Evertrue (Everneath #3) by Brodi Ashton

Evertrue (Everneath #3) by Brodi Ashton

Release Date: January 21, 2014

Publisher: Balzer And Bray

Age Group:  Young Adult

Pages:368

Summary:  Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.

Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

In this stunning conclusion to the Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and the indomitable power of true love.

My Thoughts: I really did enjoy this series. I especially enjoyed Jack and Cole. I was so torn between them.

We are back with Nikki who is trying to get out of the whole idea of being Queen of the Everneath. She refuses to let this be her destiny and she’ll stop at nothing to destroy the idea. But, Nikki is getting weaker and she must do something soon.

If you haven’t read the series yet, that paragraph probably doesn’t even make sense to you. This series was a neat series to read. I really enjoyed it and this last book just makes it more interesting, and sad, and exciting. The real plot of this one was just to get Nikki out of being Queen and destroy the Everneath in the process. That was about it. I just felt like I trudged through it. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it, I just felt like I wanted even more plot than I had.

I loved Jack and Cole. And, this one made me like Cole even more and I wanted to cry a little bit towards the end. I don’t know if I’m completely happy with how it ended but I have to be, I know.

I enjoyed this one. I finished it within a day. It was a nice wrap up to the story.

Overall:  I’m a little sad to see this end. I could probably read more and enjoy it. I’m so happy that Nikki rescued Jack in the last book because I needed more of him in my life. But I’m glad I got to see more of Cole, and another side of him at that.

I really enjoyed this series and I’m sad to see it end, but I’m glad I finished it.  I heart you Jack and Cole!!!

Cover: Love it! I think its very pretty!!!

What I’d Give It:

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Release Date:  March 4, 2014

Publisher:  Farrar Straus and Giroux

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages:  368

Summary:  Winning what you want may cost you everything you love.

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction.

Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

My Thoughts: Yet another series I knew I had to read. Now, when does book 2 come out?

We are introduced to Kestrel who is a general’s daughter. Her father wants her to either join the military or find herself a good husband. While Kestrel can hold her own well enough, she doesn’t want to do either. Not really.

Kestrel has a best friend named Jess and Jess’ brother is also interested in her. He does his fair share of flirting.

Kestrel gets swept up in an auction and ends up bidding on a slave. His name is Arin and she ends up paying a nice penny for him. This sure does change her life.

Arin isn’t who he claims to be and his own plan and way of life. They both get more than what they bargained for with each other.

Arin is out to change things and this is a big problem for Kestrel.

I loved this story. I loved all the interactions between the two. And I even loved seeing Kestrel visit with her friends. I just thought the story was so enchanting and well written. And filled with action!

I loved the mystery, the romance, the characters, and the way things went down. I loved seeing how Kestrel and Arin reacted to things.

But of course, the ending. Oh the ending. Now I want the next book. I need to know what happens!!!!

Overall:  I loved this one! If I could give it more than 5 cupcakes, I sure would! I loved Arin! Perfect Arin. And I loved how strong Kestrel was and how motivated, and smart.

I loved this story!!!!

Cover:  I really like it! Love how she is positioned and her dress!

What I’d Give It:

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Release Date: January 10, 2012

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages:318

Summary: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

My Thoughts: What can I even possibly say about this one that hasn’t already been said? Probably not much.

We are introduced to Hazel who is a teenager who has cancer. She’s on a drug that keeps the tumors down but you never know when it could come back. She struggles everyday. She has to carry an oxygen  tank with her everywhere she goes. Her life is not fun.

Her mom suggests she attend a weekly support group. She doesn’t want too but wants to make her parents happy. She meets a boy named Augustus. He also has cancer as well. He lost a leg to it.

Hazel and Augustus were so perfect for one another. They got each other. They had things in common, they fell in love.

There was just something so unique about this one. This novel was so beautiful. It really was. It was so complex and there was just so much to it, I can’t even begin to describe it. Its one of those you have to read yourself and enjoy every minute even though its not all happy moments.

I also loved all the side characters, especially Isaac. He was the perfect friend for both Augustus and Hazel.

It did take me a few days to get through this one. It was hard to read at times. I wanted to finish it, but I was afraid of what was going to happen.

I laughed, I cried, I cried even harder. It was outstanding. It was beautiful.

Enough said, right? Read this one!

Overall:I really enjoyed this one,even though it wasn’t perfect at times, and things weren’t always happy. It was realistic and beautiful.  I can’t even, I can’t even.

Cover: Like it. Its not too out there but it’s also neat.

What I’d Give It:

Kissing In Italian (Flirting In Italian #2) by Lauren Henderson

Kissing In Italian (Flirting In Italian #2) by Lauren Henderson

Release Date: March 11, 2014

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 272

Summary: In addition to her studies, Violet loves the arts, the shopping, and the friendships she's found in Italy. But secretly, her main objective is to learn about her true identity and family history. She never imagined she would fall in love with handsome Italian Luca. And he feels the same about her. But there are certain rumors circulating, that if proven to be true will forbid that they end up together. They need answers, but are they prepared for the truth?

My Thoughts: I wasn't blown away by the first one but I enjoyed it so I was looking forward to reading this one!

We are back with Violet and her friends. They are still away from home and she is still trying to find out more about who she is and if she’s related to Luca, the boy she wants to be with.

Violet doesn’t really have anyone but her mother to turn to, so she does what she has to. She sends her mom a message asking for the truth.

While she’s waiting, she’s forced to go on with her life and try to enjoy things. I really enjoyed all the trips Violet went on. When she was swimming or just hanging out with her friends, there was always something magical going on. I felt like this one had a lot better descriptions of things so I felt like I was right there with her.

I also liked Luca a lot more in this one. I felt like I got to know him a little better and even though he wasn't around much, I enjoyed the scenes with him.

I raced right through this one and enjoyed it a bit more than the first one. Awesome contemporary!

And the ending, wow. I kind of saw it coming but it definitely spiced things up for me and I understood things better. For some reason, I didn’t even think how complicated things were really. I liked how it played out.

Overall: I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I liked Henderson’s way of describing things and I felt Violet grew a little as a person. I also liked her friends once again. And I liked both Evan and Luca.  I also liked the little side plots as well. A lot going on but a good story!

Cover:  Like it! The covers are what drew me into these books. I think the covers are adorable and this one is just as cute as the first! 

What I'd Give It:

Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

Release Date: March 18, 2014

Publisher: Balzer And Bray

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 336

Summary: What if you’d been living your life as if you were dying—only to find out that you had your whole future ahead of you?

When sixteen-year-old Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, her prognosis is grim. To maximize the time she does have, she vows to spend her final months righting wrongs—however she sees fit. She convinces her friend Harvey, whom she knows has always had feelings for her, to help her with a crazy bucket list that’s as much about revenge (humiliating her ex-boyfriend and getting back at her arch nemesis) as it is about hope (doing something unexpectedly kind for a stranger and reliving some childhood memories). But just when Alice’s scores are settled, she goes into remission.

Now Alice is forced to face the consequences of all that she’s said and done, as well as her true feelings for Harvey. But has she done irreparable damage to the people around her, and to the one person who matters most?

Julie Murphy’s SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY is a fearless and moving tour de force about love, life, and facing your own mortality.

My Thoughts: I’m not sure if it was a good idea reading this one within weeks of Maybe One Day or not. They were so similar yet so different.

Side Effects May Vary was a very sad read but it also had some perks. It was very uplifting as well.

We are introduced to Alice who had cancer. Now she’s in remission. This one goes back and forth between then and now chapters. It also rotates between her and her friend Harvey’s point of view. These kind of books are always a hit or miss for me. I hate going between views and I hate going back and forth between what did happen and what is happening now. I just have a hard time following. This one wasn’t so bad or hard to follow.

I liked seeing things from both Alice and Harvey’s views. I really liked Harvey as a character. He was very understanding and would do anything for Alice. Sometimes maybe too much.

I liked that Alice had a way to stick up for herself but it was also a tad vindictive and mean and she could have handled things better. But, I know she was mad at the world (and every right too) and she just didn’t think of any of the consequences.

Alice also had a lot of secrets. Secrets about her family, secrets about herself, and secrets about others in her life. She had a lot on her plate.

I loved how Alice goes into remission and she does have to deal with her mistakes. Things aren’t just peachy for her and that is what made the book real. She had choices to make, and she had to live with them as well.

I loved reading this one. I loved the characters, I enjoyed the plot. And, most of all I loved seeing things from Harvey’s point of view.

Overall: I enjoyed this one! A great start for 2014 for me! As this was the second book I read in 2014. I hope this is a good reading year for young adult books! Great work Murphy. Can’t wait to read her next one!

Cover: Like it! I like the little pictures on the front and I like the font and colors! Cute!

What I'd Give It:

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Release Date: May 3, 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 496

Summary: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

My Thoughts: Wow, I can’t believe I waited this long to read this one! I really enjoyed it!

We are introduced to Beatrice who lives in Chicago. Everyone is divided up into factions. On each person’s 16th birthday, they either stay with their family (choosing their own) or choose a new one and change to that way of living. On Beatrice’s birthday, her whole life changes. She ends up in a faction known as Dauntless. Basically, the Dauntless protect the city and are the brave ones.

Beatrice aka Tris meets a lot of new people. The person the most intriguing was of course, Four. Four had his own little story and I loved it. I loved his background, I loved finding out more about him.

Tris was brave and thoughtful and she always had something on her mind. I liked how she cared about people but she also knew she had to take care of herself.

I loved the plot of this one. I loved learning more about how things really were, and not everything is what it seems. I also loved all the Chicago references, because I visited Chicago last summer and it was like a jolt down memory lane and I actually knew some of the places that were talked about. How fun!

I loved Four so much! I know I already mentioned him, but I couldn’t get enough of him! He was sweet but also very rough around the edges.

I can’t believe I waited so long to read this one! I read it in just a few days. Once I started, I was hooked!

I can’t recommend this series enough! I loved it!  And, now I can’t wait to read the next one!

Overall: Awesome, Awesome story! Why didn’t I read this one sooner? I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, everything! A must read for everyone. If you haven’t read this one yet, pick it up now!!

Cover: It’s neat! It would draw me to the novel in the bookstore! Appealing!!! 

What I'd Give It:

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Release Date: March 11. 2014

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336

Summary:  Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when her brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be?

Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests--even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all.

My Thoughts: This one was cute but I was hoping for a more in depth story. It was a really light and a fast read for me.

We are introduced to Heart (yes that is her name) and she’s a high schooler. And its prom night. She has gotten asked by two different boys. Her brother’s best friend Troy and another guy named Ryan. And then of course there is a boy named Chase involved in all this. And he wasn’t very likable either. I wasn’t thrilled with any of the three boys.

Well, Heart needs to decide which boy to go with it. But, this story basically takes place as if both dates happen and it shows what would happen on both dates. It goes back and forth with Heart with one guy, and Heart with another. At times, it was confusing for me and I had to realize which scenario I was in. It kind of takes a look at what would happen if she went with each guy and the events that played out.

I did enjoy reading about the different events and what would go down on each prom night if she had chosen each guy. It was interesting but I just didn’t get sucked into this one like I have other debuts.

Ask Again Later is a promising novel and some may like it more than I did. I haven’t read any other novels yet that go back and forth on what if, so I don’t have many others to compare this one too.

I did like Heart, even if she did have some pretty high standards and morals. She was funny and at times I could picture her in my head.

Overall: Cute novel. I liked some of the characters more than others. A very quick read for me. I am happy how the novel turned out though. I’m pleased with the ending.

Even though this isn’t my favorite novel ever, it was still worth a read!

Cover: Its cute. I like the crown and the colors.

What I’d Give It:

Phoenix Overture (Newsoul #2.5) by Jodi Meadows

Phoenix Overture (Newsoul #2.5) by Jodi Meadows

Release Date:  September 3, 2013

Publisher:Katherine Tegen Books

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages:  150

Summary: This breathtaking and lyrical novella captures a thrilling and momentous decision for a young man and the people he loves. Told from the perspective of Sam, the sensitive musician from Jodi Meadows’s Incarnate series, lifetimes before he meets Ana, Phoenix Overture is a story of love and loss, strength and courage, and facing the consequences of the hardest of decisions.

Phoenix Overture offers existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the intriguing history of Heart, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the romantic, captivating fantasy of the Incarnate series.

In the wilds around the Community where Sam and his family have taken shelter, life is dangerous. Dragons, trolls, centaurs, and other monsters fill the world. The word comes from the council that everyone must leave and journey to rescue their leader, Janan, who has been abducted by a mysterious new enemy in the north. Faced with overwhelming threats that bring death and destruction, Sam and the others reach the northern Range and, reunited with Janan, are given an unimaginable opportunity. Although it would give them the privilege to live and learn and love without fear, the choice is not without its own dire consequences. And lives—though not theirs—are sure to be lost. Just how much are they willing to give up to save themselves?

HarperTeen Impulse is a digital imprint focused on young adult short stories and novellas, with new releases the first Tuesday of each month.

My Thoughts: Wow, I think this is a nice look into Sam’s life before he knew Ana. We got a glimpse of his family and what happened to him. We also got to meet Stef for the first time. Its amazing because I think I may have liked this one a bit more than the actual books.

I think Sam is a great character and he’s so nice and sweet but this also explains why he is the way he is. Even before everything happened Sam seemed like a nice guy.

I really did like this one but I still feel like I don’t love this series. Hopefully the last book makes me feel this series was super great. I like them, I just don’t love them.. yet.

Overall: I really liked getting to know Sam and get into his mind. I also liked knowing what happens to his family and how his relationship with Stef came about. I also liked seeing things before they are the way they are now.

Cover:  It’s kind of plain but I could see Sam looking like that.

What I’d Give It: