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

Waiting on Wednesday (26): Evertrue

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

This week, I am DYING for...

Evertrue (Everneath, #3) - Brodi Ashton

January 21, 2014

Balzer + Bray (Harper)

Since this is the third and final book in this awesome trilogy, I will be posting the synopsis to book one, Everneath, to avoid spoilers:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she’s returned—to her old life, her family, her boyfriend—before she’s banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance—and the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

As Nikki’s time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s queen.

Everneath is a captivating story of love, loss, and immortality from debut author Brodi Ashton.

Guys. Guys. GUYS. I love this series so, so, so much - it's ridiculous how much I adore these books. And I'm so sad to see this series ending, but I cannot wait for Evertrue. I must know what happens to Nikki, Cole, and Jack! January 21, can you come sooner? Please?

What are you waiting on this week?

Brad About Books: Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Read on June 21, 2013

FURY
Published: August 30, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 370 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Fury, #1

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better—the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay. Em and Chase have been chosen.

Sometimes sorry isn't enough.

I have no idea why this book and I didn't click. While Fury brought a unique plot and an outstanding premise to the table, it didn't deliver for me. I guess this book just wasn't for me.

Oh my gosh, this book sounded awesome. And the crazy thing? It was awesome! But unfortunately, the keyword is was. I was really loving the first 75 pages of this book - they set up the suspense and world so nicely, and I was excited to see where the story would go next. That's the thing though: it didn't go anywhere. After page 150, I noticed that nothing was pushing the plot along. It was staying still and repeating the same techniques, and I just wasn't a fan of that. The first 75 pages were epic, but the book went downhill after that for me.

Greek myth re-tellings are great in my book. They're actually one of my favorite genres to read about. But never had I read a book about the Furies (directly about the Furies, anyway), so I was very eager to see how they would be handled in Fury. And the actual Furies were very interesting! They're deceptive and a bit disturbed, but Miles created them to be such twisted and awesome characters. And I did enjoy some other characters! Em was a great protagonist (I connected to her right away), but I can't say the same about Chase. He was too whiny and oblivious for me to like.

Even though I've had a month to decide why I didn't enjoy this book, I still can't come up with a clear answer. Was it the pacing? The characters? Certain scenes that gave me chill bumps, and not in a good way? I can't decide. I just know that this wasn't the book for me. I might be for you! Who knows. I wish I could've liked it better, though. I really, really do.

Overall, Fury disappointed me on major levels. Though the plot sounded epic and I knew it was destined to be a great book, it didn't live up to my expectations.

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Brad About Books: A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies

Read on June 14, 2013

A FRACTURED LIGHT
Published: September 25, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 337 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: A Beautiful Dark, #2

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

A Fractured Light is a marvelous and outstanding sequel that not only surpassed book one - it blew it out of the water. Easily one of my favorite sequels!

I really enjoyed book one, but I had no idea how powerful and epic A Fractured Light would be! Tons of action and fast-paced, tension-filled scenes can be found in this second book - it's absolutely impossible to put down. If I wasn't reading, A Fractured Light was the only thing on my mind; it was that addictive. I ate this second book up like it was nothing, and I fell in love even more with this world and these phenomenal characters! If you're a fan of anything paranormal, the Beautiful Dark trilogy is a must-read. Riveting!

After the tragic and fantastic cliffhanger that A Beautiful Dark leaves us with, I was very eager to jump back into this world. Our protagonist, Skye, is a changed person thanks to the ending of book one, and I appreciated how Jocelyn Davies developed Skye's character even further. And of course, we can't leave out Asher and Devin: these two brothers are a mess! I also love how Davies creates these brothers as light and dark. They are absolutely different, and we get to see different sides to both of them in A Fractured Light! I can't even express to how much I love these characters - and this series in general!

So. Much. Insanity! There is never a dull moment in A Fractured Light. If we're not on the battlefield with these characters, we're learning more about these paranormal creatures and Skye's history. The dreaded "Sequel Syndrome" passed right over A Fractured Light - I'm not even sure how Jocelyn Davies did it, but she created a sequel that captured me wholly and had me locked into this world long after I turned the final page. So fantastic and so amazing. Highly recommended!

Overall, A Fractured Light is marvelous gem that shouldn't be missed. Hauntingly beautiful and absolutely addicting, I couldn't get enough of this book! More, please!

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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!

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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: Starry Nights by Daisy Whitney

Read on July 13, 2013

STARRY NIGHTS
Expected Publication Date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format: ARC
Page Count: 288 pages
Source: ALA

Seventeen-year-old Julien is a romantic—he loves spending his free time at the museum poring over the great works of the Impressionists. But one night, a peach falls out of a Cezanne, Degas ballerinas dance across the floor, and Julien is not hallucinating.

The art is reacting to a curse that trapped a beautiful girl, Clio, in a painting forever. Julien has a chance to free Clio and he can't help but fall in love with her. But love is a curse in its own right. And soon paintings begin to bleed and disappear. Together Julien and Clio must save the world's greatest art . . . at the expense of the greatest love they've ever known.

Like a master painter herself, Daisy Whitney brings inordinate talent and ingenuity to this romantic, suspenseful, and sophisticated new novel.A beautifully decorated package makes it a must-own in print.

Starry Nights is whimsical, magical read that had me completely enthralled and utterly captivated. Such a fun read!

I'll start with what I did enjoy about Starry Nights: the atmosphere of Paris was perfectly captured. I felt like I was walking around the galleries with Julien and Clio, and I could see the City of Light in my head so clearly. And for that, I applaud Whitney! The world was so beautiful, and it makes me want to go visit Paris! I'm not a good drawer/painter whatsoever, so it was nice to read about an artist! Julien is laid back and is never caught up with his emotions - he's just a mellow, cool character. And Clio was so great! She's spent her life all alone, but when she meets Julien, she becomes invincible. The characters are so diverse and wholly unique - it's one of the many reasons why I enjoyed Starry Nights!

But I have to be honest when I say that not everything settled well with me with this book. While I did enjoy the majority of it, a few things ticked at my brain. The first would have to be saving the art - I found some of the problems and dilemmas to be a bit repetitive, and I would get sucked out of the book at times. Luckily, Julien and Clio brought me back into the story easily, but still, it was a bit redundant. And I was never quite sure if I totally understood Clio's character: was she just a love interest or was she something more to Julien? Something that would change his life? I couldn't ever tell, and though I did like Clio's character, she wasn't my favorite part of Starry Nights.

That's not to say that I didn't enjoy this book - I truly did! I think I set my expectations a tad bit high for this one, and not all of them were met. If you're looking for a great summer read with an amazing atmosphere, gorgeous writing, and a romance written in the stars like none other, Starry Nights is the book for you!

Overall, Starry Nights is fun read that will have readers falling for these characters and begging for more.

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