The Pilot, The Poet, The Physic

Throughout their journey, Cassia and Ky have been lost, found, and lost again. Now, Ky is a pilot who brings in cargo for The Pilot in charge of the Rising. Each day he desperately tries to get closer to Cassia, but it seems, for now, they are lost. Cassia is part of the Rising, but hidden within the Society's hold. She continues to trade artifacts (old poems, pills) for information regarding this new wave of change, while still staying in her sorting role. But she also longs to be reunited with her family, and with Ky. Xander is a medic for the Officials in the Society. Each day he gives newborns the cure for the plague and the red tablets, without the other medics knowing this is his plan. He vows to save those who are sick, although a part of him always thinks of Cassia. Would she have picked him if she had stayed?

The three are introduced to The Pilot leading the Rising, and a new wave of government can begin. However, people are getting sick. There is a new plague that no one knows how to cure. Hundreds are going still each day, and a number of those are dying. Just when hope seems lost, The Pilot recruits the three to help establish a cure in a village outside the Society's walls. The Pilot vows to return when they have a cure, so they may administer it to other villages. Is it possible that a cure can come from here? If it does, how many is The Rising willing to lose to prove they are the government to be trusted?

Reached by Ally Condie is the final in the Matched trilogy. Although Crossed was a little let down, Reached pulled the series back up and made me want to stand up and cheer. Condie's writing is so increidble that I found myself book marking multiple pages. The writing stuck with me, and it seemed so effortless. Truly remarkable how Condie has written three books, all of which have the same writing affect.
I liked Reached much more than Crossed(the second in the trilogy) because I felt there was more to it. We did a lot of traveling, lots of things were changing, but it just felt so long. I think it helped that Condie added Xander's point of view to this book. Giving Ky a voice was great, but I always loved Xander because you knew from the beginning there was something different about him. There is something he is hiding. In my opinion, Xander is the strongest of the three. He knows he has pretty much lost the fight for Cassia's heart, but there is a part of him that holds out hope. But, he is driven to other things. Watching him cure people, and seeing his effort makes readers realize he is more than a love sick puppy. He cares for Cassia, but he also cares for Ky. He doesn't hold jealousy, but rather sadness and longing for something more. And honestly, I would have chosen him. :)

Reached shows how one form of corrupt government can be taken over, but perhaps this new wave may not be the answer either. The emphasis on the disease and how much information The Pilot is withholding begins to confuse readers as well. Who can we trust? What are the secrets being kept, and which way should we go?
I labeled the book as "mature audience" simply because younger students may not grasp the concept of the government control; which is the same case with books like, The Hunger Games. The purpose that drives the book is not knowing who can be trusted. The three characters trust each other, and now must reach their own discovery on who is their "Pilot" and who should be followed. I feel this is a real complicated issue, and at times it does make you reconsider how much trust you hold in your government. What are they really keeping from you?
Although it took me a while to get through, lack of time on my part, it was well worth it and a definite great ending to the trilogy. Although we have not "reached" an outcome for the continuing government at the end of the novel, we can assume things will be better. Because they have to.

There is something extraordinary about the first time falling. But it feels even better to find myself standing on solid ground, with someone holding on to me, pulling me back, and know that I'm doing the same for her. ~Condie

Hush Hush, the much anticipated end?

Nora and her fallen angel boyfriend, Patch have survived. After killing the leader of the Nephilim army, her step father, Nora becomes their leader. Although many do not agree with this take over, it is what the Black Hand wished. In order to keep their alliance a secret, Nora and Patch stage a pretend fight to end their relationship. With the help of Dante, the Black Hand's second in command, Nora begins to slowly gain the allegiance of her people. As the anticipation of the battle between the Nephilim and the fallen angels begins, Nora needs to decide what is more important: having power, or Patch. The two are confronted with many differences between their kind, and it is up to them to determine if this defines their path.

I am going to be honest here. I did not completely read this novel. Before you call me a fraud, let me explain:
Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick was a most anticipated end to the saga. After reading Hush Hush, readers are sucked into this world of fallen angels, love, and passion. Once you continue reading, you wonder if there was anything special about it to begin with. Then there's this book. I was most disappointed with the 3rd: Silence. It was meant to be the final book, but because the author clearly needed a whole other book to end her deeply developed story, it turned out to be a tease. Silence was nothing special at all. I found myself bored and disappointed, especially because the main character, Nora, seems to get more intolerable as the series continues.
I decided I would read the final book. When you come so far, you think to yourself: Self, let's just finish this off. This was, quite literally, the conversation I had with myself on this novel. Picking this book up and starting it was easy because I anticipated a shallow, easy to follow plot. However the more I read, the more I became quite aggravated. The way the author goes about describing characters, setting, plot was so trite. I felt as though she gave up halfway through writing this series.

Hush Hush was one of those books I fell in love with because it was great all around. The plot and theme were new, the ideas were interesting, and it really felt like I wouldn't be let down for the rest of the journey. I was wrong. Her writing was slapdash, her ideas were boring, and the main character could not pay me to get involved in the story. EVEN THE TITLE IS LAZY! It was a mess. So halfway through, I began to skim. I skimmed all the way through the end of the book.
I got to the resolution and, honestly, started laughing. Not only does everything end fairly quickly with no big finish, but the epilogue focuses on the marriage of Nora's best friend, Vee, who can only be described as horny, overweight, and occasionally a great friend to have. Maybe there's more depth to her, but I couldn't really see it. As for Patch, he turned from sexy and mysterious, to Edward. What does he even see in Nora?!
The only thing I really got out of this novel was the fact that Fitzpatrick tried to be the new Stephanie Meyer without bringing in vampires and werewolves. Instead it's fallen angels. Basically the same story. I haven't even read Twilight, but I can imagine it follows the same plot.

So no, I did not officially read this book cover to cover, but I read enough to know it was a disappointment. If you need a series to pick up, this is not the one. Unfortunately, this series ends with the first book. And it makes me sad because I really did like the first one. I just feel the author got lazy and hitched her writing on the coat tails of other ideas. In this case, it didn't work for me. When you start to feel sorry for the author because you think "THIS is the best you came up with?" it's officially time to close the book and move on. Trust me, I don't do that often. It's safe to say this one did not hit any type of mark in my book. We can only hope if Fitzpatrick decides to write another novel that it doesn't relate to this one. At all. Please.

This Place is the Thing Behind Madness. There is Nothing Good Here

Cas is still heartbroken after losing Anna 6th months ago. She sacrificed herself and was dragged to hell by the Obeahman, the same monster who killed his father. Now, Anna is in his nightmares being tortured and begging Cas to free her. He is convinced that Anna is in a hell she does not deserve, and he needs to go after her.

His best friend, Thomas, understands, but he knows it will not be an easy task. Thomas's grandfather, Cas's' mother, and even their friend, Carmel, know this is a fight not easily won. Everyone says to leave the dead alone; she was a murderer, so she belongs in hell. But Cas won't let the girl he loves rot in a hell designed by the Obeahman. Determined to set things right, Cas and Thomas begin researching ways to get to Anna, and how to bring her back.
A packet from Gideon, his father and mother's close friend, may prove to serve up more secrets and bring about new enemies. Armed and ready to avenge Anna's noble death, Cas will stop at nothing to bring her out and into a world she belongs. Even if it means his death.
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake is an amazing read! I specifically kept it until October so it would be the perfect Halloween book, and it did not let me down. Just like Anna Dressed in Blood, the writing is so ridiculously good. A few times I had to look at the back cover just to be sure the author was a woman because she does such a great job with Cas's voice. All the characters are likeable and able to relate to in some way. The description is incredible. I absolutely fell in love with these two books! I don't know if there will be a third because of the ending, but I sure hope Blake writes more in the future.
I think at least somewhere down the line there should be a movie made. I could see a Zac Efron playing Cas...not just because of the age, but because I feel like he could do dark, mysterious, and oh so hot. Me thinking of Zac Efron is hot when he is practically my younger brother's age is disgusting, by the way. *Side note: technically he's only two years younger than I am...so I can feel okay oogling him. :p*
But read this book and tell me you don't see a great male lead who is a loner and completely gorgeous?
Read these books. End of story. You want an intense spooky ride with great writing: read these!

True Love's Kiss May Prove Deadly...

Mira's sixteenth birthday is approaching, but the only thing she wants is to find out what happened to her parents. Her god parents are so wonderful, but Mira has so many questions about her parents' passing, the old town they were from, and why she has this strange birth mark shaped like a spinning wheel on her back.
A few days before the big day, Mira leaves home in search for Beau Rivage, the town she was born in. She stumbles into a casino, called The Dream, where she first encounters Blue and Freddie. Freddie is stunningly handsome, but seems too chivalrous for a boy in today's age. Blue is just a jerk. He continues to insult her and tells her to stay far away from the casino and his brother, Felix. But when Mira meets Felix, she can't imagine why. He's the perfect gentleman, and he seems interested to help her with her quest.
The more Mira stays in Beau Rivage, the more strange things begin to happen. She meets Viv, who keeps talking about choking on apples and falling asleep for years, Layla, who is very beautiful and intelligent, but it appears she has a tie to Rafe who is beastly and rude, and the more Mira speaks to Freddie, the more she realizes he may be a modern day prince charming. These people have secrets, and they aren't always quick to share. It seems so familiar, yet Mira is completely baffled. It isn't until she discovers that these people all have marks on their backs similar to hers that she sees there is something different about this town. Everyone is cursed, like in the fairy tales. Some people are heroes, some are waiting to be rescued, and some have an evil inside to them no one can quite figure out. Mira needs to figure out her curse and her trigger before it is too late. And the more Blue says to stay away from Felix, the more Mira is pulled to him. But there is definitely something off about these two, and it isn't your typical fairy tale.

Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross was a modern take on today's fairy tales. She doesn't only focus on Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella, Cross goes in and uproots tales from the Grimm brothers and tales not typically seen in Disney movies. I really liked how the book was in 3rd person instead of 1st. It makes a difference because in certain instances she was able to get different characters involved as well. Plus, towards the beginning Mira is completely annoying and bratty, so it was nice to not feel completely connected to her the entire book.
What really intrigued me was the idea of new fairy tales. Half the ones mentioned I had no recollection of. It was really interesting how Cross managed to put in more gruesome fairy tales, while still keeping to the wholesome view of these stories.
The whole book was a typical high school summer vaca party. It was very trite at times, but the whole aspect of these fairy tales being such a huge part of these kids' lives was interesting. Plus it was really neat to see what characters were the damned, the white knights, and the distressed. She did a great job characterizing these three main roles per tale.
Some parts of the novel I felt were rushed, left unsaid, or very predictable, but the book was very good. Like I said, the best part was the fairy tales and how she managed to make them all fit together in this mixed up town. Really neat. Plus, her writing is quite good. So the characters didn't really pull me, but the story did. Worth a look if you enjoy retellings of old fairy tales.

Cupcakes and Hockey...I'm game

Hudson is the cupcake queen of her small town. Her dreams of becoming a figure skater were short lived after her parents divorced, and since that day she hasn't made any mention of it. Hudson bakes cupcakes for the diner, and she hopes that one day she could get out of this small town in Buffalo.

One day she receives a letter about a figure skating invitational that could win her scholarship money for college. A college away from Watonka. Around the same time, the Watonka hockey team asks for her help with technique in exchange for ice time. How can she resist the hockey boys? Now she's determined to not let anything come between her and her dream again.

But between baking and waitressing at the diner, a possible love triangle, and training, Hudson discovers she may be stretching herself too thin. And maybe her future isn't so certain after all...

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler was a very cutesy, girly, read. Each chapter begins with cupcake recipes, which was yummy and great because I love baking and am constantly looking for new ideas. Did it have anymore depth than a simple teen drama, no. The main character was a typical girl with a dilemma and a desperate desire to leave her small town for better things. It was really simple, had nothing to it, but was very cute and sweet at the same time.
It was predictable, but a nice fluff read. I mean who doesn't like cupcakes and hockey boys?
Don't expect too much out of it, but it's worth a chance if you're looking for a quick read.

I Wasn't A Project. I Wasn't An Experiment. I Wasn't A Blasted Butterfly

Imagine being born into a world where everyone knows you, and you're constantly reminded of how unwelcome you are. Ana is a "no soul", someone who was not reincarnated. In her world everyone has lived thousands of lives because once they die, they are reincarnated. Different body, same soul. The day Ana was born, Ciana died for good. Devastated, the community wasn't sure how to react, but from what she's heard, Ana knows she's disliked.

After living with her mother for eighteen years, Ana journeys out on her own to the city of Heart in order to find some answers. On the way, she encounters spyths(ghost like creatures that can burn and kill), and many near death experiences, but she also finds Sam. There is as softness about him, and the more the two travel together the more she discovers about him. Although Sam defends her, there are still people inside and outside of Heart that do not welcome Ana's presence. As the weeks go on, she desperately searches for answers of her past and future. When an old friend comes back into the picture, it threatens to take away all she's worked for, and the new love she's found.

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows was a very interesting read. I had it on my shelfari shelf for a few months, and finally managed to get to reading it. What struck me was the subject because it was very different. As I was reading the first chapter, I found myself being bored and confused, but with these books I tend to stick it out. I am glad I did.
It is difficult to understand Ana's dilemma because it is so unnatural. She is truly alone; the only person in her world that is a new soul. The terrible abuse her mother put her through leaves Ana with not choice but to trust no one. Readers can tell immediately that her spirit is fragile. Even when Sam shows her nothing but kindness, Ana's first instinct is to run.
This book has a great deal of self-discovery moments, and the tension between Ana and Sam is incredible. I fell in love with the concept, plus the idea of music being part of a person's soul is very easy to relate to. You as a reader are always skeptical of the surroundings because Ana is, but Sam is always the sure thing. Everyone needs a friend like Sam :)
Such a cool story. Definitely a change from the recent subjects, but worth a look.

Her Return From The Underworld Marks the Beginning of Spring...

Nikki Beckett's life took a rough turn. Then she vanished; sucked into the world of Everneath; a place filled with immortals who feed on human despair and pain. But now she's returned to her old life, only to be reminded her time on earth is a short one.

She has six month before the Everneath claims her once again, this time forever. She uses this time to reconnect and say her formal goodbyes to her family, friends, and old boyfriend. Her love for Jack was what brought her back, and now she must come to terms with the fact that this time she will lose him, forever. Cole, the immortal who brought her to the Everneath, is desperately trying to convince Nikki to return with him to rule the underworld. Nikki's strong will continues to fend him off, but once time gets closer for her return, will it be her only option?

Everneath by Brodi Ashton is a bittersweet retelling of the Persephone myth. I really enjoyed how Ashton managed to weave mythology into the novel. It is, of course, modern, so it is a little flaky and lame at times, but the fact that Ashton incorporated a really neat myth into a teen read is awesome.
Nikki really does come of age because of her return. Her reasoning for entering Everneath was very impulsive, and there were points in the novel where I didn't feel sorry for her because of it. However, Jack still cares for her. His feeling, his emotions, and his genuine love for her is so apparent. I felt sorry for Nikki simply because of him. Don't get me wrong, Nikki is a good main character and readers do feel her pain and her longing, but there are times when you will question your feelings simply because she is a seventeen year old girl who acts impulsively.
Cole is a great character. I liked how conniving he was, yet, you could tell his "heart"  belongs to Nikki. He and her had great banter, and he always tended to show up unexpectedly and unannounced. He feeds on despair and pain, but he also can make people feel his emotions. Anger, sadness, love. It was really incredible. Plus, who doesn't love a good bad guy; especially one who is a rock star?

The novel is definitely worth a read. I wouldn't go in expecting a classic, but a modern take on an old myth is quite refreshing. It will be the first of a trilogy, so this forces readers to wonder what else Ashton has in store for this Everneath world.