Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

Genre:Romance

Paperback: 426 Pages

Published: November 15, 2012

Series: The Edge of Never

            1. The Edge of Never

            2. The Edge of Always

            3. TBA

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.

Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she’s ever known, far behind.

With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love.

But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she’d do. He shows her what it’s really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the center of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew’s dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart?

Due to sexual content and language, this book is recommended for 17+ – Adult Contemporary Women’s – New Adult Fiction

My Review:

  

This book is a beautiful story about love, friendship, living in the moment, being honest, true, living life to the fullest, not being afraid to follow your dreams and never losing hope even if the world is conspiring against you. I CANNOT STRESS HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK! I absolutely adored it. I loved the concept, the characters and the story it self. It's not often that I can read a book and want to read it all over again. I am definitely not the kind of person to re-read books, but this one not only captured my attention, but it captured my heart.

Before I start with the review here are a few of my favorite quotes from this book:

“What compels any of us to do the things we do when deep down a part of us just wants to break free from it all?” 

“I think when you fall in love, like true love, its love for life. All the rest is just experiences and delusions.”

“…dwelling and planning is bullshit,” he says. “You dwell on the past, you can’t move forward. Spend too much time planning for the future and you just push yourself backwards, or you say stagnant in the same place all your life.” His eyes lock on mine. “Live in the moment.” 

"Depression is pain in its purest form and I would do anything to be able to feel an emotion again. Any emotion at all. Pain hurts ,but pain that's so powerful that you can't feel anything anymore, that's when you start to feel like you're going crazy." 

"THE HEART ALWAYS WINS out over the mind. The heart, although reckless and suicidal and a masochist all on its own, always gets its way." 

Camryn is a 20 year old girl living in North Carolina. Her life was full of joy, happiness, fun, and going out all the time. She used to run naked into the freezing lake every winter, but soon she started to lose everything. She lost her boyfriend, Ian to a car accident, her brother got arrested for killing a man during a drunk driving accident, and her parents divorced because her father was cheating on her mother. All these things caused her pain and sadness. One day she decided to get on a bus and just leave everything behind. That's when she meets Andrew and her life changes in the most beautiful way possible. But you will have to read to find out what happens! 

PODs by Michelle K. Pickett

Genre:Dystopian, Sci-fi

Paperback: 312 pages

Published: June 4, 2013

Series: PODs

            1. PODs

            2. TBA

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul. 

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters. 

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

My Review:

Personal note: This is my first review in over three months. I was in school and dealing with finals so writing this review was exciting and refreshing. I apologize for taking so long to post another one, but life just gets in the way sometimes.  I can't believe I went three months without reading a book!! (well for fun that is) So lets get to the review shall we?

Yet another sci-fi dystopian novel that didn't capture my attention. Honestly, lately every single book that I have read has the same story line and it's starting to get boring. The girl in distress, it's the end of the world, prince charming comes to save the day and bla bla bla... I have yet to read a book that has truly captured my attention and made me jump with joy!

Reasons why I didn't enjoy this book and some things I just didn't get!

1. The book talks about a virus. Okay... what virus?? What is the name? How did it start? How was it created? Why is it affecting certain people and not the rest? I mean c'mon! How does a virus not have a name!? I mean we live in a society where we name our cars and we can't come up with a name for a virus! That is outrageous in my opinion. The book talks about lots of highly educated scientist and doctors and they can't come up with a name!? Pshhhh okay!

2. The main character wasn't someone I saw myself connecting with at all. At times  she felt very emotionless to me and I just didn't find that attractive in a main character. I mean she was part of a world that wasn't going to be there in a few days. She was leaving her family, friends, school, and everything she loved behind and she couldn't express her sadness. Plus her just accepting everything that was happening just didn't make sense. If I was in that situation I would definitely have been angry, sad and probably would have cried my eyes out.  

3. The POD system didn't make any sense to me. I mean why have all these underground PODs for kids who were smart and could run the world after the current world died. Why force these kids to be separated from their loved ones in order to keep the world going. Let the kids make the choice for themselves. If they are old enough to chose what to wear I definitely think they are old enough to decide if they want to sped their last moments with their loved ones.

Overall, this novel had an interesting promise, but for me it just left too many questions unanswered. The idea was good, but the execution fell short. I know this book is part of a series, but I will not be continuing on just because I honestly don't have any patience to see what happens next.  

Tidal by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Mermaids

Hardcover: 342

Published: June 4, 2013

Series: Watersong

            1. Wake

            2. Lullaby

            3. Tidal

            4. Elegy

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The magical world of Watersong is about to change forever. The answers Gemma and her friends have been searching for are finally revealed - but evil is closing in and time is running out....

Gemma and Harper Fisher are facing the fight of their lives. Gemma has been cursed with extraordinary powers that have a terrifying dark side, but she's finally found what she needs - a way to break the curse and become human again. However, finding the means to do it will be her greatest challenge yet. And now Penn, Lexi, and Thea - the gorgeous but deadly creatures who cursed her - are determined to kill her before she has a chance. Making matters worse, Penn has her sights set on Daniel - the guy Harper loves - and Penn always gets what she wants.

As Gemma and Harper race to break the curse before it's too late, they're thrust deeper into a mythical world of immortal secrets. They must look into their enemies' past to find the answers they need, even if it means being drawn deeper into their savagely beautiful world. But one of the girls is not what she seems...and Gemma finds an unlikely ally as she struggles to save herself. Will it be enough to break an ancient curse that no one has ever escaped from alive?

My Review:

Whoa. Just whoa. Is that Daniel on the cover!? *faints* If so then gimme some of that hot stuff!! Okay so onto the actual plot...

After being rescued by her sister, Harper, her boyfriend, Daniel, and Gemma are back home with their families. Unfortunately, the three sirens have followed Gemma back home and they aren't going anywhere until they make Gemma a part of their group or replace her. Speaking of sirens, I just have to say I hate them all. Their characters are of typical annoying girls who want something and will do anything to get their hands on it. Penn, the leader of the sirens has her sights set on Daniel. And she won't stop until she can find a replacement for Gemma. Once that happens Gemma is history. That is until Gemma and Harper can find a way to stop the girls without killing Gemma herself.

Overall, I wasn't that involved with this book. The series itself can be better, but the only reason I started this series was because I didn't have anything to do. It's a good entertainment and quick read.  

Chosen One by Carol Williams

Genre: Contemporary 

Hardcover: 213 Pages

Published: May 12, 2009

Series: None

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated community without questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters, with two more on the way. That is, without questioning them much---if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with Joshua, the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her.

But when the Prophet decrees that she must marry her sixty-year-old uncle---who already has six wives---Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family forever.

My Review:

This book was nothing short of spectacular. It was a very tense topic that was represented in a young adult novel and I was enraged at the mere thought of what these girls had to face. The book is told from Kyra's point of view and unfolds a story of desperation, love, fear, restrictions, sacrifice, and eventually freedom. Kyra struggles to live her life the way she wants to instead of following the back-wards-way of this so called cult like society.

Williams flawlessly balances Kyra's world and the world she lives in. At one end Kyra's family is full of laughs, love, respect, and kindness. She has many siblings who share many mothers and one father. They share many of the same family like qualities you would expect from a family. However, at the other end is the cruel, darker side of the society. Where killing innocent babies is deemed okay, while someone gets rid of defecated babies and no one bats an eye. Or beating and using torturous means to discipline women. All of this was outrageous and a very difficult pill to swallow. That people do this and have no sense of what is right and wrong. I was frustrated and because of this I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped that I would. 

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Genre: Sci- Fi

Hardcover: 407 Pages

Published: June 12, 2012

Series: For Darkness Shows the Stars

        1. For Darkness Shows the Stars

        2. Across a Star-Swept Sea

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

My Review:

Elliot North knows how to get things done. As a member of the elite Luddite nobility, she knows what is expected of her and what is not. It is this sense of duty and loyalty to her family and name that kept her from running away with the love of her life Kia, four years ago. Their friendship was forbidden from the beginning since they were of two different elite groups.

Now, four long years later, at age eighteen, Elliot is the only thing keeping her family and land afloat. As her father and sister grow away from reality, the world as they know it is changing. Elliot convinces her family to leave the land to a suspicious new group of shipwrights known as Cloud Fleet. This will hopefully give her family more income and a new life far from her land.

However, as she gets to meet the captain of this Cloud Fleet she discovers he is none other than her childhood friend and lover Kia---no longer the playful, funny, kind Kia, but smart, distant Captain Malakai Wentforth. Elliot knows how to be a hard worker, but she may not be up to the task of containing her guilt and longing that overtakes her with his unexpected return.

Overall, I really liked this book. It was a quick and easy read. I loved the characters and how they were portrayed as realistic. Malakai and Elliot were hilarious and their love was sweet and innocent laced with fire and passion.

Tide Ever Rising by Mandi Slack

Genre: Ghosts

Paperback: 208 Pages

Published: February 12, 2013

Series: None

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Kadence Reynold’s favorite pastime is exploring old ghost towns. When she and her sister, Maysha stumble across an old journal and cheap pendant hidden in the depths of a crumbling foundation near Eureka, Utah, their world is suddenly turned upside down. Immediately, strange dreams and premonitions begin to haunt “Kadie” as she learns more about the keeper of the journal, Charlotte Clark. Kadie sets out on a journey to learn more about Charlotte and her family, and she and Maysha travel to Bremerton, Washington, where they discover Charlotte's still living twin sister, Adelaide and her family.

My Review:

When I started reading this book I wasn't really sure if it was for me. At the first page I was mildly bored and uninterested. By the second and third page I found myself leaning closer to the pages. Then by the first chapter I KNEW I wasn't putting this book down until I finished it. And that is exactly what happened.

Mandi's characters are so believable and alive that I was wishing I was their accompanying them on their adventures. The characters are thrust into constant danger and suspense as they figure out the mystery behind an old journal. Kadie has a knack for adventure and after finding an old journal along with a antique necklace her curiosity gets the best of her. She takes off to find the owner of the journal and hopes to get some answers about the story that she discovered.

Through out the book I was on my toes trying to figure out the mystery along side Kadie and her sister. I loved Maysha's character. She is super hilarious and ready to put her sister in her place. I also really liked their relationship and how much they loved each other. Mandi's creation of the characters was very likable and the mystery kept me interested till the end.

Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Genre: Apocalyptic 

Hardcover: 369 Pages

Published: October 2, 2012

Series: The Arcana Chronicles

            1. Poison Princess

            2. Endless Knight

            3. Dead of Winter

Rating:★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen-year-old Evangeline "Evie" Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they're still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can't do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can't totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it's not always clear who is on which side.

My Review:

This is such a tough book to review because there is so much to like. I really liked the idea of the book, but the execution was poorly done. I loved the characters, but they became boring towards the middle of the book. And I loved watching the puzzle pieces fit together to get the entire picture of the plot. However, there were many problems that I faced while reading this book.

            First off, the idea as I said was mind boggling. The problem I had with this is that it got confusing. The setting is in a post-apocalyptic world with characters trying to survive by taking out each other. The parts about the Flash (before and after) were jumbled up that it took a while to figure out where the story was headed. 

            Secondly, the characters were fascinating. They each represented one of the major players in a deck of cards. I really liked this idea of jokers, queens, and kings and trying to figure out which character was what. This got me super interested in this book. However, the plot fell for me when some more characters were entered into the mix. In the beginning the characters were entertaining, but towards the middle they just got boring and bland. Another thing that annoyed the hell out of me was the love interest: Jackson. He was an arrogant, repulsive, whiskey drinking, abusive stalker who couldn't make up his mind on what he wanted. He was all over the place, from being nice to being a total douche bag.

            Overall, I think I would have really liked this book, but towards the middle I just lost interest. I didn't have the desire to want to keep reading. I find that if a book can keep my attention till the last half of the book then it definitely deserves more than three stars. However, this book only deserves two. 

Lullaby by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Mermaids

Hardcover: 290 Pages

November 27, 2012

Series: Watersong

            1. Wake

            2. Lullaby

            3. Tidal

            4. Elegy

Rating:★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Don't miss the next chapter of Watersong, a bold new series that will enchant you, entrance you, and hold you captive under its spell

Now that Gemma Fisher has inherited Penn, Lexi, and Thea's curse - and all the strange new powers that come along with it - she has no choice but to run away with them. Devastated that she has to leave everyone she loves behind, she's still determined not to give in to the unspeakable hungers that plague her.

Unfortunately, they're growing stronger every day, and she's not sure how much longer she can resist.

Harper won't give up on finding her sister Gemma, vowing to get her back no matter what the cost. The search draws her closer to too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good Daniel, and tests her fiercely guarded independence like never before. She's always been the strong one who everyone else depends on.... Can she let herself depend on Daniel?

As Gemma and Harper plunge deeper into a magical world they barely understand, it becomes painfully clear that Gemma's old life may be lost forever. But can she still hold on to her humanity?

My Review:

What I Liked:

            - The cover is beautiful!

            - Harper and Daniel's relationship!

         - Harper having Gemma's back and covering her tracks when Gemma decides to go with the sirens and doesn't tell anyone where she is going.

            - Harper's character is very likable and I can relate to her at times.

            - I loved Daniel and how he was able to resist the sirens call. I definitely want to know more about that.

What I didn't like:

            - Gemma. Her attitude and her lack of responsibility is annoying. She is a young adult she should be able to make good decisions based on what is right and wrong. I felt that Gemma's character was dumb downed to make her seem like an interesting character. And she wasn't interesting at all. I found her to be boring and not entertaining .

            - I DID NOT LIKE ALEX. He was so boring, blond, and not original. His relationship with Gemma seemed forced.

            - There was no chemistry between Gemma and Alex.

            - I did not for one second believe they fell in love with each other since it was out of the blue. 

            - I found it too easy for Gemma to learn everything about the Sirens. It didn't make sense. Or I should say, it wasn't executed properly.

Overall, I am not a huge fan of this series. The second book was just as low as the first. However, I will be finishing this series just because it is mildly entertaining at certain points. I still want to know more about Daniel and Harper, even though they are not the main couple (although they should be!).