Review + Giveaway: Chaos by Sarah Fine

Title: Chaos (Guards of the Shadowlands, #3)
Author: Sarah Fine
Pages: 388
Publisher: Skyscape
Release Date: October 7, 2014

With Juri in control and everything in absolute chaos, Lela plunges into the depths of hell to free Malachi from creatures that have waited decades to exact their revenge. But the Judge has her own way of doing things, and Lela must work with Ana, the new Captain, who has a very personal mission of her own. Together, they infiltrate the most horrifying realm either has yet encountered in the Shadowlands—the bitter landscape ruled by the Mazikin.

The stakes could not be higher, and Lela must accept the help—and love—of people she barely knows or trusts. As alliances and loyalties shift and she realizes the soul she came to save isn’t the only one in need of rescue, can Lela summon the strength to see the fight through to the very end?

My Thoughts: After the devastating cliffhanger in the previous book Fractured, I was dying to know the fate of Lela and Malachi! I had no idea what would go down or how things would be resolved in this final book, but knowing what the characters had already gone through in the first two books, I knew it wasn't going to be easy for them. Or even me as a reader, since I knew I had to prepare myself for the all the heartbreaking moments to come.

It really was no surprise that Chaos had me hooked from the very first page. It picked up right where Fractured left off with Lela determined to do everything she could to save Malachi. I was so happy when Ana, a familiar face from Sanctum, teamed up with Lela on the mission, even though their reunion wasn't what Lela expected (if you've read Vigilante, you'll understand Ana's reaction). Plenty of other characters made an appearance throughout the book as well. Some were familiar, others were new. And just like in Fractured, it wasn't easy figuring out which characters were trustworthy or not. It caused me to question every single action of certain characters and definitely raised the tension in the book.

Something I really appreciated about Chaos, and this series in general, was how important love is to the characters. Being loved and loving someone gave them the hope and strength they needed to keep going after all the hardships and trauma they had endured. Which brings me to one of my absolute favorite relationships ever: Lela and Malachi. I don't want to get into too much detail about what happened between them in Chaos because it's one of those things that shouldn't be spoiled. However, I will say that there were many times where I was swooning and smiling like crazy and many times where my heart completely broke for them. Their moments together were some of the most emotional parts in the series, and I'm going to miss reading about them.

Chaos was addicting and filled with the explosive action and sweet romance I've come to expect from this amazing series. Even though the ending was bittersweet to me because the story is now over, and I'm going to miss Lela and Malachi and all the other wonderful characters, it was the perfect conclusion to Lela's story and one that she deserved. The Guards of the Shadowlands series will always be one of my favorite series, and if you have not started this series yet, I highly recommend that you do!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

To celebrate the release of the final book, I have two prizes up for grabs! The first one, for US residents only, is a hardcover copy of the first book Sanctum. The second prize will be open internationally (if you live in the US, you are eligible as well), and the winner will be able to choose a paperback copy of either Sanctum, Fractured, or Chaos! Both giveaways end November 8. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck! :D

Reviews: Shatter by Erin McCarthy & Vigilante by Sarah Fine

Shatter by Erin McCarthy
Release Date: September 2, 2014 / Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I'm a fan of Erin McCarthy's True Believers series. I think this series contains some of the more unique new adult storylines out there. That being said, Shatter could not hold up to my expectations. In fact, I didn't find it to be all that memorable compared to the rest of the books in the series.

I was really looking forward to reading Kylie and Jonathan's story, especially since it involved pregnancy, which I don't believe I see much of in new adult books. However, Kylie and Jonathan weren't interesting characters to me. And for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to believe in their relationship. I just wasn't feeling the chemistry between them. Basically, I had no emotional connection to them or their story. There were things that surprised and shocked me, but in the end, I was left feeling unsatisfied with this final book.

Although Shatter may not have lived up to my expectations, I would still recommend the series to those who love new adult books. And I would still definitely recommend Shatter to True Believers fans. You might enjoy it a whole lot more than I did!

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Vigilante by Sarah Fine
Release Date: July 25, 2014 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I was upset for days after finishing Fractured, book two in Sarah Fine's Guards of the Shadowlands series. It ended on a devastating cliffhanger that broke my heart to pieces. When it was announced there was a short story from Ana's perspective that could be read before the release of the final book Chaos, I was ecstatic. Ana is awesome, and I've been wondering what happened to her after the events in book one Sanctum.

Vigilante gave plenty of insight into Ana's character and had answers to questions I've been wondering about since the first book. Including more information about the other worlds that have been mentioned in the first two books and Ana's relationship with Takeshi. It also gave a glimpse as to what happened to a certain character after the end of Fractured. This story covered a lot more than I was hoping for, which made me feel so grateful, and at the same time, it left me craving for Chaos even more.

Vigilante may be a short story, but it was full of the powerful emotions and action that I've come to expect from this amazing series. It is a definite must read if you have read Fractured and are dying for Chaos! Don't miss out!

Review + Giveaway: Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine

Title: Of Metal and Wishes
Author: Sarah Fine
Pages: 320
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: August 5, 2014

There are whispers of a ghost in the slaughterhouse where sixteen-year-old Wen assists her father in his medical clinic—a ghost who grants wishes to those who need them most. When one of the Noor, men hired as cheap factory labor, humiliates Wen, she makes an impulsive wish of her own, and the Ghost grants it. Brutally.

Guilt-ridden, Wen befriends the Noor, including their outspoken leader, a young man named Melik. At the same time, she is lured by the mystery of the Ghost and learns he has been watching her … for a very long time.

As deadly accidents fuel tensions within the factory, Wen must confront her growing feelings for Melik, who is enraged at the sadistic factory bosses and the prejudice faced by his people at the hand of Wen’s, and her need to appease the Ghost, who is determined to protect her against any threat—real or imagined. She must decide whom she can trust, because as her heart is torn, the factory is exploding around her … and she might go down with it.

My Thoughts: As soon as I finished reading chapter one, I just knew I was going to love this book. The eerie setting gave me a feeling similar to what I get when I look at photos of old buildings and factories. Wonder and awe. I felt this way not only with the setting but the entire story. It wasn't at all a surprise though because Of Metal and Wishes is the fourth novel I've read by Sarah Fine and her stories are some of my absolute favorites.

Of Metal and Wishes revolved around Wen, a sixteen-year-old girl trying to adjust to living with her doctor father at the local slaughterhouse Gochan One. Although she was friendly with many workers at the factory, it didn't stop the loneliness and sadness that consumed her ever since the death of her mother. Her responsibilities as her father's assistant kept her busy and were a comforting distraction, but life at Gochan One became complicated and dangerous for Wen once the barbaric Noor were hired to work there and she challenged the ghost haunting the factory.

While Wen seemed unsure of herself and what she wanted in the beginning, there was a quiet fierceness to her that was hard to miss. Her compassion and bravery were traits I really admired about her. When most of her people treated the Noor horribly, she took care of the Noor and stood up for them. Sometimes she made mistakes or acted impulsively, but she always tried to do the right thing and didn't allow others to influence her decisions. She went through a lot in this book and grew immensely, and I found her to be such a great and relatable character.

The Noor, specifically their leader Melik, had quite an impact on Wen. To most of Wen's people, the Noor are considered lower than dirt. Wen was quick to judge them too, but she eventually saw how wrong she was. Melik was honorable, hardworking, and treated his people with respect, which fascinated Wen because it didn't match what she had been told about the Noor at all. Melik had me swooning with his words, his actions, and the attention he gave Wen. I loved their tentative romance and how comfortable and protective they were of each other. What they shared was sweet and slow-burning, and I was always so happy when they had moments alone together. Being around Melik and the other Noor really helped Wen to see the world in a different way.

The mysterious Ghost was another important part of Wen's journey. He brought life to the factory, granting wishes to the workers and making Wen feel less alone. However, he also brought fear and death, and I didn't know whether or not to trust him. His obsession with Wen was a curse, but I admit, in a way, it was a blessing for her as well. If it weren't him, Wen wouldn't have gone through all the guilt that she did, but without him, she wouldn't have survived many of the things she experienced. I guess that's why I found myself sympathizing with him. He did some pretty horrible things in the factory, yet I thought he proved that redemption was possible. It even made me wish things had ended differently for him all those years ago, and I know Wen felt the same way.

I really liked that Of Metal and Wishes showed the importance of kindness, trust, friendship, and love. For Wen and those she cared about, the final chapters of the book were a bit heartbreaking and bittersweet. But it was also full of hope, which made it a fitting end to the story. With its beautiful and fluid writing and characters that were remarkable and inspiring, Of Metal and Wishes easily became one of my favorite books this year. I can't recommend it enough, and I can't wait to read the sequel!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Bookittyblog and Joyousreads have also read and reviewed Of Metal and Wishes, and you can read their reviews on their blogs. Not only that we're giving away a signed ARC to a lucky winner! The giveaway is open internationally and ends August 4. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Review + Giveaway: Scan by Walter Jury & Sarah Fine

Title: Scan (Scan, #1)
Author: Walter Jury & Sarah Fine
Pages: 336
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: May 1, 2014

Tate and his father don’t exactly get along. As Tate sees it, his father has unreasonably high expectations for Tate to be the best—at everything. Tate finally learns what he’s being prepared for when he steals one of his dad’s odd tech inventions and mercenaries ambush the school, killing his father in the process and sending Tate on the run from aliens who look just like humans.

All Tate knows--like how to make weapons out of oranges and lighter fluid--may not be enough to save him as he’s plunged into a secret inter-species conflict that’s been going on for centuries. Aided only by his girlfriend and his estranged mother, with powerful enemies closing in on all sides, Tate races to puzzle out the secret behind his father’s invention and why so many are willing to kill for it. A riveting, fast-paced adventure, Scan is a clever alien thriller with muscle and heart.

My Thoughts: Before I started reading Scan, I expected it to have action and suspense. But I wasn't fully prepared for just how nonstop the action would be! There was car chases and crashes, explosions, gun fights, and so much more. It was nerve-racking yet exciting, and I could not wait to find out what would happen to the characters and how the book would end.

Throughout the majority of his life, Tate's had to endure rigorous training in combat and master as many subjects and languages as he could all because that's what his father wanted. Tate doesn't know why his father puts him through this, and since both of his parents refuse to tell him, it unsurprisingly causes tons of friction between them. Once Tate finds out the truth, though, he has to use all the knowledge and skills he's learned in order to survive and protect his loved ones.

I couldn't help but to be just as frustrated as Tate was with his parents. I didn't feel like they had been fair to him, keeping all kinds of secrets and information from him that would have been really helpful to know as soon as the chaos started. But as the story went on and things became more and more dangerous and complicated, I began to realize right along with Tate that it was necessary and for his own good. He probably would have been blinded by his beliefs and wouldn't be as good of a person as he is now had he known everything from the very beginning.

If you're wondering what Tate's father had been hiding from his son, well, it was lots of things. But what it all involved was...ALIENS! Aliens that arrived on Earth about 400 years ago and look exactly like humans. But what started off the unfortunate chain of events was a small device, a scanner, Tate stole from his father that can reveal who is a human and who is an alien. Both sides wanted it badly, and while you would think the aliens were the evil ones, it wasn't that simple. Everyone seemed to have their own agenda, and like Tate, I didn't know who to trust! Even by the end, I still didn't know who the real enemy was, which was something I really liked because not all humans were good just like not all aliens were bad.

One other thing I would like to mention is the importance of the women in Tate's life. I'm glad that Tate's girlfriend Christina and his mother were involved with the mission of protecting the scanner. Tate's skills and resilience helped him a lot, but I don't think he would have made it without them at his side. They were tough, smart, and resourceful, and together they made an awesome team! I especially adored Christina. She didn't have the training Tate and his mother had, but she knew how to hold her own. I loved how much she was willing to help them, even when she was hurt or terrified. As for Tate and Christina's relationship, it was sweet and obvious that they cared deeply and felt strongly for each other. But because of what they were going through, they also had plenty of tense and uncomfortable moments. I hope they are able to overcome whatever issues they may have because I really want them to stick together.

Walter Jury and Sarah Fine have a written a truly thrilling and suspenseful story that had me on the edge of my seat till the very end. I have no idea what's in store for Tate, his mother, and Christina in the next book, but I can't wait to find out. If you're looking for a smart, action-packed book, you need to get your hands on a copy of Scan!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Bookittyblog and Joyousreads have also read and reviewed Scan (check out their blogs to read their reviews!). We want to give someone the chance to read Scan early too, so we're giving away an ARC! This giveaway is open internationally and ends April 26 at 11:59PM EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Interview with Walter Jury & Sarah Fine, co-authors of Scan

Today I have an interview with Walter Jury and Sarah Fine, co-authors of the new YA alien thriller SCAN! Walter Jury is one of the producers of the Divergent movie, and Sarah Fine is the author of the Guards of the Shadowlands series and the upcoming Of Metal and Wishes.

I had the opportunity to read SCAN a few months ago, and it was an intense read! My review, along with an ARC giveaway, will be posted next week. So keep an eye out for that! In the meantime, I included the cover and the summary of SCAN below so that you can learn more about it before you read the interview.

Scan by Walter Jury & Sarah Fine

Release Date: May 1, 2014

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Tate and his father don’t exactly get along. As Tate sees it, his father has unreasonably high expectations for Tate to be the best—at everything. Tate finally learns what he’s being prepared for when he steals one of his dad’s odd tech inventions and mercenaries ambush the school, killing his father in the process and sending Tate on the run from aliens who look just like humans.

All Tate knows--like how to make weapons out of oranges and lighter fluid--may not be enough to save him as he’s plunged into a secret inter-species conflict that’s been going on for centuries. Aided only by his girlfriend and his estranged mother, with powerful enemies closing in on all sides, Tate races to puzzle out the secret behind his father’s invention and why so many are willing to kill for it. A riveting, fast-paced adventure, Scan is a clever alien thriller with muscle and heart.

Walter Jury (left) and Sarah Fine (right).

Interview

I think author Morgan Rhodes's blurb of SCAN ("Nonstop, action-packed thrill ride") describes it perfectly. What did you enjoy the most about writing SCAN? Do you have a favorite scene?

(SPOILER ALERT) Walter's favorite scene is the final set piece. Without giving away any plot points, I will describe it as a major action sequence that involves Tate and his primary pursuer, along with a few other names in a very fun location that is described in detail, but allows for the imagination to run wild with the options as the scene progresses. With Tate's skills that we establish early on, we get a real sense of how high the stakes are and how far he can progress with his Dad's tutelage and influence guiding him.

While I was reading SCAN, I couldn't help but to be in awe of Tate and all his skills and knowledge. He was a brilliant kid. It made me wonder, how much and what kind of research went into SCAN? Was it intimidating to write about someone who pretty much excelled at everything?

Sarah consulted with a chemistry professor regarding many of the explosive chemical reactions in the book, and with one exception where she used major creative license, they're totally possible. But also, the Internet is a writer's friend. Look on Youtube for "Super Soaker flamethrower" or "nitrogen triiodide detonation" and there is a wealth of terrifying-yet-inspiring source material! DO NOT try that stuff at home PLEASE.

Tate's not the only the one with a family who is hiding big secrets about aliens, but unlike some of the others, Tate's parents never told him anything. How different would Tate be from the person he is today had his father (Fred) told him everything from the very beginning?

(SPOILER ALERT) Fred knew what he was doing. He wanted to see an advanced level of consistent maturity from Tate prior to giving him the keys to the castle of his family heritage. Consistent is the key word, because as we see adversity really fortified Tate's focus. So it was probably the right move at the time for Fred not to share the information with his son--had Fred have passed along the information, then maybe Fred would still be alive, but if Tate had demonstrated irresponsibility in a different manner, then it could have been very costly in some other manner. To answer the question directly, I believe Tate needed some real adversity to get him to a higher level of maturity--and I don't believe just his father's divulging of their family history would have been enough to change that particular aspect and weakness.

I know SCAN is Tate's story, but I love his girlfriend Christina too! She's awesome, and I kept wondering what she was thinking throughout the book. Will readers ever get a glimpse inside her head? Like maybe a novella or anything from her POV?

Great question. It is actually a great suggestion and certainly something that would be fun to write--the shootout in Act I especially, would be great to see from her perspective as it is devastating to both Tate and Christina, but maybe surreal to Christina as opposed to calamitously real to Tate. We will have to give you a special thanks if that ever becomes a novella or an ebook teaser!

I saw on Goodreads that the sequel to SCAN is called BURN. What can you tell us about it? Is this a duology or will there be more books after BURN?

BURN is currently in the works so while we are working hard to finish it, it would be premature to spoil any of the major plot points and sequences--but what we can say is: more secrets revealed, more MacGyver-like maneuvers, and definitely more action! As of now, we are looking at a duology, but we love these characters and the world-building that went around this mythology, so we certainly would be open to exploring more possibilities in the future!

Is there anything else about SCAN you would like to mention to readers?

SCAN is really a labor of love for us--it was a story that just flowed out of us very seamlessly because we so passionately wanted to look at the ramifications of a visit from aliens prior to the advent of modern technology. The characters definitely are inspired and we hope, creatively unique, to readers of all ages and all proficiencies in young adult literature. We hope everyone gets out of reading the novel the exact same feeling we had when writing it!

Finally, if you found out you were actually an alien, how would you react?

Walter: I would start researching right away in order to figure out how to get to outer space using one of those services like Elon Musk's SpaceX. At this stage, I know they are still experimental and very expensive, but it is a great excuse for me to book a costly trip to outer space and gives me the perfect retort when my wife asks what I'm doing--"Babe, I'm just planning a trip to visit some family!"

Sarah: It depends. Am I a member of the dominant species? If so: sigh of relief. Possible fist pump. If not: ACT CASUAL AND TRY TO BLEND IN.

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Thank you to both Walter Jury and Sarah Fine for answering my questions (and Stacey from Penguin for asking me to interview them)! I loved the in-depth answers, and I'm even more eager to read BURN. And anything from Christina's perspective would be awesome, if a novella or teaser ever becomes possible! :D

Well, I hoped you all enjoyed the interview! Did it make you curious to read SCAN? If so, SCAN will be released May 1, 2014 by Putnam Juvenile, a Penguin imprint. So not too long from now! And as I mentioned before I will be posting my review and a giveaway next week. Stay tuned!

Reviews: Rush by Eve Silver & A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook & Brendan Halpin

Rush by Eve Silver
Release Date: June 11, 2013 / Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I expected to like Rush a whole lot more than I did. It had a unique 'game' concept, but I didn't feel it ever really delivered. It just wasn't believable to me, and I was easily irritated with those in charge because they never gave clear cut answers.

Maybe I wouldn't have been as bothered with all that had I liked the characters. I didn't have any sort of connection to them. The protagonist Miki wasn't that bad, but I felt she was trying too hard to be tough and brave. And I thought she was quick in falling in love with Jackson, who annoyed me throughout because of his cryptic ways. I couldn't bring myself to believe in them or their romance. I'm also getting really tired of reading about the bitchy, manic best friend of the main character. Why is it always like that? In this case, it was Miki's friend Carly. I couldn't stand her. As for the rest of the characters...they pretty much fell flat to me.

Rush had an interesting premise, but I wasn't entirely convinced by either the plot or the characters. I'm glad I had a chance to read and finish it though. I just don't think it's enough for me to want to read the sequel.

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A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook & Brendan Halpin
Release Date: July 23, 2013 / Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I didn't go in to A Really Awesome Mess with high expectations, since the reviews I had seen weren't giving it much praise. But I did hope I would be able to at least finish it. What I couldn't have predicted was how much I would enjoy the story! I really love when that happens because I had a hard time putting the book down.

The chapters alternated between the point-of-views of Emmy and Justin. Both of them were hilarious and had me cracking up so many times! They also sounded like real teenagers with real, serious issues. The relationships they built and the adventures they shared with their new friends seemed genuine and had me grinning. Because those much needed friendships clearly had a hand in helping each of them deal with their problems, even if some of their issues would never entirely go away. Overall, I thought Emmy and Justin and their group of misfit friends were great and relatable characters, and I know they were the reason why I was glued to the book and why I was having so much fun reading their story.

A Really Awesome Mess kept me entertained from beginning to end. The plot and the characters were touching and humorous. It was such a fun read! While not everything was resolved for Emmy and Justin, the ending was still fitting and satisfying. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance.

Reviews + Giveaway: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski & The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Release Date: March 4, 2014 / Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I didn't know what to expect from The Winner's Curse. It wasn't originally on my radar, and I only became curious about it once I started to notice all the great reviews it was receiving. After getting the chance to read it myself, I can understand why so many are praising this book.

Kestrel, a high-class Valorian and the general's daughter, and Arin, a Herrani slave purchased by Kestrel at an auction, were the main characters. They may have grown up in different worlds, but they were similar in many ways. Both were sympathetic people, full of quiet strength and determination, wishing for the freedom to live their lives the way they wanted to. I just found it so easy to like them. I also loved how their relationship evolved. They didn't always get along, yet there was a connection between them that made them open up to one another little by little. It was precious and sweet. They each had their secrets though, and it led to devastating revelations and consequences. I have no idea how they will overcome that, but I hope that whatever happens next they are able to survive it together.

I'm so glad I took a chance and read The Winner's Curse because I was immersed in the story from the very beginning. Although it was a bit slow-going at times, it didn't stop me from enjoying it overall, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel.

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The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina
Release Date: April 8, 2014 / Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

After reading a couple of chapters, I began to realize that I didn't find the story to be as enthralling as I had hoped. I decided to keep reading, though, just to see what happened to the characters. And I'm so happy I did because The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf ended up being a satisfying read.

To me, the beginning of the book started off as if it was a sequel, not the first book in a series, and I think that's why my feelings about it were shaky. However, flashbacks were eventually added to the mixed, and it made me see that the way the book began was necessary for all the revelations that were to come. I was hooked from that moment on! But as I mentioned before, I have the characters, especially the protagonist Ashala, to thank for being the reason why I continued reading. There wasn't anything about Ashala I disliked. I admired her courage and strength, and all I wanted was for her to survive the ordeals she faced so that she could protect her Tribe and the rest of those with special abilities. The way things went down were unexpected and shocking, and I gained even more respect for Ashala and the others who did everything they could to help her.

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf was a story set in the future about friendship, love, and protecting the innocent. It was filled with unique mythology, consisting of people with special abilities, spirits and animals that could communicate with humans. The ending brought enough closure, but there's definitely still more to explore. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

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I'm giving away my ARCs of The Winner's Curse and The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf to one lucky winner! Giveaway is open to US residents only and ends February 28. To enter, check out my Giveaway Policy and fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!

Review + Giveaway: Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

Title: Fire & Flood (Fire & Flood, #1)
Author: Victoria Scott
Pages: 320
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: February 25, 2014

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

My Thoughts: Ever since I read the synopsis for Fire & Flood, it became one of the 2014 novels I couldn't wait to read. It sounded so good and unique! And I can't lie, I really wanted to meet this one character named Guy I kept hearing about. I was looking forward to knowing the main character Tella as well, but Guy...yeah. Needless to say, when I finally got my hands on a copy of this book, I was pumped!

The beginning of Fire & Flood introduced us to Tella Holloway and her family and gave insight into why they were living in the middle of nowhere Montana. Well, some insight. Tella assumed it was because of her sick brother, but she didn't quite know why it was necessary for them to move there from their nice life in Boston. I couldn't help but to wonder why too. In the meantime, getting to know Tella was great. Her personality definitely stood out to me. She was funny and honest and a bit of a girly girl. Her love for her family and her desire to help others, which became quite evident throughout the rest of the book, was admirable, even if it did lead to some impulsive decisions. I just found it easy to like her, and I wanted nothing more than for her to succeed in the Brimstone Bleed.

Speaking of the Brimstone Bleed, I had no idea what to expect from this mysterious race competition that claimed to have the cure for a sick loved one as the prize. All I knew was that it took place across four ecosystems in three months and that each competitor was given a creature called a Pandora to help them. I wasn't sure how difficult or dangerous it would be, but I soon found out. If there were no Pandoras, I think this would have been a much harder race to accomplish and much more competitors would have perished. Even though I liked Tella's determination, I honestly don't believe she would have made it as far as she did if she were alone with no Pandoras or allies.

As for how the Brimstone Bleed was even created, I only knew as much as Tella, so there were plenty of questions that needed answering. Tella gradually learned more and more about its history as the race went on. I was surprised by some of the revelations, most of which I never would have guessed, and I started to realize right along with Tella that there was more than just the cure at stake. That and the fact there are two ecosystems left to conquer makes me a bit nervous for what's to come in the sequel.

I can't end this review without mentioning the two most important characters for Tella during the race: Madox and Guy. Madox was actually her Pandora. He's a little, black fox with green eyes. He was so freaking cute and badass! I wanted to hug him and kiss him and swing him around! For some reason, I couldn't stop imagining him as a pomeranian, instead of a fox. It made him even more adorable though. Guy was a fellow competitor, and he ended up being as intriguing as I expected! He was the strong, silent type, and he had many secrets that were slowly revealed. I thought it was sweet how he protected Tella whenever he could, and I completely loved their growing relationship. I hope that whatever happens they are able to stick together, and I'm glad both Guy and Madox were there to look out for Tella.

Overall, Fire & Flood was a fun and fast-paced read. It had plenty of action and adventure and humor and just enough romance to satisfy my romance-craving self. Tella, Guy, Madox, and the rest of the characters were all great. I'm looking forward to finding out their fates and getting answers to the many lingering questions in book two!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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I'm giving away my ARC of Fire & Flood to one lucky winner! Giveaway is open to US residents only and ends February 16. To enter, check out my Giveaway Policy and fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!

Review + Giveaway: Alienated by Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated (Alienated, #1)
Author: Melissa Landers
Pages: 352
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: February 4, 2014

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

My Thoughts: I became really curious about Alienated after I saw the lovely cover and started to hear good things about the story from other readers. I couldn't help going in expecting to love it too. While it did have its cute and funny moments, unfortunately I wasn't quite as captivated with Alienated as I had hoped.

One reason I couldn't connect with the story were the characters. I didn't think Cara and Aelyx were memorable as far as main characters go. I actually had a difficult time remembering what happened to them in the first half of the book when I finished reading. They weren't unlikeable characters though. Cara was nice and compassionate, and Aelyx grew a lot and was funny in his own way. But they never really stood out to me, and I didn't feel myself passionately rooting for them. I couldn't even believe in their relationship. They had some romantic moments together that were sweet and at times hot. However, I didn't feel I ever understood why they loved each other, especially when it came to Aelyx's feelings towards Cara considering he was suppose to be lacking in emotions.

Cara and Aelyx weren't the only characters I couldn't click with. I didn't care at all for Cara's ex-friends. Although they did try to redeem themselves later on, I was still relieved they didn't have much scenes. I also didn't like the way most of the characters reacted to situations that arose throughout the book. Everyone was so quick to snub Cara and her family because of Aelyx, and there was so much mob mentality going on with the L'eihr haters. The social issues in Alienated were given lots of attention and could easily be compared to the horrible events that happened in our own history and still currently happening in our world today. But I never felt strongly about the issues in this book. It didn't have quite the same impact for me.

Another problem I had with the characters was that it didn't seem like the whole exchange program was well planned or thought out by either the humans or the L'eihrs. The hatred for the L'eihrs had been escalating for two years, yet from what I remember there wasn't any sort of protection from the local police or government set up for the aliens and the human families hosting them until after the protests and threats got really bad. Plus, no one bothered to consider what type of food or anything the L'eihrs would prefer. It was all up to the host family to figure out, which I thought was weird because this wasn't your typical student exchange program. There were aliens and an important alliance involved. In Cara's case, it also seemed she was more responsible for Aelyx than her parents were. Maybe it wasn't like that at all, but that's how it came off to me.

Although Alienated might not have been as enjoyable as I expected, I still found myself wanting to know what happened to Cara and Aelyx in the final chapters. If you've been wanting to read this book, don't let my review discourage you. As I mentioned before, I've heard lots of high praise for Alienated from other readers, and you might just fall in love with the story and the characters as well.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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I'm giving away my ARC of Alienated to one lucky winner! Giveaway is open to US residents only and ends January 23. To enter, check out my Giveaway Policy and fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!

Reviews: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead & Blood Phantom by Rhiannon Hart

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead
Release Date: November 19, 2013 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

When Richelle Mead said that The Fiery Heart would be her hottest novel yet, I had a good idea of what would happen between Sydney and Adrian. Thing is, I didn't realize exactly how often the hotness would sizzle through the pages, if you know what I mean. Since they are one of my favorite couples, it made me extremely happy.

I absolutely loved getting inside Adrian's head. I was surprised by how many of the romantic moments were in his perspective. He really has a way with words, and it was great getting his thoughts on Sydney because she seemed to be one of the very few bright spots in his life. His ever-growing relationship with Sydney may have been the focus of the novel, but of course there's more revelations about the Alchemists, Sydney's magic, and Adrian's spirit ability. I'm looking forward to seeing all that and more collide in the next book.

The ending of the book was heartbreaking. What happened was something that many of us may have been anticipating, but how it goes down is emotional and unexpected. I already can't wait to read more about Sydney and Adrian's growth in book five Silver Shadows.

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Blood Phantom by Rhiannon Hart
Release Date: December 9, 2013 / Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

It's been over a year since I read book two in Rhiannon Hart's Lharmell trilogy. With it's devastating cliffhanger, it's been a long wait for the final book Blood Queen. Thankfully it looks like it will be published next year, and I'm already counting down the days to the release.

In the meantime, the author has recently given readers Blood Phantom, a prequel novella to the series from Rodden Lothskorn's perspective. I've loved Rodden since the first book, and after what happened in book two, it was nice getting a quick look inside his head and finding out what he was up to right before he met Zeraphina. It may be a short read (hey, it's a novella for a reason), but since I'm a big fan of the series and Rodden, I didn't mind at all. It just left me craving more.

If you've been eagerly anticipating the release of Blood Queen, Blood Phantom might ease the pain of waiting just a bit. Although it's a prequel, I think those who have read the series will be able to appreciate it more, so I highly recommend reading at least book one, Blood Song, before reading Blood Phantom.

Review: World After by Susan Ee

Title: World After (Penryn & the End of Days, #2)
Author: Susan Ee
Pages: 315
Publisher: Skyscape
Release Date: November 19, 2013

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

My Thoughts: Ah! It felt so good to be back in this world! But I have to admit I was nervous before I started reading World After. It's been over a year since I read the first book Angelfall, and I wondered whether or not this sequel would be able to live up to the badass awesomeness of it's predecessor. As soon as I got a couple of chapters into the story, though, I knew that the wait was completely worth it.

In World After, like in the first novel, Penryn's main goal was finding and saving her littler sister Paige. Before you say 'Again?,' just know that you shouldn't worry at all about the events in this book being a repeat of Angelfall. This time around Paige leaves willingly, and Penryn only has Raffe's sword by her side. Her mother and a character named Clara, who appeared in the first book, are also there with her in the beginning. And before you ask 'But what about Raffe?!,' don't worry. He's in the story as well, and I will definitely get to him in a bit.

Penryn was as focused and resilient as she was in Angelfall. I had no idea what kind of horrors she would face this time around, but I knew if anyone could pull through it would be her. I liked that she didn't feel like a hero. She was just as scared as everyone else and only did what she could with what she had. Something that broke my heart, though, was how she treated Paige. After everything Penryn went through in Angelfall, I thought things would be good between them. However, that wasn't the case at all. Nearly all the humans they encountered were terrified of Paige and treated her like she was a monster. While Penryn was never cruel to Paige, she couldn't bring herself to touch or comfort her sister because deep down even she was afraid and didn't know what to do with this new version of her sister. It was really sad, and I kept hoping that Penryn would overcome her fears for Paige's sake.

Then there's Raffe. I loved Raffe in the previous novel and couldn't wait to see him again. If you're hoping he'll show up right away, you will probably be disappointed. But I'm glad his absence proves that Penryn can carry this story on her own. Now, that doesn't mean Raffe wasn't around. In fact, his presence was felt throughout the novel. And when he does show up in person...it was a breathless moment for Penryn. And I was on the edge of my seat, grinning like an idiot. He's still the same sarcastic angel, yet there's a vulnerability to him when it comes to Penryn. It was sweet.

Penryn and Raffe's relationship continued where it left off in Angelfall, and while I can't say how things progressed with them, I can say that it was clear how deep and strong their connection was. I liked the fact that Penryn reminded us that she was like any other seventeen-year-old girl who craves love and romance. It's really no surprise that what they share is complicated. How can anything develop between an angel and a human when it's forbidden, especially in a world where surviving comes first? That's a question I hope will be answered before the end of the series because their relationship is one of my absolute favorite things in the books.

World After was an amazing and satisfying sequel to Angelfall. The writing and the story flowed perfectly, and it had non-stop horror and intense action from the very beginning. I cannot wait to see where Penryn's story goes next and how things will be resolved. Although I wish the third book was already out, I know I'll eagerly wait for its release no matter how long it takes.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Reviews: Daimon & Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daimon (Covenant, #0.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: April 19, 2011 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

It wouldn't feel right if I reviewed all the books (including the other novella) in the series and didn't also review the prequel Daimon. So here are my thoughts on Daimon after reading it back in July 2011:

I wanted to read Jennifer L. Armentrout's Covenant series because I loved the covers. I went into this prequel novella not knowing what to expect but hoping that I would find the story to be just as appealing as the covers. I'm glad to say that it was good. REALLY good.

Looks like book one, Half-Blood, starts off right where Daimon leaves off, so I highly recommend reading Daimon if you want to have an idea of what the Covenant series is going to be like and if you want a quick introduction to the heroine of the series Alexandria Andros. I think it's a great start, and I cannot wait to read more!

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Sentinel (Covenant, #5)  by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: November 2, 2013 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

It's over. It almost feels like I'm dreaming. It's that surreal and bittersweet. Unlike the other books in the series, I savored Sentinel. I made sure I didn't read it all in one go because I didn't want the story to be over and I didn't want to let go of Alex and Aiden just yet.

Certain things that happened in the book were surprising, especially in the final chapters (I was crying, of course). But those moments led to an ending that was totally unexpected, yet utterly and completely satisfying. Sentinel is the type of conclusion I always hope for with series I read. It answered all my questions and didn't leave me feeling devastated. Even though I'm still going to miss Alex and Aiden so much, I'm happy with the conclusion they got. It was one that they both earned and deserved, and I get choked up just thinking about it. Seriously, I want to hug the author for writing an ending that left me content and smiling with tears in my eyes.

The Covenant series will always be one of my favorite series ever. I will never forget how addicting, funny, badass, and hot the entire series was. And I will never forget that it was the series that introduced me to the amazing story-telling of Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review: Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller

Title: Where the Stars Still Shine
Author: Trish Doller
Pages: 352
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: September 24, 2013

Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility.

Trish Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love, betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who want their stories gritty and utterly true.

My Thoughts: Next time I read a Trish Doller novel, I'm going to make sure I have tissues nearby. I mean, I expected to cry while reading her debut Something Like Normal. I just didn't realize how much I would with Where the Stars Still Shine. I really don't know how the author does it, but she can make a scene powerful and emotional using only a few words. It's pretty amazing.

I felt an immediate connection to Callie and her story. I wasn't at all bothered by the fact that she chose to keep quiet about some of the things she had gone through because that's just what she's use to doing and how she's coped the majority of her life. And after everything she's had to endure, I was so inspired by her inner strength and ability to keep moving forward even though she was vulnerable and scared and sometimes thought it would be so much easier to just run away. I think what kept her grounded, though, was the normalcy she craved for years and years that she finally had. A life with family and friends that care about her and love her, and a future that doesn't seem quite as impossible now.

Which brings me to what I loved the most about this novel: the relationships Callie had with the people around her. Her interactions with her family, new friends, and even Alex, the guy she was seeing, were well done and seemed realistic given her situation. Her relationship with Alex was one of my favorites. While they grew up differently and had their own problems to deal with, they were drawn to each other and connected in a way no one truly seemed to understand. But it felt right for them, and I loved what they shared. All these people helped Callie grow and open up in some way, and knowing that they are in her life gives me hope that things will only continue to get better for her.

The writing, the setting (which I felt I could visualize clearly even though I've never been to Tarpon Springs), and of course, the characters and their relationships with each other were all aspects I loved about Where the Stars Still Shine. Trish Doller knows how to write beautiful and uplifting stories. Stories full of love and friendships that leave me with a tearful smile and a sense of hope. I'm already anticipating the release of her next novel, and if you have yet to read her novels, I highly recommend them both.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Control by Lydia Kang

Title: Control (Control, #1)
Author: Lydia Kang
Pages: 400
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Release Date: December 26, 2013

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

My Thoughts: I didn't quite know what to expect from Control, but I'm glad I had a chance to read it. It was a unique sci-fi set about 140 years from now with plenty of action, memorable characters, and a sweet romance. This book actually kept me up late at night twice because I couldn't stop reading. Needless to say, it was a pretty engrossing read.

Control is full of science and technology. I felt things were as realistic as it could be for a world set in the future that had genetically modified people, and I thought the author did a really great job at explaining the science and having it make sense. Even though some scientific aspects still went over my head (which didn't bother me), it wasn't hard to keep up with the characters whenever they started talking about an experiment or project they were working on.

Speaking of the characters, some of them really made the story for me. After her father died and her little sister Dyl was taken away from her, Zelia (or Zel) moved into a home for unwanted, genetically modified kids. Her new family was such a fun bunch of characters. Vera, Hex, Cy, Wilbert, Marka, Ana... Each stood out in their own way and contributed greatly to the dynamics of their little group. Some managed to surprise me too. I can't specify what exactly shocked me for certain characters, but let's just say I was surprised in both good and bad ways by Zel's new family and even other characters that appeared throughout the story.

As for Zel, I thought she was a great main character. She was smart and selfless. Her desperation to get her sister back made her a bit whiny and frustrating, especially in the second half of the book, but ultimately her behavior was understandable considering the ruthless people who had Dyl. Another thing I feel the need to mention was that sometimes I forgot Zel was seventeen-years-old. There were times she just came off as younger than her age. But there were also parts that definitely reminded me how old she was, like her relationship with Cy. They shared many swoony, romantic moments. And it might be no surprise that Cy was my favorite character in the book. He was mysterious and brooding, and while he seemed full of anger, he was actually a very kind and sweet guy once he opened up. Zel and Cy were just adorable together, and I hope there's more to come.

Control was a thrilling read that I found hard to put down as the story progressed. The ending was bittersweet, mostly heartbreaking if you're a fan of the romance, but it made me want to continue reading more from this world to find out what happens next with these characters. If you're interested in Control, you should definitely give it a read!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review + Giveaway: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Title: These Broken Stars
Author: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Pages: 384
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release Date: December 10, 2013

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

My Thoughts: I think the cover of These Broken Stars had me hooked before I even started reading the first page. But even if the cover wasn't that mesmerizing, I would have been sucked into the story by the very first few pages anyway. These Broken Stars was such an addictive read with awesome characters and writing that flowed nicely. I couldn't wait to reach the end of the book, but at the same time, I almost wish it didn't have to end.

These Broken Stars was a story of survival and forbidden love set on a deserted planet full of mystery and secrets. Each chapter switched between the POVs of nineteen-year-old Tarver Merendsen and soon to be seventeen-year-old Lilac LaRoux. They met aboard a ship named the Icarus a few days before it suddenly crashed onto a nearby planet. I'm really glad to have been able to get inside both of their heads and know exactly what they were thinking at certain moments. It helped me connect with them quickly, and I felt for them during all their struggles and worries. They went through so much together and grew immensely as individuals. Many things that happened to them I didn't even see coming. I remember my emotions being all over the place, especially in the last third of the book. One moment I was happy, next I was angry and wanting to cry, and then I was relieved but still upset. It was crazy and intense and made me appreciate Lilac and Tarver even more.

Something I really loved about These Broken Stars was Tarver and Lilac's relationship and how it developed. They were attracted to one another when they first met, but once they realized it could never work between them (Lilac's father is the richest and most powerful man in the universe and he's extremely overprotective of his daughter and Tarver is just a hero in the military from a low class family), they kept their distance and treated each other coldly. I enjoyed seeing them slowly but surely open up with each other. It wasn't easy for them, though, because they kept pushing each other away, thinking it was best for them both. However, when they began really trusting each other, their relationship became much sweeter and stronger. It was amazing what each were willing to sacrifice in order to keep the other alive. It may have caused lots of heartbreak, but it proved how deep and real their love was.

One more thing I would like to mention is that in-between each chapter there was a glimpse of an interrogation one of the characters had to go through after the entire incident on the planet. While it may seem like it spoiled the outcome, it didn't reveal the journey and all the hardships and the sacrifices Tarver and Lilac had to endure. Most importantly, it did not reveal the fate of either of them. It's not known whether or not this story ends in tragedy or happiness for these characters until the very end. And I have to say, all that buildup caused me plenty of anxiety and grief.

As soon as I closed this book, I started to miss Lilac and Tarver and their resilience and bravery. It was bittersweet, yet completely satisfying. From what I've heard, it seems that this particular story is complete and the next book will focus on a new set of characters. Whatever the case may be, These Broken Stars was a breathtaking read, and I cannot wait to continue on with the next book in this stunning, new trilogy.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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I want to give someone the chance to read These Broken Stars early too, so I'm giving away my ARC! This giveaway is open to US residents and ends October 25. Be sure to read my Giveaway Policy. Enter through the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Push by Eve Silver

Push (The Game, #2) by Eve Silver

Release Date: June 10, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen/Katherine Tegen Books

It’s either break the rules or die.

Miki Jones lives her life by her own strict set of rules, to keep control, to keep the gray fog of grief at bay. Then she’s pulled into the Game, where she—and her team—will die unless she follows a new set of rules: those set by the mysterious Committee.

But rules don’t mean answers, and without answers, it’s hard to trust. People are dying. The rules are unraveling. And Miki knows she’s being watched, uncertain if it’s the Drau or someone—something—else. Forced to make impossible choices and battling to save those she loves, Miki begins to see the Committee in a glaring new light.

And then the Game crosses a new boundary, pushes harder into Miki’s and her friends’ lives, and there’s nothing in the rules that can save them now.

Push is the sequel Rush fans will be screaming for.

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PUSH on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17667947-push

Pre-order PUSH on Amazon: http://amzn.com/0062192213

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Links to book one (RUSH):

• Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13571953-rush
• Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Rush-Game-Book-Eve-Silver/dp/0062192132/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372277144&sr=1-1&keywords=rush+eve+silver
• Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rush-eve-silver/1112669243?ean=9780062192134
• Book Depository - http://www.bookdepository.com/Rush-Eve-Silver/9780062192134
• Kobo - http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Rush/book-1dtUlJ3jlEWZrORT-TNcjg/page1.html?s=GmLboQcXnEKFBwGv8gzlpg&r=1

About the Author
Eve Silver lives with her gamer husband and sons, sometimes in Canada, but often in worlds she dreams up. She loves kayaking and sunshine, dogs and desserts, and books, lots and lots of books. Watch for the first book in Eve’s new teen series, THE GAME: RUSH, coming from Katherine Tegen Books, June 2013. She also writes books for adults.

Author Links
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

Harper Teen is offering an ARC of PUSH as the prize, which will be mailed to the winner early 2014, as soon as ARCs become available. (US and Canada only)

Cover Reveal: Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend. 

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it’s one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took “mean girl” to a whole new level, and it’s clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She’s getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she’s falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn’t just buried deep inside of Sam’s memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

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Pre-order DON'T LOOK BACK: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13418925

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# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Find her on: Twitter | Facebook | Website

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Sunrise by Mike Mullin

Sunrise by Mike Mullin

Publisher: Tanglewood Press

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Links: Booklikes / Goodreads / Amazon

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors' constant companions.

When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever — and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.

This epic finale has the heart of Ashfall, the action of Ashen Winter, and a depth all its own, examining questions of responsibility and bravery, civilization and society, illuminated by the story of an unshakable love that transcends a post-apocalyptic world and even life itself.

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Author Bio
Mike holds a black belt in Songahm Taekwondo. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and her three cats. Ashen Winter is his second novel. His debut, Ashfall, was named one of the top five young adult novels of 2011 by National Public Radio, a Best Teen Book of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews, and a New Voices selection by the American Booksellers Association.

Author Links: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Booklikes

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To celebrate the cover reveal of SUNRISE, 2 survival bands are being given away! Giveaway ends October 10 and is open to US residents. Just enter through the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Reviews: Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil & One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy

Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil
Release Date: August 1, 2013 / Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Life in Outer Space is about a geeky sixteen-year-old named Sam. He and his friends are tormented basically everyday at school by the popular crowd because Sam and his friends are considered losers and dorks. But that all changes when the cool, new girl Camilla befriends them.

Sam's knowledge about horror and cult movies was pretty endearing. He sometimes frustrated me with the decisions he made involving his friends, but he would eventually redeem himself, which was a relief. Sam's friends Adrian, Mike, and Allison were great to read about, and I liked their hilarious interactions. Camilla was an interesting and colorful character; however, she almost seemed too good to be true. As for her relationship with Sam, even though I thought it was sweet, I wasn't that desperate for them to be together. I just didn't feel all that connected to them.

Although I felt this was a story I've heard before, this book had its cute and fun moments. If you love reading Australian novels or if you're looking for a light, contemporary read about a quirky group of friends, then you should check out Life in Outer Space.

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One Week Girlfriend by Monica Murphy
Release Date: August 27, 2013 / Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Wow, One Week Girlfriend really impressed me! I'm not sure what I expected. I guess I just didn't realize how good it was going to be. It's definitely one of the better new adult novels I've read.

The main characters Drew and Fable were such wonderful characters, and I was totally invested in their story. There was lots of heartache and deeply emotional and shocking moments that made me wish I could go in the book and hug them both. What made me feel better, though, was their relationship. I loved them together. Their relationship, the connection they shared, was intense and sweet and completely HOT. All I wanted was to read more and more of their interactions. I could not get enough!

One Week Girlfriend was an all around addicting and amazing read. The writing was great and the story flowed so well. The ending did upset and frustrate me, but it makes me want to read the sequel Second Chance Boyfriend even more. I cannot wait to get my hands on it!