Review: The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Iron Touch (Steampunk Chronicles #3)

By Kady Cross

Published May 28th, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Hardcover, 384 pages

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has.... -Goodreads

Review

Warning. This is the 3rd book in the series, so it is highly recommended to read the first two. It can be read by itself, but to fully understand everything the first two must be read.

All in all this installment in the Steampunk Chronicles was great, but not an amazing but not an oh-my-god-I'm screaming-my-head-off 5 star read. So a few months have passed since the last book, and not everything is the same. Griffin is having problems with the Aether and refuses to tell anyone, making all of his friends worried sick. Meanwhile, Sam and Emily are doing great as they both pretty much know how the other feels, except right when they were actually going to confess to each other Emily is abducted by the Machinist who isn't dead (kind of). Then begins the main part of the story of the hunt for Emily and her time as a captive (Jack Dandy becomes involved at this point).

 In The Girl with the Iron Touch, there is definitely more of a focus on the romance. Sam and Emily are officially together, but Finley and Griffin are a bit more complicated. However, they do get together by the end of the book and the semi-love triangle between Finley, Griffin, and Jack is resolved, but not in the best way. With all of the loose ends, there is so much more room for the story to continue. I have heard rumors that this is the last book in the series, but I don't believe it. The Girl with the Iron Touch ends with too many unresolved questions that there has to be a following book. 

One of my favorite aspects of this read is that the focus is on Emily this time. The first one was about Finley, the second starred Jasper, and now this one focuses on Emily. I really think that the changing focus on all of the different characters gives the reader a deeper understanding and involvement with that character. It's great for character development. Maybe the next one (which there has to be) could be Sam's back story?

Another one of my favorite parts of this series is the whole technology in Victorian times aspect. I have to say, the Steampunk Chronicles are one of the best series in the steampunk category with a great balance of romance, action, mystery, and gadgets. I find how Cross adds a twist to modern inventions and makes them fit in with the story fascinating.

All in all, The Girl with the Iron Touch is a good continuation of the series with a deeper inside into some of the characters and the haunting possibility of the resurrection of the Machinist, everyone's worst nightmare. Romantic entanglements also come to play when everything is threatened by the Machinist and his robotic creations. It wasn't 5 stars, but it is still a must read for the series. 

Purchase this book at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

  

 

Summer Reads Recommendations

Seeing as school has just let out, and summer has begun, I thought it would be the perfect time to create a list of books that should be read this summer. 

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

Publication: May 7th, 2013
Amazon / Barnes and Noble /  The Book Depository

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever. -Goodreads

Shutdown (Glitch #3) by Heather Anastasiu

Publication: July 2nd, 2013
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The battle is all but over, and hope seems to be lost. Zoe and her fellow Resistance fighters are on the run, having lost their home, their protection, and their leader. They are outnumbered and outmatched by the powerful corporation that controls the world, and the cruel Chancellor is inches away from completing a scheme that would kill most of humanity. Zoe's only remaining option is to chase the impossible dream of upending the Link system, freeing the world from the hardware that controls their thoughts and emotions, and hope it will trigger a revolution. 

The plot requires a nearly impossible mission to infiltrate the dangerous Community, and it is a task that Zoe must unfortunately complete alone. With challenges and surprises at every turn, nothing goes according to plan. Adrien's visions of the future now show two possible outcomes: one in which they succeed, and one in which humanity falls. It all lies in Zoe's hands. 

Full of romance, high-adrenaline action and shocking twists, Shutdown is a heart-pounding conclusion to an exciting sci-fi adventure trilogy for young adults.

The thrilling conclusion to an action-packed sci-fi trilogy. -Goodreads

 

The Fainting Room by Sarah Pemberton Strong
Publication: June 7th, 2013
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Ray Shepard is a wealthy architect who has mystified his friends by marrying Evelyn, a woman who works at a nail salon. Evelyn, in turn, hides a secret past about her former life in the circus, her ex-husband’s mysterious death, and the colorful tattoos she carefully conceals under her clothes. When Evelyn starts to cave under the pressure of living in Ray’s rarified world, she suggests they take in Ingrid, a sixteen-year-old girl with blue hair, a pet iguana, and no place to stay for the summer. As Evelyn and Ray both make her their confidante, drawing her into the heart of what threatens their marriage, Ingrid increasingly adopts the noir alter ego of Detective Slade”—fedora and all—in order to solve the mysteries that engulf all three characters. -Goodreads

 A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Publication: June 13th, 2013
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Memorial Day, 1938: New York socialite Lily Dane has just returned with her family to the idyllic oceanfront community of Seaview, Rhode Island, expecting another placid summer season among the familiar traditions and friendships that sustained her after heartbreak.

That is, until Greenwalds decide to take up residence in Seaview.

Nick and Budgie Greenwald are an unwelcome specter from Lily’s past: her former best friend and her former fiancé, now recently married—an event that set off a wildfire of gossip among the elite of Seaview, who have summered together for generations. Budgie’s arrival to restore her family’s old house puts her once more in the center of the community’s social scene, and she insinuates herself back into Lily's friendship with an overpowering talent for seduction...and an alluring acquaintance from their college days, Yankees pitcher Graham Pendleton. But the ties that bind Lily to Nick are too strong and intricate to ignore, and the two are drawn back into long-buried dreams, despite their uneasy secrets and many emotional obligations.

Under the scorching summer sun, the unexpected truth of Budgie and Nick’s marriage bubbles to the surface, and as a cataclysmic hurricane barrels unseen up the Atlantic and into New England, Lily and Nick must confront an emotional cyclone of their own, which will change their worlds forever. -Goodreads

Rules of Summer (Rules of Summer #1) by Joanna Philbin

Publication: June 4th, 2013 
Amazon / Barnes and Noble

When seventeen-year-old Rory McShane steps off the bus in East Hampton, it's as if she's entered another universe, one populated by impossibly beautiful people wearing pressed khakis and driving expensive cars. She's signed on to be a summer errand girl for the Rules -- a wealthy family with an enormous beachfront mansion. Upon arrival, she's warned by other staff members to avoid socializing with the family, but Rory soon learns that may be easier said than done.

Stifled by her friends and her family's country club scene, seventeen-year-old Isabel Rule, the youngest of the family, embarks on a breathless romance with a guy whom her parents would never approve of. It's the summer for taking chances, and Isabel is bringing Rory along for the ride. But will Rory's own summer romance jeopardize her friendship with Isabel? And, after long-hidden family secrets surface, will the Rules' picture-perfect world ever be the same? -Goodreads

The Testing (The Testing #1) by Joelle Charbonneau

Publication: June 4th, 2013
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Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust. -Goodreads

This Side of jealousy (The Inoccents #2) by Lili Peloquin

Publication: August 20th, 2013
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Nothing ever came between sisters Alice and Charlie. If by nothing, you mean everything. The sisters haven’t been able to stop fighting since they arrived in Serenity Point two weeks ago. Those two weeks changed their lives. And Serenity Point has changed them.

Friends didn’t. Charlie has a new group of friends and a new life. Jude and Cybill are beautiful, exciting, and dangerously seductive. And though Sasha is proving to be a friend and confidante to Alice, Alice can’t get away from the people, places, and events that mire her in the past.

Boys couldn’t. Alice loves Tommy, but the memory of Camilla, dead and gone, is driving a wedge between them. And Alice’s ex-boyfriend Patrick won’t give up on her, no matter what she says to keep him away. Jude is slowly giving up his bad boy ways for Charlie—but it’s not smooth sailing if Cybill has anything to say about it. And then Nick arrives: Dr. Van Stratten’s former intern seems to know things about last summer— things that Jude and Tommy would rather not be revealed. Alice is determined to find out what.

Their family falling apart never would. While the sisters grapple with the terrible truth about their family, the one-year memorial of Camilla’s death looms. The tension mounts and sparks fly as bright as July Fourth fireworks—and Alice and Charlie team up to find out the truth that everyone seems to be hiding.

Until they got to Serenity Point. Is Camilla their enemy and rival—even six feet under? Or is she their sister, whose memory they have to protect? And what really happened to her that night on the bridge? In a town built on secrets and lies, can the truth stay buried for long? -Goodreads

(Between #1) by April Genevieve Tucholke

Publication: August 15th, 2013
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You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying—a debut to watch. -Goodreads

Review: Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Nobody
By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Published Published January 22nd, 2013 
Publisher: EgmontUSA 

Hardcover, 393 pages

There are people in this world who are Nobody. No one sees them. No one notices them. They live their lives under the radar, forgotten as soon as you turn away.

That’s why they make the perfect assassins.

The Institute finds these people when they’re young and takes them away for training. But an untrained Nobody is a threat to their organization. And threats must be eliminated.

Sixteen-year-old Claire has been invisible her whole life, missed by the Institute’s monitoring. But now they’ve ID’ed her and send seventeen-year-old Nix to remove her. Yet the moment he lays eyes on her, he can’t make the hit. It’s as if Claire and Nix are the only people in the world for each other. And they are—because no one else ever notices them. -Goodreads

Review

What if you were nobody? Someone without any friends or other relationships, and you're always forgotten it's almost like you aren't even there. That is the case for two teenagers, Claire and Nix. They grew up differently, but they are the same, they're Nobodies, invisible. Claire has parents, but they need sticky notes to remind themselves about her, so she does what she can to get by, emerging herself in imaginary situations. Nix grew up in a bare, blank room, raised by a group called the Society. His job is to assassinate Nulls, people who are the exact opposites of Nobodies, Nulls don't have feelings and can easily manipulate normal people, which is why they can be very dangerous and need to be killed. That's why Nix is sent to kill Claire, he is led to believe that she is a Null, but somehow, she can see him. That totally shocks him, and eventually he realizes that they are both Nobodies. What else has the Society hidden from him?

 I really pity both Claire and Nix, but more Nix. Both of them are very lonely, but Nix has definitely had it harder, after all he was trained to become an assassin (and a very harsh training at that). The characters of Claire and Nix are a bit meh, I mean they're lonely and unloved, but they need a bit more depth. Nix also had a much better background story that really showed you his pain and suffering, and all the wounds (literally and figuratively) that he has.

I love the idea of Nobodies, Nulls, and Sensors (people who can detect Nobodies and Nulls), and the concept of energy (or lack of) that gives them their powers. I think that it is a very unique idea, which is why I decided to give this book a try. I also like the alternating viewpoints of Claire and Nix, that way you can see how similar yet different they are from each other. The ending was just adorable (the epilogue) and so lovely. I am a bit sentimental, and I love happy endings, and this does not disappoint. After the last major battle scene, everything wraps up quite nicely, and Nix finds redemption.

The first third was kinda slow and boring, it seems to take Nix the longest time to realize that Claire is also a Null (I got kinda frustrated at how obvious it was). Finally, once that happened, they fell instantly in love. What is this folks? Yes, insta-love, that dreaded curse. I guess it may be more understandable as they are the only two Nobodies around (or are they?) and they've never met someone like them, but really. You think that maybe it would take a little bit more time for them to fall in love. Anyway, the book really picks up after the realization, and the rest is quite interesting and action packed. I also wish the Society was explained better and more in depth. 

Overall I would recommend this to anyone who likes a unique science fiction romance, with mysteries abound. 

Purchase this book at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble /  The Book Depository

Review: Rebel Heart by Moira Young

Rebel Heart by Moira Young

Where in Series: Dust Lands #2

Published: October 30, 2012

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Pages: 432

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It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.

What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion. -Goodreads

4 Stars

Review

Well well well. Here I am, finally done the much anticipated sequel to Blood Red Road, and I have to say, when is the next book coming out? 

First of all, oh Saba. I feel like in this book she was less cool and badass, but that made her more realistic. Humans have flaws, and so does Saba. It is hard to defend against creeping doubts. Not only that but the ghosts of people she's killed kind of haunt her too. Also, she refuses to confide in her friends, bearing her burden alone. She doesn't want to trouble them (because they have problems of their own), but it's like really Saba? You need help (an intervention). To that extent she is also very brave and determined, but too rash in some of her decisions. I did do a facepalm (or two) concerning some of her not so bright ideas. She had her ups and her downs, but I think I liked her better in the first book (she was so much cooler).

For Rebel Heart, I almost enjoyed the development of other characters more than I enjoyed reading about Saba (especially when she annoyed me). I really liked how the characters of Tommo and DeMalo progressed (and throw in plot twists), and I just loved Emmi (she's so sweet and concerned about Saba, what a great sister). Poor Tommo, I feel like Saba should have been more honest with him and not have used his feelings to her advantage. It is hard to face some one and tell them some thing like that, but Saba should have done the right thing (she let me down). 

Also, for the most part, Lugh annoyed me. I get that he has scars, and that there is a new distance between him and Saba, but that is no reason for him to take her for crazy (she just like him is going through emotional times). He also intervenes at times when he should just shut up and go with the flow. Still, I found his subplot with Maev to be beautiful yet tragic. 

Ok, so I can't give too much away, but basically everyone's opinions about Jack do a complete 180. Admittedly, Lugh was always suspicious of Jack (after all he is the new most important guy in Saba's life, jealousy anyone?), but I was disappointed in everyone else. Especially Saba. She should have known better and trusted herself; she shouldn't have let her fears and doubts take over (yet I have to say there was some pretty damning evidence against Jack). It was kind of cliche.  

One thing that I really liked was Young's writing style. It was the same as in Blood Red Road, and by this time around, I was definitely more used to it and could get into it quicker. The language and writing easily makes this series stand out. One of the best parts was the ending. It was so sweet, yet so sinister. I am genuinely scared for Saba. Young did not disappoint, and the ending is a total cliffhanger. How will Saba's actions come back to haunt her?

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good dystopian (it's a bit more unique than others). However, I would strongly suggest reading the first book in the series, Blood Red Road, first, as to understand much of the ideas and struggles in this book that originate in the first one. Happy reading.

Review: Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Every Other Day 

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Published December 27th, 2011

Publisher: Egmont USA

Paperback, 336 pages

Every other day, Kali D’Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She argues with her father. She’s human.

And then every day in between . . . she’s something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her, and unfortunately she’ll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive . . . and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.--Goodreads

4.5 Stars

Review

  

I really loved this book. The title, cover, and description intrigued me, and the entire story just sucked me in.

Kali is torn between two different sides of herself. One is a boring, social outcast who endures the rigors of high school, while the other is a night hunter, someone with supernatural abilities. She doesn't know the cause of these changes, only that they happen, and there is no avoiding it. Normally, the two sides never conflict with each other, that is until Kali sees the mark of an ourborus on one of the most popular girls in school, Bethany. The mark of an ourborus means that there is a chupracabra in you, which is certain death, and suddenly Kali's two worlds collide. She is faced with a monumental decision. Should she risk herself in her weak human body to save someone she doesn't even like? Well, the answer is yes, and it turns out that the chupracabra is just the beginning.

I loved all of the female characters. Kali is a smart, brave (in a kind of stupidly endearing way), and funny.  She's been pretty much alone all of her life (her dad doesn't really see her), and it is weird for her to open herself up and make friends. I have to admit, her ability to change every other day was the thing that most intrigued me. I can't give any spoilers, but I found the reason behind Kali's transformation very clever, and quite a different take on it than most other books. 

Skylar is just adorablely quirky and persistent. She is another social outcast, and completely changes Kali's life by offeering her a special friendship. Not only is she couageous, but she never stops to question her desicions; she puts everyone before herself.  At first, Bethany seemed like the atypical b**chy cheerleader, who eventually completely does a turn around and befriends Kali and Skylar. No, there is more to Bethany than we think, she has a deeper story. I'm curious to learn more about Bethany and her family's history in Kali's past.

The best part of this book was the original plot. I loved the crossing of paranormal creatures combined with scientific research. This book kind of balances between the two, leaning more to the paranormal side. It is also kind of like a mystery novel too. What is the reason for Kali's transformation? Who is Zev? How are Kali and Bethany connected? Most of these questions were answered, but the ending just brought up even more questions. What a cliffhanger. The end is just chaos, and there just has to be a second book to continue things.

Overall I would reccomend this to anyone looking for a fresh and exciting new take on things. Not only is it enjoyable for paranormal readers, but also for ones who enjoy science fiction. Barnes does a wonderful job of weaving them together, and produces a amazingly written book. This book is highly reccomended. I can't wait 'till the sequel!!

Purchase this book at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

   

Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)

By Jessica Spotswood

Published February 7th, 2012

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Hardcover, 330 pages

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other. -Goodreads

Review

Okay, so I discovered this book from a friend who lent it to me who thought I might like it. She knows me very well. I definitely thought the cover was appealing, but not so much the title. 

Born Wicked is the story of Cate, a girl who is primarily responsible for taking care of her two younger sisters ever since her mother died and her father withdrew into himself. That is normally difficult, but even more so with the fact that they are all witches. Cate not only has to protect herself but her sisters from the suspicious eyes of the community and the Brotherhood. Her father has also recently hired a governess, one who is hiding something and seems all too understanding, Cate cannot trust her, or anyone for the matter. There is also the problem of her impending announcement, she only has a few months to decide on either marrying someone or joining the Sisterhood. What can a girl do?

I pity Cate so much. She has so much responsibility and such a heavy burden. Yet, somehow, she is still hopeful and courageous, in the end sacrificing all most everything she holds dear for her family. She doesn't really know how to take care of her sisters, and does the best she can. That means keeping their secret about being witches, which is harder than you might think. Maura, the middle child, rebels, she loves her magic and loves using it. She is suffocated by Cate, and longs to be free. However, Maura just annoyed me. She is just so selfish, all she wants to do is play with her magic without a care for anything else. I admit that I can sympathize with her a little (who likes being smothered?), but she should realize how difficult she is being and making Cate's burden that much heavier, and making their secret that much harder to keep. The youngest sister, Tess, I absolutely loved. She's so sweet and wise beyond her years, which enables her to help Cate out. The family dynamic is great. They all love each other, but even the best of families have some drama. However, no matter how much they might fight, in the end their family comes first.

The romance part of this book was kinda like a love triangle. It was Cate's childhood friend (whom she hadn't seen in a while) vs Finn, the Cahill's new gardener (who also helps out at his mother's bookshop). Paul is okay, I mean he certainly has the moves and actually does care for Cate and want to marry her and make her happy, but he isn't Finn. Finn is so cute and such a great person. He is quiet and unassuming, but underneath he is really passionate about the things he loves. He and Cate are definitely soul mates, but they can't be together mainly due to his lower place in society.

The world Cate lives in is a tough one. The Brotherhood controls everything, and if you go against them you're branded as a witch and sent away (either to an asylum or to die). Being a witch is heresy, and the Brotherhood uses that fear of being accused to keep people in line. Not only that, but females have a deadline to either marry or join the Sisterhood. But what really is the Sisterhood? What could they be hiding? And then there is this prophecy that Cate's mother never told her about. Turns out, there was a lot that Cate's mother didn't tell her. This prophecy is, well, kinda important.

The ending was such a ride. In a few words, crap hits the fan, and everything happens so quickly there's little time to think. I enjoyed it so much, especially the plot twist at the end. Way to be more creative. Overall, Born Wicked is an enchanting tale of a brave girl faced with many difficult choices, between the magic, romance, and the family secrets, how far will Cate go to protect her family?

Purchase this book at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

  

Firmoo Glasses Product Review

Hey guys, this is ~M. So recently I received a free pair of glasses from Firmoo, an online eyeglasses store. Firmoo is the world's most popular online eyeglasses store, and are committed to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices. For this reason, they have gained a solid reputation and trust from hundreds of thousands of fans on Facebook.

Here are the glasses I got:

 Here is me wearing them (as embarrassing as it is): 

Okay. So just letting you know, I ordered a pair of glasses and had the lenses tinted (so I could wear them as sunglasses, I didn't need a pair of regular glasses). With that said I shall get on with my review. I gave the glasses a four and a half star rating, and that was because they were high quality and nicely durable (not flimsy like those cheap pairs). They also came with a nice case, a cleaning cloth, and a little bag that the case can go into (I guess to carry it around or protect your glasses/sunglasses even more). The only things I didn't like about them were minor and a personal preference. I would have liked for them to be a bit bigger and the lenses to be a bit darker (it all depends on what style you decide on).

I gave their product a rating of 4.5 stars.

Furthermore, they have a First Pair Free program, where you can pick a pair of free glasses (pay shipping only). Check it out here: http://www.firmoo.com/free-glasses.html. If you're interested, here's the link to their website: www.firmoo.com/

Review: Reached by Ally Condie

Reached (Matched #3)
By Ally Condie
Published November 13th, 2012
Publisher: Penguin

Cassia’s journey began with an error, a momentary glitch in the otherwise perfect façade of the Society. After crossing canyons to break free, she waits, silk and paper smuggled against her skin, ready for the final chapter.

The wait is over.

One young woman has raged against those who threaten to keep away what matters most—family, love, choice. Her quiet revolution is about to explode into full-scale rebellion.

With exquisite prose, the emotionally gripping conclusion to the international–bestselling Matched trilogy returns Cassia, Ky, and Xander to the Society to save the one thing they have been denied for so long, the power to choose.

-Goodreads

Review

Wow. What a conclusion to this series. Although I originally liked it, Matched was a great dystopian book (if a little stereotypical), but Reached kinda let me down. The reason why I did decide to read Reached, was because I had to know the ending. Well, here I am, now done the series. I have to say, that was a fitting ending.

I have to admit it. The beginning half was pretty boring. Not much action. It's not so bad though, you are able to get a feel for what part everyone plays in the Rising. Also, I did like the alternating views between Cassia, Ky, and Xander. The reader is able to glimpse what everyone is doing, and how they all connect together, which I love.  

Once the pace quickens, and stuff starts happening, it's quite a whirlwind and very unpredictable, which is what I like about it. My favorite part though, has to be the ending. It was left kind of open ended, which I usually hate, but I think it was a fitting end to the series. At first Iwas annoyed at the ending, how can it be left open like that? But after a while I understood that maybe it was all for the best, and maybe some things are better left a mystery unanswered. It also was a bittersweet ending, I have to admit that I absolutely love sunset happy endings, but yet the end was so perfect. The loss was present, but the hope shined through, which I think is the case for a lot of real life stories, which made it more realistic and presented it in a way I definitely could connect with and understand. Having a balance between sadness and happiness is very hard, and Condie did an amazing job.  

This book was a little deeper than the others. It really made you think, especially concerning the Pilot. You are never given a full answer, and you're let to chew on that idea. I think it's great 'cause it lets people interpret it in different ways. The writing was also stunning. I think Reached really let Condie show off her writing style (especially at the end).

Reached is the finale in a series about a girl ready and willing to fight for change. The beginning was quite slow, but I strongly suggest for readers to hang on, the wait for the good stuff (the really interesting part) is worth it. Overall I would suggest this series to anyone who likes dystopian stories with a deeper feel to them, and even if you're not a fan of love triangles (which I'm not really) still read this series, it rights itself in the end (that's all I can say). Have fun!

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Review: Double Star by Cindy Saunders

Double Star
By Cindy Saunders
Published November 28th, 2012
Publisher: Book Baby
Paperback, 268 pages

When Cepheus, a dark god, forces seventeen-year-old Ally Ashworth off an isolated overlook, she has no idea she's falling into his world, or that the necklace she’s wearing is actually a key - one with the power to ignite the next world war. But she’s carried beyond his reach and into the one place where he’s powerless ... the forest of Gilgamesh.

Ally’s never been Miss Popularity, but her outsider status takes on new meaning when she’s rescued by Liam Cheveyo and his peculiar friends. After seeing them shape-shift into their freaky humanimal counterparts, Ally smacks hard into a few truths: magic really does exist and, although getting here took no effort, finding her way back might be impossible. Feelings between her and Liam begin to grow along with the realization that, in this world, she’s stronger, better ... until she’s caught in a trap set by the creepy spider-boy Cepheus sends to retrieve her. But Ally’s not going down without a fight, not after learning the horrible truth about the passageways.

The survival of both worlds depends on it. -Goodreads

Review

 

I have to admit it. When I first saw Double Star, I wasn't very interested. The cover just wasn't that appealing. However, I couldn't judge a book by its cover, therefore I had to read it. Double Star definitely turned out to be better than I expected, however it did have some drawbacks. 

The main character, Ally, is a normal girl who leads a normal life, until she (literally) falls into a parallel world. In this new world, people are born with a mark behind their ear, which symbolizes their ability to change into a certain animal. I have to say, Ally's personality is kind of blah. She is nice and has her own special powers, but is also boring and doesn't make me want to really root for her. Her character is flat and one dimensional.

The love interest, Liam is a little more interesting. He is kinda like the tortured guy who blames himself for his mother's death, and is lifted out of it by Ally, whom he originally doesn't like. The thing is, love is actually very close to hate (not that he hates her), and you can just totally tell they're gonna end up together.

With that said, I feel bad for the other guy, Corm. Although he also likes Ally, it isn't quite a love triangle. He is attracted to Ally, but quickly realizes that Ally and Liam are deeply in love, and he can't come between them, which is more than I can say for most third wheels in the love triangle (they continue to fight for the heroine's love, but we all know who will end up with the girl). It may start out as a love triangle, but they don't really end up competing with each other for Ally's love. Although I can't help but feel bad for Corm (I always feel bad for the loser), I'm glad that this book didn't make it into a full blown love triangle and have him struggle along. 

My main problem with this book was it predictability. I have read many YA novels, and this one is very similar to others I have read. I could predict everything that was going to happen, which took all the fun out of it, I like to be kept somewhat guessing. That and it was really cheesy. Some cheesiness in a story is good and can make it cute, but this one had a little too much. Also the characters need more development and back story to them, what makes them unique and different from all of the other characters of YA books I've read? Sadly, not much.

Even though I've mentioned all of this negative stuff, I generally liked the book. It had a good concept, and just needs to find its own voice to stand out, that and more character development. Otherwise, everything else was good. The writing was very descriptive, I could picture everything in my head, and it seemed to flow smoothly (the only problem I had with writing was the speech of the characters from the parallel world, they would flip flop from 21st language to ye olde english). Double Star is started in the right direction, and just needs some improvements to make it even better.

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