Divergent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Dystopian

Paperback: 487 Pages

Published: February 28, 2012

Series: Divergent

            1. Divergent

            2. Insurgent

            3. Allegiant

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

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

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

My Review:

Wow. Breathe, Sammy. Breathe.

This. Was. Good. It seems like all Dystopian novels recently are being compared to The Hunger Games and are very similar in some aspects. However, after reading Hunger Games I honestly didn't think any other novel could top such creativity and character development, but Divergent did. In my book, these two series have been an amazing roller coaster ride and I enjoyed every minute of it. To those of you who didn't like this book:

I just have to ask, "Did we even read the same book!?"

Anyways the plot was mind blowing. I loved the idea of the factions which was similar to the districts in Hunger Games, but I'll let that slide because of Tobias. 

OHHH! Tobias. You sexy man you! Speaking of characters...

Tobias was an awesome male lead. He has his ups and downs at times, but over all I actually liked his attitude and behavior. He didn't want to be just one faction, instead he wanted to have a little bit of all of the qualities. Tris, on the other hand, was an okay character. At first I didn't have any reaction to her character at all; She seemed dull and boring. However, I started to like her when she choose the Dauntless and proved  that she could do anything. She became a strong independent woman who didn't back down from a fight. I instantly hated Tris's brother and Eric (the training leader at Dauntless) and I don't even know why. Overall, the character development was good and I enjoyed reading from Tris's point of view. This was a quick read with lots of action, drama, and suspense. 

Movie Review:

So it's always exciting to find out that one of your favorite books is going to be turned into a movie. When I found out Divergent was going to be played on the big screen I literally screamed with joy. I absolutely couldn't wait for the movie to come out and get to see the characters. I am so happy with the cast of Divergent because all the characters fit the descriptions and they are smoking hot. And by smoking hot I mean Tobias. A.K.A Theo James.

(You are a very sexy man Mr. James *fans herself*)

Your cute too Shailene. 

 

Origin by Jennifer Armentrout

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 364 Pages

Published: August 27, 2013

Series: Lux

            1. Obsidian

            2. Onyx

            3. Opal

            4. Origin

            5. Opposition

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? 

And will they even be together?

My Review:

So a lot has happened since the previous book.

            1. Opal ended with a jaw dropping cliffhanger.

            2. I was just speechless...I can't even...ahlksjflkfjg!

            3. Lets try to write a somewhat coherent review...shall we!

           

            Origin immediately picks up where Opal left off. Katy has been captured after their failed attempt at infiltrating Daedalus. She has been placed in a locked room with cameras  that monitor her 24/7. Even in captivity, with no obvious way to escape, Katy is resilient and determined to fight her way out. Her strength and her attitude of not giving up makes her very admirable in my eyes. Though her efforts have failed so far and have caused her more trouble than success, she isn't giving up.

            After spending a few days locked up, she is moved to a secluded warehouse in Roswell off the map. There, she is put through numerous tests, experiments, and conditions to determine whether her mutation was successful. She finds out Roswell is a secret government facility where scientists are trying to manufacture a drug called LH-11 to cure diseases. Basically, Daedalus wants to know if Katy is unstable and try to manipulation the same genetic change in their mutant experiments.      

            Katy is put through horrendous and unbelievable situations. She has no choice, but to follow their orders or they will hurt her mother and friends. Katy is sick to her stomach and doesn't want to do anything they tell her to do. I really admired her courage and determination for her family and friends. When we first met her she was a strong and determined girl. However, now she is a fighter and survivor. Even with everything Katy is going through, she still worries about her book blog. I found that to be so cute!

            While Katy is going through this, Daemon is going crazy out of him mind thinking of a plan to save her. He will do anything for her, even if it means coming into Daedalus and turning himself in. I found his character change to be very refreshing. Yes, he is still his cocky self, but he has matured so much. I think I like this Daemon better than the one we first met.

            Overall, this book is the most action filled. There were fights, arguments, drama, and terrible things that happened, but everyone seemed to pull through. Friendships were tested, humanity was on the line, lives were risked and lost, but most of all love for family and friends topped everything. I loved how everyone was willing to do whatever necessary for their family and friends. I related to this the most because I would do anything for my family and friends. Just an awesome book! I can't wait to read Opposition which comes out sometime this year!!!

Opal #3 by Jennifer Armentrout

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 382 Pages

Published: December 11, 2012

Series: Lux

            1. Obsidian

            2. Onyx

            3. Opal

            4. Origin

            5. Opposition

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

My Review:

            This lady (Armentrout) keeps on delivering fantastic books one right after the other. I don't know how this woman does it, but she does it well. I am a HUGGEEE fan of Armentrout. From her first book in the Covenant Series, to Obsidian, I can't help but squeal with delight every time I read her books. She has a way of capturing the most minute details and presenting them in a well written manner. So far I have loved ALL of her books and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us!   

            The first two books in this series introduced the characters, setting, and the plot very nicely. The flow was smooth and the characterization felt realistic. We got to know the characters on a personal level, what they were thinking and how they reacted in situations. We also got more of a background on the Arum and the story behind Daemon and his family. Opal, goes further into the mystery behind Daemon, his kind, what the secret government (Daedalus) wants with hybrids, and why are they after Katy and Daemon. Katy and Daemon are finally together...but life isn't done throwing curve balls at them just yet. A close friend of Katy's has died, Blake has returned seeking forgiveness and retribution for his actions, they find out more about a new gemstone and it's powers, and Daemon's twin brother and his girlfriend might still be alive! So a lot has happened since the last two books.

            Katy has become stronger, more mature, and is able to kick-ass. Her and Dee's relationship has also gotten stronger as well as the relationship with Daemon. Speaking of Daemon...he is still his cocky self. Sure he has shown his sweeter/kind side, but he has also become a little possessive and over protective. I understand that he doesn't want Katy to get hurt, but she can handle herself. He doesn't always have to worry about her, but he does anyways.  

      Overall, just an awesome book! There wasn't any action until the climax, but I'm not complaining. I was totally fine with the cute Daemon and Katy scenes in the beginning of the book. If you haven't read any JLA books then you are crazy! Just drop everything and read them all now!

Onyx #2 by Jennifer Armentrout

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 366 Pages

Published: august 14, 2012

Series: Lux

            1. Obsidian

            2. Onyx

            3. Opal

            4. Origin

            5. Opposition

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

  

My Review:

I thought Obsidian was amazing, but after reading Onyx I have changed my mind. Onyx is pure perfection! I loved this roller coaster ride and I didn't want to get off it!

            After being almost killed by a truck, then being saved by her annoying neighbor, and finding out that he is in fact an alien who just marked her up like a Vegas strip club can take a huge toll on a person. It isn't easy being glued to an egotistical cocky ding dong like Daemon. He made a huge mistake in saving Katy and marking her up, but if he hadn't, then she would have died. Daemon couldn't let that happen and now he has to live with the consequences of his actions.  Now Daemon and Katy must stay attached at the hip until the alien mojo wears off. If they can't be civilized and learn to get along the Arum will come after them and kill them all.

            To make matters worse, the Department of Defense is snooping around, and if they find out that Katy and Daemon are linked...then she's a goner. Not to mention this alien mojo did something to Katy. She's starting to show alien powers, which is extremely rare in humans who have been saved by aliens because it means Daemon and Katy are permanently linked. They can read each others thoughts, feelings, presences, and worries.      

            In this gripping sequel, we see that Katy's character has grown stronger. She is ready to take risks, own up to her mistakes, and make her own decisions, even if it means ignoring the cocky aliens warnings. Daemon and Katy are just the cutest couple. They constantly fight, argue, insult, and hate each other. But at the end of the day they seem to figure everything out and just be comfortable with each other. In Obsidian, we saw Daemon's rude and cocky attitude. However, in Onyx, we get to see his sweet and caring side, which I tend to like so much better than his arrogant one. He promises Katy that his attraction towards her isn't just because of the link, but in fact it is because he truly cares for her. Daemon then goes on to prove to her that he likes her regardless of the link. I found this to be so cute! He was willing to prove his love to her, which just shows he really does have a sweet layer under all that tude! 

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 335 Pages

Published: May 8, 2012

Series: Lux

            1. Obsidian

            2. Onyx

            3. Opal

            4. Origin

            5. Opposition

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don't kill him first, that is.

My Review:

Before Reading:

            My initial thought when picking this book up was, ''huh this seems interesting...'' The summary and the cover drew me in and when I read the first few chapters I knew I was hooked. I read this book in one sitting and I couldn't get over the fact that it was amazing. Armentrout created a unique alien world that captured my attention. By the end of the book I was suffering from crazy fan-girl syndrome, jumping up and down while squealing, and wishing I had a smoking hot sexy alien that got on my nerves living next door to me!

After Reading:

            Oh. My. Daemon! This smoking hot alien had me fanning myself with his remarkably good looks and witty charm. I was melting into a puddle of goo by a fictional character. Huh... can't say that has ever happened before, but I'm not complaining. Daemon is infuriating, annoying, arrogant, cocky, and smoking hot. His interactions with Katy were downright hilarious and I couldn't help but conjure a goofy grin on my face.

            Katy and her mother have just moved next door to Dee and Daemon. On her first day at her new home Katy decides to go over to her neighbors house to introduce herself. But introducing herself turns into a witty quarrel with the hot alien guy next door. Daemon is egotistical and knows how to push Katy's buttons. Instead of being a good neighbor, Daemon and Katy get into a mini fight. She is furious with this idiotic hot neighbor who was just being a dickhead. All Katy wanted to do was introduce herself and get directions, but Daemon had other plans. Soon Katy realizes she will be attending school with him, his twin sister and a few of their cousins. Katy has no idea what is in store for her, but all she knows is that it will be interesting.

            Fitting into a new school is hard enough, but when Daemon saves Katy from a oncoming car, he freezes time. Literally, he froze time to save her ass. In a few minutes she finds out that he's an alien, a galaxy of enemies are after their powers, and Daemon has just lit her up like a Vegas strip club. Now Katy has to stick to Daemons side until she stops looking like a bright beacon for alien enemies to come after them. But how can she do that when Daemon is good at getting on her nerves, pushing her buttons, and challenging herself control in not smacking him.

            Obsidian was definitely a fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed everything about this book and I fell in love with the characters. I can't stress how good this book is, so if you don't believe me then I suggest you go read it for yourself!

Ignite Me #3 by Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Dystopian 

Hardcover:

Published: February 4, 2014

Series: Shatter Me

            1. Shatter Me

            2. Unravel Me

            3. Ignite Me

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

My Review:

I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS BOOK TO END IN THIS WAY!! AHHHH THERE ARE JUST:

This book didn't go anywhere that I thought it would. Now that I have read it, I can't stress how surprised and satisfied I am with the ending. Mafi created a unique dystopian world that captured my heart and soul. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting for something crazy to happen. The plot thickened at every page and the ending melted my heart. This action packed, romantic, dystopian novel was such a rush to read. My emotions were all over the place. Plus it was fast paced which I enjoyed a lot.

After Juliette, Adam and the secret underground society failed to defeat Warner's father, their entire compound was destroyed. Many people died and the survivors were scattered with no way of knowing who was alive or dead. When Juliette wakes up she is back in Warner's compound, but this time she is in his room, safe and sound. As days pass by, Juliette comes to realize Warner isn't the evil bastard she thought he was. Instead he is a genuinely caring guy who only wanted Juliette to help him save his mother. Juliette and Warner's relationship is off to a rocky start and they both show some affections towards each other. However, as the days go by, they realize the only way to defeat Warner's father is to join forces with Adam and the last survivors. Adam doesn't want to join forces since he still distrusts Warner, But Kenji (Ohh How much I love Kenji!!!!) is willing to help Juliette if it means they all are free to live. 

As the plot thickens, we get to see different sides of the characters that we met in book one. The characters have so much depth and realistic ability that I was able to connect with them. I was soo happy with Juliette's decision for who to be with. I know most people hated that ending, but I'm glad it was unexpected. Overall, an amazing series and I bet there will be a movie on this in the near future! Here's me hoping!!! *fingers and toes crossed!*     

Nearly Gone by Elle Casimano

Genre:Thriller, Mystery, 

Hardcover: 388 Pages

Published: March 25, 2014

Series: TBA

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Bones meets Fringe in a big, dark, scary, brilliantly-plotted urban thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end.

Nearly Boswell knows how to keep secrets. Living in a DC trailer park, she knows better than to share anything that would make her a target with her classmates. Like her mother's job as an exotic dancer, her obsession with the personal ads, and especially the emotions she can taste when she brushes against someone's skin. But when a serial killer goes on a killing spree and starts attacking students, leaving cryptic ads in the newspaper that only Nearly can decipher, she confides in the one person she shouldn't trust: the new guy at school—a reformed bad boy working undercover for the police, doing surveillance. . . on her.

Nearly might be the one person who can put all the clues together, and if she doesn't figure it all out soon—she'll be next.

My Review:

I just got this book yesterday morning and I have already finished it! OH. MY. GOD! I can't stress how much I loved this book!! It has everything! Lots of action, adventure, mystery and romance. I could not put this book down! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! WHEN DOES THE SECOND BOOK COME OUT!!!  I just...I want...ahhhhhh...this book...ahhhhhhh.. I. WANT. IT. NOW!!!!!!!!

*So now that it's out of my system. I can actually write a coherent review*

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! 

*Okay. I'm done now. I promise*

From the first word of this book till the last I was hooked. Literally, I could not put this book down. Cosimano has a way of gripping the reader with such intense writing. She created a world where I felt like I was inside with the characters. The plot is so intense that I was on the edge of my seat. I could not figure out who the bad guy was, and when I thought I knew I was like, " Ha! Jokes on you Casimano, I know who the killer is." And a few pages later Casimano would be like, " Ha. No you don't!" This frustrating cycle lasted for half the book and when I found out who the killer was, I WAS SHOCKED!!!! I did not see that twist coming and I was like damn this author is good! The mystery leaked from each page and as the ending came close I was yelling, " Noooooooo on the top of my lungs!" I was so deep into the book that I didn't realize it was three in the morning and I had woken up my family. They thought someone had broken in... Opps... My bad.

      Anyways....The gripping plot mixed with well done character development makes this book one of my new favorite series. I honestly loved the rush and excitement of this story and the characters were amazing. Nearly is a very smart young lady. She was a premature baby and the doctors said she nearly made it. Hence the name. She is struggling with many things in life, but she is content. Her mother is a stripper, her father left them long ago, they don't have a lot of money, and the only thing Nearly has left is a chemistry scholarship that will get her out of Sunny View. Nearly and her best friend Anh have been in competition since the beginning of the year to see who can win the scholarship and Nearly's life depends on getting it.

      But when someone leaves cryptic messages in the Personal ads that Nearly has an obsession with, things start to go downhill. Bodies of dead girls are showing up and Nearly is the only one who can figure out who the killer is. But when she confronts her suspicions to the police, instead of finding the killer, the police put a target on her back. In comes Reece Whelan, an arrogant, bad boy with a Juvie record and a dangerous background. He is a C.I. who is to follow Nearly everywhere and get her to talk. Reece is my favorite character. I loved how he handled himself in tough situations and has a soft spot for Nearly. Their interactions were funny and I loved how their relationship grew.

      Nearly Gone is a gripping novel that will leave you wanting for more. I can't believe this book has ended and the next one comes out who knows when. I am not a very patient person so this is going to be hard. It has been a while since I read a good book and if you are debating reading this then just stop debating. Go get this book right now and read it. It is exciting and I guarantee you will love it as much as I did.

Tremble #3 by Jus Accardo

Gorgeous guy on this cover is Sasha Petrovic!

Genre: Superhuman powers

Paperback: 352 Pages

Published: May 14, 2013

Series: Denazen

            1. Touch

            2. Toxic

            3. Tremble

            4. TBA

            5. TBA

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Dez Cross has problems. She’s almost eighteen and on the verge of losing her mind thanks to the drug Denazen used to enhance her abilities. People close to her have turned their back on the underground and are now fighting for the wrong side. And then there’s Kale... Things couldn’t get any worse.

Until of course, they do. Denazen is about to start a new trial—this one called Domination—and it works. But that means out with the old and in with the new. The order has been given to terminate all remnants of the second trial—including Dez. The good news is that there’s a survivor from the original trial. A woman who’s blood may hold the cure for the second generation of Supremacy kid’s defect. But the underground Sixes aren’t the only ones who know about her….

Cross is willing to throw everything he has to keep Dez from getting the cure—including the one thing that might tear her apart from the inside out.

My Review:

OMG! The Cover! Well actually look at him!!!!

As I started reading, the story picked up where we last left off in Toxic. Dez is on the verge of loosing her mind due to an experiment done on her by her own father. She doesn't have much time left until her 18 birthday, then all hell will break loose. Kale has been kidnapped by Denazen and Kiernan. And Dez has to figure out where the remaining Sixes from her experiment group are hiding and try to save them all.  

In the previous book, Jade was a huge problem that caused a riff in Kale and Dez's relationship. I'm happy to say that she was out of the picture in this book. However, Kiernan has taken her spot. Ohhhh I hate Kiernan sooo much! AHHH...I just wanna do this to her!

All Kiernan wants is her fathers attention and love. She thinks the only way to do that is to help him capture Kale and complete the experiment that was done on Dez. She is so evil and manipulative! And Kale is playing right into her hands. But I guess it's not really his fault since he lost his memory and doesn't remember Dez anymore. Dez is Kiernan. Kiernan is Dez. Dez? Kiernan? Dez? Kiernan? The poor guy doesn't know who is who!! Ahhhhh!

But what I really liked about this book was that it got deeper into Denazen and the man behind it. Dez's father is an evil bastard and the only thing he cares about is power. He will do anything and everything to get what he wants. Even if that means manipulating his own daughters. The most surprising thing was that Dez's father might not be the only evil ass behind The Denazen Corporation. Another thing that I really liked was how Dez and her friends plans never work out. So  many books have everything working out perfectly, but with this book things don't always go the way they're planned. It's a more realistic plot and doesn't make the story sound cliche. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I came across this series by accident and I have to say that I am in love! In love with the plot, the characters, the writing. I just love all of it! HOWEVER, the ending was left at a cliffhanger and I don't know how I will contain myself until the fourth book comes out!

Release date..Sometime this year... 

I guess I'll just lay here 

and wait....

doing nothing