REVIEW: Umberland by Wendy Spinale - Paige

Disclaimer: None, I got this on my own accord!

Rating: 

Genre: YA Fantasy/Dystopian/Steampunk

Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, murder, slight gore, sexual references, drug references)

Pages: 275

Amazon Link

Author Website

Synopsis: 

Gwen, Pete, and the others have escaped from Everland. Except the safe haven they hoped to find at Alnwick Castle doesn’t exist. With the Queen of England on her deathbed, Duchess Alyssa has stepped in, but things have gotten worse as the cure Doc created for the Horologia virus has mutated into something even more deadly. The only possible solution he can think of is to go back to the virus’s origin: an extinct poisonous apple.

Legend has it, though, that a tree bearing the apple might be found at the center of an impossible labyrinth hidden deep within Germany. A place no one in their right mind enters. With no other options, Alyssa sets out with only her sword, her wits, and the help of Maddox Hadder, a wild boy who oversees the castle gardens. To get to the center of the maze, she’ll be forced to battle monsters more terrifying than her darkest nightmares.

But can anyone truly survive the madness of the maze? And what if there’s no apple to be found there?

I adored the first book in this series and seeing as how Alice in Wonderland is one of my faves I decided to give this book a try. For the most part is was okay. The steampunk elements were still there, the plot was okay, and for the most part this was a pretty good book.

However, there were a lot of issues with this book.  For starters, let’s just say that if you’re going to read this book make sure to read the first one right before. The book begins immediately with no backstory information/helpful hints for the reader who might have not read the last book in a bit. The characters are flat and boring, the world building is super confusing and too much of a reach for what this book needed, the continuation from the first book felt super forced, and the plot was awful. I don’t understand what happened between book 1 and book 2, but there’s a stark contrast between the two. I don’t understand what makes it possible for any of the events that happen in book 2 to happen in book 2 and I like how the author tried to cram everything Alice in Wonderland into this book. Retellings are supposed to borrow things from their originals, not take everything and recreate it. No one complained when the shoes were turned from silver to ruby and no one complained when Belle became an inventor. Some of my favorite retellings are those that have just some elements from the originals, not everything in it. This book needed a complete overhaul to be as good as the first book, but I wonder if there ever should have been a continuation at all.

Verdict: Don’t fix it if it’s not broken.

REVIEW: The Diabolic by S. J. Kincaid - Paige

Rating: 

Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Dystopian

Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, death, mentions of rape)

Pages: 416

Author Website

Amazon Link

Summary: 

A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for. 

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.

As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire.

I picked this book up for the butterfly on the cover if I’m going to be completely honest. Which I always am with you guys. You’re probably the only ones I don’t hide anything from. Feel special? Now what if I told you that there was someone out there that was basically made for you, made to protect to you forever and always, and even after your death they would avenge you? Don’t you feel really special now? Well that’s the actual job of a Diabolic. They protect the one they’re bonded to forever and always… and that’s the problem our protagonist faces. This book is amazing to say the least. The character development is fantastic. Even though we are looking through the eyes of the protagonist, we are accurately given descriptions and motives to all of the characters. The storyline and plot are well done as well. The story is a lot of political intrigue and motive, but the action in the book keeps the story moving well. The world building is also well done. While we’re in a very different world than the one we live in, never did I feel confused or frustrated while reading the book.

The only issue I could find with this book is that the pacing is a little fast for me, but by the end I thought the pacing perfectly matched the tone of the book. However, it might not be for everyone.

Verdict: If you’re a sci-fi lover or a newbie to the genre, I highly suggest this book. You won’t regret reading it.

Edit: I FORGOT TO INCLUDE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BOOK IN MY OTHER REVIEWS! The author did an amazing job at including diversity in this book and I believe some of the important side characters were meant to be non-white. I applaud the author for her excellent use of diversity in this book.

REVIEW: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young - Paige

Disclaimer: I received a free e-arc copy of this book from NetGalley. Thanks! I also went and bought my own copy of the book to finish off my reading of it.

Rating: 

Genre: YA Fantasy

Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual references, trigger warning for sexual assault, violence, gore, and religion/religious dispute)

Pages: 352

Amazon Link

Author Website

Synopsis: 

OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.

Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient, rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield―her brother, fighting with the enemy―the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.

She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

Okay, can I just say something crazy?! VIKINGS! I absolutely loved this book! It was so unique in so many aspects. Eelyn’s identity wasn’t partially tied into her romance with another character, the romance didn’t come into play until the end of the book, all of the characters had amazing character growth, and they were just very relatable and real. The writing was absolutely fantastic and this author has become an insta-purchase for me. I also want to praise the book for talking about religious acceptance. I talked about this in my rave video on the book on my YouTube channel, but to summarize: throughout the book the reader is told about these two different, but similar, religions that the Aska and the Riki have and cherish. But in the process of the story the reader comes to see that maybe while they worship different Gods they’re not as different as they appear to be. In my opinion, one of the main problems in today’s world is the lack of respect of other people’s religions. While I’m not a religious person I respect and try to be mindful of other’s religious preferences and beliefs. I liked how the book showed the character’s progression and acceptance of the other group despite their religious difference. The main character’s progression from absolute hatred for the Riki to accepting and being open minded about their beliefs, even though she didn’t sacrifice her own, was absolutely inspiring for me.

The only thing I felt needed a little more progression in the book was the world building. I feel that there was more to this world than what we had at the end of the novel, but for what we got it was well done. The book as a whole was extremely well done and I’d definitely buy a whole series of Eelyn and Myra’s adventures as… wait for it… VIKINGS!!!!!

Verdict: Break out your battle axe and grab this book today!

REVIEW: What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera - Erin

What If It's Us

by Becky Albertalli  and Adam Silvera

Hardcover, 448 pages

Expected publication: October 9th 2018 by HarperTeen

ISBN13: 9780062795250

ARC From Publisher

About:

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is? (Goodreads) 

Rating: 

Review:

I loved this book so much! Such a perfectly done diverse Gay romance! Full of love and heart ache and cuteness! A perfect mix of Adam’s and Becky’s writing (yes I have read both of their work before, and this is now my favorite!). You can definitely tell who wrote what, especially that ending!!!!  I laughed at so many parts I’m sure the people sitting near me thought I was crazy.  I don’t know what else to say without spoiling anything. My work friend was the one who got me into hunting an ARC of this book down and we both love it so much! We’ve passed it on to a few of our library friends and all of them loved it too.  The cover is not necessarily my favorite, but really it’s what’s on the inside that counts. There are sexual situations in this book that younger teens might not be ready for, but for those ready…. Get this book as soon as it comes out and read it!!!

P.S.

This Book Is From The Author That Brought You

 And So Many Other Great Reads.

And The Author That Brought You

   And Many More Great Books Too! 

Both Of Them Are Amazingly Awesome! Checkout All Of Their Works! You Won't Regret It! 

P.P.S.
I met Adam at a YA Conference in October. Check out my YA Conference posts to see his autograph and read what he had to say at the conference! 

*To see more of Erin's reviews please click her signature to go to her blog

REVIEW: Royals by Rachel Hawkins - Erin

Royals (Royals #1)

by Rachel Hawkins

Hardcover, 296 pages

Published May 1st 2018 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9781524738235

Library

About:

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her to join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself. (Goodreads)

Rating: 

Review:

A perfect read for those still in the Royal Wedding mood, or those looking for a cute summer contemporary read. While it wasn’t the most original story in the world, Rachel Hawkins still managed to create something that was clever and funny. I love our main character Daisy. Her adventures in Scotland and all the trouble that comes along with them are awesome! The setting of the story (Scotland) is wonderfully brought to life. Descriptions might not be perfect to true life, but they fit with the story.  There’s a bit of a message in the story about how what is in the media is not always the truth and how it can affect lives. There’s some romance of course.  I really enjoyed this book and it’s characters and I can’t wait for the next one in the series. Will we get to see more Daisy and Miles in book 2? Or will in focus on another part of the royal families? Either way I’ll be picking it up!

*To see more of Erin's reviews please click her signature to go to her blog

REVIEW: The White Rose by Amy Ewing - Valeria

Rate:

3/5

Goodreads Description:

Violet is on the run. After the Duchess of the Lake catches Violet with Ash, the hired companion at the Palace of the Lake, Violet has no choice but to escape the Jewel or face certain death. So along with Ash and her best friend, Raven, Violet runs away from her unbearable life of servitude.

But no one said leaving the Jewel would be easy. As they make their way through the circles of the Lone City, Regimentals track their every move, and the trio barely manages to make it out unscathed and into the safe haven they were promised—a mysterious house in the Farm.

But there’s a rebellion brewing, and Violet has found herself in the middle of it. Alongside a new ally, Violet discovers her Auguries are much more powerful than she ever imagined. But is she strong enough to rise up against the Jewel and everything she has ever known?

The White Rose is a raw, captivating sequel to The Jewel that fans won’t be able to put down until the final shocking moments.

Review: 

Okay I loved the first book beyond reason it is one of the first books that I started to read that made me want to continue to read as much as I do now 

So when I found out that the first book would have a series I was like oh hell no ! Now I HAVE TO WAIT!?

And so I did! Then the White Rose came out and I FINALLY GOT THE BOOK AND READ IT ANDDDD

Boy was I dissapointed. It just kinda lulled on for the first 2/3rds of the book and I was getting so freaking fed up with Violet being so freaking annoying about Raven.

Yes she is your bestest friend.

Yes she means the world to you

But it went to these certain lengths that were just... well weird for me.

Maybe I am dead on the inside and would act the way she did, freaking the fudge out every second of the day for Raven but they... THAT

Then there is Ash, to be honest there is something about Ash that irritates me to no end. 

I dont trust him. I dont know if it is just me but I just get so annoyed with every Ash scene! And he could be considered cute in some scenes but I simply don't.

Towards the end of the book, stuff started to pick up a bit and made the book redeemable and made it possible for me to finish it, considering that shit is starting to hit the fan, it makes for things to get more exciting in the books.

Recommend it?

If you read the first book,... just know this one isnt as great as the first one.

Blog Tour: Like Never and Always by Ann Aquirre + Interview

Title: Like Never and Always

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Thriller Paranormal?

Author: Ann Aguirre

Publisher: TorTeen

Publication: July 17th 2018

Cover Rating: 3/5

Reading format: Provided ARC

Favorites Shelf: Yes

Goodreads | Amazon

Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre is a book about a girl, two girls technically. These girls were best friends. These girls were in a car accident where one of them dies but when the other wakes up the dead friend's consciousness is in the living girls body. It is a crazy book with a lot of mysteries that are unraveled. Deadly mysteries.

Liv wakes up in the hospital after being in a pretty bad car crash with some friends. But when Liv opens her eyes she notices something very weird. Instead of her parents and boyfriend being in her room waiting, she finds her best friend, Morgan’s, father and boyfriend waiting. This leaves a lot of confusion and liv has to wonder if her face got so messed up in the crash that there was a mix-up. Then... Liv is told that she actually died in the car accident and when she is given a mirror she realized that she is, in fact, in her best friends body. 

Best friend is alive? Check
Your body is dead? Check
Your consciousness is somehow still alive in your best friends body? Check
Don’t know how to tell anyone without being committed to a mental hospital? Check
Falling in love while in your best friends body? Check
The author not knowing how a shellfish allergy works? Check

So after Liv leaves the hospital she has to pretty much live Morgans life and that isn’t exactly as easy as she thought it would be. Morgan might be a spoiled little rich girl but her problems in life go pretty deep for a girl her age. A lot of issues come up and it’s up to Liz to figure everything out. And things get pretty messy.

The subject matter alone for this book is not entirely unique. I actually think there is another book being published very soon that has a very similar premise. But the authors writing is what really makes this book stand out. Ann Aquirre has this way of making you truly care and feel for her characters. And not just the main characters. I tested up a little bit knowing how much Nathan, Livs boyfriend, was responding to her death. Well... until I found out how much of a scumbag he was. But that’s another story. The author sucks you in and can turn even the most used up storylines into something you would still want to read.

By the time we get to the end of this book, we have been taken on so many wild rides that it is hard not to feel a little bit of whiplash. Or maybe that’s from all the car accidents. Who knows! Either way, this book was fun and dangerous and had some really interesting characters. And aside from that one little rant, I went on about allergies on Goodreads, I really enjoyed reading Liv and Morgans story.

Overall, I gave the book 4/5 stars.

1) What was the hardest part of Like Never and Always to write?
I don’t want to give specifics because that would involve spoilers, but there are some dark aspects to the story, and writing abuse of any type is always intense and difficult.

2) How do you personally feel about the Mystery/Thriller genre?
I love both mysteries and thrillers. At one point, I was completely obsessed with Agatha Christie. I’ve never tried to write mysteries, but I’ll definitely be writing more thrillers, for the YA and adult markets alike.

3) Out of all of the amazing books you have written, which one is your personal favorite?
I’m an equal opportunity writer. Whatever book I’m currently writing, that’s the one I love (and hate) the most. Anything I’ve finished becomes part of my body of work, and I’m proud of it, but I have to let go once it’s published, because it belongs to readers and not me.

4) Please tell us 5 random facts about yourself:
 I grew up in a haunted house
 I have climbed Machu Picchu
 I love Korean, Taiwanese & Chinese dramas
 I can pick things up with my feet
 I once wrote 70K words in 10 days

5) What is your Hogwarts House?
Hufflepuff for life!

6) Are you currently working on any new books?

I’m currently revising a young adult novel, tentatively entitled Heartwood Box.

CHECK OUT THE OTHER AMAZING PEOPLE ON THIS TOUR!

Monday, July 16

The Book Nut

https://booklovingnut.com/

Tuesday, July 17

Just Add A Word

http://justaddaword.com/

Wednesday, July 18

The Pages Inbetween

http://thepagesinbetween.com/

Thursday, July 19

Arctic Books

https://arcticbooks.wordpress.com/

Friday, July 20

Dark Faerie Tales

http://darkfaerietales.com/

Monday, July 23

A Gingerly Review

https://agingerlyreview.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, July 24

Hello Jenny Reviews

http://hellojennyreviews.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, July 25

The Lovely Books

https://thelovelybooksbookblog.blogspot.com/

Thursday, July 26

Where The Reader Grows

http://www.wherethereadergrows.com/

Friday, July 27

SciFi Chick

http://scifichick.com/