Review: Deceptive by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Deceptive by Emily Lloyd- Jones

Publisher- July 14th 205

Released- Little Brown Books for YA

Purchase- Amazon / B & N

Don't miss this thrilling, high-stakes sequel to Illusive.You don’t belong with us. These are the words that echo through the minds of all immune Americans—those suffering the so-called adverse effects of an experimental vaccine, including perfect recall, body manipulation, telepathy, precognition, levitation, mind-control, and the ability to change one’s appearance at will.When immune individuals begin to disappear—in great numbers, but seemingly at random—fear and tension mount, and unrest begins to brew across the country. Through separate channels, super-powered teenagers Ciere, Daniel, and Devon find themselves on the case; super criminals and government agents working side-by-side. It’s an effort that will ultimately define them all—for better or for worse.

My Thoughts:

After reading Illusive, I was instantly addicted by this explosive world and couldn't wait to get my hands on book two. Deceptive is just as crazy amazing as book one and even better then I expected.

Emily Lloyd-Jones is such a fantastic storyteller! I absolutely  love the her writing style. It's fast paced, in your face and solid entertainment from the first page, on. I adore the concept of super-powered teens working with different government agents with a mystery that entwines them together again. Ciere and Alan, Devon, and Daniel all work with different organizations, but I think that's what I love most about this series. They are friends, or well, not each others enemies. As an immune, they have no choice but to work with their 'respected organizations', but when push comes to shove, they are still protecting each other and when they're working together, the chemistry is off the charts fun.

The plot is a complete rush and I can't express how gripping and thrilling this series is. It's constantly moving, unpredictable and while I might not have cared for the whole mob/government agents before in my reads, I can't help but be addicted to it now. Then again, the whole immune powers really puts this in a rather intriguing place. But really, it's these incredible characters that really own this book. Cirea is a firecracker, Alan is protective and wonderful and Devon is still hilarious, reckless and amazing. I was happy to see more of Daniel in this book since he didn't play a huge role in the first book. I think I've got to know him better and while he's still somewhat of a mystery, I loved what he brought into this world. I'm also happy to see that some romance is playing out in this book, but I'm not sure it was the romance I was hoping for...still, it was sweet and I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Bottom line, I loved this book. The writing, the concept, the storyline and the characters. This one has it all. It's fun and funny with quick wit and charming banter with an endless stream of action and thrills. The ending was decent enough, but there has to be more. It simple can't end here and I for one can't wait for the next book! An addicting read!

Find the author:

Website / Goodreads                               4.5 Snowflakes

Review: Nova by Margaret Fortune

Nova (Nova #1)
by Margaret Fortune
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by DAW

Lia Johansen was created for only one purpose: to slip onto the strategically placed New Sol Space Station and explode. But her mission goes to hell when her clock malfunctions, freezing her countdown with just two minutes to go. With no Plan B, no memories of her past, and no identity besides a name stolen from a dead POW, Lia has no idea what to do next. Her life gets even more complicated when she meets Michael Sorenson, the real Lia’s childhood best friend. Drawn to Michael and his family against her better judgment, Lia starts learning what it means to live and love, and to be human. It is only when her countdown clock begins sporadically losing time that she realizes even duds can still blow up. If she wants any chance at a future, she must find a way to unlock the secrets of her past and stop her clock. But as Lia digs into her origins, she begins to suspect there’s far more to her mission and to this war, than meets the eye. With the fate of not just a space station but an entire empire hanging in the balance, Lia races to find the truth before her time—literally—runs out.

*36:00:00*
The clock activates so suddenly in my mind, my head involuntarily jerks a bit to the side. The fog vanishes, dissipated in an instant as though it never was. Memories come slotting into place, their edges sharp enough to leave furrows, and suddenly I know. I know exactly who I am. My name is Lia Johansen, and I was named for a prisoner of war. She lived in the Tiersten Internment Colony for two years, and when they negotiated the return of the prisoners, I was given her memories and sent back in her place.
And I am a genetically engineered human bomb.

My Thoughts
I am very far from your typical Sci-fi lover. I find deep space exploration and interplanetary travel a bit boring and pretty cheesy however, Nova was unlike ANYTHING I have ever had the pleasure of reading. There was some space stuff but this felt more like an espionage-ish race against time. I ate up every word of it. I am so very thankful that Penguin allowed me to review this title!

Lia Johansen thinks she is just another prisoner of war from the Tiersten Internment Camp. Things are always a bit fuzzy for her and she always has the feeling that there is something she should be remembering. Then it clicks and she gets it... She is a human bomb who was set to go Nova on the New Sol Space Station. All is going according to someone's master plan until her clock suddenly stops.

My name is Lia Johansen, and I am a clone of a prisoner of war. Created for the purpose of destroying the New Sol Station, I believed myself a failure when my clock stopped and I didn't go Nova. My life changed forever when i met a boy named Michael, and he became my friend.

Ahhh yes, isn't it always about a boy. Lia doesn't care about anything except why she didn't blow when she is recognized by a childhood friend, Micheal. This is where the story became so intense for me. Lia (which is her name simply for all intensive purposes) isn't supposed to have feelings or emotions yet somehow parts of the real Lia seems to leak into her being. She has memories of this boy and the life they had together a long time ago when they were just children. It's very rare to have a dual perspective in a first person narrative but it was done here. Lia ping pongs back and forth betweening feeling like a human and the seeing humanity from the eyes of a genetically engineered being. So very clever!

The icing on the cake was the race against that persky internal clock which would randomly start due to emotional stimulation whether good or bad. The longer she keeps herself from going nova, the more humanity seems to take root in her being. This sounds like a pretty cut and dry scenario but it was the complete opposite. It was a nail biter ALL THE WAY THROUGH! After all it isn't only her growing attachment to Michael and his family that she must contend with but, the threat of being discovered by the PsyCorp (basically psychic police officers) & being relocated to a unknown location with the rest of the refugees from her camp. There is so much chance and danger that I couldn't stop reading!! The ending near ripped my damn heart to shreds and trust me it is nothing you will see coming! If you are any type of Sci-fi or suspense fan, I beg you pick this one up!

5 Snowflakes

Review & Giveaway: Zodiac by Romina Russell

Zodiac by Romina Russell
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: December 9th, 2014
Purchase: Amazon

At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain….

Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.

When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancrian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.

Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.

But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?

Embark on a dazzling journey with ZODIAC, the first novel in an epic sci-fi-meets-high-fantasy series set in a galaxy inspired by the astrological signs.

My thoughts:
If you are a sci-fi lover this book is for you!  Zodiac is a high intensity sci-fi book that brings you into a unique world and makes you want to live among these amazing planets.

This might sound strange but just go with me for a minute.  When I first picked up Zodiac I knew I was going to like it.  It had everything I like in my sci-fi books and I was super excited to dive in.  The books I like I usually try and finish within a few days that way everything stays fresh in my mind, but with this book I just couldn't do that.  It took me a good two weeks to finish it and yes normally that means I am not feeling the book, but in this case it was because I wanted to ponder the world and really get to know it.  For the first time in a long time I didn't just want to skip over the parts I didn't understand, I wanted to make sure I got the world.  It was tough I won't lie. This book is heavy sci fi with psyenergy, different planets, a new caste system, and over the top technology.  I don't regret for one single second taking my time.  I am so glad that I slowed down with this one because it doing so I really felt something and I completely immersed myself in this world and man was it brilliant.

Romina Russell has crafted such a unique world.  I have read space sci-fi books before, but this one is beyond unique.  With the introduction of the Zodiac we get a fun spin on the planet system and I loved reading about the different houses.  It was also fun to see how each character acted when from a different house.  Our main character Rho was from Cancer and she surprised me by sticking to her Cancerian (not sure if that is a word but I am going with it) values.  I've noticed in a lot of books the main character will be forced to hide things and change their opinion, but Rho stayed strong.  Yes she had secrets, but not with her main goal.  She voiced her concern and stepped up to the plate every singe time even though she knew the outcome wouldn't be in her favor.  I really liked that about her and it made me respect her.  There were times of wishy washynesss and I was scared she would take the easy way out, but each and every time she stayed true to her morals.  Loved loved loved that.

The main story was an interesting one and this book really only scratches the surface.  I have a lot of questions that I think will come to light in the coming books and I am very excited to see how they play out.  Especially one particular one because I have a feeling Ms.Russell intends to shake this whole world up and I can't wait!  The addition of the thirteenth house was brilliant and I really liked how the author wove in the lore from each house.  Like I said this whole world is so unique and I really fell in love with it. 

The one and only thing I did not like about this book was the love triangle.  I always have a hard time with these and this one didn't work for me.  I don't like the inner struggle and I don't like all the heartbreak that comes with this type of romance.  Ms. Russell weaves the romance nicely into the story I just wish it would have been with only one guy.  I genuinely like both guys and I don't want either one of them to get hurt.  I also feel like a certain part of the story was pushed a little too far especially considering there is a love triangle.  It was Rho's decision to go that far and I didn't respect it.  She should have worked out her feelings first and dealt with them before she went down a certain path. I am very curious to see who she ends up with, but that is not why I will pick up the next book.  The world that was created can definitely stand on its own and I hope that the author chooses to show  more of that then the triangle.

I would have gone with 4 stars on this one, but the romance really hit a nerve with me so I have to go with 3.5.  The story and world though get a huge 5!

3.5 snowflakes

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Review: A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

Publisher- Harper Teen

Released- Nov 4th 2014

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him.Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.A Thousand Pieces of You explores a reality where we witness the countless other lives we might lead in an amazingly intricate multiverse, and ask whether, amid infinite possibilities, one love can endure.

My Thoughts:

Already a huge fan of Gray, I couldn't wait to read her latest project, A Thousand Pieces of You, the first book in her new Firebird series. I admit, it did take a little bit to warm up to the pacing, but all in all this turned out to be an exciting and fascinating fun filled escape.

After the death of her father, Marguerite is out for revenge. With the help of her friend Theo, the two travel through dimension to chase down her fathers killer using the invention he built, called the Firebird.

I've read my share of time travel books and while some books don't bond well, I still adore this genre concept and always on the look out for more books about them. The story line was really very cool,  there is a lot of terminology and techy stuff that I don't always fully understand which is why it's hard to connect with the overall story, but I think Gray did well, even if I struggled at times between dimensions. I enjoyed all of the twist and turns that keep me guessing, half of which I never saw coming. I think the pacing and flow could have been pulled in a little tighter, but the concept is solid and the characters and romance really pulled the story along nicely. I liked all of the characters. Marguerite is brave and resilient, Theo has charm and charisma and Paul is the mystery that ties this first installment in a gripping and cunning way. Not everything is what it seems.

All in all, this turned out to be a decent read. It may not be my favourite Gray novel, but it's definitely a good start to a promising series that I look forward to continuing. 

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                                3.5 Snowflakes

Review: Loop by Karen Akins

Loop by Karen Akins
Publisher-St. Martin's Griffin
Realeased- Oct 21st 2014
Pre-Order-Amazon / B & N

At a school where Quantum Paradox 101 is a required course and history field trips are literal, sixteen year-old time traveler Bree Bennis excels…at screwing up.After Bree botches a solo midterm to the 21st century by accidentally taking a boy hostage (a teensy snafu), she stands to lose her scholarship. But when Bree sneaks back to talk the kid into keeping his yap shut, she doesn’t go back far enough. The boy, Finn, now three years older and hot as a solar flare, is convinced he’s in love with Bree, or rather, a future version of her that doesn’t think he’s a complete pain in the arse. To make matters worse, she inadvertently transports him back to the 23rd century with her. Once home, Bree discovers that a recent rash of accidents at her school are anything but accidental. Someone is attacking time travelers. As Bree and her temporal tagalong uncover seemingly unconnected clues—a broken bracelet, a missing data file, the art heist of the millennium—that lead to the person responsible, she alone has the knowledge to piece the puzzle together. Knowledge only one other person has. Her future self.But when those closest to her become the next victims, Bree realizes the attacker is willing to do anything to stop her. In the past, present, or future.

My Thoughts:
To be perfectly honest, I almost gave up on this book within the first few chapters. For some reason I have the hardest time with time travel novels, I'm completely fascinated with them mind you, but the mind-spinning technology, time jumping from past, present and future and always feeling like I'm missing the bigger picture, makes me wonder if this particular genre is really for me. Loop was all of above, but still had me fascinatingly curious. So, I stuck it out. And you know what happened? It got interesting! So interesting that I couldn't put it down and before I knew it I was done and willing more pages to magically appear. Finally! I have a favourite time travel book and it's LOOP my friends! This is one helluva addicting ride.

There is so much I want to say about this riveting story and yet I don't think I can give it the justice it truly deserves. I can't believe this is Akins debut novel. The way she writes is absolutely outstanding. The time travel concept was so much more then just futuristic gadgets, lingo and terminology (which there was a lot of ) it was preciously detailed and mind-blowing to comprehend, but at the same time it was refreshing and blast to read. There were times I felt overwhelmed and even intimidated with just how big the story is since there was just so.much.happening. But it's such an unstoppable read that I needed the answers just as badly as the characters did. Which brings me to another factor. It's mysterious as hell. This is not one of those books that you can just skim through peeps, this is the kind of book that is so evasively written and enthusiastic with information overload without any real explanations as to the hows and whys, you literally are scrabbling for clues (past, present and future) to see if you can figure out the answers and who's behind everything. And once the revelation hit me, I was floored. It's thought provoking and frustrating and makes you crazy, but in the best way. I had so much fun trying to make rhyme or reason with any of it that I simple forgot to be unnerved. My experience was a dazed one, but in one of the most satisfying and entertaining ways possible.

With any kind of time travel novel, you have to take it with enough suspended belief for the book to seem somewhat plausible, but what I loved about this was, as the book started to unfold, it almost felt entirely possible. And that had a lot to do with all these amazingly well developed character who bring this outrageous story to life.

Bree Bennis is a feisty firecracker of a character, she always seems to be on a mission and not just the time travelling kind. I really loved her voice and what she was initially fighting for, but there are times where I waned to just shake her straight. For an intelligent time travel student who's a stickler for believing in protocol she doesn't seem to mind bending The Rules when it's on her own terms and she's not a very open minded creature when it comes to Finn's speculations. She constantly doubts and rejects anything he's suspicious of and I couldn't help hate how bitter and snappy she was with him. Now mind you, our girl is under a huge amount of stress and pressure and eventually she calms down long enough to finally see who's on her side, and who isn't. She's got great snark and I love that no matter what she did wrong, she faces the consequences and stops at nothing to fix it.

I absolutely adore Finn Masterson! This guy is so freaken adorable I just want to hug him to death. His comedic timing with futuristic things was absolutely hilarious. I loved his reactions and his go with the flow attitude, his confidence, his protective nature and how passionate he is about Bree. He's my new favourite guy! The romance in this is super freaken sweet. These two bicker and banter pretty much the entire length of the novel, but even their fighting has a playful energy that is irresistible. Still, I thought it was perfectly paced, not rushed but gradually bubbling till that inevitable moment. Definitely gush-worthy stuff that made my heart happy.  

There is a long list of secondary characters that I loved to pieces. They all brought in so much depth to this already complex story that I couldn't see any of this without them. But I will give a shout out to Mimi. She was so flippen cute!

Bottom line, I had such a blast reading this book. It's a futuristic time travel sci-fi adventure that will have your head spinning and heart pounding. It's sharp, smart and consuming from start to finish and it only left me begging for more. I can't wait to find out what happens next! Bring on TWIST!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                  5 Snowflakes 

Review: Push by Eve Silver

Push by Eve Silver
Publisher-Katherine Tegen Books
Released- June 10th 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

It’s either break the rules or die.Miki Jones lives her life by her own strict set of rules, to keep control, to keep the gray fog of grief at bay. Then she’s pulled into the Game, where she—and her team—will die unless she follows a new set of rules: those set by the mysterious Committee.But rules don’t mean answers, and without answers, it’s hard to trust. People are dying. The rules are unraveling. And Miki knows she’s being watched, uncertain if it’s the Drau or someone—something—else. Forced to make impossible choices and battling to save those she loves, Miki begins to see the Committee in a glaring new light.And then the Game crosses a new boundary, pushes harder into Miki’s and her friends’ lives, and there’s nothing in the rules that can save them now.

My Thoughts: 
What an amazing world! I really just love Silver's writing style. From minute one I found myself sucked back into all the emotions and all the action and intrigued this book has to offer. It's absolutely compelling, adding and exhilarating and still every bit the refreshing and unique escape I found in the first book.

While Push may be a little bit tamed down compared to Rush, I still really enjoyed the direction Silver took with this sequel. There isn't anything I love more then  heart pulsing action and characters who can kick some serious ass, but it was really great to be able to relate to Miki on a different level. She literally gets thrown into the games in Rush so fast that I felt I only got to know her in the 'virtual world', but in Push I was able to see her connections between her dad and her friends and what it's like for her in the 'real world'. I also absolutely loved that we got to see the romance develop between Miki and Jackson and that it wasn't pushed aside while the action takes the lead. I believe in a healthy balance in books and Silver give us a great dose of both. Those were probably my favorite moments. The sweet and adorable way Jackson and Miki were together. They give the readers something to hope for and make all the fighting worth fighting for. But never fear, fans of this series shouldn't worry that it was tamed down to much, there is still a helluva lot of action and excitement as we are once again thrown back into the virtual games, but this time Miki, Luka, Jackson and the rest of the team are fighting more then just the Drau who are threatening the world with total disaster. The Committee seems to be  a pretty big question mark at this point and I'm fascinated to see how this all plays out, specially with the last minute twist at the end pertaining to Jackson's sister, Lizzie. Gasping stuff my friends!

I really adored all of these characters. They are warm and witty and have some of the greatest chemistry, on and off the battle field. Miki has always been a fiercely determined and independent character and I feel that I got to know the reasons why better. I love her strength, level headedness and her beautiful heart. But I think it was Jackson who really threw me for a loop here. I'm so use to seeing Jackson in commando-mode. The ever demanding, in control and self-assured leader that he was born to be. But in this book we got to see a more playful and fun loving side to Jackson that was a complete joy and treat. The things he would do and say really made me look at him differently. More like a person with a real life then the solider on missions making sure everyone survives. I also adored Luka and thought he was a major supporting character that I can depend on to make me smile while Carly is the best friend every girl needs.

All in all, Push was such an excellent sequel! I loved the fast-paced-in-your-face rush, the incredible writing that leaps off the pages and the amazing cast of characters that demand you to feel. This still holds the 'most unique' series in my books and I'm really enjoying where Silver is taking things and simply can't wait to see where she takes it next. An addicting read! More!

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                4 Snowflakes 

Review: The Hunt- Project Paper Doll by Stacey Kade

The Hunt by Stacey Kade
Publisher- Disney Hyperion
Released- April 22nd 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Ariane Tucker has finally escaped GTX, the research facility that created her. While on the run, Zane Bradshaw is the only person she can trust. He knows who-and what-she is and still wants to be part of her life.
But accepting Zane's help means putting him in danger.Dr. Jacobs, head of GTX, is not the only one hunting for Ariane. Two rival corporations have their sights set on taking down their competition. Permanently. To protect Zane and herself, Ariane needs allies. She needs the other hybrids. The hybrids who are way more alien and a lot less human. Can Ariane win them over before they turn on her? Or will she be forced to choose sides, to decide who lives and who dies?

My Thoughts:
Ariane and Zane successfully escaped the GTX lab in on piece, but the danger is far from over. They thought Dr. Jacob was the problem, but soon discover that there are other companies who are also hunting her down. On a mad attempt to find someone to trust, and to keep her and Zane safe, Ari has to try to convince the other hybrids to work together and refuse to cooperate so there won’t be any trials. Only the other hybrids are anything but human and every moment she allows Zane to be with her, puts his life in danger.

After reading the first book, The Rules, I knew that I would fall in love with these books, and I was right. The Hunt is the second installment in the Project Paper Doll series and even better then the first one. This novel is very sharp and very smart. The plot is filled with all the technical sci-fi details that had my head spinning in the best way possible but it was still laced with one sweet romance.

I really loved how Kade handled this plot. It was always moving, twisting and turning in new unexpected ways. I loved the unpredictability of it all, the suspense, the thrills and the excitement of danger within every turn. Ari and Zane felt like they were trying to fight something so much bigger then they could possibly handle with very little help to do it, and yet, they still tried, no matter the consequences.

Ariane is such a heartbreaking creature. She knows she’s a half human/ half alien hybrid, designed in specific skills and although she may be powerful, she doesn't have anyone to turn to except for Zane. She’s torn between wanting to keep him with her and leave so he won’t be in danger. Torn between what she is and what he makes her want to be. Human.

Zane is everything you could ask for in a friend and love interest. He’s sweet, funny, kind, protective and loyal. He doesn't care that Ariane is some freak science experiment or that she’s something other then totally human, he wants to take care of her and keep her safe, even if it means getting himself killed in the process.

The romance is very light, but it’s still really quite adorable. I loved those awkward moments between them when it’s still so uncertain giving the impending danger they’re surrounded in, but their playfully stubbornness and dancing emotions were really something to hold on to. They have great chemistry that made me smile, swoon and laugh.

All in all, this was a really great book. The writing is strong, the flow and pace was perfect, the plot has a heart stopping, nail biting edge that screams with excitement and these characters will keep you on your toes and begging for more. That ending really just about killed me, so be warned, evil-cliffy is just mean, but what a helluva way to grab readers with that gasping conclusion. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment! A solid escape.

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               4 Snowflakes  

Review: The Taking by Kimberly Derting

The Taking by Kimberly Derting 
Publisher- Harper Teen
Released- April 29th 2014
Pre- Order- Amazon / B & N

A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.
When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day.
Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men.
Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own?

My Thoughts: 
It kills me that I couldn't love this book. Seriously, it hurts. One of my favorite series is The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. It's a great mix of thriller and romance and stars the cutest couple I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I was really looking forward to reading The Taking. The blurb has a very Flight of the Navigator feel to it, which is one of my favorite childhood movies, but at last I just could not love this one.

In a nutshell, this was just to dang fast. I had no time to feel connected to Kyra's life before the flash of white light that changed her life, so I couldn't feel any real sympathy for the time and people she lost. I didn't find Kyra to be very likable and thought she was closed-minded and immature. I totally get that yes, she’s been through this unspeakable ordeal, but I just couldn't understand why she didn't get that the people in her life missed her, loved her and mourned her, but after 5 years of believing she had died, had to go on with their lives. But I think it was the relationship between Tyler and Kyra that was my biggest issue. It was too much to soon and crazy instant. Like 7 days- I love you- fast. I had a hard time processing this new found love since Kyra was so hell-bent and head over heels in love with Austin just a week ago. I did find Tyler to be pretty adorkable -obsessed mind you- but he had some sweet moments. There is also a lot of loose ends, meaning we get zero answers as to why this happened to Kyra and others like her and what her new funky powers mean. I would have liked to have learned a little bit more then what we got.

With that said, I still thought the overall concept idea was fascinating. The storyline was freaky, thought provoking and filled with so much potential. But when it’s all said and done, I just didn't feel emotionally invested or personally connected by any of these characters and while the story had some entertaining factors, it wasn't the solid escape I was hoping for. This one wasn't for me, but keep in mind, this is probably just me. Kimberly Derting is an amazing writer and while I couldn't love this particular novel, it won’t stop me from reading more books by her in the future.

Find the author:
Goodreads / Website                                2 Snowflakes

Review: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Publisher- Disney Hyperion
Released- Dec 10th 2013
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

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.

My Thoughts:
Wow, I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but I didn't think I'd come out of it loving it the way I did.  These Broken Stars is a fantasy sci-fi survival story that has just about everything I look for an escape. The story line is complex and compelling, the characters are genuinely heartfelt and intriguing and the writing is simply fantastic.

The story begins at a party on board the grandest starship in the galaxy, the Icarus, when three days later the unthinkable happens. The Icarus has been torn out of hyperspace and everyone is scrabbling to get into a escape pod. Only Major Tarver Merendsen, an honored war hero and Lilac LaRoux, the richest girl in the galaxy, make it out alive, but they aren't safe yet. The were pulled into an unknown planets gravity and crash land the pod on the earths forest floor. Shocked and shaken, Tarver and Lilac have to work together if they want to survive and find a way to signal a rescue ship and get off the planet, but they have to do it without killing each other first and try to keep from going crazy when the planet seems to be much more then it seems.

First off, the writing. I never realized this was written by two different authors till I finished this book and started to review it. Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner are a strong team. The flow of the book is pitch perfect and completely even. The pace was constantly moving at a steady stream of intrigue and anticipation. Form the first chapter till it's breathless conclusion, I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I loved the witty style and the setting and atmosphere was spectacularly rich and vivid. I also enjoyed the interrogation questions before every new chapter. It gave us something to speculate and gave us a hint of what to expect next in a round about way. 

The story starts out innocently enough. Boy and girl meet and have a general fondness for the other but are light-years away when it comes to being in the same social class. She drops her glove, he smiles, they flirt, she kindly but painfully dismisses him away and he sulks licking his wounds. A few days later the Icarus is going down and Tarver and Lilac unexpectedly find each other and escape and crash into a planet that seems to have sustainable life qualities. Our duo is faced with many difficult obstacles and challenges that comes with being stranded; looking for shelter, food, water and trying not to get killed, but as the story moves on it begins to turn in a new strange and unnerving direction. I loved the twist in the plot but it was a little mind boggling to wrap my head around certain aspects of the how's and why's, especially come the end. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about it. The sci-fi part of the story is more of a futuristic feel overall, complete with high-tech gadgets and monstrous spaceships, but I think this book mostly focuses on the survival aspect, which was fine by me since I love nothing more then a really good survival story. This however was very different compared to other books I've read. It was more fresh, thought provoking and outstanding.

There aren't really any other characters here besides Tarver and Lilac, but their story was so interesting you really didn't need anyone else to feel the gaps. Tarver is your mans man. He's a war hero so he's been through this kind of terraform before. He's exactly the kind of guy I'd want if I was ever stranded on a unknown charted planet. He's brave, confident and resourceful.

I love that Lilac isn't portrayed as another mindless heiress. She's intelligent, capable and held up remarkable well given the circumstances. Together, Tarver and Lilac find themselves on unfamiliar ground. Tarver is from the wrong side of the planet and Lilac might as well be royalty. There is a lot of pride coming off in waves on both ends, neither wanting to give the other the satisfaction and admit they need each other. This isn't the kind of story that has instant love, but there is an instant connection, even if they're to stubborn and hide it throughout most of the novel. My favorite part of the story was watching these two try to get along while mucking through the forest, up hills and mountains and trying to find shelters for the nights. It's those little moments that I found myself holding on to a little longer. The snarks and remarks were also priceless and hilarious. It kept it light and entertainment when things became to serious. I didn't find the romance overly romantic, or at least not in the traditional ways. It was more touching, tender, meaningful and very sweet. It's the stuff that pulls on your heart strings and makes you smile one of those big stupid smiles. But one thing is for certain, they are a stunning pair and you will hope against hope that they find it to safety. 

Bottom line, I really had a great time with this book. It's the kind of story that was extremely easy to loss myself within the pages. The sci-fi was brilliantly imaginative and the survive parts had me on the verge of my seat. But what impressed me the most was Tarver and Lilac. They completely owned this book. I was instantly invested with them from start to finish. There is nothing you want more then to see these two hearts safe and sound. I know that this is already set as a companion trilogy, but I love that the ending was well resolved and satisfying, so I'm mighty curious to see where Kaufman and Spooner take this adventure next. Extraordinary, gripping and entertaining! Loved!

Find the authors:
Goodreads / Website - Amie Kaufman
Goodreds / Website- Meagan Spooner                    
                                                                   
                                                                  4.5 Snowflakes

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 & Giveaway: Extracted by Sherry D. Ficklin & Tyler H. Jolley

Extracted 

by Sherry D. Ficklin & Tyler H. Jolley
Publisher- Spencer Hill Press
Released- Nov 12th 2013
Pre-Order- Amazon / B& N

Welcome to the war.The Tesla Institute is a premier academy that trains young time travelers called Rifters. Created by Nicola Tesla, the Institute seeks special individuals who can help preserve the time stream against those who try to alter it.The Hollows is a rogue band of Rifters who tear through time with little care for the consequences. Armed with their own group of lost teens--their only desire to find Tesla and put an end to his corruption of the time stream.Torn between them are Lex and Ember, two Rifters with no memories of their life before joining the time war.When Lex’s girlfriend dies during a mission, the only way he can save her is to retrieve the Dox, a piece of tech which allows Rifters to re-enter their own timeline without collapsing the time stream. But the Dox is hidden deep within the Telsa Institute, which means Lex must go into the enemy camp. It’s there he meets Ember, and the past that was stolen from them both comes flooding back.Now armed with the truth of who they are, Lex and Ember must work together to save the future before the battle for time destroys them both…again.

My Thoughts:

Once in awhile a book will come along and completely blow me away. I don't even know where to begin. I've read my share of sci-fi books before, but this is the stuff that makes my reading escape an entertaining and solid experience. Ficklin and Jolley are bright new voices in science fiction genre with their explosive novel,  Extracted!

First off, I have to applaud  the writing here. Ficklin and Jolley gotz skills. You would never know this was co-written by two different authors. Chapter after chapter the flow and pace of the story is smooth, controlled and engaging. The voices were pitch perfect and the tone of the book was filled with wild action and stunning intrigue. There is so much depth in this story and so different then any other time travel book out there. The concept is really very cool. I love the idea of time travel, but this one is mind-bending on a whole new level of awesome. I love the idea of the time stream not only being a window into history, but being some kind of tangible force making it almost physically alive. I also love the idea of combining two characters, Ember and Lex who are rivalry time travelers and connecting them to an important historical family, but with no memory of who they were or what they meant to each other. That conflict made the story even more exciting then it already was, keeping me invested and enthralled from the first page till it's gripping conclusion.

There is a lot happening here plot wise, so I'm not going to try to explain it since I think readers will want to discover all the mind boggling twist and turns this book has to offer. It's not hard to follow, mind you, but near the end of the book it starts to go from complicated to crazy-complicated and I had to really concentrate on every word to make sure that I wasn't missing anything. But once everything is said and done, it left me feeling satisfied and in awe. The ending is also really decent without any cliffhangers to drive us insane, but there is still enough questions that makes me want the second book that much sooner. 

I really love all of these characters. All of them are tremendously kick-ass in their own ways that make them easy to connect with and enjoy.

Lex is a natural leader. He's a confident in control character who is loyal and brave. I love that he doesn't even hesitate when it come to finding a way to get Stein back no matter the consequences. Stein is my kind of girl. She's a feisty little thing that's strong and smart. She doesn't need a man to protect her, she's fierce enough that she can hold her own but still excepts help when she needs it. Ember is a lot more powerful and strong then she believes, but she doubts herself and her abilities. Somewhere in her (erased) memories she knows she's failed someone and she can't shake the feeling that it'll happen again. It was really great to see her confidence grow throughout the story. Ethan is a lot like Lex, but he has a playful coolness and a punk arrogance about him that makes you want to hug instantly. Nobel is also another character that I really enjoyed. He's an awesome friend and a genius when it comes to the time tech gadgets that were pretty wicked stuff.

The romance in this book is very light but the moments we did get were warm and sweet. It may not have been the main focus of the book but it still wraps around the intentions and actions that lead these characters to go to the extreme, which was pretty romantic when you think about it.

All in all, I had a lot of fun with this book and mighty impressed. The concept is captivating, engaging and fascinating. The story-line is pulse pounding amazing, the writing is effortless and effective and these characters will climb into your heart and never let go. I can't wait to see where Ficklin & Jolley will take this next. This is one time travel experience that will have you begging for more. Brilliantly done!

Find the author: Sherry D. Ficklin- Goodreads / Website 
Find the author: Tyler H. Jolley- Goodreads / Website

                                                                    4.5 Snowflakes 

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