Top Ten Tuesday (24) - June 25th

                           

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten list is "Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2013"

Nicole's Top Five:

Ashley's Top Five:

What are your top ten?

REVIEW #124: Reboot (Reboot #1) by Amy Tintera

Title: Reboot

Series: Reboot #1
Author: Amy Tintera

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Pages: 365, Hardcover
Source: Library

Summary from Goodreads:

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

 

Reboot is one of those books that is fast-paced and packed with action. Something was always happening and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what came next. You tell yourself, just one more page, one more, and before you know it you’ve finished the book because you just couldn’t put it down.

The synopsis does a good job introducing this story so I’ll skip right to what I really loved about this book - which was Wren mostly, but Wren and Callum together too. Wren, as a 178, is one of the deadliest Reboots. And let me tell you, she is totally badass. She is also considered the most inhuman. But Amy Tintera did an amazing job making Wren appear logical and matter-of-fact as opposed to cold and unforgiving. This portrayal was perfect because it left room for her to show emotion later and have it be believable. Wren might not be easily controlled by her emotions, or as quick to feel and show them, but with the right Trigger - Callum - she can feel as the others do.

And I say can because she wasn’t sure she could in the beginning. Everyone believed she was just a mindless shell and she started to believe that about herself too. It was amazing watching Callum slowly bring out her humanity and her slowly give in to it. I was happy to see her realize she wasn’t as dead as everyone thought. And it was a great moment when she stopped listening and started making her own decisions.

The relationship between Callum and Wren was both sweet and exciting and I loved watching it deepen. Humans are naturally scared of Reboots but even Reboots are scared of Wren. Very few Reboots engaged her and she really didn’t know how to handle Callum at first, who was all sunshine and rainbows and not afraid of her in the least. The stark contrast in their behaviors and mannerisms created an interesting dynamic and was a joy to experience.

So even though I’ve focused my review on Wren and Callum, there is other stuff going on, more or less involving restlessness and rebellion among the Reboots. This is where the action and adventure comes in and it’s good stuff. That’s all I’m going to say.

I expected to like this book. Even so, it exceeded my expectations. Wren and Callum are the type of characters that stand out. Kind of like how Day and June stand out in the Legend series and make it all the better. If you like that series, I expect you will enjoy this one. 

Favorite line:

"'Do that thing where you look blank, like you have no feelings at all.'

'I think that's just my face.'"

BLOG TOUR {REVIEW #123 & GIVEAWAY} - Ink (Paper Gods #1) - Amanda Sun

Welcome to our blog tour stop for Ink by Amanda Sun, hosted by Sel at Bookcase to Heaven. Don't forget to check out the giveaway at the end of this post! Thanks for stopping by! :D

Title: Ink
Series: Paper Gods #1
Author: Amanda Sun
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: June 25th 2013
Pages: Paperback, 377 pages
Source: NetGalley

Summary from Goodreads:
I looked down at the paper, still touching the tip of my shoe. I reached for it, flipping the page over to look.

Scrawls of ink outlined a drawing of a girl lying on a bench.

A sick feeling started to twist in my stomach, like motion sickness.

And then the girl in the drawing turned her head, and her inky eyes glared straight into mine.

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.

The cover of Ink instantly grabbed my attention with its unique design and beautiful colors. If I had to describe Ink in two words, I would use unique and interesting. The plot focuses on the ancient Japanese mythology of the Kami, the Paper Gods - a lore I have never heard or read about - so the entire culture was new for me.

Because it was so foreign to me, I struggled at times with the book's language and Japanese culture references. Sun incorporates Japanese terms and uses their proper naming conventions as well. Not being familiar with the culture forced me to go back and make sure I was keeping track of the characters properly, having to know both last names and first. This unfortunately slowed down my reading and was emphasized when the plot slowed down.

The novel is equal parts love and myth story, with a few crazy action scenes thrown in at times. That being said, the pacing felt off at times. Even though there was a bit of insta-love, the relationship between Katie and Tomo felt authentic and cute.

Even though I struggled a bit with the new reading experience about Japanese culture, Ink’s story was interesting, and its setting and atmosphere was nothing like anything I have read before. Sun did an excellent job explaining the myth and how it ties into Japanese culture. As far-fetched as the idea of drawings coming to life is, it was easy to imagine with Sun’s description and the drawings within the book.

Ink is an intriguing start to a unique series, blending love and modern mythology with Japanese culture. While at times the story slows, the premise is new and interesting. The ending was not what I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised by it. 

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About the Author

I’m a YA author and proud Nerdfighter. I was born in Deep River, Canada, a very small town without traffic lights or buses, and where stranger safety is comprised of what to do if you see a bear—or skunk. I started reading fantasy novels at 4 and writing as soon as I could hold a pencil. Hopefully my work’s improved since then.

In university I took English, Linguistics, and Asian History, before settling into Archaeology, because I loved learning about the cultures and stories of ancient people. Of course, I didn’t actually become an archaeologist—I have an intense fear of spiders. I prefer unearthing fascinating stories in the safety of my living room.

The Paper Gods is inspired by my time living in Osaka and travelling throughout Japan. That and watching far too many J-Dramas. I currently live in Toronto with my husband and daughter. When I’m not writing, I’m devouring YA books, knitting nerdy things like Companion Cubes and Triforce mitts, and making elaborate cosplays for anime cons.

Official Site | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stacking the Shelves (25) - June 22nd

Stacking the Shelves - hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews features books that you bought, borrowed, rented from the library, received for review, etc.

This is what's on my shelf for upcoming reads:

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Born Of Illusion (Born of Illusion #1) by Teri Brown

Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown 
Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols 
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
The Testing (The Testing #1) by Joelle Charbonneau
If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

What books are stacking your shelves??

REVIEW #122: Underworld (Abandon Trilogy #2) by Meg Cabot

Title: Underworld
Series: Abandon Trilogy #2
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: Point
Release Date: May 8th 2012
Pages: Hardcover, 318 pages
Format: Audiobook  10.5 Hours

Summary from Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn't dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it's for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they've come back as Furies, intent on vengeance... on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there... and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there'll be no escape.

So to sum up the second book: Pierce is back in the underworld with John where she must stay to avoid the Furies who want to kill her.  While she is in the Underworld she sees a glimpse of her cousin's future and he is in a coffin being burned alive.  John reluctantly agrees to go up and save her cousin even though that will put Pierce at risk.  Meanwhile Pierce and John's relationship is evolving and developing into a more serious thing.  

The relationship between Pierce and John sometimes does not seem the most genuine, especially in the first book but Cabot really focuses on developing the relationship.  It actually seems like John is genuinely interested in making Pierce happy and listening to her suggestions.   The story itself though is rather dark seeing as it takes place mainly in the Underworld so I would not say it is the lightest of fluffiest read.  

Underworld suffered a bit from middle book syndrome, I did not really notice it while I was reading it but then when I was writing this review, I noticed not a whole lot happened.  I also felt like the book took place in a week span.  Again, (like in the first book) Pierce got on my nerves a little bit.  She is just so annoying at times but I guess it his justified, she does not have a lot of life experiences so becoming queen of the underworld is not at the top of her priority list.  Overall the book is average with it's fair share of faults and enjoyable moments.  

The audio book narrator is consistent from the first book in the series which is I enjoyed.  The narrator does and excellent job, the voice of Pierce still gets a bit annoying at times but the story is well done and the narrator does an excellent job of keeping  the listener's attention.

Underworld may get slow at times but the story continues to progress and I await the conclusion to this dark but entertaining trilogy!  I recommend this series if you enjoy mythology and the Persephone myth.  It is not the most complicated plot but Underworld is definitely an enjoyable read!

REVIEW #121: Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Siege and Storm

Series: The Grisha #2
Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Pages: 435, Hardcover
Source: Bought

Summary from Goodreads:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

 

It's no secret I loved this book. I loved it every bit as much as Shadow and Bone.
Maybe even more so.

I'm sure some of my love stems from the fact that this is a fantasy series. 

A very well done one at that.
Leigh Bardugo has created such a stunning and intricate world in which to tell this story.
And there is so much originality.
The magic. The Grisha. The Darkling. The Fold. The Second Army. The Amplifiers.
Every detail is so unique and mesmerizing. I can't get enough.
It's probably one of the coolest YA fantasy worlds that I've had the pleasure of reading.
Fortunately we do get to see more of it in Siege & Storm.

The story is just so complete.
You know how some books sacrifice character development for action or vice versa.
This isn't one of those books.
There is plenty of action and adventure, suspense and excitement.
But everything in between is just as enthralling.
You will be captivated by these characters and their trials.

Alina suffers a pretty serious internal battle. She is unsure of who she is or what she wants.
Her power is consuming her.
The Darkling isn't around that much in this sequel but his presence is still felt.
And he is darker and more dangerous than ever.
Mal gets a lot of attention, but not exactly to his favor.

Alina and Mal have to reevaluate what they mean to each other.
Sturmhond, our newest recruit, really stole the show (and my heart).
He was handsome, capable, charming, and commanding.

He was both unpredictable and entertaining.
But he is mine, ladies. Don't fight me on this one or things will get ugly. ;)

I'm scared of elaborating on events for those of you who haven't read it.
I don't want to spoil any of the feels for you.
So trust me when I say that Leigh Bardugo delivers in a big way. Again.

The beginning left me breathless. 

The middle left me restless. 

The ending left me speechless.

This was one hell of a ride.

 

 That is me giving Leigh Bardugo a high five... if we were both men.

DNF: The End Games by T. Michael Martin

Title: The End Games

Author: T. Michael Martin

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Pages: 369, Hardcover
Source: Library

Summary from Goodreads:

It happened on Halloween.

The world ended.

And a dangerous Game brought it back to life.

Seventeen-year-old Michael and his five-year-old brother, Patrick, have been battling monsters in The Game for weeks.

In the rural mountains of West Virginia, armed with only their rifle and their love for each other, the brothers follow Instructions from the mysterious Game Master. They spend their days searching for survivors, their nights fighting endless hordes of “Bellows”—creatures that roam the dark, roaring for flesh. And at this Game, Michael and Patrick are very good.

But The Game is changing.

The Bellows are evolving.

The Game Master is leading Michael and Patrick to other survivors—survivors who don’t play by the rules.

And the brothers will never be the same.

I tried guys, I really did. I just... I can't. I can't. And here's why:

1. I had no idea what the hell was going on. Nope, not a clue. Are they playing a game or not? At first I was convinced they were. Then I got to page 61, and I was convinced they weren't. By page 110, I don't have the damnedest idea. And...

2. What the hell? Ok, so they are running from zombies. {Got it.}They are trying to get to the Safe Zone. {Ok I am still with you.} They come across Zombie worshiping religious folk. {Umm...what?} A scary looking man arrives in a hot air balloon to save the day. {Did you just say hot air balloon? Yeah, you lost me.}This is all just bizarre and I have better things to do with my time then mentally prepare myself for whatever ridiculous and unbelievable thing the author had planned next. 

3. I hated the writing. It was choppy and immature and confusing. And it wasn't just when he was talking to his 5 year old brother, his internal dialogue was the same. It was hard to follow, and extremely difficult to enjoy and it only enhanced my overall feeling of 'WTF'.

"Dang, she's so cool.
Dang, don't think that.
Dang, why?
Because of on account of this being the most horrible time to get a crush on a girl.
Oh. Right. Daaaang."

4. I just. don't. care. I literally had zero desire to keep reading. Let me guess - they find the safe zone after a few battles with some Bellows or Zeds or whatever. Maybe some secondary character that I don't have any connection with dies. And I'm going to guess that they find their mom because everyone loves happy endings and shit. But if this happens or not - makes no difference to me. 

I feel like I was reading a different book, because I am usually not super critical and quite a few people enjoyed this... like 4 stars enjoyed this. I can appreciate that Michael would do anything to keep his brother safe. That's commendable. But I can read a book that doesn't drive me bonkers to feel a touching relationship between brothers.

Maybe it's me. I don't know. But yeah.. that's why I opted to not finish and pick up a book I actually give a crap about.