Reviews written by Brandi

First Comes Love is told in dual perspectives and Katie Kacvinsky totally pulled it off. Both voices were distinct and I appreciated seeing both sides of the love story, what each was thinking and both perspectives on love, sex, and problems.
I am a sucker for characters and in this character driven story, Ms. Kacvinsky nails them. When I say its a character driven story, that is not dismissing the plot. There is definite emotions, themes and actions that keep the story going.
Dylan is a character to be admired. She has such a free spirit, and she doesn't care what others think. She is always looking for adventure, and she looks at people for what is below the surface.
Gray is reclusive and dark, but we find out that there is a really good reason for it, and I love how Dylan peels back the layers, helps him heal, trust and to really live again.
I really appreciate seeing their relationship bloom. This is not an insta-love book, and their friendship and falling for each other really makes this book special.
I was pleased with the ending, though at one point, I really wasn't sure how she was going to pull it off. But things were tied up neatly, and even though I want more from Dylan and Gray, I liked the way that she left things.
This is such a sweet story tinged with lots of emotion, stuff to laugh at, and a whole new way to look at life.

This is such an emotional story, somehow perfectly blended with that summer/beach read, and it was just what I needed. Clem went through something that affected her so much, and it speaks volume towards friendship, and what happens when trust is broken. But I am sympathetic to her, and I toally wanted to root for her and Ethan in that point of view, except for I knew what she knew, and that made it so much harder. Ethan is her best friend's boyfriend. But they go so well together, and I just wish that she would've spoken up before Amanda went after him, but I guess if that happened, then we wouldn't really have a story.
And let me just say that Melissa Walker has a gift of writing chemistry and longing if she can make me understand and want it to work out when it involves cheating. It's such a hard issue, but she tackled it well, and I am glad that there's the back and forth where we see she learned from it and the ramifications. It's more than just about the boy too, its about a lost friendship.
This is also a new way where I've fallen for both boys, but its unique because its in the past and present, because James aka Red is totally awesome too. I love his humor and his understanding.
I also appreciate the ties of family, between Clem and her sister, between her and their parents. I love how her parents push but not too much, how they care without managing to suffocate. It is special to me when parents play a huge role in a book, and Melissa pulls it off well.

Retellings for me are a hit or miss, and this was a hit. I enjoyed the plot and the twist of seeing everything from a new view. Rosie had a voice and story that helped me to feel for her and care about what she's going through.
Her relationship with Rob is so new and tender and I just wanted to root for them even though I knew what was coming. They made a cute couple, and seemed to be really into each other.
It was hard for me when Juliet came onto the scene. There was so much talk about 'the fight' between their family but when the details were revealed it felt like it was barely touched on and even though we see the devastation, we don't really get to feel it because its so brief. Juliet also isn't very nice. I could forgive going after Rob at first because Rosie never really clarified and it seemed like love at first glimpse from Rob and we never really get to hear why he was so attracted. I guess that it is supposed to be assumed and established because of the real play, but it was hard for me to buy. And regardless of first impressions and the fight between the families it seems that Juliet wouldn't violate the woman code and go after another's man once she figured it out.
That said, I really enjoyed the build up and mystery of Len. I think it was one of my favorite aspects.
Charlie also raised this story up! She was funny and a great best friend.
As for the ending, I was really wondering how and if she was going to pull it off, but I think it was as well done.

I was really drawn to the premise of this story and while I liked the characters, the plot just was not for me. That said, I couldn't put it down even in the parts that seemed to drag a bit. In the more complex parts, I think it was all me because I think I just didn't get it. Probably because I've never quite understood Poe and I skipped over the discussions about the work, and it correlated with the plot.
While I think that Varen was awesome, and I appreciate that Isobel defies the popular status and genuinely wants to be a nice person, Gwen was really my favorite. I love her eagerness, bluntness and wish that she could have held a more critical part in the plot.
I was pretty lost at the end, and was kinda let down that there wasn't a complete happy ever after, but I suppose since its a first book, that is understandable.

Just when you think that nothing new can be done with vampires, Julie Kagawa decides to write about them, and boy does she write a refreshing take!
I was immediately drawn to Allie, the main character. I love her survivor instinct and how she clings to her humanity and ultimately who she is even in the darkest of circumstances. This is really what defines a strong main character. They can have all the wit in the world or the hottest guy, but if they don't stay true to themselves (this doesn't mean they don't struggle or make mistakes, by the way--in doing these things they discover more about who they are and make me ultimately like them more) then I don't really find them to be believable.
I really love the mystery surrounding Kanin and I can't wait to find out more about what makes him tick and what led him to the place he's in now. Ms. Kagawa has such a talent to keep me guessing, because for every answer we get in the book, five more questions arise.
Julie Kagawa writes with such immediacy for her characters and with the right amount of detail that it makes me feel like I am a part of the story rather than a passive passenger. I also admire the talent she has to craft these paranormal societies with such subtleties and dysfunction all at the same time. I'm amazed at how authors such as Ms. Kagawa continue to have things up their sleeve to surprise me, because she did it beautifully in The Immortal Rules with the plot twists and revelations, from Jeb's secret, to the mysterious Raider King, Kanin and the whole story with Zeke.
As I mentioned a bit earlier, the characters are crafted wonderfully in this first book of The Blood of Eden. I admired Allie's loyalty and resiliency, and Zeke's unwavering ability to see the good in others. Not only are there great characters, The Immortal Rules is packed with action and adventure. You know it's true when one line reads: "I was tired of being shot, stabbed, burned, gutted, staked and thrown out windows..." It is also a sign that you have one kick butt heroine on our hands.

This is such a creepy and delicious idea for a dystopia! The idea of renting out your body and not knowing what the renter does is so hard to imagine, and just reading the description makes you wonder why you would want to do that. We quickly see with Callie her heart and determination--she does it for her brother. The family bond there is so sweet and I love how that is woven into the story. Fighting for her only surviving family is a motivation that I can totally understand and makes her actions believable and commendable.
The idea of the Enders is kinda creepy too... not knowing who is a real teen, and if you are seeing the same person inside a body every time. I liked some of the Enders that we met, and you can understand their motivations too.
I really enjoyed the romance and how twisted the relationships really are. I hope that they are explored fully in the next books in the series because there is so much potential and I want to know what happens next.
There is a lot of action and I was constantly engaged, wondering what would happen next and what would throw me for a loop.
Essentially, I loved it and can't wait for the next. Strong characters and refreshing idea.

Ms. Dale sure knows how to write. The beginning (and really all throughout the book) she conveys such heart wrenching emotions through her characters, she also does well at the highs, and capturing the true essence of teenage emotions, from one extreme to the other then back again in a new york minute. The emotions really came alive to me with her vivid descriptions.
The jumps in narration was a little confusing for me at first, and then I totally got it, and it was a masterpiece! I love the generational struggles and how they transcend time, she did a really good job with that.
I also had a hard time getting a grasp on Rosie at first, one minute strong and standing up for herself and then the next doing things that seem extreme like being all over a random guy, but I guess that grief, especially raw and fresh grief will do that to you. All in all, I think that her character ressonated with me more than Holly's because she came across as selfish. I tried to remind myself all she faced and the fact that she is just a teenager, but I never really could bring myself to like her much until the end.
This was a hard book to read in that I have no clue what I would do if I were in Rosie or Holly's shoes (or even Kitty at first for that matter.) With the Huntington's hold and the cycle of choices and possibilities, and then the whole family situation to deal with--on top of Holly's other secret, I just can't imagine.
I really liked the adults in this book--Trudie was so strong, and through Nana we can see she had such a positive attitude even in the face of such a horrible disease, and Nana herself is awesome--she reminds me of my own grandma in some ways and that is high praise. Jack is so strong and such a great dad. I can't say alot more without spoilers.
Review from Blkosiner's Book Blog

I was quickly reminded how much I love the characters, Destefano's writing style, and the chilling world that she has created. I've been eagerly awaiting this book, and it didn't disappoint, and I am just as on the edge of my seat for the 3rd one as I was for this one.
If anyone thought that Rhine's freedom would be easy, they will be deeply disappointed. But I loved following their journey, even during the hard parts, because I love Rhine's undying spirit, her loyalty to finding her brother, and how much she is a fighter.
It was emotional as she realized how much she really missed her sister wives, and even how Linden stayed in her heart. Her feelings for Gabriel are still there, but they still really don't get a chance to bloom because of all of their difficulties. I think, like Rhine, I really appreciate the freedom of choice here--I don't think they are in love, but I'm glad they're able to support each other, see if love blooms. I think that her feelings for Linden grew more than she wanted to admit, and I kinda wish that her and Linden had a chance to figure it out without the weird love triangle (was square I guess with Jenna, and I don't even know what you call it if you figure in Rose...) but I also don't want Cecily to be abandoned. So, if I as the reader can't figure it out and see the obvious answer, then I can only imagine the turmoil in Rhine, and that it really must be easier to try to forget/ignore the feelings for Linden. And that is not even factoring in Silas--but I can't really get too much a read on their dynamic. I def liked his character, and hope to see him again.
Destefano really knows how to torture her characters, and its hard to read, but it is awesome how they grow and change. As well as what their suffering and trials make me feel. I have no idea what is next for them, but I am dying to find out.
What did you think of the book/series, and what do you think about the love [insert shape here]?

Crossed was more action packed than Matched, although it started out a bit slow to me. I think this is mostly because it's been such seemingly long time since I've read Matched. I should've re-read or at least looked up some spoilers. But even with that, I remembered the characters and the main gist of the story.
Once I was back into Cassia's head, and the flow of the story, I didn't want to put it down. I just had to know what would happen next, and what trials she'd face next. Another thing that I liked about Crossed is that we get more into the head of Ky. He is still a pretty big mystery to me, because even though we were in his thoughts, they still seemed veiled or guarded. I did learn a lot more about him though, and I think that it helped the pacing to have him in the story.
Quite a few things surprised me in the story... how much I was able to care about some of the secondary characters that were new to the story for one. Xander also surprised me... I can't really say why, but he did something in the story and then something about his character from previous book that I didn't know and never would've guessed.
This is a great second book, and I can't wait for the conclusion!

The Pace Series is one that since I discovered it, the next installment is always on my anxiously waiting for list. The Iron Quill, like it's predecessors did not disappoint. The characters, the writing, and the pacing are right in line with what I expected, and the ending left me with that longing and expectation for the next chapter in their story.
There was no time wasted getting right into the plot and it was like I didn't miss a beat. It was like picking up with old friends, a comfort level, and a sense of completeness. That isn't to say that it started with Sophie and Wes in an easy place--that seems next to impossible with their situation, and their history, but I was glad to be back in their lives nonetheless.
There are old characters that we're used to, and a new and intriguing character that we get inside his head. He's a great addition, and I love how he's introduced and then how he impacts the story.
Ms. Shorts gives the right information at the right time, and kept me breathless on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out. She writes with an obvious passion, and I really appreciate how she can flesh out what the characters are feeling and thinking, putting me right into their shoes. She isn't afraid to blow up the character's worlds though, and no matter how hard it is to read, this really is a feat of a writer. Especially when I see no way to really reconcile it all, but have faith that somehow she will get them to the end!
This is a wonderful series, a great installment, and I can't wait until more from Sophie and Wes.

Red Heart Tattoo is a new addition to Lurlene McDaniel's masterpieces. I've always loved her writing style, and the way that she has an eye for grief and hard issues. She addresses them head-on and with characters that I can't help but care about. This book is no different.
At first it is a bit confusing because there are several rotating point of views, but I quickly got a handle on the personality and voices, and found myself caring, despising, cringing, and rooting for the different characters. It may seem that it's hard to encapsule a voice and several lives in so few pages, but I think she did a superb job.
Morgan is probably my favorite character, and the one that I connected with the most. It surprised me a bit because I have never been that popular, but she had a personality that I couldn't help but like.
Roth was also a very developed character, and more like someone that I would have been found hanging out with in school. I liked the different layers that were peeled back and how I got to know and care for his character.
The pace never lets up and Red Heart Tattoo kept me flipping until I reached the satisfying conclusion.

Ms. Dolamore writes a captivating novel, with characters that match the stunning cover. I enjoyed this book and the world she created. I've read about mermaids and sirens before, but I think that she had a unique take on them. I was intrigued by the Fandarsee, the winged people in the novel, since I've never read about anything quite like them.
The focus of the story is our main character Esmerine trying to find her sister Dosinia, and I love how it shows love and devotion to family. Many stories have gravitated toward the romantic tendencies, and I enjoy more and more the familial connections when I see them like they're featured in this book.
Not to discount the love story that exists within Between the Sea and Sky, because it is sweet, and I had fun seeing how it unfolded. Alandare is quite an intriguing character, and I enjoyed learning more about him and what makes him tick. It was hard until near the end to really get a good handle on him, and that's a good thing, he kept me in mystery and suspense.
I loved being in Esmerine's head and could really understand her struggles and where she was coming from. Her pain, her joy and her emotions were clear and it was easy to get in her head. I wasn't sure exactly what she would choose at each turn, and Ms. Dolamore made her conflict real and challenging--she didn't get anything without a price.
I hope there's more to this world, and I'd love to get my hands on it.

I really enjoyed the dynamic characters of The Next Door Boys, this is a true to life, dealing with hard issues type of book that I gravitate towards, and Ms. Perry did a good job writing it with genuine emotion, and characters I wanted to care about.
The Next Door boys is a Mormon book, and some of the elements are kind of strong, but they did not turn me off. I don't know if that is because I am a Christian (non-denominational) or because I've read books about Mormons before (Taken by Storm by Morrison). It just seemed to be an extension of the character, and not preachy. That said, there were a few things that I didn't quite understand, but it didn't distract from the main plot or anything.
This is not just another cancer book though, it is Leigh's story of healing and growing, and yes, there is romance involved. It's also got a strong theme about the love and support of family and friends, and I really enjoyed that a brother got to shine like Jaron did in this book. I appreciated how close they were and it made me a little jealous that I'm an only child and never got to experience that bond.
The romance, well the main one, and the one that I rooted for, is awesome. It's not a love at first sight, it is a true friendship that gets to bloom, and I just love it. There is a love triangle, and I think that it has a more complete resolution than I've read in a long time.
If you like contemporary, then I suggest you give this one a try!

Once I read the description, I knew that I had to read this, and My Life Undecided did not disappoint. It is such a neat and original premise, and Ms. Brody executes it amazingly.
It actually started out with a much more serious problem than I anticipated, but the main character, Brooks had a voice that kept me entertained, and managed to keep it lighthearted.
The characters were great, and it was fun to watch Brooks learn from her blog readers' input and how she grew into making her own decisions. Her best friend turned frenemy was well written and she really fit into her role. Her crushes, Brian and Hunter were completely different and desirable in their own ways. Another secondary character, Ms. Moody was great. I love how elderly have been featured in a few YA books recently, they have so much to offer, and I love old people.
It was fun to watch everything play out, try to figure out what the readers would pick for her, and how she reacts to her new experiences and choices she otherwise wouldn't have made.
This is a spectacular contemporary, with lots of laughs and some tender serious moments sprinkled in.

Once I started reading The Pledge, I couldn't stop! I didn't think that I would like this book as much as I did, because something about the description of the language barrier in the blurb didn't connect with me, but once I started reading Charlie's story, I fell in love with her character and had to know more.
Derting is a master of characters, I was suspicious yet charmed by Max, fiercely wanting to protect Angelina, and not only that, she is great at giving only the information you need in that moment, and not a smidge more to keep me asking questions, being surprised, and needing to know more.
The world building and the pacing was great, and this makes me think that I have really missed something by not reading The Body Finder.
There were so many things that I wasn't expecting that effected the storyline and it's a pleasant surprised to be completely blindsided by things like that when I can sometimes sniff a dystopia "twist" a mile away.
If you like fantasy or dystopias, then I recommend to give The Pledge a chance, you might fall in love like I did.