REVIEW #108: Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

Title: Game

Series: Jasper Dent #2
Author: Barry Lyga

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: April 16, 2013

Pages: 528, Hardcover

Summary from Goodreads:

Billy grinned. “Oh, New York,” he whispered. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, the son of history’s most infamous serial killer, Billy Dent.

In an effort to prove murder didn’t run in the family, Jazz teamed with the police in the small town of Lobo’s Nod to solve a deadly case. And now, when a determined New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz’s door asking for help, he can’t say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple–and its police force–running scared. So Jazz and his girlfriend, Connie, hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer’s murderous game.

 

WELCOME TO THE GAME JASPER

To me, this series has all the right ingredients to make it a memorable one. First and foremost, our protagonist is the son of a notorious serial killer. Talk about a fun twist on a classic crime/murder novel. Jasper Dent has been raised to take over the family business but doesn’t want to be a killer, thus we have a very interesting nature vs. nurture battle present in this series. The internal struggle was more prevalent in I Hunt Killers, and takes a bit of a backseat to the murder mystery in Game, but it is still there. Billy Dent’s voice is still in his head. Jasper is still haunted by his strange nightmares. And he still fights to hold back his urges to do wrong. But to me it seemed that Jasper was a little more in control of himself. A little more sure that he wasn’t going to end up like his father.

And on that note, Jasper’s upbringing creates a very fascinating perspective to tell the story from. He’s been taught all the tricks of the trade - how to manipulate people to get what he wants, make them trust him, inflict pain, and evade capture - and he’s not above using some of the tools at his disposal to do what needs to be done. It gets my heart racing when we see this darker side of him. The side created by Billy Dent. Every time he bests someone or outsmarts them I do a little happy dance. I am totally Team Jasper, whether he is bad or good. And with respect to the crime solving, we don’t just get a cop’s way of looking at things but Jasper’s way of looking at things - which is the cops and the killers view of the crime. He understands the bad guys on a whole other level. It’s really something else. A whole lotta dark and scary but completely fascinating.

Second, we have a solid murder mystery. In I Hunt Killers, someone is impersonating the very gruesome crimes committed by dear old dad. Jasper, in an effort to do good to counteract the evil within, decides to help the police find the killer in what led to a very thrilling game of cat and mouse. And as I always enjoy, we get a few brief chapters from the killer’s perspective to keep things interesting. But the sequel Game takes everything to new heights. More killers, more murders, more mystery. The story has moved to the big apple and there are new players and one puzzling set of crimes. To catch the Hat-Dog killer, Jasper needs to must find the pattern behind the crazed murders. And it's a very good one at that, once revealed. 

If you like crime novels, murder mysteries, action/adventure - you name it - this book should excite you. I can admit I was truly stumped over the connection until the big reveal.And in case that isn’t enough, Barry Lyga gives us a little more in the way of some side mysteries that delve into the Dent past and bring Connie and Howie into the spotlight. This book is jam packed and kept me on the edge of my seat for a whole 500+ pages.

Third, we have some really great characters. I already raved a little over Jasper and he is one awesome lead (and you all know I love male POV) but the secondary characters stand out to be just as much. Connie is FIERCE. If anyone can handle Jasper, this girl can. She is AWESOME. Yeahhhh she does some stupid things in this book but I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same. She is one strong lady. And Howie, don’t even get me started. HILARIOUS. He can’t seem to shut up but everything out of his mouth is funny, and usually inappropriate. The grandmom is as crazy as ever. G. William Turner is still kickin’. And when I think of the ever so serious Detective Hughes I think of Tyrese Gibson for some reason, and that is one pretttyyy picture! ;)

Last but not least, this book is just well-written. It is engaging, informative, authentic (or at least feels that way). But above all, it is unique. And Barry Lyga skillfully continues to divulge the story of Billy Dent's past and Jasper's childhood while weaving an interesting set of murders for readers to solve. If you like crime stories or you are curious about the way serial killers think, then this is definitely your book. 

Stacking the Shelves (21) - May 25th

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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Golden by Jessi Kirby

Reboot (Reboot #1) by Amy Tintera

The End Games by T. Michael Martin

Kindness for Weakness by Shawn Goodman

The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney

Poison by Bridget Zinn

What books are stacking your shelves??

REVIEW #107: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Title: Something Like Normal

Author: Trish Doller

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Release Date: June, 19, 2012

Pages: 224, Hardcover

Summary from Goodreads:

When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

 

Something Like Normal is a fantastic depiction of a soldier’s life after war while suffering from PTSD. Travis has just returned home after serving in Afghanistan and is struggling to adapt to his old life, which now seems so unfamiliar, and the death of his army friend Charlie, which he feels somewhat responsible for. The same man that left for the army is not the same man that returned. The one that returned doesn’t know where he fits in anymore, or what life holds for him.

I was completely taken aback by Travis’ recounts of war and life in the army. But what really brought the message home was how it was told in comparison to the easy comforts of his home life. He no longer saw the home he left in the same way. His bed now seemed too soft. Loud noises put him on instant alert. Things that had once seemed important - parties, clothes, girls, cars - were somewhat trivial now. Travis’ hardest adjustment - and the focus of the story - was coming back alive when his friend Charlie didn’t. At night, he often relived Charlie’s death, or dreamt of his own. He started seeing Charlie in strangers, or through hallucinations. He knew he wasn’t really there, but that didn’t make it any easier to let go. He missed his friend and he wished he could take his place.The story peaks when Travis attends Charlies funeral and delivers a heartfelt speech about his dear friend. But it was really Charlies family and Harper that helped him move on and I loved his journey to get to and past that point.

I loved getting this glimpse of PTSD and seeing the impact that war has on those that come home. And for another perspective, Trish Doller incorporates the stories of some of Travis’ army buddies who coped in different ways. She tells a very complete and thorough story. But perhaps what I loved most was the relationship Travis built with Harper, who is exactly what he seemed to need at the moment. She was patient, understanding, and compassionate. She helped him find a new normal and sense of peace. Their romance was sweet but complemented rather than overshadowed the story. It was perfect.

And Travis’ story really touched me on a higher level. For those of us who are not closely impacted by war, it is easy to forget about those that are sacrificing so much for our freedom. But this story reminded me of their sacrifices and gave me a new appreciation and gratitude for our soldiers. Hearing about Travis' time spent overseas. The conditions that he had to endure. The war he had to fight. The friendships he made. And the soldiers he watched die. The suffering was heart-breaking but the little moments, the good moments, were so so great. My heart when out to Travis. To all our soldiers.

The entire book was just beautifully written and satisfying. I loved every detail that Trish Doller gave us. Travis's decision to enlist affected not only him, but his family and close friends too. Doller captures all of that. I just can’t say it often enough how much I loved this story.

REVIEW #106: Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1) by Gail Carriger

Title: Etiquette & Espionage
Series: Finishing School #1
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: February 5th 2013
Pages: Hardcover, 307 pages
Source: Audiobook from the Library

Summary from Goodreads:
It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners—and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage—in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate, this YA series debut is filled with all the saucy adventure and droll humor Gail Carriger's legions of fans have come to adore.

Etiquette & Espionage quickly transports you to a steam punk world with neat inventions, werewolves, flying carraiges, vampires, and crazy floating etiquette schools. The setting is well developed and quite unique. Sophronia is a cover recruit at the at Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality; a cover recruit is an individual that is unaware of the type of school they just agreed in attend, essentially someone who does not have a family legacy. She has no idea what she was getting into but as a 14 year old troublemaker she can definitely handle herself :) Sophronia is faced with drama from the moment she is picked up to leave for school. She must learn to be a proper lady while trying to figure out what her nemesis is hiding and why. 

FUN. Is literally the best way I have to describe this book. The plot is a bit slow at times but for the most part the story was pretty action filled.  Sophronia and her friends are always doing things that could get them into trouble. There are no real ‘heavy’ aspects to the book, so it is easy to just sit back and enjoy the witty lines and fascinating world. If you are looking for romance, this may not be the book for you. The story revolves around Sophronia and her classmates focusing on the development of their friendship and the mystery at hand (no romance, though there is some set up for some down the line). 

Holy crazy names. I struggled attempting to pronounce at least half the names in this book. Here are some examples: Sopronia, Dimity, Frowbritcher, Sidheag, Lefoux, Braithwope! While it didn’t change my feelings towards to book, it did make it a bit more challenging to keep the terms and people straight.  This is how I felt trying to say them :)

Etiquette and Espionage was a fun light-hearted read; I do wish there were more espionage aspects in the story but it was a solid four stars. I would say Etiquette and Espionage would be the product of mixing Gallagher Girls’ fun spy school setting with a well executed steampunk setting. I definitely recommend if you want a easy read and enjoy steampunk.

REVIEW #105: If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

Title: If You Find Me

Author: Emily Murdoch

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: March 26, 2013

Pages: 256, Hardcover

Summary from Goodreads:

A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey’s younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys.

Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go… a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.

 

If You Find Me is one of those contemporaries that pushes the limits, takes you outside of your comfort zone, forces you to think about uncomfortable realities, and makes you feel a wealth of emotions. It is a story that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. It is one of the best, most moving books I have ever read.

“Saint Joseph, if you’re still listening, please look out for us? We’re not in the woods anymore, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing. Please keep us safe, and help me keep Nessa safe. Help me remember the e-s in ‘don’t’, not to drop my g’s, and not to say ain’t.Most of all, please look out for Mama? No matter what she did.On beans I pray.” 

My heart went out to Carey. From such a young age she was forced to endure things that no child ever should. Her mother kidnapped her. Lied to her. Barely provided the most basic of needs. Beat her. And worse of all, sold her body to pay for her meth addiction. And despite it all, Carey grew into an amazing young woman. She is strong and capable and intelligent. She took complete care of her younger sister Jenessa and kept them both alive in the most unimaginable circumstances. And even when she was thrust into a new and overwhelming life, Jenessa came first. Her protection, love, compassion and care for her younger sister was so beautiful and touching. And the way she handled each new situation was beyond inspiring. Her inner strength is unparalleled. She is my favorite heroine. 

“Please don’t let me wake up. Please, Saint Joseph, don’t let this be a dream. Let me have this. Help me to know how to have this. Don’t let us wake up cold and hungry, Jenessa’s eyes, begging me to make it better. Please. Never again. I may not deserve it, but Jenessa does.“

This story was just so profound. I was moved by her history in the woods. I was mesmerized by her relationship with her younger sister. I was captivated by her adjustments to the outside world. At times she was back to being that 5 year old before she was kidnapped and had so much to learn. At other times she showed a maturity and understanding that far transcended her years. When she faced new obstacles she tackled them with such sense and good judgement, it was truly remarkable. All of a sudden she is getting doted on and introduced to conveniences she never imagined possible. She has to attend high school for the first time and all the drama that comes with it. And her sister Delaney gave her no warm welcome. Yet Carey even managed her with a certain firm directness and mended that relationship too. 

“’What’s your problem with me anyway?’ I say, the white heat filing my body. ‘I reckon you have everything a person could ask for. You even had my father. Why do you hate us so much?’Delaney laughs, a hollow, bitter sound. ‘Are you kidding me? I never had either one of them. Not even my own mother! It was all about you. It’s always been about you! Were you alive? Were you dead? Oh, there’s another sighting. No, it’s not her. Were you hungry? Safe? Warm? Carey this. Carey that, It was always All about you.’”

And she meets a boy, and he likes her. Before Ethan, the only males Carey new were the ones her Momma brought home. Carey didn't really know how to act or what to think. But Ethan was patient with her. He was kind and understanding. He showed her what was right and erased all the misconceptions brought on by her past. I loved the innocence of their relationship and their connection that spanned years. He was perfect for her. They were perfect together.

"'That girl in the woods is amazing. Don't you ever stop being that girl in the woods, you hear me? Braids and new clothes can't take away the best parts of you. You hold on tight to your heritage. That girl in the woods raised a baby, took care of her sister, kept her fed, warm, safe. That girl in the woods is special. Especially out here.'"

The writing was wonderful. Carey had to educate herself in the woods and as a result she spoke differently - 'backwoods' like. Murdoch embraced this in the dialogue, both internal and external. And the comparisons that Carey made between her old life and new really brought forth her past in the woods - the sounds and smells, the animals and landmarks, her experiences - all stayed with her and gave her an anchor in this new life. And occasionally Murdoch gave us a memory. Although most depicted the atrocities Carey had to face. They made me red with anger but really shook up my emotions.

"Jenessa turns to me, her eyes full of question marks. I shrug; even I know I'm out of my league. The keening ache washes over me again like creek water soothing a stone, and that fast, I'm pining for the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, the smoky campfire, the world I know with my eyes tight shut, and even the beans."

In all, If You Find Me was a story unlike anything I have ever read and by far one of the most powerful. Believe every good thing you hear about this book.

I'm Waiting On Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to shine a spotlight on upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating!

This week I chose...

Title: Crown of Midnight 
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

I don't really think this choice needs any explanation. Isn't it obvious? I LOVED THRONE OF GLASS. It was one of my favorite reads in 2012 and I cannot freaking wait to get my hands on this book. Like this is probably my most anticipated read of 2013. And what about this cover? AMAZING! 
Enough said.

What are you waiting on?

Top Ten Tuesday (19) - May 21st

                           

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten list is "Top Ten Favorite Book Covers Of Books I've Read"

What are some of your favorite book covers?