ARC-REVIEW: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil

Title: 3:59
Author: Gretchen McNeil
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Release Date: September 17th 2013
Pages: Hardcover, 368 pages
Source: ARC received at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:
Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.

Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.

Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo.

Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day.

But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.

By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late?

From master of suspense Gretchen McNeil comes a riveting and deliciously eerie story about the lives we wish we had – and how they just might kill you.

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• 3:59 was a intense science fiction novel that mixed parallel universes with a love story.  
• It did not make up for some of the books other faults but I did love that it took place relatively close to me.  So I knew a lot of the places referenced!  Wooo for living in MD. 
• I really liked the characters.  They felt like real high schoolers facing common struggles with popularity, first love, and making friends.  Josie was a smart, not just general smart, I am taking the science fair winning junior genius kinda smart.  Penelope, one of Josie's friends was also a super smart girl, who was a good friend to Josie.  Friendships and intelligence really had a strong role in the book; it was nice to read about characters who out smart the enemy. 
• While 3:59 is not a traditional time traveling novel, 3:59 deals with time and space travel.  McNeil did a great job of showing the way the characters were similar to each other but still different and maintaining the dynamic of having two separate parallel universes.    

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• Some aspects of the story seemed unnecessary and just a bit far fetched.  There are night time creatures that are killing people that I had a hard time imagining what they actually looked like.  The creatures were not the main villain but they just were not fear inducing, I wanted to kind of laugh at them making it hard to take the scary scenes seriously. 
• I did love the friendships but the romance... no thank you.  The romance was predictable and by the end was just plain corny.  I could not handle it, I had to roll my eyes a couple times.  
• I did not think the writing itself was anything special, it was not bad but not great.  At some points I just felt rather bored.  

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3:59 is a love story meet time and space travel all while still attending high school.  If you enjoyed All Our Yesterdays and can handle a more juvenile voice and some corny/stereotypical romance that you might enjoy 3:59.
  

ARC-REVIEW: Unbreakable (The Legion #1) by Kami Garcia

Title: Unbreakable
Series: The Legion #1
Author: Kami Garcia
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: October 1st 2013
Pages: Hardcover, 320 pages
Source: ARC from BEA

Summary from Goodreads:
Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller, the first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia.

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

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• Unbreakable was a pretty fast read, there is a whole lot going on.  The chapters were suspenseful and full of action.  
• Legion.  The entire premise was interesting and enjoyable.  As mentioned above, you can see the parallels to the Da Vinci Code like plot.  While I did enjoy the similarities I felt it was still lacking in development.  

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• Unbreakable was a little bit out there.  I can accept supernatural books and even would consider it one of my favorite genres but I like it to be well done.  The execution of the plot was weak and I felt like the supernatural elements lacked substance.    
• The romance felt forced and unnecessary.  
• Lastly, I felt that the story line was rather forced.  The drama/main focus in the story was a stretch.  Now I am not a huge mythology person so it may in fact be following the actual myth but Awaken just seemed to be a book there to simply end the character's story.  
• The characters had a young and sometimes immature voice that I just could not overlook.  It just dragged my opinion of them down and made it hard to truly root for the characters. 

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Unbreakable was a blend of crazy spirit/ghost hunters and secret societies. Parts reminded me of Tomb Raider.  The whole idea is definitely intriguing but I felt the characters were mediocre and the romance and supernatural aspects were lacking.
  

ARC-REVIEW: These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Title: These Broken Stars
Series: Starbound #1
Author: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: December 10th 2013
Pages: Hardcover, 374 pages
Source: ARC from BEA

Summary from Goodreads:
It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

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• Each chapter started with a bit of dialogue from Taver's police questioning.  It was an amusing and different way to get to know Taver and see more of his personality.  Which made him even more likeable. 
• The world building and science fiction elements are some of the best I have read this year.  Kaufman and Spooner draw this dangerously mysterious and beautiful world that challenges Taver and Lilac on so many levels.  Both the space travel and the planet life are so vivid and perfectly created it is easy to just immerse yourself into the story.  It also lets you focus on the relationships and the mystery instead of having to try and understand the world they live in. 
• Taver is witty and stubborn at times which combined with his strength and soldier mentality to create a very likeable and real character.  His internal dialogue had me chuckling and the chemistry between Lilac and him was great.  
• I did originally think I knew where the plot was going and it was easy to guess how the romance unfolds but I was pleasantly surprised with the development of Lilac and some of the other plot twists the story took.  Lilac held her own, grew into her role, and was able to surprise me with her strength in the situations.  
• As always, I loved the dual point of views and how I could read the character's thoughts. I felt like I could feel the chemistry between Taver and Lilac and could better understand each character. 

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• There was not much I did not like, I thought parts of the plot were a bit predictable but the story line and writing were so good I did not mind.  
• I did get a bit confused near the end of the book when certain things happened with Lilac.  I felt like I missed something or some clear understanding of how things happened and how the ending happened. 

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These Broken Stars is a beautifully vivid story that blends science fiction space travel and other crazy events with some romance. The plot is full of suspense and mystery that is driven by the banter and adventure of two fantastic characters.
  

ARC-REVIEW: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher:  St. Martin's Press
Release Date: September 10th 2013
Pages: Hardcover, 438 pages
Source: ARC from BEA

Summary from Goodreads:
From the author of the New York Times bestseller Eleanor & Park.

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

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• I truly love the way Rainbow Rowell just pulls the reader right into the story.   The plot is engaging throughout the whole book, I did not want to put it down. The sub-plots are weaved throughout the entire book and create such a well developed book I couldn't give it less than 5 stars. 
• The characters are dynamic; they grow and change through the book.  As a reader you get to experience and believe the changes that Cath and her sister Wren were going through.  College is a big life change and Rowell captures it perfectly.
• I think one of my favorite aspects is the love story.  It was cute and romantic.  AHH I JUST LOVED IT :)  While there was drama, it was all believable.  I thought Cath's reaction and slowness in building the trust was respectable and showed a strong female character.  
• Similar to E&P, the dialogue was fantastic.  It really brought the characters to life.  I felt like a fly on the wall experiencing Freshman year again.  The whole awkward exchanges with roommates, parting ways with HS friends, and the overall nervousness of a huge new school. It was all captured perfectly.   

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• Umm... There was not much I did not like.  I would really say the only thing was understanding what exactly is fan fiction (Yes I kinda had no idea what FanFiction  was :( ) 
• On that note, I did have to understand that the fan fiction parallels Harry Potter but is not fan fiction for Harry Potter.   

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I LOVE Rainbow Rowell's writing.  Everything about it was great!  Fangirl was a funny, realistic book that combines cute romance with the awkwardness of Freshman Year College.   

ARC REVIEW: Relic (Books of Eva #1) by Heather Terrell

Title: Relic

Author: Heather Terrell

Series: Books of Eva #1
Publisher: Soho Teen

Release Date: October 29, 2013

Pages: 288, Hardcover
Source: ARC obtained at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

The truth will test you...

For fans of Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games: high fantasy and dystopia meet in this high-stakes tale of a civilization built on lies and the girl who single-handedly brings it down.

When Eva’s twin brother, Eamon, falls to his death just a few months before he is due to participate in The Testing, no one expects Eva to take his place. She’s a Maiden, slated for embroidery classes, curtseys, and soon a prestigious marriage befitting the daughter of an Aerie ruler. But Eva insists on honoring her brother by becoming a Testor. After all, she wouldn’t be the first Maiden to Test, just the first in 150 years.

Eva knows the Testing is no dance class. Gallant Testors train for their entire lives to search icy wastelands for Relics: artifacts of the corrupt civilization that existed before The Healing drowned the world. Out in the Boundary Lands, Eva must rely on every moment of the lightning-quick training she received from Lukas—her servant, a Boundary native, and her closest friend now that Eamon is gone.

But there are threats in The Testing beyond what Lukas could have prepared her for. And no one could have imagined the danger Eva unleashes when she discovers a Relic that shakes the Aerie to its core.

 

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• I really really liked the ending. In the last 100 pages or so, Eva finds her relic and writes her chronicle. The Testors return to the compound and the Chief Achron is named. And readers get a lot of questions answered about the world and belief system. It's all very exciting.
  
  
• I thought the very beginning was also good. The book starts with Eamon's death and the mystery surrounding it and it kind of pulls you in from the first page. And Terrell doesn't waste much time before the Testing begins so it's a pretty fast-paced start.
  
  
• There's a bit of mystery to this story that kept me on my toes. You're not sure who to trust, as others' intentions are always in question. And there's some secretive identities and connections that you have to wait to be revealed. I really liked this


• I have to praise to the stories within the story. I really enjoyed Eva's chronicle about the way things used to be before the flood. And I enjoyed getting snippets of Eamon's journal, even the few diagrams included. These little details gave me more personality than Eva herself did.

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• So I mentioned the beginning and ending were exciting but the middle of the book kind of fell flat even though this was pretty much the test itself. It lacked danger, suspense... something. And it was too easy.
  
  
  
• I have to admit I was a bit confused at times reading the story because I didn't fully understand the dystopian references. I wish more information was provided throughout the story rather than saved until the end. The end was a bit of an info dump even though it satisfied my need for answers.
  
  
• I kind of tired of Eva's internal dialogue. She was a bit too self-deprecating and clueless at timess.In fact, she probably could have been a stronger character all around. She was by no means terrible, but not exactly awesome either.


•  "For fans of Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games: high fantasy and dystopia meet in this high-stakes tale of a civilization built on lies and the girl who single-handedly brings it down." This is just completely false on all accounts.

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Relic was very middle-of-the-road for me. I liked it, but it didn't completely win me over. It was a quick and interesting read, but I am not convinced it offers anything new to the dystopian genre. If you're a big dystopian fan, than I would give this one a try. But if you are selective, I would wait to see how the sequel pans out.

Never Fade (The Darkest Minds #2) by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Never Fade

Series: The Darkest Minds #2
Author: Alexandra Bracken

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: October 15, 2013

Pages: 512, Hardcover
Source: ARC obtained at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

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

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

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

Review

My thoughts on this book are a bit contradictory. At 500+ pages, I think this book is unnecessarily long. However, I never got bored with the story. In fact, I think I might have liked this book more than the first. But I guess I feel that, although I was entertained, the plot didn't progress as well as it should have, especially for such a high page count. 

This is through and through a road trip book. Ruby and gang do not stay in one place for very long. But unlike the middle of The Darkest Minds, I do think Bracken fills the pages better this time around. Unfortunately it still reads very much like a middle book in terms of plot development. Aside from the very beginning and very end, when we get some answers, the events that take place are probably inconsequential to the overall plot.

However, I do think Never Fade had great character development, which is probably where most of the focus goes to. This is most noticeable in Ruby's character. Ruby's learned a lot about her powers and by the end of the book she can control them very well. But the more she uses her powers, the more conflicted she becomes over the person she's turning into. There is also the return of some old characters but with an entirely new dynamic which leads to some very interesting encounters. I liked where Bracken took things for the most part. And we also meet a few new secondary characters. Most noteworthy is Vida, who requires a certain level of patience on our part not to want to slap, repeatedly. But she could also be a breath of fresh air. 

One thing I must comment on is that I was really happy to see Ruby use her powers, for better or for worse. I really hate when an MC has powers and doesn't use them much, if at all (very common in YA). Where is the fun in that?

Oh, one more thing. I am not sure I agree that the ending was AMAZING. I mean it was good, but yeah.... 

So I think many fans of The Darkest Minds will enjoy Never Fade. If you tend to be more critical of writing, you might take greater offense to how the story progresses. But overall this is an entertaining book that I enjoyed reading. I think the premise is really interesting and I look forward to reading the next book. 

Fractured (Guards of the Shadowlands #2) by Sarah Fine

Title: Fractured

Series: Guards of the Shadowlands #2
Author: Sarah Fine

Publisher: Skyscape

Release Date: October 29, 2013

Pages: 357, Hardcover
Source: ARC obtained at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

In the week since Lela returned to Rhode Island as Captain of the Guard with Malachi as her second in command, local news has been dominated by chilling sightings of human-like creatures running on all fours. Lela knows there’s only one explanation: the Mazikin have arrived in the land of the living.

Needing to maintain the appearance of a normal life for her foster mother, her probation officer, and her classmates, Lela returns to Warwick High along with Malachi. At night they secretly hunt for the Mazikin nest. To assist, two new Guards from very different parts of the Shadowlands are assigned to Lela’s unit, including the bad boy Jim, who repeatedly challenges Lela's authority. Lela struggles to keep all her Guards on the right side of the law, but their mistakes come at a terrible cost.

As one painful revelation follows another and the Mazikin start targeting those closest to her, Lela finds herself more vulnerable than she’s ever been, wanting a future more than she ever has. With an enemy determined to separate soul from body, one question remains: how much is she willing to sacrifice to protect those she loves?

Review

Recently I listed 5 of my favorite books that I wish more people would read. Sanctum was number one on that list. I loved Sanctum, and after reading Fractured, this is easily one of my new favorite series. Right up there with the likes of Throne of Glass. I actually think Sanctum was a stronger first book than Throne of Glass was. Yes, I said it. That should be reason enough for everyone to go pick up this book now. There is literally nothing I dislike about either the first or second book. I think they are that great.

Since it’s safe to assume that anyone reading this review hasn’t (yet) read Sanctum (I don’t understand why this series isn’t hugely popular), I am going to attempt to write this review spoiler free for both books.

So what makes a great book? Well, I think really strong characters are essential. But I also think the relationships between the characters are equally important. And this series excels on both accounts. Lela and Malachi are not only amazing individuals but they are now one of my favorite couples. Both are such complex characters with dark histories, and both are among the most capable, passionate, smart, loyal beings I know. And together? Holy sexual tension. Gosh the chemistry between these two has a physical presence in this series. Think Rose and Dimitri from Vampire Academy. Lela and Malachi are akin that relationship. The secondary characters are strong too. In fact, I think Fractured does a better job with the secondary characters than did Sanctum. By the end of the book I cared just as much about Jim, Henry, Ian, and Tegan, as I did about Lela and Malachi. And that’s just to name a few. There are few series where I love all the characters as much as I do here.

Setting and world building can also make or break a book but Sanctum/Fractured will not disappoint you on this front either. The Suicide City that Fine created in Sanctum is so eerily fantastic that it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. I marvel at her imagination. And even though the second book takes place in Rhode Island, Fractured is just was exciting as Sanctum, so let me put to rest any worry over the setting change right now. Fine manages to make RI feel just as dark and ominous. In fact, I may be scared of Rhode Island now too. And from the way things ended in Fractured, readers can look forward to what should be one hell of a third book.

Now let’s talk about the plot and the writing. In my opinion, Fine has some serious talent. Both books are extremely well-written, with a good mix of story and character development and plenty of action and suspense to keep the pace moving. What was started in Sanctum was nicely continued in Fractured, with no signs of middle book syndrome whatsoever. Actually, I think Fractured is a stronger book than Sanctum. Sanctum was Fine’s debut novel, and it was a great one, but to me there are signs in Fractured that she is becoming more sure of her storytelling and willing to take more risks plot wise. There are a lot of emotional moments in Fractured and one explosive ending. The third book is easily one of my most anticipated 2014 releases (as was this book for 2013).

I don't think I know of anyone who has read either book and disliked it. Christianna from The White Unicorn gave both Sanctum and Fractured 5/5 stars. Lili from Lili's Reflections gave Sanctum 5/5 stars. Sam from Realm of Fiction gave both Sanctum and Fractured 4/4 stars. There are more out there but you can see the trend forming... I am not the only one who loved these books!

I understand that there are a lot of great books out there, and all of our TBR piles are overflowing. Even though I'd like you all to go out and start this series right away, I know that is unrealistic. But I highly HIGHLY recommend this book and cannot imagine anyone would wind up disappointed by it. So it can't hurt to bump it up the TBR, right?

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

Title: All the Truth That's In Me

Author: Julie Berry

Publisher: Viking Juvenille

Release Date: September 26, 2013

Pages: 288, Hardcover

Source: ARC obtained at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.

“My thoughts swirl and scatter like snowflakes on an errant wind. Will I help him make something of his life? Who will help me? Why does everyone presume that I, as damaged merchandise, forfeit any claim to happiness? That I expect nothing, have no ambitions or longings of my own? When was it agreed that my lot would be to gladly serve as a prop and a crutch for others who are whole?”

All The Truth That’s In Me is a sad book that is sure to pull on your heartstrings. There is so much emotion contained within these pages. My reading experience was swift, deep, and memorable.

This book is largely Judith’s internal dialogue as she observes the world around her. She cannot does not speak, most believe she is unable to. She is left to live on the fringes of society. Harassed.  Separate. Alone.  It was easy to be swept away by her story. She endures much. And she withstands it all. There is an ending to greatly look forward to. I was happy with Judith’s conclusion, although I wish it didn’t take so long for her to get there.

Julie Berry doesn’t give up the story of what happened to Judith easily. It’s all in due time. And it definitely kept me intrigued. But I wasn’t just curious about her past, I was genuinely invested in her future. The writing took some getting used to. I did struggle to understand how time worked at first – what were flashbacks and what were errant thoughts. But once I adjusted, it was easy to follow along and the book read very quickly (I think I read this in little over a day).

Judith is a strong character and the strength of this book relies on the strength of her words. There was this undeniable innocence about her. And she feels so much. I couldn’t help but feel all that emotion too. It’s impossible not to sympathize for her.  I wanted to protect her. I wanted to hug her and take care of her. I wanted to beat up everyone who was ever unkind to her. I wanted her to get everything she desired and more.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book.I think I overused the word emotional in this review, but that's what this book is.I'd definitely recommend it for readers looking for a unique, heartfelt, personal story.