Review: The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev's band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she's abandoning their plans - and Colby - to start college in the fall.
But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie- Colby struggles to deal with Bev's already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what's next?
Morris Award—finalist Nina LaCour draws together the beauty and influences of music and art to brilliantly capture a group of friends on the brink of the rest of their lives.

Review:

Ever since reading and loving Nina's debut, Hold Still, I've been anxious for her next release. I've been in a contemporary kick lately and this one did not disappoint. I loved The Disenchantments! 

I've noticed a few other people make this comment, but I also thought this before I started reading- that Colby was a girl! Luckily, it turned out he was most definitely not a girl! Books with male narrators are awesome and, unfortunately, rare, so I was glad to see that The Disenchantments was told from Colby's POV! 

Road trips, romance, friendships, music... this book had it all! I loved every minute of it. After graduation, Colby sets off on a road trip with the all-girl band, The Disenchantments. Bev, Alexa, and Meg were all awesome and I am so glad the reader got to know them each extremely well by the end. All of the characters were wonderfully developed and were dealing with their own issues. Colby and Bev have been best friends for years and he was shocked when Bev announced that she was ditching him on their planned European trip and going to college that fall. The band road trip still had to happen, though, and things would never be the same for any of them. 

The plot was awesome and it made me want to go on a road trip and/or join an all-girl band! There were various plots weaving together to form the main story and I loved seeing the different people the main characters met on their road trip and seeing how their different experiences shaped them. 

Alexa, Meg, Bev, and Colby were a great team and each of them was unique. Seeing them through Colby's eyes also made the story that much better. Colby was dealing with his own personal struggles, but he also had to face the fact that Bev was no longer coming to Europe and he had no where to go to college. This was much more than a book about a road trip, but a heartbreaking tale of first love, growing up, and finding yourself. 

I am a music person, but I have to admit I hadn't heard of many of the bands mentioned in The Disenchantments, so I'm glad it opened my eyes to some fantastic groups! The music aspect wasn't the biggest part of the book either, but it still had a large role. Without The Disenchantments Bev and Colby wouldn't have met Meg and Alexa, two awesome people. 

All of the characters left an impression on me. Even people they only talked to once, each of them was fascinating in their own way. 

I am so glad I read this book and will certainly be recommending it to as many people as I can. It was a unique and wonderfully written novel that will certainly impact anyone who reads it. 

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

February 16, 2012/Dutton Juvenile/304 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Publisher

Other books by this author: Hold Still 

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Review:

I am kicking myself for not reading this sooner, it was brilliant! Shatter Me is Tahereh Mafi's debut novel, and what a debut it was! Shatter Me has an awesome protagonist, a sweet love interest, a devious villain, one hell of plot, and beautiful, beautiful writing. How can I possibly wait a year to read the sequel? I loved Shatter Me! 

The writing was what originally captivated me. Some people said it distracted them or felt like too much, but I think it was amazing. Every word seemed to be perfectly placed and the lyrical writing was gorgeous. It had me completely invested in the story and I felt like I was there experiencing things with Juliette. 

Juliette was amazing! She was brave and snarky and just plain awesome. Watching her grow over the course of the book was one of my favorite aspects of Shatter Me. In the beginning she was broken and emotional after being locked up, as anyone would be! She hasn't touched anyone in 264 days because of her "problem"- she can't touch anyone. My heart broke for Juliette, what a terrible thing to have to suffer from. It's scary to realize how often you touch other people, even just a brush against their arm when walking by. I can't even begin to imagine how awful that would be! Being in Juliette's head made everything more real and she is definitely one of my new favorite heroines. 

The dystopian genre is booming of late, but I can't get enough of it. The world-building in Shatter Me was great and I'm eager to find out more of the background in the sequel. Everything about Shatter Me was unique and fresh and... different. It completely grabbed me and had me gripping the pages from the start. 

Shatter Me's plot was action-packed and intense. Everything Juliette had to face made her grow as a person and I was constantly on the edge of my seat. Especially when Warren entered the scene. What a fantastically twisted and evil villain! I know other people have felt the same way, but I have to say there was something about Warren that just made me like him. I hope to see more of him in the sequel!

Adam was...wow. What a guy! He was brave, determined, and sexy. I loved him! His relationship with Juliette was wonderfully developed and I was rooting for them throughout the book. They went through a lot together and even had some steamy scenes ;) 

Shatter Me was a spectacular debut that blew me away. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone and anyone I can. Tahereh Mafi is an author to watch and I am counting down the days until I can get my hands on the sequel....

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

November 15, 2011/Harper Collins/338 Pages/Young Adult/Book One

Source: Publisher (ARC)

Top Ten Tuesday (5)

Top Ten YA Standalone Titles 

1. Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

Moonglass was a fantastic debut that tugged on my heartstrings and made me long for summer. I've recently read Jessi's sophomore novel, In Honor, and loved it as well. If you're looking for a romantic and wonderfully written standalone contemporary- Moonglass is definitely the book for you!

2. Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales

Leila is one of my favorite authors because her books are always hilarious and full of heart. Mostly Good Girls is a wonderfully fun read that shows just how important friends are. Loved it! (Her newest release, Past Perfect, is fantastic as well!) 

3. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver 

This is the only book I have read by Lauren (her others are in my TBR!!), but I loved it. Before I Fall was emotional and intense, but I loved it. I know most of you have probably already read this, but if you haven't please do ASAP!

4. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Beauty Queens is craaaazy- but in the best possible way. Libba Bray is an awesome writer and Beauty Queens did not disappoint. I always recommend this! 

5. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Road trip books FTW! Morgan's debut was a fun and overall fantastic read. I loved Amy and Roger and the way the book was told. I can't wait for her next book to come out!

6. The Queen's Daughter by Susan Coventry 

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and this was a gem. I didn't know much about this time period before reading The Queen's Daughter and Susan wrote it in an enthralling and entertaining way. If you are a fan of historical fiction or haven't found something in the genre that you've clicked with, definitely give this a shot!

7. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger 

Kody, and her books, are wonderful. I loved The DUFF so much and have made all my friends read it. This is a contemporary book at its best and her newest release, Shut Out, is another one I highly recommend!

8. Anything Sarah Dessen 

Sarah Dessen is the queen of contemporary standalones. Her books are always great and some of my personal favorites are This Lullaby and Just Listen. 

9. Sea by Heidi R. Kling

Sea is a wonderful, wonderful book. I've never read anything quite like Sea and I really need to reread this soon. 

10. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson 

Such an emotional, but amazing, read! I loved this book and it was a truly beautiful story. I wish it got more attention because it was fantastic and Jandy is definitely an author to watch!

What are some of your favorite YA standlones? 

Review: Everblue by Brenda Pandos

Everblue by Brenda Pandos

She wanted her life to change... he wanted his to stay the same.

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she'd thought to be true her whole life, wasn't, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever.

Review:

I am a big fan of Brenda's Talisman series and a lover of all things mermaid, so this seemed like it was going to be a winner for me. I definitely liked the story and characters, but Everblue didn't completely live up to my expectations. I first started reading this a few months back, but had a hard time getting into it so I set it aside. In December I picked it back up again and soon was immersed in the story. While Everblue definitely had it's pitfalls, it was a fun read and I am interested in trying out the sequel.

The alternating perspectives worked well for Everblue. It was interesting to see both sides of the story, especially since Ash and Fin were the narrators. Ashlyn has lived next door to twins Fin and Tatchi for a long time. Ash and Tatchi are best friends and Ash has always harbored a secret crush on Fin. Everything seems to be going smoothly until Ashlyn discovers her neighbors have disappeared. She can't contact them and has no idea where they could have gone. Everything for all three of the main characters is about to change in more ways than they could have ever imagined.

Everblue's premise was great and I liked Brenda's take on mermaids. The mystery angle was also something I enjoyed and I was constantly rooting for Fin and Tatchi. There were a lot of interesting characters introduced through Fin's perspective and the new twist Brenda put on the mer was definitely unique. While getting to know the mers was a highlight of the book for me, I also liked Ash's chapters because she was an ordinary and relatable teenager.

On the downside, I wish some of the characters could have been more developed. Tatchi, in particular. She seemed like such an exciting, spitfire character that I would have loved to see more of her. The romance was also a little strange. It seemed so forced and... off to me. I'm hoping to get some resolution in the sequel and to see the characters figure things out for themselves. It's hard to explain my feelings without spoiling anything, so you'll have to read the book to see what I mean!

All in all, Everblue was a promising read that ended up disappointing me on a few accounts. I enjoyed the read, but the romance made me uncomfortable. I will be checking out the sequel in hopes that some of my concerns will be resolved. The dual points of view and mer lore were two pluses and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars

July 30, 2011/Obsidian Mountain Publishing/304 Pages/Young Adult/Book One

Source: Author (ARC)

Other books by this author: The Emerald Talisman, The Sapphire Talisman, The Onyx Talisman 

In My Mailbox (108)

I am especially excited about two of the books I received this week: Pandemonium and Tempest. What did you get this week?

For Review:

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Titanic: Voices From the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson

Tempest by Julie Cross

Vesper by Jeff Sampson

Havoc by Jeff Sampson 

IMM Is Hosted By: The Story Siren 

Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Fracture by Megan Miranda 

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine -despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?
Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

Review: 

Fracture was a unique and captivating debut that will definitely appeal to a variety of readers. The first few chapters had me gripping the book and anxious to read on. I loved the premise of the book and how Megan Miranda was obviously knowledgeable on the subject of brain damage. Delaney was also a likable character. While I did like Fracture, it, unfortunately, did not live up to my expectations. I think I went in with such high hopes, that the few complications I had with the novel made me like it less than I would have if it hadn't been compared to some of my personal favorites like Before I Fall. 

Delaney Maxwell should have died after spending eleven minutes under the ice. But she doesn't die. This was such a unique idea for a book and it drew me in right away. I just had to know what was going to happen to Delaney and why she was a medical miracle. Delaney herself doesn't entirely understand what's going on and she is a seemingly new person after waking up from her coma. I did care for Delaney and she was a strong and independent protagonist. Her determination to do what was right was clear from the start and I can't imagine dealing with what she was. 

As I mentioned before, the first few chapters were fantastic and gave me such a good feeling about this book- I was certain I was going to love it! The more I read though, the weirder things got. I was confused about several plot points and the introduction of Troy was a little creepy. I knew something was off about him and the more involved Delaney got with him the more I wanted to shake her shoulders! I did like Decker though, and I enjoyed seeing how Delaney and Decker's histories intertwined. They had grown up together and he was a great friend, plus a hero for saving Delaney from the ice.

I had originally thought this was a purely contemporary novel, but there was a paranormal twist, something I wish was explained a little more. Fracture had a lot of intriguing sub-plots that kept me reading and wanting to know what was going to happen. This was a spooky and unique read that will definitely hook readers from the first page. 

Although Fracture didn't entirely live up to my expectations, it was a solid debut, and I definitely recommend giving it a shot. While some parts disappointed me and I wish there was more explanation in other areas, I am glad I had the chance to read Fracture! I'm certain Megan Miranda will only grow as a writer and I can't wait to see what unique concept she comes up with for her next book!

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars

January 17, 2012/Walker & Company/272 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Publisher (ARC)

Waiting on Wednesday (65)

If I Lie by Corrine Jackson 

A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.
Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise.

Release date: August 28, 2012 (Simon Pulse)

What are you waiting for?

Waiting on Wednesday Is Hosted By: Breaking the Spine

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith 

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Review: 

The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight was a breath of fresh air. I love a good contemporary read and this was the perfect holiday read. Jennifer E. Smith's books have been recommended to me before and I definitely wish I had picked one up earlier. If you're a fan of whirlwind love stories, definitely give this book a try.

Hadley was a character I immediately connected with. Although I don't have her family struggles, I felt for her and what she was going through with her dad. Usually, I don't always connect with books written in third person, but Jennifer did it very well. I felt like I was experiencing things right alongside Hadley and it made the book that much more enjoyable.

It was amazing to see how four minutes could change so much. That is all the time it took for Hadley to miss her flight and meet the sweet, funny, and lovable Oliver. Do not worry for one second that this book suffers from "insta-love syndrome". It doesn't. At all. Hadley and Oliver take the time to get to know each other and realize how alike they are. Hadley is smart and independent and someone I could see myself befriending in real life and her and Oliver's bantering was such fun to experience.

This wasn't just the story of Oliver and Hadley's romance, but so much more. Hadley had a lot going on with her family and the reader really got to see this side of her. Oliver also has more to him than meets the eye and I enjoyed getting to know the various characters introduced throughout the book. It's true that you never know who you are going to end up next to on a plane and Jennifer E. Smith made this premise work so well.

I only wish we got to see more of Oliver. He was such a great character and I loved the scenes he was in, but there just wasn't enough of him for me!

This book has been getting tons of buzz and it deserves every bit of it. Contemporary YA is making a comeback and I couldn't be happier. This is one of my favorite genres and Jennifer E. Smith's The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is not to be missed!

Overall: 4.25 out of 5 stars

January 2, 2011/Poppy/236 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Publisher

In My Mailbox (107)

This was a great week. I got two books I am dying to read: Under the Never Sky and Magic Under Stone. What did you get this week?

Bought:

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

For Review:

Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin 

Magic Under Stone by Jaclyn Dolamore 

Traded:

Switched by Amanda Hocking

IMM Is Hosted By: The Story Siren 

Review: After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel

After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel 

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Review: 

I am a big fan of Carrie Jones' Need series and have been looking forward to reading more by her. When I heard she had a new book coming out I was beyond excited. After Obsession was co-written with Steven E. Wedel and was told in alternating perspectives. I did enjoy After Obsession, but still felt there was a lot missing to make it the spectacular, heart pounding read I was hoping for. I never truly connected with any of the characters and the "scariness" was never really there for me. Overall, this was an entertaining read that I finished in a few hours, but it still didn't live entirely up to my expectations. 

After Obsession was told from two points of view: Aimee and Alan. Aimee is the good girl, always doing well in school and respecting her family, and Alan is the new guy in town. His cousin, Courtney, is Aimee's best friend, and after Courtney's father goes missing, Aimee and Alan are forced to work together. Courtney  has become possessed by a demon and it's up to Aimee and Alan to save her before it's too late. 

The plot was very original and I can't recall ever reading a young adult book about demon possession before. There were a lot of intense moments and even a few that truly creeped me out. But these moments were few and far between. I wish After Obsession was even scarier! The plot did move at a swift pace and keep me guessing, though, and I was invested in the story. The Native American mythology and the demon mystery were my favorite parts and I loved how Carrie and Steven wove them into the story. 

Aimee and Alan were very interesting characters, but I never felt their romantic connection. The alternating chapters worked quite well and always left me eager to continue reading, but I felt the two main characters were not as well developed as they could have been. Although I did adore Aimee's grandfather and little brother, they each played a small role in the book, but I liked them nonetheless. 

By the end I was on the edge of my seat a few times and I was rooting for Aimee and Alan to succeed. After Obsession was not as good I was hoping, but it is still worth a read. I love Carrie's Need series, so if Carrie and Steven write another book together I will definitely give it a shot. If you're looking for a scream fest, I wouldn't recommend After Obsession, but if you're looking for an entertaining and, at times, creepy mystery definitely give it a shot. 

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars

September 13, 2011/Bloomsbury USA Childrens/305 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Publisher/BEA (ARC)

Waiting on Wednesday (64)

Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters...

Release date: May 29, 2012 (HarperCollins)

I've been thinking the vampire trend is waaay over, but this one sounds so unique and spooky. I can't wait to read this one!

What are you waiting for?

Waiting on Wednesday Is Hosted By: Breaking the Spine

Review: First Day on Earth by Cecil Castellucci

First Day on Earth by Cecil Castellucci 

A startling, wonderful novel about the true meaning of being an alien in an equally alien world.
"We are specks. Pieces of dust in this universe. Big nothings.
"I know what I am."
Mal lives on the fringes of high school. Angry. Misunderstood. Yet loving the world -- or, at least, an idea of the world.
Then he meets Hooper. Who says he's from another planet. And may be going home very soon.

Review:

This is my second read by Cecil Castellucci and most definitely not my last. When this book showed up on my doorstep, I was intrigued, but I put off reading it for a few months because I had no idea what to expect. Was this going to be a hardcore fantasy novel, or something more? Once I picked this up, I couldn't put it down and found myself surprised in so many ways by this unassuming read. First Day on Earth can be finished in an incredibly short amount of time and while I wish it was a tad longer to allow for more character development, I did end up enjoying First Day on Earth and it left me thinking, thinking, thinking.

Mal is a unique character that is dealing with a lot. His pain and emotions are clear right away and the short chapters allowed him to develop quite well. Mal has a lot of ideas about life not only on Earth, but on other planets. For some reason I was thinking this was a middle grade book, but it was far from it. Mal was an intense character, dealing with so many internal struggles. His character is so different from anyone I've ever read about. I felt for him because everyone thought he was this mean kid filled with hate and darkness, but Mal respects life and his love for animals is a great side story. 

The book mainly focuses on Mal and his "journey" over the course of the book, but there are some important secondary characters. Hooper, Darwyn, and Posey, in particular. Mal meets Hooper at a group session and is torn between believing Hooper really is an alien and wondering if Hooper is just dealing with a mental illness. Mal himself believes there is life on other planets and that he was even abducted a few years back. All of this makes for an intriguing and thoughtful read. 

First Day on Earth is by no means my "usual" read, but I'm so glad I decided to pick it up. The last book of Cecil's I read was Rose Sees Red and I enjoyed this just as much. Cecil Castellucci doesn't shy from tackling unique subject matter and her writing style in First Day on Earth was perfect for this book. Although I wish it could have been a bit longer, the ending was satisfying and I found myself thinking of this book even after I'd turned the last page. I definitely recommend giving this book a shot and wish it was getting more attention! 

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

November 1, 2011/Scholastic Press/150 Pages/Young Adult 

Source: Publisher (ARC) 

Review: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons 

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.
The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.
There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.
Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Review:

Article 5 was a heart-pounding and intense debut that will surely be flying off the shelves in January. I had heard wonderful things about this book before I started it and was worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations. The dystopian genre is one of my favorites and I loved how original and thrilling Article 5 was. Kristen Simmons presented this futuristic society in a highly believable and frightening way. People's true colors were shown and the characters faced intense circumstances. This is one of the first Tor Teen books I have read and it definitely left a strong impression on me!

Ember Miller is seventeen when her life changes. She lives with her single mother and can still remember the times when people were not arrested for breaking one of the newly enforced Moral Statutes. Those who are taken away by the soldiers usually do not come back and some of America's biggest cities are abandoned. The premise of Article 5 was something different in the dystopian genre and her world building was very well developed. I wish we got to learn more of the background on the war and the Moral Statutes, but hopefully some of that information will be discussed in the sequel.

There was nonstop action in Article 5 and the characters were fantastic. Ember was a strong heroine and her dedication to her mother was inspiring. I was constantly rooting for Ember and I wonder if I could have displayed the courage she showed in some near death experiences. Ember faced so many tough situations and she was an, overall, loyal and brave character that was the perfect narrator for Article 5.

In addition to Ember, there were several more unique characters. Chase was conflicted, but I loved getting to know him over the course of the story and see his romance with Ember emerge. Their journey was filled with danger and Kristen Simmons did not hold back in making this book as gritty and intense as she could. Everything that the characters faced was believable and had me gripping the pages. I was extremely anxious to know what was going to happen to both the main characters and the world as a whole.

Article 5 was a fantastically written debut that will draw in any reader (male or female) and have them glued to the pages until the end. Although there was romance, it wasn't the main focus of the story, which made it that much better. Ember and Chase were extremely well done main characters and I can't wait to see what is going to happen in the sequel.

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

January 31, 2012/Tor Teen/368 Pages/Young Adult/Book One

Source: Borrowed from teacher (ARC) 

Waiting on Wednesday (63)

The Selection by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Release date: April 24, 2012 (HarperTeen)

Ahhhh this sounds amazing! I am so excited to read The Selection! Not only is the cover gorgeous, but the premise sounds fantastic! April can't get here soon enough. 

What are you waiting for?

Waiting on Wednesday Is Hosted By: Breaking the Spine

Movies I've Watched Recently

In addition to reading, I have another love: movies! Since this is a book review blog, I usually don't get the chance to talk about films, so I figured I would do a spotlight post discussing some I have watched recently! Let me know in the comments what you've been watching lately! I'm thinking about making this a monthly feature, but we'll see. For now, here are some of the movies I've seen lately, whether in theaters or at home:

1. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol  
Release date: December 21, 2011

Starring: Tom Cruise 

Where?: In Theaters 

Series: #4, can be seen out of order though

Rating: PG-13

I was a big fan of the first and second MI movies, but the third fell a little flat. I wasn't sure what to expect regarding Ghost Protocol, but I ended up loving it! We went as a family to see this one, and I know both my mom and dad enjoyed it as well. The plot was unique and addicting and the action was endless. I was on the edge of my seat quite a few times and all of the actors were fantastic. Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and Paula Patton all did a wonderful job and I can only hope to see all of them back for a fifth adventure!

2. Monte Carlo 

Release date: July 1, 2011

Starring: Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy

Where?: Personal DVD

Series: No

Rating: PG

I remember wanting to see this when it was in theaters, but I never had the chance because of other conflicts over the summer. Now that our Blockbuster is going out of business I have been loading up on DVDs and this was one of them! This was just what I was expecting: a cute, frothy love story. I've always liked Selena Gomez's music, but I never connected with her on Wizards of Waverly Place. Luckily, I felt she did a great job in Monte Carlo. The scenery was beautiful and while the plot did seem a tad unrealistic at times (or completely unrealistic), I did enjoy this. If you're looking for a fun and entertaining movie to watch on a rainy day, I definitely recommend this!

3. Thor

Release date: May 6, 2011

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman 

Where?: Rented 

Series: Yes, #1 

Rating: PG-13

When my mom rented this I had no idea what to expect. I'd seen the trailer a few times and it definitely appealed to me, but I didn't know much more about it. I do love Natalie Portman, though, and was eager to see what her role would be. My family and I definitely enjoyed this one! Chris Hemsworth was a terrific Thor and this was a unique action movie that was different from the other Marvel super-hero films. The plot was action-packed, but also entertaining and romantic. Kat Dennings added a lot of the humor and I loved her character. Natalie Portman also did a nice job! Thor 2 doesn't seem to be on the horizon for quite awhile with all the director drama, but at least we'll see Thor in The Avengers and Chris Hemsworth in Snow White and the Huntsman! 

4. Easy A 

Release date: September 17, 2010

Starring: Emma Stone

Where?: Personal DVD

Series: No

Rating: PG-13

I LOVE THIS MOVIE! This is third time I have seen Easy A and I loved it just as much. It is a fantastic "teen movie" that is perfect to watch with friends. Emma Stone is one of my all-time favorite actresses and she did a fantastic job in Easy A. I can't tell you how much I adore this movie- just go watch it for yourself! 

5. The Princess Bride

Release date: September 25, 1987

Starring: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin

Where?: Personal DVD

Series: No

Rating: PG

Another personal favorite! My family and I watched this on Christmas Eve, I just love reliving the magic of this movie over and over again. This is another one of those movies that if you haven't seen already, go see it right now! The action, the mystery, the romance, the adventure, everything is fun and exciting. As a book lover I still can't believe I haven't gotten my hands on a copy of the novel, though!

Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan 

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Review: 

I loved this book. Wow, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares was fantastic! I've read a couple of books by each of these authors, but Dash and Lily's Book of Dares truly stole my heart. I know it has gotten mixed reviews, but something about Dash and Lily's really connected with me. I definitely couldn't have read it at a better time- on my Christmas break from school. One of the best aspects of this book was the setting- NYC at Christmastime. Who doesn't love the city? Considering I have been to NYC hundreds of times and visited just about every place they mention in the book made me enjoy it that much more. There really need to be more books about the Strand! 

The alternate perspectives of Dash and Lily's were great, they allowed me to truly connect with each of the characters and get to know them equally. I admit, at first, I wasn't that into Dash. He seemed a little stuck up, but the more I read of him, the more he stole my heart. Dash is a unique guy and his love of words was very endearing. Lily, on the other hand, was an outgoing and energetic girl with a love for life and animals. I loved her! Seeing how Lily and Dash's lives intertwined was great and I found myself having a hard time putting this down, because I just had to see what would happen to Dash and Lily! 

The plot was fantastic. The idea of the notebook was wonderful and it was such a great way for Dash and Lily to get to know each other and reveal themselves to the reader. Each of the dares were exciting and challenged both Dash and Lily.

I found myself highlighting a few passages in Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, which I never do, because they stood out to me so much. I definitely want to read over them again in the future. 

While the book mainly focused on Dash and Lily, the secondary characters were all wonderful. Lily's gigantic family was loving and interesting. They were all great and played some part in shaping Lily's life and her experiences with Dash. Dash also had his great group of friends who always had his back. Of these secondary characters, Boomer, Snarly Muppet, and Boris were my personal favorites. (: 

This was a love story that stole my heart and left me smiling. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is the perfect read for the holiday season and it left me eager to go stroll the aisles of the Strand. Dash and Lily are two of my favorite YA characters now and I can't wait to share this book with everyone! 

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

October 26, 2010/Knopf Books for Young Readers/272 Pages/Young Adult

Source: Bought (at the Strand!!)

Other books by this author duo: Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist 

In My Mailbox (106)

I got four fantastic sounding books this week! I've already had the chance to read Slide and really enjoyed it, while I'm reading The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight right now! I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year! Happy 2012!

For Review:

The Girls of No Return by Erin Saldin

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Partials by Dan Wells

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