Book Review: Edge of Nowhere by Elizabeth George

Dec26

“Whidbey Island may be only a ferry ride from Seattle, but it’s a world apart. When Becca King arrives there, she doesn’t suspect the island will become her home for the next four years. Put at risk by her ability to hear “whispers”–the thoughts of others–Becca is on the run from her stepfather, whose criminal activities she has discovered. Stranded and alone, Becca is soon befriended by Derric, a Ugandon orphan adopted by a local family; Seth, a kindhearted musician and high school dropout; Debbie, a recovering alcoholic who takes her in; and Diana, with whom Becca shares a mysterious psychic connection.

This compelling coming-of-age story, the first of an ongoing sequence of books set on Whidbey Island, has elements of mystery, the paranormal, and romance. Elizabeth George, bestselling author of the Inspector Lynley crime novels, brings her elegant style, intricate plotting, incisive characterization, and top-notch storytelling to her first book for teens.”

What I See: This is FANTASTIC! Well written, expertically executed and an engaging story that isn’t based on romance! No! This girl with spunk is on the run and to see her grow as she starts over on her own on Wimbey Island is standout.

It’s smart; it’s witty and clings the reader through every page. George has constructed a fabulous story line and I have no idea what to expect for the sequel, but look very much forward to it!

Book Review: A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Dec21

“We all want to be remembered. Charlotte’s destiny is to be Forgotten…

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend’s arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become–her mark on this earth, her very existence–is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny–no matter how dark the consequences.”

What I see: This is an interesting shorter YA. Charlotte’s story focuses on relationships. What begins as a standard YA blossoms into a story of heavenly assistance. As reader you’re torn between wanting Charlotte to have a life. Her childhood was tragic but she raises herself up, has a steady boyfriend, best friend and hopes and dreams for her future. Charlotte has to make a choice to continue on her destiny or reject it and turn to darkness. At the same time you want Charlotte to have her life, you’re always wondering what will come after should be complete her destiny’s task.

There is a lot of heartbreak as Charlotte continues her transition. The ending is smacked with surprises and the final chapter is only a thread. It’s excellently paced, with a continous flow and althought the endings feels completely different from the beginning, I am curious to see how Charlotte’s choice turns out.

Book Review: Pretties by Scott Westerfield

Dec19

Please note this is the second book in the Uglies series and does contain spoilers.

For my review on the first book, Uglies.

“Gorgeous. Popular. Perfect. Perfectly wrong.

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she’s completely popular. It’s everything she’s ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun — the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom — is a nagging sense that something’s wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally’s ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what’s wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life — because the authorities don’t intend to let anyone with this information survive.”

What I See: I don’t feel this sequel helped progress the series as much as I was hoping for, but, Westerfield’s craft of language is amazing. I felt this book was cluttered with too much romance, but I loved the shift between Tally and Shay’s relationship.

I feel this series might have worked better as a graphic novel. As everything is based on appearance, it would be cool to see the visuals of the ‘Pretties’ and ‘Uglies’ and ‘Specials’.

Book Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

Dec12

“You have to kill him.” Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was.

All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.”

What I See: This was a interesting beginning. The first few chapters are a bit rough, there’s not too much information, which I love. It kept me interested and by the first third way through I was ploughing through the chapters.

I could guess at what the ending was going to amount too but I don’t read too much time travel stories and there was plenty of character development and plot and world building to keep me wanting more.

Once you’re fully in the story, there’s no going back and this is a great, fast paced read for teens that are looking for more than a romance book. This is got plot, strategy and emotional developments. I was impressed!

Book Review: Finding Favor by Lana Long

Dec7

“What’s more important: friendship or freedom?

In the eight years since seventeen-year-old Favor Miller’s father died, she’s had to endure her reluctant, self-righteous guardians the Browns. Every day for eight years, they’ve reminded her that she doesn’t fit in, that she’s not one of them. Every day for eight years, she’s eagerly awaited the day when she’ll finally be free to live her life her way.

On the eve of high school graduation, Mr. Brown ambushes Favor with the offer of college funding and a to-die-for summer internship–with the one stipulation that she must discontinue her friendship with his son, Ethan.

Accustomed as she is to sharing everything with her best friend, this is one secret Favor must keep in order to protect Ethan. The distraction of his new girlfriend, her growing friendship with his older brother, and her need to understand her family history, add in further complications.

As Favor debates signing the contract, she must decide if she’s willing to give up her best friend in order to pursue her dreams. Will she have to stay in the place she’s so desperately wanted to escape in order to make the right decision and get what she really needs?”

What I see: From the summary I thought this book was going to be a period piece, but it’s anything but. (I know it says High School in it, but everything else gave me the impression that it wasn’t going to be as contemporary as it is.) I was disappointed, but as a self-published book it’s nearly there and has great potential. My issues with it are that it’s too obvious. Too much time is spent on the clichéd romance when there were other more strong elements in the book that if explored further and executed well could have made a 180 turnaround for the story.

Book Review: Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn

Dec5

“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.”

What I see: This ended up not being what I expected which was surprising to say the least. I did feel it didn’t bring anything new to the table amongst the other books that I have read and it was a bit long. I feel I would like enjoyed it more should the pacing been a bit faster. Other than that I liked how selfish Annaliese was, the reactions to the parents over Annaliese’s reappearance were my favourite bits to read. I also liked how the themes of the book were a bit more adult, and also that I didn’t entirely understand what was going on some of the time. There are some instances where the interpretation is left up to me and I liked that imaginary freedom.

It’s not a quick read, so be prepared to fight the pacing. If your looking for a book that as supernatural mystery to it, romance galore and an ending that will make you ponder life, this is a great choice!