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: 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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