Review: The Ward by Jordana Frankel

The Ward by Jordana Frankel
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: April 30, 2013
Amazon  B&N

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure. However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface. Jordana Frankel’s ambitious debut novel and the first in a two-book series, The Ward is arresting, cinematic, and thrilling—perfect for fans of Scott Westerfeld or Ann Aguirre.

 My Thoughts...

Combined unique elements give this a fresh Dystopian feel. Ren is a racer in the Ward, a district that is suffering from illness and a lack of clean "fresh" water. It isn't an easy place to live, nor is it easy for Ren to gain acceptance by the "guys" in the racing arena. One mistake lands Ren into a precarious situation, one that also makes her realize she cares for her friend turned sister more than herself and she will do whatever she has to do to make sure she gets the treatment to make her better.

It took me a minute to adjust to the protagonists lingo. Words like "fresh" instead of saying clean water, and a few others. Actually, I found it a little annoying and distracted me from the flow of the story. The picture painted was interesting and unique. Not a fan of car racing, I did enjoy the uniqueness of these races, bouncing from one rooftop to another, using water pressure and other elements to change it up.

This story is packed with action, romantic elements, deception, and mystery. I'd say this story is mostly action with a small percentage of romance. With Ren being more of a tomboy, I had hoped she found a guy who not only made her feel pretty, but enhanced her feminism. She certainly was a character with a tough exterior and took a beating not only physically, but emotionally as well. This was a good read and by the end I felt that I liked Ren a lot more than I had throughout the first 3/4 of the book.

The secondary characters were pretty cool. I had a slight bookish crush on her Bookie...can't lie. Even though he had a mysterious edge, I could tell he had feelings for Ren. Then there's the Scientist....he turned up to be an awesome character and one that I really liked, but yet, not enough for me to want him and Ren together.

She seemed to always land herself in predicaments that had a ripple effect, causing more grief or an added layer of frustrating obstacles. The cure for which Ren and the Scientist worked hard for was pretty clever I thought. She plays a major roll in the turnover in the health of not just her sister, but for all the people in the Ward. Loved the ending!  The symbol of the copper penny was pretty cool in my book, and I loved how the doormat was covered with them at the end. I know this seems like gibberish to those of you who haven't yet read this, but seriously was struck giddy with a smile by it.

Overall, I liked The Ward. I found it to be unique and pretty darn interesting. If you give it a go, be prepared for lots of action and an ending that will make you smile.

3.5 Snowflakes

Review: The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons

The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
Expected Publication: February 10th
Publisher: Tor Teen

The Handmaid’s Tale meets Blood Red Road in Glass Arrow, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder.
In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains. But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning.

My Thoughts:

GIRL POWER!

This story isn't all about that of course but, it did give me the same shiver of rebellion that The Handmaiden's Tale did. The shiver comes from women empowering themselves to survive under extreme duress while living in a society where they are raised and breed like cattle & tossed away when they are no longer needed. Mrs. Simmons has once again captured those feelings that accompany the choices that need to be made when doing the right thing or just getting by. There is a phrase near the end of the book that has stuck with me all this time. I won't reveal who says it but it goes...

"We are just women. Why must you always try to be more?"

 I'm sure the intended effect was the soul burning anger I felt at these woman and the resolution the way they have resigned themselves to be nothing more.  The girls like the M.C. Aya, are few and far between. Most girls have been groomed and prepped for this their whole live. They are looking forward to going to "auction" to be brought by wealthy merchants. They will have a home and food (well food supplement pills really since apparently real food is only a thing for the extraordinarily wealthy) for a time being. Aya wasn't raised like these girls. She was raised wild in the mountains and knows how to take care of herself and her adopted rag tag family. It is no surprise that once she does get captured she will do anything to stop herself from going to auction. She is wild and hasn't been affected by the side effects of food supplement pills which makes her more susceptible to breeding and bearing a male child. Can you see the female oppression here? The history of how this world came to be was expertly woven into the story so when reading you really grasp the gravity of the situation. The world building is superb even though it seemed a bit weird in the beginning of the book.

I have been categorizing this as a fantasy for the longest time. It was only recently while talking with a friend that I realized this is more of a post apocalyptic/dystopian than anything. There is no magic in this world. Just some high tech beauty treatments that remold figures and removed freckles and of course the meal pills. There is also some crazy genetically mutated people that were very Hunger Games reminiscent.The only magic in this story was the determination and bravery of the characters and that was more than enough to hook me. There was a few who I did not like at all to begin with and just as they grow on Aya, they also grew on me. I really felt very connected to her for some reason. She was very transparent and the narration allowed for complete access to all her thoughts and emotions.

I also am a huge fan of any book that the author is able to conclude in one volume. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the series' but this was paced perfectly. I was RIVETED from start to finish. There was this amazing flow where the drama and intensity would build up to almost unbearable then break only to happen again in another situation. There is so much mystery surrounding Aya's past and all seems to reveal itself in time. The ending was absolutely BRILLIANT! If you read this book give yourself about 1/3 of the way in to really see what is going on. I promise you won't be disappointed.

5 snowflakes

Teaser Tuesday, #70 Insurgent (Divergent, #2) by Veronica Roth

Welcome to Teaser Tuesdays! Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! My Teaser Tuesday is for the following...



INSURGENT (DIVERGENT, #2) By Veronica Roth
Publication Date: May 1, 2012


Blurb:
One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

*TEASER FROM EBOOK PAGE 43*

"I'm not going to kiss you. I'm going to figure out what's going on," he says. 
  I pout my lower lip for a second, but then I grin as the pieces come together in my mind. 
"That's why you like me!" I exclaim. "Because you're not very nice either! It makes so much more sense now."
"Come on," he says. "We're going to see Johanna."
"I like you, too."
"That's encouraging," he replies flatly. "Come on. Oh, for God's sake. I'll just carry you."

*Teaser from ebook Page 44*

"What did you do to her?" Tobias says, terse. "What in God's name did you do?"
"I..." Johanna frowns at me. "They must have given her too much. She's very small; they probably didn't take her height and weight into account."
"They must have given her too much of what?" he says.
"You have a nice voice," I say.
"Tris," he says, "Please be quiet."

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here if you don’t have a blog Thanks! 

Review: Pawn by Aimee Carter

Pawn by Aimee Carter

Publisher- Harlequin Teen
Released- Nov 26th 2013

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.
If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.
There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

My Thoughts:
Once you turn 17 your life is ranked by the number branded to the back of you neck. It establishes your importance into society. A society that promises that the citizens will be taken care of, but you have to give back first. Everyone has their role to play, but it just so happens that Kitty Doe is a III (3)…well, it’s better then being a I (1) and going Elsewhere. Still, the life she was hoping for with her boyfriend, Benjy feels even more impossible so when Prime Minister Daxton offers Kitty the life of a VII (7) she agreed but not understanding the consequences. Kitty was Masked, altered to be Lila Hart, one of the most important girls in the country, but at a price that not only cost Kitty her identity but her life and the only life she wanted with Benjy.

To be honest, I was very conflicted throughout this entire book. There were some things that worked and didn't work for me when reading Pawn. Already a big fan of Aimee Carter’s Goddess Test series, I’m very comfortable with the way this woman can write and was surprised how amazingly put together this story is. Carter doesn't waste anytime moving her characters in a game of scandalous politics and conspiracy set in a world that is merciless, corrupt and unfair. But I fear that there are just too many head-games, threats, lies, betrayal and deception that it made it incredibly hard for me to like or be invested with any of these characters with the exception of Kitty and Benjy. There is so much back-stabbing and pointless murders, even within the Hart family that it made the entire story-line feel untrustworthy and lacked the essential point of what has been sacrificed and fought for. Hope. There just doesn't seem to be enough of it.

With that said, I still found this book to be quite fascinating. I have always had a hard time with books that are overly political, but Carter has spun a very carefully crafted plot that has more then it’s share of twist and turns to keep the readers guessing and on their toes. I also really love the fact that we have an already established romance. I love watching characters fall in love in stories, but it’s really nice to be able to sink into how they already feel for one another and enjoy their moments between them without having to guess or worry about how things move along. Kitty and Benjy have a wonderfully sweet relationship that kept me committed throughout the story and thankfully there isn't a love triangle insight.

I have a hard time expressing my feeling’s for some of these characters since all of them seem to have their own secrets and agendas, twisting my stomach with pure hatred for the things they have done or threatened to do.

Daxton and Augusta are cold, unflinching manipulative characters that will do anything to uphold the Hart family name and needs and while I liked Celia most of the time, even she had underhanded moments that surprised me, but really shouldn't have. 

Knox and Greyson seem friendly and genuine enough but the way these characters use each other as a means to an end even has be doubting them as well. I guess only time will show their true intentions.

The only real characters that I seem to have cared about or trusted was Kitty and Benjy. Kitty is a spunky character that was thrown into a world even more horrific then the one she left. While Benjy played the ever loyal and loving boyfriend any girl would be lucky to have.

All in all, this may have turned out to be only a decent read for myself, but I’m sure fans will enjoy the political edge, thrilling mystery, suspense and light romance that this book has to offer. I may not have always been entertained by the things that happened, but I was always intrigued right till the very end and curious enough to want to know what happens next.

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               3.5 snowflakes

Review: Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis

 Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Publisher: Katherine Tegan books

Expected Publication Date: September 24, 2013

B&N / Amazon / Goodreads

Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.

My Thoughts:

Not A Drop To Drink is about a mother and daughter who live in the basement of their farm house and by day and night protect their pond from the roof of their home. This survival story is one that touched me and was different from other dystopian novels I have read.

Lynn was a product of her environment. Her mother instilled survival instincts and the intelligence of doing so, but what this young lady lacked was friendship. Companionship was uncommon as Lynn and her mother lived in a desolate area and the only interaction was with wild animals and the occasional rogue. There is one exception, and that was Stebb. He lived off in the distant woods in what looked like a shack. Their interaction was very slim, but when Lynn needed someone the most, is when the reader truly got to know this man.

Their situation wasn’t uncommon, however, with the shortage of fresh water, they did what was necessary to protect the one thing they knew would alter their lives had they not had it; the pond. They had a daily routine of fetching buckets of water, heating it, and storing it for later use. This was sterilized which was important, as there was bacteria that could make them sick, or worse yet, be their demise.

The strength and courage they showcased was admirable. They weathered the roughest conditions and threats. Cutting their own firewood, fighting off ravenous wild animals, growing what food they could, killing those animals for meat, gutting, cleaning and storing of it as well.

These characters were well written and tough cookies. When an accident occurs, Lynn is left with a guilt and an unknown future. And enter Stebbs. Being alone with her mother her whole life, she is timid and unsure of the friendly guy.

The story really picked up when Lynn meets Eli. She develops a personality and it was a nice change of pace from the bland persona I had been used to. Trouble ensues and Lynn is forced to explore new emotions and step outside of the box so to speak.

Throughout the book, Lynn slowly opens up and evolves into a woman. She was no longer under the strict thumb of her mother and the pacing of this was perfection. I was relieved the further the story got and the change that Lynn made.

There were plenty of obstacles and twists thrown in, but some were so touching and heartbreaking I can’t even express. I had tears in my eyes on a couple occasions and I still, after a month ago reading this, can picture those scenes and my heart just throbs thinking of them. The decisions Lynn had to make, was just unfathomable. I think the author did an excellent job pulling the reader into these characters lives and world she created. She didn’t hold back on brutality of these characters lives and what they had to do to survive. I loved that about this story. It didn’t feel contrived, but very real for their situation and I give props to her for “going there.”

I would recommend Not A Drop To Drink to anyone. It was a wonderful story filled with survival, action, emotion, and a little bit of romance (Which was very well done in my opinion).

Review: Countdown by Michelle Rowen

Countdown by Michelle Rowen
Publisher- Harlequin Teen
Released- Sept 24th 2013
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N / Chapters

3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.
2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.
Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.
1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.
Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.
GAME 0VER

My Thoughts

Twenty-five years ago, the world was still at it's best. Thriving, successful, peaceful. Then came the Great Plague and in a matter of weeks took almost all of human life. Those who survived carried on, but it was never the same. Illness, starvation and crime inevitably followed. But there was a city that had been built. A Colony paradise filled with opportunity. It was a place of dreams and hope.

Countdown is an underground reality-televised game that is designed as a series of six challenges within a set time frame for the sole purpose of sadistic entertainment for the very rich.  If you succeed you get to choose a new life, a better life.  If you fail, you die.

Sixteen year old, Kira Jordan was orphaned after her parents were murdered two years ago and is a known thief. She woke-up in the dark, chained and found herself as a participate in the game, one she never signed up for. 

Seventeen year old, Rogan Ellis is a known murderer. He woke-up the same way, but the only difference is he was on his way to Saradone, a maximum prison before he decided to be a willing participate.

The only connection between Kira and Rogan is simply. They both want to live, even if it means they have no choice but to be partnered up in this twisted game. They have to trust each other long enough to face six challenges together, beat the clock and come out of this alive or die trying. The Countdown has begun...

Okay, yes, The Hunger Games. That's exactly what I thought too once I figured out the gist of what Countdown was all about and while some may not like books that strongly resemble an already popular series, I for one still enjoyed what this book had to offer. A steady pace of action, intrigue and entertainment with characters that have depth, complexity and are heartfelt, that have been thrown against vicious and deadly odds. 

Despite the similarities between this book and HG, Rowen manages to still deliver a very interesting concept. The challenges were cruel and inhuman tasks that were deranged and morally wrong. It makes you question your very soul. I loved how Rowen  threw in some really good spins to play with our minds throughout the story. I was constantly on my toes. I wasn't sure who I could trust, who was lying and who was telling the truth, and remarkably that goes for our main characters as well. Rowen makes the reader want to believe in them, but we're not certain of anything till it's all said and done. That cloud of doubt lingers throughout the entire reading experience which made this even more fun to read. It was calculating, unpredictable and very well written.

There aren't very many characters in this one, but the ones we do  meet all played their parts well.

Kira is a strong minded with real horrors in her past. I liked that she's a fighter and that even though what she's been through would normally make anyone hard and mean, she still has hope for herself and is willing to believe and fight for others. I liked that she has a rare hidden talent that she was aware of, but wasn't actually sure what it was. It put a new edge to the story-line and gave it that extra something to make her character already standout more then it does.

Rogan isn't like your typical badass. He may have a reputation but there is so much more to his character then what it seems. He may seem like he plays calm and collected but inside he's given up and really who could blame him. But he finally has something and someone to fight for. Someone, by all rights should hate him dares to believe in him instead.

Kira and Rogan are obviously the main focus of this book, but they really do own every page. They have a wonderful sassy sarcastic banter-humor that felt perfect for their predicament. Comical enough to bring some relief but not taking away from the dire situation constantly at hand. They're not exactly a perfect fit but at the same time they compliment each other. They may have been paired in extreme circumstances, fighting for their lives, but you can genuinely feel their connection and that they care what happens to other. 

All in all, I really enjoyed Countdown. The concept may not be new, but it still pounds with excitement and thrills. Kira and Rogan are characters that you want to be invested in from the moment you meet them and the writing is strong and intense. A solid read!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               4 Snowflakes

Review: Icons by Margaret Stohl

Icons by Margaret Stohl

Publisher- Little Brown Books

Release- May 7th 2013

Purchase-Amazon / B & N / Chapters

Your heart beats only with their permission.Everything changed on The Day. The day the windows shattered. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting.Since then, Dol has lived a simple life in the countryside -- safe from the shadow of the Icon and its terrifying power. Hiding from the one truth she can't avoid.She's different. She survived. Why?When Dol and her best friend, Ro, are captured and taken to the Embassy, off the coast of the sprawling metropolis once known as the City of Angels, they find only more questions. While Ro and fellow hostage Tima rage against their captors, Dol finds herself drawn to Lucas, the Ambassador's privileged son. But the four teens are more alike than they might think, and the timing of their meeting isn't a coincidence. It's a conspiracy.Within the Icon's reach, Dol, Ro, Tima, and Lucas discover that their uncontrollable emotions -- which they've always thought to be their greatest weaknesses -- may actually be their greatest strengths.

My Thoughts:
Already a fan of Margaret Stohl's  Beautiful Creatures series that she shares with Kami Garcia, I've always been curious to see when these two would branch out and write their own novels. So, Icons was one of my most anticipated, but sadly it wasn't what I was expecting. 
I enjoyed this story, but I wish I could have loved it the way I wanted to.

I've been reading a lot of sci-fi alien invasion reads lately, but I'd have to say that this one seems very different compared to the rest. For one, there weren't any aliens. Or well, none that we see anyways. This story is really centered around a group of four teenagers who are called the Icon children. They possess powerful abilities that are based around a specific kind of individual emotion, something they believed was their weakness is actually their greatest strength. They eventually are apart of rebellious group to take down 'The Lords' that are responsible for shattering their lives since they took over earth on, The Day. 

Stohl's is a wonderful story-teller with fascinating and unique ideas.

The concept is actually very interesting and I liked how original it felt compared to other stories in this genre, but I think that it may have been a little to plot driven. There is a lot that happens and the world building is very intricately detailed, but it felt overloaded and overwhelming at times. Lots of information and not nearly enough action till almost the end.

However, the characters are very easily liked and quite incredible once we learn more about them and what they're abilities stand for. The minute you meet Dol and Ro you can feel a very strong connection between them that is bonded by friendship and fate. 

Dol is a great protag, but I think she's a little naive and a little to trusting. She may be seventeen, but she feels younger somehow. Ro is my favorite character. Fiercely protective, strong and loyal. Tima comes later in the story, but she's the only one I didn't feel connect with. And as for Lucas? He rubs me the wrong way. He's hard to trust at first and given his...emotional abilities, it made this particular love triangle feel forced. I usually don't mind triangles in books, but for some reason this one rattled my nerves. Maybe it's because I already have my favorite and it seems so clear who the obvious choice should be and it's frustrating when the character doesn't cooperate. Just saying;)

All in all, this turned out to be a decent read. Icons is a good start to a promising series and a very unique spin in the world of sci-fi fantasy/dystopian escape that fans will surely want to check out. It was an intriguing and entertaining experience that left on a good note, but there's still a lot of room for the story to grow. So, I'm looking forward to seeing what Stohl's has in store for these characters and this world next.

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website

                                                                  3 Snowflakes

                                                                        

Review: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Publisher: HarperColling
Publish Date: January 3, 2012
Purchase: Amazon / B&N

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

My Thoughts:
Under the Never Sky was better than I had anticipated. I’m so glad I decided to read this book. I wanted to see what all the hype was. At first when I started Under The Never Sky, I wasn’t connecting with the characters or the world that was heavily developed in the first half of the book. I stuck with it and I’m so glad I did. Like I said, the beginning was heavy with world building but it was necessary in order to understand the world these people lived in and what obstacles they were facing.

Aria lived in a Pod which was heavily structured to protect the people inside from the Aether that is in the sky. Not only the threat of Aether, but they are protected from disease and illnesses. Being so protected they are oblivious to the dangers that are beyond the Pod. Aria’s mother Lumina has gone to another Realm, Bliss. The communication had been cut off and Aria wants to find information so she seeks this from the Counselors son, Sorren.  

In the Pod everyone wears a Smarteye which is suctioned to an eye and allows them to faction into made up Realms. You could go to just about any century or atmosphere your heart pretty much desired. For example, if you wanted to be in a Renaissance era, you could faction into what resembled just that. Sounds fun to me, but they live in this world where it’s so perfect that they truly are oblivious to the “real world” and what’s going on out there.

Aria crosses a path with a “savage” while on her pursuit to obtain information on her mother from Sorren. His behavior becomes strange and the repercussions of his actions change Arias life forever.

This is written in multiple POV’s. Aria and Perry (savage) When their lives entwine the story moves forward and the connection to the characters deepen.  There are multiple lives and relationships that we follow, but it is easy to get invested in each one. Aria being tossed out into the outside. Perry has an internal conflict but not only that, his nephew Talon was taken by the Dwellers (people in the Pods), and a new character is introduced which is Roar. He wants to find Liv, Perry’s sister who has ran off due to a particular situation.

The story made a huge turn for me once Roar entered the pages. I loved this character and he was amusing.  Another character that enters about the same time as Roar, is Cinder. He plays a vital role as well in this story.

Perry has Aria’s Smarteye but they need to get it fixed so they travel to a friend of Perry’s, Marron.  On the journey Aria learns that these savages can have special abilities. Some are Marked and some are not. For instance, Scire. Scire’s can smell emotion. Auds have impeccable hearing and said to be sly.

“There are some differences between the Senses. Scires tend to be tall. They’re the rarest Marked. Seers are the most common. Seers are good at looking and good-looking, but before you start wondering, no, I’m not a Seer. Just lucky.”

Under The Never Sky was such complex but very intriguing read. I don’t know why I waited so long to read this but I’m so glad I did. The story is rich in world building, and the characters are intriguing and well developed. Aria is a strong protagonist. Perry is swoonworthy and very masculine. He’s tough but along the journey develops a soft spot for Aria. Their connection is slow growing but very addicting.

 This is one dystopic adventure you won't want to miss out on.

 

Review: Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum

Revolution 19 By Gregg Rosenblum
Publisher: Harper Teen
Expected Pub Date: January 8, 2013
Purchase: B&N / Amazon

Goodreads

Twenty years ago, the robots designed to fight our wars abandoned the battlefields. Then they turned their weapons on us.
Only a few escaped the robot revolution of 2071. Kevin, Nick, and Cass are lucky —they live with their parents in a secret human community in the woods. Then their village is detected and wiped out. Hopeful that other survivors have been captured by bots, the teens risk everything to save the only people they have left in the world—by infiltrating a city controlled by their greatest enemies.
Revolution 19 is a cinematic thriller unlike anything else. With a dynamic cast of characters, this surefire blockbuster has everything teen readers want—action, drama, mystery, and romance. Written by debut novelist Gregg Rosenblum, this gripping story shouldn’t be missed.

My Thoughts:

Revolution 19 is a fantastic debut by Gregg Rosenblum. Not only is the cover awesome, but the story was unique, and even better than I had imagined. This was an easy read, and very easily draws the reader into the story-line.

A Robot Revolution erupted twenty years ago. The designed bots that were designed to fight the wars. These bots became so advanced and in the process began taking over the very people who relied on them. Survivors captured were taken to the city, and others that had escaped lived out in the wilderness. There were Freeposts set up where survivors lived. It was like their make-shift community. Using scavaged goods, (pre-Revolution) they created shelters and other facilities.

Kevin, Nick and Cass were siblings among this specific Freepost, and on a "school" lesson, a tech piece is found. Kevin hid this from his family, but what he didn't know, is that what he found would essentially catch the eye of the bots.

It was too late once Nick figured out what his brother had hidden from them. The bots came. The bots killed. The journey to escape these advanced tech bots was adrenaline packed. These bots aren't small, little robots that you picture in a children's book. They were at least eight feet tall and wide as two men.

When their parents didn't show up, they immediately knew they were taken to the city. Everyone in the Freepost believed those captured and taken to the city were used as slaves. I loved how the author twisted the view of the Freeposters, and the ones that lived within the city's thoughts about how each other lived. On their mission to find their parents, they meet a few new friends that hesitantly assist them and ultimately add excitement into this thrilling story.

This ends off on a cliffhanger, and I absolutely cannot wait to find out how the next installment will pan out. I really liked the characters and their courage they displayed. Whether it was a sacrifice or a complete idiotic attempt to saving their parents, it all panned out allowing more adventure and adversity into this fun and exciting story.

Thank you Harper Teen for providing this ARC

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Chosen Ones (The Lost Souls, #1) by Tiffany Truitt

Paperback, 260 pages

Expected publication: April 10th 2012 by Entangled Publishing, LLC

Blurb from Goodreads:

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

My Thoughts:

Chosen Ones, is deep, beautiful and intoxicating. Tiffany Truitt has a gift to communicate an emotional written story. This book was nothing short of AMAZING!

When I started chapter 1, my first thought was “disturbing.” They actually pulled out a branding iron to mark an innocent girl. She would be the one to carry out the term of servitude at Templeton. I immediately understood why Tess was the way she was. Any expressed emotions would result in some sort of discipline. I couldn’t ever imagine that sort of life.

The chosen ones were supposed to protect the naturals and yet they were the very reason for their demise. The council wanted bigger and better. The naturals were simply pawns, pieces to achieve their own personal glory.

When I was reading chapter 3, I felt a sense of relief. There was a flicker of hope when she found the piano and connected her fingers to those keys. She finally caved to her resistance, and opened up. I thought this was a pivotal turning point and a bonding of sorts between Tess and James. As a reader, I was drawn to that moment and felt the need for more.

I’m glad Tiffany added Tess’ father’s letters into the story. They were relevant and added an extra understanding of what the naturals were facing. In the first letter, there was a paragraph that hit home. One that really made me thing about what our future holds.

“We fought with other lands across the sea. Faraway lands that hated us for reasons that seemed ancient and ever pestering. But as we squandered away our money, we found it difficult to fight the enemy, and people became disillusioned. Why sign up to fight a war across the sea when one’s own family was starving? Why fight for a country that could not take care of its own people?”

This rings so true to what is happening today. Is this what will become of us, our world in the future. It was powerful. A touching and scary realization of what could be our future, our government and our people.

The story flowed well and kept me wanting to learn more. Just when I was in need of something, action maybe? It picked up. The execution was spot on.

The developing relationship between James and Tess, was set at a steady pace, which was refreshing. The heated moments were great, but I appreciated the self control and realism of it.

I seriously could go on and on. I wrote notes for each and every chapter, and that is no joke.

At times, I felt angry…I felt hope… This book has the ability to stir a whirlwind of emotions not touched by so many YA reads. This book leaves an imprint on your soul. When I finished this, I couldn’t fathom the idea of picking up another book. I needed time to unwind and marinate on the overall effect of such an amazing story.

This debut instantly takes Tiffany Truitt to the top of the Dystopian top reads list. You won't want to miss out on this ambitious story.

RATING: 5/5 Snowflakes

For more on this author, follow the links below...

 

website

http://tiffanytruitt.wordpress.com/

 

twitter username

tiffanytruitt

Blurb and Cover Reveal: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

Winterhavenbooks is very excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Tiffany Truitt's upcoming YA Dystopian book, Chosen Ones, #1 of The Lost Souls series. Currently scheduled for an April 2012 release from Entangled Publishing.

Blurb:

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

            Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

            Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

            But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life

Isn't this cover absolutely gorgeous!!! We would love to hear your thoughts on the cover as well as the blurb.