Review: Away

 

* companion novel to Alone * 

In the middle of the night, people in Colorado are rounded up and told to evacuate. They are loaded up on buses after gathering one bag to take with them. They're not told why they're being forced to leave.

They're bused to former camp, not in use since the Cold War.  They're forced to give up their cell phones and electronics. There a journalist meets a film maker meets a future doctor meets a teen who grew up on a ranch. The four teens form a bond between them. They interview people in the camp. 

Time passes. They still haven't been told the reason behind their evacuation, only that it's not safe for them. Their homes are in the contamination zone. But to the teens, nothing makes sense. They start questioning what they know - but more importantly what they don't know. Could there be something more to the story?

* While this is a companion novel, readers who pick up this book first won't miss out on any story. There is a nod to ALONE, that readers will enjoy if they have read that book.

** There is a cow that dies after giving birth, but all the other animals are fine.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. The formatting was different - poems, media announcements, newspaper write-ups, letters, and screenplay. While this book is long, it's a short read. First because of the format and second because of the tension. I'm so glad Megan Freeman wrote this book - it's all about friendship, big government, and uncovering the truth. I love how these characters gravitated towards each other and became friends. I love how they helped each other through the tough moments and didn't back down. Popcorn is adorable! Make time to read this one!

Cover Thoughts: Awesome

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have middle grade novel for your school or public library collection

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Review: Ink and Bone

* First in a new series *

In a different world, the library of Alexandria survived. The library governs the people, selecting knowledge to filter to the people.

People are no longer allowed to own books and the libraries have scribes creating the books. While the printing press was designed, the library disposed of Gutenberg and any one else with a similar idea.

Jess's father works as a book smuggler. He decides that Jess's value lies in his future - at the library as a spy. He forces Jess to take the entrance exam. Jess passes he exam and heads off for basic training.

And that's where everything changes...Jess isn't sure who to trust. The Library's orders seem out of place. Jess knows he'll have to use all his wits to get himself out of the mess.

My Thoughts: I really liked the idea of this book and I enjoyed the book. It took me about 50 pages to get into in and then I was hooked.

I loved the idea that knowledge was power. And whoever controlled the knowledge controlled the world.

I really liked the differences between those in training with Jess. I liked the romances, the friendships, and the enemies. I liked how they all had to come together eventually and learn to trust each other. 

I liked the alternate history and the what if questions.

I really liked Scholar Wolfe - he grew on me as the book continued.

I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting - I love the books on the bottom
Source: My Library

Review: Shatter Me

* 1st in a trilogy *

Juliette's touch is fatal and because of that she's been locked away. One day, she gains a call mate. At first, he's horrible taking her bed and her little comforts. She doesn't pay him any attention. She doesn't answer his many questions, but she does show him the ropes.

He begins to realize he's been a jerk and apologizes to her. They begin to talk, it's not much but it increases daily. As their talks get more personal, Juliette begins to view him as a friend. That's when Adam is taken away.

Before long, Juliette's taken too. What she learns could be the death of her...

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this dystopian book with a side of X-Men powers. I felt sorry for Juliette through the entire book - for the time she spent with her parents, to the time she spent in the cell, to the time she spent as a prisoner. 

I liked her interactions with Adam - and how she knew him from before her life turned upside down. 

I liked Adam, especially his interactions with his brother.

I liked the issue of trust and loyalty - I was never quite sure what was a lie and what wasn't. It kept me guessing and turning the pages.

The government propaganda, the horror or war, and a person as weapons plot lines were well done. They were horrible, convincing, and made me cringe. 

Cover Thoughts: Not a huge fan - it doesn't tell me much about the book

Final Thoughts: I've been wanting to read this book for a long time - the idea of X-Men powers hooked me. Even though I'm late to the party, I'm glad I read this and I'm looking forward to book 2. 

Review: The Heir

Twenty years after her parents met during The Selection, the kingdom changed. Now the caste system is obsolete, but the problems haven't gone away.

Princess Eadlyn has been preparing to take her father's place on the trone her whole life. With the political unrest, the people could use a distraction. So, she agrees to her own Selection.

A group of young men comes to the palace all vying for her hand in marriage. Princess Eadlyn is convinced she'll never fall in love.  She doesn't need the grand love that her parents have, but it would be nice to have a partner she can respect who will support and respect her. Will she find herself a prince consort among the contestants?

My Thoughts: I loved the Section trilogy, so I was SO happy to hear about the spin-off trilogy. And it didn't disappoint!

I loved the princess. I liked how Princess Eadlyn was torn between her duty of finding a mate and understanding her heart. I loved how she enjoyed politics and helping to run the country, even though at times it can seem like a burden. She's smart, determined, and blunt at times. I love how she began to understand her people and not see them only as a duty. She started to question  the idea of perfection and finding her self-worth outside her primary role. 

I loved learning more about the characters from the previous series and how their lives turned out. I really liked the blossoming friendship between the princess and Kile. I enjoyed her twin brother and his quirks. 

My only concern is why didn't the guys in the selection have to jump through hoops like the girls did? They didn't seem to have to plan or create anything to prove their worth.

I can't wait to see what happens next, especially after that ending!

Cover Thoughts: This one might be my favorite yet.
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you haven't read this one yet, what are you waiting for? It's got everything: friendship, family drama, romance, kissing, political unrest, and a smart heroine you want to root for. 

Review: Rook

Sophia saves peoples from the the guillotine, leaving behind a red tip feather. This latest heist, sends up red flags.

Sophia's engage to marry in order to save her family. Her father's run the house into the ground and her brother won't be able to inherit without a large flow of cash. She doesn't even know the man, but she's willing to sacrifice her future happiness for brother.

But the powers that be are suspicious of her family and of her brother in particular. As the danger grows closer, Sophia isn't sure who to trust anymore. Everyone wants something from her. can she survive the game without losing the people that matter most to her?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - a dystopian re-imagined Scarlet Pimpernel. I loved Sophia's determination and her daring ideas. I love that she defied standards to help people escape death. I loved how the relationship between herself and Rene developed as they began to get to know each other and understand each other. They both had something to lose, which made them the perfect pair. I loved watching the romance between them grow. The danger and the action of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect - I love the broken city of Paris.
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A book that kept me at the edge of my seat while I sorted through the double-crossings and masks the characters wore to hide their true self. A broken world with bold characters and a strong romance. 

Upcoming Review: Material Girls

Teens rule the fashion world, sitting on the superior courts holding power over the trends.  Marla holds a position on one of these courts where she fights for her favorite designs and dismisses those she dislikes.

Once she was on top of the world.  Except now, her opinions which once made her famous have gotten her fired from the court. Instead she’s moved from the high court to the drafters who design all the clothes without any glory. They are the bottom feeders in the system.

A group of drafters befriend Marla; they start whispering in her ear about the unjust system and their hopes for changing it. Soon Marla thinks about helping her new friends create a makeover for the fashion world.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book set in the future. I loved the idea that teens control the fashion industry. Consumerism and fashion trends strike at the heart of this novel. 

This book reminded me of So Yesterday from Scott Westerfeld and the world of consumerism. I wonder if it will make readers think about their purchases and their wardrobe and the fashion world. 

I liked the side story of the pop star who thrived in this environment, but who starts to question everything. I really like how Ivy Wilde pushed the boundaries of fashion as a game.

Final Thoughts: With the obsession of fashion and trying to look perfect in society, this book might help teens start to question the relevance of being comfortable in your own skin versus being popular and hiding your true self.  

Cover Thoughts: I really like it.
Book out in early May
Reviewed Book for VOYA

Review: Captive

* Blackcoat Rebellion Book 2 *

Kitty Doe's been living a lie. Every time she opens her mouth, Kitty finds herself in trouble. It's not easy pretending to be someone else.

After a fight with her fake fiance, Kitty finds herself accused of treason and sent to Elsewhere.

Life in Elsewhere isn't logical and everyone must lookout for themselves. With no one to trust, Kitty must do what she can in order to survive and get her revenge. 

My Thoughts: A fantastic follow-up to Pawn left me on the edge of my seat through secrets revealed, plot twists, lies, betrayals, and the truth. This book played with my emotions through the ups and downs of people fighting for their lives all the while death, love, friendship, and loyalty hung in the balance. I can't wait to read what happens next! 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Overall Thought: An excellent sequel that left me breathless for the conclusion of the trilogy

Mini Review: Allegiant

The final chapter in the Divergent series where Tris and Four figure out the next step and how to make their world better. 

My Thoughts: I've heard tons of people were unhappy with the ending of this trilogy. I admit that I didn't cry. I wasn't broken. I didn't throw the book across the room. Maybe it was the rumblings of unhappiness that made me prepared for the worst. Maybe it was the fact that I hadn't read Insurgent in a while. Maybe it was the fact that it made sense to me. I could see why is happened the way it happened. That's not to say I wasn't sad, but just that I understood it. 

Did you like it or hate it?

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

Never Fade: Contest and Review

About the book (from the publisher)
The gripping and highly anticipated second installment in a dark YA trilogy about teens with dangerous powers on the run from the government.

Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children's League call Ruby "Leader", but she knows what she really is: a monster.

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children's League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America's children-and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts-has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future-and who now wouldn't recognize her.

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam-and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart-she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

My Thoughts: This is one of the most intense books I've read this year. I devoured this book filled with horrifying ideas, events, and possibilities. It was heartbreaking, sweet, and at times hopeful. 

I don't want to say too much and spoil anything for other readers. So I'll just say that the sequel was amazing and here's a few reasons why: Ruby's so strong and determined to make things right. I love her strength and her ability to make the hardest choices ever. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I loved the snark between Vida and everyone else. Vida's soft inside, but she fights to hide it, creating a prickly exterior that adds some humor relief. The cliff-hanger ending leaves me anxiously waiting to see how it all wraps up in the final book. 

For More Details, Check Out:

Book Site: http://www.thedarkestminds.com/

Sounds good right? You can win a copy:

Details:

Show that your quest for truth and justice will NEVER FADE.

One (1) winner receives:

Custom Never Fade t-shirt and a copy of Never Fade

Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only.

Prizing and samples courtesy of Disney Book Group.

Never Fade comes out next week: October 15th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Dualed

West lives in a society that only wants the best and brightest to survive. So when couples want children, they're forced to pair up with two other parents. Two children are created with DNA from all four parents. Each parent takes home a child to raise.  Somewhere between the 10th and 20th birthday, the pair becomes activated. They then have one month to locate and kill their Alternate. If they both fail, they are simultaneously destroyed.

West's world goes into a downward spiral when she accidentally gets her brother killed. Now she's the last one left of her family. Her brother's best friend has promised to protect her, but since his Alt killer her brother, she can't look at him without feeling guilt and pain.

West does something crazy in order to survive - in order to feel something. She thinks that it will help with her training, for when she becomes activated. When the time comes, she wrestles with that question. Is she the best version?

My Thoughts: I love the concept of this book - it's definitely dark. West was strong, insecure, and sometimes made the wrong choices. In a way, she reminded me of Katniss. There were times when I wanted to ask what was going through her head - except that I knew and while I understood her thought process, I didn't agree with all her decisions. The opening sequence broke my heart, but it sets the tone for the book. I really liked Chord and how he tries to pull West our of her grief. I loved the moments between West and Dess. A great character driven novel with action, death, and a terrifying ending. Dualed is an engrossing debut novel that makes me want the sequel Divided! 

Cover Thoughts: LOVE
Source: My Library

Review: The Essence

 * Sequel to The Pledge*

Months have past since Charlie changed her world. She's now the Queen - learning etiquette as well as horse riding and hand to hand combat. She's not sure which she's worst at learning.


While laws have been changed for the benefit of her people, there are moments when Charlie wishes everything was back to normal. Things won't ever be normal for her again - and not just because she's now the Queen.  It's because Sabara and her legacy. She's keeping Charlie from being at peace, from resting, from finding confidence in her new role.


Not everyone's pleased with Charlie as the leader. After a riot, it becomes quite clear that something needs to be done with the rebels. It's also clear there's a traitor in Charlie's camp. Can she and her team uncover the identity before it's too late?

My Thoughts: I really liked the sequel to the Pledge. I did have a hard time keeping track of all the Queens (probably just like Charlie). I liked the multiple perspectives with Brooklyn, Charlie, and other minor characters. There were so many emotions in this book.  

I felt horrible for Charlie and her restlessness, horrified at some of her behavior, and my heart ached for her at times. The tension surrounding Charlie made for a fast read. I wanted to find out what happened next, who had it in for her, and what the rebels were going to do next. The action and the danger heightened all the other emotions.  I can't wait to see how everything turns out.

Cover Thoughts: I like how it ties into the first book
Source: My Library

Review: Darkest Minds

At the age of 10, something happen to children; something the government doesn't like. Either, they contract a terrible disease, or they gain powers beyond their control. They're being shipped to camps that will help cure them of their magical abilities. The camps are brutal.

The children are separated by colors in terms of their abilities. Ruby's lived for years as a green. However, a new test appears, ready to prove the correct color identity. Ruby's told in the nick of time. Someone helps her escape; someone who wants to use Ruby as a weapon.

Ruby doesn't understand much about the outside world, being locked away for six years. She comes across a group of teens, two boys and a girl. Not knowing what else to do, she stays with them. There are people looking for her. Can she stay under the radar? Can she make a new life for herself?

My Thoughts: I was so happy to get this ARC as I adored Brightly Woven. I read this ages ago, but waited to write the review a little closer to the release date. It's clear that me that Alex Bracken books will always be on my automatic-to-read list. Darkest Minds is a very different story; it's a dark dystopian with lots of danger, lots of action, and a little romance. It's a long book - just shy of 500 pages, but don't let that stop you. It's an amazing read! It stayed with me a long time after reading it. It's a unique tale that uncovers bits of information about the past and the present slowly, which made me very curious. It's not a fast read, but it will suck you in.

Cover Thoughts: Intriguing. I'm not really sure what it's supposed to be.
Source: ARC from BEA
Comes out: December 18th

Review: Legend

Day and June come from two separate sides of the tracks.

June is the sister of Metias. Metias holds power among the highest military circles of the Republic.

June’s also the only one to get a perfect score on the testing. She hopes that she too will have a lengthy and respectable career in the military.

Day is a legend. He fights against the Republic. The Republic have been after him for year. The only problem in capturing him? No one knows what he looks like. Billboard wanted signs are plastered all over the city offering ransom for his capture.

When June’s brother dies, she’s told that Day is responsible. Y can’t imagine why Day would kill someone, it hasn’t been his MO. Still, she’s lets the rage live inside her. She takes to the streets, going undercover, hoping to learn some knowledge of Day.

She never expects that he will save her life. She never expects that he will take her under his wing. She never expects that she might come to like him.

My Thoughts: A brilliant debut dystopian novel. I loved the different perspectives of both June and Day. I couldn’t put the book down. There were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. It's a thrilling novel full of action, betrayal, danger, and friendship. I can't wait to read more of their story!

Similar Read: Divergent

Cover Thoughts: Simple, but interesting

Source: BEA

Review: Enclave

Deuce lives underground - in an enclave. The ruler rule with absolutism. Friends become family, if you're lucky to have friends.

As Deuce graduates from brat to Huntress, she can't believe her good fortune. She's partnered with Fade, a mysterious Hunter. As she goes out on her first assignments, she doesn't trust him. He's an outsider to her clan.

Together they discover the Freaks (tunnel monsters) are more active than usual. The Freaks might have wiped out an entire enclave. Deuce and Fade trek through the tunnels to uncover the damage.

What they find shocks them both, but what the enclave does with the information shocks Deuce even more. She loses all trust in the enclave and the enclave's beginning to lose trust in her...

My Thoughts: It took me a few pages, but then I was hooked. I loved the coming of age story, the fighting sequences, the horror at the government, and the determination of Deuce. She's a strong kick-butt character. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Great cover!

Source: from Publisher

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge