Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile 
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 264
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

My head hurts. My heart hurts. What an emotional roller coaster! I LOVED IT. I don't really think my review will do the book justice, but I have to try and get out how great this book is.

 I thought If I Stay was a fantastic novel but Where she Went is phenomenal. Once in a while a story really touches me and stays with me for a while and this is definitely it. This book was so well written, I myself was feeling depressed at times because I felt as if it was happening to me.

I really loved Adam in the first book, so I was ecstatic when I saw this book was in his point of view. Throughout most of the book, Adam is numb and grieving, but that's more of an understatement.  My heart when out for him.  Gayle does a wonderful job of getting to the reader's feelings, she has a way of  relating to almost all readers. I love it.

This story is so beautiful and heartwarming! I just can't stop gushing about it. You have to read it it you haven't. It will make you cry, laugh and even just sigh, but you won't regret reading it. I have to get myself my own copy of this book as well because I for sure am going to want to reread it.

One of my favorite novels. Ever!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Release Date: Febuary 1, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 441
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Absolutely Loved. It. Before this year, I've been really hesitant about reading dystopian novels, but with all of the great books I have read pertaining to this genre I wont hesitate again. Delirium had me absorbed, with every flip of the page, I couldn't help but feel like only a minute had gone by. When in fact, hours had passed and I was almost done with the book.

I really enjoyed reading about Lena, she had qualities that reminded me of myself. She's nearly 18, a definite rule follower and just trying to get through life until she could undergo the procedure that would change her life and allow her to be happy. Now, I don't ever have to go through the things Lena did, but I feel like I can agree with her decisions, making the book all the right more enjoyable.


Lauren Oliver takes your regular love story and makes it even better.We get to see the obstacles in life when not only do your parents/ guardian not accept your relationship with the person you love, but when the whole country is against it. It's such a unique story full of love and sacrifices. I can't wait to read the next book because their are some questions that I need answered.


Now if you enjoy a good love story and don't mind reading dystopia, then this is a must read!

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity by Kim Harrington


Release Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic point
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 242
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

 Fast paced and a quick read!

Clarity had me mesmerized. I particularly liked this book, because of its uniquesness. Unlike most books, the Fern family doesn't hide the fact that they had "super powers". It was quite refreshing from reading all those books where the main character tries hard to  hide their supernatural selves. And instead of spending time trying to not be herself, Claire finds herself in the middle of a murder investigatoin. Using her powers to help uncover the murdererer.

Claire Fern was a very well developed character. On the exterior she seems like a tough psychic chick and a  member of the freak family. But behind all of that, where others fail to look, there is a normal girl. A girl who doesn't was to always be on the defense and wants what everone else wants.  Clarity not only had me on my toes from the suspence, but it made me laugh. Claire had a great sence of humor I really enjoted reading the book even morebecaus eof this.

The only complaint I might have about the book, is that it was too short! I needed to know more.
But overall, it was a fantastic read! Fans of The Body Finder are sure to enjoy this book as well.

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
Release Date: February 22, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 288
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is. Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued. She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her. Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

To describe this book in one word, I would say it's dark. If you couldn't guess from the cover.
I honestly picked up the because I love this movie called Death Becomes Her with Meryl Streep, and the title is so similar to this one.

Most of this story takes place in New 2, or New Orleans after another disaster has occurred and ruined the country for good. The main character Ari, is self conscious, brave and determined to find a cure for her curse. The other character were also very interesting and I wish I knew more about them, their personalities made me more curious about the characters. Sebastian was such a nice guy, and Violet just broke my heart. They are such unusual children with good intentions.

There are many books nowadays with vampires, witches and shape-shifters and this book doesn't disappoint. It includes all three! Not only do we get mythical creatures but the story behind them is very fascinating
I really like the references to Greek mythology. It intrigued be further and I could help finishing the book in one sitting.

Now most problems were unsolved by the end of the book and I'm worried about Violet (I probably shouldn't have said that but I don't think it gives away too much) But there will be a sequel to this book which is why the story is left somewhat unfinished.

Overall, great plot and storyline. I couldn't help but finish it all in a matter of hours!

The Girl Who Was on Fire

The Girl Who was on Fire edited by Leah Wilson

Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Smart Pop
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 224
Source: ARC
Buy the Book: Amazon

Praised by writers from Stephen King to Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins’ New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy is dark, captivating, and deeply thought-provoking. Part straight-up survivalist adventure, part rich allegory, and part political thriller, the series has become a new YA favorite.
The Girl Who Was On Fire offers even more to think about for teen readers already engrossed by the Hunger Games. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to reality television, fashion, and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games by other YA writers reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss’ world really is.
The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

If you're a fan of the Hunger Games Trilogy, this is a must read! 

In, The Girl Who Was on Fire, 13 YA authors write essays  that take you back to Panem. They discuss Katniss, Peeta and Gale, the Games, the ending and more.

After I finished reading the trilogy, I couldn't help but want to know more, I was super exited when I got this in the mail and started reading it right away.


The essays in this book make you think deeply about the trilogy, the true symbolism behind the books with the wonderful analysis from thirteen authors. After reading each essay, I had to stop a bit and think about what I just read. There were many thing that were pointed out by the authors in this book, that I missed in the trilogy. It makes me want to go back and reread them which I think I will.


The authors who contributed to this book were:
Sarah Rees Brennan, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Mary Borsellino, Elizabeth M. Rees, Lili Wilkinson, Ned Vizzini, Carrie Ryan, Cara Lockwood, Terri Clark, Blythe Woolston, Sarah Darer Littman, Adrienne Kress, and Bree Despain.


I really enjoyed reading The Girl who was on Fire and learning about other authors' take on the books


If you haven't read the Hunger Game trilogy because you think they're silly young adult books, this book may change your mind with the beautiful analytical essays,

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly D

Desires of the Dead by 
Kimberly Derting
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 368
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.
Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

If you've read my review for Kimberly's debut, The Body Finder, you'll see that I loved it! 

(side note: I've noticed that this is the second book I've read this year, where the main character's name is Violet. And I've enjoyed both very much!)

Desires of the Dead, was the perfect mix of gut-wrenching suspense and mystery. Not far off from this first book in the series. Violet and Jay are quite the perfect couple, they understand each other and their chemistry is perfect. But as you can expect from almost all second books in a series, there is some drama-rama in their perfect love life. (Is is just me, or is there some rule about this?)

Although we know what is going on in the 'bad guys' head, it is far from predictable. Ther are some twists in the plot that will keep you reading this until the very last page. Violet's character changes quite a bit in the book and she is more open and coming out of her shell.

If you haven't read the first in the series, read it immediately so that you can read this one!

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

Release Date: December 28, 2011
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 416
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon

A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns. 
Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. 
Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one. 
Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung. 
Bree Despain delivers sizzling romance and thrilling action in the heart-pounding sequel to the The Dark Divine

 The title of this book couldn't be more perfect. It describes entirely Grace's feelings and the plot of the book. 

When reading the sequel to most books, I worry that it won't be as good as the first or even that it might stop me from continuing the series. But that was not the case with The Lost Saint. It definitely tops its predecessor, The Dark Divine. With its mysteries, suspense and unpredictable scenes, I myself wasn't sure who to trust.

The book is told in Grace's perspective. I enjoyed that it was because this way we only know what Grace knows, leaving us to question the motives of the other characters and whether they should be trusted or not. I particularly love when my predictions are wrong. Otherwise I would get bored and not enjoy the book as much. And The Lost Saint did not disappoint me. Page after page, Bree kept me second and triple guessing myself. I did not see where the story was leading up to, until the last couple of pages, where we are left with quite a big cliffhanger.

Agh. Cliffhangers are really frustrating!

Point blank, The Lost Saint was GREAT! Can't wait to read its follow up. Does anyone know when it will be out?

Jessica's Guide on Dating on the Dark Side

Jessica's Guide to dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Release Date: February 1, 2009

Publisher: Harcourt

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 351

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

The undead can really screw up your senior year ...Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction

Loved it! I really enjoyed this book. Having previously read Fantaskey's Jekel Loves Hyde, I was sure how much I would enjoy this one. But turns out I loved it so much I finished it in a day!


Lucius was an interesting character. He was funny, charming and even sometimes annoying. This made his character all the more believable. I really loved the letters he wrote to his uncle every couple of chapters, describing his adaption to the United States. I thought it was funny to read all the things he found strange and annoying about the culture. 


I really liked Jessica from the beginning. She is strong willed, stubborn, and independent. But her being stubborn worked against her. It made her realization about being a vampire a little too late. The chemistry between Jessica and Lucuis was absolutely toe-curling perfect. Beth Fantaskey kept the tension going in unexpected directions!


Overall, I absolutely adored the book and I am all too excited for its sequel, Jessica Rules the Dark Side!

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Release Date: March 16, 2010

Publisher: HaperCollins 

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 336

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.
Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

Could not put it down! I finished this book about a couple hours ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. The mystery the suspense. And even the perfect boyfriend. All these things made The Body Finder very captivating.

Although I pretty much knew where the story was going I couldn't help feeling a little scare for Violet as the story progressed. Kimberly Derting  gave me goose bumps. Whether, I was reading about the creepy murderer or a kiss shared by Violet and Jay, . Speaking of Jay, can I say just how perfect he was? I can see why Violet fell in love with him. Who wouldn't?

Not only did the story have a great plot, but characters were interesting enough to make me want to get to know them better. Each character in the book had a unique personality that made them stand out on their own. 


I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment........Desires of the Dead. The title itself sounds thrilling and exciting!

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Release Date: March 2, 2010

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH 

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 323

Source: Bought

Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis:

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father—an elusive European warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I've always wanted to be a witch, ever since I was a little girl. I remember Dressing up every year for Halloween as a witch and even watching T.v shows with witches as main characters. This is probably the reason I loved this book so much. It was fast paced and an easy read.


This book was hilarious. Sophie Mercer is witty and funny. Almost everything she said made me laugh out loud. Not only was this a book hysterical, but it was full of suspense and had a surprising twist.


There is a cliff hanger at the end *sigh* but at least I can read the second one without waiting.  Now if your looking for something easy and fun to read. Get yourself a copy of Hex hall. :)

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Release Date: December 7, 2010

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 594
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Synopsis: 

         She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come. Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir. But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?

Ahh! What a great book. If you ask me this was the best book in the series. I am completely content with how it ended. It was everything I hoped for and more! I loved the whole plot of the book, we got to meet new people and go to new places. In my opinion Rose made the right decision in the end and it made me so happy. But the book did end leaving the reader with a lot of question. What was the deal Sydney made with Abe? What's going to happen to Jill? I guess we'll have to wait for the spin off series, Bloodlines to find out. I can't wait to see what tragic love story Vampire Academy fans will be obsessing over this time. 

Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Stolarz

Deadly Little Lies (Touch #2) by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Release Date: September 21, 2010

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304

Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon
Synopsis:

Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, the mysterious new boy at school who turned out to have a very mysterious gift--pyschometry, the ability to sense the future through touch. But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry, and experiencing her own strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow rubbed off on her. Can the power of psychometry be transferred. Even once Ben returns to school, Camelia can't get close enough to share her secret with him. Despite the romantic tension between them, Ben remains aloof, avoiding contact. Then when an unexpected kiss leads to a frightening argument, Camelia makes the painful decision to let Ben go and move on. Adam, the hot new guy at work, seems good for her in ways Ben wasn't. Adam is easygoing, and seems to really care about her. But when Camelia and Adam start dating, a surprising love triangle results. A chilling sequence of events upturns secrets from Ben's past--and Adam's. Someone is lying, and it’s up to Camelia to figure out who—before it’s too late

Deadly Little Lies is the sequel to Deadly Little Secrets and definitely lives up to the suspense and romance of the first book. Starting a few months after Ben leaves Camelia's life, the story immediately takes off with a burst of heart pounding action that just keeps on rolling the entire novel. Right from page one, Camelia is immediately caught up in a new dangerous situation that had me biting my nails. This book kept me captivated until the very last page and I cant wait to  pick up the third book in the series, Deadly Little Games.

Ghost Town by Rachel Caine

Ghost Town (The Morganville Vampires #9) by Rachel Caine

Release Date: October 26, 2010
Publisher: NAL Hardcover
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

While developing a new system to maintain Morganville's defenses, student Claire Danvers discovers a way to amplify vampire mental powers. Through this, she's able to re-establish the field around this vampire-infested Texas college town that protects it from outsiders. But the new upgrades have an unexpected consequence: people inside the town begin to slowly forget who they are-even the vampires. Soon, the town's little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment- before she forgets how to save Morganville...

Ghost Town is rocking in every which way. Caine is totally on point with this one, giving readers the right amount of action, drama, romance and suspense to keep us turning the pages obsessively. In a true act of genius, we get to re-live the first moments of the Shane/Claire, Michael/Eve romance all over again, without losing the intensity and connection between the characters that the series has worked so hard on developing.