Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Black City by Elizabeth Richards
Genre: YA Paranormal Dystopia
Publication: November 13th, 2012
Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons
Page Count: 374

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

I really expected this one to sweep me off of my feet.  I may not be one for books centered around a romance, but, considering that I had loved Twilight in it's heyday, I thought I would enjoy this one.  I met Elizabeth Richards on the Breathless Reads tour and I really liked her and I got super excited for her book.  It sounded like something I would enjoy--gritty, dark, and full of action.  It sounded exciting and fun!  It's not say that I didn't enjoy this book at all, but I didn't like it as much as I would have hoped.

First of all, the whole sense of insta-love really got on my nerves.  Now, I know that the whole reason that there is even  a book is because of their relationship, but I really hate insta-love.  It wasn't just a teenage infatuation; it was this full-blown love that they had that bothered me.  I didn't buy into their connection, Ash's and Natalie's, and I think this is what significantly brought down the value of the book for me.  There's the whole meaning behind why they're so in love, but I don't think that it was properly executed for me to enjoy it.  I've read books where the insta-love didn't feel like insta-love because the characters got to know each other more than just the stage of wanting to jump each others' bones.

On top of this, I couldn't connect with any of the characters.  They all seemed so dull and naive and I quickly became bored with the book.  I finished it, because I knew that it was worth finishing and that there was at least some inkling of interest in me that kept me going--but, man, was it hard.  I will read the next book, definitely, but I'm in no rush to get there. 

This book has a lot of potential.  I see it.  I want it.  I'm hoping that with the second book that there will be an improvement in character development and more plot twisty kind of stuff.  I don't know.  I want to like and enjoy this series.  I really do.  There was plenty of action--and a little bit of plot-twisting that went on.  The world building was pretty awesome to picture.  It was very different from what I have ever read in a dystopian.  Like I said, this idea for the book is very interesting, but I can't help but feel that there is something missing from it all. 

Black City was definitely something I haven't read before.  It was gritty and bloody.  Fans of Twilight will definitely enjoy the relationship Ash and Natalie share.  While the book did not reach my expectations, there were a few elements that made the book enjoyable, like the plot twists and world building.  I enjoyed the dual perspectives, like I always do when they're included in books, and I hope to see more of a complex storyline and dimensional relationship to spring up in the second installment.

3 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
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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
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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
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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

Nobody's Damsel by E.M Tippetts

Nobody's Damsel by E.M Tippetts
Genre: NA Contemporary
Published: January 5th, 2013
Publisher: Createspace
Page Count: 230
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Amazon

 Chloe has finished her masters degree and taken a job as a forensic scientist back in her home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico, only the press will not leave her alone. They follow her to crime scenes and report on her every move, eager to show that her marriage to Hollywood A-lister, Jason Vanderholt, is on the brink of collapse. Millions of fans who dream of their own celebrity romance with him want this more than anything. This scrutiny comes at a particularly bad time as Chloe's first case is a crime against a child roughly the same age that Chloe was when she survived a homicide attempt.

Now that she sees the case from an adult's perspective, she realizes it's much harder than she ever dreamed. It's even worse for Jason, who is two steps removed from the crime. He must watch and try to support his wife as she battles with past demons and tries to keep up with a nameless suspect who evades identification and capture. Never has Jason been more frustrated with his job, its frivolities, and its lack of connection to the real world. When he storms off the set of his latest movie, the press goes wild with conjecture. Perhaps he never was anything more than a pretty face after all.

Together, Chloe and Jason must find their way past all the popping flashbulbs and through the dark maze of the criminal investigation to discover whether they can balance their professional goals with the demands of a celebrity marriage. The odds are entirely against them.

There are times where I like to settle down with a sweet, glamorous read, and this author happens to be my go-to.  I've come to terms that her books will be my guilty pleasure.  Definitely. They're sweet and the plot is engaging, and this very girly side of me is very much enjoying it all.

I've always loved Chloe's practicality.  She was always telling Jason how it really was and she didn't like taking any of anybody's crap.  I was very happy to revisit Chloe and her story in this second installment.  She's definitely grown up into a very mature and strong character in this one.  I love how she has such determination to follow her dreams and she doesn't let Jason's celebrity status get in the way.  Even the way she handles the paparazzi and all was admirable.  She definitely has more patience than I do.

Ahh! And this plot was such a crazy one!  Jason's away and busy as he films for movies (but not absent) and Chloe takes up a job that involves her investigating a kidnapping.  It was so fascinating to watch her get emotionally attached to the investigation and then try to carry on with her less-than-normal life.  Considering how much I love investigation/mystery plots, this book caught my attention.

Nobody's Damsel explores the life of the famous and the struggles it takes to find some type of normalcy.  This book, with all it's glitz, glam, and gore, sucked me in and didn't spit me out until the last page.  I'm not usually interested in books like this, but I somehow was addicted to the story.  And that's what Tippetts's books are!  Addicting!  They're sweet, short reads that are the perfect books to read when in need of an emotional break!  So I kinda enjoy her books, yeah?

3.5 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