Reached by Ally Condie

First things first: Cover art!

Okay, I'm super proud of myself. I just noticed that all three books are the colors of the pills that every member of the society carries around and it matches all the books! The first one is green, the green pill calms you down and that book is kinda mellow. The second book is blue, the blue one slows you down, and in that book the society starts slowing down. The third one, obviously, is red! The red one makes you forget, and in this one nothing will be forgotten ever again. Now I like this cover art, I like how Cassia is now fully out of the glass bubble, and she is standing now, I like the red dress and the fact that we can see her hair. 

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Summary:

"Cassia’s journey began with an error, a momentary glitch in the otherwise perfect façade of the Society. After crossing canyons to break free, she waits, silk and paper smuggled against her skin, ready for the final chapter.
The wait is over.
One young woman has raged against those who threaten to keep away what matters most—family, love, choice. Her quiet revolution is about to explode into full-scale rebellion. With exquisite prose, the emotionally gripping conclusion to the international–bestselling Matched trilogy returns Cassia, Ky, and Xander to the Society to save the one thing they have been denied for so long, the power to choose."

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My Review: 

Ummm..... I feel like this series is missing a book or something, but after a few Google searches I have concluded that there is indeed only three books in the series. Don't get me wrong, I like this series. Condie's writing style is excellent and I love the poetry mixed in. However.... This book is missing a lot of information. I mean okay you have the Rising and the Society, the Rising is mentioned a ton in this book as well as some of the second book. However we get no interaction with what the Society is doing to stop the Rising. It gave me the impression that the Rising could have easily taken out the Society forever ago and so why did this series even occur? I hate comparing books to other books because I feel that each one is it's own beautiful world in it's own way but I couldn't help but compare it to other dystopian novels that I have read. In all dystopian novels that I have read there is some opposition from the main governing body to the rebellion. Now with this book you can't even call the Rising a rebellion. You really can't. I even tried to look at it with the angle that okay the Rising has supposedly been going on for a long time so maybe it got to the point where they could take over but even that theory doesn't exactly work. I mean for this novel to fully work it needed two strong opposing forces, the Rising is ready to meet that requirement but the Society... A puppy has more fight in it then the Society. I mean come on!!! And I want to rant so badly about the end, but I can't because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But still! It felt to me that the Rising was really in control the entire time and the Society was only a formality that partially existed if that makes any sense. I think the fact that it was a peaceful war of sorts going on between the two parties was an interesting twist, it just didn't really work the way that Condie had written it. Okay rant over, now I can get into the characters and other fun things.

Okay, the romance going on between Ky and Cassia is one of my favorites in any book that I have ever read. I like how it isn't mushy, it doesn't feel forced its innocent and sweet. I think it has played out really naturally in this entire series and this book emphasizes that fact. Okay, Xander. Oh Xander... Okay Condie, um I like Xander as a character I really do. But you kinda destroyed him for me in this book. Something was revealed that confused the heck out of me in this book, and it will probably confuse you too. Turns out Xander has a secret, a big one and it just doesn't work! Okay, I'm gonna say it. You can hate me if you want but I need to rant and I can't rant without saying it. However, it's going to be said in very teeny tiny letters at the bottom of this blog post underneath my ratings so you can look if you want and not if you don't. 

Okay for those of you who read it, IT MAKES NO SENSE! WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?! I mean come on... Really? Again it feels like this book was missing a ton of info.
This book was over 500 pages while the others were around 300. What that tells me about an author is that the book was rushed. There was to much information to fit, and so the last book becomes longer than the others. What Condie should have done is split it into two thus giving the readers all the information and not making it feel so rushed. But alas.. I'm guessing there was a lot of pressure from publishers to get this book out to the public, and if that was the case shame on them! You can't rush beauty. Anyways I really think that this series is worth the read, just be prepared for a lot of questions.

Rating: 6 out of 10. Condie's writing style saved this book, however if she ever decides to write another series I hope she gives each book the same amount of love and attention the first one received.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). Some mild kissing, and some scenes that might be a bit to intense for younger readers. 

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Xander is part of the Rebellion! And has been for like forever. Confusing right? 

Crossed by Ally Condie

First things First: Cover Art!

I really like the symbolism in the cover art. This one is Cassia, again in a bubble but this time a part of her has broken free. Shes going to get out of the bubble. I like the blue background with the bubble, it makes it simple and beautiful at the same time. 

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Summary:

"Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky--taken by Society to his certain death--only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons.  On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life . . . and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game.  On the edge of Society, nothing is as expected, and crosses and double crosses make Cassia's path more twisted than ever." 

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My Review: 

Okay, I'm going to tell you a term that I coined a couple months ago because it's something that I've noticed happens with the second book or middle book of a series... 

Yes, it is second book syndrome. And boy does this book have it, and it has it bad... Second book syndrome is when the middle book of a series just isn't as good as the first. For this one the reason I think it has second book syndrome is because it's the middle book! Condie is trying to keep all the details for the last book and so this one is just more the characters getting from point A to point B and it left me without a lot of questions that I doubt will be fully answered in the last book. Now this book was good, don't get me wrong it just was not my favorite at all... I think my biggest problem with it is that Condie introduces both Ky and Cassia's point of view. Now I'm guessing that this is Condie's first experience with trying to write from two characters points of view. As an author who is working on a book with points of view from two characters I know how challenging it can be. In this case Condie just does not separate their personalities enough. Yes, Ky's point of view is more poetic and deeper than Cassia's in some cases however for the most part I found myself having to look back to the chapter heading to see whose point of view it was. I have already started the third book as I write this review and that one is from three points of view, so I'm hoping that that book improves this issue. I like the character development in this book it's interesting to get more back story on Ky and some secrets in this book were revealed that i thought were interesting but again, second book syndrome! To many revelations and not enough analysis of them done by the author for the reader. Sometimes the third book makes up for it and the first book in this series. In my last review I talked about how I wished we got more of Xander in this book.. We really didn't I want to hear more about him! It's to much of Ky... I mean this love triangle that is going on between Cassia, Ky and Xander just seems very lopsided to me because we don't have enough Xander and way to much of Ky. This book is beautifully poetic in some places, I like how the poetry mixes in with the story. I liked this book, however I just think it was to complex too soon. 

Rating: 7 out of 10. It suffered from second book syndrome, and I didn't like how similar the two points of view were. 

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). Some kissing, violence, and some content that is a bit to mature for younger readers. 

Matched by Ally Condie

First Things First: Cover Art!

I like this cover art, I like how Cassia is in a bubble probably in the dress that she wore to her banquet. I like how she is pressing her hands against the glass, possibly yearning for something that she can't have? Or maybe she wants out? Now after reading this book I feel that the cover is symbolic. The bubble represents the society, its clear because Cassia can see right through the perfection around her, and she wants out. 

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Summary:

"Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow-between perfection and passion." 

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My Review: 

I got the entire Matched series from the Book Garden in Bountiful forever ago but didn't really have the opportunity to read it until this week. I wasn't sure about this series considering there are so many series that involve dystopian love stories. This one though was amazing!! Condie's writing style is amazing! I was under the impression that this was her debut novel, but her writing style had a maturity to it that I recognized. Matched is actually Condie's sixth novel, and the fact shows in her writing. The characters are so complex, but simple enough that you can understand their motives and feelings at any given moment. I also enjoy just how clean this romance is! Usually the charterers are pretty much throwing themselves at each other however in this book this is not the case. Cassia lives in a society where pretty much everything is perfect. They even match people for relationships based on genetics so that the future generation of society will be healthy and again, perfect. However as the summary explains Cassia is the victim of a mistake in this society and the repercussions are big as forbidden love ensues. I think that's why I like this book so much! I sympathized with all the characters in this book for various reasons. However the character I sympathized with the most would have to be Xander.  Poor Xander... I feel like Condie ignored him a bit to much in this book and we needed to hear more from him to understand where he was coming from. I'm hoping we hear more about him the second book! 

Now lets talk about the relationship between Cassia and Ky. Oh. My. Gosh. Condie is an amazing author and her pure talent shows through these two characters in my opinion. As I said earlier in my review of this the love story in this is amazing because it's really driven by two characters who shouldn't even be together in the first place and thus forbidden love ensues. Which makes it amazing because their relationship must consist of glances, unspoken thoughts, and stolen moments where they just talk. I think we can learn a lot about love through them. Love isn't all about kissing, it's about finding someone who makes you happy. Someone that you can be with forever, and someone that loves you for being you without being asked or told to. I love these characters so much, and I seriously can not wait to read the next book. Condie is an amazing, amazing writer. Read this series! 

Now lets turn to Cassia as a character. Her ideals on what is going on around her is something I enjoyed. In most books you have the person who wants to break free of what is going on around them and is very adamant against all of it. However Cassia must choose between perfection and passion as the summary says. However she is so indecisive about what she wants until the very end. I like it when characters are indecisive. It lets you learn more about them and how they think and I honestly think that it makes it so I can relate to them more. 

Rating: 10 out of 10! I love love love this book! The characters are amazing, and I finished it in two hours because I just couldn't put it down. 

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). One instance of a kiss, and some intense moments. But other than that this book is rather clean! 

Rapunzel by Jenni James

First things first: cover art! 

I really like this cover art! I like how the main character is on the front cover and I love her dress and hair! The tower is also very beautiful, I like how the top of the cover art almost glows. 

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Summary:

"A kidnapped girl faces insurmountable odds … 

On Rapunzel’s sixteenth birthday, her parents are turned to stone by the evil witch, Lady Vactryne, and the girl is taken to be forever hidden away in a tower. The young princess is afraid and all alone, and as the months pass by and her attempts to escape become more desperate, she begins to lose hope that anyone will come to save her. 

Prince Jonathan of Balligyrn has loved Rapunzel since they were children and has vowed to battle the witch, bring Rapunzel back, and restore her kingdom, no matter the cost. It has been years since he last saw her and asked her to wait for him to return from school. Now Jonathan only hopes he is not too late. 

The cunning witch has other plans for them both, one that does not involve losing her dreams to mere fools. Who will win—the woman bent on revenge, or the young girl determined to overcome it all?" 

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My Review: 

For those who are counting, this is the third Rapunzel retelling that I have reviewed and the last two weren't that great so I did not have high hopes at all for this one. The first two were:

•  Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C Bennett (to see my review click here). I gave this one a 6 out of 10. 
• Towering Alex Flinn (to see my review click here). I gave this one an even worse review, it got a 2 out of 10. 

As you can see, this isn't a very promising start, so it took forever for me to even open this book because I thought it was going to be not the best (aka... ranging from kinda bad to really bad). Anyways this one, surprised me. And so far it wins! I thought it was weird in all versions of Rapunzel that there weren't really normal emotions. I mean a person can only stand solitary confinement for so long. Being raised like that can't be good for your head, and so this one finally addressed that issue. (I mean in a big way that shocked even me, were talking attempted suicide with this one) This book, unlike the last two books, follows the Brother's Grimm version of the story. Basically: pregnant queen wants Rapunzel tea, king gets said tea for her but steals it from a witches garden, witch does not like this and demands the unborn child, and the king stupidly says yes. I've been conflicted on this version for a long time, I just didn't like how the Brother's Grimm version is so mean/violent. This book works so well! Ah! You have no idea how happy I was once I closed this book. I like books where the two main characters go from childhood friends to lovers later on in the book, and this one was like that. Rapunzel is one of the most normal characters that I have met in a long long time. and I think her longing for her life to be different will resonate with a lot of people. Plus the ending was fully explained, it tells the reader what happened to  Rapunzel and her husband after the main events of the book. However this Rapunzel story made me cringe, a lot. But it's probably for a reason you wouldn't expect. Rapunzel's hair is super long and then the witch cuts it off, and Rapunzel is of course devastated. I cringed, like crazy at that part. My hair is three feet long and is actually six inches longer than it is in this picture.

For those who are wondering, no I don't wear extensions, and I've never dyed my hair in my entire life. Now do you see why Rapunzel is my favorite Disney Princess? 

Anyways I really enjoyed this book, and this one wins compared to all the others!

Rating: 8 out of 10. I docked two points because this book really needed to be a lot bigger, like four hundred page sized. James had to skip a ton of content because most her books are shorter and I feel like that really hurt the book.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). There is a couple instances of kissing, and the main character contemplates, and attempts suicide. 

The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Jenni James

First things first: cover art!

 I love how mysterious this cover art is! Plus I love the black embroidery on the white dress, I imagined Casey in this book very differently but I still love this cover art! Readers: which dress in all the cover arts you've seen is your favorite? Mine is Azalea's dress on the front cover of Entwined. 

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Summary:

"Twelve princesses, one gardener, and a mysterious secret . . . 

As the castle gardener, Aleck is paid well, has his own room above the stables, and he is able to support his mother and younger brothers and sisters. Why would he risk it all for one girl? 

For weeks now, Princess Cascadia and her eleven sisters have awakened each morning to swollen feet and tattered dancing slippers without any recollection of what happened. Why would someone do this to them? The king calls all the worthy men in the land to come and help solve the riddle of the twelve dancing princesses. The man who is able to sort the mystery will be allowed to choose one of the princesses to wed. 

Cascadia immediately turns to Aleck for assistance. If anyone can help her, she knows it is him, and she knows of no man she would rather marry. But will Aleck be able to unravel the mysterious happenings and save the kingdom before those behind the scheme succeed?"

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My Review: 

This version wasn't nearly as good as Heather Dixon's Entwined (see my review here), but it was still really good! I love when books deal with different socioeconomic statuses when it comes to love and for once its the guy with a lower status than the girl. Also in this book I love how the princesses' dad makes sure that the guy to solve the curse is what his daughters deserve, plus he realizes he needs to start listening to his daughters more. Plus Aleck and Casey make a super cute couple! Plus the imagery of this book is pretty amazing! Really the only bad thing that I have to say about this book is that we really didn't get to meet the rest of Casey's sisters. As a reader I knew that they existed,  but I just would have loved to see their personalities more. However, that being said the content of this book makes up for it! This book is only 175 pages so I was wondering how James was going to fit the entire story into that small space but she did it! It's an amazing story! I think there was room for James to elaborate in some areas, but in this one she experimented with two different plot points that worked pretty well together. Anyways, the story was amazing and so are the characters we get to meet! Wish that James would turn this into a larger story because really it could be a 400 page book. 

Rating: 9 out of 10. Would of loved to hear more about Casey's siblings. 

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). One instances of a rather not so innocent kiss. 

Rumpelstiltskin by Jenni James

First things first: cover art! I really don't think that the cover art matches the story. I love the girl in it and I like the dress, but this is something that a peasant girl would never be able to afford this dress. So the cover art is just not a win for me. Just like this book... 

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Summary:

A young prince crippled by a witch—

When Fredrico watches his cruel family mourn his false death and announce to the kingdom their cursed prince has died, is the day he truly embraces his new life and new name Rumplestiltskin. How could he be known by anything else? —His skin is completely rumpled and stilted now. He hides away from the king and queen and grows up as a crippled servant in the castle.

Years later, his younger brother, Marcus, becomes king and humors Aubrynn’s father when he boasts that his daughter can turn straw into gold. Intrigued Marcus locks the distraught maiden in a tower and declares to the kingdom that if she can transform the straw, he will marry her, but if she cannot he will kill her father.

Rumplestiltskin is determined to help Aubrynn save her father and marry the king. Now, if only he can remember to keep his real identity a secret and not fall in love with her himself…

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So my sister recommended this book to me when she commented on the very first blog post I ever wrote and only took me forever to finally read this book. It's part of an entire series of stand alone books that are based off other fairy tales and I now have every single one of them from the library. This one was okay. The story is very different from the original right from the very first page, and I liked that about this book. Instead of the creepy weird creature that demands the frightened girl's first born child this book starts with a very misunderstood disfigured prince. I liked that about this book, until the ridiculous insta-love started. 

This is a story that was really never meant to be a love story so insta-love really wasn't supposed to be part of the equations so it doesn't work like it does in Cinderella or Snow White. I think there were at least thirty instances of kissing in this tiny little book! Way to much for this tiny little story, maybe for a couple that had been betrothed or something but this one... I wanted to gag. It was a really good story and a fast read, I just think all the unnecessary kissing in it ruined that. I already turned the book into the library, so I cant quote some of the passages where I said, "Really?" But still some of it was just (shudders). So yeah read this if you like fairy tales but just be warned its just kinda weird. Not my favorite.

Rating: 6 out of 10. I really liked the story but some of the content I wanted to gag.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). One instance of violence, but there is a lot of kissing.

Theodore Boone: The Abduction by John Grisham

First things first: cover art!

 Like the first book we can see Theodore with his bike. However the setting has changed from a courthouse to a bridge of some sort. Also this one is a lot darker than the first cover art, probably foreshadowing some of the content to come. The color of the bottom lettering has also changed, which I like because it makes all the books more unique and distinguished from each other.

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Summary:

"When we last saw Theo Boone, he ensured that justice was served by uncovering evidence that kept a guilty man off of the streets. Hot off this high-profile murder trial, thirteen-year-old Theo is still dispensing legal advice to friends and teachers. But just when it seems as if his life has calmed down and gone back to the status quo, a new legal mystery comes to town, and this time it's personal."

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My Review:

I wasn't a big fan of this, I know Grisham wan'ts to make these books friendly for a younger age group but still this one just didn't have enough action in it for me. As the summary says Theo's best friend goes missing and I expected it to be like crazy suspenseful book. Like ransom demands, and false leads until they finally find her. No, what this book actually entailed was very very disappointing. I still enjoyed the clean action and the overall mystery that the book provides but I just was hoping for more action. Other than the rather disappointing turn of events in the book (in my opinion), this book still give the reader a rather interesting view into Theodore Boone's rather unconventional childhood. 
I mean I can't see a kid his age in today's society every doing what he is doing but I like to imagine Theo as an Alex Rider of sorts. (If you aren't familiar with those books I would recommend looking them up, they are rather good! Reviews for all seven of them will come when I actually have the time to read them!) 
Anyways, this book is perfect for younger readers who are interested in the justice system. As I've stated many times I am getting my degree in CSI (Crime Scene Investigation), and I even enjoy how clean these books are. All in all, did not hold the same level of action as the first one and I was hoping for more. However what really saved this book for me is just how rich the characters are! My favorite character is a big toss up between Theodore and April. Both are very very unique and interesting in their own right and both work as great roll models to kids. All of them have very unique personalities meaning that Grisham obviously spent a lot of time on each one. 

Rating: 9 out of 10. Would have liked more suspense with the kidnapping.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). Clean book! Just some concepts might be a bit mature for younger readers. Also some juvenile mischief, Theo believes in the law but there are some grey areas that he delves into. 

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier

First things first: cover art!

This one is my favorite out of all the three books. I like the dark background with the green dress. Like the background on the second book Big Ben is featured on the cover, and this time we can see the addition of the London Eye just behind Big Ben.

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Summary:

Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is.

She's only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she's just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.

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My Review: 

(I want to hit Gideon, like if he was a real person I would track him down and hit him hard. How dare he be that mean to Gwen! For the first half of this book I seriously hated him, but don't fear dear reader, it gets better! Poor Gwen has had it rough in this series, first she finds out that she is a time traveler, second no one will tell her anything, and third the guy she likes keeps being stupid. There is a bit more action in this book then there is in the first two, which I like to see in a third book. Sometimes the third book falls really flat, but this one didn't! It ended quite nicely, and everything was wrapped up like it should be. Gier gives us really good vibrant characters, and in this book all of them are allowed to shine in their own rights. You can't help but like Gwen as a main character, but I really don't like her cousin at all. If you like time traveling novels than this one is for you! (To see my reviews of the first two books click here and here) 

Rating: 8 out of 10. I really wanted to hit Gideon, but he made up for it later on in the novel.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). Some instances of kissing and some violence. 

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

First things first: cover art!

Like the first novel (to see my review of The Name of the Star click here), the words are very spooky looking. I like the purple color with this one, it makes the lettering as well as the background stand out more. It is obviously wintertime in this book and I really like the ghostly image of someone walking on the cover of this one.

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Summary:

After her near-fatal run-in with the Jack the Ripper copycat, Rory Deveaux has been living in Bristol under the close watch of her parents. So when her therapist suddenly suggests she return to Wexford, Rory jumps at the chance to get back to her friends. But Rory's brush with the Ripper touched her more than she thought possible: she's become a human terminus, with the power to eliminate ghosts on contact. She soon finds out that the Shades--the city's secret ghost-fighting police--are responsible for her return. The Ripper may be gone, but now there is a string of new inexplicable deaths threatening London. Rory has evidence that the deaths are no coincidence. Something much more sinister is going on, and now she must convince the squad to listen to her before it's too late. 

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My Review: 

After the first book I wondered if this was going to be Criminal Minds ghost version, or even a ghost whisper type thing. Especially after the events of the first book I wondered how there was going to be a series, but Johnson has provided the answers for that in this second book. Now with what this show is like: it's CSI ghost version. This book is one of those that... well let's just let this picture explain that. 

The events leading up to said awful cliff hanger are even more crazy than the first one. It wasn't a nail biter but there are a whole ton of twists and turns that keep you on your toes as you read this book. Like the first book there is once again an extremely dangerous ghost, except this one might be more vile and evil than the first one if that is even possible. I love this series! Like I said in my review of the first book, the concept is new and exciting. I don't think that the ghost police would ever work as a movie but in a book where a lot of the imagination is left up to the reader it works beautifully. Rory is still one of my very favorite characters ever. Her personality isn't as strong as it was in the first book, but after what she went through that is to be expected. There is a small tiny little love triangle going on in this book. I have a favorite, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for you so I won't say. However I think Rory and this character need to be together more than her and the other guy. Which is why the ending is like WHAT?  If your into the paranormal, and some thing rather new in the book world than this book/ series is for you! 

Rating: 9 out of 10. The end! AH! WHAT??? You'll understand if you read this book.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). There is some language, drinking, teen romance, and some violence. 

Saphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

First things first: cover art! London, the setting of this book, is prominently featured in the background as we can see Big Ben. Gwen is in a gorgeous blue dress which matches the title of the book quite nicely. Behind Gwen it's almost as if the background is swirling, meant to be the time vortex perhaps? Plus the darkness of the background makes the blue dress stand out quite nicely. 

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Summary: 

"Gwen's life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she's been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice oneverything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he's very warm indeed; the next he's freezing cold. Gwen's not sure what's going on there, but she's pretty much destined to find out."

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I am a big fan of Gier's books! To see my review of Ruby Red click here and to see my review of Dream a Little Dream click here. I really like these books, as I said in my first review time travel isn't very often written about in books and this one approaches the subject in a unique way. I still feel bad for Gwen in this book, she is still mistrusted by everyone and her cousin is still super, super nasty to her. Usually the second book is a little worse than the first one due to more build up is needed to the final book however this one was really good! However I really really wish that I could punch Gideon in the face, he is such a jerk in this book! One minute he is being super nice to Gwen the next he is seemingly just leading her on. I wish he would just make up his mind concerning his relationship to her! Seriously favorite part of this book: Gwen gets horribly drunk at one point at a party in the 17th century I think it was? Super funny! Anyhow, this book is really good! There's a really good mix of humor, adventure, romance and suspense! I love how in this book we are able to feel Gwen's frustration as she tries to figure out her life, considering we as the readers are not given any other extra information that Gwen does not already have. You should read this series! It's really good! 

Rating: 9 out of 10. Really Mad at Gideon! 

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). Partying (some alcohol is involved), a couple instances of violence and one or two instances of kissing. 

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

First things first: cover art! I really like this cover art, it's pretty simple but I love simple cover art. The book should be about the story, not the cover art. The cover art is simply there to give you a glimpse about the story and it is usually what makes me read the inside of the front cover. The words on this cover are big and bold and also slightly out of focus which makes sense considering the novel is about ghosts. 

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Summary:

"The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree of more than a century ago. Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him--the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target. In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities."

*******

I am a sucker for mystery books, and paranormal mystery doesn't come up very often in the book world so there was seriously zero thought to bringing this book home with me from the library. This one was very interesting, but in a good way! This book brings up this interesting concept: near death experience equals you can now see ghosts. Which happens to Rory because she almost chokes on a piece of food and dies. As a character Rory is amazing, she isn't naive and I seriously can imagine me being friends with her, that is how likable she is. Actually pretty much all the characters in this book are amazing, and I love pretty much all of them. Also for once a series with out a love triangle! I mean I love, love triangles but only if they are written well and that seems to be the default for many books so this one was very refreshing. Johnson shows that you can have a book without a relationship being a massive focal point, this one is all about the mystery. This one brings up the interesting and terrifying concept of: so you have a serial killer but only a couple people can see him and oh by the way he is a ghost. This isn't Ghost Whisperer, there is no crossing them over. I love love love this book! Highly recommend the series! 

Rating: 10 out of 10. This is an interesting new concept, love it!

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). There is quite a bit of drinking in this book, however it is set in England so the legal drinking age is a lot lower than it is in the states. There are a couple instances of kissing, and some violence. 

The Selection Stories:The Prince and the Gaurd by Kiera Cass

Summary:

Before America arrived at the palace to compete in the Selection, there was another girl in Prince Maxon's life. The Prince opens the week before the Selection begins and follows Maxon through the first day of the competition.

Raised as a Six, Aspen Leger never dreamed that he would find himself living in the palace as a member of the royal guard. In The Guard, readers get an inside look at Aspen's life within the palace walls—and the truth about a guard's world that America will never know.

I am in love with the Selection Series so I could not wait to read these short stories! The first point of view is Maxon's, and it is set in the third book. We get to read his feelings on the selection, and read as he meets America for the first time. Being able to watch as he sees everything that America saw but from his point of view is amazing! Maxon as a character is amazing and I wish that Cass would have made the short stories in this book just about him, but no she had to include Aspen to. His narrative (Aspen's) takes place during the second book. Throughout the series I found myself strongly disliking Aspen. If he truly loved America he would have stayed away from her and let her go. But no, he is a selfish jerk that only cared about himself and risked her safety all the time! I enjoyed his narrative, and it was awesome to see it from his perspective but I just do not like him as a character. I wish that Aspen's section was smaller and that Maxon's was larger.


Rating: 8 out of 10. To much Aspen, not enough Maxon.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). A small amount of violence, and some teen Romance

The One by Kiera Cass

First things first: cover art. Like the first two books (see my reviews here and here) we can see America in a beautiful dress with a crystal mirror background. In all the covers the thing that I love the most is the dresses! This one is pure white, foreshadowing perhaps? I sure hope it is! This cover art on this one is my absolute favorite, the white almost gives it a winter feel in the mirrors behind her.

*******

Summary: 

The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

*******

These books, I just love them so so much! I seriously finished The Elite and The One on the same day, and got maybe four hours of sleep. So worth it though! After finishing the second book I was so nervous to pick this one up. I just can't stand seeing America and Maxon not end up together that would be so cruel to us readers! I don't want to give anything away but I will say that I did enjoy the ending and can not wait to get the fourth book. (I am hold number 90 something at the library!). Just like all the other ones the imagery is amazing, several things will come to light and someone will die. Highly, highly, highly recommend!

Rating: 10 out of 10. These books are amazing!!!!!

Content rating: 2 (12-18). These books contain a little bit of teen romance, a small bit of violence, and a whole lot of drama.  

Spells by Aprilynn Pike

Summary:

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

This book is the second in the Wings Series, (to see my review of the first book click here) and the love triangle is seriously the best thing about this series. Don't get me wrong, I love the whole Fairy thing and how Pike has turned it into an amazing concept. But seriously the whole triangle is amazing, at the moment I am seriously rooting for David to win. His personality is just so much more developed than Tam's personality, plus he just seems to care more about Laurel than Tam does for the time being. For those who have read this book, are you on side David or side Tam? For now I am definitely on side David, but who knows the third book might change all that.
 In this book we actually get to see a lot more of Laurel's home Avalon and this place is amazing. I with they would make a movie about these books (I know I say that about every review but still!) with an amazing CGI budget. I really wish Laurel would be able to get her memories back so she would be able to fully interact with everyone in her home area. However it is also interesting to see Laurel know about both worlds and try to keep them separate but fail miserably. The trolls in this book are back, and just as evil as ever and they even cross a line in this book that made my heart drop. This series is awesome, the characters are vibrant, and the setting is gorgeous! If you like fairies are any fantasy romance novels than this one is for you! 


Rating: 10 out of 10. The setting in this book is absolutely amazing, if for no other reason seriously read it just for that. 

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). There is some teen romance, some language and a tiny itty bitty bit of violence. 

Towering by Alex Flinn

Summary:
"When Rachel was taken to live in a tower by a woman she

calls Mama, she was excited. She felt like a princess in a castle. But many years later, Rachel knows her palace is really a prison, and begins to plan her escape. She is encouraged by the speed with which her golden hair has been growing. It's gotten long enough to reach the ground. And she's begun dreaming of a green-eyed man. Could he be out there in the world? Is he coming to save her? Or will she find a way to save herself? "

Warning! If you don't enjoy reviews that turn into rants this one is not for you, if you do then grab some popcorn and enjoy. Okay the cover art to this book, it’s amazing right? Seriously one of my favorites, it hints to the amazing story in this book. WRONG! The cover art of this book is deceiving! I am a fan of Flinn’s work, so this book was a major major disappointment. Rapunzel is my favorite Disney character, and so each book that comes along I hold to a different standard than the Disney movie. This book… was a disaster. A train wreck. The guy in this book’s name is Wyatt, and there is enough love at first sight crap in this book to even make an original Disney princess gag. The book's major downfall is that it is written in two person narrative, we see way too much Wyatt and not enough Rapunzel. Another big problem that I have, if you think someone you love is in danger you run to a different city a different house, you don’t lock them in a tower and leave them by themselves for hours at a time! Also the end of this book, was seriously awful. Really awful. Nothing in this book makes any sense at all! At all! There is nothing really concrete for the reader to grab onto, it was seriously like reading the first draft of a very limited novel. I seriously have no idea why Flinn’s editor/publisher let her publish this. Do not waste your time on this novel, Rapunzel Untangled (see my review here) is a much better book even with it’s limitations.  

Rating: 1 out of 10. This book was awful, do not read if Rapunzel is one of your favorite Disney princesses.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18) Mild drug use and some violence.

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Summary: 

"The selection began with 35 girls. Now, with the group narrowed down to the Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's love is fiercer than ever. The closer America gets to the crown, the more she struggles to figure out where her heart truly lies. Each moment she spends with Maxon is like a fairy tale, filled with breathless, glittering romance. But whenever she sees her first love, Aspen, standing guard, she's swept up in longing for the life they'd planned to share.

America is desperate for more time. But while she's torn between her two futures, the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away."

Would you look at this cover art! Just like the first book, the dress is absolutely beautiful and I love the crystal mirror effect in the background.  In this book, America is still in the running to win Maxon's heart, and the final group of girls is called the Elite (meaning that there are now only six of them). I was so sad to see what happened to one of my favorite characters! I don't want to release any spoilers, but I will say that it's shocking and horrible! The imagery in this book is just amazing as the first, all the dresses and the dancing. The series has reached the irritating stage in this book, I can tell that Maxon and America belong together but Maxon keeps being super irritating! I mean you know he is trying to keep up appearances, but still I just wish he would communicate with America more. 

America as a character in this book is in some ways not the same girl that we met in this first book (see my review here). She is very brash and headstrong in this book, and I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and just shake her until she saw sense. However this drama just adds to the story and makes the plot line move as well as keep the reader on their toes. I seriously thought that everything was going to come crashing and down and why on earth would there be a third book. However the ending is great and suspenseful. I also love how Cass gives us more screen time on the other girls, like Celeste. Definitely recommend this book! The romance, dresses, and scenery are just as good as the first book and all the drama is enough to satisfy any reader! Highly recommend! 

Rating: 9 out of 10. The only reason I docked a point is because I was so irritated with America in some points of this book! However it was still really good, and I can't wait to read the next one!

Content rating: 2 (12-18). There is some mild violence (rebels coming in and attacking the palace), as well as some teen romance, but other t
han that this book is really good! 

Wings (First Book in the Wings Series) by Aprilyn Pike

Summary: 

"Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings." 

This series has become one of my absolute favorites. It has a few of my favorite elements packed into one book: romance, love triangles, fantasy and adventure. Stories about Faries don't  pop up a lot in the book world very often , so I was interested to see what Aprilyn Pike would do with the Genre. This version has the fairies as plants, which makes total sense if you think about Fairies' love for nature. Lauren as a character is pretty balanced and her current love interest in this book, David, is also well written making this couple very fun to read about! However as most romance stories go, there is yet another boy in the mix and we know that later on in the series Laurel will have to choose between the two! This is a very promising beginning to a series, Definitely recommend! I hope that there is some more backstory of the fairies in the second book!

Rating 10 out of 10! This book was very good, I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). There is some teen romance, some language (plus one use of a four letter word), and some violence. 

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

Summary: 

"Talia fell under a spell . . . . Jack broke the curse.

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic. . . .

I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.

I awakened in the same place but in another time—to a stranger's soft kiss.

I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen.

Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner!

Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels. . . . The good news: My parents will freak!

Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?"

This book is based off of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, and like Alex Flinn's other fairy tales it is told in modern times. Talia is a very interesting version of Aurora, she was very snobby at first in this book but I began to like her as a character as the book went on. Jack played the roll of Prince Charming perfectly in this story. I think it was weird that he seemed rather unfazed about bringing this random girl home with him, but the story still turned out really good. It was fun to watch Talia adjust to modern life, and Jack try to adjust to Talia's different upbringing. This love story was just a fun book to read! Some moments kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved the message at the end of the book: you can and should forgive everyone no matter what happens. This novel is told from both Talia's and Jack's point of views so it's easy to see where both characters are coming from with their thoughts. 

Rating: 9 out of 10. I think Jack's character was a little lacking? I mean what boy would just kiss this random girl he finds in a castle and then bring said girl home with him just because she tells him to.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). There are a few instances of kissing, and a party where alcohol is involved. This book was very clean though, and fits in this age group because some concepts would be difficult for younger readers to understand. 

Other books that I've reviewed by Alex Flinn:

• Beastly: http://shelbiesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/07/beastly-by-alex-flinn.html
• Cloaked: http://shelbiesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/07/cloaked-by-alex-flinn.html

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Summary:

"A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly."

Beastly is a book that has become one of my favorites. This is a story that I thought would be difficult to do in a modern setting however Flinn is able to move the entire story to now and it works. However this story is told with a better message than the Disney movie. The message in this story is that looks are not everything, and being stuck up and thinking everyone is beneath you is not okay either. The main character learns this lesson the hard way in this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I love how this book is told from the “beasts” point of view, and it’s fun to watch him fall in love with Lindy (the main girl). It’s also interesting to see him humble himself and change for the better. The roses are also integrated in a unique way as Kyle learns to love gardening and roses. This book was turned into a movie, however I must say I liked the book better. All in all, I would recommend this book because it sends a positive message and it is a very good retelling. 

Rating: 10 out of 10. This book is so good! It sends a positive message, and the retelling is very very good.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). This book is pretty clean, there is some kissing (a tiny tiny bit of teen romance) and minor drug use but other than that its suitable for this age group.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Summary:

"For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined."

 Kiera Cass is a genius. The show the Bachelor as well as the Bachelorette have been going on for quite a while and I’m surprised no one has really capitalized on that idea yet. This book series takes place long after World War III and America is now New Asia. The King and Queen’s son is ready to take a bride, instead of marrying royalty he will marry one of the commoners in his kingdom and thus begins the selection. The imagery in this story as well as the story itself is awesome! I loved reading about all the dresses, the dinners, and the conversations between all the girls and the prince. Highly, highly recommend this series! Even the love triangle has a promising start. Also the cover art for this book is awesome! I love America in the blue dress and also how she is hiding a lot of her face it somewhat

foreshadows her personality in this book. 

Rating: 10 out of 10. The imagery in this book as well as the story are just amazing. The plot isn’t just about a prince trying to find a girl, no these people are going through a mini war with rebels as well. It’s fun to see how that influences everyone’s actions and decisions.

Content Rating: 2 (12-18). There is one or two kisses in this book. Other than that this book is relatively clean! If this were made into a movie (which it probably is if the rumors are to believed!) I could see it being PG. Also one of the maids that is assigned to America (the main character) discusses how one of her other maids was almost raped during a rebel raid but other than that this book is pretty clean!