Review: Steelheart

Everything was normal - before super humans. When they started taking over the world - everything changed.

Now humans live in fear. Sometimes without electricity, food, water, or sunlight.

David knows something can be done to change the world. He saw Steelheart bleed. He spends all his free time researching and waiting for the perfect opportunity. 

Now it's here - if only he can convince the Reckoners to listen to his plan. It's a great plan, but he'll need their help to pull it off. Will they trust him enough to agree and try to bring down the most powerful Epic?

My Thoughts: A fascinating read that's very different. I got an ARC at BEA thinking my husband would like it, and he did. But then he made me read it next. I devoured it too. I like how David spent his time researching the Epics for their weaknesses, collecting data on them, and creating theories. I confess it made my nerdy self sigh. I never saw most of the twists and turns coming, which was perfect.  I enjoyed watching the revolution spark and the ideas catch fire. I really liked David and how he found and infiltrated the Reckoners. I enjoyed Cody's banter and Abraham's thoughtful words. A great dystopian novels that stayed in my mind for days after.

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: BEA ARC

Tween Tuesday Review: Wolf Princess

Sophie dreams of a winter wonderland: a palace, warmth, and a snow covered world. Could her dreams be a remembrance?

She wonders so much that she breaks the rules to attend a field trip to Russia. Once in Russia, the trip takes a turn for the worse.  Sophie and her two roommates are stranded on a train and then turned out into the dark cold night. They find shelter in a cabin.  In the morning, they're rescued and brought to a palace.

There's they meet a Princess who talks of the past and the family history of beauty, diamonds, and wolves.

Something seems familiar about this tale, but Sophie can't quite put her finger on it...

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one for the setting, the mystery, and the old fashioned feel of the story.  I could feel the cold of winter and I wanted to be there bundled up in furs in the sleigh. Even though it's a contemporary book, it felt like an historical fiction read.  The idea of the lost Princess of Russia made me think of Anastasia. I liked the tension in the book and uncovering the mystery. Wolf Princess felt like the start of a series, so I'm hoping for more books. 

Cover Thoughts: I love it!
Source: BEA ARC

Review: Scorched

Trinity worries about keeping the family museum alive and the bills paid on time She sold her mother's ring for rent money, but instead of paying rent, her grandfather bought an egg for the museum.

It's supposedly a dragon egg. Annoyed, Trinity yells at him and makes him go home while she cleans up for the day.

Almost immediately, she spies a boy about to break the egg. She stops him.  As she's questioning him, men break into the museum. It's not clear what they want, but everyone seems interested in the egg.

The boy helps Trinity escape for the moment. She doesn't understand why she's on the run with this egg and why all these people want her.  Could it have something to do with the voice in her head?

My Thoughts: A start to a new fantasy series that's filled with action, danger, dragons, and a little romance. I like both the brothers - even though they hold very different views. I enjoyed figuring out their relationship. I loved the moments between Trinity and Emmy - especially flying together. The view from the future is horrific, but I love watching Trinity an the brothers struggle to make the world (and the future world) a better place and how they acted upon their ideas. I can't wait for more in this story.

Cover Thoughts: Love it - Love the cover without the jacket more - those scales!
Source: Signed ARC at BEA

Tween Tuesday Review: Storm Watcher

Luke's always been afraid of storms, but it's gotten worse since his mother died from a freak lightning accident.  Now, his brothers are constantly teasing him. He can barely have a conversation with them. He's also not sure how to talk to his father anymore.

When he volunteers at a pet facility that breeds search and rescue dogs, he falls in love with a dog. It's a different type of dog than the kind his keeps, but it's the exact type of dog he was talking about with his mother before she died. The same type he wanted for his birthday - and it's still a search and rescue dog. His father won't speak about it.

The more he helps train the dogs, the more he thinks of owning this puppy. Can he change his father's mind?

My Thoughts: This book is different from other Maria V. Snyder books and I admit, it took me by surprise. But I wasn't surprised to find myself loving it. I felt for Luke - for all he's been through, for his guilt, and for the tough moments between him and his family. The family drama was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I loved the moments between him and the dogs. I like his developing friendship with Megan. I found the search and rescue parts very interesting. A fantastic heartwarming tale about a boy and his quest for a dog.

Cover Thoughts: I like it
Source: BEA Arc
Publication Date: October

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Tween Tuesday Review: Unstoppable

 * first in a new spin-off series *

Six months ago - Amy and Dan stopped an evil plan and now they're dealing with the consequences. Someone just tried to kill them at a funeral. Just as they escape, they spot someone taking their picture.

Now it's posted on a gossip site. After researching the site, they figure out the owner. What they find is worse than expected. The owner seems to have a personal vendetta against them.

If his goons aren't trying to ruin their reputation, they're trying to scare them or worse - kill them. Soon the pieces of the puzzle click into place for Amy.

She doesn't know this man - but he rose to the top awfully quick. Pierce must have the serum. Amy doesn't know what he's planning to do with it, only that it's up to her to figure it and stop him.

My Thoughts: I love the 39 Clues books - lots of action, danger, and suspense. It's hard for me to put the books down. In this new spin-off series, I feel for Amy. She's trying to grief for the ones she lost and for her romantic feelings. She's feeling inadequate and yet has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Pierce is a formidable villain - cunning, ruthless, and dangerous on the inside, but charming on the outside. I liked the addition of Waldo and am curious to see where that's going to go. A fantastic start to a new Cahill series. 

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: BEA
Release Date: October 1st

Mysterious Saturday Review: The Heist

 * first in a new series*

Kate's been chasing Nick for two years, through several characters. She almost had him, but he slipped away. This time, she'll do everything in her power to capture him.

But it isn't enough.

He's switched sides. Now Kate's boss wants her to work with him - taking down even bigger fish. Obviously Kate's not happy with this new arrangement.

They have to create a long con. How is she supposed to trust him? Kate's not sure she's up to the job - without killing him first..

My Thoughts: The start of a new series has hints of Stephanie Plum. Kate has a knack for getting into trouble. Sexual tension sizzles between Kate and Nick. I love the idea of the long con and how they have to put together a group. Each person has their unique qualities - reminds me of Leverage. I like Kate's family - especially her father and his background. I love how he has Kate's back at all times. I can't wait to see where Nick will lead Kate next.

Cover Thoughts:
Source: BEA ARC

Tween Tuesday Review: Naples!

One night a great-aunt shows up unexpectedly. Zia Donatella loves cooking.  Alfie and Emilia join her in the kitchen.  Zia Donatella starts talking about Naples, the sights and sounds on the streets. Then she urges the siblings to imagine themselves there before taking a bite of zeppole.

One moment, Alfie and Emilia are in their kitchen and the next, they're not.  They find themselves in a pizzeria, where they spot a boy their age.

He confirms their suspicion that they are indeed in Naples, Italy. Unsure what else to do, they tag along with him to the market. It's festival night in Naples; the judges are looking for the best pizza. Marco's family is determined to win back the title.  Can the siblings help save the day and get back home? 

My Thoughts: The first in a new series for tweens filled with food, adventure, and fun. I loved reading about the streets of Naples and learning more about the city. I liked Marco's views on making pizza and his belief in the market-place for the best ingredients. I liked how the three tried to lose the spy following them, through the catacombs. I liked learning about the family drama understanding more about the tradition of pizza. A fast read with fun sketches that liven the excitement of the book. I'm looking forward to where the siblings travel next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC from BEA
Publication Date: September 3rd

Adult Review: Big Girl Panties

Holly meets Logan on one of her worst days. She looks a mess and she's forced to sit next to him on an airplane. She can already hear his thoughts, they're broadcasted all over his face.

She brings up the fact that her husband died, leaving food as a comfort. He surprises her by making her an offer she can't refuse. Logan's a personal trainer and he's willing to help her take back control over her life.

Holly decides to take him up on his offer. Soon she's working out and making better food choices. She's also spending quite a bit of time with Logan. Could there be romance in the air?

My Thoughts: From the moment I heard about this book from PW, I was excited to read it. I devoured this book - and loved it. I loved Holly - she's strong, determined, and a wise ass. I loved her banter with Logan. I loved watching her struggle to love herself and to find peace with her body. It's hard to feel comfortable in your own skin; I thought Evanovich portrayed the ups and downs nicely. Holly worked out, kept a food journal, and tried leaving her guilt behind her. 
I liked watching Logan's reaction to Holly, how he started falling for her without realizing it and what that would mean to him. I liked the dual perspectives. A fantastic debut novel and an author to watch.

Cover Thoughts: It's ok, but it doesn't give away lot of information about the book
Source: BEA where I got to meet the author, who was super sweet!

Review: Crown of Midnight

  * sequel to Throne of Glass*

Celaena battled in the tournament of assassins in the previous novel. Now she has a contract with the King. If she doesn't do his bidding, her friends will forfeit their lives.

The King believes there's a plot against the throne.  He's giving Celaena names, asking her to take care of the situation in three months time. The newest name is someone from her past.

Celaena gives Archer three months to feed her information - information that could be useful. As she gathers intelligence, she becomes aware of something going on inside the castle -something to do with Wyrdmarks and forbidden magic. Will the plot against the King cost Celaena everything she holds dear?

My Thoughts: This book is hands down in my top books read for the year. I adored Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight was better (if possible). It was full of moments that were sweet, heart wrenching, and fierce. My heart ached for Calaena - for her past, her present, and for what must come in the future. The ending makes me long for the next book immediately. 

I loved Celaena's small rebellion. I liked the multiple perspectives - especially those of Chaol and Dorian. I feel as though all the characters became more rounded and complex during this installment. I loved the winter setting and the danger around every corner. A fantastic world, strong characters, and emotions that pull at your heart strings. I don't ever want to leave this series.

Cover Thoughts: Fierce
Source: ARC from BEA
Book comes out August 27th - Be SURE to grab it!!!