Book Review: L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

Title: L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
Series: L.A. Candy #1
Finished on: January 21, 2013
Released:  June 16th 2009 by HarperCollins
Source: Library E-book
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:

Los Angeles is all about the sweet life:
 
Hot clubs, cute guys, designer...everything. Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun.
When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please!
Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara-free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres-and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight.
In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be.

Let's be clear right now, I'm a huge fan of The Hills and Lauren Conrad so that may impair my judgement just a tad bit, but I'm trying my best to be completely impartial and give an honest review of the book.

For the first half I really didn't know how I felt about L.A. Candy. By the end I was completely hooked and almost skipped everything else I had scheduled to read the sequel.  This was an addicting read that I flew through in just a few hours.

The main character, Jane, is very likeable. You want everything to work out for her. Yet somethings that happen to her are very undeserved and I totally felt for her. And of course there are spoiled mean girls at play who deserve a good kick.

Yes, the writing is a bit more simplistic than a lot of other books out there, but honestly, it's realistic of the demographic that is portrayed in the novel. This is definitely a YA "chicklit" and perfect for a reader looking for something very light. Maybe as a refresher after a heavier read? Beach reading material for sure. Lots of drama, fashion, and parties; a very girly novel.
Anyway, this is a must-read for fans of Lauren Conrad, MTV, or reality TV in general. I don't know how much of it is actually true, but it could provide a lot of insight of what goes in behind-the-scenes of so-called "reality" shows.

Oh, and heads up for anyway planning to read L.A. Candy, we're left with a total cliffhanger, guaranteeing you'll want to read the next installment.

Book Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched by Ally Condie
Series: Matched #1
Finished on: February 7, 2013
Released: November 30th 2010 by Dutton Juvenile
Source: Library E-book
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Love.Love.Love.

Let's start with the setting. I adored it. Condie did an excellent job creating a whole new world. She's just descriptive enough that the reader has no problem losing themselves in the Society, but without the story getting bogged down in world-building. I'll admit that I even kind of liked the Society through the first few chapters. It started off so much less typically "dystopian" at the beginning, though it doesn't take too long for that to change. I found myself very interested in how everything was set-up and how it worked with the Matching ceremony, the elderly, artifacts, the "greatest 100" of everything etc... The concept of choices have pretty much been all but eliminated, which seems like that would make living so much simpler, but really this world is so complicated. Condie is fantastic as getting every detail down in a natural way that doesn't include page after page of "this is how this works".

This is a love triangle story. Cassia is trying to decide between her long time best friend Xander, who she was matched with and Ky, who she wasn't technically matched with, making a relationship between the two unheard of. The way the two boys where portrayed made it difficult for me to choose one that I'd like Cassia to choose. We get to see a lot more of Ky and learn much more about him then we do about Xander though.

Overall, this read like a first book in a series. Not entirely too much action and the reader learns so much about the world. It never dragged or became too slow for me though. There were enough little hidden mysteries to keep me quickly turning pages until the end. I'm very anxious to find the time to finish the other books in the series.

Book Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Title: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Series: Perfect Chemistry #1
Finished on: February 3, 2013
Released: December 23rd 2008 by Walker Books for Young Readers
Source: Library E-book
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

I really enjoyed this one. I held off reading it for the longest time thinking that it probably wasn't my type of thing, but it was. 

The use of short, dual-perspective chapters made it a very quick read that consistently held my attention. I loved reading about both Brittany's and Alex's back stories. They come from very different backgrounds but when they come together they find they aren't so different after all. They both find themselves trying to portray a certain image to the world; images that don't exactly match who they really are. Together though, they don't have to hide or pretend.

This was a very sweet, but roller coaster of a story and I was rooting for them the whole time. I'll definitely find time to read the next two in the series. Sorry for such a short review, but some time has passed since finishing this one. Just one to put it out there that it is an enjoyable story and perfect for those readers who enjoy a good contemporary love story.

Book Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Title: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #1
Finished on: January 20, 2013
Released: August 23rd 2011 by Razorbill
Source: Library E-book
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:

Blood doesn't lie...

Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty - a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning...

It took me way too long to start this series. I was so hesitant because I absolutely loved Vampire Academy and Rose, Dimitri, and Lissa so darn much and thought I'd miss them and their stories too much. I eventually went into it with the mindset that it's two separate series meant to be enjoyed for their own unique qualities. I really was not disappointed.

Sydney is such a different narrator then Rose. While Rose was such a physical character, Sydney is much more mental... if that makes any sense? She's a very smart girl and it's so interesting to watch her grow and see the changes in her as her world gets turned around and her beliefs shaken.
And while I miss Dimitri, Adrian isn't so bad. Really, he's not. (; Actually I love all of his scenes and found myself waiting for them.

This is one of the longest (lengthwise) books that I've read so far this year, yet it took the shortest amount of time. It's such a smooth read that flows right along and makes you not want to put it down. While I didn't fall quite as deep in love with Bloodlines as I did with VA, it was only the first in the series and I'll definitely be reading the next!

 

Book Review: Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Title: Remembrance by Michelle Madow
Series: Transcend Time Saga #1
Finished on: January 4, 2012
Released: July 27th 2011 by Dreamscape Publishing
Source: Owned for Nook
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:

Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy.

And yet, another book in which I was pleasantly surprised with just how good it was. I wasn't blown away or anything, but it was enjoyable and addicting; a book to read in one or two sittings.

The writing was very well-done and flowed nicely. The overall story was unique and kept me guessing as well my attention from beginning to end. The relationship was as epic as you'd expect from soulmates that have transcended time, but sweet nonetheless.

We get a good cast of characters here. The main character is likeable and easy to relate to. She's just your average high school girl: not too much of any extreme. You can tell that Drew is handsome and sweet: the kind of guy any normal high school girl would become infatuated with. Chelsea, the best friend, is a copy of any other typical best friend. All the formulas for a cute romance are at work here. Nothing is too overdone, however, nor does it become cookie-cutter. Michelle Madow gives us everything we typically want in a romance while still giving us a unique and refreshing premise.

I'm not over-excited about Remembrance, but I did enjoy it as a quick read and I'll be checking out the next installment in the series. I hope to see the romance develop a bit deeper. I want to truly believe Lizzie and Drew are soulmates! (:

“But it was time to realize that I wasn't Cinderella, and no matter how hard I wished it were true, life wasn't a fairy tale where everyone lives happily ever after.”

 

Counts as 2/21 for the 2013-TBR-Pile-Challenge

Book Review: The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen

Title: The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen
Series: The Secret #1
Finished on: December 24, 2012
Released: October 4th 2012
Source: Owned for Nook
Rating: 5/5

Summary from Goodreads:

Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it's summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes.

(New Adult Contemporary)
*Mature Content** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.

So I originally saw reviews for Ella and Micha on a few blogs and then later on saw it on B&N for 99 cents for Nook and decided to give it a try. (I've been noticing lately that some of the best books are the ones for 2.99 and less, why is that, anyway?) What a great buy!

I love these characters! I really connected with Ella and Micha was just so sweet. Their romance is very believable and I couldn't help  but root for them to be together. I also really, really liked Lila and Ethan and can't wait to read about their own story in The Temptation of Lila and Ethan. I will definitely be reading all of Jessica Sorensen's current and upcoming contemporaries.

This was one addicting story! And an emotional roller coaster. We get some seriously funny moments, some steamy make-outs, but also some heart-breaking moments. Sorensen did a wonderful job of handling all the situations (especially those heart-wrenching ones) and created a fantastic little contemporary. I want more!!!

"You can't just change who you are on the outside and expect it to change who you are on the inside."

"It was one of the things that made me fall in love with her; the fire, passion, and the need to stick up for the outcasts, even if it meant being an outcast herself."

"When it all comes down to it, it's just me and her against the world. Always has been."

Book Review: What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Title: What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Series: Stand-Alone
Finished on: November 30, 2012
Released: May 10th 2011 by Viking Juvenile
Source: Library E-book
Rating: 4/5

Summary from Goodreads:

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.

Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.

 Another amazing story from Sarah Dessen. I was so excited to read this because it was the only currently released Dessen book I hadn't finished yet. I wasn't disappointed, though I really missed the romance!

What Happened to Goodbye mainly focuses on McClean's relationships with her family and not so much her romantic relationships, but Dessen does this wonderfully and creates a very touching story.

All of the characters are great. I especially loved McClean's dad and you can tell that he is trying his best for her. And yes, I even liked her mother, because even though Katherine Hamilton can be very annoying, you can't help but love Katie Sweet. Of course we have the boy: Dave Wade- cute and sweet and a complete genius and has a tattoo. Ellis, Heather, and Riley are his quirky cast of friends who quickly become McClean's friends, also. We get Deb, who should probably just get her own book. She was hilarious and an awesome character. Finally, we get the restaurant crew, a crazy and eclectic mix. This book definitely stands out as a wonderfully character-driven story.

Not one of my absolute favorite Dessen novels, but definitely near the top. We get all the fantastic qualities that her best stories possess. If you're looking for a cute YA contemporary, What Happened to Goodbye is a must.

Book Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Title: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
Series: The Forest of Hands and Teeth #2
Finished on: November 16, 2012
Released: March 9, 2010 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source: Library e-book


Summary from Goodreads:

Gabry lives a quiet life, secure in her town next to the sea and behind the Barrier. She's content to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast--home is all she's ever known and all she needs for happiness.
But life after the Return is never safe.
Gabry's mother thought she left her secrets behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, but like the dead in their world, secrets don't stay buried. And now, Gabry's world is crumbling.
In one reckless moment, half of Gabry's generation is dead, the other half imprisoned.
Now Gabry knows only one thing: if she has any hope of a future, she must face the forest of her mother's past.

Another beautifully written story by Carrie Ryan. I swear, in my opinion, she is a master of plot twists, but in the most excellent way. Throughout this book we see a major theme of "what-if's". "What if I did this" or "What if I didn't do that" or "What if I didn't go there", etc. We see the full impact that one very small decision or moment can have on entire lives. We get an extremely thought-provoking story. Ryan does such a wonderful job crafting the most powerful scenes. And there are plenty of those in The Dead-Tossed Waves.

I actually didn't read the summary before starting this book so I didn't know it was going to be in a different POV from the first book until I began. While I didn't have as deep a connection with this set of characters as I did with the first book's, everyone was still very likable. (Except for Gabry's best friend, Cira, I found her bordering on annoying.) I had a hard time warming up to the relationship between Elias and Gabry only because I thought a certain something was going to be revealed, but later found out I was guessing wrong. I know that's vague, but I'm trying to keep away from spoilers! Gabry goes through such a journey from start to finish and really grows, deepens, and becomes enlightened in the best ways.

If you like books that are full of everyone having secrets and the consequences when they are finally revealed then this is for you! Like I said, plot twists and "Uhm, what!?"'s galore here. This story can also get on the depressing side at times. These characters all start to wonder what the point of anything is. They'll never overcome these Mudo. I can't blame them, though. After all, this is some extremely dark subject matter. Yet, though it all, there's always at least some small message of hope. Gabry finally comes to realize that the fences should only be for keeping the Mudo out, not for keeping people in. There really are a few different messages for any reader to gain from this story.

Honestly, I never saw anything that happened coming. I absolutely adore that in my books! Oh, and so many questions get answered about how and why these villages came to be which was awesome! I'm going to take a break and read a few different books before coming back to the third installment in this series but I'm greatly looking forward to it. And here's to hoping for many more YA novels by Carrie Ryan in the future!

4/5 

(Liked VERY much, but not enough to spend time re-reading)

Book Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Series: The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1
Finished on: November 8, 2012
Released: March 10, 2009 by Gollancz
Source: Library e-book

Summary from Amazon:

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Carrie Ryan has a very, very nice writing style. The writing is clear, intelligent, and smooth. She did an amazing job with the world building (though I admit that I pictured the Unconsecrated to look exactly like the Walkers in Walking Dead). The is an extremely intense book from start to finish but Ryan handled the characters and all their situations nicely. Just from the writing style alone, I'll never hesitate to pick up another book written by her.

To begin with, this is a very heavy book from the first page to the last and will not leave you with a cheery, warm feeling. It will, however, leave you feeling like you just read a great story. Everything about this world that Ryan has created is so intriguing and I wanted to know absolutely everything about and all of it's history. Some of that gets answered here but not all of it, which is why I'm greatly looking forward to the next two installments.

I really liked the main character, Mary, a lot and it's always very important to me to have a connection with the main character. I also loved Travis and Harry both but I leaned towards Travis. The scenes with Mary and Travis together were all perfection. I really grew connected to all the characters and their individual stories in a way that I don't with too many books; just the really special ones.

This story went in so many directions that I wasn't expecting at all. Sometimes there were great twists and sometimes not so great. Because of that I'm finding this a little hard to review because I don't want to give any potential  surprises away; but there are quite a few very awesome scenes that I adored (especially involving Travis/Mary!).

I finished this in one day because I just couldn't put it down, only stopping to excitedly tell my boyfriend (who is a big Walking Dead fan) everything that was going on. It sparked many great zombie discussions. This is such a compelling story and I originally gave it a 4 [I give 4's to great books I probably won't re-read and 5's to great books I probably will] but the more I think about it the more this one probably deserves a 5. So let's just go with a 4.5 for now. The Forest of Hands and Teeth is definitely one that will stick with me for awhile.

“Who are we if not the stories we pass down? What happens when there's no one left to tell those stories? To hear them? Who will ever know that I existed? What if we are the only ones left -- who will know our stories then? Who will remember those?”

“That's just the way life is. Some days you wake up and the beach is clear and you forget about everything that surrounds us. And some days you wake up and it looks like this. That's the nature of the tides."

 “He places his hands over mine, the feeling so warm and familiar. 'Those days back there, in the house. That is my world. That is my truth,' he says. 'That is my ocean.”

Mini Book Review: 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber

Title: 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
Series: Cedar Cove #1
Finished on: November 4, 2012
Released: September 1, 2001 by Mira
Source: Public Library ebook
Add to: Goodreads
Website: Cedar Cove Series

Summary from DebbieMacomber.com:

When Cecilia Randall, and her naval officer husband, Ian, appear in Judge Olivia Lockhart's Cedar Cove family court, they expect the good judge to grant the divorce they seek. But Olivia senses the couple still love one another and just need time to work on their marriage in the wake of their infant daughter's death. So Olivia denies their petition and makes headlines in the Cedar Cove Chronicle, earning the divorced mother more than journalistic admiration from the paper's editor, Jack Griffin. Meanwhile, Olivia's daughter, Justine, must decide if she will marry an older man her mother insists is wrong for her, and Olivia's best friend, Grace Sherman, the local librarian, is frantic with the disappearance of her husband, Dan. Everyone in Cedar Cove is talking!

This is the first book in the Cedar Cover series and also my first read by Debbie Macomber. Let's just say that I am hooked. I adore Macomber's writing style. This is one of those books you curl up with on a cold night with tons of blankets and a cup of cocoa and just enjoy reading. I read this right after finishing Insurgent and it was perfect to clear my mind and lighten the mood.

There are so many characters and stories told in this book and Macomber does an excellent job with each one. There were a few characters' stories I was into deeper (Ian/Cecelia and Grace), I loved every character. Charlotte was absolutely adorable! Macomber has such a way of making you love her characters and making you wish you could live in Cedar Cove and have friendships with these people yourself.

This one is a little difficult to review because of the many different story lines, but if you enjoy a light adult contemporary with family, romance, friendships, and betrayls, I definitely recommend 16 Lighthouse Road.

RATING: 4/5

Book Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

 You can read my review of Divergent here.

*Warning: May contain spoilers for Divergent.

Title: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent #2
Finished on: October 31, 2012
Released: May 1, 2012 by HarperTeen
Source: Public Library ebook
Where you can buy: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound
Add to: Goodreads
Book Trailer: http://bcove.me/euv92x91

Summary from Goodreads:

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

With this second installment, I am now officially hooked on this series. With Divergent I couldn't understand all the hype; but now I can. Insurgent was so much more enthralling and intense and I ended up reading it all in one day because I was in so deep. The third won't be able to get out fast enough! The ending has me fascinated by where that's going to go.

This world! I am so intrigued by this world. And in Insurgent we get to learn so much more about the other factions and the factionless. Just like the summary says: this is a "thrill ride". I mean packed with action and the storyline and events are constantly going, going, going. I began to feel a little exhausted myself but not in a bad way. By the ending, I just need to give my mind a little time to process everything that just went on.

In my review for Divergent I mentioned that I didn't find myself caring about the characters very much. In Insurgent I do, I really do. Tris has really grown on me and her actions are understandable considering all that she's been through. Her relationship with Four had me wanting to scream at them half the time, but for the other half it was perfect. I don't feel like we saw enough of him, though. (And let me just mention that I really liked Fernando! I don't know why he stuck out to me but he did.)

So much backstabbing, so many lies, so many shockers, and so many "Oh, I knew it!"s. So much drama! I don't want to give too much away, however, so I'll just say that whether you loved Divergent or thought it was just okay, you should absolutely read Insurgent.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent by Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent #1
Finished on: October 24, 2012
Released: April 28, 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books
Source: Public Library ebook
Website
Where you can buy: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound
[add to Goodreads]

Summary from Goodreads:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her

 

Warning: Read this on a day off. You won't want to put it down.

Divergent had all the usual qualities of a dystopian while still giving us a unique and engaging story. Roth did a wonderful, wonderful job with the world-building and anyone who knows anything about Chicago will easily be able to picture this new society and how it has changed. The only thing I could have wished for is some more background on the factions: the hows and whys. The writing and the descriptions are beautiful. This one is definitely action-packed and suspenseful with very little lag time.

I like the main character, Tris. However, she just had something missing. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I couldn't fully connect with her. She didn't become one of my unforgettable book heroines.
Not only did I not connect with the main character, but I didn't connect with any of the other ones either. I cared what happened to Tris and Four but I didn't find myself caring about any of the others. Out of all the characters, Four turned out to be my favorite.

I give Divergent a four out of five. The writing was amazing and the actual events that take place are intense and intriguing. I was super absorbed in every taking place.The plot alone would earn a five, hands down. The only reason it loses a point is my lack of connection to the characters. (Then again, I just came off of reading the entire Vampire Academy series. Six books to develop a bond to the characters.That could be swaying my opinion.) If you are a fan of The Hunger Games or Delirium, I definitely recommend this one. Though, I don't think it's fair to compare any of them to each other too deeply. They all have their strong and unique elements.

I would have gone deeper, but I think anyone reading this for the first time should go in not knowing the plot points too well. It's a wonderful experience just letting the twists, turns, and little surprises happen.

 

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

Book Info:

Title: Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
Series: Stand-Alone
Finished on: October 8, 2012
Released: January 1st, 2000 by Atria Books
Source: Public Library ebook
Website
Where you can buy: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound
[add to Goodreads]

Review: 

This is a story about 39 year-old lawyer, Ellie Hathaway, a young Amish girl, Katie Fisher, accused  of murdering her newborn baby, and the Amish community.

When a newborn baby is found dead and hidden in a barn on an Amish dairy farm, all signs point to young, unmarried, Katie Fisher. A police and medical investigation firmly prove that Katie was in fact pregnant and recently gave birth: a fact she adamantly denies.

Meanwhile, Ellie, who has just finished up a stressful case, is seeking rest and relaxation with her former Amish aunt (who also happens to be Katie's aunt!) By what eventually will seem like fate, Ellie has herself a new case to work on. This also means Ellie has to become apart of Katie's world. This creates a challenge for every person involved.

Writing: The writing, like Picoult's always is, was great. Everything flowed smoothly and was full of detail. She did a wonderful job writing about the Amish community and did it in a way that the reader should have no problem imagining themselves right there on a farm.

Plot: The plot wasn't entirely unique... it made Amy Efaw's After come to mind often, but the fact that it dealt with an Amish girl put an interesting spin on it. The first part is very psychologically and emotionally based; the hows and whys and theories. If psychology is your thing, this book is for you. The second half is more courtroom orientated, but not overdone.

Characters: Katie, even though she is accused of such a horrendous crime, is still written in a way that you can't help but still like her and hope she didn't do it. I understood her and sympathized with her the entire time. Ellie, however, there were times I did like her and times I didn't. It honestly didn't take away from enjoying the overall story.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Title: Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
Series: Cold Kiss #1
Finished on: October 9, 2012
Released: September 20th 2011 by HarperTeen
Source: Won from Epicreads.com

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Summary from Goodreads:

 It was a beautiful, warm summer day, the day Danny died.

Suddenly Wren was alone and shattered. In a heartbroken fury, armed with dark incantations and a secret power, Wren decides that what she wants--what she "must" do--is to bring Danny back.

But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy Wren fell in love with. His touch is icy; his skin, smooth and stiff as marble; his chest, cruelly silent when Wren rests her head against it.

Wren must keep Danny a secret, hiding him away, visiting him at night, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school, and Wren realizes that somehow, inexplicably, he can sense the powers that lie within her--and that he knows what she has done. And now Gabriel wants to help make things right.

But Wren alone has to undo what she has wrought--even if it means breaking her heart all over again.

I won this book, along with its sequel, Glass Heart, from Epicreads.com and I am so glad I did; otherwise I may have missed out on a really enjoyable read. I think this is definitely one that needs to get in the hands of more people! It's not very long and I was able to get through it in one evening. I was hooked from the first page.

The main character, Wren, has been capable of doing "strange" things for awhile now. The same things she's seen her mother do since childhood. However, there's an unspoken rule to never talk of these things- not to each other and not to others.
Wren is completely distraught after losing her boyfriend and first love, Danny, in a car accident. Not thinking about any consequences she uses her special "abilities" to bring him back. The only problem is, he's not really the Danny from before anymore. Wren now has to hide him away while he obsesses over her and only her... but then he starts to remember things...
In the meantime, a new boy, Gabriel, transfers in. Somehow he can sense Wrens powers and eventually figures out how she used them. All he wants to do is help her any way he can. All this does is confuse Wren more.

If you're looking for a happy book, I suggest running away. The emotions displayed here are so raw and heart-wrenching. Garvey does an excellent job of portraying falling in love for the first time, the loss of that first love, and the confusion of letting go and moving on. I was in tears the entire final few chapters.

I really enjoyed Garvey's writing style and the overall feel of the book. I'm really looking forward reading Glass Heart soon because there were some definite unanswered questions I have. (It'll have to wait until I'm finished with the last two Vampire Academys though!)

Rating: 4/5