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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Brad About Books: September Girls by Bennett Madison

Read from May 21 to 22, 2013

SEPTEMBER GIRLS
Published: May 21, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 342 pages
Source: Purchased

When Sam's dad whisks him and his brother off to a remote beach town for the summer, he's all for it-- at first. Sam soon realizes, though, that this place is anything but ordinary. Time seems to slow down around here, and everywhere he looks, there are beautiful blond girls. Girls who seem inexplicably drawn to him. 

Then Sam meets DeeDee, one of the Girls, and she's different from the others. Just as he starts to fall for her, she pulls away, leaving him more confused than ever. He knows that if he's going to get her back, he'll have to uncover the secret of this beach and the girls who live here.

September Girls is a vivid, mystic love story with a twist like none other and a supernatural creature so epic. Sizzling and explosive, September Girls burns bright!

My favorite part about September Girls was definitely the feel of summer and the Girls. This is the perfect book to read in the summertime - it just captures the atmosphere of the beach and warm, summer nights so perfectly well! And the Girls themselves are just so haunting and mysterious. We're never quite exactly sure what they are (but to be honest, it's not hard to make an assumption: I'm going with mermaids/sirens here), but Bennett Madison gives off their eerie and magnetic vibes to the reader so perfectly, it just blossoms off the page. September Girls radiates with a beautiful and tragic love story, with a dash of a dreamy and electric atmosphere.

And Sam was just an excellent main character. Yes, he did get on my nerves at times, but out of all the male protagonists I've read about, he stands out. He's lost in the world, trying to find someone to love and a home to call his. Madison executes Sam's character so, so well. I wish there was a sequel, because I'd love to continue a journey with Sam! Another awesome part about September Girls? The Girls' POV. In between chapters, we get to see through the Girls' eyes, and it's just so unique and wonderful! Love it!

A slight problem I had with this book was the beginning. It seemed a bit draggy for a couple of pages longer than it should have - I'd say around the 40-page mark, things got a whole lot interesting, which I'm happy about. September Girls is a rollercoaster of emotions that you'll never want to end. Gorgeously told and plotted out so well, this is one of the most original books I've read in a long time.

Overall, September Girls is one of a kind. Pulsing with mysterious scenes and racing with forbidden love, it's impossible to put September Girls down!

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Brad About Books: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Read on May 2 to 3, 2013

CARRIER OF THE MARK
Published: October 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 342 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Carrier, #1

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

Carrier of the Mark is a fun and captivating read with a supernatural twist and a mind-blowing ending. While the whole novel didn't always have me captured, I can't deny that I really liked this book!

I'll go ahead and address my issues with Carrier of the Mark - there's some. First: why did everyone fall head over heels in love with Megan? Sure, whenever you have a foreign student move into your school, you're fascinated by them and want to know them - I get that (I've done it before). But my problem is is that everybody loved Megan right from the bat and she became instantly popular. That... no. I just couldn't believe that; and Megan wasn't that much of a fascinating character, to be honest. While her storyline was interesting, there were some dull and slow-moving moments with her. And the mysterious Adam who hated Megan right from the get-go? How about no. It just seemed too bland - boy hates girl, boy and girl fall for each other, boy and girl can't be together due to "laws", boy and girl do anyway. Just... no. Maybe since we've gotten past the whole "I hate you get away from me" part in Carrier of the Mark, maybe we won't have that problem in Shadow of the Mark. One can dream.

And I'm a bit confused with this book: what exactly is the Order? Megan has some weird powers? What about Adam? At least in this book, the girl has more supernatural powers than the boy; which is a nice change. The entire concept feels somewhat done before, but towards the end of the book, I could see some uniqueness shining out from the pages - you don't even understand how thrilled I was about that. Which makes me excited to read Shadow of the Mark. Now that we've gotten over the typical teenage-forbidden-love junk, maybe we can move onto more action scenes and learning more secrets about the Order. I definitely hope so!

So what did I like about Carrier of the Mark? Quite a few things! The main one is just how much fun it is. This is a light paranormal/supernatural read that can suck you in so easily. I had no trouble falling into this book, just because it's so light and fun to read! That ending definitely made up for the forbidden-love drama and whatnot - fast-paced, intriguing, and un-put-down-able, Carrier of the Mark is a promising start to a shocking and wonderful series. 

Overall, I did have troubles with Carrier of the Mark, but not too many to make me not want to pick up the sequel. Need a fun supernatural read for summer? This is the book for you!

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Fantastic Five {MAY}

Welcome to my Fantastic Five post for May 2013, in which I tell you the top five best books I read in May!

Read on May 29, 2013

5. Goddess (Starcrossed, #3) - Josephine Angelini

Talk about an epic conclusion! The Starcrossed trilogy is one of my favorite series of all time, and is the best Greek mythology trilogy I've ever read. And Goddess did not disappoint! It was definitely the best of the whole series, and that ending was INSANE! Page 344. I can't even. So good!

Read on May 7 to 8, 2013

4. The End Games - T. Michael Martin

The best zombie novel I've ever read - there, I said it. What I love the absolute most about The End Games was that it wasn't entirely focused on zombies. Don't get me wrong, they are a HUGE part to the story. But I believe that the main storyline is the connection between these two brothers during the world's end. And since I have a brother, this really connected with me. Loved this book!

Read on May 15, 2013

3. The Whatnot (Peculiar, #2) - Stefan Bachmann

The Peculiar was my favorite middle-grade read of 2012 (it made my top five of all the books I read in 2012, actually!), and I was so delighted to hear that there was a sequel to it. And oh man, The Whatnot was FANTASTIC! Even better than the first book. The world expanded so brilliantly and wonderfully, and this was just an amazing, amazing book. So fantastic!

Read from May 9 to 10, 2013

2. Icons (Icons, #1) - Margaret Stohl

To be honest, I almost didn't read Icons this month. At the time I picked it up, I had my finals that week, and since it's 428 pages, I didn't think I'd finish it quickly. I read Icons in 12 hours. It was un-put-down-able! I loved every single bit of this book, and now, I'm dying for the sequel! *grabby hands*

AND MY #1 BOOK OF MAY...

Read on May 31, 2013

1. The 5th Wave (5th Wave, #1) - Rick Yancey

I had heard so much hype about The 5th Wave. Please believe me when I say that this book lives up to and deserves every ounce of hype it is receiving. It's honestly and truly fantastic. I loved this book so, so, so much - oh my gosh, I cannot wait for the sequel. And I want to re-read The 5th Wave so badly. I may have to do just that soon!

What were your favorite reads in May?

Brad About Books: Outpost by Ann Aguirre

Read on April 26, 2013

OUTPOST
Published: September 4, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 317 pages
Source: Purchased
Series: Razorland, #2

This review is entirely spoiler free, even if you haven't read Enclave.

Outpost is a stunning and sizzling sequel that gripped me in its clutches and never let me go! What a pulse-pounding, thrilling, and addictive book!

Now, I thought Enclave was good. I had some issues with it, but looking back now, it was a very enjoyable read. Ooh, man! Outpost totally made up for any doubts I had in Enclave! The Freaks (A.K.A. zombies) got even freakier, and the world-building grew and expanded even more than I could have possibly imagined. Aguirre ran wild with this sequel, and I loved every minute of it! Plus, who wouldn't love getting to see both the safe side and the dangerous side of a zombie-plagued world? If you're a zombie fanatic, the Razorland trilogy is most definitely for you. Fast-paced, ultimately fascinating, and above all, wicked cool, Outpost breathes new life into the undead.

The only problem I came across Outpost was the beginning. It just seemed a bit slow, but due to Enclave's ending (no spoilers here), things had to be re-set up. So I totally understand why it was a bit slow in the beginning. Around the forty-page mark, things started getting interesting and the pace picked up - which was great. And after that, it was nothing but epic characters and crazy zombie attacks! Woohoo!

The characters are what really makes this trilogy come to life. Deuce is such a fierce and heroic character. You will never find a character as strong, loyal, and insanely tough character as Deuce - she's one of the main reasons why I love this series! And I can't forget the other characters. Fade seemed a bit distant in Outpost, but given the circumstances, I totally understand. He's a great character, nonetheless! And Stalker grew so much in Outpost - Stalker is one of the biggest parts of the Razorland trilogy! If you thought Enclave was good and insane, you haven't seen anything yet! Outpost shines bright in a world full of darkness. Love.

Overall, Outpost is a climatic and spectacular expansion to this ever-awesome world. I was biting at my nails the entire time - and I adored every minute of it.

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Cover Switch (1): The Beginning of Everything

I needed something quick today (tonight, actually! Whoops!), so I thought I'd share my thoughts on a book that had recently been... altered. Welcome to Cover Switch!

Today, I'm talking about Severed Heads, Broken Hearts by Robyn Schneider, which was suppose to come out on June 25, 2013.

I ADORE that cover and title. It's so simple, yet striking! And that title is just amazing. And I have to say, I was saddened when it was announced that the title and cover were both being changed.

The new cover and title, now called The Beginning of Everything, is set to release on August 27, 2013.

I am still so looking forward to this book! I cannot wait to read The Beginning of Everything, because it looks so amazing. Now there's nothing wrong with this cover or title (that cover is very bright! I really like it!), but I do still prefer Severed Heads, Broken Hearts over it. Nonetheless, I cannot wait for The Beginning of Everything to come out!

ABOUT THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING

~

Golden boy Ezra Faulkner believes everyone has a tragedy waiting for them—a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen. His particular tragedy waited until he was primed to lose it all: in one spectacular night, a reckless driver shatters Ezra’s knee, his athletic career, and his social life.

No longer a front-runner for Homecoming King, Ezra finds himself at the table of misfits, where he encounters new girl Cassidy Thorpe. Cassidy is unlike anyone Ezra’s ever met, achingly effortless, fiercely intelligent, and determined to bring Ezra along on her endless adventures.

But as Ezra dives into his new studies, new friendships, and new love, he learns that some people, like books, are easy to misread. And now he must consider: if one’s singular tragedy has already hit and everything after it has mattered quite a bit, what happens when more misfortune strikes?

Robyn Schneider’s The Beginning of Everything is a lyrical, witty, and heart-wrenching novel about how difficult it is to play the part that people expect, and how new beginnings can stem from abrupt and tragic endings.

~

Brad About Books: Neptune's Tears by Susan Waggoner

Read on April 24, 2013

NEPTUNE'S TEARS
Expected Publication Date: June 25, 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Format: ARC
Page Count: 224 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Series: Timedance, #1

London, 2218 A.D. Seventeen-year-old Zee is an intern empath. She’s focused on her job, poised for a great career—until one day an attractive patient undoes her hard-earned calm. As an empath, she cannot afford such distractions, but neither can she stay away from David, even when she discovers he’s one of a mysterious alien race. As London comes under attack by anarchist bombings, and as Zee struggles to get a handle on her unusually strong psychic abilities, David starts pulling away. Although Zee’s sure he’s attracted to her, David has secrets he cannot share. But it’s too late for Zee. She’s losing her heart to the gray-eyed alien boy, and she’s determined to follow him—no matter how far it may take her.

Neptune's Tears is a mystic and magical read that swept me off my feet and carried me away to a vibrant and lush world. Loved this awesome fantasy!

The world-building was my favorite part about Neptune's Tears for sure! I mean 2218 London?! Yes please. Right from page on, I was emerged into this luminous and slightly haunting world - and Waggoner's descriptions of London 2218 A.D. was so cool. I loved getting to explore this world with Zee (who was a great protagonist!) - and woah, this novel has loads of twists and turns crammed pack inside it that I totally didn't see coming.

But I can't deny that this book is... odd. Very odd. But unique and original, which is the good thing about it being weird. I mean, it's a fantasy historical novel with aliens attacking and a girl trying to survive. It's the perfect mix of fantasy and historical! I loved how Susan Waggoner put some of London's historical moments into Neptune's Tears - it's one of the many reasons why this book sticks out. If you're looking for something unlike you've ever read, Neptune's Tears is the book for you, absolutely.

That ending! Wow! Whenever I finished Neptune's Tears, I thought that this book was a standalone - but I only recently found out that there is a sequel! Huzzah! Susan Waggoner's Neptune's Tears is an original, fresh breath of air with gorgeous writing and a brilliant protagonist. So unique! So awesome!

Overall, Neptune's Tears is such an awesome book... but is on the weird side of YA. What a wonderful and epic story!

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