"The Lost Girl" Review

Date Published: August 28, 2012

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Number of Pages: 432

Publisher: Balzer& Bray

First Thoughts:

I first found this book through a goodreads friend; I found the summary to be both intriguing and full of fresh ideas. I loved almost everything about it, it’s one of those books where you don’t want to put down because the story is so intriguing and the writing is so precise and beautiful that you just never want to stop reading it. I definitely would love to read more about this world, though it hasn’t been determined yet but I’m wishing for another book in this world; I’m just not ready to let it go.

Plot:

So the plot was one of the best things about this book, loved absolutely everything about the story, there was plenty of action and suspense, I was constantly introduced to new ideas and situations that it allowed for little dullness. I really enjoyed the complexity to this world; there were plenty of layers to this world so that it gave it realism and “texture”. I really enjoyed that there was constantly surprises around every corner, I thought the summary on the cover pretty much told the reader what this book was going to be about but there was so much more to this story and I’m so glad I gave this book a chance. The ending was very well thought-out and creative and it left it for both the possibility of a sequel or leaving it as a stand-alone (But please don’t be a stand-alone!). As for the actual plotline it wasn’t missing anything and there was definitely a few sub-plots in this book that made the major conflict that much more amazing. I’m so glad that this story was so fresh and new, I’m so tired of reading books that has the same concept tied into it, and this was definitely a book I will be reading again. As for the pace of the book it was pretty quick, there were some slower moments but I enjoyed them just as much as the fast paced moments because they were just as beautiful and important. So like I mentioned earlier I enjoyed the concept of Echo’s and what they represented in this book and look forward to dissecting this book even more and discovering all the little secrets this world holds. This was overall I very enjoyable plot and would definitely love to see more books like this.

Romance:

So there was romance in this book but I was not necessarily the main conflict, it was more of a sub-conflict that tied in with the main conflict. As for the romance itself I really enjoyed it, I love the complications that were involved and how it appeared almost like a love triangle but in reality wasn’t which of course makes the romance even better (love triangles are so last minute ago!). I also thought the romance was sweet and believable, I don’t think it was rushed or unrealistic, really enjoyed reading it in the book. So overall I enjoyed this aspect of the book.

Characters:

I loved getting to know the characters especially Eva, she was definitely a great character to get to know and learn, she isn’t by any means the strongest female protagonist but she definitely has some spunk and originality that makes her lovable and fun to read along with. As for some of the lesser characters I enjoyed getting to know them too, they were all filled with personality and flaws that made them more realistic and enjoyable to read about. I had no problem connecting with any of the characters and actually enjoyed the antagonists, they actual had a pretty good reason for why they did the things they did. So overall I enjoyed the characters and thought this was a great addition to the book; definitely made it fun to read.

Transformation of the Character:

Eva did transform some in this book, it wasn’t an all-out bloom but it was definitely noticeable and fun to read about. I liked that we got to see her before she transformed and then gradually got to see every little event that sparked a change in her. As for the other characters they didn’t all necessarily transform it was just the reader got to see some of their characteristics revealed and therefore got to know the real them. So overall this was good aspect of the book.

Description:

Loved all the little details in this book, the author has a way of writing the most beautiful descriptions that it really sucked me in as a reader. I don’t think there was too much description in the book; I think it was just the right amount. And the author really did a good job describing both the emotions and the scenery in this book. I’ll never forget the scene near the end…it was so beautifully described and the action really came to life. I found that I really enjoyed the slower moments in the books, the little scenes that may not look too exciting but hold such symbolism and creativity that if you paid close attention you can find the double meanings to some of the descriptions….very well thought out and described. I really enjoyed this aspect to the story and loved how the world came to life as I read through the pages.

Style:

This was written in first person and one POV which allowed the reader to become intimate with Ava and better understand her POV and her world. I really enjoyed this author’s writing style; I loved her creativity and the way she writes. Her writing is definitely more mature and reader friendly. I enjoyed reading her book and look forward to reading any future writing/books by her. So overall I felt the author’s style was appropriately picked for the book and provided the reader with a better experience while reading the entire book.

Quote of the Book:

“The cottage by the lake is now over the hill and far away, and Jonathon and Ophelia and the other little ducks are there, and if I dream hard enough maybe, like the song, I will go after them and find them one day all the little ducks will come back.”

Goodreads Summary:

Eva’s life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination—an echo. Made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, she is expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her “other”, if she ever died. Eva studies what Amarra does, what she eats, what it’s like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.

But fifteen years of studying never prepared her for this.

Now she must abandon everything she’s ever known—the guardians who raised her, the boy she’s forbidden to love—to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.

What Eva finds is a grief-stricken family; parents unsure how to handle this echo they thought they wanted; and Ray, who knew every detail, every contour of Amarra. And when Eva is unexpectedly dealt a fatal blow that will change her existence forever, she is forced to choose: Stay and live out her years as a copy or leave and risk it all for the freedom to be an original. To be Eva.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this book to YA and to anyone who loves to read a creative and inspiring story, this book isn’t just for teens and young adults; it’s for those readers out there that are looking for a book that is beautifully and creatively written. I can’t wait to read more by this author, I actually think a message to the author is needed, got to support those authors and let them how much their book touched you, you know. So overall I loved this book and this has definitely become a favorite of mine.

My Rating:

Note to my readers....

Hey Guys!

So I thought I’d let you know I most likely won’t be posting as frequent as I usually do, I’m still going to try and read and post some reviews a week but with college life you never know when you’ll have the time. Anyways I thank you in advance for being patient with me, I’m a junior in college and the classes are getting really intense now so I just need to find my balance before things can smooth out.

So how are you guys adjusting with going back to school? Are you having the same time issue as me?

Anyways here’s what I have to read this week, fingers crossed I finish them J

Vigilance. The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who has been assigned to their care. Mace, steadfast and deeply in love, wants to protect Nikki at all costs, while Raven's loyalty to Nikki finds him advocating for her independence and battling his own darker inclinations. At the same time, Nikki finds it harder and harder to choose between the two heavenly beings she may never have. Dangers intensify, and tensions between Mace and Raven flare as the purpose of their mission becomes clear. Can their defenses hold up to master manipulator Damon Vessler and the powerful secret he holds regarding Nikki's heritage? Can anyone protect Nikki from her true purpose and destiny?

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.

Well thanks guys again for understanding and have a wonderful Labor day! Be Safe!

Have a great day,

Lacey

"Starring Me" Review & Giveaway

Date Published: July 10, 2012

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Number of Pages: 336

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Author: KristaMcGee

First Thoughts:

I was so thrilled to see that the author chose to do a kind of prequel to “First Date” and we still got to see a few of the characters from the first book but at the same time get a whole new story. I enjoyed the lightness to this book, it really allowed the reader to escape reality and explore a much simpler and fun world (minus the snobby girls of course!) But this book brought the same kind of mood that “First Date” did and I really enjoyed the story and the briskness of the book. This was a book I didn’t put down till I read the very last page.

Plot:

So the plot was definitely filled with plenty of road blocks and conflicts so it really kept the pace of the book fast. I enjoyed that it was more a “fluff” kind of read; you know those books that are cutesy and not as serious? Anyways I really enjoyed the storyline of this book, I thought the ideas of actresses competing for a spot on a TV series and having to live in the same house while auditioning was really cute. Can you imagine young girls stuck in one little house all vying for the only spot on a new tv series? Yikes! Anyways I thought the author did a great job on creating the perfect obstacles and conflicts for the storyline, it really helped move the story along. And as for the plot elements I thought it followed along the traditional plotline just fine and I didn’t see any confusing points within the story, and the climax was absolutely perfect for this story. And the ending was very satisfying, I didn’t have any lingering feelings or questions, I was happy on how the author saw fit to end Kara’s story. And I have to mention that the religion aspect to this book was not in any way overwhelming, it was just essentially a part of the story and conflict. So overall I felt this was an enjoyable plot and the build-up of the world was realistic and inspiring at the same time. Don’t know if I’ll be going into acting anytime in my life but it definitely inspired me to pursue my own dreams.

Romance:

So there was a little romance, not much to really take over the whole plot but it was part of the conflicts. And I thought the romance was realistic and believable because it wasn’t love at first sight, it was a more of a build-up and gradual relationship. So I don’t think there was anything that really bothered me in this aspect. So overall I enjoyed the romance and thought it added a certain zest! to the story!

Characters:

I was able to pretty easily connect with Kara, she has such a bubbly and friendly personality. I really could relate to her, she had her own flaws of course but that’s what made her even more real. And Chad was pretty easy to connect with though he took me a little bit more time, but as I got to know him and his line of thinking it became much easier. And as for the more minor characters they each had their own quirks and personalities and each character was needed to complete this story; they each had their own roles to play. So overall I did enjoy the characters in this book.

Transformation of the Character:

There was a small transformation in this book but it wasn’t overwhelming or painted in bright colors. The transformation was more subtle but definitely noticeable to the reader and I guess that’s what I liked about it. It was more a part of the story than just the story, does that make sense? Anyways I don’t want to go into too much detail about the transformation but just know it was a good aspect to this story.

Description:

I really enjoyed the description, you could really see when the author chose to use different symbols and obstacles to really highlight that particular part of the story, it allowed the reader to really see in even more detail what was happening. And the emotional part of the description was good also, we could really connect well with the characters and get to understand why they were feeling the way they were. And the description of the actual scenes was well described too, I could really picture each scene well and see exactly what was happening in each scene. And as for the actual dialogue in the story it seemed true to each character and there wasn’t too much or too little of it. So I guess you can say the description did a great job on allowing the reader to really SEE what was happening throughout the book.

Style:

This was written in more than two POV’s and n first person but I didn’t have a problem when the author switched to another’s POV it was very easy to see when it switched. And I think for this particular book it was needed, you needed to see more than just one POV to really understand what was happening and why they were happening. And as for the writing itself I didn’t have any problems with it, I really enjoy this author’s writing and find it smooth and easy to read, I never have problems finishing her books. So overall I really enjoyed the style this author chose for this book.

Quote of the Book:

““I was going to tell her a quote by C.S. Lewis. He says: ‘Friendship is unnecessary.’…like philosophy, like art….It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.””

Goodreads Summary:

Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.

The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.

Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.

Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.

And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to YA and Christian readers; this really was an inspring and amazing read. Though it deals with religion like I mentioned earlier it didn’t overwhelm me, it was there but at the same time it allowed the reader to choose, it was pushy at all. But overall I really enjoyed getting to meet some old characters and new ones and look forward to reading more by this author.

My Rating:

Giveaway

Prize: one E-book copy of “Starring Me”

Duration: August 30, 2012- September 13, 2012

It’s International so anyone can enter!

Fill out the rafflecopter below and have fun! Trust me this was a fun read J  Good luck!

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"Don't Tell" by Mercy Amare Review

Date to-be Published: September 9, 2012

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Number of Pages:  N/A

Publisher: Self-Published

First Thoughts:

I was very eager to start this book, lately I’ve been reading a lot of realistic and serious books and so this was definitely at the top of my to-read list. This was a book that was very quick to read that went through a serious issue but at the same time went through a great transformation. This book didn’t dawdle with extra conflicts; it got down to the point and made the reader really see what was happening. I had a good time reading this book and found that it was really hard to put down. Just know that once you start this book you won’t put it down till you’re finished.

Plot:

This dealt with the serious issue of abuse and though I have never personally been through what Lucy has been through but I was able to get into her mind and see how she viewed her own situation. This was a book about a girl who comes from hardship trying to find her-self in along the way finding what it feels like to be loved. Now as far as the structure of the plot it was really simple, you had all the essentials and then of course the conclusion. The ending was very satisfying, especially because the author included an epilogue which allows us to see a little bit into the future and what’s happening to the characters. And really the length of this book is very short, it’s more of a short story or a novella but it’s amazing how much can happen in that short amount of pages, especially what this author pulled off. I really enjoyed that there wasn’t any unnecessary conflicts, that the author really stayed true to the main conflict and allowed the reader to really graze on that and watch as the story and situations unfolded. So overall I really enjoyed the plot, there was plenty happening to keep the reader interested and the pace was very quick; a book that can be read in one sitting.

Romance:

There was definitely romance in this book and it was so sweet and kind, though I think due to the briskness of the story it seemed a little rushed at times…but the author created the relationship in a way that made it more believable and even sweeter.  And yes the romance kind of was part of the major conflict but it really was necessary to the story, to tell the story how it’s meant to be told. So overall I did enjoy the romance in the story.

Characters:

I instantly connected with Lucy, the powerful thoughts and emotions she had to go through was something I grasped onto. I really was able to understand her line of thinking and personality as the story progressed; as we got to hear her story. As for some of the more minor characters I enjoyed them as well, they all seemed to have their own role to play in this story, some more than others. And the characters seemed realistic and necessary. So overall the characters were an essential element in this book that really brought the story to light; without them this story would be pointless…dull. It’s the characters themselves that bring such importance to books and stories. So I’m glad this book had some great and relatable characters in it.

Transformation of the Character:

There was definitely a transformation in this book and I don’t really want to go into too much detail but it was definitely a great experience to watch as something so delicate became something much more. Now not all stories have these kinds of transformations but this one definitely did and I was so inspired on the steps this character took to get where she is now….overall this was definitely a great aspect and addition to the story.

Description:

I really enjoyed the description though it wasn’t too much detail just enough to allow the reader to really see the surroundings and deep inner thoughts and emotions. I really enjoyed the emotional description, it really allowed me to better connect with Lucy and understand her situation. And as for the description of the landscapes and surroundings I liked that the author used a few symbols to help symbolize Lucy’s situation and the mood of that particular scene. And as for the dialogue it was used in just the right moments and I didn’t feel any of the lines to be false or awkward. So overall I really enjoyed the description in this story.

Style:

This was written in two POV’s and in first person, this allowed the reader to get two perspectives and allow them to understand exactly what was going on in each scene. As for the author’s writing it was easy to understand and you could definitely see her personal touch as an author. I really enjoyed reading her writing and liked how she chose to write in two perspectives, it really allowed me to get another’s POV and better understand why things needed to happen the way they did. So overall I thought the style was just right for this story.

Quote of the Book:

“I could be surrounded by a million people, but I would still feel alone….I pretend that I’m normal, but really, what is normal?”

Goodreads Summary:

I could be surrounded by a million people, but I would still feel alone. I smile on the outside, but inside I feel like I’m slowly dying. I cry out for help, but nobody sees me, at least not the real me. They see a façade, a mask that I put on to hide the pain.

I pretend that I’m normal, but really, what is normal? Maybe what I’m feeling is normal. The hurt, the disappointment, the loneliness… it could be all just be a part of life. Maybe I will never know what normal is.

I put on long sleeves and makeup to hide the bruises, but they only mask the outside. What happens when I can’t carry my burden alone any longer? What would happen if I told somebody the truth?

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to YA readers and to anyone who is looking for good romantic yet serious story. This really was a quick read so I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finishing it and it can definitely be a book you can read in-between readings. I look forward to reading other books and stories by this author, her writing definitely was fun to read and she had great characters to connect with. My overall satisfaction of this story was pleased.

My Rating:

Eve & Adam Review

Date to-be Published: October 2, 2012

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Number of Pages: 304     

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

First Thoughts:

I was excited to start this book, I had discovered it a little while back and with the beautiful cover and interesting premise I was eager to get it started. And it was a fun and interesting read, some of the ideas of course were nothing new but there was plenty in this book that kept the story interesting and moving. I loved the concept and the world building; this was a book where it was a new world; something that was filled with shiny technology and some very interesting characters. I was overall pleased with the book and enjoyed the storyline.

Plot:

I enjoyed the storyline in this book because it deals with the idea of LIFE; of the creation of life. This has always interested me…I mean I think one day it’ll be possible but in all reality this is a very controversial topic; it’s like trying to play God. So the idea that these two authors tackled such a subject was pretty cool and well executed. I didn’t really see that the author pushed the idea on us; it kind of just offered us the idea and situations and allowed the authors to take their own POV on the subject but at the same time showing us the views of the characters and what they thought of it. As far as the actual plotline it had plenty of conflicts that kept the book moving and fun to read. There was definitely some twists that I didn’t see coming, the authors made us think one way and then out of nowhere turned the whole idea around and made us realize that we had been deceived. And the ending is very satisfying, there were definitely some ideas and things left un-answered but there was enough resolution to satisfy the conflicts for this first book. So overall I did enjoy the plot and thought this story had plenty of interesting ideas and conflicts, definitely a good aspect to the book.

Romance:

Romance…yes there was plenty of that in this book and it really wasn’t there until at least half-way so it was that overwhelming. And there was a weak love triangle in this book but it essentially didn’t exist and you’ll see that when you are able to read this book. But as far as the type of romance I really found it to be realistic and cute…it has those awkward stages and then those sweeter moments at the same time. So overall I was pleased with how the authors handled this aspect of the story.

Characters:

Oh yes, there were plenty of characters with fire in their bellies. Evening’s mother was really a piece of work and I still haven’t figured her all the way and I have a feeling it will be awhile till I do. And Solo…wow he was definitely one of my favorite characters in the book; loved his personality and the many layers he was made up of. And Evening…she took me a little longer to connect with but after a while I was able to get to know her and understand her and therefore was finally able to connect with her. And as for some of the more minor characters like Evening’s best friend they were definitely needed to make the story more interesting and believable. So overall I enjoyed the characters and thought this was a good aspect of the story.

Transformation of the Character:

There weren’t really any transformations in this book, I could see a beginning of one but not a true transformation. But seeing there is going to be another book in the series I think that was for the best, the more gradual and slower transformations are more realistic and beautiful to read. So overall this didn’t really impact my opinion of the book.

Description:

I liked how the technology was explained; I could really picture the process of some of the events that took place in this book. And I also loved the description of the building most of this book took place in! It was really cool sounding, the ultra-security, the sharp angles and scenery…it was all really well described and easy for me to picture. And as for the emotion descriptions, they weren’t as deep are emotional as you get in some books, it was really on the low key end. As for the dialogue there wasn’t too much or too little and the dialogue itself seemed true to each character. So overall I enjoyed this aspect.

Style:

This was written in three POV’s and in first person so it allowed it to be focused on the characters themselves but also on the bigger conflict of the book. I think I liked the changing of POV’s but I think it would have been fine in just Evenings POV too…though I did really enjoy Solo’s thoughts…he really is adorable. As for the authors writing, I really thought the two author’s writing was consistent and really could view this story as one style of writing and it was fun and easy to read so I didn’t have any problems with it. So overall this was a okay aspect but not sure if there should be any changes done or not…but it didn’t make me dislike the book anymore, just made me think of different possibilities.

Quote of the Book:

““I would still like to know how I came to be,” I say.

“Consider it a mystery…like the Big Bang. One second there’s nothing, and the next second there’s a universe.””

Goodreads Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible.

While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this YA readers; this was definitely a fun and different kind of read for young adults. I really enjoyed this book and look forward for “Adam & Eve” the next book in the series…really can’t wait for more Solo! And I would definitely read more by these authors the writing was really fun to read and like I mentioned earlier I had no problems with it whatsoever. So overall I enjoyed this book and found another series to add to my “to-watch” for list.

My Rating:

"The Evolution of Mara Dyer" Review

Date to-be Published: October 23, 2012

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Number of Pages: 530

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

First Thoughts:

I was so excited to read this book, the last book left me yearning for more of Mara and Noah and man did we get more of them! I really enjoyed this book as much as the first book but in an entirely new way; this book was more dark and serious while the first book was more light and semi-serious. But I really enjoyed diving into Mara’s world again and learning more about who she is and what her world has to offer. This book definitely didn’t let me down; I enjoyed just about everything about it! I loved seeing the old characters and meeting some of the new ones…it was an overall exciting and excellent read.

Plot:

This plot seemed to be more complicated and twisted than in the previous book. You have so many issues being addressed but it wasn’t confusing surprisingly. This book had a lot to do with trying to figure out whether what was happening was real or all in Mara’s head…very psyche-thrilling! If you thought the last book was filled with surprises and twists you haven’t seen anything yet! This book definitely surprised me at times when I least expected it. This book was filled with plenty of action and intimate scenes, where it allowed you to get to know the story better and have fun at the same time. I actually thought this book had a lot of moments where I kept thinking ‘WTH?’ I mean seriously some of the things that happened in this book were intense and insane but I loved every one of them. As for the pace of this book it was extremely fast, I had to force myself to read slower; to savor every last word. And the ending?! I wouldn’t consider it a cliffhanger but it still leaves you yearning for more; to know what happens next. I loved the ending though, I really thought the author did a great job on ending this book in a way that concludes this part of the story but also opening it up for the next book. So overall I thought the plot was well thought out and created the perfect read that could keep the reader interested and happy. But this book was more sinister so beware of what’s to come!

Romance:

I loved the romance in this book, it was just as fun and exciting to read in this book than it was in the first one. We got to know both Mara and Noah a little better and there was plenty of conflicts to stab at their relationship and boy there was definitely one major event that will leave you breathless, definitely saw that coming but was still a little shocked to actually see it happen, kind of like your mind knows the truth but the heart doesn’t…anyways I’ll leave it at that. But either way I liked that this book really tested their relationship and made it more realistic and interesting to read about. So overall I enjoyed the romance in this book and still enjoy my Noah time!

Characters:

So I still loved getting to know Mara, she was the same in a way that we know her…but the things that happen to her in this book start to change her and well it was interesting to read but she was still easy to connect with and want to get to know. As for Noah he’s still my number one Hottie in the book! And some of the new characters introduced in this book were very interesting and fun to get to know…and all of the characters were necessary for the plot and fit well within the story. So overall I thought this was a great aspect to the story.

Transformation of the Character:

Like I mentioned earlier Mara starts to really change in this book and it was easy to see why. The transformation is hard to describe without giving anything away but let’s just say the events are really starting to make her change whether she wanted to or not…I liked some of the changes too, some helped create a better Mara…but overall the transformations that went on in this book are not over; they will definitely continue to take place in the book to come. So overall this was an interesting aspect to the story.

Description:

Loved the description in this book, I was really able to get inside the minds of some of the characters especially Mara. I enjoyed reading each scene; they had a life of their own, some were more descriptive while others vague. Some of my favorite scenes were she used emotions in simple words to describe the scenes, I don’t always see that in books and I think this is one of the things that makes me really enjoy this author’s writing. And the deep emotion that was in this book was beautifully described; I really enjoyed everything about it. And I thought there was a lot of dialogue in this book but it seemed to fit this story just right, I didn’t think that there’s was too much of it, it was more of just stating a fact. So overall I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.

Style:

This was written in one POV and in first person which allowed us to keep focused on the more important issues in the book and at the same time feel really connected to Mara. As for the author’s writing, I loved it just as much as I did in the first book if not even more. I loved how she played around with words and manipulated the scenes, she really is a master when it comes to writing. So overall I really enjoyed the style of this book and though this book was a little bit darker it was necessary for the story to be told right.

Quote of the Book:

“I heard my name whispered in a loved, familiar voice, but it was far away and I didn’t care. I would not stop until this thing beneath my grip was dead- I would not allow it to escape or heal. I wanted to watch it die, to turn it to meat.”

Goodreads Summary:

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Last Thoughts:

I would recommend this to fans of the unbecoming of Mara Dyer and to anyone who loves a great romance/action packed book. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to continue reading Mara and Noah’s story because there is still so much left to be figured out! But overall I loved this author’s writing and found this to be a quick, fun filled and exciting read.

My Rating:

This Weeks Book Haul!

This is what I got this week to read J

"In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity."Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for.

She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love…

When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.

Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.

And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…

Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Two gruesome murders have shocked and divided the community of Bella Coola, a small, isolated village in a remote river valley on the coast of British Columbia. The evidence points to a teenaged Nuxalk boy, and the simmering tension between whites and tribe members heats up. RCMP Inspector Marcus Chao must sort through misleading clues, cultural conflicts, tangled relationships, sexual scandals, and even rumors of sorcery to find the truth.

Marcus is a man whose life has skidded into remorse and misery. His own infidelity has ended his marriage to the woman he still loves, and now he finds himself with only two things to keep his sinking spirits afloat: the need to serve justice and his eternal fascination with solving the puzzle of the crime. This latest puzzle, however, is proving to be a maze of intrigue, and his mettle as well as his principles will be tested.

They all sound good to me…think I’ll start with “Dreaming Awake” but after that not sure….

Anyways have a great day and be on the look out for my review of “The Evolution of Mara Dyer” on Friday!

-Lacey