Prodigy - Marie Lu

Title: Prodigy

Author:  Marie Lu

Release Date: January 29th, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

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This book was just so good! I can't even think of what to say to give this book justice. It was such an intense read and I had absolutely no clue what was going to happen next. The characters, the amazing plot, and this world are just so crazy to read about! Such a great sequel to Legend, which I adored so much, and Prodigy didn't disappoint at all. I am all about dystopian reads in YA, and I think this series is an excellent reason of why they are so great. The two main characters Day and June have their own unique problems but come together and they are just so awesome together. I, basically, could read about Day and June all day long if I could.

Prodigy shows a more political side of the republic, where the readers get to meet the new elector Anden. We meet him in the first book, Legend, but he is really involved in this book. There is all this drama that goes with Anden, the Senators, and the Patriots. There is also a bunch of new characters that we are introduced too that involve the Patriots. I totally didn't see a lot of that coming with them and was so surprised by some of the events that happened. I like Anden, I thought he was okay, but he still just doesn't compare to Day for me. I know some people want June and Anden to get together in the next book, but I don't. I think Anden should get his own love interest. Day and June are just so perfect for me. Yes, they have their own good share of problems but that is what makes me love them so much. They balance each other out.

Prodigy is again told in alternating chapters between June and Day just like Legend was. That is one of the things that I love so much about this series. It isn't just told from June's perspective but also from Day's as well. We get to see things from two different points of view. I love reading about them separately when they are both doing their own thing, but when they get together that just makes me want to read more about them.

On to Kaede, I didn't like her in Legend, but oh my gosh, was she so absolutely brilliant in Prodigy. There is this scene with her, June, and Day towards the end of the book that I was freaking out about so much. I could actually feel my heart racing and I couldn't read fast enough to find out what would happen! Also want to mention that I wasn't a big fan of Tess in this. I still like her and I understand why she said the things she did and her actions but she just annoyed me to read about. However, I don't hate her but actually grew a new appreciation for her. I wonder what will happen to her in the next book. That should be interesting.

In case you haven't noticed yet, I LOVED this book! I am so anticipating the next book Champion so much. There were so many epic moments in Prodigy. This book is one of the best books of 2013 no doubt! Pick up this series if you haven't yet, it is for sure one of the best in YA. I can't give it enough praise.

 

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unravel Me

Author:  Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: February 5th, 2013

Publisher: HarperCollins

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

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it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance. She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch. Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

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I forgot how much I love this world and these characters! I thought that Shatter Me was wonderful, but Unravel Me completely hits it out of the park. Unravel Me is even better than Shatter Me was. It was a great sequel and middle book in this trilogy. The characters, the plot, and this crazy world had me hooked from the first page. There was actually moments that I was so shocked by that my jaw completely dropped. I usually can predict upcoming events, but this book just surprised me again and a...moreI forgot how much I love this world and these characters! I thought that Shatter Me was wonderful, but Unravel Me completely hits it out of the park. Unravel Me is even better than Shatter Me was. It was a great sequel and middle book in this trilogy. The characters, the plot, and this crazy world had me hooked from the first page. There was actually moments that I was so shocked by that my jaw completely dropped. I usually can predict upcoming events, but this book just surprised me again and again until the last page. Unravel Me starts out at Omega Point and two weeks have passed since the ending events of Shatter Me. We found out more details about Kenji, and why exactly Adam and Warner can both touch Juliette. It had been awhile since I have read Shatter Me, but it didn't take any time at all for all those memories to come rushing back to me as entered Juliette's world! Juliette still has some character development ahead of her, but we see her becoming so strong throughout this whole book but it isn't until the very end that she starts to realize her full potential. We also get to see a lot more of Warner and find out some details about his past. I am so happy that I read Destroy Me before this, because I had a little more insight on Warner's character. For the record, I am totally team Warner. I have been since the first book and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon. I don't hate Adam, I actually really like him with Juliette and if he does end up with Juliette in the end then I am not going to be upset or disappointment. There is just something about Warner that I just love so much. He gets so vulnerable around Juliette and also how awful his father is to him. It is not wonder that he is so messed up, but still that is no excuse for his actions. I think towards the end, he does get some redeeming qualities but he has a long road ahead of him. There was only one character that I didn't like in this book and that was Castle. He just irritated me to no end! I couldn't stand him! He did have the best intentions for everyone, but I felt like he would come off rude and absurd to Juliette and especially Adam. Other than him, I thought all the other characters were excellent! Well, except for Warner's dad of course. Overall, I recommend that everyone go pick up this series if you haven't already! It is one of my favorite series and Unravel Me is no doubt one of my favorite reads of 2013. I can't believe the ending page! I seriously turned the page, and when I saw that it was over; I let out a loud gasp! How can Tahereh Mafi just end it like that?! I must know what happens! It will be a long wait for the next book, which I can tell you, I will be purchasing on the day it comes out!   Plot: ★★★★★ Characters: ★★★★★ Writing:★★★★★ Ending: ★★★★★ Cover: ★★★★★

The Ghosts of Ashbury High by Jaclyn Moriarty

Title: The Ghosts of Ashbury High (Ashbury/Brookfield, #4)

Author: Jaclyn Moriarty

Release Date: June 1st, 2010

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

Bestselling author Jaclyn Moriarty returns to Ashbury High for a story of romance, mysterious new classmates, and the terrors of making it through your final year of high school.

This is the story of Amelia and Riley, bad kids from bad Brookfield High who have transferred to Ashbury High for their final year. They've been in love since they were fourteen, they go out dancing every night, and sleep through school all day. And Ashbury can't get enough of them.

Everyone's trying to get their attention; even teachers are dressing differently, trying to make their classes more interesting. Everyone wants to be cooler, tougher, funnier, hoping to be invited into their cool, self-contained world.

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I am sad that this series is over! I have grown to adore and love these characters so much. My favorite out of this series was the Murder of Bindy Mackenzie, which is kinda funny cause that seems to be people's least favorite. For some reason I just love her and her crazy quirkiness! We are introduced to two new characters in this book, Amelia and Riley. To be completely honest, I didn't understand them. I thought they were so sneaky and scary. I kept wondering what Amelia and Riley were up too....moreI am sad that this series is over! I have grown to adore and love these characters so much. My favorite out of this series was the Murder of Bindy Mackenzie, which is kinda funny cause that seems to be people's least favorite. For some reason I just love her and her crazy quirkiness! We are introduced to two new characters in this book, Amelia and Riley. To be completely honest, I didn't understand them. I thought they were so sneaky and scary. I kept wondering what Amelia and Riley were up too. Their relationship was so gothic ;) And gothic-ally speaking, there is ghosts in this book! Emily starts getting strange messages from a ghost in the Art Rooms! She then goes on the search to make people believe her and to find out all that she can about the ghost. During this time, Riley is having problems with Amelia. Riley believes that Amelia is turning into a ghost. Also Lydia is receiving messages from a ghost on her computer! I really enjoyed the whole Lydia/Riley/Amelia/Toby thing. I just kept laughing while reading that towards the end. I also really liked Toby's story. I found the history of Castle Hill and the story of Tom and Phillip interesting! The letter towards the end made me smile so much! I love how they all had a part in that! Everything worked out perfectly and I was glad! When I was reading the Year of Secret Assignments I grew to love Lydia and Seb so much and was quite upset of what had happened to them. I never liked Astrid for a reason. I didn't like her when I read The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie and this book just made me dislike her more. I can't tell you how happy I am that Seb and Lydia got back together. Also that Riley and Amelia worked everything out! "Don't give up on me, I've not given up on you."

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

The Raven Boys - Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Raven Boys

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Release Date: September 28th, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore. From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.

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If you haven't read this book yet, you need to do so immediately. I haven't read anything like it before. It is just written beautifully and the characters are so wonderful. I can finally say that Maggie Stiefvater is one of my favorite authors; she ranks right up there with Suzanne Collins and Cassandra Clare in my opinion. I fell in love with the Wolves of Mercy Falls, then with the Scorpio Races, and finally with the Raven Boys. This story wasn't what I expected at all. From reading the summa...moreIf you haven't read this book yet, you need to do so immediately. I haven't read anything like it before. It is just written beautifully and the characters are so wonderful. I can finally say that Maggie Stiefvater is one of my favorite authors; she ranks right up there with Suzanne Collins and Cassandra Clare in my opinion. I fell in love with the Wolves of Mercy Falls, then with the Scorpio Races, and finally with the Raven Boys. This story wasn't what I expected at all. From reading the summary, I thought that it would be more of a love story but it isn't at all. Even though there is some romance it isn't a lot. It is mostly an adventure story about four friends: Gansey, Adam, Ronan, and Noah. Then there is Blue whose family is full of psychics. Each character has an own backstory and personality. The characters are the most important for me when it comes to a story, and these were the best. I enjoyed Gansey and Adam's friendship the most and it comes into play a lot during the end of the book. I just want them to hug it out so bad! I loved them! I will admit, when I first started this book I was slightly confused. I didn't really understand what was going on. I even had to reread the first couple chapters. Once I started to understand what this book was going to be about, I loved it. It is about Gansey on the search for the resting place of a Welsh King Glendower. The first to do so will be granted a favor. I was really confused about this during the first half of the book. I kept wondering why Gansey was so obsessed with this and why did he keep wanting to find it? What was the backstory behind this? It is finally revealed towards the middle of the book and then it all started to make sense. My only complaint is that I wish that we would have had that sooner. It would have helped me a lot during the first fifty pages or so. I really liked how the chapters had different POV's. It would switch from Blue, Gansey, and then to Adam. There were even some chapters told from the villain in this story. I am not sure how I feel about Blue and Gansey's relationship when I seem to love Adam and Blue so much more. I do like Gansey, but there is something about Adam that I like too. I feel so sorry for him with his family issues and everything. Overall, I highly recommend this book. It is one of my favorite reads in 2012 for sure. This is an excellent start for this new upcoming series. I just can't wait to get my hands on the sequel! I know that it will not disappoint!   Plot: ★★★★★ Characters: ★★★★★ Writing:★★★★★ Ending: ★★★★★ Cover: ★★★★★

Bittersweet - Sarah Ockler

Title: Bittersweet

Author: Sarah Ockler

Release Date: January 3rd, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances... a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life... and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last...

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I haven't written a review for a while so I'm sort of rusty. I just know that I won't be able to give this book the justice it deserves. I can't even tell you how wonderful and just down right awesome it is. This is what I wish all young adult contemporary was like. I also forgot how much I love Sarah Ockler's writing. It has been awhile since I read one of her books and it is just so unique and real.

Bittersweet tells the story of Hudson Avery. She is an ex-figure skater and the current Cupcake Queen of Watonka. She works at her mother’s diner Hurley's and tries to stay under the radar after her parent's divorce. One day she gets a letter in the mail about an Ice Skating competition for the prize of a scholarship. She starts to begin to dream about ice skating again and a way out of Watonka but with things getting in the way and her mother and friends depending on her she has to decide what is worth more.

Can I just say that this book made me wish that it was winter time. I started reading this just when it started to get cold where I live and it just made the reading experience much more great. I also was hungry for cupcakes, more specifically Hudson's cupcakes. Also there is a lot of ice skating in this book. For example: Hudson ice skates on a frozen Lake Erie. How awesome is that?! Sarah Ockler's writing was just so descriptive and so real. I felt like I was out on the lake with Hudson and Josh.

Let me now introduce you to Josh Blackthron. He is everything a love interest should be and the relationship between him and Hudson didn't seem rush or unrealistic but very real. That is how I felt about all the characters in this book. I feel like if I went to up-state New York and found a small town named Watonka then I would see Hudson and Josh at Hurley's. Anyways, Josh is the co-caption of the High school’s hockey team. He was just a great character and the relationship he had with Hudson was just fantastic. I really can't tell you why I like it so much but beside the fact that I just said; it seems real.

Hudson is such a funny and likable character to read from. Right from the first chapter I knew that Hudson would be someone that I would want to be friends with in real life. Even though she isn't the best friend to her friends. She is sort of a backstabber by accident. She never wants to treat her friends badly she just does without realizing it but at the end she does own up to her mistakes which makes her such a real and likable character to me! There is this one scene that made me laugh out loud that I just want to talk about because I still remember even though I finished the book a couple of days ago. Hudson is talking to Will about the hockey team and as Will is starting out the story, Hudson says, "Why does this seem like an episode of Friday Night Lights?" LOL. And that is just one of the many jokes that Hudson says during the book.

Overall, I loved, loved, loved Bittersweet. It has been a long time since I loved a contemporary book and I am happy that it was this one. This book is just special and wonderful to read. I highly recommend it. I just can't stop thinking about it and I couldn't stop reading it. I didn't want it to end. I remember when I got to the last chapter I felt sad. I wanted to erase the book from my mind so I could back and read the book again for the first time and experience all the feelings over again. This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2012 and of all time. Oh and by the way, don't read this book hungry and make sure you have come cupcakes near by. You will want them, trust me!

 

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

The Selection - Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Release Date: April 24th, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: HarperTeen

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

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This book was like love at first sight. I just knew that I was going to love it, but then I started to have some doubts. There wasn't that many positive reviews but it was CassJayTuck who finally got me to read this. So I give full credit to her and her awesome review over this.

The Selection is about a girl named America Singer. (Awesome name right?) America gets selected along with 34 other girls to be in a competition for Prince Maxon. America is less than excited about this, she doesn't want to marry Prince Maxon or be queen. She is happy with her boyfriend, Aspen, but knows that her mother would never approve. But when Apsen breaks up with her, she goes along with the Selection and finally meets Prince Maxon who is not like she expected at all.

Kiera Cass creates this unique and awesome world. Yes, it is dystopian but it isn't something that I have read before. You get enough background information on this new world, but it doesn't become boring. I am actually really excited to learn more. This world has eight different caste or class levels. America Singer is caste five, which means entertainment. Her mother and her sing, her father and sister paints. It was really interesting to read about.

I just loved all the characters in this book! America could be so funny at times that I caught myself laughing out loud. This book does revolve around a love triangle. You have Prince Maxon and her on-again off-again boyfriend Aspen. Out of the majority of reviews that I have read, Prince Maxon seems to be winning this one. However, I just can't decide who I like more. There are times that I love Aspen then I hate him. The same way with Maxon. There were serious moments that I wanted to punch Maxon in the face. I am curious to see how this will turn out in the next book. The secondary characters are just as good too. I really liked some of the other girls in the Selection like Marlee and Tiny. They were funny. I also loved America's little sister May. I hope we get to see more of her in the next book! The author has also pulled in this fascinating topic of rebels. I am so curious about these guys! I really hope they are the main plot in the next book. Who exactly are the rebels and what are they after? There are a few rebel attacks in this book, but I can just tell that it was the calm before the storm. I cannot wait!

The only warning that I have for readers is that there are some cheesy parts, but I happen to like it so I don't mind. I am anxiously waiting the next book and can't wait to see what the cover will look like! Will America be in a different colored dress? I bet its red this time. I just have a feeling. So overall, I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it if you want a quick satisfying dystopian read!

Plot: ★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Fracture - Megan Miranda

Title: Fracture

Author: Megan Miranda

Release Date: January 7th, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★★

 

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

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I really loved this book. I knew from the first chapter that this was going to be one of my favorites this year. I have yet to read a good 2012 Debut Author book for my challenge this year and I have finally found one that I just love! Fracture is very creepy and dark at times and I liked it!

It's the beginning of December and Delaney Maxwell and her best guy friend Decker are heading to school. Delaney and Decker start walking across this frozen lake but Delaney falls through. She was under water for eleven minutes. Everybody thought for sure that she would die but Decker saved her life. The real story then starts with Delaney waking up in the hospital and coming to turns with what has happened.

I really enjoyed Megan Miranda's writing style. It was smooth and quick to read. I am really impressed and jealous of her ability to make you fall so in love with a world and characters with this just being her first book. She is really descriptive of the cold winter and sometimes I would laugh to myself because it is currently 95 degrees outside. I would suggest reading this during the winter that would make the whole storytelling even better.

The main characters Delaney, Decker, and Troy were great. I loved the surprising twist that the author threw in with Troy. I was not expecting for it to end the way that it did. I am glad that this book wasn't a love triangle. For everyone that thinks this book has this is wrong. Delaney does become interested in Troy for a little bit, but that quickly dismissed. It is mostly about Delaney and Decker's relationship with each other. Delaney was really likable and I felt like I would be similar if I went through such an experience as she did. I loved her friend Decker! He was the best and I just couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next with him. I am satisfied with the ending between Delaney and Decker.

Overall I really loved this book! I recommend it for everybody who wants a quick paranormal read, even though the paranormal element isn't that much. It is mostly just about Delaney's "gift" after she wakes up out of a coma. I am so EXCITED for the next book! I can't believe that Megan Miranda is writing another one! However I do not want to wait until 2014 and I also have heard that it is going to be a companion novel. Are you guys as excited as I am? I need some more Decker!

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★

Writing:★★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★