Take Me Away...

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

12:00 am 23 May 2015

ARC, 375 pages

Release Date: May 26, 2015

Published by: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Stand-alone

Source: ARC received from #RT15

For fans of: Thriller, Contemporary, Mystery, Romance, YA, Stand-alones

I’m the daughter of murdered parents.
I’m the friend of a dead girl.
I’m the lover of my enemy.
And I will have my revenge.
In the wake of the devastating destruction of the luxury yacht Persephone, just three souls remain to tell its story—and two of them are lying. Only Frances Mace knows the terrifying truth, and she’ll stop at nothing to avenge the murders of everyone she held dear. Even if it means taking down the boy she loves and possibly losing herself in the process.
Sharp and incisive, Daughter of Deep Silence by bestselling author Carrie Ryan is a deliciously smart revenge thriller that examines perceptions of identity, love, and the lengths to which one girl is willing to go when she thinks she has nothing to lose.

MY THOUGHTS

This is one of those books that showed me not to judge a book by it's cover. Not that I didn't like the cover, but it has a historical feel to it and I'm just not into them very much. So when I saw this, I kinda strayed away from it. I didn't even add it to my TBR or read the synopsis. But then when I received this one from RT2015, before I decided to trade it away to my mom, I read the synopsis and knew I had messed up. I should've added this months ago.

"They say that the measure of a man isn't in how he faces the expected. It's in how he faces the unexpected."

pg. 36

A luxury cruise ship sank years ago and there are only three people alive to tell the tale. Unfortunately, two of them are not being honest. The other person is still alive but has been keeping quiet for all this time. Until she gets the exact right moment to exact revenge.

"Sometimes the best lies are wrapped in the flavor of truth."

pg. 48

Everyone that has read this says that it reminds them of the show Revenge and if that's true, I need to start watching that show because I loved this. This book forced me to have late nights, headaches for thinking too hard on who it was, and heart aches for being so love sick for her. This book had my emotions everywhere and if the show is anything like that, I need to see it too,

"Luckily, rage is a powerful emotion, strong enough not to just burn away pain but also to sear back the whispering tendrils of fear."

pg. 85

I also loved the plot movement. Everything in this book happened for a reason. Normally when reading books that have things happen specifically for the plot movement, it annoys me, but this one has a specific story-line. Everything happened for a reason because the kick ass heroine made it happen. This of course made for fast plot movement so it was never boring. I found myself on the edge of my seat the entire time.

"And yet pain has found me just the same. It seems as though it's impossible to live a life without it."

pg. 338

Add on to all that the amazing writing style, and I fell in love with this story. If you could see my book now, I have tabbed so many quotes! It was so hard for me to pick the ones that I wanted to go with this review. If nothing else, This was actually my first book by Carrie Ryan and because of her gorgeous writing, it definitely will not be my last.

"It's easier to believe in the cruel hand of nature, than the cruel hand of man."

pg. 370

This book caught me completely by surprise. I almost didn't read it because of a stupid cover mistake, and I'm so glad I decided to do it anyways. If I hadn't picked it up I would've missed out on a thrilling plot, gorgeous writing, and some kick ass characters. I hope everyone enjoys this one as much as I did!

Overall, I give this

romance Penguin review read Dutton i m a cover whore

The Heir by Kiera Cass

12:00 am 21 May 2015

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Published by: Harper Teen

The Selection, #4

Source: Own

For fans of: The Bachelor, Romance, Dystopia, Sparkly Covers, Chick-lit, Royalty, YA, Companion/Series

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.

MY THOUGHTS

I knew this series was big, but I didn't know just HOW big until I read this book. The ending was the cause of a HUGE uproar from teens that I met at RT 2015 and they were NOT happy. I can't wait to see how she Kiera Cass handles this next book that comes out.

"You are Eadlyn Schreave. You are the next person in line to run this country, and you will be the first girl to do it on your own. No one,' I said, 'is as powerfl as you.'"

pg. 5

Twenty years later King Maxon and Queen America have four children and Ilea is upset about things happening in their communities. To help calm them, Maxon and America have decided to hold a Selection for their oldest, Princess Eadlyn. This changes everything as it's the first Selection from a woman, but Eadlyn doesn't have the silly expectations of actually finding love. But the Selection comes to reveal things aren't always what you expect.

Everyone keeps saying that it might be good for me. What does that even mean? I'm smart and beautiful and strong. I don't need to be rescued.' Ahren shrugged. 'Maybe not. But you never know if one of them might need to be.""

pg. 121

The one thing I hated was that it seemed like there was no plot change from the other books. Even though this one was twenty years later and it was a woman's selection, it just seemed like the same story. But there were some things that did change. Such as the way the Selection was handled.

"I'm not sure anyone knows what they're looking for until they find it.'"

pg. 162

Eadlyn was really spoiled and it was getting a little annoying. She seemed to think that no one could help her run the county and that she would be the only one who could get anything done. She went in not wanting to give anyone a chance. Sounds like her mother. It just seemed like I'd read the exact story before and the fact that Eadlyn was such a brat didn't exactly make me like it any more than the original.

"They just want more for themselves. I can't say I blame them, but the people are confused. They think their lives are in our hands, but they're not. 'They're in their own.' 'Exactly.'"

pg. 268

What I did like was the ending. (Looks around for teen girls who might be trying to kill me. If you've read it, you would understand why liking what happens is a bad thing lol ) It made for a really good plot twist. I was expecting them to do something like that, but not to leave it on a cliff hanger like that. I'm guessing at all the possibilities that could happen if the ending played out like I think and I'm really interested in how Cass will handle the next book.

"This was why love was a terrible idea: it made you weak. And there was no one in the world as powerful as me."

pg. 148

All in all, I felt like I have read this book before. I can't lie, this series could've been complete without adding this Selection to the mix, but Cass is smart. Adding these two books to the series and ending this one the way she did, opens her up to so many possibilities to continue this series. Even after the next book is published.

Overall, I give this

romance dystopia review Epic Reads

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

12:00 am 11 May 2015

e-ARC, 408 pages

Release Date: May 12, 2015

Published by: Putnam Juvenile

The Wrath and the Dawn, #1

Source: Penguin Teen First Reads (I received this e-ARC from the publisher. This in no way shaped my opinion on the book. All thoughts of this are my own.)

For fans of: High Fantasy, Romance, Diversity, Magic, Series, YA

A sumptuous and epically told love story inspired by A Thousand and One Nights
Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi's wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.
She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.

MY THOUGHTS

We all know I'm a re-telling fanatic, so when I heard about this Thousand and One Nights re-telling, I knew I had to add it to my TBR pile. I almost read the original one in school (I used Spark Notes *cringes*) so I had kind of an over view of how the story was supposed to go and this was pretty spot on.

"Why did you volunteer, Shahrzad al-Khayzuran?' She did not answer. He continued, "What compelled you to do something so foolish?" ' Excuse me?" Perhaps it was the lure of marrying a king. Or the vain hope you might be the one to stay the course and win the heart of a monster."

pg. 23 (e-ARC)

A prince marries every night. And by dawn, that very bride is dead at the hands of the prince. Out of nowhere, comes Shahrzad who volunteers to become the prince's next wife. Unbeknownst to him, she's there to take revenge on the countless lives he's taken. Including that of her best friend. As it just so happens, she breaks the cycle and finds that he's not as cold-blooded as everyone thought.

"Perhaps you should spend less time despising the game and more time building the patience necessary to win.'"

pg. 31 (e-ARC)

Everyone has raved on and on about this book and I liked it, I admit, but it just wasn't "OMG" worthy. Starting with the romance, I wasn't completely sold on it. In one instant she was scared of him and hated him and in the next she loved him. I get where he fell for her, but when she fell for him, it just felt all of a sudden. It kind of felt weird. But let me tell you this... Once he got swoony, HE WAS SUPER SWOONY.

"For the wonder of a first love can never be matched.'"

pg. 62 (e-ARC)

Also, I wasn't sold on the action in this one. For it to be a fantasy, it seemed like for the first half of the book, not much was happening. I was intrigued, but I still felt that there was nothing happened. For instance, where was the sword fighting and the magic and everything? Well I ended up finding it all the way at the end. And when it finally got to it, it got really good. Like so good I didn't want it to be over.

"Love is a force unto itself, sayyidi, For love, people consider the unthinkable... and often achieve the impossible.'"

pg. 77 (e-ARC)

On the other hand, I did like the re-telling. It went right along with the original story. It actually made me want to go back and read the other one since I didn't before. It had so many of the same elements (like the carpet and Jasmine) and I thought it was so cool. It took me back to my old Disney days. This was the best part of the story that kept me intrigued. Add that to the cast of diverse characters, and those are the reasons I fell in love with this story.

"In my life, the one thing I have learned above all is that no individual can reach the height of their potential without the love of others. We are not meant to be alone."

pg. 137 (e-ARC)

The main thing that made me grab up this book as soon as it was available, was the diversity in it. I love learning about new people and new cultures and this one is filled with facts and awesome I didn't know about. The #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign will be thrilled to add this to their list of books. It will definitely be one that I recommend to anyone looking for a diverse book.

"We women are a sad lot aren't we?" "What do you mean?" "Strong enough to take on the world with out bare hands, yet we permit ridiculous boys to make fools of us."

pg. 208 (e-ARC)

I also liked the ending. It was what I wished the entire book had been like. It is super suspenseful and I am pining away like the rest of the world for Book 2. I need to know what happens!!!! Although the first half of the book wasn't what I expected, the build up to the end was well worth it.

"A shared history does not entitle you to a future, my friend."

pg. 295 (e-ARC)

I'm not sure if I'm considered the black sheep in this one since I still liked it, just not as much as everyone else. It was still a great story.

Penguin review read Putnam

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

12:00 am 7 May 2015

ARC, 448 pages

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Published by: Viking Juvenile

Stand-alone

Source: Penguin First Reads (A copy of this book was sent to me via Penguin First Reads and the publisher. This in no way shaped my opinion of this book. All words on it written under "My Thoughts" are my own.)

For fans of: Realistic Fiction, Realism, Contemporary, Romance, Chick-lit, Sparkly Covers, YA

Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?
Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.
The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.

MY THOUGHTS

After reading books I normally write my reviews right away so I don't forget anything. But with this one I had to wait a few days and sort my feelings out on paper before I turned this review in. It wasn't really what I was expecting, but I say that in the most pleasant way possible. Since I've heard so much about Sarah Dessen being the queen of contemporary romance, I was expecting the swoons to be over the moon. Unfortunately, the romance was swoony, but it wasn't all that I was expecting. What was amazing though, was the realistic nature this story was written.

Parents will always say they don't ignore you, they just tend to help the child that may need them more. (But in this case, Sydney's parents were no different. All they were focused on was Peyton and all his mess ups. But as those mess ups get worse and worse, there's nothing else they can do but let the law handle it. Even then, Sydney isn't the one they're looking at. Until she is. And by then, things are already out of control.

I've only read That Summer by Dessen and that one wasn't too impressing. So when I read "...is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?" I knew it would be good. The romance wasn't really there and at first I was upset about that because I've heard so much about Dessen's swoony boys and it didn't get swoony till super late in the book. But someone told me that Dessen's books are normally about family and other relationships and it made me appreciate the book even more. And as it turns out, that makes a lot more sense because the realism in this book was surreal. It looks like she's become the new Queen of Realistic Fiction. From the food, to the friendships, to the romance, it felt like a movie and not a book.

The romance in this one was ok, but not the best. Mac has his swoony moments, but he won't be one I write home about. But that was because this book focused more on Sydney as a character. Her friendship with the people from both schools, the relationship between her and her family, and last but not least, the relationship between her and her brother. Having not read many books where the main character and her different relationships are the main focus, it was a very welcome change.

Last but not least, the writing in this one was what MADE this book for me. After reading Dessen's very first book and then reading her most recent, I was able to see the difference of her writing styles from the beginning to the most recent. And I can clearly see the difference. Everything in this felt so descriptive and made me feel all the emotions that Sydney felt as if I were her. I was pleasantly surprised to see it wasn't as MG-ish as the first. I can't wait to see what else she has in store.

This book is the the twelfth book by Sarah Dessen but only the second of hers I've read. This one book alone has changed my view on her. It made me want to read everything else by her. If they're all filled with the swoony times, cool families and friendships, and all the realism, like this one, there is about 100% chance that I will read them all.

Penguin review Viking E-galley i m a cover whore

The Replaced by Kimberly Derting

12:00 am 30 April 2015

The Replaced (The Taking) - Kimberly Derting

ARC, 354 pages

Release Date: April 28, 2015

Published by: HarperTeen

The Taking, #2

Source: ATWAT

For fans of: Sci-fi, Romance, Road Trips, Action, Cliffhangers

Romantic and action-packed, The Replaced is the gripping second installment in the Taking trilogy.

Kyra hasn't been the same since she returned from her mysterious five-year disappearance. Now, on the run from the NSA, Kyra is forced to hide out with others who, like her, have been Returned. Yet she is determined to find Tyler, the boy she loves who was also abducted—all because of her. When her group intercepts a message that Tyler might still be alive but is in the hands of a shadowy government organization that experiments on the Returned, Kyra knows it's a risk to go after him. What if it's a trap? And worse, what if the returned Tyler isn't the same boy she lost?
Perfect for fans of The Fifth Wave and the Body Finder series, The Replaced is both chilling and explosive, with creepy, otherworldly elements and twisty, psychological thrills that will have you questioning what exactly it means to be human.

*MY THOUGHTS*

Although I did like this one, I wasn't as big a fan of it as I was of its predecessor. I;m pretty sure it was only because of me, because I just don't like on the run or road trip books as much as others. It may be the fact that they have too much time interacting with all the same characters.

In this second installment, Kyra is on the run from the NSA along with a group of others that have been Taken. But then the group gets a message that Tyler and who they think is her father are alive... Naturally this sparks some interest in them all and they decide as a group if they think its a trap or if it's safe for them to go find them. As they set on the road to escape the NSA once again, things start to heat up!

"Because here's the thing. If I could dream, it would be of him. Tyler But dreaming was one of those things only afforded to those who could sleep.'"

(ARC)

The action in this one was good, but there was too little of it. Either that or I'm not a huge fan of stories where the characters are on the run or on road trips. But at the same time, I was ok with it because when there were things going on, they were very good things. It felt like a filler book, but towards the end so many things were revealed. Some things I figured out and some others where I was left with an open mouth.

"Memory was a tricky thing.'"

(ARC)

As for the romance, I wasn't a fan of it in the first one and I'm still not a fan of it now. This is one ship I'm not on. It is still just too weird for me. I like them individually and I love how sweet he is, but it's just weird for them to be together. But with the "other" boy, I was very happy and wished that it would end up there. Buttttt of course Derting had other plans BECAUSE THAT ENDING THO. Why?! How am I supposed to wait this long for the next book? I need to know what the hell is going on! The ending to this one was kinda creepy. I can't wait to read the final book!

"It's your memories and life experiences, your hopes and fears and dreams and passions, that make you who you are....'"

(ARC)

Although this felt like just a filler for me, there were some things that helped to save it. The main thing being the ending. This series is a good one that makes on question whether we're the only ones on this side of the galaxy and how long have they been watching us.....

Overall, I give this

HarperTeen Sci-fi

All Fall Down by Ally Carter

12:00 am 5 February 2015

Hardcover, 320 pages

Release Date: January 20, 201

Published by: Scholastic Press

Embassy Row, #1

Source: Library

For fans of: Action, Thrillers, Mysteries, Suspense, YA

A new series of global proportions -- from master of intrigue, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter.
This exciting new series from NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter focuses on Grace, who can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world, and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.
Now, at age sixteen, she's come back to stay--in order to solve the mystery of her mother's death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved.

MY THOUGHTS

I'll be honest, I wasn't a fan of Ally Carter's first series so I wasn't as excited for this one as as everyone else. This time I thought I new better than to get my hopes up. But this time I was surprised. I ended up enjoying this more than I though.

Grace's mother died in a fire. Well so they say. Grace believes she was killed but no one believes her. Grace will do everything in her power to ensure that they finally start believing her and that they find who did it. Proving that she saw a scarred man and he's the one who killed her mother is difficult as her grandfather is the US Ambassador and a very busy man.The fact that they're surrounded by other Ambassadors and Prime Ministers makes it hard to just exist.

I loved that this mystery was so fast paced. There was something happening on every turn of the page! There were cliffhanger chapters and alot of things that surprised me each and every time. But that's something that I love. Making me say "One more chapter" and then making me say that five more times in the same sitting shows that the book is good and addictive. I love being surprised, especially with mysteries.

The best part of this story was the fact that I wasn't able to guess the person who did it until the very end. Normally I can guess before every piece of evidence is given to the reader, but this time I didn't guess it until right before. I'm so glad I didn't get it too early. That kind of thing can ruin my reading experience.

The only thing I wasn't happy with was the ending. I'm all for a cliff hanger and all, but to have one where nothing was really answered. I mean the facts were given, but there were no "why" questions answered. I get it, it makes me want to go and read the second one, but the rest of the story had already done that. I would've read it regardless of what the ending was. It just felt incomplete to leave it the way it was.

Although I wasn't a fan of her first series, Carter's second one has definitely changed my mind on her writing. This fast paced mystery will have readers on the edge of their seats flipping page after page to get all the answers. Forewarning though... That ending is a doozie.

Overall, I give this

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

12:00 am 2 February 2015

e-ARC, 400 pages

Release Date: February 3, 2014

Published by: Henry Holt & Co.

Stand-alone

Source: Netgalley (A huge thank you to both the publisher and Netgalley. This galley was provided to me in exchange for a just and honest review. I received no type of compensation for getting this galley.)

For fans of: Contemporaries, Diversity, Realistic Fiction, Tear Jerkers, YA, Sparkly Covers, DEAR

If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.
Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper.

MY THOUGHTS

I know I loved a book when I have to start and stop a review several times and I'm still unsure I've found the right words for it, This is one of those circumstances. I'll Meet You There is a swoony, funny, sarcastic, and just everything you need from a book.

"Being a Marine isn't the only thing you're good at. Maybe you just don't know your thing yet, you know? I think..." I took a breath "I just think you're selling yourself short.'"

25%

Skylar is not your typical girl from Creek View. She has an actual chance of getting out. (Without becoming pregnant first.) Try as she might to stay out of trouble, it still found her. In the form of a Marine. Josh is back in Creek View after his tour in Afghanistan and and everything is different. Especially him. As the summer goes by, both Skylar and Josh see what's really important to them.

"...it's okay to be proud of yourself, Josh."

32%

I loved all "the feels" this book brought on. I laughed out loud, I cried, I got mad, I felt EVERYTHING while reading this. I was fully immersed in this story. Enough to cry real tears and talk back to the book like Skylar would jump from the pages and do what I told her.

"you can't have the light without the dark, right? Maybe our darkness was necessary for other people to see their light.'"

43%

I also loved the beautiful, lyrical way this story was written. Although the main character of this story is Skylar, there are some chapters from Josh's POV that are super intense and give us a look into his feelings. Though they sometimes hurt to read, I loved that Demetrios gave us that glimpse at Josh. This way we were able to see why he did what he did although we may not have agreed with it. Yes Skylar may have been the MC, but my favorite voice of the story was Josh's.

"What am I supposed to do when I'm bad for the one good thing in my life?'"

65%

As far as Josh and Skylar together there were so many hick-ups but I rooted for them the entire way. Both Josh and Skylar needed someone to be loved by and I wanted them to find it in each other. There were many times I was upset that they didn't do what I wanted them to, but at the same time, I understood. But trust me, the times they finally get it right, it was electrifying. Josh is seriously swoony and he and Skylar together captured my heart.

"Love is medicine and dreams are oxygen.'"

-Acknowledgements

Heather Demetrios is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. She dares to write outside the box, from teens with huge families that make it to television to teen amputated war veterans. Her writing swept me away to the trailer park in Creek View and even though Skylar was so intent on leaving, I didn't want to.

Overall, I give this

read harperteen E-galley henry holt i m a cover whore

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

12:00 am 31 January 2015

Hardcover, 323 pages

Release Date: April 1, 2014

Published by: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux (BYR)

Stand-alone

Source: Purchased/ Netgalley

For fans of: Contemporaries, Diversity, Realistic Fiction, YA, Poetry

It begins as an assignment for English class: Write a letter to a dead person.
Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to the dead—to people like Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, Amelia Earhart, and Amy Winehouse—though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating the choppy waters of new friendships, learning to live with her splintering family, falling in love for the first time, and, most important, trying to grieve for May. But how do you mourn for someone you haven't forgiven?
It's not until Laurel has written the truth about what happened to herself that she can finally accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was—lovely and amazing and deeply flawed—can she truly start to discover her own path.
In a voice that's as lyrical and as true as a favorite song, Ava Dellaira writes about one girl's journey through life's challenges with a haunting and often heartbreaking beauty.

*MY THOUGHTS*

I had this book for review before it was released, but then I heard it was written entirely in letters I kind of shyed away form it, I'm not a huge fan of poetry and that's exactly what this sounded like, But then the reviews for it started pouring in and I was so intrigued that I decided to still give it a chance. So, it stayed on my TBR until I was ready for it.

Oddly enough, while reading this, the letter style and the poetry feel didn't bother me. It actually made the story a little more lyrical and it flowed so nicely. Dellaira has a great writing style that I actually kind of envied. She was able to use those letters to tell Laurel and May's story as well as keep incorporate some of whoever she wrote that specific letter to. It was so intricate and well put together and I was very impressed.

What I didn't like was the plot. The beginning was good because I was anticipating something bad happening. (So many people had told me to get my tissues ready,) I just knew I was in for a doozie. But as it got to the middle, it just drug on. I really felt like what was happening actually had nothing to do with May and Laurel. Although it taught her a small lesson in the end, I really felt like a large chunk of that could have been left out. The ending is where it got good again which is unfortunate because by then it was too late. Finallt everything began to come together, but by then I had already guessed what had happened. So of course when it did, I wasn't surprised and I didn't cry. It was weird because I normally do cry at books like this, but after a predicted plot twist, the tears just never came.

All in all, this wasn't what I was expecting after everyone's rave reviews about it. Yeah the writing was very impressive, but the plot and the middle of the story just dragged on too much for me. Although this wasn't the right fit for me, I hope it falls into the hands of someone who can utilize it and cherish it,

E-galley Farrar Straus Giroux most-anticipated

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

12:00 am 29 January 2015

Hardcover, 220 pages

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Published by: Henry Holt & Co.

The Lunar Chronicles, #0.1

Source: Bought (It was out a day early at Barnes and Noble!

For fans of: Romance, Sci-Fi, Sparkly Covers, Favorites, DEAR

In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,

Who is the fairest of them all?

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.
Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

MY THOUGHTS

As the self-proclaimed number one fan of this series, there's no doubt I loved this book. Although I wished Winter had been released, it was nice to get a look into Queen Levana's head.

"Mirror, Mirror Who's the fairest of them all?"

Title Page

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad it was semi short because it was pretty hard to be in her mind. She definitely had some crazy going on, but seeing why she was that way opened my eyes a bit. Not to where I sympathize with her (because she did some cray, cray things), but to where I can at least see it wasn't her fault.

"Being queen is a right little sister."

page 12

What I loved most about this book was the way Meyer was still able to weave everyone's stories into one. Although they did not know each other, the entire gang from the series makes appearances in this one. It was very interesting to find out facts about each of the character's background.

"Love is a conquest! Love is a war!"

page 92

Another thing I loved about this was all the FEELS. For this to be so short and for it to be just a "bridge" book, it really showed a lot of emotion. I felt my heart break a million times for Levana, but then I got pissed off at Levana for someone else, and then I was scared for everyone's life when she started finding out who everyone was and what she may be up against. It felt like a kick in the gut.

"A good queen was a well informed queen."

page 209

Marissa Meyer has done nothing but solidified my love for this series with this book. I never knew how bad I needed to know Levana's story until I got it. And in my opinion, those are the best kinds of stories.

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

1:30 am 8 January 2015

Hardcover, 235 pages

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Stand-alone

Source: Gifted from Lori

For fans of: Romance, Chick-lit, Road Trips, Adventure, Contemporary Romance, Grief, Realistic Fiction, Stand-alones, LOL

Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn’s celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.
Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn’s last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn . . . and ruggedly good-looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn--but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

MY THOUGHTS

One of my resolutions this year was to read more of what I should've read a long time ago. In Honor was one of those books. I'm glad I finally chose to read it.

"...some things are so true you can feel 'em right here. She put her hand to her chest. And that's one of 'em. You two are meant to be in this together. Here."
pg. 134

Honor is grief stricken by her brother's passing and loads up her things and heads to a concert after he leaves her something. But all of a sudden Rusty, her brother's old friend, comes out of nowhere and he's very different from what he used to be. He joins Honor on her journey on her road trip and from there, many adventures unfold.

"Denial's a stubborn thing. And necessary at first, so the world doesn't come crashing down on you all at once."
pg. 137

What was throwing me off from originally reading this was the road trip aspect. When this book came out I wasn't really into contemporaries and those I did read, I didn't want to feature road trips because I felt they were boring and had nothing happening. But this one was completely different from what I thought it would be. Rusty and Honor find themselves visiting different places and meeting and interacting with other people. These little stops they made at the different places were what made the story for me. Every time there was some weird event where I was left laughing out loud. Literally.

"...it seemed like no matter where you thought you were supposed to be, life had other ideas."
pg. 220

I loved Honor. I loved her because I could connect with her. I've lost many people in my life and I found myself acting the same manner she did; grief, acting on whims, and of course a trait I already had, stubbornness. As for Rusty, I really didn't like him for a while. He was a complainer and for him to be the older one, it felt like Honor was babysitting him. But as I've said before, people deal with grief in their own way. His way just seemed to be different than others.

"...he loved you. And that's what you do for people you love. You do what you can to help 'em out, give things up if that's what needs to happen. It's not complicated."
pg. 225

In the end, this book turned out to be a really sweet book. After reading this andGolden, Jessi Kirby can really do no wrong to me. I will definitely be looking forward to her newest release which comes out later this year.

Overall, I give this

The Duff by Kody Keplinger

4:57 pm 14 December 2014

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend - Kody Keplinger

AudioBook, 7 parts

Narrated by: Ellen Grafton

Release Date: September 7, 2010

Published by: Poppy

The Duff, #1

Source: Library via OverDrive

For fans of: Romantic Comedies, Contemporary Romance, Books to Movies, YA

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.
But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.
Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

MY THOUGHTS

Before I start my review I have to admit that I started reading this book due to awesome-sauce movie trailer it has out now! I had it on my radar since I first started blogging, but I just never got around to it. But after seeing the trailer, I just couldn't wait any longer. I waited to see if my library had it and checked it out automatically.

Bianca loathes Wesley. She calls him a womanizer and he openly accepts it. They fight about things all the time, but the one time that Wesley calls Bianca "The Duff" she decides that she has nothing left to say to him and throws her drink in his face. But soon after, things for Bianca start to get complicated and she needs an escape. She ends up calling on the number one person NO ONE would have thought.

After reading the book and thinking about it and everything, I have to say it's alot different than I thought it would be. Bianca got on my nerves with her cynical attitude. I know there really are people out there like that, but those people aren't necessarily someone I would hang out with. This of course made it hard for me to read about her and connect with her. Jessica and Casey were way better people and what kept the story alive for me.

As for the writing style, I wasn't really impressed by it. Everyone was saying it was funny and they enjoyed it, but I wasn't a huge fan of it. I mean I laughed at some things, but with others I was just like "oh." It just wasn't that funny to me. Which I found pretty weird because I laugh at everything.

What I did like about this story was the message it got out. At first I wasn't very excited about what it is she was doing, but as she finally began to understand herself more and became aware of the message she was sending, I finally fell completely for it.

I think if I had read this when I found out about the book (about 4 years ago when I first started blogging) I would have enjoyed this a bit more. But now seeing as I'm a huge fan of contemps and have read so many of them over the years, I'm not really impressed. I heard that she was 18 when she wrote this, so that may be another reason it felt so generic, so I will still try reading other books by her.

My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

4:54 pm 14 December 2014

My Heart and Other Black Holes - Jasmine Warga

ARC, 302 pages

Release Date: February 10, 2014

Published by: Balzer + Bray

Stand-alone

Source: ATWT

For fans of: Contemporaries, Diversity, Realistic Fiction, Tear Jerkers, YA

A stunning novel about the transformative power of love, perfect for fans of Jay Asher and Laurie Halse Anderson.
Sixteen-year-old physics nerd Aysel is obsessed with plotting her own death. With a mother who can barely look at her without wincing, classmates who whisper behind her back, and a father whose violent crime rocked her small town, Aysel is ready to turn her potential energy into nothingness.
There's only one problem: she's not sure she has the courage to do it alone. But once she discovers a website with a section called Suicide Partners, Aysel's convinced she's found her solution—Roman, a teenage boy who's haunted by a family tragedy, is looking for a partner. Even though Aysel and Roman have nothing in common, they slowly start to fill in each other's broken lives. But as their suicide pact becomes more concrete, Aysel begins to question whether she really wants to go through with it. Ultimately, she must choose between wanting to die or trying to convince Roman to live so they can discover the potential of their energy together.

MY THOUGHTS

When I first read this book I read it over Thanksgiving break. During this time I was already thinking about all the things I was most thankful for. Reading this intensified those feelings. It made everything I was thankful for seem about 50x's more important to me. I'm so thankful for the family and friends (both bookish and non) that I have in my life. Because I've realized that having even only one person in your life to show you that you matter can make all the difference.

"Depression is like a heaviness that you can't ever escape. It crushes down on you, making even the smallest things like trying your shoes or chewing on toast seem like a twenty mile hike uphill. Depression is a part of you; it's in your blood. If I know anything about it, this is what I know. It's impossible to escape..'"

pg. 14 (ARC)

Aysel wants to die and she's spent the majority of her life planning out the ways she wants to do it. She's not brave enough to go at it alone, so she enlists the help of a website that specializes in suicides. She goes through a part in the website called "Suicide Partners" and enlists the help of a teen boy named Roman. Together they plan their lives until the end.

"Before my father's crime, my mother used to look at me with a combination of love and longing, like I was a morror into her past life, a biittersweet memory. [...] It was almost like I was her permanent bruise. Not a painful brusie, but a tender one made of melancholy memories.'"

pg. 20 (ARC)

What hooked me about this book is the writing style. I'm absolutely shocked that this was a debut. There were so many passages that I wrote down or tabbed to remember for later. Warga did an incredible job depicting Asyel and Roman's sadness; she made it feel so real. When the emotions in a book make me feel like the events are really happening, like I feel really heartbroken, that's how I know I've fallen for the book.

"Maybe the sadness come just before the insanity.'"

pg. 27 (ARC)

Which is also another reason I loved this one. Her characters were SO believable and realistic. And her descriptions of depression made me connect with them even more. I know someone who battles with depression and Aysel reminded me so much of them. The same actions, thoughts, everything. Because of this I wanted to reach through the book and try to save her by myself. I really felt like I knew her, or at the very least understood.

"What people don't understand is that depression isn't about the outside, it's about the inside. Something inside me is wrong. Sure, there are things in my life that make me feel alone, but nothing makes me feel more isolated and terrified than my own voice in my head.'"

pg. 40

Lastly, I was so thankful for their friendship. Regardless of the circumstances, I was so happy they found each other. Because making one friend to someone who feels so lost and alone could mean the world. Them finding each other helped me see a change in one of them and I was glad for even that one small change even if it was insignificant. At least they could have something to do together and neither had to be alone.

"...I'm more scared of what comes next. [...] What if this isn't the end and we just go on to a place even worse than this one? [...] Any place has to be better than this one.'"

pg. 99 (ARC)

As real as the emotions and characters were though, I didn't find myself crying until the very end. The ending of the book and the author's note had me in tears. Like "I'm glad this is the end because I'm crying so my eyesight is blurred" tears. But even still, this book was so good. I encourage everyone to read it. It will make you think about what matters the most to you and why it's so important to keep those things surrounding you all the time.

E-galley

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

4:46 pm 14 December 2014

AudioBook, 14 parts

Narrated by: Nick Chamian

Release Date: October 8, 2013

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Heroes of Olympus, #4

Source: Library via OverDrive

For fans of: Adventure, Action, Romance, Mythology (Roman/Greek), Fantasy, Sparkly Covers, YA

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?
They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

MY THOUGHTS

Although I did like this one, it wasn't as great as the others in this series. And since I got the audio version, I missed out on the acknowledgements page :( Looks like I'll be buying the hardcovers. *shrugs*

What I loved most about this book was the way there was SO MANY FEELS! Like SO SO MANY. I'll just say this. My PercAbeth ship is indeed in Tartarus. I'll just leave it at that. Not because they were actually there, but because I know that them being together means someone else is unhappy. And it came out of NOWHERE. And then Leo's new ship was sweet and depressing as well. Riordan, why don't you want ANY of your demigods to be happy?! The only ship that's really intact is Coach Hedge's, but that's all I'll say about that one. It's kinda cute though you guys!

Other than the ships, I really loved the character development in this novel. There is so much we learn about everybody and it's really astounding to me that we are just now finding this all out in the second to last book in the series. Bur, all of these things that were just given to us makes me a little nervous on what i should expect from Blood of Olympus. I'm not sure where things are going to go from here, but I am sure that I'm going to read it!

I also liked the new addition of gods and goddesses in this one. I've been trying to figure out why Cupid hasn't been seen since I started this series and he FINALLY made an appearance. These new gods and goddesses really gave the demigods a run for their money. They led them into so many traps and really had them scared. (I admit I was a little scared as well. Especially for Annabeth and Percy. Them down in the underworld was super scary.) Each god they ran into gave their own plot twist and it was very cool how Riordan kept them all together.

I guess the main reason this one didn't get five stars like the others is because this one's narrator. I have no idea why they changed narrators in the middle of the series, but I am pretty upset that Joshua Swanson didn't do this one too. Swanson did the entire Percy Jackson series and the first three books in this series, and for them to change him now didn't seem like it made much sense. Also, I'm not a huge fan of the new guy, but I'm not sure if it's because I genuinely didn't like him, or if he's really just not as good as the other one.

In short, I liked this book, but it wasn't as much as normal. Yeah I understand why it was important, but when I read a Riordan book, I want to see all the action and adventure. I know this one most definitely had both because I mean come on, some of it was in Tartarus, but still, I wanted MORE. I'm POSITIVE things will change in Blood of Olympus as it is a series ender. But I'm more than likely just going to go out and buy that one because I'm literally #65 out of 65 people on hold for the audio. I don't think I can wait that long smh

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

4:37 pm 14 December 2014

Hardcover, 390 pages

Release Date: August 24, 2010

Published by: Scholastic Press

The Hunger Games, #3

Source: Own

For fans of: Action, Dystopian, Post Apocalyptic, Romance, YA

My name is Katniss Everdeen.

Why am I not dead?

I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans--except Katniss.
The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

My Thoughts:

Well, well, well... I didn't think I was ever going to read this book after the book was spoiled for me. But with the movie coming out next week (OMG... And I don't think it needs to be split into two parts...) I said screw it. At least that way there won't be anymore surprises in the movie.

"Some walks you have to take alone."
pg. 5

Just like The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, Mockingjay was full of action and surprises. Panem is still on the brink of war and Katniss is still represented as the Girl on Fire. But Katniss now has a decision to make... Does she really want to stop being a pawn of the Capitol's and become one of the rebellion? Either way she still has to be used by a side in the war.

"I'm going to be the Mockingjay"
pg. 31

This book wasn't really that great to me though. But the only reason why is because it was spoiled for me and I kept waiting for the "big event" to happen. (Damn you Tumblr memes!!!!!) But if I minus out that fact, it made it so much better. I wish I could read it when everyone else did. Before there was stuff all over the internet. But the fact of the matter is, I still liked the twists and turns that the plot was taking. What I didn't like, was the weak fight scenes. One of my favorite things from the first book was how Katniss and Peeta were set in these crazy scenes but they always came out on top. Part of me loving the book was watching the way she became a victor over and over again. But I felt that was missing in this one. All the fight scenes were over as fast as they started and it was just death instead of fighting. Like there was no build up to the death I guess? I'm not sure how to explain it, but I guess that's what I mean.

"Fire is catching! [...] And if we burn, YOU BURN WITH US!."
pg. 31

Other than that, I did feel like it was an ok ending to an epic series. Although I can see where some people hated this one, I have to say I agree, but I don't. Mockingjay is certainly not my favorite one in the series, but I didn't hate it. Just like the rest of the series, I'll be rereading it someday. If not for any other reason but for the extremely cute epilogue. It was a super cute ending to a series so scary, but at the same time, I liked that it gave a look into their future. I would've been a little upset without it.

"You love me. Real or not real?' I tell him "Real."
pg. 390

Throughout this series Katniss has grown into the Mockingjay that every one was hoping for. No the series didn't turn out exactly as I wanted it to, but what series ever does? I'm glad I finally gave in and read it all the way through.

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

4:31 pm 14 December 2014

AudioBook, 12 parts

Narrated by: Joshua Swanson

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Heroes of Olympus, #3

Source: Library via OverDrive

For fans of: Adventure, Action, Romance, Mythology (Roman/Greek), Fantasy, Sparkly Covers, YA

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy--after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera--it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can't blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon figurehead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.
And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket, Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving command: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find--and close--the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?
Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader--but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

MY THOUGHTS

There's really nothing I can can say bad about this series or the author. He's been getting me through so much (homework and stressful times) with his humor and super cool adventures. I'm not sure which series I love more, but I'm so glad he decided to make this spin-off series.
I have a friend that had been telling me to read this FOREVER when this came out. I never had time because I had been putting it on the back burner since I was so late to reading the very first one. Finally, I just said forget it and started listening to the audio books. I'm 100% glad I found some type of way to make time. I'm also glad I went with the audiobooks. The narrator, Joshua Swanson, is AWESOME!!!
In this addition to the series we see the demigods all joining together to complete yet another dangerous quest. This time it has to do with something very important, The Mark of Athena. Annabeth is having dreams and her mother has made an appearance with one imperative instruction: Follow the Mark of Athena. And knowing their lives as demigods, this will not be an easy task.
I think this one is my favorite book of the series because it unites the Roman and Greek demigods together for real They all have individual tasks, but are all working together to carry out the prophecy of finding the Doors of Death. Seeing them all work together and meeting all the gods (the Greek ones shape shifting into the Roman ones) was pretty cool.
And LAWDDDDDD that ending!!!!!!!!!!! Riordan, if I didn't love you so much, I'd hate you. You guys, if you haven't read this book, please have Book 4 House of Hades readily available because let me tell you.... This one ends on a cliffhanger. And I mean that quite..... LITERALLY. Thank the gods I was warned beforehand by a friend that I would need to check out House of Hades at the same time or maybe a couple days before hand. I'm 1,000% glad I waited until now to read this because there is no way I would've been able to wait an entire year for the next installment!

Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff

4:27 pm 14 December 2014

Playlist for the Dead - Michelle Falkoff

ARC, 279 pages

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Published by: HarperTeen

Stand-alone

Source: ATWAT

For fans of: Contemps, Romance, Music

A teenage boy tries to understand his best friend's suicide by listening to the playlist of songs he left behind in this smart, voice-driven debut novel.
Here's what Sam knows: There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, his best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs, and a suicide note: For Sam—listen and you'll understand.
As he listens to song after song, Sam tries to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it's only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he will finally be able to piece together his best friend’s story. And maybe have a chance to change his own.
Part mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Tim Tharp’s The Spectacular Now, Playlist for the Dead is an honest and gut-wrenching first novel about loss, rage, what it feels like to outgrow a friendship that's always defined you—and the struggle to redefine yourself. But above all, it's about finding hope when hope seems like the hardest thing to find.

MY THOUGHTS

As contemps are my favorite genre, I knew that this was a must read. Even more so because it wasn't just a cute, fluffy one, but one about something much deeper.

"Look, it's true that I think there are a lot of people to blame for all this, but I'm one of them. [...] And it's not my job to decide who should pay."

(ARC)

Hayden and Sam have it hard. Not only are they bullied by outsiders, but the bullies that target them are actually Hayden's brothers and his friends. There's really no escaping them. Hayden eventually has enough and commits suicide. Sam is upset deeply by it, as it is him who finds his body, but starts to question everything he knows about Hayden. He finds a playlist with Hayden along with a weird note.

"They'd never deserved him, his family."

(ARC)

What I liked most about this book was the mystery aspect. There is someone going around and hurting the people that wronged Hayden. But the cool part is the way it's written. I can't tell you exactly how without giving away spoilers, but the way it all ties in, is really interesting. The culprit who is behind it isn't easy to figure out wither. This does bring light to all the people who wronged him. Everyone that should have been on his side turned bad in some way. For awhile I was hating that there were only a few people in the book that WASN'T a cruel person. It made me really question kids and their motives. In the end, I couldn't guess who the culprit was because it was the person I most expected. It's funny how that never really works out lol

"For a guy with one friend, his funeral was pretty ccrowded."

(ARC)

I also liked Falkoff's writing style. I haven't read too many books from a boy's POV, but this one seemed solid. Especially since Sam was so hurt. He was such an open, honest character and I felt so bad for him. Her writing really made me want to swallow him in a hug!

"[...] I hadn't factored in that everyone has a breaking point."

(ARC)

The thing that brought this book over the top for me was the playlist. Most of the songs were new to me so I went ahead and listened to some of them while I read the chapter it went with. It really tied the story together and heleped me match some of the events up with things that happen in the chapter and then in the song. I felt that it really connected me to the story.

"[He] was a lot smarter than people gave him credit for wasn't he? [...] Nice that someone finally got it. "Way smarter.'"

(ARC)

Bullying is still happening out there and things like this fictional story happen entirely too much. What happened with Hayden could happen to anyone that we know and that's pretty scary. This book features a relevant topic in a way that will leave any music/book lover satisfied.

Take Me Away...

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

MY THOUGHTS

The Heir by Kiera Cass

MY THOUGHTS

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

MY THOUGHTS

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

MY THOUGHTS

The Replaced by Kimberly Derting

MY THOUGHTS

All Fall Down by Ally Carter

MY THOUGHTS

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

MY THOUGHTS

Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

MY THOUGHTS

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

MY THOUGHTS

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

MY THOUGHTS

The Duff by Kody Keplinger

MY THOUGHTS

My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

MY THOUGHTS

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

MY THOUGHTS

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

MY THOUGHTS

Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff

MY THOUGHTS

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