesome. I can't wait to see where the story is taken to in the next book! Kami Garcia spun a unique tale of ghosts and demons, and while I stepped out of my comfort zone to read this (demons aren't my thing, and I don't read a whole lot of ghost stories), I'm so thrilled I did. It's one of a kind and mind-bending. And I loved the research in Unbreakable! I could tell that Garcia put a lot of thought and effort into this masterpiece of a book, and I really appreciate that! Unbreakable is impossible to put down!

Also, I want to add that Unbreakable is one of those books that will send chills soaring down your spine and will boggle your mind. I stayed up so late reading this one - you know it's a good spooky read when it makes you want to sleep with the lights on! I can't even begin to tell you all how much I loved this book. Fantastic, marvelous, and straight up amazing. More, please!

Overall, Unbreakable is a new favorite book of all-time for me! Haunting and phenomenal, Unbreakable is a true masterpiece that I adore to pieces!

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Waiting on Wednesday (25): No One Else Can Have You

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

This week, I'm waiting on...

No One Else Can Have You - Kathleen Hale

Expected Publication Date: January 7, 2014

Publisher: HarperTeen

Small town. Big murder.

Small towns are nothing if not friendly. Friendship, Wisconsin (population: 688) is no different. Around here, everyone wears a smile. And no one ever locks their doors. Until, that is, high school sweetheart Ruth Fried is found murdered. Strung up like a scarecrow in the middle of a cornfield.

Unfortunately, Friendship’s police are more adept at looking for lost pets than catching killers. So Ruth’s best friend, Kippy Bushman, armed with only her tenacious Midwestern spirit and Ruth’s secret diary sets out to find the murderer. But in a quiet town like Friendship—where no one is a suspect—anyone could be the killer.

This book sounds awesome! I love murder mysteries, and No One Else Can Have You sounds right up my alley! Plus? That cover is fantastic.

What are you waiting on this week? Leave links to your WoW post below!

Brad About Books: Venom by Fiona Paul

Read from May 11 to 12, 2013

VENOM
Published: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Philomel (Penguin)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 435 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Secrets of the Eternal Rose, #1

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

Venom is a vivid and lush story that had me so emerged into the beautiful and haunting backdrop of Venice, that I never wanted to leave. Fiona Paul is an awesome new voice in YA! Love!

The thing that made me want to pick up Venom first was the setting of Venice. I, personally, have never been to Venice, but I am SO intrigued by it! I mean, water everywhere, you have to take canals, and just Italy! Yes! Add a murder mystery in there and a very unique and cool twist, and what do we get? The awesomeness that is Venom. The twists and turns that this novel takes are incredible. I was actually shocked by some events that happened - I love it when a book pushes some limits and doesn't hold back. It's one of the many reasons why Venom is such a wonderful book!

And the characters... don't even get me started. I loved Cassandra right from the first page, and she never let me down. I have to admit that during some mystery novels, the girl is so naïve and completely oblivious to everything surrounding her. Thankfully, Cassandra isn't like that whatsoever. She's strong, fierce, and dauntless. She's a new favorite protagonist for me! And Falco was just as great. I can't wait to see what Paul throws at us in Belladonna and Starling!

Like I said in a previous review, I'm not a huge fan of historical novel, but Venom is a definite historical favorite. I will admit, it was a slow build-up in the beginning, but once we hit the fifty page mark, it takes off like a bullet. It's just so... I'm honestly speechless. It's beautiful, it's mind-bending, and the tension and suspense will keep you up all night, turning pages to figure out who is committing these murders. Woah, I can't even handle how awesome this book was.

Overall, if you're looking for an intriguing and phenomenal historical, Venom is the champion. Eerie, chilling, and absolutely absorbing, Venom is a fresh and brilliant new hit!

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Brad About Books: Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Read on June 11, 2013

UNREMEMBERED
Published: March 5, 2013
Publisher: FSG (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 307 pages
Source: RAK
Series: Unremembered, #1

When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.

Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.

Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.

Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?

From popular young adult author Jessica Brody comes a compelling and suspenseful new sci-fi series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten.

Unremembered is a fantastic, fast-paced read, pulsing with suspense and unraveling with love. I couldn't help but fall in love with this book!

I am all for anything mystery/suspense - I gobble them up so quickly. And Unremembered is a suspense story that stands out so defiantly and epic-ly. The mystery had me looking over my shoulder and questioning if the people I knew were really who they said they were; I don't think a book has ever had that effect on me! But it was so cool. Jessica Brody masterfully balanced out the swoon scenes and the what-in-the-world-is-going-on mystery scenes. A favorite for the year, for sure!

And the characters... gah, they were so wonderful! I instantly connected with Seraphina and her story instantly. The reader is thrust into this world so quickly, and I became so wrapped around and totally invested in her story. I had to know what was going on! The suspense is killer. And Zen was equally epic! I hate in some mystery books where you have the eerie and mysterious guy who's all, "I can't tell you how you really are." How about no? I can't stand that. But luckily, Zen isn't like that (finally!). He's straightforward and determined to help Seraphina unravel this mystery, and I really appreciated that Brody veered away from the norm and made Unremembered utterly unique and captivating.

Woah. Someone hold me, please, because that ending was the definition of insane. It was so clutching and enticing - it was, literally, impossible to put down, as was the book itself. If you're needing an awesome and fast-paced summer read - or even something to get you out of a reading slump - Unremembered does the trick so well. One of the best books I've read in a long time!

Overall, Unremembered is such an amazing novel and deserves every ounce of hype surrounding it. Climatic, brilliantly structured, and absolutely phenomenal, Unremembered is a true gem!

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Brad About Books: The Innocents by Lili Peloquin

Read from June 22 to 23, 2013

THE INNOCENTS
Published: October 16, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 259 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Innocents, #1

She hated her sister.
She loved her sister.

Nothing ever came between sisters Alice and Charlie.
Friends didn't.
Boys couldn't.
Their family falling apart never would.
Until they got to Serenity Point.

In a town built on secrets and lies, it's going to be hard to stay innocent.
They're sucked into a strange and seductive world—a world they can't help but hate, and can't help but love. A world that threatens to tear them apart, just when they need each other the most. 

The Innocents is the first in a new series of young adult novels that weave a saga of nail-biting drama, breathless romance, and Gothic mystery.

The Innocents is an electric and fun summer read that will have readers falling in love with Alice and Charlie and hanging off the edge of their seat with jaws open in suspense. Nailed it!

The suspense is what makes The Innocents killer. Serenity Point is such a creepy and mysterious town, and I could easily see this being adapted to a TV show. If you're fan of Pretty Little Liars, definitely give The Innocents a go. It's so much fun! Serenity Point harbors many, many dark secrets, and I can't wait to see what Peloquin throws at us next in the sequel, This Side of Jealousy. This is a definite contemporary standout!

The sisters in The Innocents is what makes this novel whole. Charlie (brunette girl on cover) was easily my favorite. I loved her wild, edgy side with partying and possibly-hating-her-sister - she made Serenity Point so much more scandalous! But Alice was just as amazing. She's the quiet, mellow girl who always stays in the shadows, watching everyone with a hawk's eye from afar. I even thought I could see some dark sides of Alice poking out of her towards the end of the book - I hope we get to see Alice let loose in book two!

The Innocents is the perfect summer read. I can easily see myself reading this book by the pool on a summer day - it gives off the vibes and energy of summer so clear and well. And even though I've been getting into more contemporaries lately, I don't always want a straight forward contemp. Thankfully, The Innocents has the perfect balance summer romance and suspenseful mystery. Gosh, this book was absolutely fantastic!

Overall, The Innocents is a must read, especially for this summer. Fun, edgy, and absolutely captivating, The Innocents is one not to miss!

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