Invincible Summer: Hannah Moskowitz

Title: Invincible Summer
Author: Hannah Moskowitz
Release Date: April 19th 2011
Source: S&S Galley Grab


Synopsis from Goodreads: Noah’s happier than I’ve seen him in months. So I’d be an awful brother to get in the way of that. It’s not like I have some relationship with Melinda. It was just a kiss. Am I going to ruin Noah’s happiness because of a kiss? 

Across four sun-kissed, drama-drenched summers at his family’s beach house, Chase is falling in love, falling in lust, and trying to keep his life from falling apart. But some girls are addictive.... 

My Review: I just finished reading this, honestly -- 5 minutes ago. I just HAD to write a review for it!

Feelings are all over the place right now. I thought this was amazing!

I must say that at first I was a little hesitant to read this. Me and contemporary? Yeah... we don't get along. I found myself waiting for something magical to happen: Like when Chase mentions imagining mermaids popping out of the ocean. I was like yes, finally!!!

But no matter! This book was amazing! No doubt, one of the best books I've read. Completely character driven and written in such a lovely way, Invincible Summer moved me emotionally and psychologically.
I found myself relating to the narrator, Chase, even though I've never experienced anything like he does.
Gideon, don't get me started about him. My most favourite character.
Gideon is falling down.

Just read this book, even if you dislike contemporary, like myself.
Because it is 'da bomb'.

Shitdamn, it was a fucking load of brilliant

Invincible Summer is awarded 5/5 well deserved stars.

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.

Matched: Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Release Date: 30th November 2010

Synopsis: Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review: I was so eager to reach this book and hug it. I'll admit, I didn't realize how much hype there was surrounding Matched until about three weeks before the release date. This drove me crazy, and I wanted it even more.

I really liked the premise of the book. The whole thing with The Society controlling everything they do... who they love, where they work. When they die.

The beginning starts on a high note. I liked the idea of a Matching Banquet, and the way Condie opened up the first few chapters was extraordinary to me. The middle of the book is rather slow compared to the end and the high beginning, but not too slow. I found it just right, and sped through this novel in 2 1/2 days. (I'm a slow reader, so this was really fast for me.)

I loved Cassia. From her name, to her character. The way she followed her heart, but was still cautious and didn't do anything too out-there. I really liked Ky, and kept rooting for them to get together. Xander was cool, too. Some people may find it hard to choose, but I found it rather easy. (TEAM KY)

I thought it was really well written. Condie added tiny details that weren't exactly important, but together formed an amazing setting to fall back on. The middle of the story is mostly world building, which I liked. We find out more about how people die and how they work. I could have read more about The Society, and the way it works.

I didn't expect the ending to happen the way it did. The climax didn't do it for me.... not that it wasn't good enough, but because I just ate up this novel: and in comparison to the rest... the climax let me down just a tad.

However, the ending is promising. I can't wait to pick up Crossed, the next book in this series. 

Matched is awarded 4 stars.

Elixir: Hilary Duff

Title: Elixir
Author: Hilary Duff & Elsie Allen
Release Date: October 12th 2010


Synopsis: Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before. 

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures.

My Review: When I first heard about this book, I immediately wanted to pick this up, just because it was by Hilary Duff (yes, the feelings of obsession I had when I was younger came rushing back) even though I thought it wouldn't be very good. This, however, was not the case.    

This book is full of mystery, and a solid paranormal love story is present. It  is full of great characters--Clea being one of my favouirtes. (I'll admit, I couldn't not picture her as Duff, herself.) 

The writing itself was better than I expected to be. Maybe not the best out there... but it is her debut novel.   

Practice makes perfect.  

There were a few freaky scenes where I suddenly felt the urge to scratch my skin. (That thing in the room at the end... *shudders*)

The ending wasn't the best, I'll admit. You could tell it was written to be part of a series. It was abrupt.

Clea and Sage's romance was good. The only cliche thing for Hilary to do is have Clea fall for the best-friend, which I hope does not happen.

Elixir is awarded 3.5 stars  

My Favourite Book.

I've read so many books, and I plan on reading so many more. But the one book that has stuck with me, and has been granted a place high up on my pedestal, surround by rays on sunshine and happiness, is:
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

I just love this series--especially the first book. Though I had a few bones to pick with the final book in the series, Mockingjay, it was still fantastic!

Katniss Everdeen. The girl who was on fire. So much to tell: She's brave, endearing, beautiful inside and out. I can't get enough of her voice. I would read pages and pages of nothing if only she was telling it. Collins writes in such a spectacular, clear way that you can't help but lose count of the time as you flip through pages, automatically wanting more, and gasping for breath when you forget to breathe.
Katniss is my #1 favourite Heroine. Peeta is one of my favouirte male love interests in the YA Genre. Collins takes home two trophies for favourite characters. (And I just love Effie. And of course, lovable Rue.)

If you have not read this series, I strongly, highly (OHMYGOD-WHAT-ARE-YOU-WAITING-FOR) suggest that you read these books. The Hunger Games is number one, and though nobody can take Katniss' place, I do hope they pick a good enough actress to play her in the movies.