This book showed a lot of potential. Tahir has created a very interesting new society. It has war, conquerors and the conquered. It has revolutionaries, soldiers and refugees. It handles very real human issues of division among races and wars attributing superiority and political powers to certain groups. But mostly, I was intrigued by Elias and the masks (cold-hearted Assassins!!!). Unfortunately, I can't say that it met many of my expectations.

One of my biggest problems was that I couldn't get behind Helene. I feel like her bullheaded focus on keeping faith just didn't sit well with my own beliefs and my expectation of loyalty to friends. Finally, the ending act with her swearing fealty to that son of a twin-killing gun was disgusting and I refuse to fall into the narrative of making her act appear like the ultimate sacrifice; it was a bullshit selfish cowardly act of a woman who refuses to see the truth of her society, who has flourished in its suppression of others and who has only ever wanted to join the ranks of the suppressors.

Laia's plot with Mazen and the Resistance was cute (I kept internally telling her to run!!!), her attempt to save her brother was very noble and the resilience and strength she showed under such duress was commendable. I want to strangle Mazen for her struggles, but also am glad for him because her experiences definitely made her stronger and they let her meet our leading man, Elias!

I love Elias. I really enjoyed reading from his point of view, his indecision and genuine contemplation of his actions were interesting. After all, he is one of them, he is not being surpassed (tortured maybe) but he is not a slave, yet he doesn't like his life and he wants to change it even though those around him try to break him, and try to dissuade him. There is more I want to know about him, I would appreciate more information on his relationship with his mom (terrible) and grandfather (I really loved this guy) and even his adoptive family. I feel like they all contributed a lot to his personality and knowing more about them would help the readers know him at a more personal level.

Although, I liked the two main characters on their own and I liked them together as well but their relationship did feel very much "written on the cover". This book made me think of the YA beautiful female lead syndrome and wish that Laia wasn't one of them. But, she is and that's literally why Elias notices her. Hopefully, in future books their relationship can grow to something less superficial.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy the overall plot, it was well thought out and executed though not as complex as I wanted it to be; it was fun. The trials were an interesting addition that I wish were larger and with more bulk, I realize this would make this already giant book even larger, but apparently I don't mind.

Comments:

1. 1) I don't give a damn about Keenan and I wish he would disappear because I'm really not down for a 3rd wheel and the drama sequence that is sure to come with it.  
2. 
   
3. 2) As, I stated before, I'm really interested in Elias' grandfather and his legacy. I want to know more about their family and their house and how Elias' actions is going reflect on them and what their stance is. 
4. 
   
5. 3) Laia's family sounds amazing! I wonder if Laia will join the revolution and maybe surpass her parent's legacy.

Finally, some predictions and conclusions:

1. 1) The Augurs are the original scholars that figured out the secret of the jinn and started the whole mess. This would be awesome as it would come back to the fact that this group of scholars are responsible for their own peoples torture and I would be really interested to hear the explanation for it. (I hope it's not that they thought the scholars were to weak to fight.) 
2. 
   
3. 2) I wonder if Elias' father will show up in the future. I am assuming that he must be a good person to make Elias' witchy mom hate him so much. 

-MARI

There is danger in dreaming. But there is even more danger in waking up.

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things though, is how easily they can be lost.

Friends can betray.
Mothers can disappear.
Visions can mislead.
Certainties can unravel. 

My Review

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Pages: 391

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: October 21 2014

Series: The Raven Cycle #3

Source: Library

I feel like the more of Maggie Stiefvater I read, the more I start to understand her writing. I've often called Stiefvater's writing atmospheric, haunting, blah blah blah but this time, a different work came to mind: quirky.

Stiefvater's writing, characters, and world is quirky. The prose is charming and funny; warm, and inviting. There is a sense that Stiefvater is in complete control. There are metaphors, and patterns, and it is done with an astonishing control.

Now, what can I say about the characters that I haven't said before?

Except that the characters still change in little ways, and their relationships change with them. Adam is probably my favourite change. It's remarkable to see his growth as he becomes more comfortable with the person he is to everyone else. Adam is rebuilding himself on new foundations, and he's growing up from a scared boy to a man. He has come so far, and I loved his tentative assuredness, and his acceptance of who he was.

Gansey is showing signs of weakness, but that doesn't make him any less awesome than ever. Still, I'm getting a little worried for him. Don't you break my heart, Stiefvater.

I'm a little surprised with my deep love for Ronan. In fact, I wanted more of him in this book! #MoreRonan2015 It's not that he wasn't there. It's just that in The Dream Thieves, he rocked the story and he wasn't as focal in Blue Lily, Lily Blue. This time, the story was more balanced.

And I suppose the biggest part of Blue Lily, Lily Blue is Blue. Blue is always a little out of my centre of attention because I find the boys more interesting than her, and that's not a comment on her character. I loved Stiefvater's character development for Blue. Blue is considering college, she misses her mom, she acts out, and is arrogant but in the best teenage way. I really like Blue's fiestiness.

Now, if we have to talk comparisons, I will say that The Dream Thieves is still my favourite of the series (and of Stiefvater). Something about the rawness of Ronan's story appealed to me. The style of Blue Lily, Lily Blue feels a little different, and you can tell that something is happening.

And here is the part in my review where I check Goodreads and realize there is only one more book. Ohmygosh there is ONE more book left. JUST ONE.


via GIPHY

Can we talk about this? Because I've barely finished any series in the past few years and I've kept up with this one.

AND IT'S ENDING.

I'm so lost. What do I do in life if I don't have another book of Gansey and Ronan and Blue and Adam to look forward to? What else is there?

Before I read The Raven King *sobs* and write my series review (oh please, we all know that the last book reviewed in a series is always a series review), I'm just going to take a moment and try to remember the characters as they are right now, on the precipice of tragedy. I will remember their friendship, and their unique relationships, and the personal challenges they have all overcome.

-P.E.

The girl known as Gretchen Whitestone has a secret: She used to be part of Adolf Hitler’s inner circle. More than a year after she made an enemy of her old family friend and fled Munich, she lives with a kindly English family, posing as an ordinary German immigrant, and is preparing to graduate from high school. Her love, Daniel Cohen, is a reporter in town. For the first time in her life, Gretchen is content.
But then, Daniel gets a telegram that sends him back to Germany, and Gretchen’s world turns upside-down. And when she receives word that Daniel is wanted for murder, she has to face the danger she thought she’d escaped-and return to her homeland.
Gretchen must do everything she can to avoid capture and recognition, even though saving Daniel will mean consorting with her former friends, the Nazi elite. And as they work to clear Daniel’s name, Gretchen and Daniel discover a deadly conspiracy stretching from the slums of Berlin to the Reichstag itself. Can they dig up the explosive truth and get out in time-or will Hitler discover them first?

Goodreads 

My Review

Author: Anne Blankman
Pages: 406
Publisher: Blazer + Bray
Publication Date: April 21, 2015
Source: Library

I've come to realize that besides having enchantingly woven an intricate mystery within the boundaries of real historical events Anne Blankman also has the best Author's Notes. Seriously, I almost couldn't help myself from skipping to the end and reading them, as they are always so riveting.

Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke takes place a little while after the events of its predecessor. Daniel and Gretchen have now settled in England but things aren't as cheery as Gretchen would like to believe.

Gretchen and Daniel are one of my favourite literary couples. They are so realistic in the ways that they go about their relationship. They love each other but they are also best friends. For sure there is a lot of forever talk but who doesn't fancy themselves a forever relationship? Even still, they went through a lot of turbulence during this book trying to figure out how to coordinate their love with their differing interests and the obstacles imposed by the political state of things.

Blankman's pre-WWII Germany was as enthralling and as alive as ever. I'm not a visual reader but my history sensitive mind was jumping for joy with all the details. I could imagine the burned Reichstag, red faced Hitler and the party men busting down doors arresting people. The number of characters was also much higher in this book as Gretchen and Daniel struggled to find new allies. I did find some minor issue in remembering all the names starting with G: Goring, Gennet, Gerlich...

Everything about this book was well done which is something I've come to expect from Anne Blankman in this quick time. However, when compared to its predecessor, I felt like this story lacked magnitude. Gretchen was quite realistically walking on glass in the first book. Questioning her upbringing, her friends, her family and their sanity. Gretchen was still finding herself and coming to terms with her new situations and new truths, however I just wish the central conflict was larger- more world changing.

A commendable sequel in a wonderful historical duology. If you are a fan of history, psychology, mystery, or interested in world war two like me than pick this series up.

-MARI

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.
Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.
Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.
So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

My Review

Author: Sara Raasch
Publication Date: October 14 2014
Pages: 416
Source: Library ebook

This was one of those books I planned to read without ever actually reading the synopsis. I went into the story completely oblivious to the premise, and I have to say that in general, I was pretty happy with Snow Like Ashes.

I feel a little like my mood is a bit unfair because I just DNFed the last book I was reading, and I haven't felt great while reading Snow Like Ashes. I think I would normally be a little more enthusiastic, but I had a weird reading experience in which I was pretty tired. So what happened is that there is a lot I really like about Snow Like Ashes, but I still feel like the story lacked a little, um, completeness?

I felt like the story, although pretty good, was hurt by the fact that I guessed major plot twists from um, the first chapter of the story (this is not an exaggeration). I don't know if it was that obvious, but I've been on a really big fantasy kick and I read a lot in general. I've gotten better at noticing what authors are writing and how they are writing it, and thinking about the clues. I'm pretty happy that what I wanted to happen occurred, but the ending left me with a lot of uncertainty about the rest of the series.

I feel, through my moody reader eyes, that Snow Like Ashes jumped around a lot, and it felt like a really short read. I think it had a lot of dialogue compared to major, conclusive plotlines, and while I did enjoy this dialogue (this book is endearingly quotable), I felt, by the end, like not much had happened. But I guess that could be because the major journey made by Meira had an endgame that my weird brain was expecting.

Anyway, I really liked this book. I loved the characters. The writing was really phenomenal at introducing Meira and I loved that it was written in Mara's voice. The writing was snarky and fierce, like Meira. I loved reading Meira's thoughts on every situation as little asides, and sometimes I feel like this sort of writing can distract from the actual story. In this case, it complemented what was happening. There were also some very lovely passages that I remember wanting to write down because they were so gorgeously poetic. So yay!

The other characters were not as featured as Meira, but they were also compelling. I mean, I am surprised at just how easily I liked character that was introduced. This, if you read Snow Like Ashes, presents a complication near the end of the story. I am confused. But, I am quite happy. All the characters have extremely attractive qualities. I think the most fascinating parts was the real thought put into this story. Duty was a concept thoroughly explored, along with the sacrifices that it demands. Meira would do anything for Winter, but even in saying that, how much is she expected to give? Is that not unfair?

In  a pretty fun poli-sci angle, I thought the nationalism and politics of the world building were quite fun. The Seasons and the Rhythms (four kingdoms of each in Raasch's world) have years of prejudice built against each other. Meira and the Winterian refugees are quite patriotic, and there is an implied connection to the Winter people and the Winter land. They are a minority that is being hunted down and completely destroyed by Spring, who is Very Evil. Every kingdom has its own characteristics and strengths, and I thought it was fun to read about their different national identities and flags.

One thing I would like to see more of is some complexity. The evil villain, Angra, King of Spring, is overwhelming terrible. I understand he is power hungry, but a lot of what he does is so evil that I can't make any sense of it at all. I think there needs to be some more development about his motivations.

Overall, there is lot of good in Snow Like Ashes. Great characters, a fascinating world, and the thought put into the story. There are some weaknesses, like the overwhelmingly evil villain. And there are some maybes, like I'm not sure where the plot is heading. In any case, I'm excited to read Ice like Fire, and I think Snow Like Ashes is unique and fun.

From Allison van Diepen, author of Snitch and Street Pharm, comes a sexy, dangerous novel about a teen who witnesses a murder and gets caught up in the seedy world of Miami’s gangs.
Maddie Diaz never should have taken that shortcut through the park. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have seen two members of the Reyes gang attacking a homeless man. Now, as the only witness, she knows there’s a target on her back.

But when the Reyes jump her on the street, Maddie is protected by a second gang and their secretive leader, Lobo, who is determined to take down the Reyes himself. Lobo is mysterious and passionate, and Maddie begins to fall for him. But when they live this close to the edge, can their love survive?
On the Edge is a compelling story about fighting for what’s right and figuring out where you belong. The novel showcases a gritty, realistic voice and earth–shattering romance that will intrigue readers of Simone Elkeles and Paul Griffin and captivate fans of Allison van Diepen's other novels.

GOODREADS

My Review

Author: Allison Van Diepen
Date of Publication: November 26, 2014
Pages: 304
Source: Library

On the Edge has one of the best openings that I’ve read this year. The first 30 pages, or so, of this book do everything right. They don’t only catch the reader’s attention and absorb you into the drama playing out on the pages but also set up all the background information almost inconspicuously.

On a midnight stroll home after seeing her friends, Maddie becomes a witness to a horrible gang related crime and she talks. All of a sudden her life is upheaved, she is no longer just the smart girl with the scholarship and editor of the school newspaper but now she is also on the Reyes gang’s hit list.

This is the fourth book I’ve read by Van Diepen and I think she is one of the best when it comes to writing about gangs. I recollect having read something about her having lived and taught in Brooklyn, NY, which lead her to come in contact with some students involved in gangs. I think this personal experience translates well onto the pages of her books. She writes gangs at a realistic level. They aren’t all heroes or villains; they are lost people who got involved with the wrong things. A villain may lead them and if they don’t take care, they may become villains themselves; as the gang members in the beginning of this book did.

I saw this book as very character run. There are so many that I want to talk about starting with Maddie herself. Maddie was a strong and righteous character. She did somethings that really took guts and I wonder if I would do the same if I were in her place. I liked how vulnerable she was but she struck to her beliefs and her sense of ethics. However, some of the things she did in the end, while fun to read were also extremely rash and she really got lucky with their results.

 Although this guys was probably not even a secondary but a tertiary character, he kind of stole the spotlight in my eyes. Manny is a guy from the hood who also works at the McDonalds that Maddie works at. He comes off as a harmless flirt and his banter with Maddie is cute, but he is also one of the first people to stand up for Maddie when she is in danger. I want to devote a song to him, because hell he was so sweet. Too bad he didn’t get much page space.

Van Diepen also featured Julia and Eric the protagonists of Snitch. I thought this was a nice addition, as it’s always nice to see how old protagonists are doing in their life.

Julia and Maddie’s friendship was also nice but a little unrealistic. Julia, who had heard a bit about Maddie, decided that she wanted to be friends and their friendship jumped from an introduction to romantic set-ups in 2 paragraphs. Julia also has a knack for dishing wisdom from her own experiences. I personally wouldn’t have been as open to such comments from new friends as Maddie was, which made their friendship suffer a bit as it seemed superficial to me.

On the Edge also features some failed ambiance. There was supposed to be this mysterious hero feel, and I, along with everyone else in a one-block radius, guessed the identity of this “mystery” person in seconds. Of course our protagonist took her sweet 100 pages but even still, she figured it out by mid book. I think the ambiance wasn’t done well and it would’ve been fine if it were left out completely as well.

This definitely wasn’t the perfect read. Somehow Van Diepen managed to find my pet peeves but when I finished the book after only 2 sittings, I wondered if it deserved a 5 star. Despite the things that peeved me, the book itself was enjoyable. There was a good main conflict, I managed to forget my issues as I read the book and the ending was satisfying. It was all in all, enjoyable. Not the best thing I’ve ever read but that’s a pretty tough pedestal to reach.

-MARI

Author: Marie Lu
Publication Date: October 7 2014
Pages: 355
Source: Library ebook

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

I'm surprised Marie Lu's latest hasn't received that much fanfare because I thought it was great. The story was entertaining with so many nice aspects to it, and the overall plot was engrossing. Marie Lu wrote a story that is full of potential to be great, and I'm really happy with it.

I would categorize The Young Elites as light fantasy. It doesn't have the details some other fantasies might have, but one does get the impression Lu has spectacular ideas planned and this world will eventually be explored. Still, it has little background yet this does not bother me much because I so enjoyed the characters.

I love Adelina. Adelina is scarred after a fever when she was younger and she was raised by a monster: her father. Adelina's father is cruel and sees his daughter as a commodity he often attempts to sell and use. He's abusive and Adelina suffers from the trauma of her past. Her only other remaining relative is her sister, Violetta, whom she loves and hates. Violetta is not scarred. She is beautiful and doted upon by her father. It leaves Adelina jealous and angry, but in that complex sibling way where the darker emotions are mixed with love.

Adelina has a rough life. She is treated as deficient because of her lack of an eye and the scars, and she is known as a malfetto, which are considered demonic children by the common folk. My heart broke for Adelina because she so clearly craved some sort of unconditional love and companionship, and she was isolated for various reasons. Adelina makes her mistakes and does terrible things. She loses control of herself and she's truly no saint, but I couldn't help but love her and root for her, all the same. I want to know more about Adelina and her story. I think her voice is compelling and the internal conflict she possesses with her powers are definitely intriguing. This sort of story always appeals to me.

Now, my second favourite character is Enzo and I adore him. I adored him from the first scene, and loved him more in every single scene that followed. He is ambitious, he is vicious, he is ruthless. He is wholly committed to his mission and I guess I have always appreciated this kind of ambition. It's intense, and exciting, because you just know this kind of character is morally ambiguous. And The Young Elites should really be renamed, "The Elite Young and Gorgeous Morally Ambiguous Yet Lovable Characters". Because alllll the moral ambiguity! YAY! Now, back to Enzo. In reality, Enzo is a mystery. He does not actually reveal too much about himself, and yet I was totally excited whenever he showed up in a scene. He's just so charismatic and his relationship with Adelina is fascinating. He is instrumental to her knowledge of her powers, and I can't wait to see the consequences of their relationship as the series progresses.

All of the powers of the Young Elites were fun and cool. The Dagger society members weren't all incredibly fleshed out, because this really was Adelina's story, but they were fascinating. I think there are definite improvements Marie Lu could make to this book by developing more than just a few characters. Even in the Legend series, I felt like we knew all about June and Day, but everyone else was fuzzy. For this kind of story, I'd like to know more about the other characters and more about the world. Right now, the world does seem a bit flat. I mean, there are Inquisitors that hate the malfetto and there is some sort of explanation about this, but it's a little too simple. Learning more about the other Daggers and the other Elites is something I'm looking for in future reads.

Something I was really happy about were the little unique spins in Lu's story. For example, Adelina and her sister have olive skin and dark hair. As someone that is not white, this was so awesome. I remember every single olive-skinned person I read about because it's like, yay representation in YA, especially by deliciously dark characters like Adelina. Further, Adelina and her sister's relationship stood on its own. Their relationship does have issues, but they care for each other and I love seeing that. It's almost a Cruel Beauty-ish relationship! By virtue of having a sibling, I'm a huge fan of siblings and reading about their complex relationships in YA. Marie Lu, in general, writes really diverse stories and it's like a breath of fresh air.

In general, I was enthralled by this story. I read it at midnight and woke up and finished it the next day. I remember staying awake and thinking about Adelina and her story. This morning, I was still thinking about certain twists in the story (this review is not very spoilery because if it was, I would be freaking out and dead right now) and contemplating possible future plot points. I don't think technically, this was a perfect read. Still, the story just appealed to me so immensely and I thought it was so much fun. The ending was pretty explosive too, and I am desperately, hungrily, deeply craving The Rose Society. This series has monster potential and I'm just really happy that Marie Lu seems to be writing the kind of dark story I've always loved.

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Date of Publication: June 5, 2012
Pages: 368
Source: Personal Copy

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.

GOODREADS

Review:
I probably acknowledged this book and my eventual plans of reading it a thousand times. A thousand fake acknowledgements later, I'm here to say how much I enjoyed it.

Set in a Russian-esque backdrop, Shadow and Bone tells a story of fantasy and magical powers that is unique and fascinating. Bardugo’s Grisha are glamorous, revered and feared in their brilliant Keftas. The description of Grisha life has me awed and envious of the beauty and splendour that Bardugo created in her world. I sure wouldn’t mind a midnight blue Kefta of my own. 

At points in the plot I noticed some parallels to one of my favourite books, Eon by Alison Goodman. Alina reminded me of Eona, at the beginning of her journey. Like Eona, Alina is the only one of her kind and has a lot of lives resting on her new found talent. Similarly, Alina starts out as a weak, intimidated young girl and manages to grow and strengthen as a character. I can’t say she’s reached Eona’s level of growth at the end of the first Dragoneye novel, but that’s why this is a trilogy and I look forwards to seeing more of Alina. 

As for everyone’s favourite, the romantics of Shadow and Bone. I’m pleased to say that I adored it. Going into the series, I was quite cautious of how Bardugo was going to manage the romance between best friends. It’s not every book that the protagonist starts the story with a male friend that she actually has romantic attachments to. 

I thought Mal was fantastic. The flashes to Mal and Alina’s childhood were sweet and great ways to help the reader understand a relationship that has been there far before the start of the book. 

Alina also meets many new characters. Her new Grisha friends were interesting to read about though Geyna may have been the only one with much of a personality. I do wish that Bardugo spend some time fleshing out the secondary or even tertiary characters like Alina’s colleagues at the Little Palace: Marie, Nadia, Sergei, Ivan, David etc. 

The Darkling was a mysterious characters as I’m sure he was meant to be. His power fascinated me and his relationship with Alina did give me some conflicting feelings. He is already someone I hate to like but like to hate... Or I just don’t know how to feel. 

For all its amazingness and intricate world, Shadow and Bone did suffer from a minor case of debut noveltitis. There were some awkward scenes and dialogues, mostly between The Darkling and Alina, that I wish were done more smoothly. The Grisha terms were a little alien and hard to remember as well.

Nevertheless, Shadow and Bone has the workings of a great series. The book itself is fast-paced, interesting and well written. It is also a very quick read, clocking in at about 350 pages, and I flew through it. Fans of fantasy, Eon by Alison Goodman and good books, I think you’ve found the next best read! 

-MARI

Author: Laura Thalassa
Date of Publication: April 21,2015
Pages: 329
Series: Book 2  of The Vanishing Girl 
Source: Net Galley - Thank you!

When eighteen-year-old teleporter Ember Pierce wakes up in a Los Angeles hospital, she remembers only the basics: she’s been trained by the government as a spy, she’s sent on dangerous missions, and her last assignment—the one that landed her in the hospital—was a setup.
Caden Hawthorne has spent the past ten months of his life grieving Ember’s death. So when she shows up in his room like an apparition, he can’t believe his eyes. But this Ember is different. Her hair is longer, her skin is paler, her gaze is haunted. She tells him what he’s already begun to suspect: someone he trusted betrayed her.
Now, uncertain who is friend and who is foe, Ember and Caden face the toughest mission of their lives—to stay together and survive, as they run from danger toward an unknown future. 

GOODREADS

Review:
I read this one before exams as a stress reliever and as a method of procrastination. It definitely helped with the latter, but the former’s results are inconclusive. 

Fast paced thrillers like this are beginning to reveal themselves as my guilty pleasure reads. They are just so riveting. Like a rollercoster ride.You hold on tight because you know the accelerator isn’t being released any time soon. 

Set 10 months after the events of the previous book, Laura Thalassa wastes no time with raising the stakes. Weak, drugged and angry, Ember is set to GTFO. Excuse my language. 

I really appreciated the active planning and executing of said plans by the protagonists in this book. Ember and Caden received a real lesson in the consequences of waiting too long to react in the previous instalment. This time they were more proactive and Caden was also more involved. 

Despite having learned some lessons, one lesson that Ember and Caden seemed to have missed, again, was open communication. It is so infuriating as a reader to watch characters withhold information from each other, which then screws them over in the long run. Still, I couldn’t fault them fully for doing so, especially as honesty might not have gotten much done. I do look forward to a different method of conflict building in the next book.

Still, the story has me on the edge of my seat as Ember and Caden ran or tried to run for their lives. My heart kind of broke for them as I watched them struggle. I honestly couldn’t think of a better plan to help with their situation so I enjoyed reading them trying to execute their flawed plan and face trouble when it came at them instead of twiddling their thumbs and waiting.

Once again, Thalassa managed to build up to another striking ending. I feel sorry for Ember and Caden but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the struggle. 

-MARI

Author: Amie Kaufman , Meagan Spooner
Date of Publication: December 23, 2014
Pages: 390
Source: Library

The second installment in the epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war.

Goodreads

Review:

I’ve been sitting on this review for a while. It’s one of those times when you come out of loving a book and feel at a loss for words to express yourself. Even so, this may not be anything new but it is how I feel and it’s long overdue that this books get credit on The Sirenic Codex. 

There are loads of sci-fi reads, the genre is so huge that sometimes one can get lost trying to find something that fits their needs. Meagan Spooner and Amie Kaufman’s work in this series is quickly becoming the place I go to get my sci-fi fix. 

In This Shattered World, we are introduced to a small planet on the edge of the universe, Avon. Avon has basically failed terraforming and is left in a stalemate as a wetland. Despite it’s perceived failures the natives are fierce and loyal to their planet and it’s sovereignty. 

Enter Flynn, brother of the former rebel leader, and stone-cold cold Captain Lee. What a duo. Initially out to get each other only to end up enlightened to other side of the story because there is always another side.

In These Broken Stars, I loved the romantic history the characters had, in this one I really appreciated the familial history. While the first book was more about survival in isolation this one was about war and the effects it has on a person's sanity, family, friends and home. 

This book also built further into the universe created in This Broken Stars. Not only was it set in a different planet but the characters stories of an ancient Earth and the colonization of the human race in different planets were a fascinating addition especially with the aspect of ethnic diversity that was done very well. For instance, Flynn was of Irish ancestry while Jubilee came form an asian background. 

Overall, this was a very easy book to get engulfed in. It’s action packed, intelligent and contains two very relatable and courageous protagonists. As if those aren’t good enough on their own, Spooner and Kaufman have weaved a full story into this book, independent of the previous and forthcoming instalments. Definitely, recommended. 

-MARI

Author: Laura Thalassa
Date of Publication: January 27, 2015
Pages: 338
Source: Netgalley - Thank you!

Every night after Ember Pierce falls asleep, she disappears. She can teleport anywhere in the world—London, Paris, her crush’s bedroom—wherever her dreams lead her. Ten minutes is all she gets, and once time’s up, she returns to her bed. It's a secret she’s successfully kept for the last five years. But now someone knows.

A week after her eighteenth birthday, when frustratingly handsome Caden Hawthorne captures her, delivers her to the government, and then disappears before her eyes, Ember realizes two things: One, she is not alone. And two, people like her—teleporters—are being used as weapons.

Dragged off to a remote facility where others like her live, Ember’s forced to pair up with her former captor, Caden, to learn how to survive inside until she can escape. Only Caden’s making escape seem less and less appealing.

But even as Ember falls for the boy who got her into this mess, she knows that she is running out of time. Because the government has plans for those like her, and those plans might just cost Ember her life.

GOODREADS

Review:

This one's a book I’m surprised to say that I hadn't heard much about. I’m surprised because it has a gorgeous cover, an experienced author and a fantastic synopsis. The best part, however, was the story itself. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced action-thriller.

The Vanishing Girl is a story of teleporters. People who, with the help of genetic manipulation, have the unique ability to teleport to a random or government controlled destination for the first 10 minutes of falling asleep. Our heroine, Ember, is one of these unique few who have managed to remain out of the reach of the government. However that issue is amended soon enough.

The whole set up of how the teleporters and the Generation Project came to be was fascinating. The idea of male and female pairs was interesting; it sure did leave room for some awesome sexual tension. The project itself and the training, schooling and missions were another fascinating aspect. I do think, however that more time could’ve been spent on the development of skills via training and more missions as at some points Ember’s sudden display of skill was jarring since it seemed to have sprouted from nowhere, despite the DNA explanation.

After being captured and taken to the teleporters' facility, Ember is introduced to her pair, Caden, Blonde, beautiful and deadly, Caden is the perfect soldier; the project's best. Their interactions were kind of weak in the beginning, now that I look back, but Caden was quite likeable and they quickly grew to understand and like each other. For ever loyal soldier's bone in Caden’s body, there is a similar curious and suspicious one in Ember. Together they could find out anything, which gives me hope for the next book especially after that devastatingly evil ending. 

I would categorize this books as new adult, because there are sexual relationships and a focus on the scientific side of teleporter reproduction. I actually really enjoyed this aspect. In no way was the story centred about the characters' sexual relationships. Instead, sex was recognized as a very human thing and used to further the relationships but besides that it never really overshadowed the plot.

There were definitely holes as there often are in such books but like watching the next Taken movie, you take some things with a grain of salt and just sit back and enjoy. This book was like watching an action movie unfurl in my head. It was fast, it was kickass and scared me to death at some point but at its core it was very enjoyable. I look forward to the sequel.

-MARI

Author: Kelley Armstrong
Date of Publication: Aug 20/2013
Pages: 486
Source: Library

Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past.

Aided by her mother’s former lawyer, Gabriel Walsh, Olivia focuses on the Larsens’ last crime, the one her birth mother swears will prove their innocence. But as she and Gabriel start investigating the case, Olivia finds herself drawing on abilities that have remained hidden since her childhood, gifts that make her both a valuable addition to Cainsville and deeply vulnerable to unknown enemies. Because there are darker secrets behind her new home and powers lurking in the shadows that have their own plans for her.

GOODREADS

Review:
Omens is what I would call a beautiful mishmash of paranormal/thriller/mystery and suspense. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and for at least the first 30% of the book, I was wondering if it was supposed to paranormal or not. I think the vagueness of genre actually helped build the aspect of suspense and mystery which set up for quite an awesome read. 

Omens introduces us to the socialite main character, Olivia Taylor-Jones, Masters in Victorian Lit and fiance of Mr. Right. However, it’s not long before her perfect little world is disturbed with the news of her adoption and the identity of her biological parents, Pamela and Todd Larsen, a couple of serial killers, becoming public.

This book was fascinating to read in so many aspects. First there was Olivia coming to term with her new situation. Then it progressed to her actually getting actively involved in the situation and then came all the creepy and crazy stuff.. Who am I kidding, that stuff started quite early, it’s why the book was so fun. I say fun but I was scared mindless half the time… Note: this book probably wasn’t meant to be that scary.

The little town of Cainsville was very picturesque in my mind; I mean gargoyles! I also appreciated the slight history provided about the settlers, its development along with its inhabitants and their abilities. As per the title, our heroine could interpret omens. A poppy is a death omen and a black cat is good luck. These omens ranged from intriguing to down right sending chills up my spine, depending on the context. But all in all, a very interesting addition.

Olivia or Eden Larsen, was an enjoyable narrator. I appreciated being in her head as she was very intelligent and courageous. She can't stand to sit around and be “protected” and I respected that. She is one of those women who likes to take her life in her own hands and I’m glad to say hers were capable hands as our brooding main man finds out.

Gabriel Bowen is a successful young defence lawyer that strolls around in a Jaguar and has a special relationship with money and biker gangs. Gabriel was the misunderstood bad boy. He was big and tall and successful because he wasn't afraid of getting his hands dirty. I loved how he made mistakes in dealing with Olivia. His only interests are money and success but his partnership with her teaches him a bit about friendship and trust. I would like more than friendship and I can see the possibility in the horizon which makes me very excited as the slow and sensual ones are always the best.

The plot itself was engaging and suspenseful but I did have a little bit of an issue with the twist. To me, it popped out of nowhere. At first they were investigating something very plausible and then bam, random thing that ended up being connected. It sent me for a bit of a twirl but otherwise I did thoroughly enjoy the mystery. 

Overall, a nice mystery read with a dash of paranormal and suspense on the side. Also, for those worried about the adult rating, besides the characters' ages (24+) and a sex scene in the beginning, the only other graphic scenes are those of violence as the genre entails. Definitely recommend it to mature young adult readers.

-MARI