Brad About Books: Earthquake by Aprilynne Pike

Read on July 6, 2014

EARTHQUAKE
Expected Publication Date: July 8, 2014
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 383 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for a honest review
Series: Earthbound, #2

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

Aprilynne Pike is undoubtably one of my favorite authors of all-time, and she nailed it with this sequel. Earthquake is a vibrant, pulse-pounding sequel that not only lives up to the expectations set by the first installment, but passes them greatly. One of the most unique and absorbing series I've read in a long time.

Like I said before, Aprilynne Pike is one of the authors I know I can trust to have me hooked in her story and completely engulfed by the world and characters, and believe me, she did just that it with Earthquake! Everyone (including me - most definitely me) is scared of the dreaded Sequel Slump where the sequel doesn't live up to expectations, but that slump completely missed Earthquake. There's never a dull moment on these pages, and running around with Tavia, Logan, and Benson again was fantastic. As Tavia learns more about herself and harnesses her inner self, she morphs from this naïve character to one of the strongest heroines I've read about, and I adored her character development in this sequel. She's fierce, determined, and loyal to all those she trusts, and getting to see Tavia in full action again was great. Needless to say, this sequel did not disappoint. 

If you're needing a refreshing, original series to completely sweep you away, the Earthbound series is the way to go. With its charming prose and intoxicating world, this series is one of the most addictive stories I've read in a long time. When I'm with Tavia, I feel completely emerged into her world of secrets and lies, and I never know what to expect on the next page - and I love that Pike can keep me guessing like that. Earthquake raises the stakes even higher for Tavia. I was flipping through these pages as fast as I could; the storyline was so enthralling, and this sequel is the kind of the sequel that hooks you in right from the beginning and never loosens its grip. 

Aprilynne Pike is a master of suspense and buildup. Whether its intense action or hair-raising secrets that change the game for Tavia forever, Earthquake is always keeping the energy alive as Tavia races to find the truth about the world surrounding her. If you loved Earthbound, prepare to be pulled further in by this second installment. A true gem amongst the sci-fi genre. 

Overall, Earthquake is an electric, absorbing sequel that is sure to draw in more fans and leave fans gasping for more. Rich, exhilarating, and absolutely incredible, Pike has once more crafted a heart-racing story with an impeccable world and a heroine worth rooting for.

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Brad About Books: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Read on July 9, 2013

THESE BROKEN STARS
Published: December 10, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Format: ARC
Page Count: 374 pages
Source: ALA
Series: Starbound, #1

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

These Broken Stars is a dazzling, timeless love story with the right amount of romance and sci-fi. Kaufman and Spooner nailed it with this one - I absolutely adored this novel! A new favorite of mine!

I am a huge fan of sci-fi novels, and These Broken Stars was amazing. The idea of setting it on a lavish spaceship, then everything being torn to bits, leaving two starcrossed lovers to defend from themselves on unknown territory blew me away - I devoured These Broken Stars so quickly. The writing, the characters, the world-building, they all intertwined so well to create a one of a kind story that is both equally unique and epic. This book is a must-read!

Lilac and Tarver make such an outstanding couple. They both each have their flaws - there are some moments in These Broken Stars when their true sides are shown, and I really appreciated that we got to see these characters for who they really are - but when they join forces, they are unbreakable. And I adored how These Broken Stars didn't have instalove. Lilac and Tarver never knew each other until they were stranded together, and they learn about each other in a slow-building, emotion-packing way that shows Kaufman and Spooner's talent at character development. If you're needing a book that will have you completely enthralled, These Broken Stars is for you. I can't express how awesome this book was!

The way this book was structured was incredible. We have many overlapping stories going on at the same time, but when the ending of the book rolls around, they all intertwine and connect to each other so well. My mind was blown at the way all the loose ends were tied up. I couldn't ask for any more from These Broken Stars. With epic characters, a wonderful writing style, and a masterfully structured plot that was executed fantastically, These Broken Stars was beyond phenomenal.

Overall, These Broken Stars is one of a kind. I lost myself completely to this book - luckily, I never wanted it to end. So amazing!

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Brad About Books: Vitro by Jessica Khoury

Read on November 30, 2013

VITRO
Expected Publication Date: January 14, 2014
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 384 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

A death-defying tropical adventure delivers a frightening message about dabbling with creation from the talented author of Origin.

On a remote island in the Pacific, Corpus scientists have taken test tube embryos and given them life. These beings—the Vitros—have knowledge and abilities most humans can only dream of. But they also have one enormous flaw.

Sophie Crue is determined to get to Skin Island and find her mother, a scientist who left Sophie behind years ago. She enlists hunky charter pilot Jim Julien to take her there. But once on the island, Sophie and Jim encounter more than they bargained for, including a charming, brilliant Vitro named Nicholas and an innocent, newly awoken one named Lux.

In a race for their lives, Sophie and Jim are about to discover what happens when science stretches too far beyond its reach.

Vitro is an action-packed, epic sophomore novel from Jessica Khoury that bended my mind and had me completely enthralled with Sophie and Jim's story. Hands-down one of the best sci-fi novels I've ever read!

I absolutely adored Khoury's Origin, so I was very eager to dive into her latest novel, and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed! Most sci-fi/paranormal novels play on the subject of trying to push the boundaries, but what I loved most about Vitro was that it talked about the aftermath of what happens after the boundaries are exceeded. It's a fresh, unique spin on the sci-fi genre; Jessica Khoury nailed it with Vitro! Electric and stunning, Vitro is a must-read for fans of The Madman's Daughter and For Darkness Shows the Stars. Truly one of a kind!

Sophie and Jim are such awesome protagonists. Sophie is a determined, fierce leader who isn't afraid to fight for what she believes in, and I really appreciated that about her character. She's headstrong (sometimes against her own better judgement), but I can't deny that she is an epic main character. And Jim supported her and balanced her out so well! He wasn't the kind of guy who would abandon or turn a blind eye when Sophie needed help; needless to say, both of these characters were fantastic. Jessica Khoury has easily became one of my favorite authors!

Needing something fast-paced that will have you turning pages late into the night? Vitro is a fantastic choice. Each scene brings something to offer, and they all tie together as one big arc of an epic story that is unputdownable. I never wanted to set Vitro down for a minute - it consumed my entire mind. Vitro didn't disappoint, and it has quickly become one of my favorite books. 

Overall, Vitro is a fast-paced, pulse-pounding read that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Brave, bold, and original, Vitro is a gem that shouldn't be missed!

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Brad About Books: Origin by Jessica Khoury

Read from October 20 to 21, 2013

ORIGIN
Published: September 4, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 394 pages
Source: Purchased

The jungle hides a girl who cannot die.

Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home―and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.

Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia's origin―a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.

Origin is a beautifully told, shocking new way to look at an age-old desire: to live forever, no matter the cost.

Woah! Origin is a fast-paced, gripping read that had me turning pages as fast as I could. Jessica Khoury is an outstanding voice in the sci-fi genre; this book was awesome!

I've never read a story about creating an immortal army - especially hiding an immortal girl - and Khoury did an exceptional job with handling this story. I was always intrigued by the scientists and how they created Pia - I couldn't get this book off my mind. And I just loved that it was set in the jungle! Again, I don't think I've ever read a book set in the jungle directly before, and Origin definitely spun a unique, thrilling tale unlike any other. I was turning pages as fast I could, totally caught up in all of the epic-ness that Origin provides so well. If you're needing a read that will hook you in right from the beginning, Origin does just the trick.

Pia was such a great protagonist. We get to see her struggle through adapting to the world and settling with becoming immortal, but she's also a rebellious teenager when she joins forces with Eio. Getting to see both sides of their vastly different worlds - Pia's being a laboratory with scientific things at every corner, and Eio's being a village in the dangerous jungle - was a treat, and I loved the entire world-building of both places. Jessica Khoury did a phenomenal job with balancing Eio and Pia's character development and their majorly different worlds. I fell so hard for this book - fast-paced, climatic, and fantastically incredible, Origin shouldn't be missed.

I loved how Khoury created her own version of immortality, instead of following the tropes and norm of what we, as a whole, consider legends of immortality. Pia is unlike any heroine you've ever read about, and you won't be able to shake this book loose long after you've turned the final page. With Origin, each word is smart and clever, and all of the characters are stunning and unique. In fact, this entire book is stunning and unique. Origin was marvelous in every way possible; definitely a new favorite book of mine.

Overall, Origin is a true gem. Powerful and outstanding, Origin is an incredible take on the truth about "forever" and the effects of it - one of a kind.

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Brad About Books: Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund

Read on July 18, 2013

ACROSS A STAR-SWEPT SEA
Expected Publication Date: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 464 pages
Source: ALA
Series: Stars, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read book one, For Darkness Shows the Stars.

Beginning to describe my love for this series is indescribably impossible. Across a Star-Swept Sea is  a beautiful and marvelous sequel that definitely proves Peterfreund's fantastic writing style and amazing plot. Across a Star-Swept Sea is one of my new favorite books, hands down.

The compare and contrast of For Darkness Shows the Stars and Across a Star-Swept Sea is incredible: in book one, the world was ruined, and two lovers are trying to make their way around the wasteland. But in Across a Star-Swept Sea, the tables have turned, and we get to see a whole new perspective world - and I loved that so much! Diana Peterfreund did a phenomenal job with both building upon the preexisting world and showing a new side of this dark land. Persis is a deceptive, defiant, and all-around awesome protagonist; everything about Persis is interesting and awesome, while chilling at the same time. I loved the idea of Persis being the spark to a raging war - Persis is, simply put, one of the most stunning characters I've read about in a long time. And Justen was equally as great! Justen and Persis should be forbidden to fall in love, but when they come together, they're unstoppable. The character development in Across a Star-Swept Sea is truly one of a kind; I fell so hard for this book. 

I was already aware that Peterfreund had an exceptional writing style when I read For Darkness Shows the Stars, but Across a Star-Swept Sea knocked it out of the ballpark. The way Diana Peterfreund can craft a string of words together and make the world come to life is remarkable. It emerges you into the story so quickly, and I never wanted this novel to end. If you enjoyed book one, prepare to be blown away by this sequel. 

Deception. Betrayal. Second chances. Across a Star-Swept Sea incorporates all of these and blends them together for a nice, brilliant theme. I was always on the edge of my seat, turning pages rapidly. So many things of Across a Star-Swept Sea will have your stomach up in your throat and have your heart soaring for Persis and Justen's impossible romance. With a fantastic protagonist and incredible writing, Across a Star-Swept Sea is a masterpiece of love, defiance, and the choice of becoming who you are.

Overall, Across a Star-Swept Sea is easily one of my favorite books of the year... and of all time. Fantastically incredible, Across a Star-Swept Sea shouldn't be missed - amazing!

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Brad About Books: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Read on July 2, 2013

FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS
Published: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Harper)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 402 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Stars, #1

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

For Darkness Shows the Stars is an absolutely fantastic and gorgeous tale that grabbed me and never let me go. Riveting and marvelous!

I'm a huge fan of anything sci-fi or futuristic, and For Darkness Shows the Stars has easily become one of my new favorite reads. The world-building? Phenomenal. World-building is a huge part of a story for me - it usually is the biggest part of a book for me. And the way that this world lives after the Reduction (where humans made perfect are wiped out after a malfunction) is brutal, terrifying, yet - in some weird way - beautiful. This world is a frightening place to live in, but Peterfreund's prose describing the world was absolutely excellent.

That's another thing! The writing? Gorgeous. I was immediately captivated by this novel, and I never, for one second, wanted to put it down. I was so enchanted and enthralled by For Darkness Shows the Stars - the concept was utterly unique and epic, and it's one of the most original books I've ever read. And even though this novel is inspired by Persuasion by Jane Austen (which I have not read), For Darkness Shows the Stars is one of a kind and a marvelous gem. I'm gushing about this book like crazy, and I can't stop! A new favorite book.

And the relationship between the characters is outstanding. Elliot and Kai have a love that soared once, was cut off, and is blooming once more. It was so interesting to see how they perceive each other years after they've been separated. And luckily, it's not insta-love. They don't fall in love immediately again, because they have both become different people over time. The chemistry and relationship between these two is unstoppable and fiery - I can't even with this book. It's fantastic!

Overall, For Darkness Shows the Stars shines bright among a dark world that had captured me wholly and  left me with so many emotions. Dynamic, explosive, and one of a kind, For Darkness Shows the Stars is the next big thing!

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Brad About Books: The Planet Thieves by Dan Krokos

Read on June 7, 2013

THE PLANET THIEVES
Published: May 21, 2013
Publisher: Starscrape (Tor)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 256 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Thieves, #1

The Planet Thieves is the first thrilling installment of a new middle-grade series by Dan Krokos.

Two weeks ago, thirteen-year-old Mason Stark and seventeen of his fellow cadets from the Academy for Earth Space Command boarded the SS Egypt. The trip was supposed to be a short routine voyage to log their required spacetime for summer quarter.

But routine goes out the airlock when they’re attacked by the Tremist, an alien race who have been at war with humanity for the last sixty years.

With the captain and crew dead, injured, or taken prisoner, Mason and the cadets are all that’s left to warn the ESC. And soon they find out exactly why the Tremist chose this ship to attack: the Egypt is carrying a weapon that could change the war forever.

Now Mason will have to lead the cadets in a daring assault to take back the ship, rescue the survivors, and recover the weapon. Before there isn’t a war left to fight.

I still don't entirely know how I feel about this book. While some parts really had me invested into the story, others had me dozing off. Did I enjoy The Planet Thieves wholly? Yes. Did I enjoy it at all times? Not exactly.

The biggest problem I had with The Planet Thieves was the main character - I never connected to Mason. He seemed to whiny and jokester-like for me to enjoy. Yes, being a jokester character does work in middle-grade fiction sometimes, but given the circumstances and the plot of The Planet Thieves, I don't think it worked so well. Right from the first page, I didn't like Mason. I was hoping he would develop and mature as the book went on, but... I just never liked him.

Luckily, the plot redeems The Planet Thieves (Mason just annoyed me). Very sci-fi action paced, and with an awesome twist - that's what I liked the absolute most about this book. It did have slow parts, but for the majority, it's hard to find a dull moment in The Planet Thieves. Dark and sinister as space itself, The Planet Thieves rocks!

Overall, The Planet Thieves has an awesome plot, but very obnoxious and annoying protagonist. So... maybe I half liked it, and half didn't? If you're looking for a new epic middle grade, I'd recommend The Planet Thieves!

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