Devoured by Emily Snow

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Touchstone

Pages: 320pgs

The Story

Sienna Jensen had no plans to return home when she graduated college last spring—after all, her dreams lie in California. But when she discovers her grandmother’s Nashville home has been foreclosed, and the new owner has started the eviction process, Sienna has no other choice but go back to Music City. And she comes face to face with the flawed, gorgeous man she never thought she’d see again. The man who now holds the deed to her grandma’s estate.

When millionaire rock star Lucas Wolfe finds the outspoken redhead glaring at him from across a courtroom, he’s both infuriated and intrigued. He still can't get the night Sienna almost spent with him out of his mind, and the chemistry between them is as undeniable as it was two years ago. He craves Sienna more than ever. And just like everything Lucas hungers for, he’s determined to have her.

Now, Lucas will do whatever it takes to lure Sienna into his bed, even if that means making a deal with her: ten days with him, playing by his rules, and he’ll hand over the deed to her grandmother’s home. Though she agrees to the arrangement, Sienna is conflicted. Because of her duty to her family. Because of promises she’s made to herself and a past that still haunts her. And as Lucas’s game of seduction continues, and Sienna is introduced to his dark, erotic world and even darker background, she realizes that at any moment, she could be devoured.

The Review

I went on a whim with this book. A pretty big whim it seems. But considering the book sounded like a read crossed between Beautiful Disaster meets the likes of Easy with a slight hint of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You, I just thought myself: Why not have crack at it and what have I got to lose? And it obviously paid off with my sudden whim since I quite enjoyed this book. It's not the best book I've ever read in the genre so far but I liked it well enough to finish it.

Look when it comes down to it, the characters in the book, in particular Sienna and Lucas, may do stupid things at one time or another and develop feelings (or rather lust) for each other way too quickly and are perhaps not as developed as main characters as much as I would like them to be, but I think these sorts of reads - particularly ones that go into the erotica genre - are meant to be seen as fun, quick reads if you get my meaning and to me that's the most fun part about it. They're quick, fun reads with stories with a lot, a lot of frustrating situations thrown into one to get the readers on edge and I loved that about it! The only little bit of criticism I have for this book is Lucas and his relationship with Sienna. While I don't necessarily approve of bully, bad boys who treat women like nothing . . . but Lucas is much better than some boys I've come across and he does improve later on in his bad boy ways . . . so we shall see what he's like in the next sequel. Fingers crossed that I have more respect for him in that book.

Overall, DEVOURED was a pleasant book to read with some pretty frustrating and sometimes outrageous characters. So even though I'm still not entirely sure how I felt about this book exactly (it was to be as expected considering the genre) but I thought it sets up a quite nice start to a series and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

The Rating

4/5 stars

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Hyperion

Pages: 328pgs

The Story

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

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

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

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

The Review

I've been meaning to start a Victoria Schwab book for quite some time now, especially with her debut The Near Witch. But I have to say I'm pretty glad that I started with this one instead. I mean, just by reading the synopsis alone and checking out the book's gorgeous cover, you're immediately drawn to this fictional and yet very creative world of Schwab's and come on anything to do with books, librarians, death, dimension-type places with very present characters to relate to . . . it's almost like a dream come true for readers like myself.

I won't be the first to admit that THE ARCHIVED was definitely a very different book compared most I've read in the past. But that's the beauty of it really because it had this Doctor Who vibe about it and don't get me wrong here, whether you're a fan of it or not, there are still plenty of aspects to be wowed by and I love how the author took risks with her book. It was definitely a wonderful little treat this book especially when it comes to the characters inside of it.

Our main protagonist, Mackenzie Bishop, is such a solid character. She's interesting, spunky, straightforward, surprisingly normal (well mostly normal), and stays completely true to herself as a person which is rare to find in our leading characters lately. At least that's how it felt for me. I mean, sure, Mackenzie makes some pretty silly decisions at a certain points in the book and may trust the wrong people, but ultimately she is still a strong character who can hold her own in many dangerous and complicated situations, and I just love reading all about her little adventures that she goes on when it comes to THE ARCHIVED world. It's just so . . . interesting.

Then there's that boy Wesley freakin' Ayers! At first I wasn't entirely sure about Wesley's character because he was all mysterious and strange for the most part, but once he and Mackenzie meet and begin interacting with each other and once his own secrets are gradually revealed, I couldn't help but love Wesley for being such a goof and boy I wanted more from him. He was like the comic relief in the book and thank god for it. And . . . he was genuinely charming too and has spiked black hair AND has guyliner which gives him a big old tick in my books. Wes, on a whole, was such a sweetheart and I'm looking forward to reading more about him in the next upcoming sequel.

Overall, THE ARCHIVED definitely sets up a great start to a YA series and I'm delighted to say I'll be reading plenty more from this author because I love her work already!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

In the After by Demitria Lunetta

Release Date: 25th June, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 400pgs

The Story

They hear the most silent of footsteps.

They are faster than anything you've ever seen.

And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.

Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.

After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more.

The Review

A big thanks to the publisher on Edelweiss for accepting my request in reading this book early!

The first word that comes to mind with this book is . . . intense. At one moment, I thought the book was going to go one way but then the next thing I knew it went in a completely different direction not to mention in a completely different genre than I first expected of it and I SO loved being surprised like that. I think a lot of readers will definitely be satisfied with this book right here!

IN THE AFTER was a very haunting and smoothly-written book that hits all of the high notes for me. With just enough description of things without going overboard and with just the right amount of characterization and depth added onto the storyline, I thought this book was definitely well-written in all aspects. So while some elements of the book may not entirely be original to some readers, but I think what readers can take away from the book and what they will love the most of all is seeing our main heroine, Amy, grow throughout the book from this toughened teenage girl to this young, all-inspiring young woman. It's definitely one of my own highlights out of everything I just read. I just love seeing my main characters grow!

Amy, our leading girl, is a fantastic young main heroine. Right from the beginning she's this tough, very harsh and a very unforgiving girl who has a very little - if no - connection to other human beings apart from this little girl named Baby, and I think that's why I loved her as a character. I think pretty much anyone in her position would be exactly like that considering the world she lives in is crumbling all around her and it just gives off this realism vibe which, I guess, made me enjoy the book even more than I already did. Her sacrifices, her survival, her mere determination in everything that she does . . . it's definitely something you can't loose respect for in a main character . . . it just makes you love them even more for being as strong as they are and Amy is one those kind of heroines. She never stops fighting!

Overall, IN THE AFTER is a pretty graphic and a somewhat very terrifying world that the author slowly opens  up to us all. With a fantastic crossover between I Am Legend and The War of the Worlds, I think any sci-fi and dystopian fan will definitely love this book and the story it tells. It's definitely something you cannot miss out on!

The Rating

4/5 stars

Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 310pgs

The Story

When does obsession become madness? Tragedy has forced sixteen-year-old Victor Frankenstein to swear off alchemy forever. He burns the Dark Library. He vows he will never dabble in the dark sciences again—just as he vows he will no longer covet Elizabeth, his brother’s betrothed.

If only these things were not so tempting.

When he and Elizabeth discover a portal into the spirit world, they cannot resist. Together with Victor’s twin, Konrad, and their friend Henry, the four venture into a place of infinite possibilities where power and passion reign. But as they search for the knowledge to raise the dead, they unknowingly unlock a darkness from which they may never return.

The Review

In the next installment of Kenneth Oppel's Victor Frankenstein series, SUCH WICKED INTENT, is just as well-written as the first book of This Dark Endeavor which I loved immensely. Mostly because of Victor himself  (cause I really love him and his inner demons!). But for some reason I didn't quite find this second installment to be as satisfying as the first book nor was it a book that stayed necessarily on course of its original source of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, but regardless of that, I still found it was was a very well-written book with a lot of unexpected twists and dark adventures in it that I think any Gothic fan will love and eat right up!

From the previous book, I absolutely loved Victor's character and everything he represents (even if he does frustrate you in everything he does and the dangerous actions he takes). And even in this book I loved the fact that the author still fueled his burning passion of science, schemes, manipulations and such because it's just . . . so Victor, you know? But in this sequel I felt really sorry for Victor because, one, he's dealing with the death of his twin brother, Conrad, will he blames himself for, and, two, he's still struggling with his romantic feelings for Elizabeth, his distant cousin and the girl who was set to be betrothed to his brother which has many complications of its own considering Elizabeth did love Conrad. Victor just has all these torments in him in this sequel and I wanted - so badly - for him to be happy for once in his life but it's hard to be considering his ultimate fate in Frankenstein but I still love him.

The only kicker for me in this book was Elizabeth. Now I haven't always loved Elizabeth because she a bit of an over-the-place kind of girl and she's always hard to read as a character (I just don't know whether to like, love, or loathe her really), but she is the main link to Victor's obsession and desire, which I cannot help but love. So while it is apart of the storyline - Elizabeth and Victor's relationship - and part of the reason why many conflicts come Victor's way, but Elizabeth is this very selfish young woman and I think she treated Victor horribly in this book by playing with his mind. I mean, Victor, of course, is not entirely innocent and Elizabeth has always refused him with his feelings for her as well, but still . . . I don't like girls playing with guys minds . . . it's unfair and it's no wonder why Victor was a madman at times - all because of her. Still, I loved Victor and his obsessive nature. It's part of the reason why I loved the classic of Frankenstein.

Overall, SUCH WICKED INTENT may not have entirely won my heart like the first book did but it definitely sets up a nice sequel and I'm really, really hoping there's another book in the works because I'm really, really missing my dear Victor and his scientific obsessions of creation.

The Rating

4/5 stars

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 298pgs

The Story

Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures...until the day their adventures turn all too real. They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only piques Victor's curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula.

Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrad's life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.

The Review

If you are familiar with Mary Shelley's masterpiece of Frankenstein, then you'll know this series and the events that follow it will lead to some sort of tragedy. So when I found out about this series and the fact that it followed a young Victor Frankenstein in his teenage years, I've been dying to read it not to mention been meaning to start the series a few years ago since I love Frankenstein, but in the end I just never got around to it. Until now that is. But now after reading the book, I can see what all the fuss is about and I became so addicted to it all!

Staying true to the original source of science, love, betrayal and the darkness that comes with all forbidden and out-of-this-world alchemical creations, THIS DARK ENDEAVOR writes itself up to become this fantastic Gothic tale by retelling a classic and telling a new one with the whole search Victor, his friend Henry and Victor's distant cousin Elizabeth go on for the Elixir of life in order to save Victor's twin brother from death. Just let me tell you this book was just so . . . fascinating and I certainly enjoyed every bittersweet moment of it.

I think out of everything what I loved about this book was Victor. I guess that comes from loving him already from Mary Shelley's classic book. So despite this Victor being not the easiest character to like or even love, but I still loved his angsty personality and seeing him as this part-innocent and part-dark teenager, and how it all began for him before the actual events of Frankenstein. In the book, I found, you can definitely see why and how he came to be this God-like scientist who takes risks despite their dangerous consequences. You could see how obsessed he had become which I secretly loved (because they were pretty dark obsessions)! I also came to love the other characters too - including Victor's friend, Henry, who was very charming and funny, and Victor's distant cousin, Elizabeth, who is quite a force to be reckoned with and I can understand why Victor was seeing something special about her.

Overall, THIS DARK ENDEAVOR was quite a surprising little read and any fan of Frankenstein or pretty much any fan of any other Gothic-like tale will be damned to miss out on this book right here! It was such an awesome read and I hope there are more books to come. Loved it!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars

Summer's Desire by Olivia Lynde

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Kindle Edition

Pages: 303pgs

The Story

A girl who's lost her voice, and a boy who carries a world of anger bottled up inside.

A girl haunted by soul-crushing guilt and regret, and a boy who knows he can't afford the weakness of feeling—not if he is to survive.

They meet by chance and are unwillingly fascinated with each other. They become unlikely friends, and in each other, they find redemption.
Until they are betrayed.

Can they ever regain their friendship? And if they do, can they trust each other enough to take the biggest risk of all: falling in love?

The Review

A big thanks to the amazing author herself for sending me a review copy of this book!

I don't know what is that drew me into this book (I didn't know what to expect from the very beginning of it) but I must say the author sure knows how to grip her readers with a powerful and heart-breaking tale about one girl's journey of self-discovery and the hardships she faces from first love. It was just something so addictive and something I couldn't get enough of!

SUMMER'S DESIRE is about an orphaned girl named Summer whom suffered - and still suffers - from night terrors (for reasons we do not know yet) and because of it she has been kicked out of a lot of foster homes which is easier said than done. Seth, on the other hand, a young boy with a neglectful, drug-addicted mother, has never had an easy life until his grandmother comes into the picture and takes him in. So when Summer and Seth meet, her at 5 and him at 7 years old, there's this undeniable connection they share, even for kids so young. But when this new-found bond and friendship is torn apart and when Summer moves away, Seth is left broken and missing his Summer. But when Summer returns several years later . . . things are about to change - for better and for worse - and so many unanswered questions will be revealed.

I've read quite a lot of interesting YA books lately, particularly those of best friends turned romance type of books, but wow oh wow, I was completely blow away by this book. The hot, hot, HOT chemistry between Summer and Seth's characters was just so overwhelming and incredibly intense . . . but in a good way of course and boy did I love it. Now I don't know how Olivia Lynde does it - how she can write so good - but she definitely knows her characters very well and knows how to make her readers go crazy with all of this maddening sexy chemistry! So well done to Olivia Lynde in making me want more and more from this book! Honestly it was a very exciting read - crazy for the most part - but so exciting indeed!

Overall, SUMMER'S DESIRE is something of a mystery but once you dive into the story and begin to understand the character's and their dark pasts, you'll definitely not want to miss out on this book because it was brilliant and totally gets a two thumbs up from me! Loved it . . . A LOT!

The Rating

5/5 stars

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 320pgs

The Story

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

The Review

PIVOTAL POINT . . . I'm not quite sure what you are exactly nor am I sure what to say about you quite yet but . . . I think I love you very much. Very much indeed. Now I don't know know about you guys who have actually read this book right here, but I found it was the type of book that is a really, really hard to explain, which isn't a bad thing at all. From reading the blurb you're totally expecting this sci-fi-like story and yet once you keep on reading it . . . it also reads more like a contemporary title as well, so I guess you'll have to read this book to find out for yourself what exactly I'm talking about here. But to sum it all up for you: It was a real enigma this one!

I won't get into the major details but throughout the book it's told by two Addie's (our main character) whom have two entirely different futures and yet these two futures are somehow - in someway - are told into one full story and the main character (to get to the gist of it) needs to figure which future she wants to go with. Think of the movie (and one of my favourites too) Sliding Doors. If you know that movie well enough, you'll totally GET this book. Personally the way this book is told is one of the most unique ways to tell a story and I thought the author was very clever too in how she wrote it because not many authors could tell it so effortlessly like she had done without confusing you, you know? Yeah, I thought it was really well done.

But what I loved most about the book - apart from its witty dialogue, unique storyline and the whole development of the storyline itself - was the characters! Now I absolutely loved the characters! Addie, especially, was such an awesome main heroine to have and - like her - I too, was struggling to cope with what future she was going to end up with. I mean, one moment you think she's going to pick Future 1 and then as you keep on reading her choices keep switching back-and-forth and I wanted her to go with Future 2 then but then back to Future 1. Argh. Such a little twister this one! But I think out of everything, what people will take away from this book is Mr. Hottie Trevor and how cute he is! Oh Trevor . . . you made up for everything in this book because Addie had this other guy 'Duke' and I absolutely hated him. But oh Trevor . . . you're so super shy and so super-powered in super sweetness. I just want you all to myself. When you read this book ladies . . . you'll get what I mean. Trevor is every girl's dream . . . well, he is for me! Hehe. C'mon he DRAWS, loves COMICS and ultimately he is just a SWEET guy all round. Perfection.

Overall, PIVOT POINT was such a unique book and I loved how the main character's own feelings never once dictated her with which path she would end up choosing in the end. So, if you love a book crossed between X-Men and Sliding Doors, then I think this will be the perfect book for you because I'm sooooooo ready for the next sequel! Bring it on I say!

The Rating

4 1/2 / 5 stars