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By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 11/15/2011
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Release Date: November 22, 2011
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Harlequin
Preorder: Amazon
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June was always the golden girl, with the perfect grades, perfect friends, perfect boyfriend, perfect life. Or so it seemed. Harper has always lived in her perfect sister's looming shadow -- until, suddenly, she wasn't there. When Harper finds June's lifeless body and the empty bottle of pills, all the truths she thought she knew come crashing down around her. With nothing left to lose, she sets out in search of answers, travelling cross country with June's ashes to fulfill her sister's lifelong wish -- to see California. But Harper may not like the answers that she finds. June wasn't the only one with demons, and the secrets of Harper's unlikely companions, her best friend Laney and an evasive boy with a mysterious connection to June, threaten to tear her world apart.
Saving June by
Hannah Harrington is a bittersweet but surprisingly hopeful look at loss and living. Perhaps more accurately titled "Saving Harper," readers are shown Harper's growth into her own life, forced into the spotlight by the loss of her sister's overwhelming glow. Harper is dark, edgy and cynical, a facade built to be her sister's opposite in every way, but which has grown into a second skin. Her snark is surprisingly endearing, especially after seeing the neglect of her parents and holier-than-thou criticism from her aunt that torment her at home. It's clear that Harper's brashness and rashness are a defensive mechanism, and it's easy to see the pain she tries to hide. Though she and June had the same quibbles that plague most sibling rivalries, they were still sisters and shared a bond that even their parents couldn't completely understand -- and that loss echoes to the very last page.
The road trip to California is a fun and effective, if a little unbelievable (a teenage girl taking off across the country with a guy she doesn't know -- and her parents are only mildly concerned?) method of showing Harper's lesson in living. The places they visit range from the bizarre to the beautiful, the wild to the wistful, and Harper grows as a person with each leg of their journey. Readers will find themselves itching to hit the road with each new adventure, whether it be camping at Fridgehenge and swing dancing in an underground Jazz club or throwing punches in a bar brawl before befriending an indie band.
Saving June is vicarious living at its finest.
Giving voice to the things the characters themselves can't quite express, Jake's expansive music collection sets the ever-changing tone of the novel. The music takes meaning from each experience and ties together the vast and various episodes of their journey. Jake is the perfect counterpart to Harper. He's just as damaged and abrasive, and their cons
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/19/2011
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Release Date: September 20, 2011
Series: Fire and Thorns #1
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
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Elisa is barely sixteen, but already she is the secret wife of a king whose country is on the brink of war and the latest in a long line of God's chosen ones -- it's a lot for a teenage princess to handle. The Godstone she bears brings her comfort and warning in times of danger, but it also places a heavy burden on her young shoulders -- a burden she's not sure she's fit to bear. As Elisa is drawn into a secret revolution, where traitors lurk at every turn and no one can be trusted, she must learn to embrace her destiny and face her fate -- even if that means an early death.
In
The Girl of Fire and Thorns, the starkly different realms come to life through
Rae Carson's vivid descriptions. Both the language and the landscape are influenced by Spanish culture, with the sandstone walls of Brisadulce seeming to grow organically from the vast desert of Joya d'Arena. The Spanish phrases enrich the text without confusing readers, and the lilt and rhythm of the prose is mesmerizing. This world features a rich history, mythology and religion, with only the barest echoes of our own. The mythology of the Godstones is fascinating, a history reaching back for generations and usually boding ill for the bearer. Elisa has been kept in the dark for much of her life, and readers will delight in discovering the enigmatic powers of the Godstone, and the ominous fate of God's chosen, alongside the young heroine.
Though God and the Godstone are at the heart of this story, it is not a sermon. Carson takes a thoughtful and honest look at the religion of her world, drawing insightful parallels to our own. Every faction of the war believes they are doing "God's will," and what that means depends entirely on which side of the line they stand on. Elisa is honest about her own doubts and utter lack of understanding of this inscrutable God, despite being the bearer, which prevents her from seeming self-righteous and makes it easy to cheer for her success. Though she's a princess and a chosen one, she's utterly relatable -- just the sweet and sensitive girl-next-door.
This is truly Elisa's story, and her growth is the highlight of this epic tale. The secondary cast is large, and the characters are vibrant and unique, not mere plot devices but a network of confidantes and enemies, friends and family for Elisa to depend on, who carry her to the brink of destiny. It's clear from the start that Elisa has the potential for greatness, saving the life of a king even before her journey of self-discovery -- she need only recognize it. When the novel opens, she is very young, both in age (16) and in experience. She is timid and self-conscious, always treated like
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 9/5/2011
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Release Date: September 27, 2011
Series: Mara Dyer #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
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Mara's life changes forever the day she awakes from a coma to discover her best friends are dead and her memories of the accident that killed them are gone. Something strange happened that fateful night, but no one has any answers -- except, perhaps, a beautiful boy who is just as broken as Mara herself. As Mara struggles to piece together the events that led to her friends' deaths, she's drawn into a terrifying world of nightmares and confusion, kidnappings and hallucinations. And as the bodies start piling up, Mara begins to doubt everyone and everything -- including herself.
Dark. Sexy. Hilarious. Mysterious. Heart-pounding. Hair-raising. In short, this novel is incredible. In her unforgettable debut,
Michelle Hodkin crafts a spine-tingling tale of death and desire that will leave readers clamoring for more. Mara Dyer is the best kind of heroine -- cynical and witty, biting and deeply flawed. Her struggles with insanity are enthralling, and her search for truth gripping. In her upside down world, it's impossible to tell what's real and what's just a terrible nightmare.
Mara is sharp and sassy, refusing to let anyone walk over her -- whether it be her controlling mother, the school's requisite Queen Bee, or even snarky boys with British accents and smoldering looks. Noah Shaw had me at "British accent." He is simultaneously sexy and infuriating, a bewitching combination that will leave readers (and Mara) befuddled. Though he possesses the casual arrogance of the drop-dead gorgeous, he has more than a few secrets of his own, revealing a sweet vulnerability that makes him utterly irresistible. Noah's hauteur is a mask -- one that crumbles in the face of Mara's unflinching directness. They have both met their match, and their delicious dynamic will leave readers ravenous for more.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer features some of the best flirtatious banter I've ever read. Noah and Mara are intellectual equals who can keep pace with one another's rapid-fire minds (and mouths). Their smart and snappy repartee will have readers writhing with laughter even in the midst of this psychological nightmare. The back-and-forth is constant, an unexpected contrast to the hidden horrors lurking just beneath the surface. Thankfully, Hodkin steers clear of the unbelievable love-at-first sight, instead letting their love/hate chemistry burn its way into an undeniable attraction. Noah and Mara are like fire and gasoline, and Hodkin ratchets up the sexual tension until readers are ready to explode.
It's impossible to know what's coming next in this twisting, turning thriller of a romance. Hodkin keeps the answers both Mara and readers so desperat
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 7/31/2011
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There are no strangers in the town of Near -- until now. When a ghostly boy appears outside Lexi's bedroom window and the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, the entire village is on the verge of a witch hunt. Yet, though the smoky stranger refuses to talk, Lexi's instincts tell her to trust him. To clear his name, Lexi and the stranger must go in search of a secret known only by the wind, a legend older than Near itself -- but what they find might just tear their world apart.
In
The Near Witch, debut author
Victoria Schwab creates an original, haunting fairy tale that will capture readers imaginations -- and hearts. Her lyrical prose reads like a lullaby, with a rhythm and cadence bewitching to the senses, and sets the scene for a tale of children lured from their beds to vanish across the moonlit moor. The world Schwab constructs is richly atmospheric, with its own history and customs and bedtime stories, blending a coming-of-age story with the myth and magic of folklore. The town of Near will feel as familiar as the reader's own neighborhood, its inhabitants as endearing and frustrating as family.
Lexi is everything a heroine should be, unhindered by the archaic constraints of custom or the close-minded disapproval of society. Her father raised her to be independent and maybe a little bit wild, part of the natural world around her. She is brave and compassionate, defiant and intelligent -- unwilling to sit idly by and let mistrust and panic take its course. She won me over from the start.
One of my favorite aspects of the story is Lexi's family. The love between Lexi and her family is unconditional, their faith in her unwavering. Though her mother is broken in the wake of her father's death, echoes of the strong, commanding woman she once was peek through and give readers hope that the sun will shine on them again one day. Wren is Lexi's bubbly and birdlike little sister, and Lexi's adoration of the spirited sparrow is palpable on the page. Wren is a bright spot amid the eerie, misty moor, and gives passion to Lexi's drive to save the children of Near.
Then there's Cole -- enigmatic, elusive Cole. He is the stormy center of the story, alluring Lexi (and readers) with his mystery, and winning their sympathy with his tempestuous past. Though this sounds like the same old story, it's not. There's an ethereal, untamed quality to Cole that likens him to the wind-tossed moor -- more than just a brooding, beautiful boy. He is bowed by secret trials beyond his years, an old soul to keep pace with Lexi's own spirit. Though the novel is more folklore than love story, the streak of romance gives an edge of softness to an otherwise ominous tale.
Magda and Dreska -- the gnarled, weathered witches that lurk on the outskirts of Near -- were two of the most fascinating characters in the novel, their commanding presence demanding attention even on the fringes of a scene. Their wisdom, hidden behind riddles and half-formed phrases, gave the novel its air of mystery and impugned the town's hate and fear. The rest of the village is infuriating. Their small-minded prejudice creates the drama and emotional tension that drives the plot, and will keep readers fuming with the injustice of it all. Yet, they are just one of the evils Lexi must face. Though the villain may be foreseeable, the outcome is not -- there is no promise of happily-ever-after in the town of Near, and readers will be up until the wee witching hours to discover whether justice prevails or beloved characters ta
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 7/18/2011
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Erin Blackwell left behind a life of comfort in Kentucky for a life of dreams in New York City. Unfortunately, that decision meant that her inheritance went to her grandmother's stable boy, Hunter Allen. But the past is the past, and Erin's just trying to move on -- or so she thought. For her first creative writing assignment, Erin writes the love story she wishes she'd had with Hunter, before everything fell apart -- never imagining in her wildest dreams that he would see it. When an unfortunate twist of fate makes Hunter the newest student in Erin's class, it sets off a story of longing, heartbreak and betrayal that will change Erin's future and show her the past in a devastating new light.
In
Love Story,
Jennifer Echols crafts a sexy tale of star-crossed love and forbidden romance. The class assignments sprinkled throughout the text are an innovative and enjoyable way of recounting Erin and Hunter's shared history, showing readers how they arrived at this complicated juncture. Though the salacious elements in the initial assignments seem a little gratuitous for an intro level college course, the stories improve drastically over the course of the novel. The most powerful stories are the truest ones, showing the tragedy and loss that made them who they are today and revealing insightful parallels between Erin's own story and that of her mother. The Kentucky horse racing lifestyle also comes alive through these stories, though most of the novel is set in New York City, and is crucial to understanding the complex dynamic between the former heiress and her stable boy.
Still, at times it was difficult to connect with Erin. She began the novel seeming proud and judgmental, then digressed into insecurity about her relationship with Hunter and the future of her writing career. Her tendency to jump to the worst conclusion and then act impulsively on that assumption quickly became exasperating. However, her willingness to strike out on her own was admirable, and her relationship with her grandmother will hit home for anyone who's fought their family for control of their own life. Hunter, on the other hand, is a much more compelling character. He possesses that classic southern charm which is so hard to resist, though he can sometimes be a little too controlling in his drive to rescue the damsel in distress -- coming off more macho than gentlemanly. Nonetheless, the mystery of his true nature and motivations will intrigue readers as they puzzle out how the smitten little boy became the aloof young man.
Unfortunately, the stories -- while steamy -- are an immature way to work out deep-rooted problems. Things begin to look promising when Erin and Hunter finally assess their relationship, rather than toying with each other, but an unfortunate twist sends them spiraling off course again. They refuse to confront or even acknowledge the issue, and their failure to communicate and willingness to manipulate one another feels more like lust than love, making it difficult to believe in a happy ending. Despite the magnitude of the situation, Erin fails to have a believable emotional response, instead making self-destructive and irrational decisions that are never acknowledged by her or the novel itself -- ultimately leaving me uncomfortable about their entire relationship.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance copy of
By: Casey (The Bookish Type),
on 4/19/2011
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In Beatrice Prior's world, the future holds only five possibilities. At 16, she must pledge herself to one faction: Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), or Erudite (the intelligent). Leaving Abnegation behind means abandoning her family forever, but Beatrice has always struggled with the strict code of self-sacrifice. With the Choosing Ceremony fast approaching and a deadly secret weighing heavily on her mind, Beatrice must make the choice that will define the rest of her life. But the journey is just beginning, because her ultimate decision will take her to places she could never imagine, not even in her worst nightmares.
In
Divergent,
Veronica Roth builds an intricate world of absolutes, evoking the fine line between virtue and vice with finesse. The factions are a fascinating concept to consider, and it is staggering to imagine living such a black and white life. Their eerie, cult-like feel immediately alerts the reader that all is not well in the city of Chicago. Yet, strangely the stakes aren't as clear as I would expect in a dystopian novel. The urgency of the situation doesn't completely resonate, though it is still an intense, action-packed story.
In Beatrice (rechristened Tris), Roth creates a show-stopping heroine, the likes of which I have not seen since Katniss (
The Hunger Games) and Katsa (
Graceling). Tris is a compelling blend of strength and smarts as she navigates the hidden dangers of her rigid society. Though her fierceness and determination are awe-inspiring, she is still an utterly human heroine, struggling with her fears, her family and her first forays into friendship and romance. Her motivations are complex and sometimes conflicting, unclear even to herself. The novel invites readers to delve into the depths of her character, and search for the fountainhead of her seemingly endless fortitude. Above all, this is a tale of discovery as Tris learns the truth about herself -- what matters most and what kind of person she truly is. Her journey is riveting, a thrill ride of nonstop action that will keep readers' hearts pounding. There isn't a dull moment, and all 487 pages of this large tome fly by in the blink of an eye.
Then there's Four. Four is a fascinating hero, rivaling Tris's complexity. He is perfect in his imperfections, swinging from fierce and intimidating to tender and vulnerable -- but unlike many heroes, he is never cheesy or controlling. Four puts up a tough front to hide his deep-rooted scars from a nightmarish past, but over the course of the novel Tris breaks down his walls to reveal a sweet and soulful side that is utterly bewitching. Their attraction adds richness to an already vivid world. The dynamic of their relationship is balanced; each sees the other as invincible, and their feelings are based on both affection and mutual admiration. Their story moves at a tantalizingly slow pace, building the tension and making the romance all the more believable and delectable when it finally blossoms.
The entire spectrum of human emotion is at work to make this novel an electric experience: fear, awe, desolation, determination, love and pure unadulterated hatred. Roth shows both the best and the worst sides of human nature, brought out by the absolutist society she creates.
Divergent explores the heart of human experience, the everyday choices that make us who we are. Reader
Vi has always been a rebel, ever since They took her sister away. She stopped plugging into the mandatory brainwashing transmissions years ago, and she's not afraid to break a few rules: Good girls don't touch boys, good girls don't walk with boys, good girls don't cut their hair and dye it black. Yet, she never intended to end up banished from the Goodgrounds, her only home. When Vi finds herself sharing a cell with an odd boy from the Badlands, she knows there's more going on than meets the eye. What she can't fathom is why the government will stop at nothing to get her on their side.
In
Possession,
Elana Johnson constructs a rich world of power plays and tenuous trust. The utter vulnerability of the human mind is terrifying -- Vi cannot trust anyone, not even her own feelings, when the entire world is open to manipulation. Readers will find themselves enthralled by this psychological struggle for free will and personal agency. Johnson launches readers straight into the fight, setting a brisk pace without pausing for breath. At times it can become confusing, but there is never a moment's boredom.
The most compelling aspect of this world is Vi. She is sharp and sassy, full of fight and fierceness. She is strong, but she wages a complex internal battle between duty and death, good and bad, love and hate. It is easy to get lost in the densely packed plot, but Vi and Jag's relationship will keep readers entranced. Their bickering bond is hilarious and adorable. Though they fall in love rather quickly, it still feels real because they are both so self-sufficient and strong. For once, a teenage couple is on equal footing, butting heads whenever one crosses the line. Their banter is reminiscent of Beatrice and Benedick (my favorite Shakespearean duo) and adds spice to the novel, while their romance is absolutely seductive. Jag's cryptic comments can be frustrating at times, but his lack of bravado and willingness to be vulnerable will enamor readers.
The final pages of this novel sent me reeling. Unfortunately, there is no sequel planned for
Possession and I am aghast at the open-ended conclusion after falling so completely in love with these characters and their story. Yet, despite this parting blow, the chance to meet Vi and Jag was worth the every step of the journey.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I received an advance galley of this novel from the publisher. This did not affect my review in any way.This novel hits shelves June 7, 2011. Click here to preorder Possession by Elana Johnson.
Neva has grown up sheltered by the Protectosphere and told by the government that nothing remains outside the Homeland borders but the rubble of an ancient war. Yet, Neva was raised on her grandmother's stories of life on the outside, planting a seed of doubt that slowly grows into full-blown rebellion. As Neva discovers each new devastating truth, she begins to realize that sometimes it's safer not knowing -- and once she takes the final plunge, there will be no turning back.
Sara Grant dives straight into the arresting madness that is the
Dark Parties future. The novel opens with Neva and Sanna beginning their insurrection by throwing a Dark Party, and Grant expertly taps into readers' other senses by immersing them in the utter blackness alongside Neva. After this startling opening,
Dark Parties continues to unsettle with its timeliness: the language of patriotism, Homeland, and Terror weaves into the very foundation of this world.
It is impossible not to cheer for Neva as she begins her fight for freedom, a fight which grows in urgency as the horrifying truths of the Homeland are revealed. It is a relief to see a heroine who is leading the revolution rather than being prodded along by those around her. The reader's strong sympathy with Neva makes the emotional highs and lows of the novel even more gut-wrenching -- the intensity of several moments actually gave me goosebumps.
However, Neva's relationships could be more elaborated. This aspect seems too often neglected amid the world-building in dystopian novels. At times, it was hard to see the ties that bound Neva to those around her (especially her love interest). Yet, the relationship between Neva and her grandmother was one of the most nuanced aspects of the story. Their bond is brought to life and transcends the obstacles that lie between them -- no mean feat when her grandmother is one of The Missing.
The ultimate reality at the heart of this society is unfathomable, and its portrayal is unflinching, forcing the reader to feel the urgency and injustice to their very core. The final pages are maelstrom of shocking twists that will leave readers alternately gasping in disbelief and surging with hope. Thankfully, the ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel to this gripping debut -- I'm not ready to leave Neva and her fight for life and liberty behind.
Rating: 
Disclosure: I borrowed an ARC of this novel from Lauren at 365 Days of Reading for the Cornucopia of Dystopia event.This novel hits shelves August 3, 2011. Preorder Dark Parties by Sara Grant.
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Rhine was born knowing when she would die. Everyone does in her virus-ravaged world, where boys live to 25 and girls merely to 20. In the ensuing panic, kidnapping and forced polygamist marriages have become the norm, and Rhine finds herself another teenage victim. Trapped in a lustrous mansion with her two sister wives and newlywed husband, she can think of only one thing: escape. Unfortunately
Violet's life has been haunted by the disturbing visions of death and disaster that come to her mind unbidden. After her most devastating vision comes to pass, leaving her orphaned to her careless stepmother, Violet decides to start over at Winterhaven. The boarding school seems to call to her, and she can't resist its pull. Winterhaven is full of secrets -- not the least of which is gorgeous,
good review, i will check this one out!
here's my review of catching jordan! stop by?!
http://lindsaycummingsblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/arc-review-catching-jordan-fun-read.html
Very nice review, I really loved this book too. I like how you touched on the different relationships - I loved the dynamic between between Harper and Laney as well.
I can't wait to see what Hannah Harrington writes next!
Okay, that does it! I'm adding Saving June to my TBR right this instant. I can't believe I was thinking of passing it up! It sounds amazing. Thanks for the review, Casey! :)
Casey! I did like the book. I saw it as a grief book, and from that perspective I was let down. Since personally, it's no 'the sky is everywhere'. So yeah, liked it but didn't love it. Good to know that you enjoyed it more :)