Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows REVIEW

Summary:

Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer. Since the day she was born, she's been told she's special. Important. Perfect. She's known across the Fallen Isles not just for her beauty but for the peace treaty named after her, an agreement that united the seven islands against their enemies on the mainland.

But Mira never felt perfect. She counts compulsively. She struggles with crippling anxiety. And she's far too interested in dragons for a girl of her station.

Then Mira discovers an explosive secret that challenges everything she and the treaty stand for. Betrayed by the very people she has spent her life serving, Mira is sentenced to the Pit--the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. There, a cruel guard would do anything to discover the secret she'd die to protect.

No longer beholden to those who betrayed her, Mira must learn to survive on her own and unearth scorching truths about the Fallen Isles--and herself--before her very world collapses.

My Thoughts:

This book was a very good read, and hard to put down. It starts off with what's happening presently, and then in between chapters shows flashbacks from before she was betrayed. This kind of reminded me of the first book in the Throne of Glass series, but I'm not complaining.
I think it's very interesting how things are revealed to us in small bits and pieces, so we don't know everything until (almost) the end.
I would definitely recommend this book and will be on the lookout for the next books when they come out.

My Rating: 4 stars

The Illuminati by Larry Burkett REVIEW

Summary:

The year is 2001 and the world is on the brink of economic collapse as the Illuminati, a deadly secret organization, succeeds in placing one of their people in the office of the presidency of the United States, gaining control of world events.

With their plan set in motion, they move closer to complete success--controlling the world's finances--and the Data-Net system is born. Not only does Data-Net give Illuminati power to single out a group of people and cut off their money, fuel, and food supplies, but it enables them to track a person's every move through the attempted use of their Data-Net card--placing the public at the mercy of this secret society.

Have John Elder and Randy Cross read the "signs of the times" soon enough to expose the Illuminati and thwart their diabolical plan? Or will this organization and its leaders be hailed as the world's political saviors?

My Thoughts:

This book captured my attention right away with the title--and then with the description, which led to me reading it.

What ends up happening is the members of the Illuminati convinced citizens that the people of different groups (Christianity, and later, the Jews) are terrorists , with just videos of the police attacking them, claiming that they started the fight. But when the non-Illuminati president finds out about this, he tries to tell the people of it--only to get assassinated.

The genius behind Data-Net realized why the government wanted to use the system, and joined a group of Christians that were in hiding, waiting for the moment to expose the Illuminati.

This book was a pretty good read. It was interesting.

My Rating: 3 stars

The Proving by Beverly Lewis REVIEW

Summary:

After five years as an Englisher, Amanda Dienner is shocked to learn her mother has passed away and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. What's more, the inn will only truly be hers if Mandy can successfully run it for twelve months. Reluctantly, Mandy accepts the challenge, no matter that it means facing the family she left behind--or that the inn's clientele expect an Amish hostess! Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this prove a dreadful mistake?

My Thoughts:

At first this book was a bit confusing since it switched narratives without warning. However, I truly enjoyed reading this novel.

It's very understandable why Mandy left the Amish life--the boy she was courting and her sister were seeing each other in secret. It's quite astonishing how her mother scolded her for being upset rather than her sister for doing something she shouldn't have done. These things made her leave her home, never wanting to go back.

She returns only to run the inn until she could sell it, but she ends up mending her relationship with her sister and deciding to stay and join the Amish community.

My Rating: 5 stars

All the Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry REVIEW

Summary:

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years later, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family.

Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who's owned her heart as long as she can remember--even if he doesn't know it--her childhood friend, Lucas.

But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever.

My Thoughts:

I was, at first, concerned about reading this because of the mixed reviews: many positive but a lot of negative ones, too. However, I'm glad I read it anyway.

The book is written in second person, so it can be hard to follow the story at first. It's also written as letters or a journal from Judith to Lucas. It also seems like it's set in the past? But I'm not really sure, since no dates are mentioned.

First thing that stood out to me: only about half of Judith's tongue was cut out, so she could learn to speak again. She eventually does speak again, but not early on because her mother doesn't want her to.

To be totally honest, I really dislike Judith's mother. I can understand being shocked/unsure of what to do, but eventually she should have accepted Judith as she is, but that doesn't happen.

The way this book is written is that you get bits and pieces of info on what happened before and during Judith's disappearance, but you don't get the whole thing until the end of the book, when she finally speaks up about what really happened.

I really, really enjoyed reading this book despite the fact that there were lots of depressing parts of it.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

The Enemy by Charlie Higson REVIEW

Summary:

When the sickness came, every parent, police officer, politician--every adult--fell ill.Only children under fourteen remain, and they're fighting to survive.

Now there are rumors of a safe place to hide. And so a gang of children begin their quest across London, where all through the city--down alleyways, in deserted homes, underground--the grown ups lie in wait. But can they make it there--alive?

My Thoughts:

You probably noticed I read The Dead (book two) before this, not knowing it was a part of a series. And although it could work as a stand-alone, this book kind of clears up the backround story of what happened before then.

It was a very well written book. In my mind, I could see everything happening. There were enough details for you to picture the story without using too much. Also, it was interesting how adults could stay human if they stayed inside--and became cannibals (fattened up and ate children) so they could have meat. Not to mention the author's willingness to kill off a very beloved character--several, actually.

The story was pretty captivating, too. I don't usually read zombie books, but these are some of the best I've ever read.

I'll most likely check out the other books in this series, too, at somepoint.

My Rating: 5 stars

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines REVIEW

 

Summary:

During the week, Lyn lives in a big house in Cambridge and hangs out with friends in Harvard Square. But over the weekend, she cheers her father on as he gears up for neo-gladiator competition--a high profile televised blood sport that rivals the NFL. Lyn's father is the top player in the league, and the paparazzi that have always swarmed him have started to dog Lyn's every move. All this fame comes with another price--Lyn's family lives with the constant presence of violence, uncertainty, and a strict cultural code set by the Gladiator Sports Association. When a skilled young fighter slays Lyn's father, the GSA imposes an unthinkable sentence--Lyn must marry her father's murderer. Though her mother has made a career out of marrying into Glad culture, Lyn is prepared to do whatever it takes to claim her independence. Even if it means going into the arena herself . . .

My Thoughts:

This book was very different than other books I've read, and a lot different than I thought it would be. Lyn is actually for nonviolence, and doesn't care much for Glad society/culture. And her brother, Thad, is special needs, and can also tell the future, as he predicted their father's death a year before it happened. Lyn is determined not to marry her father's murderer, and to take care of her family herself, even after her mother commits suicide.
There's no action until the end, and that's when Lyn starts to fight the murderer instead of marrying him. And despite telling a family friend NOT to bring Thad to the fight, they do, and he gets injured trying to get to Lyn. That's about when the book stops, and the conflict/fight was supposed to carry on another time, but as far as I know, there's no sequel.
Yes, the author doesn't use quotation marks, which is a bit confusing, but not too confusing to make me stop reading. The Glad rules are kind of stupid and unnecessary, but I guess that's what happens with a society like this. The only problem I have with this book was the lack of successful end of conflict, and a few things that could have been explained more.

My Rating: 5 stars

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White REVIEW

Summary:

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins who helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets--instead they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary is beginning to question whether she can continue in this life when she's offered the challenge of a lifetime--determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. After all how does one steal a family's history, their very name?

As Europe moves ever closer to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can't help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the crown--so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstep pretending to be a well-credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.

When danger and suspicion continue to mount, both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth--about Peter's past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

My Thoughts:

First, I'd like to correct the summary: Rosemary pretends to be a librarian, not a historian.

Next, I'd like to say how hard it was to put this book down: very hard.

At the beginning the story is interesting but then for a bit was boring; however it got very exciting later on.

What's funny is that Rosemary is there to prove him guilty of being loyal to Germany but actually ends up proving him innocent. And falling in love with him. And also marrying him.

Peter is trying very hard to hide the fact that he writes novels under a pen name because a lot of people hate him because they think he's guilty.

I will definitely look into reading more of this series when the next books come out.

My Rating: 5 stars

**I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for review. Thank you!**

Dove Alight by Karen Bao REVIEW

**sequel to Dove Arising and Dove Exiled**
Summary:

Shy, introverted Phaet Theta has gone from being a top student to an interplanetary fugitive to the reluctant but fierce leader of a revolution. With the Earthbound on their side, she and her friends finally have a chance at toppling the evil leaders who've held the people of the Moon hostage for decades. But as the death tolls rise, the cost of war weighs heavily on Phaet, even as she's forced to lead her siblings and Wes, the love of her life, into unimaginable danger.
Phaet began this war because she lost a person she loved. Will she have to lose another to end it?

My Thoughts:

The answer to the last question is yes, she loses Wes. I'm not even totally sure why he had to stay behind, but even though I had a feeling it would happen, I still cried at that part. Also, she ends up marrying the friend who had feelings for her from the beginning--another thing I saw coming.
Other than those things, I loved this book a lot, and I really hope the author continues to write more books not related to this series, since this is the last book.
I saw someone else's review on this and they said it was "the hunger games but in space" and I got really annoyed. Sure, there are a few small similarities, but there are tons more differences than similarities. Other than the fact that there's a corrupt government and a revolution, there's not really any more similarities, big or small.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks REVIEW

 

 Night Angel Trilogy: Book One
Summary:

For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art--and he is the city's most accomplished artist.
For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he's grown up in the slums and learned to judge people quickly--and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.
But to be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassins' world of dangerous politics and strange magics--and cultivate a flair for death.

My Thoughts:

I honestly don't know where to start with this. The book was interesting, but the way it was written was a little confusing. For example, it would randomly switch from one character's part to a different character's part with zero warnings.
Secondly, some characters, such as Elene, should have had more parts in the book, considering her apparent impact in Azoth/Kylar's life. This would also make certain parts less confusing.
And thirdly, some groups of people/animals/objects were mentioned either once or frequently, but were never properly explained, if they were explained at all. If for example if the ka'kari was explained further, the reader would have more of an idea of why its impact on some of the characters' decisions were heavy.
In conclusion, I still don't know what I think of it. At first it was pretty boring, then it got better, and then it got quite a bit confusing. However, the story was good enough that I will consider reading the other two books in this series.

My Rating: 2.5 stars

 

Gauntlet by Holly Jennings REVIEW

**Sequel to Arena**

Summary:

There's a new game in town: a brutal, winner-takes-all international video game tournament showcasing the world's most elite players and promising fame, prestige, and unbelievable fortune. But there's a catch. The game uses new VR pods guaranteed to push digital warriors to their physical and psychological brink--adapting every time a player makes a move.

As the first female captain and youngest team owner in the Virtual Gaming League's history, Kali is used to defying the odds. But when the all-star-tournament heats up, her determination starts to waver and the pressure of media, sponsors, and the game itself begin to put cracks in her hard-set convictions--and strain her relationship with the one person who matters most.

If Kali and her teammates are to survive, they'll have to find a way to be stronger than ever before. But battling the system may prove too difficult for even the most hardened of fighters . . .

My Thoughts:

At the beginning, it was kind of confusing. Like, things happened in between books that are mentioned but not really explained? Which made the book kind of hard to follow?

The book was well written and interesting though. The new game's system and the pressure of media and sponsors make it even better. Not to mention someone in charge is trying to get them out of the game and ruin their reputation because they revealed the hardships of gamers to the public.

The thing is though, the end was very much a cliffhanger. There'd better be another book, because how are they going to get back to their life, if gaming is their life?

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Arena by Holly Jennings REVIEW

Summary:

The RAGE tournaments--the Virtual Gaming League's elite competition where the best gamer in the world face off in a fight to the digital death. Every kill is broadcast to millions. Every player leads a life of ultimate fame, responsible only for entertaining the masses.

And though their weapons and armor are digital, the pain is real.

Chosen to be the first female captain in RAGE tournament history, Kali Ling is at the top of the world--until one of her teammates overdoses. Now she's stuck trying to work with a hostile new teammate who's far more distracting than he should be. Between internal tensions and external pressures, Kali is on the brink of breaking. To change her life, she'll need to change the game. And the only way to revolutionize an industry as shadowy as the VGL is to fight from the inside . . .

My Thoughts:

The beginning of this book was kind of boring. To the point where I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it. 

But I'm glad I kept reading, because it got a lot more interesting.

When Kali's teammate Nathan is found dead of an overdose, Kali snaps. She knows many gamers do eventually go mad, but she stands up to it eventually, which saves her life and her team's reputation. The new teammate, Rooke, seems to not like anyone, but she finds out that he has struggled with the same problem and had a friend experience madness like Nathan's.

They start to pull together and work hard to win the final tournament.

The end was a bit sudden though.

However, I really ended up enjoying this book a lot.

My Rating: 4 stars

More Info

Author Bio

**I received this book from Blogging For Books for free to review. Thank you!**

Tokyo Heist by Diana Renn REVIEW

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Violet loves reading manga and wearing scarves made from kimono fabric, so she's thrilled that her father's new painting commission means a summer trip to Japan. But what starts as an exotic vacation quickly turns into a dangerous treasure hunt. Her father's client, the wealthy Yamada family, is the victim of a high-profile art robbery. Someone has stolen van Gogh sketches from the Yamadas' Seattle mansion and is holding them hostage until the Yamadas can produce the corresponding van Gogh painting. The problem is that nobody knows where this painting is hidden, and until they find it, all of their lives are in danger.

Joined by her friend Reika, Violet searches for the missing van Gogh in a quest that takes her from the Seattle Art Museum to the yakuza-infested streets of Tokyo to a secluded inn in Kyoto. As the mystery deepens, Violet's not sure whom she can trust. But she knows one thing: she has to find the painting and the criminals--before it's too late.

My Thoughts:

Considering that I love manga and anime, reading this book was probably one of the easiest decisions I have ever made.

The main character is someone I can sort of relate to. Violet loves manga (like me) however her taste in manga is much different than mine, as she seems to prefer shojo manga, not shonen.

Her parents' relationship seems kinda complicated, and I still don't really understand it. But they don't live together. Her mom is on a trip to Italy, leaving her with her father, who is a painter. There's kind of some drama to show that Violet doesn't fit in with anyone, she just has Edge, her best friend, who she also secretly has feelings for. But when she goes to Japan, they haven't made up from an argument.  She meets her friend Reika there, and they kind of start investigating on their own. Hideki, who is really someone who was never suspected, ends up being behind the paintings. And when Violet returns to Seattle, she submits her original manga storyboards she created into a contest. She gets third place and makes up from her fight with Edge. Apparently Edge also likes her back, so it seems like they're dating now?

/sorry this review seems kind of all over the place/

Overall, I really enjoyed this book a lot.

My Rating: 5 stars

Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette REVIEW

Summary:

Motherless and raised alongside her brothers, Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting. When her father and brothers are killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one this she never counted on was surviving.

Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, has spent his share of time on the battlefield and is shocked to find an unconscious woman among the casualties. Compelled to bring her to a healer back at the Hebrew camp, he's unprepared for the consequences of what he intended as an act of compassion.

In order to survive, Alanah must unite with her enemy. But will a terrible revelation drive her toward an even greater danger?

My Thoughts:

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this book, but I did!

When Tobiah finds Alanah and brings her to a healer, he finds out that in the law: if you bring a foreigner/enemy back, you must marry them. I honestly find that a bit odd. Also, I don't like how Tobiah is surprised that she can fight/chose to fight. Like, it's perfectly normal to want to avenge your family if they are killed, no matter what gender you are.

Later on Alanah finds out that one of the Hebrews she killed in battle was Tobiah's son, which made her run away, not wanting him to know/hate her.

This book was a lot better than I expected, and I liked it a lot!

My Rating: 4 stars

**I received this book for free to review from Bethany House Publishers. Thank you!**

Lodestar by Shannon Messenger REVIEW

Keeper of the Lost Cities series: Book Five

Summary:

Sophie Foster is back in the Lost Cities--but the Lost Cities have changed. The threat of war hangs heavy over her glittering world. And the Neverseen are wreaking havoc wherever they can.

The lines between friend and enemy have also blurred, and Sophie is unsure exactly whom she can trust. But when she's warned that the people she loves most will be the next victims, she knows she has to act.

A mysterious symbol could be the key--if only she knew how to translate it. And each new clue reveals how far the dark schemes spread. The Black Swan aren't the only ones who have plans. The Neverseen have their own Initiative, and if Sophie doesn't stop it, they might finally have the ultimate means to control her.

My Thoughts:

I'm so glad I finally was able to read this, since the last book left on a cliffhanger. It was just as good as the other books, which rarely ever happens in a series.

Sophie has to trust Keefe, who pretended to go against her with the enemy to be a sort of double-agent. However, if the enemy finds out, they have the means to kill him slowly and painfully. (spoiler) Mr. Forkle dies and her human parents were taken by the enemy. Her human sister somehow remembers her. Then the book ends. On another cliffhanger. (end spoiler) The author really does like making us wait with impatience for the next book, which I hope will come out sometime this year.

In conclusion, this was another amazing book by Shannon Messenger that I totally recommend.

My Rating: 5 stars

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth REVIEW

Summary:

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra's currentgift gives her pain and power--something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother's hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive--no matter what the cost.

Then Akos is thrust into Cyra's world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another?

My Thoughts:

When I first started reading this, the style of writing kind of reminded me of how Marie Lu writes her books alternating the perspectives of characters, and also a bit of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas (plot wise). However, that's probably just me, since I've read those before this.

The story is great, with Akos struggling to save his brother and Cyra struggling to break free of and possibly kill her brother. I understand that Akos was close with his brother, but he's kinda beyond saving. When his only hope of saving is through Cyra's brother, it's kind of a sign that you can't really do anything to save him unless you risk literally everything and everyone with you . . .

As much as I love Cyra as a character (she's probably my favorite), I think the author should have had a bit more of the story from Akos's perspective, since Cyra got most of the chapters. I feel as if the book should have carried on, the remaining problems could have been cleared up with an extra couple hundred pages that I wouldn't have minded reading. But it seems like there's gonna be a sequel sometime soon.

I think it's very interesting how the people carve tattoo-like marks on their skin to remember the people they have killed.

My Rating: 5 stars

The Rains by Gregg Hurwitz REVIEW

Summary:

In one terrifying night, the peaceful community of Creek's Cause turns into a war zone. Not one under the age of eighteen is safe. Chance Rain and his older brother, Patrick, have already fended off multiple attacks from infected adults by the time they arrive at the school where other young survivors are hiding. Most of the kids they know have been dragged away by once-trusted adults, who are now ferocious inhuman beings. The parasite that transformed them takes hold after people turn eighteen--and Patrick's birthday is only a few weeks away.

Determined to save Patrick's life and the lives of the remaining kids, the brothers embark on a mission to uncover the truth about the parasites--and what they find is horrifying.

Battling an enemy not of this earth, Chance and Patrick become humanity's only hope for salvation.

My Thoughts:

This book is actually really good (maybe it's because Gregg Hurwitz wrote it, idk). At first it seems like the parasite turns you into zombies, however they actually have a purpose to what they do. It looks as if someone not on earth is trying to take over earth/the human race.

Ben, one of the survivors is kind of a jerk. He won't listen to reason and basically does what he wants, knowing they can't really do anything to him. And he tried to kill Patrick. 

Chance is uncertain he'll be able to do things without his brother beside him (he didn't die, but is kind of unable to help) but he does really well on his own. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to read the next book.

My Rating: 4 stars

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas REVIEW

Throne of Glass series: Book Five

Summary:

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

My Thoughts:

It's been a while since I've read Aelin/the assassin's story, so my memories of the previous battles/conflicts are small. However, I was able to remember the things I needed in order to be able to actually read this book without going back and rereading the previous books.

This book, as I anticipated, was very well written. Aelin must save her people, but by doing that she also ends up saving her world. She tries to recruit old friends(?) to help who were in her debt. Those who were once trying to kill her end up helping her, but (spoiler) she realizes that to save her people/the world she must sacrifice herself (there's nothing else she can do). At the end she is beaten and taken by an enemy who isn't her REAL enemy, but her companions strive to rescue her/finish what she needed done. Then it ends. Right there. With the most annoying cliffhanger.

Another annoying thing was the inappropriate-ness. But the rest of the book was great. And I'll try to wait for the next book, although it'll kill me.

My Rating: 4 stars

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden REVIEW

Summary:

The unpredictability of her upbringing prepared army nurse Jenny Bennett to face any challenge at the Presido Army base, but the sudden reappearance in her life of the dashing naval officer who broke her heart six years ago is enough to rattle even her.

Lieutenant Ryan Gallagher is one of the few men in the world qualified to carry out a daring government mission overseas--an assignment that destroyed his reputation and broke the heart of the only woman he ever loved. Honor- bound never to reveal where he was during those years, he can't tell Jenny the truth, or it will endanger an ongoing mission and put thousands of lives at risk.

Ryan thinks he may have finally found a solution to his impossible situation, but he needs Jenny's help. While her loyalty to her country compels her to agree, she was too badly hurt to fall for Ryan again despite his determination to win her back. When an unknown threat from Ryan's past puts everything at risk--including his life--can they overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against them in time?

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book a lot more than the other book I read by Elizabeth Camden.

I feel really bad for Jenny, Ryan broke her heart in a very short letter--not even in person. Not to mention that before he did that, he married or at least fell in love with, someone else. I feel especially bad for her since he promised to marry her when he came back from his assignment (that he was leaving for). Plus, he knew her well enough to know she probably wouldn't trust him again, since when she grew up, she had horrible experiences with people. I honestly wish that she didn't go back with him at the end, because I certainly wouldn't if I was her. Not to mention the fact that he's lied to her face many times, despite knowing that it wouldn't help him get her back. The book was kind of an emotional rollarcoaster, but it was also really good.

My Rating: 4 stars

**I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free to review. Thank you!**

Scythe by Neal Shusterman REVIEW

Summary:

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life--and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe--a role that neither wants. These teens must master the "art" of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

My Thoughts:

For some reason, I have a fascination with books like this. I'm actually really glad I picked this one up, because although it's very different than some other books with similar concepts, it's still very good. 

It seems as if Citra and Rowan are living normal lives for that time, until they are taken to be trained by a scythe. No one really wants to be "gleaned" (what they call taking lives), however if the person resists their family is in danger, which is kind of sad. People who have never known death being forced to face it. The kids' trainer dies (SPOILER) not really though. And because some scythes took up their apprenticeship, they still must be forced to dual to the death once the training is complete.

I honestly really loved this book and would really recommend it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Ahsoka by E. K. Johnston REVIEW

Summary:

Ahsoka Tano, once a loyal Jedi apprentice to Anakin Skywalker, planned to spend her life serving the Jedi order. But after a heartbreaking betrayal, she turned her back on the Order to forge her own path, knowing Anakin and the other Jedi would still be there for her should she ever need them.

Then the Emperor took over the galaxy, and the Jedi were ruthlessly murdered. Burdened with grief and guilt, Ahsoka is now truly on her own, unsure she can be a part of something larger ever again. She takes refuge on the remote farming moon Raada, where she befriends a young woman named Kaeden and begins to carve out a life for herself. But Ahsoka cannot escape her past or the reach of the Empire. When Imperial forces occupy Raada, she must decide whether to become involved--even if it means exposing her Jedi past. Her choices will have devastating effects for those around her . . . and lead her to a new hope for the galaxy.

My Thoughts:

I honestly wasn't sure what I would think about this book. I have never read a Star Wars novel that happened in between the third and fourth movie that had a "not made up character" as the main person in the book. I've honestly never read anything like it before, and I doubt I'll ever find one again. This book turned out to be very good. It showed how Ahsoka's been living on her own hiding from the Empire, and showed some flashbacks to some events that happened before the Empire came to power. She doesn't seem to know what had happened to Anakin or Padme. The story was good and fresh from other Star Wars EU books I've read. 

I would really recommend this to any Star Wars fan.

My Rating: 5 stars

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare REVIEW

Mortal Instruments series: Book Six

Summary:

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion of the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris--but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee--even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned . . .

My Thoughts:

I actually really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure if I would, since most final books in most series end horribly or just end with you wanting more, but the end of this one was well written. I still wanted more, but that's just me lol. 

Sebastian turns Shadowhunters into his own army by forcing them to drink from the Infernal Cup, which makes them turn against fellow Shadowhunters who have not been turned.

Rafael, Magnus, Luke, and Jocelyn try to form an alliance with faeries, but they are betrayed and handed over to Sebastian as hostages to force Clary and Jace to come to him.

Clary then saves her friend's lives by pretending to go along with Sebastian's plan, but then kills him with her sword that has heavenly fire in it; the only thing that can kill him. To get home, they must make a deal with Magnus' father, and the price is Simon's immortality and knowledge of his friends' world. But later on Magnus goes against the rules to help him regain the memories Simon lost. And he gets back together with Alec, which I was so happy about.

My Rating: 5 stars

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare REVIEW

Mortal Instruments series: Book Five

Summary:

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace freed from captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing, so is the boy she hates: her brother Sebastian, who is determined to bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

The Clave's magic cannot locate either boy, but Jace can't stay away from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith's magic has wrought--Jace and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other.

Only a few people believe that Jace can still be saved. Together, Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle bargain with the sinister Seelie Queen, contemplate deals with demons, and turn at last to the merciless, weapon-making Iron Sisters, who might be able to forge a weapon that can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. If the Iron Sisters can't help, their only hope is to challenge Heaven and Hell--a risk that could claim their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary is playing a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace's soul. She;s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

My Thoughts:

I liked this book, however it paled in comparison to the previous two books, which are still my favorites. Jace is alternating between himself and the self that Sebastian is controlling while Clary is trying to figure out Sebastian's plan and stop him. Simon, Isabelle, Alec, and Magnus are trying to find a way to kill Sebastian without harming Jace, and Camille is killed by Maureen, the child Simon unintentionally bit. And Alec and Magnus aren't a thing anymore (I figured it would happen since Magnus would have found out what Alec was trying to do, but I'm still kinda depressed on this. I probably ship them more than I should, lol).

Overall, the writing and story were very well done.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Heartless by Marissa Meyer REVIEW

Summary:

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favorite of the unmarried King, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, she wants to open a shop and create delectable pastries. But for her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for a woman who could be queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the King's marriage proposal, she meets handsome and mysterious Jest. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into a secret courtship.

Cath is determined to choose her own destiny. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I wasn't really sure what to expect, as I had never read anything similar to the plot.

Cath just wants to be a baker, and her parents won't let her. They want her to marry the King, although I'm not quite sure if they wanted her to have a safe future or increase their rank in society . . .She falls in love with Jest; however, later on in the book, a prophecy is told that he will die, she will be queen, the hatter will go mad, and Peter will die. She tries to stop it from happening, however she decides to save her maid from being fed to a monster, the maid who used to be her friend and betrayed her. Peter ends up killing Jest, she kills the monster (who used to be Peter's wife), the hatter goes mad, and she accepts the King's proposal then gives up her heart to see Peter dead with the Red Queen's famous line "Off with his head!"

This book was very well written and hard to put down.

My Rating: 5 stars

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare REVIEW

Mortal Instruments series: Book Four

Summary:

The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And--most important of all--Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side--along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time, he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls--neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead her to losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

My Thoughts:

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I liked how it was interesting and hard to put down, I kinda feel like the author should have ended the series after the third book like it was originally planned. 

Jace is normal at first but then starts having nightmares, which leads to him apparently being bound to his not dead but not living "brother", Sebastian. And he almost kills Clary when he is possessed by the demon Lilith. And later unintentionally lets Sebastian's spirit share his body (a huge cliffhanger at the end).

Clary didn't realize that apparently getting Jace back from the dead has consequences? which she didn't know about at all.

Simon was being extremely stupid by dating two girls at once--especially since it's Maia and Isabelle. 

Overall, the book was pretty good, although I don't see the need for its existence.

My Rating: 4 stars

Wax by Gina Damico REVIEW

Summary:

Paraffin, Vermont, is known the world over as home to the Grosholtz Candle Factory. But behind the sunny retail space bursting with overwhelming scents and homemade fudge, seventeen-year-old Poppy Palladino discovers something dark and unsettling: a black room filled with dozens of startlingly lifelike wax sculptures, crafted by one very strange old lady. Poppy hightails it home, only to be shocked when one of the figures--a teenage boy who doesn't seem to know what he is--jumps naked and screaming out of the trunk of her car. She tries to return him to the candle factory, but before she can, a fire destroys the mysterious workshop--and the old woman is nowhere to be seen.

With the help of the wax boy, who answers to the name Dud, Poppy resolves to find out who was behind the fire. But in the course of her investigation, she discovers things in Paraffin aren't always as they seem, that the Grosholtz Candle Factory isn't as pure as its reputation--and that some of the townspeople she's known her entire life may not be as human as they once were. In fact, they're starting to look a little...waxy. Can Poppy and Dud extinguish the evil that's taking hold of their town before it's too late?

My Thoughts:

I loved Croak, so when I saw this, I decided to read it, and I don't regret it at all. Not only is the story really well written and interesting, but the fact that people are turning themselves into wax versions of themselves to live longer (and of other people to see what it's like being them) is pretty creepy. It also sounds like it would make a great anime, but that's a bit off topic. The fact that her best friend got replicated was a twist I never saw coming, and Dud being good then evil but actually good the whole time, was a little confusing, but i think if he stayed evil the story would have been longer, and I wouldn't be writing this review right now...but it would have been an interesting part.

My Rating: 5 stars

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare REVIEW

Mortal Instruments series: Book Three

Summary:

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters--never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in a mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City--whatever the cost?

My Thoughts:

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Out of all the previous books, this is really my favorite (I need to buy it now lol). Not only was this book well written and interesting, but it had several twists you'd never see coming (Sebastian is the real Jonathan, Jace isn't actually Clary's sister, the secret behind their powers, and more). And it had quite a few funny parts to it as well. And Alec finally got with Magnus (in public and no one knew about that until then which was extremely awkward and funny seeing everyone's reactions). I would totally recommend this book to so many people.

My Rating: 5 stars