Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Genre: YA Fairytale Spinoff
Expected Publication: January 28th, 2014
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Page Count: 352
Goodreads
Amazon

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

I've been wondering when someone would come out with a Beauty and the Beast spinoff!And then this beauty shows its cover (which is gorgeous)! I think I will automatically put any book that is a fairytale spinoff as a must read. It's just a must. And Cruel Beauty was a must.

Automatically, I liked Nyx. She was tough, but all she wanted was to be loved by her father. By anyone, actually. She was bitter and sad, somehow a very real and relatable character. And she had determination and a burning hatred for the demon lord in the castle. She's been destined since childhood to be the savior of their kingdom and kill Ignifex, so it's kind of understandable why she's so bitter and angry.

The main reason why I loved this book so much was the writing. Such beautiful sentences were crafted and I loved every bit of the writing. It was descriptive and unique, not a generic style of writing. The world that Hodge created was magical and dark, like, really dark. And I loved being able to read through her explorations of the house because it was so fascinating to read about.

So, I can already see where people will find the romance to be a little too insta for their taste. Don't worry, I felt that way too. But then, things get explained and lets just say that I ended up very much enjoying the romance. Ir was HOT! And confusing . . . and complicated. Well, it's not something that you'll expect. For me, the struggle was real, and I'm pretty sure Nyx felt the same way, so we were in this together.

I seriously can't get this book out of my mind. The novel, woven in with it's writing, was so unique and made for an unforgettable spinoff. Cruel Beauty was magical and dark, unpredictable and sexy, and I can only hope that others will enjoy this novel as much as I did. This novel was not all about the romance, but more about Nyx's character growth that made her such an interesting character to read about.

5 Splashes

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi
Genre: YA Dystopia
Expected Publication: January 28th, 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins
Page Count: 400
Goodreads
Amazon

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Times bestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

*A review copy was provided from the publisher for me to review*

In 2012, Under the Never Sky became one of my favorites of the year. I've said before and I'll say again that I am not the biggest fan of dystopia, but this series piqued my interested in all things dystopia. Since picking up the first book in this series, I have been a loyal fan of the series. So, obviously, with the last novel approaching publication, I am sad to see this fantastic series come to an end.

I've always loved Aria. She's a character that's experienced a lot of character growth throughout the books and her persisting strength and love is something so admirable to read about. And it's always great to see her make mistakes and have weak moments! She's real! Yay! Dimensional characters! And the same applies for all the other characters in this book.

So finally we get some answers about various mysteries that have been sneaking around throughout the series. It was nice to see them answered! Like all the other books in the series, I had a hard time getting away from it to do other things. I just wanted to sit and read it all in one sitting. While I didn't accomplish that, I certainly made sure I finished it pretty quickly. And I've never been so angry over a villain in my life. This guy was complete evil and it was crazy to read about.

I certainly have to slow clap it out for Rossi because I've been so invested in this story, its romance, every element about it since the beginning. This novel definitely didn't turn into a Mockingjay, but it didn't leave me completely happy about its outcome, either, because, let's face it; no dystopia novel is complete without its proportional amounts of heartbreak and death.

Okay, another thing I want to point out is that the romance between Perry and Aria was passionate enough for the setting. I don't think I ever understood why characters are getting it on and I'm left thinking to myself "HOW COULD THIS POSSIBLY HAPPEN WITH ALL THE CRAP THAT'S GOING ON AROUND YOU??" Their relationship was real and there were plenty of ups and downs that made their relationship authentic. I LOVE YOU, PERRY AND ARIA.

If you were wondering (which you probably weren't), yes, I did get a little misty-eyed at the ending. Not that it's boo-hoo sad, but I was just upset to see it end. The Under the Never Sky trilogy will always be a favorite of mine. With epic adventure, a palpable romance, alive characters, and an awesome story, it's bound to suck readers in. I can only hope that if you haven't started this series yet, I hope you do soon.

5 Splashes

Unhinged by A. G Howard

Unhinged by A. G Howard
Genre: YA Fairytale Spinoff
Expected Publication: January 7th, 2014
Publisher: Amulet
Page Count: 384
Goodreads
Amazon

Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of.

That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs.

As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind.

If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head.

Hosting a Splintered read-along was probably one of the best decisions I've made this year. I'd been lusting for it, what with the beautiful cover, and I just couldn't wait to read it. And now, after a few months, I've been given the opportunity to be apart of Krazy Book Lady's ARC tour of Unhinged and I am a happy book blogger.

Soooo, Alyssa bothers in the aspect that she's always doubting her childhood friend Morpheus. This also could be due to the fact that I'm Team Morpheus all the way, but Al's manner in the way that she treats Morpheus has always bothered me. However, she is such a dynamic character. Being in her position, I wouldn't know what world I belonged to either. Save a bunch of crazies in this unfamiliar land or save the lives of those you know and consider normal? So, I mean, I have to give her some credit and having half the mind for doubting an inhabitant of Wonderland, but I still think she acted a little poorly.

WOAH. I have to say that this was a great sequel to Splintered. I have to admit that I had no idea where the author could have brought the next book. All I knew was that I wanted another. The plot thickens when Alyssa has to decide which world to save and be a part of. Troubles definitely get more troublesome when some certain characters *ahem* Red *ahem* just won't go away.

So I loved the growing relationships between Alyssa and her mom and Alyssa and Morpheus. We really didn't get to know Alyssa's mom very well in the first book and, in this one, readers get an inside look at the not-crazy mother. And I cannot tell you how much I was swooning over Morpheus in this book. You're perfect, moth boy!

One thing that really distinguishes A. G Howard from other authors out there in the world is her writing. Beautifully vivid and dark. Her original spin on a favorite fairytale of mine and her incredible writing made the perfect recipe for me. I always feel like I'm being transported into Alyssa's story once I open her books. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing that originality in pieces nowadays, sadly.

Unhinged was a great addition to the Splintered series and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one. I am totally flipping out over that ending! And if you've not read Splintered yet, I highly suggest you do. With gorgeously descriptive writing, a dark mood, a fast pace, a twisty plot, and Morpheus, it'll make a great read for anyone. 

5 Splashes

Warrior by Ellen Oh

Warrior by Ellen Oh
Genre: YA Fantasy
Expected Publication: December 31st, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 327
Goodreads
Amazon

First an outcast, now a hero.

But her fight rages on.

Kira, the yellow-eyed demon slayer who fiercely protected her kingdom—and the crown prince—has been proclaimed the Dragon Musado of the prophecy. With the defeated the evil shaman.

But it wasn’t enough.

Hansong is in chaos. The Demon Lord’s minions have infiltrated the city, treason is brewing among the military ranks, and Kira is buried by the overwhelming loss of her parents. She’s also plagued by the annoying feelings that blossom whenever she’s around Jaewon. But she is determined that nothing will stop her from finding the second treasure needed to fulfill the Dragon King’s prophecy. Not even the army of half-breed demons hot on their trail. If only she could learn to trust others…

Her father always said one person can change the world. Will it be Kira?

*An advanced copy was provided for me to review*

I thrive for anything imaginative, new, and epically badass.  And yay for me, I found all these elements in Ellen Oh's Dragon King Chronicles. Since when do you get to find a book series that focuses on Asian culture rather than more of a European/white dominant one? Or one that doesn't focus on a romance or turn primarily into one? I don't think I've read anything like these books, which is the best thing ever.

I truly love Kira. She's a very consistent character who does, while it might not seem like it since she's such an experienced fighter and mature character in general, learn valuable lessons. She's such a strong and noble character who doesn't enjoy moping around too much (which tends to be a popular trend in strong YA characters. I love emotional breakdowns, but I despise constant moping.) I also love how much Kira values her family! She'd do anything for them and her friends, which basically is almost a majority of the plot, besides the whole find-the-prophecy-treasures thing.

I can already see how people will be discontent with the lack of romance, but to me it's perfection. To begin with, I'm not big on romance, but for Kira, she's not either. She experiences love through her family and she's completely inexperienced when it comes to loving *whispers* boy-men. So when she does find a boy-man, she doesn't know what to do or how to act and she doesn't like that. Also, she doesn't need some significant other to lean on, and for her to suddenly fall in love would be uncharacteristic and, in my opinion, would ruin the plot. And with what little the author has given us, not only do I want more for later on, but I ship them harder!

Warrior is almost like the show Supernatural, what with the demons taking over and going all apocalyptic on all the humans. And Kira and her buds must braves these dangers to save the world, essentially, while many don't believe what is happening or believe in Kira, for that matter. I enjoy how the plot (not only for its somewhat Supernatural elements) is set and with it's quick pace, I flew through the pages and was finished with the book in under a day. 

The Dragon King's Prophecy will possibly always be a favorite series of mine. Oh transports readers right into a Korean fantasy setting, with rich culture and interesting characters. Kira poses as a strong and independent character that doesn't come off as the cliche martyr of the story. And with Warrior's ending, I'm left wanting more. So obviously, I can't wait to see what happens next and I hope that others will enjoy this book as much as I did.

5 Splashes

Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris {Review + Giveaway}

Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris
Publication: April 23rd, 2013
Publisher: Blazer + Bray
Page Count: 479
Goodreads
Amazon

Four months after Ben disappeared through the portal to his home universe, Janelle believes she’ll never see him again. Her world is still devastated, but life is finally starting to resume some kind of normalcy. Until Interverse Agent Taylor Barclay shows up. Somebody from an alternate universe is running a human trafficking ring, kidnapping people and selling them on different Earths—and Ben is the prime suspect. Now his family has been imprisoned and will be executed if Ben doesn’t turn himself over within five days.

And when Janelle learns that someone she cares about—someone from her own world—has become one of the missing, she knows that she has to help Barclay, regardless of the danger. Now Janelle has five days to track down the real culprit. Five days to locate the missing people before they’re lost forever. Five days to reunite with the boy who stole her heart. But as the clues begin to add up, Janelle realizes that she’s in way over her head—and that she may not have known Ben as well as she thought. Can she uncover the truth before everyone she cares about is killed?

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the first book. I love sci-fi and alien kind of stuff with high action and adventure. And the concept that you only have x amount of time to save the world or the one you love makes for a great page turner. I definitely enjoyed the predecessor to Unraveling, but I don't think that it exactly lived up to it. 

If anything, Janelle's learned a few lessons from the first book and it's made her more of an admirable character. She's smart and she tough. And on top of that, she'll protect the ones she loves. I mean, she's so tough she swallowed pills dry. And she also has her coffee black. There wasn't much character growth, considering she did all that in the previous book, but Janelle was still an interesting character. 

So things are different in this one. Instead of saving the world, Janelle and her friends have to save Ben, who happens to get in a lot of trouble, that hooligan. And one of the friends that Janelle makes along the way is Barclay. And if there's one thing that Elizabeth Norris did wrong in this book, it was making Barclay likable, because he was perfect in every sense. Snarky, devil-may-care, courageous, smart, handsome, strong . . . And so the list goes on. But I'm supposed to hate him and hate him at the same time! I loved how he was a character that wasn't the easiest to read and was very dimensional, like all the other characters in this book.

Considering that this book was almost 500 pages long, I read it faster than any 300-paged book. And instead of staying put on a world-as-you-know-it Earth, we travel around different worlds! How awesome is that? And since there's only five days to save her bestie and Ben, this whole book is jam-packed with stressful and high-tension situations. Lots of running around and action to keep my attention, definitely.

Unbreakable was an epic book with lots of adventure and plenty of high stakes situations.  I absolutely love this series for all it's danger and interverse traveling and stuff. 

5 Splashes

Now here's that giveaway as promised in the title! Play fair, and all. US/CAN ONLY. Sorry, international peeps! I promise one of these days I'll do something for you, too.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
Publication: December 19th, 2012
Page Count: 327
Goodreads
Amazon

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

This probably wouldn't have been a book that I would have picked up in the near future if it weren't for all the positive praise that kept going around for this book and the author herself. I am not a contemporary reader. But, on top of the positive praise and the fact that I was very curious about this new and hot New Adult genre, I decided that I would give this one a go, considering that Crash by Nicole Williams was actually pretty good.

I loved Sky. There, simply put. I could definitely relate to her. And she certainly was a complex character, nothing dull about her. Emotionally, she was a wreck, but I envied her ability to always put up a wall of general okay-ness. But she always did keep herself separate from everyone else, and I loved that, even though she wasn't accepted at school, she didn't let it get her down and she didn't try to fit in with the rest of the crowd. She knew that she was her own person, and no one was going to change that about her. Including a boy with an awesome name.

Speaking of a boy with an awesome name! I loved him, too. Dean Holder was another complex character that had to be the most broken and the best boyfriend, too. I almost rolled my eyes at first when he's introduced as a mysterious bad boy, but then once readers get to learn who he is, my opinion changed. I loved that, no matter what happened, he was always there for Sky and was never judging.

This book was not at all what I expected it to be. I was expecting the normal romance/contemporary with one girl and one guy. They meet, it's love at first sight, they end up being inseparable, they fight, break up, then get back together and it's happily every after. Yeah, no. That's not what happened in this book. There was actually a substantial part of the plot that didn't involve romance and the book delved into a more serious and emotional subject that will forever be imprinted in my mind. This book was truly amazing.

Hopeless is definitely not your average read. It was heartwarming, it was heartbreaking. It was beautifully written and follows a girl during a very difficult time in her life. I cannot express how much I loved this book. And I don't think I can give this book justice by simply reviewing it. I do hope that everyone does get a chance to read it, because I got teary-eyed, and you know an author's doing something right when I cry/almost cry. Moving, emotional, and unforgettable, this is a book to read.

5 Splashes

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication: January 31st, 2012
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Page Count: 374
Goodreads
Amazon

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

I know that I am pretty late coming into this series and I don't understand why that is. Love the cover art and the concept sounds pretty interesting. Luckily, for me, this baby was on sale on Amazon not too long ago and I was able to read this one on my Kindle. And, boy, did I read it quickly.

Ana has to be one of the sweetest and yet interesting characters I have ever met. Usually I'm not into all of those sweet and innocent characters, but she did have this all self-loathing complex and was also courageous at times, so she did keep me guessing about her. I loved how her character grew throughout the book, how she became a character that wasn't so meek anymore. My only issue would be about how fast she fell for Sam. Granted, I really did love their relationship, but I just didn't understand how a girl that was so suspicious could suddenly trust one guy. I mean, I get that they spend all this time together, but I would have figured that a girl with such a past wouldn't be so quick to have romantic relations with someone.

Besides that, this book was absolutely magical! I looooveed the imagery and the plot. I didn't expect what came along in the book, either. Dragons that spit out acid, these invisible-like monsters that scorch your flesh off . . . absolutely terrifying, and not what you'd expect with such a pretty cover and such a sweet heroine. But it was a good terrifying and it made for a very original and entertaining book.

The world that Meadows created was something entirely different. I wouldn't exactly call this a dystopian because there's a lot of fantasy elements thrown in there, so that's why I'd categorize this as more of a fantasy book, considering that fantasy can take place in the future, present, or past. I really just wanna hug this book because it was such an enjoyable quick read! The concept that souls will always come back, and be reincarnated was fascinating, and the fact that both or either of the soul mates could be a different gender when they came back from the dead was fantastic. 

So, if you've not read this book yet, I do suggest you do. The world building and the imagery was enchanting and I can't wait to read the next book!

5 Splashes

The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross
Genre: YA Steampunk
Publication: May 28th, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Page Count: 384
Goodreads
Amazon

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has....

I have to say that this book series is possibly one of my favorite depictions of Victorian steampunk out there.  Additionally, this series was the first to introduce me to the amazingness that was Steampunk.  Now, I'm definitely not going to try to describe what steampunk is because it takes forever and is considerably complicated since authors can go in so many directions for it.  Sadly, this series experienced a case of 'second book syndrome'.  It's not to say that it wasn't good, but it didn't reach up to the expectations of The Girl in the Steel Corset.  Fortunately, The Girl with the Iron Touch did not fall flat!

Would I say I am a faithful follower and lover of this series?  Yes times a million!  I love pretty much everything about it!  There's these evil and barely hard-to-destroy automatons, these velocycles (which are like motorcycles but cooler and more Victorian), little organites or 'beasties', superpowers, and cravats.  If that doesn't spell for a story of awesomeness, I don't know what will.

Finley Jayne, I think, will always be a favorite character of mine.  I loved the conflicting and polar opposite sides that she had to her in the first book, for it even created a type of mystery and danger to her.  Even though she's not all Jekyll and Hyde anymore, I still find her to be a very captivating and interesting character.  She never does want the assistance of a guy to help her, because she is fully capable of handling things on her own.  However, she doesn't automatically cross the line into martyrdom and actually knows when to accept help.  She, while having a very violent side and a very sweet side on occasion, is a well-balanced character.

And can I just say that I have been in love with Griffin ever since the first book?  Because I do.  As it so happens, I don't think that my love of him will ever die.  I'm not sure what it is exactly about him that makes me love him so much, but maybe it has to do with the fact that he will do anything to save and protect his friends.  He's got this whole tortured aspect to him, but I let that slide because unrequited love never quits.  On top of that, it has been proven that he is in need of saving more than anyone else in this series, and possibly that vulnerability about him and that honesty makes him a real and lovable character.

Action!  Plot!  Mystery!  This book has it all.  Things were unraveling, new characters were introduced (or reintroduced), blood was spilled, relationships were created.  In all, it was a fun time for all the characters (and reader).  There really weren't any dull moments.  The plot was fast-paced and all these things happened and it was all so awesome!  Alas, the writing wasn't all too amazeballs.  As in, there wasn't any lengthy, descriptive paragraphs on the streets of Whitechapel or things of the like.  That was fine, but it's just one of those things, ya know?  Like, it's almost superficial writing.

If you haven't read this series yet, I don't know what you could possibly be doing with your life.  Read the magnificence of Steampunk, read about the motley crew of misfit super power awesome people, and read about their epic story!  Read it all!

5 Splashes

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo + Giveaway

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Genre: YA High Fantasy
Expected Publication: June 4th, 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Page Count: 448
Goodreads
Amazon

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, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But 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.

*A review copy was provided*

I will start off this review and say that if you haven't read the first book in this series yet, Shadow and Bone, please do.  You're missing out big time.  I fell in love with Alina's story and her struggle with the Darkling and her powers.  It all created this epic adventure that was hard to put down.

While I like Alina's character, she actually got a bit on my nerves in this one!  It's not necessarily a big deal, but it definitely created some conflict in the story and made me have the desire to pull out my hair.  Like I said, no biggie.  However, she still was stubborn and determined as ever, making rash decisions and trying to save all of Ravka.  If you don't admire this character, there is something possibly wrong with you.  Also, she's got some great snark.  I loved it.

You don't know how excited I was to jump back into this story.  I got it in the mail and I read it as soon as I possibly could.  While I think I like the first book better, Siege and Storm did not let me down in any way.  There was always plenty of conflict to keep me interested, whether it be romance or saving Ravka.  And right in the beginning there is a major plot twist!  Many new characters are introduced and Mal and Alina's relationship deepens.  And I cannot count how many suitors Alina receives!  But it's okay . . . maybe.

Speaking of relationships!  I might as well bring up Alina and Mal!  I love these two together! While there is a certain alluring quality about the Darkling, I think that Alina and Mal are Meant to Be.  There's something about way-back-when-friendship-turned-couple that makes my heart go all mushy.  It just makes me SO HAPPY.  And seeing them hurt makes me hurt, and when they're happy I'm happy.  I am the commensurable reader benefiting from (or suffering from) their togetherness, an unknown presence to them, but a large part of my survival as a reader.  Also, their banter was so cute to read!  They had such great chemistry!

And may I also bring up the subject of Bardugo's writing skillz??  They are AMAZEBALLS.  Everything about it is visual, the descriptions are beautiful and thus, the wonderful and terrible world that Leigh concocted becomes real.  It is magical in every way!  Her writing really sets the tone.

I drifter through the half-light, past the silent lawns covered in mist, the clouded windows of the greenhouse.  The only sounds was the soft crunch of my shoes on the gravel path.  The morning deliveries of bread and produce were being made at the Grand Palace, and I followed the caravan of wagons straight out the gates and through the cobblestone streets of the upper town.  There were still a few revelers snoozing on a park bench.  A group of girls laughed and splashed in a fountain, their skirts hiked up to their knees.  A man wearing  a wreath of poppies sat on a curb with his head in his hands while a girl in a paper crown patted his shoulder.  I passed them all unseen and unremarked upon, an invisible girl in a drab brown coat.

Isn't it beautiful??  Or maybe it's just because I've been reading such meh books with meh writing that going to this one clearly outshines the others.  But still, I have to admit that Bardugo is a very talented author.

5 Splashes

Now, for everyone to get into the cheer for the release of Siege and Storm, I have a giveaway for you all!  You know the rules: play fair and all.  So, now I'll leave it up to you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Genre: YA Dystopia
Publication Date: December 18th, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Page Count: 488
Goodreads
Amazon

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

This book had to be one of my most highly anticipated read of 2012.  The premise for it sounded amazing and original and I can't even count the amount of positive reviews I read!  I was so excited to read it!  And somehow, even that simple cover drew me in.  It seemed like this book would be something that I would enjoy very much, to put it frankly.

Things start off with Ruby narrating how she got to this camp and vaguely giving details that she isn't like the other chicks at the camp.  Oh, that was fine by me, but I guess things would get a little slow with all of that internal talk with herself.  It wasn't necessarily a big deal, but there was that voice inside my head that would say 'Come on already . . .'  But other than that, I connected with Ruby's character.  I liked her.  She was feisty, strong, and wore her heart on her sleeve.  She would surprise me with the bite she would pack that would come up in situations, and with that, I knew that I would root for her through all of her darkest moments.  Even if she was a little self-loathing.  And a little too trusting every now and then.  But, hey.  Every great character has their flaws.

What I absolutely loved about this book was that everything wasn't revealed immediately.  Including the whole idea of show-don't-tell and master writing skills, the plot was engaging and kept me reading and reading.  I don't think I've ever come across that many books where the answers weren't just handed to you on a silver platter, and those are probably the books I like most, anyway.  And it just so happens that the mystery is pretty plot twisty and crazy good and hard to not finish reading.

Speaking of plots, this baby never got old and boring, except for the beginning, where the flashbacks were exceptionally long (Not as long as the ending to The Daughter of Smoke and Bone, though).  Plenty of characters are introduced and all of them have stories of their own and are very dimensional.  On top of that, there's also plenty of action and adventure.  There's escaping, running from the government, learning about the past, learning secrets, and much, much more.  Everything is just all so exciting and energetic.

And of course I'm going to discuss the romance because I just so happen to ship it so much.  Also, yay for no love triangles!  Woot!  I do have to say that the romance does take a backseat, but it was still a good romance.  Liam was the little charmer and absolutely adorable!  He was a sweet dude, and while he also had his faults, including self-loathing and a huge case martyrdom, he was an awesome character.  Even if he wasn't the love interest, he was a fantastic character.  Not my top favorite, however, because Zu holds that spot.

I've read amazing books.  Simply great books.  But the writing could be absolute nothing.  Not to say that they have terrible writing, but there's nothing about it that screams that it's something individual and expressive.  They're almost detached in the way that they're written.  However, Bracken's writing was something so beautiful and talented.  I absolutely loved her writing style!  For a while, I was reading okay, but not exceptional books, and I was so glad I picked The Darkest Minds up.  I only wish that I would have read it sooner!

The Darkest Minds was a gritty and dark book about a corrupt government that's taken control of the 'gifted' children.  Nothing seems fair in this futuristic world and some of these children are ready to fight back.  Bracken's writing was poetic and Ruby's story just made for an incredible story to be told.  The characters were dimensional and real, the story was intense, and the writing was phenomenal.  If you haven't read this book already, I suggest you do--and fast--because it would be a mistake not to.

5 Splashes

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Genre: YA Paranormal Dystopian
Publication: April 30th, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Page Count: 446
Goodreads
Amazon

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I will read anything--anything--by Julie Kagawa.  There is not a single possibility that I would not pick up any of her books.  Every single one of her books has kept me at the edge of my seat and wanting more.  She painted such a vivid and enticing world in the Iron Fey series, and since then, I've fallen in love with her writing style, mystical stories, and entertaining characters.  I didn't think I'd like The Immortal Rules when I first picked it up, but I was wrong.  Oh, was I wrong.  So in conclusion, me in love with Julie Kagawa.

I wish I could end this review with just that, but I don't think that's a very convincing argument, alas.  So you want to know more about this book and why I love it, yeah?  Well, FEAST YER EYES.

Allie is one BAMF.  She, while being a little fanger herself, kicks vampire butt.  I love watching her struggle between blood lust and humanity.  She walks this fine line, on the brink of insanity, and it's so fascinating watching her internal battle.  She also is extremely loyal and loves wholly, even though she tries not to show it.  I loved her the moment she was introduced on the page in the first book, and my love of her character only strengthens in this one. 

So there's this thing I like about books and it's called Action and Adventure.  And this one has a lot of it.  There ain't nothin' slow and weepy about this one.  There's flying fists, roundhouse kicks, slashing swords, and broken limbs.  All the elements that spell for an interesting story . . . and disaster.  

Another thing that I love about Julie's novels is that every character (pretty much) plays some type of role in the story, even if they are secondary characters.  They all have dimension and there's life that seeps from the pages of her books; personalities both good and bad that shine through all the grime and magic.  C'est terrifique!

The Eternity Cure was a bloody, gritty tale of a girl who struggles to keep a grasp on the one thing she can't possibly have because she's a monster: humanity.  She finds love, loses it, and creates friendships in the most unlikely of people--err, monsters.  There isn't anything I hate about Allie or her story.  I'm so glad to see Kagawa's ingenious mind create new, original, and thrilling stories.  Even if you're not a fan of vampires or faeries, I still highly suggest reading Kagawa's books.

5 Splashes

Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn

Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn
Genre: YA Paranormal Thriller
Expected Publication: June 11, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 432
Goodreads
Amazon

The spine-tingling horror of Stephen King meets an eerie mystery worthy of Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars series in Kate Karyus Quinn's haunting debut.

On a cool autumn night, Annaliese Rose Gordon stumbled out of the woods and into a high school party. She was screaming. Drenched in blood. Then she vanished.

A year later, Annaliese is found wandering down a road hundreds of miles away. She doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know how she got there. She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon.

Now Annaliese is haunted by strange visions and broken memories. Memories of a reckless, desperate wish . . . a bloody razor . . . and the faces of other girls who disappeared. Piece by piece, Annaliese's fractured memories come together to reveal a violent, endless cycle that she will never escape—unless she can unlock the twisted secrets of her past.

So, I went into this book not knowing much about it and not knowing what to expect.  I hadn't read the synopsis, but it was that hauntingly beautiful cover that had drawn me in.

It didn't take me long to get sucked into this book.

I fell hard into the story.

Like, down the rabbit hole, but without all the floaty- down kinda sensation.

Annaliese!   Or maybe I shouldn't call you Annaliese!  Doesn't matter!  I'll admit, you scared me at times, not because of how horribly constructed you were--because you weren't--but because your story was so disturbing and you were a beautiful creature.  Her persistence to solve the mystery of her past and discover who she truly was made for such an incredible and messed up (but in a good way!)  story.   Annaliese surprised me.  She came off as this meek and confused girl, but then would pack a fierce punch every now and then.  It was fantastic!  Annaliese was an incredible and dynamic character.

And I don't get this feeling a lot, but I wanted to give Dex this huge, squishy hug.  There was just something about his lankiness and dorky, underdog complex that mad me fall in love with him.  And he wasn't just the only likable character in the book.  There were the parents of Annaliese.  They made up the epitome of distraught and loving parents.  My heart went out to both of them and never once did I bore of Annaliese's interactions with them.  Even some of the minor characters, such as Logan and some other schoolmates; they brought this book to life and set the scene for this fantastically disturbing story.

Another Little Piece's plot was something so dark and twisted, the mood of it can only be described as something inspired by Stephen King's works.  Now, don't mistake me and say that this is similar to King's works, because it is nowhere even remotely similar.  I've never read or heard of something like Another Little Piece.  Its story blows me away.  I can't stop thinking about it.  It is everywhere. 

Another Little Piece is a different story that explored the tricky dance along the line of insanity and morbidity.  It was dark, twisted, and fascinating.  I loved it.  The writing was beautiful, the characters were dimensional and relatable, the plot was unpredictable and perfect.  I loved this book.  I hope that others will enjoy it, too!  Fans of thrillers, the paranormal, and the unexplained will possibly enjoy it.

5 Splashes

Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Transparent by Natalie Whipple
Genre: YA Paranormal
Expected Publication: May 21st, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 368
Goodreads
Amazon

Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.

*A review copy was provided from the publisher*

I had heard nothing of this book going into it.  Absolutely nothing.  I didn't know what to expect, but the idea of an invisible girl escaping from this villainous father of hers sounded interesting.  And the cover, too, is just gorgeous.  So as you can probably tell, I was excited to start reading this one. 

All her life, Fiona has tried her best to appease her father and make him notice her--even if she is invisible.  But when he asks her to do some certain thing, let's just say it's nice to know that morals and humanity are a good thing to have, and Fiona and her mother leave.  For some reason, I really loved Fiona's character.  She was strong, broken, and honest with herself for the most part.  She was also very argumentative, but it wasn't bothersome.  More than anything, it was very entertaining to read about.  She does have her flaws, but they mostly involve her either not trusting someone, which was understandable, or not being able to forgive, which was also understandable.  She wore her heart on her sleeve and cared deeply for her family and friends.  Her only wish is that someone could see her and love her for who she is.

Things were very X-Men is this book.  Fiona's invisible.  Her friends all have these wacky abilities like super strength, seeing in the dark, voice amplification, and much more.  Her one brother can freaking fly!  I thought that this idea for a book was so cool, and I loved being introduced to all of these super powers.  There's this black market drug that helps increase the super power of a person, and that's where Fiona's dad comes into play.

I pretty much loved everything about this book.  The plot was evenly paced--if a little slow here and there--and I loved all of the characters.  Well . . . at least the good ones.  Whipple really captured the love that a family has for one another and the love that can be extended to the most unlikely of choices.  Fiona grew as a character and that learning experience for her was so fascinating for me to read about.  My heart was putty in my hands by the end of the book.  I can't wait for others to read this book because the story was fantastic, the characters were so unique and dimensional, and there is just so much love.

5 Splashes

Splintered by A.G Howard

Splintered by A.G Howard
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication: January 1st, 2013
Page Count: 371
Goodreads
Amazon

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Ever since I first laid eyes on that beauteous cover, I knew I had to read it. (forget what it's actually about!  Look at that pretty cover!)  I mean, it's absolutely gorgeous, and to discover that it was a spinoff of everyone's favorite story of madness and insanity and magic put the need for this book very high.

Alyssa was a character I instantly clicked with.  I don't know why, since I don't have a mother in an asylum or anything, but she was just very likable.  I loved her stubborn determination and bravery she never knew she had.  She was unique and quirky with her clothing style and thoughts on Wonderland, which for the most part were curiosity and fascination.  She grew gradually as the story progressed, strengthened and wizened, and I enjoyed reading her progression.

But who cares about main characters when you've got Morpheus!  Mother of all that is good and holy, I knew I was in deep the first sentence he came onto the page!  Longer, blue hair, hypnotizing black eyes with pretty eye bling, WINGS, form fitting pants, and a terribly seductive attitude.  He was too perfect in so many ways.  I know that most people will be rooting for Jeb for various reason, but I don't care!  Take the human!  I'll take the sexy moth man.  Morpheus was just amazing, with his dark and suspicious ways, great looks, and bad attitude.  Never a dull moment with him, I tell you.

Speaking of Jeb, I kinda thought he was a bit of a tool.  He dates this Bitch Chick Taelor for some wimpy ass reason while being all protective over Alyssa.  I don't know about you, but that was a no-go for me.  If he wanted to be with Alyssa all secretly on the inside, he should have grown a pair and did something about the situation he was in, like break up with Taelor yesterday.  On top of that, his protective streak would get a little overbearing frequently.  Dude, give the girl some space!  She's got it covered!

Continuing with the review, I'll talk about the writing.  Never have I enjoyed reading a book where the imagery was so descriptive and enchanting, yet still left room to the imagination.  The balance was perfect.  I just loved all the world building and the beautiful--or raunchy!--descriptions of Wonderland creatures were mesmerizing.

Splintered was the perfect and dark twist on the Alice in Wonderland story we all know.  Dangerous, twisted, sexy, and enchanting, it had all the elements to keep me hooked until the very end.  The story was like a spider web with drops of water on it.  Hypnotic and complex in design, and harbinger of danger and darkness.  Fans of spinoffs, mystical, magical stuff, and gorgeous writing will possibly enjoy this book.

5 Splashes

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication: January 15th, 2013
Page Count: 369
Goodreads
Amazon

Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing.

FUELED BY LIES.
RULED BY CHAOS.
ALMOST HOME.

When Across the Universe first came out, I was hesitant to start it.  I wasn't much for futuristic, sci-fi kind of books, but the cover (the original one!) drew me in like a moth to a flame.  So when I finally got around to reading it and gobbling it up like it was Thanksgiving dinner, I knew that I was in for one heck of a ride.  Revis's writing is ingenious and all of the plot twists really know how to keep me at the edge of my seat.

Amy, I think, will always be one of my favorite heroines in the YA genre.  She didn't annoy me or make these extremely stupid mistakes that made you ponder the common sense of the majority of society.  She was a fierce and determined girl that didn't care what others thought of her.  Her character development grew gradually throughout the entire series, but her overall personality stayed consistent and believable.  I know that if I were to be involved in some type of rebellion/revolution kind of setting, I'd want this girl on my side.

Things got crazy in this book!  This was the moment all of us--including the characters--have been waiting for!  Centauri-Earth!  We were finally going to see what this planet was all about!  Danger lurks around every corner for them and even forces within threaten the fragile unity of Sol-Earth and shipborn passengers.  I mean, this is a Beth Revis book, so there isn't going to be some fairytale ending kind of thing going on.   Obviously, people are going to die and things are going to get blown up and things are just going to be so frexing awesome.  Never once was there a dull moment, the plot was twisty-turny as always, and the pace was quick and full of action and discovery.

I don't think I've ever loved Elder as much as I did in Shades of Earth.  He really found his voice and his place in the colony.  He took charge and showed everyone that he was still to his people and to others.  I loved being inside his head as he began to fall harder and harder for Amy and how stronger he became.

Shades of Earth was the perfect ending to an amazing series.  It was a thrilling and intoxicating read that kept me on my toes.  Emotions were high (including mine!), plots were twisted at their abdomens, and tears were in abundance.  Fans of this series will love this book for obvious reasons, and if you haven't read it yet, frexing read it before I frexing throw the book at your frexing face.