Review: Panic by Lauren Oliver

Panic by Lauren Oliver
Publisher-Harper Collins
Released-March 4th 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

My Thoughts:

I've read Lauren Oliver’s debut novel, Before I Fall and loved it, but sadly it was the only book that I enjoyed since I wasn't able to get into her Delirium series. But I've always loved the way Oliver can write and wanted to try another book by her, which I’m glad I did since I ended up really enjoying Panic.

Panic is a yearly summertime event played by the graduating class and is a series of different challenges for the contenders to compete in. Only one player can win the grand price, which is over sixty thousand this time around. The games are devised in extreme dares to see how well you do under pressure and try not to panic under the heat. The games can be fatal, but all of the players have their reasons for participating. Some do it for revenge, to prove a point or to escape what ever issues or problems they’re going through, but most of them play for the money. They want to win so they can get out of their small little town and be something or find something they can’t find living in Carp.

I really liked this concept, it’s very unique and nothing like I've read in other books. The challenges themselves were pretty wicked, edgy and crazy. The games are supposed to be a reflection of bravery, strength, determination and stupidity, but it turns out to be much more personal to the players. They want out of their town, out of their meaningless lives and they would do anything to get it, even if it means stepping on friendships or betraying the ones you care about the most.

Heather might have went into the games as a desperate attempt to avoid her ex-boyfriend and to prove that she’s more then some fragile girl, but as the story starts to unfold  we start to see that Heather has a bad home life, a dead-beat mother and a little sister to protect. The games felt more intense for her because she had something real to fight for. It was really something to see her after each successful challenge. She’s angry with the people in her life and uses that in the games and soon enough she becomes this fearless and unflinching version of herself that I was really proud of.

Nat wasn't a character that I liked very much. She’s very outspoken, confident and erratic character but she can also be manipulative and even vindictive to get what she wants. I didn't care for how she treated Dodge or even Heather and I also didn't find her reason to be in the games good enough for such contempt and betrayal.

Dodge was someone I really connected with, maybe because his reason was so cut and dry. He wants revenge for what happened to his sister and in a way I can respect that.

Bishop is Heather and Nat’s best friend and he played his part well. Maybe too well. He was so supportive, protective and  loyal so I was quite surprised and didn't expect the twist in his part of the story or how it affected the other characters.

While I liked the story, it does have it's share of flaws. I was a little disappointed by the ending, and thought it all played out a little to smoothly. It lacked any real closure by the things that were said and done by some of these characters,  it felt like it was missing something important and it also lacked that wow-affect that I was waiting for, especially for such a heart pounding and gusty plot. There is also little no romance in this one, which was also slightly disappointing, but the storyline itself is so busy that you don’t really miss it, unless you’re a sap like me.

All in all, I rather liked this one. Panic is all about desperation, and how far you would go to win no matter the consequences. Lauren Oliver writes a convincing and exciting story with daring and damaged characters that I couldn't help be invested with from minute one till its gripping conclusion. Entertaining and engaging from start to finish. Brilliantly done! 

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               4 Snowflakes 

Review: Death Sworn by Leah Cypress

Death Sworn by Leah Cypress
Publisher: Greenwillow
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

When Ileni lost her magic, she lost everything: her place in society, her purpose in life, and the man she had expected to spend her life with. So when the Elders sent her to be magic tutor to a secret sect of assassins, she went willingly, even though the last two tutors had died under mysterious circumstances.

But beneath the assassins’ caves, Ileni will discover a new place and a new purpose… and a new and dangerous love. She will struggle to keep her lost magic a secret while teaching it to her deadly students, and to find out what happened to the two tutors who preceded her. But what she discovers will change not only her future, but the future of her people, the assassins… and possibly the entire world

My Thoughts:
Oh how I love assassin books!  For some reason I am all about this type of book lately and Death Sworn was another great addition to my collection!

Ileni has been sent by her people to train assassins how to use magic.  This has been the agreement set by her people and the assassins in return for their teachings the assassins help keep them safe from the Empire who exiled them long ago.  Problem is that every teacher they send winds up dead from mysterious causes.  Ileni is positive she will find out what happened to the previous teachers so she goes willingly down into the caves.

I felt like I was walking a high wire the whole time I was reading this.  I never knew if the next sentence would make me finally misstep and fall off.  In my eyes this makes this type of book beyond exciting.  It was dark and creepy with assassins lurking in the dark every where she turned. 
Ileni never knew who to trust which in turn made me question everything.  It was awesome!  

I loved the whole storyline behind this idea.  The master of the assassins really intrigued me and I am left wondering more about him and how his operation came about.  I would love a prequel so that I could understand this world just a bit more.  We are given facts but honestly those took a backseat in my mind, all I wanted was to read more about the caves and find out more about the assassins...yes I know I keep repeating the word and yes I love it ha!

The only part that bothered me was toward the middle where things took a little detour into romanceville. Don't get me wrong I love romance just as much as the next reader but I don't think this story needed one.  I felt like the world and idea were strong enough to hold the story up by themselves.  Maybe in later books this relationship could have been developed, but for this book I really wish the author would have stayed more with the major storyline.  I would have preferred more development and information on that then a love struggle between two characters.

I did like the characters in the story and Ileni proved to be quite the badass.  I wasn't sure how she would turn out after something happens (you need to read to find out) but I have to give her major credit for doing what needed to be done and she did it herself.  I was beyond thrilled that she was in a cave full of assassins and she still chose to finish what she needed to on her own.  The last part though I think was a little rushed and the author did a great job of detailing why it happened and how it happened, but I am not sure if I completely buy it.  I think other players would have been more involved and it wouldn't have been as easy as it was.

All that being said I did really enjoy this book and I cannot wait for the sequel!  It is sure to be explosive since the decisions that Ileni made have yet to be revealed to certain characters!

4.5 snowflakes

Review& Giveaway: Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott & Exclusive final sneak peek!

Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: February 27, 2014

Amazon / B&N

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.
Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.
The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Final Exclusive Sneak Peek...

“If you are hearing this message, then you have successfully completed the Pandora Selection Process. It also means you are now at the official starting line.”

Around me, Contenders whoop with excitement. Seriously? They’re about to plunge into a wild jungle, and that brings them happiness? Once again, I realize how out of my league I am. I don’t even have a change of clothes, for crying out loud.

“As you may have realized, you are on the outskirts of a rain forest. This will be the jungle part of the course. You will have two weeks to arrive at the jungle’s base camp. You will find this base camp by following the path of blue flags.”


Contestants glance around, immediately looking for the first blue flag. As for me, I’m watching the taillights of the semi and having a massive coronary.

“If you are the first to encounter a blue flag, you may remove it, but you may not remove the stake it is attached to. Doing so will result in immediate disqualification.”

I wonder why anyone would want to remove the flag to begin with. No one else seems concerned by this.

“While the Cure will be awarded to a single winner at the end of the last ecosystem, we will bestow a smaller prize for each leg of the race. The prize for the jungle portion will be monetary.” The woman pauses dramatically. “I’d like to officially welcome you to the Brimstone Bleed. May the bravest Contender win.”

That’s it? That’s all she’s going to say? Because it seriously sounds like she’s wrapping up. So why aren’t I running after the trucks? Why am I not chasing after my only way out of this jungle like my life depends on it? I know the answer — though I wish I didn’t. Cody would do this for me. I am his only hope. I have to believe his cure exists. My only other option is to return home and watch my brother die. If I could even get back home.


I glance around frantically, looking for someone to tell me what to do. The Contenders have formed a long line, the kind you see at the start of a marathon. A few yards down from where I stand — I see him. My throat tightens when I realize his cold blue eyes are locked on me. It’s the guy from the Pandora Selection Process. The serial killer–looking dude who I thought was going to kidney punch me. He glares in my direction like he might take this opportunity to finish what he never started. I raise my hand in a small wave, hoping it says something like: See? Look how friendly I am!

He lifts his own enormous hand. For a moment, I brighten. I think maybe that — even though it looks like he hates every fiber of my being — he’s going to wave back. But he doesn’t. He holds up two fingers — his pointer and his middle — places them under his eyes, and then points in front of us.

Oh no, he didn’t. I think he basically just told me to pay attention. I’m still processing this when the woman’s voice rings in my ear.

“Go!”

My Thoughts...
Once again, I am amazed by the unique story Victoria Scott has crafted. Fire & Flood is a hit!
She broke through a heavily weighed down genre and slipped in a unique and refreshing action-packed story that will be a hit with tweens and teens!

Tella's family moved from the city to nowhere Montana. Her brother Cody is deathly ill and there hasn't been hope of a cure. Tella discovered a small device. Once she placed it and pressed the little red button, an announcement came on. It was an invitation to the Brimstone Bleed. Her father immediately took it away from her and in an attempt to destroy it, he threw it into a fire.


She recovers the device and listened to the announcement. She was selected for the Brimstone Bleed. All contenders were to report within forty-eight hours. The Pandora Selection Process is where the contenders select their Pandora and it's their only source of assistance throughout the race.
The race lasts three months and takes place across four ecosystems: desert, sea, mountains, jungle. The winning prize will be the Cure; a remedy for any illness, for any single person.


Tella sneaks away for an adventure of her life with one goal in mind: win the race, and save her brother, Cody.
The love Tella had for her brother was touching. Of course they bickered back and forth, but you could really tell she cared so much for him. She had no clue really as to what she would be faced with entering the competition. She's a strong protagonist and one easily relatable to.
Unlike many of the other contenders, Tella named her Pandora Madox (which is a fox). I knew right away that he was special and unlike the others. I loved the way these Pandoras were crafted into the story and became such a HUGE part of the race. They aren't a normal animal. They were genetically engineered with special capabilities to assist their Contenders.


This race was brutal to say the least. You never knew who was good or bad. It was like survival of the fittest out there. But, along the way, Tella made some friends, which she knew in the long run only one would win.
Enter the mysterious Guy. I have to say, I was very intrigued by this character. For some reason, he has been somewhat of a Guardian Angel to Tella. And I think there are developing feelings there between the two. Honestly, I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book between those two.


Each of the Pandora's were so unique and had a personality of their own. I was amazed by Madox, though. The chemistry between Tella and Madox was realistic and sweet. She cared for her Pandora unlike some of the other Condenders who treated theirs more as an object than a living, feeling creature.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Fire & Flood. And don't let prejudices and opinions that say this is another 'Hunger Games' sway your vote not to read this. It isn't. Yes, there is a similarity when it comes to it being a survival game, but this is a totally different world, different circumstances and in my opinion, it's not even close.

I knew it would be good (No doubt there), but as far as how the competition would go, and the blend of Pandora's, it was fascinating to say the least. Lots of action, emotion, and chemistry between the character and their Pandora's. I'm really excited for this series. I know there is so much more to come and I look forward to it.

I'd like the Thank Scholastic Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. In no way has this changed my opinion or rating.

                                                            4.5 Snowflakes

Now for the giveaway!!  I am giving away a copy of Fire & Flood to one lucky follower!  This giveaway is open to anywhere The Book Depository ships to!  

Good Luck!

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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

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

Love Letter to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux (BYR)
Release Date: April 1, 2014
Purchase: Amazon / BN

It begins as an assignment for English class: Write a letter to a dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May did. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to people like Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Amelia Earhart, Heath Ledger, and more; though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating new friendships, falling in love for the first time, learning to live with her splintering family. And, finally, about the abuse she suffered while May was supposed to be looking out for her. Only then, once Laurel has written down the truth about what happened to herself, can she truly begin to accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was; lovely and amazing and deeply flawed; can she begin to discover her own path.

My Thoughts:
Okay I know I am supposed to be feeling heartbroken and tearful but I am TICKED!  This book is a prime example of what happens when parents are too wrapped up in their own problems and end up losing something precious because they were too self involved to notice signs.  Yep I am TICKED!

Love Letters to the Dead is about Laurel and her struggle to move on after losing her older sister.  All Laurel wanted to be was May.  To her May hung the moon and much much more, but Laurel knows deep down that May wasn't always on the straight and narrow.  Nope May would sneak out, lie, drink, and hook up with older guys.  To Laurel though this was just about growing up and she felt left out when May changed.  Mays sudden change took place right after her parents decided to split up after years of telling May that she was the reason her family was together in the first place.  Yep pretty harsh right.  Their mom moves out and well May just kinda goes in a different direction to hide her pain.  Unfortunately Laurel wants to be just like May and things go downhill from there.  When tragedy strikes and May dies Laurel is the only one who really knows what happened. One minute May was there the next she was gone and Laurel has to go on knowing that she might have been able to change everything.

I really loved the way this book was written.  It was really interesting to see Laurel connect with so many famous people that have passed away.  I learned so much more about quite a few people that she wrote too and it honestly changed my views on a few of them.  What was heartbreaking to see was Laurel taking the same wild path that May did.  I wanted to scream at her parents to wake up and see what was right there!  Laurel needed help working through so much and her mom just up and leaves her!  Yes I get it is beyond tough to lose a child but you have another one who needs you! STEP UP!  I am so infuriated that so much that happens to Laurel could have been prevented.  What happened before May dies was something that should have been prevented but I can see where it might not have been obvious but it is now so why did both her parents check out??!!  Laurel deserved better than what she was handed.

Another thing that really bothered me about this is that nothing was done to a particular character that abused another character.  I get that it happened a long time ago, but I still think criminal action should have been taken.  Nobody should ever be allowed to get away with that and I wish the author would have said just a few lines about something being done.  I'm not saying I wanted to see the whole trial and case, but please tell me that this person was being dealt with.  I think that was the toughest for me.  I know in real life these things don't always get punished but when I read a book I want them always to be punished.

All in all I did feel sympathy for Laurel but I just honestly feel enraged at her parents.  She needed  both of them and they both just checked out on her.  Her friends weren't the best in the world but at least they were there for her in the end and they cared enough to let her cry on their shoulders.  I am not sure if I got out of this what I was supposed to but it was a good read that will stay with me for quite a while.

3 Snowflakes