Bumped: Megan McCafferty

Title: Bumped
Author: Megan McCafferty
Release Date: April 26th 2011
Source: NetGalley


Synopsis from Goodreads: When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. 

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job. 

Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that “pregging” for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from. 

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common

My Review: I think I should start off by saying I loved the premise of this book. A world where teens are the only possible candidates to impregnate? Genius.

Was I disappointed with the final Outcome of Bumped? Yes... and no.

I was disappointed, because it was no at all what I was expecting. The beginning of this novel confused me. I wasn't sure what was going on, and there were too many odd terms and new, high tech mechanics for my liking. Maybe if a glossary was given at the start of the novel, explaining the uses of said mechanisms. 

I did like it because, even though it took a long while to get into the novel --around 80 pages-- once I was hooked, I was hooked. Big time.

I cared about the characters. I wanted to know what would happen to Melody... and even more, what would eventually happen to Harmony. Would she, or wouldn't she *do-said-thing-that-is-spoilery* And I was urging on Harmony when *said thing happens*, even though I was kicking myself for her afterwards.

The Ending shocked me. As soon as I thought we'd be expecting some major conflict between the escapees (Harmony and Ram) and Melody, the novel Ended. 

Spoiler: I donno what I was expecting. Aliens to fly and abduct them? Oh, maybe Melody and Zen to get together. Maybe a not-so-conflicted-but-satisfying-enough-ending where Melody would talk Harmony into staying with here, and not going back to Goodside.

 I didn't expect it to end the way it did. I feel as though there was no ending, that I am missing a few chapters.

And that is why I find it so hard to rate this book. Though I finished it in 2 sittings (only because I had to go to sleep for school, other wise I would have finished in 1 because the writing was so easy-breezy and flowed well) I still have mixed feelings..

Bumped is rated 3.8 (Yes, really) of 5 stars.

Wither: Lauren Destefano

Title: Wither (Chemical Garden #1)
Author: Lauren Destefano
Release Date: March 22nd 2011
Source: Arc Simon&Schuster Galley Grab


Synopsis from Goodreads: What if you knew exactly when you would die? 

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out. 

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home. 

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

My Review:  First thing one will notice about this novel is it flabbergasting cover. This was the reason I wanted to read Wither, as the encasement just seemed to radiate beauty. Luckily, the story inside was just as brilliant as the outside!
The writing style was one to covet. I absolutely adored it, and envy Lauren Destefano's talent. I found the book to be very well paced. Even if there were a few slow moments, I relished every detail I could consume.
I loved so many of the characters! I loved Rhine (And her name), though there were some times when she maybe was a little too harsh on Linden. Especially after *such and such* happens. I, however, don't blame her really. She had all the right in the world to say what she said. She was a prisoner, after all.
I liked Rose, and Cecily, and Jenna. This book had an amazing set of characters!

Spoiler-ish: I'm not sure why, but I was rooting for Rhine to get with Linden. (GASP) Yes, I know he kept her prisoner and all, and would sometimes act like an ignorant fool, which he was... but still. I felt there was a connection between them, even though it was fake. Kind of Peeta and Katniss (The Hunger Games).

Speaking of Hunger Games. That is my #1 favourite novel. But this book--Wither-- is easily awarded a well-earned second place.

I ate this novel up, regurgitated, and consumed it once more. OH YES--I'm in love!

Wither is awarded 5 of 5 stars!

The Vespertine: Saundra Mitchell

Title: The Vespertine
Author: Saundra Mitchell
Release Date: March 7th 2011


Synopsis from Goodreads: It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

My Review: I really wanted to read this one, and I was lucky enough to get an egalley copy from netgalley. (Thank you)

The first thing you'll notice as soon as you pick this up is the writing style; I loved it, especially the scenes where Saundra Mitchell would describe Amelia looking into the Vespers. 

I have to say, I did like Amelia, and Nathaniel. But they were far from my favourite. Zora stole the show. I felt myself looking forward to scenes with Zora and Amelia more than the scenes where Amelia meets Nathaniel.  This is more a historical novel, than a paranormal... but they fit extremely well together, which I wouldn't have thought could happen. If you're a lover of both Historical, and Paranormal fiction, I strongly suggest you pick this one up.

I ate it up, and can't wait for the companion novel to hit stores!

The Vespertine is awarded 4 stars.