The Bone Season Book Review

The Bone Season

By Samantha Shannon

Published August 2013
Goodreads

The year is 2059. Nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working in the criminal underworld of Scion London, based at Seven Dials, employed by a man named Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for information by breaking into people’s minds. For Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant and, in the world of Scion, she commits treason simply by breathing.

It is raining the day her life changes for ever. Attacked, drugged and kidnapped, Paige is transported to Oxford – a city kept secret for two hundred years, controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. Paige is assigned to Warden, a Rephaite with mysterious motives. He is her master. Her trainer. Her natural enemy. But if Paige wants to regain her freedom she must allow herself to be nurtured in this prison where she is meant to die.

The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine and also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut.

WOW. So happy I finally picked up this book! It's sat on my shelf for a couple of years and I wish I'd read it sooner!

I read this in 2 days. If that doesn't show how much I enjoyed it...

Being book one of a fantasy series (with lots of hard to pronounce names) it took me a little while to feel like I understood what was really happening. There were also a few parts where info was dumped pretty heavily, but it wasn't too bad. I'm really intrigued by this new world and I don't feel like I've ever read anything quite like this. I quickly loved it and can't wait to see where the series goes from here!

Oh, I also just found out that there's supposed to be SEVEN books in this series? For some reason I'd always heard this was a duology so I was only expecting one more! It's like Christmas!

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire 
By Sarah J. Maas
Publication Date: September 2nd, 2014
Source: Netgalley
Series: Throne of Glass #3

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

Miss my past reviews?
Throne of Glass book review
Crown of Midnight book review

It's official. I'm calling it. The Throne of Glass series is my new favorite series and it's also my top three favorite reads of 2014. I love everything about this series that Sarah J. Maas has created (and I love her! She is the nicest person and is one of those authors that will actually reply back to you on Twitter)

I thought that the first two were amazing, but this book is my favorite so far. We got to see Celaena face her Fae side and it was so cool! Getting to read about Celaene learn how to control her magic was one of my favorite parts of this book.

I LOVED the new Fae and Demi-Fae characters in this book with Rowan being my favorite. I loved reading about his backstory and I just really liked his character! He has so many layers and I can't wait to continue reading about him! I'm definitely interested in how he is going to tie into the rest of this series!

Okay, so although I really love Rowan, were you guys freaking out a bit though?!
It's insane because during the first two books, I adored Chaol. I really liked Celaena and Chaol together, but after the end of Crown of Midnight... I don't think that they can come back from that. Every time she thinks of him she thinks of her best friend lying dead on a bed. (Real romantic) I feel like that will always hang over them.

Another huge issue is one that Dorian already pointed out and that's that Chaol struggles with accepting Celaena for who she really is, Aelin. It's almost like he wishes that he could just love certain parts of her, but you can't do that. And now, Celaena is embracing her true Fae side even more. She is stepping up and is becoming who she was born to be. She should only surround herself with people that will help her move forward, and not hold her back. I mean she is a QUEEN. She has other people to think about.

I thought that Aedion was another very interesting character. Starting out you naturally hate him because he acts terrible to Dorian and Chaol. But I love that he proved me wrong. I'm excited to learn more about him! (read more of my thoughts about him in the "spoilers" section)

Manon Blackbeak was another new character that was pretty interesting. I'll admit, during her first few chapters I was bored and irritated. I JUST wanted to read about Celaena, but as I read I became more and more engrossed in her story. I read on Sarah J. Maas's blog that she originally wasn't planning on introducing her in the series until the last book, or the second to last book. She just loved her character so much and couldn't put off writing about her. The witches were scary though, and I honestly believe that some of them don't have hearts, but I think Manon does which makes her so interesting. I'm excited to read more about her and Abraxos. HOWEVER, I'm terrified because they are working for the king. I don't want those witches anywhere near my Chaol, Aedion, Rowan, or Celaena!

That ending. Oh man. I don't know how I can I wait until 2015. Until then, I'll continue to look at Sarah J. Maas's Pinterest board to figure out clues for the rest of the series!


*Spoilers*

About Rowan:
I feel like Rowan is really good for her. They are both warriors that have been through so much pain, yet here they are. Celaena started this book out broken and Rowan was there to help mend her. I'm not saying that they will eventually develop a romantic relationship, but there's definitely something there. Perhaps they will just be the best of friends and will always have each others back. Maybe a step beyond that, like parabatai in the Infernal Devices and the Mortal Instruments series. They are bonded now and can even use each other's magic which is super rare! I believe they said that the blood bond is for life, so one way or another, Rowan and Celaena will always be together.

About Aedion: When you find out he is ACTUALLY a really nice guy. WOW. He's very similar to Celaena. It's not just the eyes and that they share some Fae blood, they both have lost so, so much and are forced to serve the disgusting man that took it all away from them.. I'm definitely upset about the way things ended with him, but I think he will be okay. I can't wait for book four for them to finally be reunited!

About Dorain: Dorain, poor, poor Dorian. WHY does the world hate you? He's struggling with magic and he's trying his hardest to hide it from his dad, but it's getting harder and harder for him. His best friend Chaol is now hardly even talking to him.... but then he meets Sorcha. *sigh* Again, why does the world hate you Dorian?

I still can't believe that they just walked RIGHT into the King's trap there at the end. Poor Dorian. They just killed her so quickly. Now his nasty father knows about his magic and Chaol just leaves him there. I'm afriad for Dorian. I really am.

*End of spoilers*


Do you all love this series just as much as I do?!

Lux Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lux Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: June 3rd, 2014
Series: Lux #1 & #2
Source: Purchased from B&N

Obsidian:
Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don't kill him first, that is.

Onyx:
Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…
Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.
Something worse than the Arum has come to town…
The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.
But then everything changes…
I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?
No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

I know it shouldn't matter, but I'm SO happy this series got a cover change. While they won't be getting the prettiest cover award from me any time soon, I definitely think it's loads better!

Now, you may have already noticed that I've already read Obsidian (and reviewed it) back in December of 2013. I've also already read (and reviewed) Onyx that month too. I had planned on continuing the series... but alas, here we are almost 8 months later and I still haven't. So when I went to the store last week and saw the SPARKLY new covers, I knew I had to buy the new bind ups and continue on! I looked it up and was surprised to find that the fifth book, Opposition, comes out on August 5th! It was basically fate for me to buy them and continue, just in time to read the newest one!

What I didn't have planned was to go ahead and open up Lux: Beginnings and to start rereading Obsidian and Onyx instead of you continuing on to Opal.. Some of you that have followed me for over a year have probably heard me talk about my love for rereading books. It's not for everyone, and some think it's boring to reread books, but I love picking up books that I loved reading and experiencing it again and again.

In this case, my rating of these two books went  from 4 stars to 5 stars. I was extremely critical the first time reading these two books and it's almost like I didn't WANT to give it 5 stars because I felt like it was too similar to Twilight. It's like I was defending Twilight's honor or something. (And they aren't really even that similar!)

Now, however, I read the book without anything else on my mind and I just read it for what it was. These books are super fun to read. I read all 800 pages within just three days! Time flys by and I just loved them! I definitely recommend them to any paranormal fans out there!

I'm looking forward to opening up Lux: Consequences and diving into Opal and Origin for the first time!

Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi

Fracture Me

by Tahereh Mafi

Pub Date: December 17th, 2013

Series: Shatter Me #2.5

In this electrifying sixty-page companion novella to the New York Timesbestselling Shatter Me series, discover the fate of the Omega Point rebels as they go up against The Reestablishment. Set during and soon after the final moments of Unravel Me, Fracture Me is told from Adam's perspective.

As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam's focus couldn't be further from the upcoming battle. He's reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend's life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James's safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It's time for war.

On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam's newly discovered half brother, won't be that easy. The Reestablishment can't tolerate a rebellion, and they'll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about.

Fracture Me sets the stage for Ignite Me, the explosive finale in Tahereh Mafi's epic dystopian series. It's a novella not to be missed by fans who crave action-packed stories with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu.

This was just okay. Unfortunately it was a little boring because the majority of this novella takes place through Adam's eyes during the last few chapters of Unravel Me. I'm glad that I read it because of something important (and terrible) that happens at the end, but so far this was my least favorite of the series. Excited to start Ignite Me though!

On a side note, I love this cover! This should have been the cover of Unite Me instead of Destroy Me in my opinion!

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me

by Tahereh Mafi

Pub Date: February 5th, 2013

Series: Shatter Me #2

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.
Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.
She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.
Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

This was an amazing sequel and if you read Shatter Me, I highly recommend that you continue on to read this book because I liked it even more! Don't forget to read the novella, Destroy Me, first though!

Discussion (Spoilers):
Whew. What a book. So this series has been getting better and better! I liked that Juliette was in a new location and was surrounded by other people with special abilities. I think that that was one of the biggest reasons why I loved this book so much. Many of you know my fascination with any type of story involving superpowers so this was perfect for me. 

This book really reminded me of The Host by Stephenie Meyer (which I love, oh so much by the way) just minus the super powers. A bunch of rebels living underground that are terrified of the strange girl in their midst. PLUS there's a love triangle, don't forget the love triangle. Also one of the love interests has a sweet little brother that becomes friends with our main character? They all go on raids to steal food and other necessary supplies? Come on, tell me you didn't see that? 

I love that Juliette learns to control her powers and is basically like Hulk now crushing bricks in her fist. I'm so excited that Adam and Warner also have powers, although Adam's was a little sad to learn about.. Poor Juliette thought that she had finally found another human being that understood her and could finally give her a hug, only to find out that she is secretly wearing him down, and will some day probably kill him. Wow. 
But thennnn, we learn about Warner's gift. Juliette literally gives him strength and helps him when she touches him.. which is kind of a miracle, since she normally just destroys anything that she touches...

I know that a lot of you are going to ask, so.. I'm team Warner. I wasn't too crazy about either relationship at first, but I've been leaning more and more towards Warner. Now after reading both Destroy Me and Unravel Me, I'm sold.

I would like to point out something that does make me laugh a little, however. Juliette sure doesn't waste any time, huh? I try to put myself in her position though.. Hot Adam and hot Warner were the first two people to ever touch her (without almost dying) so I think I would probably react the same way that she did. It would all be pretty overwhelming I'm sure...

I'm planning on starting Fracture me right now, then I'll be picking up Ignite Me! So excited to continue!

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

City of Heavenly Fire
By Cassandra Clare
Pub Date: May 27th, 2014
Series: Mortal Instruments Series #6

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

Finally! The last book! I'm not really sad about it being over, however, because I know that Cassandra Clare plans on writing two more trilogies in the Shadowhunter world! To find out more information about her upcoming books, check out her blog!

I was also involved in a liveshow discussion with Christine from PolandBananasBOOKS, Regan from PeruseProject, and Kat from Katytastic! In that liveshow we discussed all of our favorite parts, quotes, etc and we even answered your guy's questions! (Video is after this review!)

I'm so happy with how this series ended overall. I loved how Cassandra Clare weaved in so much TMI information! I couldn't help but squeal! The chapters with the TMI characters were honestly my favorite parts of the book! This is most likely because I love The Infernal Devices trilogy so, so much!

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Since You've Been Gone
by Morgan Matson
Pub Date: May 6th, 2014

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough.Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um...

This book just made my favorites list for 2014. I absolutely loved all of the characters, the plot, the setting, everything about this book. I'm going to try my best to explain why, but sometimes it's hard for me to explain why I love a book so dearly.

It was so fantastic to get to grow with Emily through her unexpected summer. I found myself relating to her, and I was so proud of her when she was able to check off yet another item on her list. I loved reading about her conquering her fears while learning how to be her own person. It's fine to have a best friend, but you can't always hide behind them. I loved all of the messages in this book, one of them being to live your life to the fullest and to never let yourself stand in someone else's constant shadow. 

I adored reading about Emily's relationship with Frank and her other new friends. There were so many hilarious chapters like when Emily is trying to "Hug a Jamie" or "Go Skinny-Dipping." And of course there was many, many chapters that made me just want to squeal from all of the cuteness. I loved, loved, LOVED Frank and I thought that the running, and mixed playlists, and all of the Beatles talk, was just the best.

This is one of those books that really touches you and makes you reflect on your own life. It makes you think about saying yes to new things and getting out of your comfort zone. I felt like there were so many worthwhile lessons throughout this book that I really connected with!

I own two other books by Morgan Matson, and now I can't wait to read them!
If you love contemporary books, definitely pick this one up! This was the perfect summer read!

Let me know in the comments what your thoughts on the book was as well!

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

Everything Leads to You
By Nina LaCour
Pub Date: May 15th, 2014
Source: Publisher

A love letter to the craft and romance of film and fate in front of—and behind—the camera from the award-winning author of Hold Still.

A wunderkind young set designer, Emi has already started to find her way in the competitive Hollywood film world.

Emi is a film buff and a true romantic, but her real-life relationships are a mess. She has desperately gone back to the same girl too many times to mention. But then a mysterious letter from a silver screen legend leads Emi to Ava. Ava is unlike anyone Emi has ever met. She has a tumultuous, not-so-glamorous past, and lives an unconventional life. She’s enigmatic…. She’s beautiful. And she is about to expand Emi’s understanding of family, acceptance, and true romance.

I really enjoyed this book. This was my first book by Nina LaCour and I loved her style and the tone overall. The only problem I had was I felt like it was just a touch slow in the middle, but it picked up and I really enjoyed it!

I loved the plot surrounding film-making and of course the mystery they encountered. I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book, especially the mysterious Ava. These characters were flawed, yet seemed so real to me and I love reading about characters like that.

I appreciated that the main character was open about her sexual orientation and instead of this being a coming out story, Nina LaCour just made it a part of who Emi was. I've read stories where the secondary characters were gay, but not the main character so this was a first for me. I loved that our main character wasn't struggling with how she felt, but accepted it. I'll admit I was frustrated with Emi in the beginning because of her poor relationship choices (just learn how to walk away girl! she doesn't love you!) but I grew to love her.

Honestly, while reading this book, it almost felt like I was becoming friends with Ava, Charlotte, Emi, and Jamal. You see them for who they are, their flaws included, but despite it all you grow to love them all the same. I finished this book feeling happy and it gave me closure (which we all know I love.)

I like that this book encourages you to not wait, but to act. You never know how much time you'll have.

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Burn for Burn
By Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivan
Pub Date: September 2012
Series: Burn for Burn #1

Postcard-perfect Jar Island is the kind of place where nobody locks their doors at night, where parents can sleep easy, knowing their daughters are tucked away safe and sound in their beds.

But bad things can happen, even to good girls . . . and sometimes, the only way to make things right is to do something wrong.

Lillia used to trust boys, but not anymore. Not after what happened this summer. And she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her little sister from the same fate.

Kat is over the rumors, the insults, the cruel jokes made at her expense. It all goes back to one person--her ex-best friend. Someone needs to teach her a lesson, and, with Lillia and Mary behind her, Kat feels up to the task.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she’s not the same girl anymore. Now that she’s got friends who have her back, he's going to be in big trouble.

Three very different girls who come together to make things right. Will they go too far?

I'm not really sure how to explain my feelings about this book.

There were a lot of aspects that I liked, but some that I didn't really like at all.

I really like Jenny Han's writing style and that really came through..but.. I don't know. I liked this book (obviously I gave it a 4 star rating, but I'm already doubting myself thinking it may be closer to 3.5 stars?

I enjoyed that these girls are trying to get their revenge because these characters definitely had it coming to them. I didn't exactly end this book feeling as good about it as I did during the first half though, ya know? Something felt like it was missing. I didn't really like the random paranormal thing that happened. It just seemed very out of place. I don't know. I hate that it ended on a cliff hanger, but I know there's going to be at least two other books after this one so I'm not really worried about that.

This book was very interesting because it read like a fairly light contemporary, but it touched on some pretty deep issues. Suicide, bullying, drug use, date rape, etc.

I would like to continue on with the series and see how it goes, but this definitely isn't a new favorite nor is it as good as the last book I read by Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Now THAT was an amazing book!

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay

By Gayle Forman
Pub Date: April 2009
Series: If I Stay #1
Source: Purchased

Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.
I open my eyes wide now.

I sit up as much as I can.

And I listen.

Stay, he says.

Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?

Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters.

If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.

This was a really good book. It's pretty simple.

I admit that I had some trouble with the format of the book. The story was constantly jumping around and it was hard to keep track of at times. However, one thing that I really enjoyed (but it also made me cry my eyes out at times) was how Mia would describe an event in her past, usually it was centered around a person, and then Mia would counter it by jumping to the present and then talking about that person at that moment. She did that with Adam, her mom and Dad, her best friend... but when she was talking about how she would kiss Teddy's scrapes and how she was the first thing that he ever saw coming into this world.. and then Mia flashed to where Teddy was currently in the story, I just lost it.

One aspect I really loved in this story was the music. I love that there was so many different kinds introduced in this book. I loved that it brought people together and drove people apart as well.

I would have loved to learn even more about Mia and I think that this book could have been a lot longer!

I'm not sure when I will read the second book in the series, Where She Went, because the synopsis sounds a little upsetting to me. I definitely didn't think the story would take that turn. It actually has better ratings than this book, however, so I will definitely pick it up eventually. I think I just need a little break first. This book was pretty emotional.

The Unbound by Victoria Schwab

The Unbound
By Victoria Schwab
Pub Date: Jan 2014
Series: The Archived #2
Source: Gift

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Last summer, Mackenzie Bishop, a Keeper tasked with stopping violent Histories from escaping the Archive, almost lost her life to one. Now, as she starts her junior year at Hyde School, she's struggling to get her life back. But moving on isn't easy -- not when her dreams are haunted by what happened. She knows the past is past, knows it cannot hurt her, but it feels so real, and when her nightmares begin to creep into her waking hours, she starts to wonder if she's really safe.

Meanwhile, people are vanishing without a trace, and the only thing they seem to have in common is Mackenzie. She's sure the Archive knows more than they are letting on, but before she can prove it, she becomes the prime suspect. And unless Mac can track down the real culprit, she'll lose everything, not only her role as Keeper, but her memories, and even her life. Can Mackenzie untangle the mystery before she herself unravels?

With stunning prose and a captivating mixture of action, romance, and horror, The Unbound delves into a richly imagined world where no choice is easy and love and loss feel like two sides of the same coin.

Possibly closer to a 4.5 star rating? I don't know. Ratings are so hard...

I loved The Archived, so of course I was eager to start this book! I love that we got more of Wesley and Mackenzie!

Owen clearly shook up Mackenzie's life and the poor girl has to live with the scars he gave her now... I made a comment after reading the first book that the poor girl hardly ever got any sleep, but it just gets worse in this book!

I unfortunately guessed some things that were going on in this book early on... While I wasn't exactly surprised, I still really enjoyed this book and would love to have a third book! I want to continue on with Wesley and Mackenzie's story!

(view spoiler)Now for the discussion time! (Spoilers ahead)

I was disappointed a bit where this story went. This is just because I was really hoping that they would become partners! I wanted them to become Crew so badly! Instead it was just Mackenzie (still a keeper) trying to keep her position and not lose her job, again. Which was fine, I just wanted to learn more about crew and what better way than through the eyes of Mackenzie as her and Wesley become partners!

I guessed that Owen would come back and that he was the one making the voids.. I was a tad disappointed that I guessed that, but as I said before I still enjoyed it!
I felt terrible for Mackenzie and was so happy when Wesley got to stay over and try and help her sleep.

I wish we would have had more Roland in this book as well! He's such a great character! I love that he believed in Mackenzie and even lied for her like when she took his notebook.

One thing that I liked was that Victoria Schwab didn't spend a lot of time on that love triangle with Cash and Wesley. We all love Wesley and although Cash seems nice, he wouldn't fit in her world.. I think Mackenzie wished that she was normal at times so that she could be with a guy like him, but she knows by the end that she's not normal. She will never be normal, and it's time she stops pretending and fantasying and just live her life. I'm happy that she was so certain about Wesley and that the only reason why she couldn't just bring herself to be with him was because she didn't really want to drag him into her problems, which I can understand.

Overall all I really liked this book, and I hope we get another book!

Half Bad by Sally Green

Half Bad
By Sally Green
Pub Date: March 4th, 2014
Series: Half Bad Trilogy #1

Half Bad by Sally Green is a breathtaking debut novel about one boy's struggle for survival in a hidden society of witches.

You can't read, can't write, but you heal fast, even for a witch.

You get sick if you stay indoors after dark.

You hate White Witches but love Annalise, who is one.

You've been kept in a cage since you were fourteen.

All you've got to do is escape and find Mercury, the Black Witch who eats boys. And do that before your seventeenth birthday.

Easy.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

I didn't dislike this book, but I didn't love it either. It was okay.

The idea of this story is interesting. White (good) witches and black (evil) witches hating each other.. a son of a white AND black witch trying to find his father.. The idea seems pretty interesting. The main character is so mistreated and abused that you definitely find yourself rooting for him and hoping he escapes.

However, I felt like a lot was left out of this book.

We never really learned why white witches hate black witches. Is it because they kill people? OH, you mean killing, like the white witches do? They TORTURE people, so this "good witch" stuff is a load of crap.

Everyone just seems to hate everyone in this book... because? We don't know. Most of the time it seems to be because of a grudge after someone killed someone's great, great grandmother or something.

Another thing that I wish we would have gotten more of is character depth. Most of the characters I read about, I didn't really care about. Even NATHAN at times, and he is the main character! I don't know if it was the story or the author but I had trouble connecting to this story...

I WANTED to feel bad for Nathan (and I did at times, but not as much as you would think seeing as everyone hated him and he was tortured in about every chapter.) I WANTED to like the love story, but that too, was just okay. I did like his half brother Arren, and his friend Gabriele, but they were such small parts of this story.

Unfortunately, the ending felt a bit rushed (while the beginning 3/4 kind of dragged on a bit for me). I'm not sure if I will continue or not. I feel like this first book was just an introductory book and so I MAY continue on, now that the foundation has been set. I am interested in seeing what Nathan is capable of now that he is free, sort of. I'm curious to see what his gift will be, so I may continue.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

The Archived
By Victoria Schwab
Pub Date: January 2013
Series: The Archived #1

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

Cress by Marissa Meyer

Cress
By Marissa Meyer
Pub Date: Feb 4th, 2014
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

I LOVED this book. This is definitely one of my favorite series ever. I LOVE fairytale retellings and Marissa Meyer does such a fantastic job of keeping all of the parts we love, yet adding in her own fantastic storylines! I love that our main character Cinder (Cinderella) is a cyborg and a mechanic. Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood) is also a super fun character. BUT CRESS. Oh man. I fell in love with this new character so quickly. I found myself feeling so much sympathy for her being by herself for so long. I was laughing out loud when she was describing her little exercises she would do and I thought that Little Cress was precious. I also found her crush on Captain Thorne really endearing.
I HIGHLY recommend this series! It has everything I love and want in a series! (By the way, the fourth book Winter is probably #1 on my most anticipated reads now.. come ON February 2015...)

The rest of this review is going to turn more into a discussion of Cress, so please only continue if you have read the book! I love this series so much and can't help but want to gush about some of my favorite parts!

I really, really enjoyed all of the chapters with Cress and Thorne. SO ADORABLE. I felt TERRIBLE for Thorne though when he lost his sight... and he took it so well! I think that shows a lot about his character.. I love that he was trying to be patient with Cress, but also make her realize reality at the same time like with the crying in the desert, for example. I thought it was so precious how Cress would get SO EXCITED about all of the trees and animals and things. Her innocence was really enjoyable to read about. I definitely love them as a couple and I can't wait to get to read Winter when Thorne finally gets his sight back (and hopefully Cress and Thorne will finally get together).

I'm SO happy that Prince Kai knows about Cinder now. I admit I got pretty frustrated when he was thinking that Scarlet was the lost Princess.. He took it pretty well in the end and I'm excited for them to finally get to Luna and start the rebellion!

I'm still really worried about Scarlet and Wolf. I think that Wolf will save Scarlet, but I'm just hoping he doesn't let his temper get in the way.. Hopefully he doesn't do anything stupid.

Speaking of Scarlet, let's talk about her new little FRIEND, shall we? I haven't been this interested in a character in awhile. These months are going to just crawl on by until I get to finally read about Winter! I'm in love with the story of Snow White ALREADY and the fact that she is MAD?! I can't believe she has been choosing to not use her powers EVEN THOUGH she knows what it's doing to her mind.. I think that shows a lot about her. I hope she finds a way to help Scarlet (and the rest of them) and hopefully she can get Jacin back! I believe that Cinder will obviously have a HUGE part in this rebellion on Luna, but I can't shake the feeling that Winter is going to have a MASSIVE part as well.. I think that the people on Luna already love her (and I bet that many feel sorry for her) while not as many people know Cinder.. I don't know! Guess we will have to wait and see!

In case you missed them:
My Cinder/Scarlet review & discussion
BookTuber Liveshow discussing Cress! (with LittleBookOwl, Katytastic, and Ermahgerd Berks!)

Let me know in the comments what you all thought!!