In a Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis Review

Title: In a Handful of Dust

Series: Not a Drop to Drink #2

Author:In a Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis Review

Date Published: September 23rd 2014

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

The only thing bigger than the world is fear.

Lucy’s life by the pond has always been full. She has water and friends, laughter and the love of her adoptive mother, Lynn, who has made sure that Lucy’s childhood was very different from her own. Yet it seems Lucy’s future is settled already—a house, a man, children, and a water source—and anything beyond their life by the pond is beyond reach.

When disease burns through their community, the once life-saving water of the pond might be the source of what’s killing them now. Rumors of desalinization plants in California have lingered in Lynn’s mind, and the prospect of a “normal” life for Lucy sets the two of them on an epic journey west to face new dangers: hunger, mountains, deserts, betrayal, and the perils of a world so vast that Lucy fears she could be lost forever, only to disappear in a handful of dust.

In this companion to Not a Drop to Drink, Mindy McGinnis thrillingly combines the heart-swelling hope of a journey, the challenges of establishing your own place in the world, and the gripping physical danger of nature in a futuristic frontier. 

*Although this book was marketed as a companion/standalone novel I definitely recommend reading the first book*

Ok let me start by saying that this is a good book  the issue I had with this book is that it was not as amazing as the first one but still it's worth reading.

Things I liked

-Lynn is just one of those characters that was created to break my heart. I absolutely loved seeing how she has changed in the time that passed between the first book and this one. I wish the book had been written in her Point of View.

-The fact that the characters that didn't make it to this book were still mentioned and we got to see how their absence affected Lynn and Lucy.

Things I wasn't a fan of

I didn't connect with Lucy as much as I did with Lynn, there were a few times that I almost gave up on the book. My biggest issue with her was how naive and selfish she was at the start of the novel, she is living in a pretty screwed up world yet she was incredibly trusting of every stranger she met.

Rating

Rooms by Lauren Oliver Mini Review

Title: Rooms

Series: -

Author: Lauren Oliver

Date Published: September 23rd 2014                              Publisher: Ecco

A tale of family, ghosts, secrets, and mystery, in which the lives of the living and the dead intersect in shocking, surprising, and moving ways 

Wealthy Richard Walker has just died, leaving behind his country house full of rooms packed with the detritus of a lifetime. His estranged family—bitter ex-wife Caroline, troubled teenage son Trenton, and unforgiving daughter Minna—have arrived for their inheritance. 

But the Walkers are not alone. Prim Alice and the cynical Sandra, long dead former residents bound to the house, linger within its claustrophobic walls. Jostling for space, memory, and supremacy, they observe the family, trading barbs and reminiscences about their past lives. Though their voices cannot be heard, Alice and Sandra speak through the house itself—in the hiss of the radiator, a creak in the stairs, the dimming of a light bulb. 

The living and dead are each haunted by painful truths that will soon surface with explosive force. When a new ghost appears, and Trenton begins to communicate with her, the spirit and human worlds collide—with cataclysmic results.

I was a bit worried on how to handle my expectations for this book, I absolutely loved Lauren Oliver's Delirium series but her book Panic not so much. I actually enjoyed reading this.

Things I liked

My favorite part of the book was definitely reading the ghostly points of view. It was very interesting to see how the perceived the family.

Things I didn't like

Minna definitely frustrated me, I get that she didn't have the world's greatest parents but there comes a point in life when you have to stop blaming them for your bad decisions.

Final Rating

Take the Fall by Emily Hainsworth Review

Title: Take the Fall

Series: - 

Author: Emily Hainsworth 

Date Published: February 16th 2016

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

WHO KILLED GRETCHEN MEYER?

Fear grips the residents of Hidden Falls the night Sonia Feldman and her best friend, Gretchen Meyer, are attacked in the woods. Sonia was lucky to escape with her life, but Gretchen’s body is discovered at the bottom of a waterfall. Beautiful, popular, and seemingly untouchable, Gretchen can’t be gone. Even as Sonia struggles with guilt and confusion over having survived, the whole town is looking to her for information…could she have seen something that will lead the police to the killer?

At the top of the list of suspects is Gretchen’s ex-boyfriend—and Sonia’s longtime enemy—Marcus Perez. So when Marcus comes to Sonia for help clearing his name, she agrees, hoping to find evidence the police need to prove he’s the killer. But as Gretchen’s many secrets emerge and the suspects add up, Sonia feels less sure of Marcus’s involvement, and more afraid for herself. Could Marcus, the artist, the screwup, the boy she might be falling for have attacked her? Killed her best friend? And if it wasn’t him in the woods that night…who could it have been?

-Even though I guessed who the killer was halfway through the book, the way the author handled the reveal which made it pretty cool and not what I expected.

-Gretchen turned out to be such a great victim because the more you found out about her I could only think that no wonder she got killed and why someone had not done it sooner.

Things I didn't like:

-Marcus and I never clicked, the story could have been fine without him.

Other Broken Things by C. Desir

Title: Other Broken Things

Series: -

Author:C. Desir

Date Published: JAnuary 12th 2106

Publisher:  Simon Pulse

From the author of Bleed Like Me, which Booklist called “edgy, dark, and turbulent with passion” comes another compelling and gritty novel about addiction and forbidden romance—starring a fearless, unforgettable heroine.

Natalie’s not an alcoholic. She doesn’t have a problem. Everybody parties, everybody does stupid things, like getting in their car when they can barely see. Still, with six months of court-ordered AA meetings required, her days of vodka-filled water bottles are over.

Unfortunately, her old friends want the party girl or nothing. Even her up-for-anything ex seems more interested in rehashing the past than actually helping Nat.

But then a recovering alcoholic named Joe inserts himself into Nat’s life, and things start looking up. Joe is funny, he’s smart, and he calls her out in a way no one ever has.

He’s also older. A lot older.

Nat’s connection to Joe is overwhelming, but so are her attempts to fit back into her old world, all while battling the constant urge to crack a bottle and blur that one thing she’s been desperate to forget.

Now, in order to make a different kind of life, Nat must pull together her broken parts and learn to fight for herself.

I liked how the author showed that teens aren't immune to addiction. Most authors just glaze by it or make drinking look like something glamorous.

Natalie is a pretty unlikable character, tolerable at her best but these negative things are what made her so interesting. Half of the time I was sure she wasn't going to make it and the other half I wanted to see her rise to the occasion.

I really liked Natalie's mom, she made mistakes but instead of doing nothing and playing the victim she tried to do her best for her daughter.

I'm not sure how I feel about the romantic interest. It certainly came as a surprise and it makes sense but I still have mixed feelings about it.

Final Rating

Spelled by Betsy Schow Mini Review

Title: Spelled

Series: -

Author:Betsy Schow

Date Published: June 2nd 2015

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Fairy Tale Survival Rule #32: If you find yourself at the mercy of a wicked witch, sing a romantic ballad and wait for your Prince Charming to save the day.

Yeah, no thanks. Dorthea is completely princed out. Sure being the crown princess of Emerald has its perks—like Glenda Original ball gowns and Hans Christian Louboutin heels. But a forced marriage to the brooding prince Kato is so not what Dorthea had in mind for her enchanted future.

Talk about unhappily ever after. 

Trying to fix her prince problem by wishing on a (cursed) star royally backfires, leaving the kingdom in chaos and her parents stuck in some place called "Kansas." Now it's up to Dorthea and her pixed off prince to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz and undo the curse...before it releases the wickedest witch of all and spells The End for the world of Story.

I really liked the little snippets at the beginning of every chapter, especially the fairytale survival tips.

The reference to real brand made me roll y eyes especially Hans Christian Louboutin.

Between Two Kings by Olivia Longueville Review

Title: Between Two Kings

Series: The Queen of Two Kingdoms

Author: Olivia Longueville

Date Published:November 15th 2015

Publisher: MadeGlobal Publishing

Anne Boleyn is accused of adultery and imprisoned in the Tower. The very next day she is due to be executed at the hand of a swordsman. Nothing can change the tragic outcome. England will have a new queen before the month is out. And yet…

What if events conspired against Henry VIII and his plans to take a new wife? What if there were things that even Thomas Cromwell couldn’t control, things which would make it impossible for history to go to plan?

The year is 1536.

History is about to be changed forever. 

The old Anne Boleyn is dead.

The new Anne is a cold and calculating woman.

Between Two Kings. 

Things I liked:

I have been following this story for years back when it was being posted chapter by chapter on FanFiction.net

I certainly enjoyed being able to read the book in one sitting instead of irregular updates but why did they have to make this a series instead of a standalone but oh well.

I find Anne Boleyn fascinating but most books detail her downfall or how she caught the eye of Henry VIII but a book that actually has her survive and getting revenge on Henry?? Give it to me already

Things I didn't like:

-There were a few editing mistakes here and there and some of the words were a bit too modern and sounded weird when I read considering the time period.

Not a complaint but I did miss the little author notes  I got at the end of the chapters back when this was a fanfic because the author's insight was amazing. You should definitely check out her Tumblr.

Final Rating

 

Edgewater by Courtney Sheinmel Mini Review

Title: Edgewater 

Series: -

Author: Courtney Sheinmel

Date Published: September 8th 2015

Publisher: Abrams/Amulet

Lorrie Hollander used to be a rich girl, but now she's lost everything because of the secrets and lies of the people around her. It's been 12 years since Lorrie's mother skipped town and left Lorrie in the care of her unstable aunt Gigi. Together they live in a neglected, decrepit mansion called Edgewater, the eyesore in a town of extraordinary wealth and privilege. Then Charlie, the son of an esteemed senator, takes an interest in Lorrie, her shame for her family and lifestyle runs deep. But what she doesn't know is that Charlie's family is hiding something, too, and that their secrets are inextricably tied. Now Lorrie must confront the truth about her family--and everything she ever thought she knew about herself.

 I enjoyed seeing how many different types of relationships a person can have whether it's a person, an  animal or even an object. Seeing how Lorrie managed hers was incredibly interesting.

Showcasing how a person can have a mental illness and not realize it because it's attribute it to the person's personality;  is something that I think is pretty important. 

Final Rating:

This Song Is (Not) for You by Laura Nowlin Review

Title: This Song Is (Not) for You

Series: -

Author: Laura Nowlin

Date Published: January 5th 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Ramona fell for Sam the moment she met him. It was like she had known him forever. He's one of the few constants in her life, and their friendship is just too important to risk for a kiss. Though she really wants to kiss him...

Sam loves Ramona, but he would never expect her to feel the same way-she's too quirky and cool for someone like him. Still, they complement each other perfectly, both as best friends and as a band.

Then they meet Tom. Tom makes music too, and he's the band's missing piece. The three quickly become inseparable. Except Ramona's falling in love with Tom. But she hasn't fallen out of love with Sam either. How can she be true to her feelings without breaking up the band?

"Educators and librarians looking for fast-moving, interesting plots, in-depth characters, and meaningful themes need to add this one to their shelves."-VOYA praise for If He Had Been with Me" 

So this book didn't have much of a plot it was sort of a glimpse into the lives of three pretentious teens. I totally agreed with Emmalyn with the way two of the characters were so busy judging and trying to be different that they ended up being the cliche's they wanted to avoid.

I also don't find the way the adults reacted to the news of the three way relationship realistic, especially when the characters mentioned that the parents are pretty traditional.

Overall I wanted to strangle two of the three point of view characters and I didn't care 

Final Rating:

There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake Review

Title: There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake 

Series: -

Author: Nick Lake 

Date Published: January 6th 2015 

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car.

Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon.

All Shelby knows is that they’re running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn’t, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.

Award-winning author Nick Lake proves his skills as a master storyteller in this heart-pounding new novel. This emotionally charged thrill ride leads to a shocking ending that will have readers flipping back to the beginning.

Things I liked:

-At first i was pretty weirded out by the use of italics but after I got the explanation of why the book is written that way it made it more interesting.

Things I didn't like:

-This is not a flaw of the book itself just a personal preference. After reading this book the first thing I said to myself was to avoid magical realism I just don't enjoy it.

-Shelby's lack of empathy toward her birth parents really surprised me. I obviously didn't expect her to love them instantly but I did expect her to understand why they were trying so hard to get her to like them. For someone that wanted to be understood so much she didn't give other people the same courtesy.

Final Rating:

Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout Mini Review

Title: Daimon

Series: Covenant #0.5

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Date Published: April 19th 2011 

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals—pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty. 

According to her mother, that’s a good thing. 

But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return—the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death… because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill.

The daimons have found her.

Things I liked:

I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Alex and her mom because in the main series we only get to see her memories of her mom as human and not actual "normal"  interactions between them.

Things I didn't like:

-I get that Alex is a super strong tough girl but has the author never hear of something called assault charges?

Final Rating:

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass Review

Title: The One 

Series: The Selection #3

Author: Kiera Cass 

Date Published:  May 6th 2014 

Publisher:  HarperCollins Publisher

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.

When the Selection first came out I loved it, read it in one sitting, pre ordered The Elite as soon as I could but halfway down the second book things started to go downhill and sadly it wasn't just a case of second book syndrome.

Things I liked:

Seeing more of the other girls, especially the fact that America started to see them as human beings rather than just things that were in her way.

Things I didn't like:

America, this made me quite sad because I absolutely loved her in the first book but as the series progresses she just annoyed me most of the time. I think something that annoyed me a lot was that the author kept trying to force down my throat  the idea that America is a good person, when reading a book I judge characters based on their actions and not what authors tell me  plus I agree with Elise, America tended to act like she was some kind of saint.

-I honestly think America should have chosen to remain single, the way I saw it she didn't like/love Aspen or Maxon, her affections was easily won by the guy who always did what she wanted and never disagreed with her.

Things that were missing:

During the whole series I would have liked to see more of the world outside the palace and have more time with the Rebels this was supposed to be a dystopia after all.

Final Rating:

After Anna by Alex Lake Mini Review

Title: After Anna by Alex Lake

Series: -

Author: After Anna by Alex Lake

Date Published: July 30th 2015 

Publisher: Killer Reads

The real nightmare starts when her daughter is returned… 

A bone-chilling psychological thriller that will suit fans of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Daughter by Jane Shemilt, and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.

A girl is missing. Five years old, taken from outside her school. She has vanished, traceless. The police are at a loss; her parents are beyond grief. Their daughter is lost forever, perhaps dead, perhaps enslaved. But the biggest mystery is yet to come: one week after she was abducted, their daughter is returned. She has no memory of where she has been. And this, for her mother, is just the beginning of the nightmare. 

Pro's

-The way the author portrayed the media was spot on. I have to admit that I have judged people based on what I've heard/read about them on social media even if I don't have all the details of the story, so the hashtags and the way the public reacted to Julia gave the book a little extra.

Cons:

This books proves that first impressions do matter, I got of on the wrong foot with Julia with her whole ramblings of respecting her husband more if he had cheated on her ad other stuff; I was honestly pu of by her and I just never warmed up to her after that and even with her child missing she still came of as a bit selfish because all she could think of was how this was affecting her and not how Anna might be fairing.

Final Rating: