Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray

The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray

ARC received from Spencer Hill Press

Release Date:  October 22, 2013

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  A terrifyingly disturbing story of one man’s love and madness

A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, then they'll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they'll die

Elysian Fields—supposedly the perfect place to hide away from a worldwide epidemic.  But, take a look behind the curtain (or through a crack in a wall), and you will see that this world is the true nightmare.  Mary Gray has created a fantastic, psychotic thriller of a novel.  Think about those creepy scenes in a horror movie---an empty room, pictures falling off the wall, silent—except for the mangled music box slowly playing a childhood favorite in the corner.  You know that feeling you get—that sinking feeling that consumes your and fills you with fear?  That’s this book!!!  It will immediately plunge you into a abyss of perfect terror, and at no point will you ever feel safe again.

I liked “Persephone,” Mary’s main character for the most part.  I thought she was strong and smart, and I admired her for not letting this psychotic yet mesmerizing man tear her apart.  At the same time, I felt like she was very wishy-washy at times.  Her loyalties didn’t mesh with her feelings, and it seemed like, on some level, she was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome.  She could see Teo’s evil leaking from every pore, but there was a part of her that still wanted him.  This was the part of her that really bugged me.

The best character in this book is, by far, Teo, the villain.  She is so well written that you can hear the inner workings of his twisted mind.  He was completely insane and creepy, yet seductive at the same time.  Not seductive enough for me to like him even an inkling, though.  He is pure evil, and Mary did a great job of showing how madness and intelligence walk the same line.

I loved the literary aspect of this book.  I am a huge fan of tragic love stories, and this novel takes them to a new level.  We see them modernized and manipulated into something twisted and sick.  What an amazing idea and concept!!!  I loved it.

There were some things that bugged me, though.  First off, the description says that Teo is the “older man” who stole her heart.  So, right away, I had this picture of an old guy in my head.  Creepy much.  Teo is actually only 24, so I don’t think they should have described him in that way.  He wasn’t old at all, in fact, he is supposed to be gorgeous—but I had a hard time moving away from the “older man” comment.

The other thing that bugged me was some of the pacing.  I wanted a quicker pace that followed Teo and Persephone a bit more closely.  It wasn’t a slow pace, so don’t think that, but there was just some down times that I wished would speed up.

Overall, this is a great and unique read; and I highly recommend it to fans of tragic love stories, old classics, and creepy psychotic thrillers!

*********************************************

Blog Tour Schedule and Links

 

The final dates and stops are as follows:

October 8 - Interview (Fantasy Book Addict - Stacey) http://www.fantasybookaddict.com

October 9 - Book Review (Books Live Forever - Jenea) www.booksliveforever.com

October 10 - Interview (Kiki's Bookshelf - Savanna) kikisdreambookshelf.blogspot.com

October 11 - Guest Post (The Bookshelf Sophisticate - Katelyn) http://bookshelfsophisticate.blogspot.com/

October 12 - Interview (Falling for YA - Emily) www.FallingForYA.blogspot.com

October 13 - Book Review (YA Sisterhood - Jennifer) Http://ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com/

October 14 - Interview (Fragments of life - Precious) Shusky20.blogspot.com

October 15 - Guest Post (Two Chicks On Books - Jaime) http://www.twochicksonbooks.com

October 16 - Book Review (Harley Bear Book Blog - Melissa) http://harleybearbookblog.blogspot.com

October 17 - Book Review (Lost in Believing - Alison) http://lostinbelieving.wordpress.com/

October 18 - Guest Post (Jessabella Reads - Jessica)  http://www.jessabellareads.com

October 19 - Book Review (Stuck In YA Books - Amanda) lovesbooksreviews.blogspot.com 

October 20 - Guest Post (The Book Goddess - Jana) http://jana-thebookgoddess.blogspot.co.uk/

October 21 - Interview (Swoony Boys Podcast - Meg) http://www.swoonyboyspodcast.com/

 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Dollhouse-Asylum-Mary-Gray/dp/1937053644/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381076356&sr=8-1&keywords=the+dollhouse+asylum 

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dollhouse-asylum-mary-gray/1113472601?ean=97819370

 

*********************************************

 

Rafflecopter Giveaway for one signed copy of TDA: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dark Days of Winter: REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver Review & Giveaway

Requiem by Lauren Oliver (Delirium #3)
Harper Teen
Release date: March 5th, 2013
Reviewed by: AmyG (big sis)
Sister's Say: A Resiliant,  Rebellious and Remarkable conclusion to the trilogy!

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

**SPOILERS FOR DELIRIUM AND PANDEMONIUM LIE AHEAD! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THOSE YET!**

Welcome to the 2nd leg of Dark Days of Winter Blog Tour.  These have indeed been Dark Days, not only with winter looming upon us, but also in the Delirium series.  Lena's life is on the cusp of complete fall out.  The revolution is at hand, but the cureds are not going to "go gentle into that good night." (Dylan Thomas)  Regulators are everywhere even in the Wilds just waiting to pick off the rebels.  Lena is also torn between 2 boys, Alex and Julian, her past and her present.  Everything around her physically and emotionally is crumbling.  Lauren's writing is poetically beautiful, and no one but her could bring to life the heartbreak and turmoil that Lena is facing not only inside herself but in the physical world around her.

This is the 1st novel, where we get to see Alex and Julian together with Lena.  The dynamic is very interesting, but we only get to see it from Lena's point of view.  We get to experience her heartbreak and uncertainty, but also try to understand what is going on in the boys head also.  I wonder how the story would have been different seeing the tension and seething of jealousy right below the surface from a different prospective?  We see all of Lena's thoughts but none of the boys.  It takes awhile to actually get to really see anything between them, but then how was Ms. Oliver chooses to unleash the final showdown in the love triangle is perfect and poignant.  And, I know basically what all of you really want to know is did she choose Alex or Julian.  Well, I will tell you she chose.... nah....just joking! Seriously, you have to read it to find out!

I would be remiss in not mentioning Hana who has just as big a role in this book as Lena.  The POV is split between her and Lena.  Hana offers a unique perspective.  We actually get to be inside the mind of  a cured.  We also see her stuggling with her past and how she remembers it.  We also find out some secrets that aren't to easy to digest.  We are able to see the corruptness of the government and it's leaders from the inside.  It honestly made me more sympathetic toward the rebels.  I wanted them to succeed all the more after seeing the absolutely evil of the ruling parties.  It mentions in the blurb, that Lena's and Hana's fates finally cross paths.  And let me just say, it is explosive!  

Now, I have to say a little about Lauren Oliver's writing.  Her writing is one of my favorites in the YA genre.  If you want to know what it feels like to be torn between 2 loves, slowly suffocate from a swarming fire, or have bullets rain down all around you without ever truly being in danger?  Then read this series by Lauren Oliver.  She will make you feel like you are right next to her characters in the midst of the action and at any moment your life could be snuffed out.  This was an amazing series, and I'm so sad to have it come to an end.  It's hard to say goodbye to characters that I have grown to know and love.  The conlusion of this series left me on the edge of my seat, heart pounding in my chest and begging the characters to just stay alive!   Lauren Oliver a remarkable writer, and I'm so excited to see what she has coming next! 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

DARK DAYS TOUR LEG 2

Leg 2

Blog Tour:

Feb 8      Fragments @ Emily's Reading Room

Feb 12    Requiem @ YA Sisterhood

Feb 14    Spellcaster @ Two Chicks on Books

Feb 19    Mind Games @ IB Book Blogging

Feb 21    Mila 2.0 @ Addicted 2 Novels

Feb 26    Fragments @ Emily's Reading Room

Feb 28    Requiem @ YA Sisterhood

Mar 5     Spellcaster @ Two Chicks on Books

Mar 6     Mila 2.0 @ Addicted 2 Novels

Mar 7     Mind Games @ IB Book Blogging

Author Twitter Chat:

Feb 26    #PitchDarkDays     8:30PM EST

Tour Stops:

Mar 6     Provo Library, Provo, UT                   7PM

Mar 7     University Books, Seattle, WA           6:30PM

Mar 8     Barnes & Noble, Clackamas, OR       6:30PM

Mar 9     Tualatin Library, Tualatin, OR           10AM

Mar 9     Eugene Library, Eugene, OR             4PM

http://www.pitchdark.com/blog/the-dark-days-are-back/

Giveaway of a SIGNED COPY OF REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver from Harper Teen!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

ARC borrowed from Jen from Jenuine Cupcakes!

Release Date:  January 8, 2013

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Hypnotic and Thrilling, With a dash of the sweetest romance ever!

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

Veronica Rossi—you’re amazing!!!!  Through the Ever Night is a breath of fresh air—dazzling and heartfelt.  It will easily be one of the best of 2013!  From Chapter 1, I was catapulted right back into a world full of duplicitous loyalties, crumbling hopes, and passionate romance—a world where trust can be just as dangerous as the aether.

The story starts right where Under the Never Sky leaves off, and right away, we are rewarded with the brilliant love between Perry and Aria.  I just love how Veronica doesn’t break you by having them become victim to miscommunication or deceit right away like many others 2^nd books in a series do.  When that happens, for me, I have a hard time enjoying the book because I’m too distraught about the star-crossed lovers.  I just want to give Veronica a shout out for being able to deliver an amazing and breath-taking story without falling into that cliché.  Now, that doesn’t mean everything is all hunky-dory and doves in sky and frolicking through a field of poppies.  On the contrary, Perry and Aria do find themselves being thrust apart and challenged, but it’s done in a way that won’t leave you cursing and threatening to stop reading then and there.

What’s also great about this 2^nd book is that we get to know Perry, Aria, and Roar! even better.  You see them more clearly as individuals, instead of people who are so tied to another that they cannot go on living.  I liked seeing their strength, even in the face of distance and tribulation and death, because it made their missions and their relationships all the more meaningful.  I loved getting to know Roar more, too.  I found myself laughing out loud with him at times, and then crying for him a moment later.  He’s this big brute of a man, but there’s a softer side to him that cries out for help—and I wanted so badly to read through the pages and tell him all would be okay.

Aria is so much stronger in this book than in UTNS.  Don’t get me wrong, I think she was kick butt in the first book, but she has really grown into her own skin in this book.  She’s confident and not to be messed with, and you can see her agility in the way she moves, the way she speaks, and the way others speak about her.  She isn’t whiney like many other female main characters are when things go wrong, instead she is hopeful and nostalgic.  So we see her pain and longing in her memories of the past, but she never gives up or breaks down.  She puts on her brave face, she squares her shoulders, and she takes a step forward, knowing that she must fight if she’s to come out the other end alive.

And Perry.  I just love him so much!  He seems so different than other swoony guys, and I don’t know why this is because he shares so many attributes that my other book boyfriends do—he’s handsome and overprotective, sympathetic when he needs to be, kick butt strong with an in your face temper when its warranted, loyal and unwavering, and full of passion an love.  But there’s just something about him, maybe the way all these attributes interact, that makes him different from Aiden, Daemon, Jace, Adam, etc.  I can’t seem to put what it is into words, but just know, that this guy will sweep you off your feet.

Perhaps what I love even more about Veronica is her endings—they don’t kill you!  I am not a fan of cliffhanger endings because then I have to toss and turn for a year wondering what’s going to happen next.  Veronica knows how to end a book where there is still much to be accomplished and discovered in the next installment, but without making you want to scream.  Her endings make me smile and feel like everything is going to be okay, even if the aether is threatening to tear the world apart. 

Resolute.

Chilling.

Romantic.

Through the Ever Night is everything I look for in a dystopian novel, and it breaks my heart that I must wait an entire year (at least) for the next book.  I just don’t know if I can survive without Perry…and Aria…and Roar….Cinder….and all the new (and old) faces we see in this heart-wrenching sequel.

 

Skylark by Meagan Spooner

Skylark by Meagan Spooner

eARC received from Carolrhoda Lab via Netgalley

Release Date:  ON Shelves Now

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Mystical, Macabre, and Mesmerizing

Sixteen-year-old Lark Ainsley has never seen the sky.

Her world ends at the edge of the vast domed barrier of energy enclosing all that’s left of humanity. For two hundred years the city has sustained this barrier by harvesting its children's innate magical energy when they reach adolescence. When it’s Lark’s turn to be harvested, she finds herself trapped in a nightmarish web of experiments and learns she is something out of legend itself: a Renewable, able to regenerate her own power after it’s been stripped.

Forced to flee the only home she knows to avoid life as a human battery, Lark must fight her way through the terrible wilderness beyond the edge of the world. With the city’s clockwork creations close on her heels and a strange wild boy stalking her in the countryside, she must move quickly if she is to have any hope of survival. She’s heard the stories that somewhere to the west are others like her, hidden in secret—but can she stay alive long enough to find them?

Influenced by magic, inundated with death, and riddled with betrayal; Meagan Spooner creates a world that straddles the lines of good and evil.  Under every rock lurks a secret, behind every cloud hides the truth, and around every corner awaits destruction—watch where you tread, or you just might get lost in her world.  But then again, that might not be such a bad thing.

Before I started this book, I glanced through the reviews and noticed that most of them were mixed.  So, I was hesitant to start reading, however, once I did, I couldn’t put this book down.  I loved the mystery surrounding this world, and with every page, I found myself falling deeper and deeper into the darkness, forgetting to ever look up for the light.

Before I jump into what I enjoyed about this book, I want to address what many people are having are complaining about—the history of the dystopian society.  Just like many other dystopian novels, people are questioning how the world got that way to begin with or, with Skylark, where did the magic come from.  In my opinion, none of this matters.  The story doesn’t rely heavily on the past, in fact, it looks to the future—how to fix the present.  So what does it matter how the world got that way.  There was a war; it changed things.  That’s all we need to know in my opinion.  And the magic?  The book never says that this takes place on Earth—just a world with magic.  Its magic is inherent in their world—like gravity is in ours.

My favorite part of this book was the world outside of Lark’s city.  Lark’s world was once full of magic, but since the wars, magic has been drained.  As a result, there are patches of the world where magic is concentrated.  What is so unique about it is how the world reacts to these concentrated areas of magic.  Sometimes, the magic twists its surroundings into dark and malevolent creatures, bent on blood and death.  Other times, the magic creates a fantasy world—full of life and beauty.  I loved how the magic itself twisted the world into the dark or light, humans had nothing to do with it.  It was a pleasant difference from most dystopian worlds—where magic is good, but humans bend and break it to create darkness.

Lark, the main character, is strong but not overly confident.  She is determined to get to freedom, and that desire is what drives her.  But she is not the poof! I’m a super-strong warrior who can survive everywhere type of mc.  Instead, she relies heavily on the mysterious and wild Oren, who comes to her rescue more than once.  I liked Lark, but I wasn’t wowed by her.  Still, she was realistic, and I liked watching her push aside other’s perceptions to find her own truth.

And Oren—he’s as wild as any dangerous animal.  He was the strong, silent type; and would be super sexy if he wasn’t covered in blood and mud all the time.  But still, I couldn’t help but like him.  You could see in his actions how much Lark meant to him, and he puts himself in fatal danger more than once to come to her aid.  Plus, there’s that whole Tarzan kill bad guy persona.  And let’s face it…that’s just a little hot.

I was swept away by Meagan’s world and her characters.  Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was thrown for a loop by an out there twist.  Dripping with menace, Meagan’s world will take you on a dangerous journey through the heart of the wild to discover that freedom is fleeting, truth is relative, and love is perilous.

I will leave you with my favorite quote from the book: (said by Oren to Lark)

"'Even in the dark--' and I knew he did not mean nighttime when he said dark--"I can see you.  You shine.'" ARC Location 3517-3518

Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance by C.J. Redwine

ARC received from Balzer & Bray (Harper) at ALA

Release Date:  8-28-2012

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Dangerous, Daunting, and Delicious!

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. 

I had been eyeing the cover of Defiance for months, and when I got a chance to read it I might (emphasis on the might) have jumped up and done a happy dance while singing, “I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it!”  Then for a moment I got distracted by Saved By the Bell memories, but soon I was right back to dancing for joy about it!!  It already had so much buzz around it, and I knew it was going to be one of this year’s biggest books.

From Chapter 1, I was completely drawn into C.J.’s world—I mean, it was a world with ancient roots yet filled with powerful technology.  It was like a world out of the 1800s was snatched up, thrown through a wormhole and ended up in an alternate future reality where danger from evil tyrants, wandering highwaymen, and immortal beasts is the norm.  C.J.’s writing is rich with imagery and as you read, you are lifted from your world and thrust into her’s—be careful or you might never want to return!

I loved how dynamic her characters were.  It is very rare that I have an extreme emotional reaction while reading a book.  I run the everyday gamut of emotions—happiness, sadness, jealousy, etc, but it is truly a feat for me to embrace such strong emotions and let them take over just from a book.  But, C.J. did it with the Commander.  His evil is rivaled only by Voldemort or Sebastian in my opinion.  As I witnessed his despotic actions, I could feel my hands closing into fists and I quite literally wished I could jump into the book just to punch him in the face (with brass knuckles).  Every move he makes is methodical and calculated; every word he says is dipped in cruelty; and every feeling he shows is laced with manipulation. 

Rachel, her heroine, is feisty and tough.  I will admit, she is a typical bad-a heroine who is forced to grow up too fast.  While she is unique in her own way, she does resemble other many other heroines we see in ya literature.  That didn’t really bother me, though, because while she started out like many other heroines, she ended up in a completely different place.  Many of today’s heroines go through something brutal and then hide away into themselves—Rachel fought back with every fiber of her being, and I enjoyed watching her character struggle and rise against.

I really loved Logan.  He’s strong and convicted, and tries not to let anyone get in his way.  I love the way he stands up to the Commander even when he’s in a losing situation.  It makes him all the more admirable and I found myself rooting for him to just grab the Commander and shove his face into the ground!  He is the perfect mix of anger, love, strength and weakness; and I can’t wait to see what is in store for him in the next books.  Plus, he’s a hottie—which always makes a book better!  I’m slightly jealous of his attraction to Rachel—and I can’t wait for more scenes to make me even more jealous!

The only thing that bugged me about the book was the length of the wilderness scenes.  At times I felt like they just went on too long after we had already got the point that they were alone, scared, and hurt.  While some of those scenes were too long, I wish the ending climax would have been longer.

A Warning about Content:  I would rate this Mature-YA because of the violence in the book.  It is very descriptive with murder and death, and there were times when I was bothered by how grotesqueness of some of the scenes.  Besides the violence, everything else would be fine for any teenager.

With all that said, I really enjoyed reading this book.  C.J. creates a world where violence is the foundation and people cower in fear of a murderous tyrant.  The fear that this world instills is real and palpable, and she really opened her imagination up to me.  She creates a world full of black and white, light and dark, where evil is easily seen, yet fear and tolerance keeps it in power.  I love that her heros are just the opposite, not white or black, but riddled with shades of grey.  I loved C.J.’s world, and I can’t wait to push through the wilderness with her again in the future.    

 

Teaser Tuesday: Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!

To participate all you have to do is:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! 

(make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

November 13, 2012

Putnam

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The roar of the crowd is deafening as I step into the town square.  I nearly throw up when I see the crucifixes, three of them, lined up near the wall.  Which one will be mine? (ARC, p. 358)

And, that quote right there is reason enough to pre-order this book right now! Right?!?  This is a great book that I really enjoyed!  It will take you by the heart and do some tormenting things to it before it finally lets go!  My review is scheduled to go up Thursday, so if you want more info be sure to check that out!

Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

ARC received from Entangled Publishing

Release Date:  6-12-2012

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Charming, Cool and Captivating

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Set in a post-apocalyptic America, Chosen Ones follows Tess into the dark world of the chosen ones, genetically engineered superhumans, complete with strength, intelligence, and good looks who are programmed to hate humanity’s downfalls.  In light of the war that was destroying the world, Americans put all their wisdom and resources into creating this race meant to protect us, but, will their programmed hatred of us be our own undoing?  As Tess falls deeper and deeper into their cruel world, she discovers a conspiracy that will shake the foundation of their world.  What will happen when the truth comes out?

I loved the idea behind the Chosen Ones—I mean, who hasn’t at one time or another, wondered if technology would bring forth the end of humanity?  Am I being melodramatic here?  I’m gonna go with no…after all, if I was the only one who ever ventured into this type of thinking, then we wouldn’t have movies like Terminator or The Matrix, or books like Chosen Ones!!!  Technology is both light and dark; and I love when authors bring forth the darkness that can come from too much power in machines.

But, the themes of science are not the best part of the book.  For me, the best part was the references to Frankenstein.  I might be biased because in my own book that I am currently writing, I also use quotes from Frankenstein.  However, I just love that the parallel is there between the ugly and grotesque monster created by Dr. Frankenstein and the beautiful and strong chosen ones.  They are completely the opposite in every way—Frankenstein’s monster wanted to be gentle, but through difficult circumstances, he was forced to become a monster.  The chosen ones care nothing of gentleness—they are there on a mission and the mission is the only thing that matters.  I loved seeing how the two books relate!

If you’re not a person that likes to dissect the different themes of a book, you will still enjoy this book because the characters are great!  I loved Tess as a heroine—she’s smart and doesn’t take any flack from anyone.  At times Tess is not smart and she finds herself in difficult and dangerous situations—but isn’t that realistic?  We don’t always do the smart thing—many times our emotions guide us, and for Tess, her emotions are her guiding light.  She might try to suppress them and feel nothing because its easier that way, but I think that shows her true feelings and passions even more.  It’s great to watch her grow and learn to love, even when she knows it could bring great pain.

And then there’s James…the blue-eyed, imperfect (because of a small scar) chosen one who will completely steal your heart.  He struggles with his true nature, and he wants more than anything else, not to be Frankenstein’s monster.  The insight we see into him as we get to read his notes on this book are captivating and heart-wrenching.  Plus, I love a guy that fights against his nature!  He’s not your dark, mysterious and hauntingly handsome ya boy.  You know where he stands from the beginning—you see his struggle and his desires all over him, and that just makes me love him more!  He’s a sweet-natured, loving guy who was built to be a killer—I can’t wait to see what happens when he’s pushed to his limits.

The only flaw in the book is that the flow can be slow at times.  Instead of your steady built up to a climax followed by a resolution, there are quite a few up and down moments…more like multiple hills on a roller coaster instead of one big hill.  But, that truthfully didn’t bother me that much.  From other reviews, many people are complaining about the lack of background for why the war started, etc.  That, again, didn’t bother me that much.  I mean, America’s a post-apocalyptic wasteland—and the afterward is where the story lies.  So who cares how it got that way??

Tiffany Truitt created a world where nothing and no one can be trusted—where the future is wasting away and freedom is a relic of the past.  This debut novel is gut-wrenching and heartfelt, and I can’t wait to find out what’s next for Tess and James.  Full of secrets, lies, and betrayal; Tiffany Truitt creates a world where desperate humans become Dr. Frankenstein, creating a monster no one saw coming.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection

by Kiera Cass

Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany

The Sisters say: Sweet, Simple, Satisfying

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

The Selection was a fast, entertaining, romantic read that I devoured in one afternoon. It’s a fairytale meets The Bachelor meets Dystopian future. America Singer is a commoner thrust into the world of royalty by a competition to win the heart of the prince. Ironically enough, America doesn’t want to win. She’s in love with someone else back home. But the more time she spends with the prince, the closer they become.

This story didn’t have a great deal of depth. It had some angst, but not much. It was light and fluffy, and the perfect palate cleanser after much of the dark, brooding, tortuous, angst-fest books I’ve been reading as of late. The simplicity of the story drew me in from the start, and I was completely hooked.

I know some people found it to be too simple or too easy, but for me—it was just right. Probably not everyone’s cup of tea—but sometimes a girl just needs a fast, fun, fairytale romance!

It would have been nice to see more of the world-building. The caste system was interesting, but not a huge focus of the book. I have faith that we’ll see the darker side of this dystopian in future books.

My only real complaint for this book was the ending. It wasn’t a bad ending, per say, but felt a bit premature. This felt like the kind of book that could have been made a stand-alone novel, with perhaps a companion novel taking place after the competition. This might be a bit of a spoiler, but I wish I had been prepared for it. We don’t get to see the end of the competition in this first book. *wah-wah*

That’s the only thing that would keep me from re-reading this book everytime I needed a sweet, satisfying romance to pep me up. It felt like the ending was missing, since I didn’t get to know how the competition turned out.

My recommendation for this book is definitely for you to read it! BUT… it might be better to wait until closer to the release date for book 2, so that the ending isn’t as much of an issue. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This week's book that we are anxiously awaiting is DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN by J.A. London.  DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN releases on May 29th from Harper Teen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I have to admit I wanted to read this book before I even read the synopsis because the cover is gorgeous!  After reading the synopsis, I wanted to read it even more.  I know some people are tired of vampires, and even though I am not one of those people, this book still sounds like something even those who are bored of vamps will enjoy.  I mean, what's not to enjoy?  Its got three aspects that I love:  paranormal elements , a dystopian world, and a cute maybe bad, maybe good guy!  So, don't miss out on this one!  Preorder it today!



Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin ARC received from Harper Collins via Edelweiss Release Date:  4-24-2012 Reviewed by: Middle Sis Jenn The Sister’s Say:  Macabre, Mind-blowing, and Masterful Everything is in ruins. A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them. So what does Araby Worth have to live for? Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all. But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does. And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her. From the first page of this novel, I was gripped, and I refused to put it down. I had been staring at the cover for weeks in awe (you have to admit, it's breathtaking). And, I was fortunate enough to get an ARC through Edelweiss Above the Treeline!!!! This is one of the first books in a while where I found myself completely stunned with all the twists and turns--I didn't see a single one of them coming! It's so great to read a book that is anything but predictable. The setting is absolutely amazin...more If anyone can rival the world of Poe, it is Bethany Griffin. From the first page of this novel, I was gripped, and I refused to put it down. I had been staring at the cover for weeks in awe (you have to admit, it's breathtaking). And, I was fortunate enough to get an ARC from Harper Collins through Edelweiss Above the Treeline!!!! This is one of the first books in a while where I found myself completely stunned with all the twists and turns--I didn't see a single one of them coming! It's so great to read a book that is anything but predictable. The setting is absolutely amazing. There were times when the action was slow, but I didn't mind at all because I got swept away in Bethany Griffin's description of the dilapidated city filled with the gorgeously dressed rich people and then the grotesquely vile plague victims. Her imagery melts onto the page, and I felt like I was plucked from my recliner and thrown right into the middle of Bethany's world. If only more people could write the way she does! Her characters are so rich with personality, even the characters with smaller roles. I felt connected to each and every one of them, but especially to Araby. She has experienced great tragedy, and as a result, she sinks into herself, trying anything and everything to escape the harsh reality into which she is thrust. I felt her pain as if it were my own-- a feat very difficult to accomplish for most writers. And then when she meets Elliott and Will--I felt her hope and guilt and indecision. I can't explain it other than I was captivated. I love Will and Elliott. Will is the mysterious tattooed proprietor of the club who Araby is instantly attracted to, and his secrets (which I won't reveal) make him even more...irresistible. And then there's Elliott--the wealthy aristocrat who is hiding his own secrets. I love these two guys because they are completely genuine, even when they are hiding things. I instantly felt like I could trust them both...but boy, did they both surprise me! READ IT!!! You won't be disappointed. Bethany builds a world where the macabre and sinister is ordinary. There is no black or white, good or evil, healthy or sick--her story is rife with everything in between. It was so good, I immediately went straight to Twitter and asked Bethany if a sequel is in the works (Yes! 2013!)--I can't wait. Finally, I will give a warning that this story is for older YA readers. I would rate it PG-13 for drug use, violence, and brief references to rape.