Arc Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection
Pages: 336
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: April 23rd,2013

Summary:

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending

Going into this book, I had hardly any expectations. As, I did the worst thing a blogger can do, I looked at another review that said that while this one was good the first one was way better. With this being said I am so glad it wasn’t like that for me because I really enjoyed it!

In this book you start off just where you left off in the first part. America is in the palace still very much indecisive on whom she should chose or if she should even be there in the first place. America came off in this book as a very indecisive girl who just couldn’t make up her mind. One moment she wanted Maxon and before she wanted Aspen not even five pages ago.  This began to annoy me at some point because if you didn’t know I am totally team Maxon thus, this makes me totally angry when she gets mad at Maxon for something stupid. 

As the plot progressives, I have to say there was a lot and I mean a lot of curve balls! Girls began to go home and things just get downright crazy in this book!  Maxon loves America and everybody knows that from the first book, but this version of Maxon, is in a way, so much better! Maxon is loving, caring and gives America whatever she wants. Weither it’s time or his attention. This makes him so swoon worthy and I love him. There are some other parts in the book where he protects America and It just made my heart flutter.(TEAM MAXON FOR THE WIN!)

I have to say there where a lot of amazing things that happened in this book. Though, most of them I cannot talk about without spoiling it for those who have not read it yet. One thing though that I found in this story that was so amazing, was the friendship. These girls are all competing for Maxon’s heart; little do they know that there is no chance in hell they are going to win! Even though this is going on, they still have time to form amazing friendships while they are there. One friendship I was particularly fond of was Kriss and America. After a major even happened, Kriss and America started to suddenly get closer and just worked together because they knew that it would benefit them in all ways. Hey, I never said it wasn’t a tricky friendship. 

One Character in particular I still very much dislike. You’ve probably already guessed who I am talking about right? Well if you didn’t, I am talking about the Wicked witch of the west, Celeste. My goodness she irks my nerves so bad! Oh yeah, she doesn’t go away. In fact, she comes back stronger and might I add, bitchier than ever. She’s a total snob with only goal-- to get maxon. Who knows what her real intentions are because whatever they are, I’m pretty sure they’re not good ones.

The first book, The Selection, took my heart, crushed it and then, put it back into place. This one was no different except this one took my heart and twisted it and when there were sweet moments that put it back together and then broke it again and again. This went on until the shock of one moment made me have a heart attack. Then, my heart was fluttering and redeemed by the end!

Then Kierra Cass decided to make it loud in clear at the end, END OF BOOK TWO! Oh my gosh! Are you kidding me!?! I HAVE TO WAIT Again?!?!? Go read this book now while I go mark my calendar off of how many days I’m going to have to wait.

Don’t miss this heart- throbbing story of a girl that came from nothing, but now has everything she could imagine. Who will she choose her first love, Aspen or the wonderful prince, Maxon?

4 out of 5 Towers

Book Review: Poison by Bridget Zinn

Poison
Author: Bridget Zinn
Series: Standalone
Pages:288
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date:March 12th,2013
Purchase: Amazon| Barnes & Noble

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

Finding out that this author passed away really made me so upset after I finished Poison because it is truly a masterpiece. I would like to say that Miss Zinn did her job so well! This book kept me smiling the whole way through and this is a story that will definitely stick with me. Poison reminds me of the old fairytales that was read to me when I was a little girl. This story really brings me back to those days when I was amazed by the magic and happily ever after in those stories. This story was honestly no different, but had its own style that made it unique and one of those things was the well-developed characters.

Kyra, the heroine in this story, was one tough cookie and super cool. She was a relatable, fun, loveable, character as well. She worked with potions and made me feel like I was in some kind of Halloween movie. After attempting to kill the princess, Kyra is left fleeing from the King’s army, her ex- boyfriend Hal and ex- best friend, Ned. While fleeing she stumbles upon some characters who she takes her journey with. With this being said she takes her journey with a very loveable guy, Fred, and 2 animals – Rosie and Fred’s dog. Rosie by the way is the best animated pig ever. Oh my gosh she was so cute and intelligent and just made my day with her charm. I never knew I could love cute little pigs so much! Fred and Kyra had so much chemistry, but in a nice loving way.

The one thing that captured me throughout the story line was that it felt as if it was a mix of a bunch of different fairytales. I could definitely see the hint of Rapunzel in this story, seeing as her friend, the princess, was locked up almost her whole child hood while all the other kids where outside playing. Also, at the end she does a very distinctive thing that Rapunzel does to her hair as well ;) While, this all seems like your average fairytale, it’s not! Remember looks can be deceiving! 

While the ending was definitely interesting, one thing that really bothered me was that certain things were never mentioned about Kyra ,the main character, until the very end. This was a shock because normally things about your main character are introduced in the very beginning. I have to say that is the only thing that bothered me about this story, but in an interesting way because it definitely gave the beginning a little bit more clarity. I think I might be a fantasy junkie now because I absolutely loved this story and want to read more like it.

If you have any doubts about reading this book, you shouldn’t! Give it a try! It’ll make you feel like a little kid all over again – amazed by the magic and a simple, but unique love story. This story might be one of my favorites and just writing this review puts a smile on my face. It honestly makes me so sad that Ms.Zinn cannot write more amazing stories like this one because I am definitely in love with the writing style and this book! If you like fairytales you should defiantly read this book because it is for you!

This book was a traditional, simple fantasy novel, but elegant in a way that still kept me on the edge of my toes hoping for the best.

 

Also guys, I decided to switch up the review format because the old one just wasn't cutting it for me and I felt like I could do better.! Do you think this format is better than the old one? 

Tell me what you think below.( Please I need your feedback)

I selected this post to be featured on my blog’s page at Book Review Blogs.

Review: If I Should Die by Amy Plum

If I Should Die
Author: Amy Plum
Series: Revenant #3
Pages:405
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 7th, 2013
Source: Ahh thanks so much Eileen!
 

Summary:

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

OMG It’s over?! Is my first reaction when I finally finished this book! I honestly can’t believe my favorite series is ending!! I love this series so much and the conclusion was nothing less than fantastic!!

Katie- Lou has grown up and done the impossible in this book. *Sigh! Kate is such a strong heroine and has always been even when she didn’t know it! Kate has become one of my favorite characters of all time because her personality is so amazing – she is kind, loving, funny and most of all BRAVE! Reading this book I got to see the amazing bravery she experiences and let me tell you, seeing this makes me want to go out and find some numma and beat them up! Well you know, if they were real lol.

Louis, Is just another example of why Kate is so nice and forgiving. She always sees the best in everybody. This is what makes her such an awesome heroine. Louis really touches my heart because his story was something that can happen and he really didn’t want to be the way he was. It was just beyond his control and he wanted to protect his mother from my understanding and that’s the best son ever! Ambrose and Jules are next and these guys honestly always bring the funny and loving big brother aspect to this story. Jules is always making me laugh and so is Ambrose. This story definitely has its ups and downs with these two, you will be shocked!

How can I go through this review without mentioning Vincent ;)  I don't want to talk to much on the subject because of the amount of spoilers they have in this topic is endless, but I love seeing this couple stick to each other when they were down. There was no hope and somehow they both found it within them and believed.! They never gave up on each other and that's such a strong thing! Kate and Vincent all the way ;)

Okay now back to the plot, which if I do say so myself, is pretty epic! This story was an absolute thriller and kept me on my toes every twist and turn. As soon as you began reading you are thrown into the action immediately. Right after some very interesting, intense things happen that you won’t want to miss. Which, omg I can’t believe that happened! Though, I honestly can’t say that some of the things were a little predictable.However, they were predictable in a good way and you'll see if you read the book ;)

 In this book Violette is back and stronger than ever, but for how long.?! How far will Kate go to save the one she loves? You won’t want to miss this heart pounding conclusion that will leave you reading until you finish! It is just that good you guys. So don’t miss out because I promise you, you will be filled with what if’s…The Conclusion is one word -- EPIC! You better leave your tissues else where because this is the most action in the book and I have to say it couldn't have ended more perfect than it did.

Amy Plum write more books! I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without my favorite revenants and what made this book so special was the uniqueness to the subject. Also, the French words mixed in. It’s been so fun figuring them out because I am currently taking French. I felt such a feeling of accomplishment when I knew what something meant in English :)  

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS CONCLUSION BECAUSE YOU WILL REGRET IT * POINTS AT YOU. YES YOU! READ THIS!

ARC Review: Prisoner B-3087

Prisoner B-3087
Author: Alan Gratz
Series:Standalone
Pages:272
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: March 1st,2013
Source:  Review copy received via net galley.
 Thank you so much scholastic for providing me with a copy to review

Summary:

Survive. At any cost.
10 concentration camps.
10 different places where you are starved, tortured, and worked mercilessly.It's something no one could imagine surviving.But it is what Yanek Gruener has to face.As a Jewish boy in 1930s Poland, Yanek is at the mercy of the Nazis who have taken over. Everything he has, and everyone he loves, have been snatched brutally from him. And then Yanek himself is taken prisoner -- his arm tattooed with the words PRISONER B-3087.
He is forced from one nightmarish concentration camp to another, as World War II rages all around him. He encounters evil he could have never imagined, but also sees surprising glimpses of hope amid the horror. He just barely escapes death, only to confront it again seconds later.
Can Yanek make it through the terror without losing his hope, his will -- and, most of all, his sense of who he really is inside?
Based on an astonishing true story

Okay, I will admit I am addicted to Holocaust books. I have no clue why, but it’s interesting. This book reminds me of why this even was such as tragedy, they all do. This book reminds me how horrible life was for these people that went through this and the cruelty of it all. Every time I read a Holocaust book it brings tears to my eyes and this one did the same.

This book is based off of a true story and is about a boy who loses his parents due to a selection and then eventually gets deported as well. Throughout this story, he takes us on a journey through the 10 different camps he’s been to and his experiences.

During this book he goes to 10 different camps! 10! That’s a lot! I don’t know how he survived and stayed under the radar. From past reads I know how difficult it can be and I have to say, he was a lucky boy compared to others, but this poor boy worked and worked and never gave up!

What makes this book such an emotional roller coaster is that he never gives up! It is really inspirational that he never gave up. You could also tell in this book that he was a very caring boy – even when he was sick he tried to help the others around him. Though, not all the time because of what his Uncle Moshe told him, but to the people he became close to. In this book he becomes really close to a boy named Fred who became his friend at one of the camps. They did everything together and protected each other. Forming a very strong bond, that really was amazing.

Yanek has an amazing story to tell. Forget about how the plot was or the climax because that was good as well. This book is real! It will bring tears to your eyes and remind you of why you should be grateful every day!  I, myself, know that this book is very inspiring and reminds me to be so thankful to my surroundings because these kids went through hell. If I was in their situation I honestly don’t know what I would do.!  

If you’ve never read a Holocaust book, I encourage you to start here because throughout the course of the book I was immersed and heart broken, but hopeful and inspired by this amazing story being told!  Don’t miss this inspirational story that is Prisoner B-3087