End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days #3) by Susan Ee 5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So, I have been really looked forward to reading End of Days for a month now and could not wait any longer.  This is actually the first book that I've actually bought myself in probably four months, which should tell you how excited I was about it.  This is the sequel to Angelfall (book one) and World After (book two).  Read my reviews of those first before you continue on!

The Cover:

The Cover:

I actually really like this cover!  By itself, it is a pair of wings being ripped apart, which is really a common occurrence in the final book in this trilogy.  It's pretty cool by itself, but when compared with the whole, more pure wings on the previous covers, it is really impactful.  I think these covers were really well-done.  A+ cover

Official Description:

End of Days is the explosive conclusion to Susan Ee’s bestselling Penryn & the End of Days trilogy.
After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.
When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

My Review:

End of Days was the perfect conclusion to the Penryn series.  I loved how they wrapped everything up!  The plot was fast-paced, it contained complex ideas about humanity that I found interesting, and its characters were intriguing.  I especially loved the development of Penryn's mother in this book; it really makes you think!  Parts were hilarious, others cute, and still others incredibly sad.  It contained the perfect mix of emotions needed in every book.  The final book in this trilogy was not a let-down (like many conclusions are to be brutally honest *cough* Mockingjay/ Allegiant/Many Others *cough*  Anyway... It stayed very true to the general feel of the series.  

I was definitely satisfied with End of Days and would recommend it and the whole series.

Phrase:

Get yourself a good pig farmer

Happy Reading!

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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Savior Pirotta (Compilation), Franco Rivoli (Illustrator) 5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So a few weeks ago, I was given a copy of a new edition of Frankenstein from Edelweiss in exchange for a review.  It was actually pretty good.  In order to avoid confusion, here's the ISBN of the book if it makes finding it easier:  9781609927356 

The Cover:
There isn't one for this edition as it is only online, so let's just skip this section!

Official Description:
Victor Frankenstein, an aspiring scientist born into a wealthy family, discovers a secret technique to reanimate dead tissue. What will Victor create? Will the result be the beautiful creation that he dreams of? Carefully retold in clear contemporary language, and presented with stunning illustrations, these favourite horror classics will capture the hearts and imagination of young readers

My Review:
I found this retelling of Frankenstein wonderfully clear, while still feeling like it could have been written in the 18th century.  It was a small book, maybe 50 pages.  To me, it seemed like they simply put Frankenstein in a press and condensed it to just the important plot and themes, cutting out the unimportant fluff.  
The actual story was wonderful, and it deserves its popularity for the lasts two hundred years or so.  It was deep, less of a horror and more of a tragedy.  I just wanted to give Frankenstein's monster a hug.
Frankenstein is definitely worth a go, no matter if you want to read this version or another.  For what I wanted from it, which was to know the story of Frankenstein with limited hair-pulling-out, this edition was perfect.  I imagine that some people will still want to read the full, classic Frankenstein, but if you just want to read it to understand references/ learn what it's about, then I would say go for this edition.  

This edition official comes out October 1, 2015

Happy Reading!

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The Selection by Kiera Cass 4.5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So I had heard incredible things about The Selection and figured that I should give it a shot.  I was honestly disappointed with the predictability of the first half, but I ended up enjoying the second half a lot, which I think evens out to 4/5 stars?

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows America (the protagonist's name) dressing up for The Selection as well as a bunch of the other candidates.  It isn't a bad cover, but it isn't very interesting either.  A-

Official Description:
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 a palace and compete for the heart of 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.

My Review:
I am really conflicted about whether or not I would recommend this book.  Be warned that it is very predictable and similar to a lot of the other Young Adult books.  I hate it when people compare books to the Hunger Games (because they are often not at all similar), but this book was basically Hunger Games meets Ella Enchanted.  
On the other hand, the characters were phenomenal.  America is actually a likable female protagonist! I know, shocking!  She is independent, realistic, and entertaining.  America's character was one of the best things about this book.  The other characters were also amazing.  The characters are definitely the heart and soul of this novel.
One of the main parts of its plot has to do with America and Maxon's relationship, which was amazing.  It seemed feasible to me.  I was surprised that I actually bought their relationship as it did not seem as Stockholm syndrome-y than some relationships in these types of books.  
My only problem with this book was how similar it felt to other books that I had read in the past (until halfway anyway).  It made me really disappointed in the book.  However, once I started enjoying the characters, I really loved this book.
So, would I suggest it?  Definitely if you are not tired out of the YA Dystopian type of book.  However, if you feel like you've been reading the same thing over and over again, maybe pick another.

Phrase:
Food and pants

Happy Reading!

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Silo Saga: Hoarder in the Down Deep by Marilyn Peake 4/5 stars

Hey, guys!  I just finished a short story by Marilyn Peake, author of Shade.  It was good, but I wasn't entirely satisfied by its ending.
The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows some man surrounded by mounds of stuff with a staircase in the background.  It's neat but a bit busy.  B+ cover

Official Description:
It’s against the law to have children without winning the lottery. Implanted with a birth control device as required by law, Evangeline Hubbard, a dirt farmer in the down deep, discovers that implants sometimes fail. But in a world strictly controlled by the authorities, one pays a terrible price for tampering with the established order. Consumed by fear and madness after things go horribly wrong, Evangeline hoards in order to hang onto things. She adds them to the nest she’s building in the down deep.
HOARDER IN THE DOWN DEEP is a novelette based on the best-selling WOOL series by Hugh Howey, and was written with his permission. It’s set in the time when Sheriff Holston and his wife Allison had won the lottery, giving them one year to conceive a child. Investigating the case of Evangeline Hubbard, Sheriff Holston and Mayor Jahns are unprepared for what they find. HOARDER IN THE DOWN DEEP explores how psychological issues and emotional pain can lead to hoarding. It also explores the mental strain placed on women who have lost control over their own reproductive processes.

My Review:
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this short story (about 50 pages).  I hadn't read the series in which it was set and was concerned that I wouldn't understand what was going on.  However, the author did a really nice job of establishing just as much of the world as was needed.  I understood the situation perfectly.  
The plot was interesting, and the story makes you think.  It touched a lot on the psychology of women wanting children and hoarders, which was definitely interesting.  
The characters were interesting and dealt with their own problems and thought-patterns.  The narration switched between quite a few characters which helped to get a better view of the situation and story.  
My main complaint is the ending.  It was abrupt.  The story was almost over, but it definitely needed at least one more chapter to actual feel like it was ending.  I felt like I was missing the last few pages. 
Overall, it was a pretty good read, if you want a short story that will make you think.  It had flaws, but I enjoyed it much more that I expected.

Phrase:
BABY CLOTHES!!!

Happy Reading!

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Awake by Natasha Preston 4.5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  I just finished reading Awake by Natasha Preston.  I had completely forgotten why I wanted to read it and was pleasantly surprised.  I really enjoyed it!  The writing was a little flat at times, but it was still a really enjoyable read!

The Cover:

The Cover:

It's just super symbolic.  A rose trapped in barbed wire (or maybe thorns?), which is supposed to be Scarlett and her role in the cult.  She is a thing of beauty trapped by ugliness.  I'm not a fan of the cover, to be honest.  C cover.

Official Description: 

(Note: This description has spoilers, but I can't think of a better one that still gives you a feel for the book!)

Scarlett doesn’t remember anything before the age of four. Her parents say it’s from the trauma of seeing her house burn down, and she accepts the life they’ve created for her without question—until a car accident causes Scarlett to start remembering pieces of an unfamiliar past.
When a new guy moves into town, Scarlett feels an instant spark. But Noah knows the truth of Scarlett’s past, and he’s determined to shield her from it...because Scarlett grew up in a cult called Eternal Light, controlled by her biological parents.
And they want her back.

My Review:

I enjoyed Awake.  Its writing style was light and the plot was quick to move.  I started reading and couldn't stop.  The book switched between Noah and Scarlett's point of views, which was perfect for the story, allowed it to move, and stopped it from being bogged down.  They had such drastically different thoughts and actions that it made the book more enjoyable to see it from multiple angles.  

The characters were interesting.  Noah and Scarlett were both unique and Noah in particular went through a lot of character development as the book went forward.  I really liked these characters, but the side characters, which honestly had a really small role in the book, were much less developed.  They didn't need to be complex, so I didn't mind, but they didn't add to the reading experience. 

My complaint was mostly that every now and again, Noah would say something that just didn't sound very realistic.  Too romantic for anyone to be comfortable with, etc.  At one point, they go up to a random couple and his dialogue was just a touch too monotonous to be believe.  It didn't happen often, but it did detract from the story when it did happen.  (This might not be an issue anymore since I read an uncorrected proof, but it may be!)  Also, it had an epilogue, which I think ruins the end of a story.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and thought that it was definitely worth reading!  Alive comes out on August 4, 2015.  

Note:  I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an HONEST review.  

Happy Reading!

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The Young Elites by Marie Lu 5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So, I've been a big fan of the author of this book, Marie Lu, after reading her first series, Legend (which you should check out if you haven't already).  I was excited about reading The Young Elites, but ended up waiting a long time before I could get my hands on it.  Then, of course, I fell in love with the book and read it in a single day!

The Cover:

The Cover:

It shows a darkening sky with the title in front.  The sword in place of a "t" sets the stage for the medieval sort of warfare ever present in this book.  It's simple, but I like its simplicity.  A cover.

Official Description:

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

My Review:

I loved this book!  It was exciting and a really quick, enjoyable read.  Just as a warning to all of you Legend fans: this series is quite a bit darker.  It's not overly dark, but its main character is more a villain than a hero.  Also, before I started reading, I couldn't tell if it alternated point of views or not.  If you were also wondering, it is in first person from Adelina's point of view with maybe five chapters in third person about other characters for some background info.  

The plot moved very quickly and had plenty of twists and turns.  It was exciting and keep me hooked. 

The characters were also complex.  I loved Enzo, and Adelina was definitely a different sort of character.  They were unique, and I loved getting to know them throughout the course of the book.  

While I loved and would definitely recommend The Young Elites, I am worried that the second book, The Rose Society will not be as good because of the direction I think the series is about to take.  I look forward to reading it, though!

Phrase:

An alignment with fear, anger, and passion.  

Happy Reading!

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The Retribution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #3) by Michelle Hodkin 5/5 stars (Plus Books One and Two)

Hey, guys! So, after a few days of trying in vain to finish Insomnia by Stephen King, I thought I'd switch focus to a book I knew I'd love, AKA the third book in the Mara Dyer series.  And, wow, was I right.  I got it this morning from my online library and just finished it.  Now that was a series!
I know that I haven't posted about this series before (sorry!), so I thought I'd share a little about the first two books (so that you all read them) before I get to book three.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer:

Official Description:
Mara Dyer believes life can't get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can. 
She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. 
There is.
She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. 
She's wrong.

Note: I don't really like that description.  If I were to sum book one up in a sentence it would be: "Wait... Is Mara actually crazy?"

My Review:
Wow. This book was impressive. A friend recommended it to me. I was skeptical, but I borrowed it from the library because I wanted some good, old-fashioned crazy. 
And this book.... Let's just say it did not disappoint. I loved the characters. It's rare that there's a girl main character that I liked but Mara was pretty awesome. This storyline kept me guessing and I felt like my view of the story was constantly shifting as the book went through twists and turns. 
Have you ever been reading and forgotten to breathe? If not, you will once you read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. 
I was impressed and can't wait to read the next book


The Evolution of Mara Dyer:

Official Description:

The truth about Mara Dyer's dangerous and mysterious abilities continues to unravel in the New York Times bestselling sequel to the thrilling The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.She can't. She used to think her problems were all in her head. They aren't. She couldn't imagine that after everything she's been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets. She's wrong. In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

My Review:

It was good, great even. This series keeps you on your toes. Is Mara really crazy? Is Jude dead? Who is the girl in the "before"s? What really going on here? While I'm not sure if I'll ever know the answer to some if these questions, it definitely keeps you paying attention to all the details while you read. 
That ending though.... Spectacular. 
This was a really good book. Definitely worth a read. I can't wait to read the next one (fingers crossed on it being out already!). 

The Retribution of Mara Dyer:

The Cover:

I'm just going to go ahead and say it.  I don't get it.  I know its Mara and Noah at the bottom of a lake, but why?  I don't know.  I'm sure it's symbolic of something.  If you know, comment!

Official Description:

Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told.
There is.
She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
She should.
She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
She will now.
Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.
Retribution has arrived

My Review:

I was really excited for this book and it did not disappoint.  It had no stop action, fantastically complex character development, seemingly real people, and a thought provoking story.  I loved it.  It was definitely the perfect conclusion to the story.  Its last sentence was just completely perfect!  One of my favorite things is when first person books explain how their story is being told by the characters, and this book hit that on the head!  

There were twists and turns.  Seriousness and hilarity.  I was on the edge of my seat, laughing out loud and so absorbed in the book that I barely noticed time passing as I finished this 470 page book in an afternoon.  I'd definitely recommend it to you!  

Phrase:

So much vomiting!

Quotes:

"she reached out and grabbed Jamie by the sleeve, making him scream, which made me scream.  

"What is wrong with you?" Jamie said, hitting her lightly on the shoulder.

"Sorry! I wanted to get your attention without calling out."

"That worked out well for all of us." he replied." pg 46

""Who hired you to prepare this?"

"I'm afraid I can't divulge client information, Mr...."

"Jesus" Jamie said.  I snorted." pg 239

"Even if what he says is true, I am simply out of f*cks to give. I had few to spare to begin with." pg 348

If you liked this series, you might also like:

Angelfall

Hush, Hush

Legend

Happy Reading!

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Movie Adaptations: Red Dragon

Hey, guys!  Last summer, I read the first book in the Hannibal series, Red Dragon, by Thomas Harris.  I thought it was decent but definitely not good enough to rush into reading book two, Silence of the Lambs.  I actually still haven't decided whether or not to read it yet!  (If anyone's read it and has an opinion, comment!)  I saw that there was a movie based on Red Dragon and was curious, so I watched it.  It was much better than I expected!  I would definitely recommend it if you can handle a little gore.

Keep in mind that it had been a year since I read the book, but the movie hit all of the book's major plot points.  I'd thought that the book was a little too long/ drawn out and a condensed version/ movie format actually worked really well for Red Dragon.  It allowed a more exciting and fast-paced plot, which was what this story needed in order to be told properly.

Don't get me wrong, there were quite a few parts that were not the same as in the book.  The ending in particular was different.  The ending was very different.  The effect of the last moment of action was completely changed, which undermined the effect's impact significantly.  (I was trying to say that without spoilers.  If you are confused let me know, and I'll explain it!)

Overall, it was a fairly good book and a good movie.  They matched up in a way that I liked, and I imagine that most casual readers of Red Dragon would be happy with it.  However, the huge fans may not enjoy it as much!

Happy Reading!

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Edison's Alley (Accelerati #2) by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman 5/5 stars

Hey, guys! So I finished Edison's Alley at two o'clock in the morning last night (because it was just so good) and just wanted to throw it across the room when I was done.  You know those endings that just make you want to scream in frustration because the next book isn't already out?  Yep.  This is one of those.  It's definitely really good though.  I'd recommend it!

Edison's Alley is the sequel to Tesla's Attic which was also really good.  This is definitely a series that you need to read in order though, so go ahead and pick up book one!

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows Nick facing off against the Accelerati with his fan that is basically a freeze ray.  I love the title of the book though.  (Slight Spoiler Alert: The entrance to Edison's lair is through a bowling alley.  Thus the title.)  It's not the best cover, but I have nothing wrong with it.  B+ cover

Official Description:

Fourteen-year-old Nick has learned that the strange antiques in his attic bedroom were left there by the eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla. They are pieces of Tesla's Far Range Energy Emitter, capable of transmitting "free energy" to the globe. Some components of the contraption are still missing, but the objects themselves seem to be leading Nick and his friends to their current owners. 

However, members of the Accelerati, a menacing secret society of physicists, are on the hunt too, and their brazen leader, Dr. Alan Jorgenson, will stop at nothing to foil Nick and steal the objects. It takes a dangerous build-up of electromagnetic energy in the atmosphere to reverse everyone's fortunes--and lead Nick to his destiny.Readers who enjoyed the strange science, quirky humor, and out-of-this-world plot twists in Tesla's Attic will be captivated by this second book in the electrifying Accelerati Trilogy.

My Review:
I loved this book.  It had action, jokes, awkward romance, evil societies, and crazy science.  It was such a nice change of pace to read a book just completely full of adventure and silliness.  The writing style was hilarious, but the book still managed to be plot oriented.  The plot was compelling as well (remember that I stayed up until 2am to finish it).  I loved all of the quirks about this book from Vince's sudden deaths every few pages to Theo's blatant stupidity.  It's just a really great book that I would definitely recommend!
The characters were complex and there was so much development over the course of this book!  Even less important characters had pivitol character changes during Edison's Alley.
Then we have the ending (which was spectacular I might add).  All I have to say is why, Mr. Shusterman and Mr. Elfman.  Why would you do that to us?
Overall, I'd highly recommend it.  I had no issues at all with this book.  Keep in mind that the target age is younger than my usual post on here, but I still found it incredibly enjoyable and think you will too, no matter your age.

Phrase:
Catnato

Happy Reading!

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The Chimera Vector by Nathan M. Farrugia 4.5/5 stars

Hey, guys!  So, I recently finished reading The Chimera Vector by Nathan A Farrugia, and I really enjoyed it.  Click here for my earlier thoughts on the book.  This was a really intense book full to the brim with action and adventure.  I'd definitely recommend it if you like exciting books!

The Cover:

The Cover:
It shows Sophia, Jay, and Damien preparing for a mission.  The artwork is neat, but not my favorite.  solid A cover though.

Official Description:
The Fifth Column: the world’s most powerful and secretive organization. They run our militaries. They run our governments. They run our terrorist cells.
Recruited as a child, Sophia is a deniable operative for the Fifth Column. Like all operatives, Sophia’s DNA has been altered to augment her senses and her mind is splintered into programmed subsets.
On a routine mission in Iran something goes catastrophically wrong. Bugs are beginning to appear in Sophia’s programming and the mission spins out of control.
High-speed chases, gun fights, helicopter battles, immortal psychopaths, super soldiers and mutant abilities are all in the mix in this edge-of-your-seat action-packed techno-thriller.

My Review:
This book was both a psychological thriller and an action book.  I was fascinated by the mind control and brainwashing that was present throughout the entire book.  It was so intricate and well-developed.  The mind control seemed possible, which I found impressive.  There was also nonstop action.  Alliances were made and broken, and all the while explosions and gunfire were going off.  It definitely never got boring!
I really loved some of the characters.  Sophia, Damien, and Jay were all amazing characters with their own personalities.  They were really complex and interesting characters.  Among the three of them, there was also a decent bit of character development.
However, some of the smaller roles were defined as simply being evil, etc.  I get why it was written that way, but they were not quite as realistic as the more developed characters.  This didn't affect my level of enjoyment with this book, but I thought I'd mention it.
My biggest problem with this book was its use of military jargon.  There was a little too much military talk for my tastes, and it ended up confusing me more than anything else.  Don't get me wrong, you'll understand what's going on.  The terms seemed to clutter the book a little more than necessary.  To be fair, it did add a layer of authenticity to the novel as these assassins would know more military terminology than the average reader.
This authenticity was a really cool part of the novel.  I felt as if the maneuvers and everything else in this book was plausible, which I'll admit that I frequently doubt in books.  It was fairly impressive, in fact.

I'd definitely recommend this book if you like fast-paced action books.  It was really interesting and well done.  I'm looking forward to reading book two.  However, be warned that this is a book for more mature readers as there is some language and gore.  

Phrase:
Party packs of Flashbangs

Happy Reading!

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