Divergent (#1)

Summary:

"In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her."

Final Quick Thoughts: Really Addictive writing... something I forgot to mention, that I didn't like was the Insta-Love.

Meet Molly: An American Girl Series (#1)

Summary:

"While her father is away fighting in World War II, Molly finds her life full of change as she eats terrible vegetables from the victory garden and plans revenge on her brother for ruining her Halloween."

Review: Also Known As By Robin Benway (#1)

Summary:

"Which is more dangerous: being an international spy... or surviving high school?
Maggie Silver has never minded her unusual life. Cracking safes for the world's premier spy organization and traveling the world with her insanely cool parents definitely beat high school and the accompanying cliques, bad lunches, and frustratingly simple locker combinations. (If it's three digits, why bother locking it at all?)
But when Maggie and her parents are sent to New York City for her first solo assignment, her world is transformed. Suddenly, she's attending a private school with hundreds of "mean girl" wannabes, trying to avoid the temptation to hack the school's elementary security system, and working to befriend the aggravatingly cute son of a potential national security threat... all while trying not to blow her cover.
From the hilarious and poignant author of Audrey, Wait! comes a fast-paced caper that proves that even the world's greatest spies don't have a mission plan for love."

Quick Final Thoughts: Easy and fun read.

Rules of Summer (Rules of Summer, #1)

Summary:

"There are two sides to every summer.
When seventeen-year-old Rory McShane steps off the bus in East Hampton, it's as if she's entered another universe, one populated by impossibly beautiful people wearing pressed khakis and driving expensive cars. She's signed on to be a summer errand girl for the Rules -- a wealthy family with an enormous beachfront mansion. Upon arrival, she's warned by other staff members to avoid socializing with the family, but Rory soon learns that may be easier said than done.
Stifled by her friends and her family's country club scene, seventeen-year-old Isabel Rule, the youngest of the family, embarks on a breathless romance with a guy whom her parents would never approve of. It's the summer for taking chances, and Isabel is bringing Rory along for the ride. But will Rory's own summer romance jeopardize her friendship with Isabel? And, after long-hidden family secrets surface, will the Rules' picture-perfect world ever be the same?"

Quick Thoughts: Fun, easy summer read, with overall strong writing, but weak ending. Will definitely read the Since Last Summer.

Emerald Green (Red Ruby Trilogy,#3)

Summary:

"Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is. She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.This stunning conclusion picks up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate."

Enter My Giveaway

Witchfall (The Tudor Witch Trilogy, #2)

Summary:

"Her darkest dreams are coming true 
In Tudor England, 1555, Meg Lytton has learned how powerful her magick gift can be. But danger surrounds her and her mistress, the outcast Princess Elizabeth. Nowhere is safe in the court of Elizabeth's fanatical sister, Queen Mary. And as the Spanish Inquisition's merciless priests slowly tighten their grip on the court, Meg's very dreams are disturbed by the ever-vengeful witchfinder Marcus Dent. 
Even as Meg tries to use her powers to find guidance, something evil arises, impervious to Meg's spells and hungry to control England's fate. As Meg desperately tries to keep her secret betrothed, the Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, out of harm's way, caution wars with their forbidden desire. And with her most powerful enemy poised to strike, Meg's only chance is a heartbreaking sacrifice."

Witchfall like Witchstruck leaves me wanting more. I want more of the story and maybe something else... I don't know what I can't put my finger on it but just more. We have more magic and magical obstacles in Witchfall, as well as the terror of the Inquisition in town. Meg has grown as a character she is becoming more confident as a person but less so as a witch and we watch her struggle with being very powerful and common country witch.

Her relationship with Elizabeth is more strained and in a lot of ways more realistic for the era in Witchfall. As far as Alejendro goes.. I like him as a character but I am still not convinced of his and Meg's relationship. I personally feel no connection between them. I most definitely "ship" her and Richard though... he is Master Dee's apprentice.

Overall my feelings about Witchfall are quite Neutral. It was a great middle book and like most middle books in a series, they are more of a transition book than overly exciting. There was lots of drama and action, but nothing that wasn't strongly foreshadowed while reading. I definitely anticipate Book 3 to be craziness though. For those who haven't read the trilogy, I recommend you do since it is a nice blend of witchcraft and history.

The Last Little Blue Envelope (Little Blue Enevelope, #2)

Summary:

"Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.
Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions."

When The Last Little Blue Envelope came out I was quite stoked to read it and finally get an ending to Ginny's story and although, I am happy to get an ending. I am not necessarily  happy with the book.  I felt it dragged on and really just plateaued. I was constantly waiting for the story to pick up, for their to be a big turn around, a really exciting or dramatic moment and there wasn't.

I liked the book, I did and it was quick and witty, as any Maureen Johnson book should be. BUT as a sequel, they book just didn't cut it for me. I personally think, had Maureen Johnson just combined The Little Last Blue envelope with 13 Little Blue Envelopes and made it a two parter. I would have preferred it more. The momentum from Part 1 would be freshly with me to carry on the less dramatic Part 2. Since she did not do that, they momentum of the excitement for 13 Little Blue Envelopes was lost on me.  It was not a bad book, just not exactly what I wanted from the story. Curious, if anyone else felt this way too?

Diamonds & Deceit (At Somerton, #2)

Summary:

"One house, two worlds...book two in our sumptuous and enticing YA series about the servants and gentry at Somerton Court.
A house divided...
London is a whirl of balls and teas, alliances and rivalries. Rose has never felt more out of place. With the Season in full swing, she can't help but still feel a servant dressed up in diamonds and silk. Then Rose meets Alexander Ross, a young Scottish duke. Rose has heard the rumors about Ross's sordid past just like everyone else has. Yet he alone treats her as a friend. Rose knows better than to give her heart to an aristocrat with such a reputation, but it may be too late.
Ada should be happy. She is engaged to a handsome man who shares her political passions and has promised to support her education. So why does she feel hollow inside? Even if she hated Lord Fintan, she would have no choice but to go through with the marriage. Every day a new credit collector knocks on the door of their London flat, demanding payment for her cousin William's expenditures. Her father's heir seems determined to bring her family to ruin, and only a brilliant marriage can save Somerton Court and the Averleys' reputation.
Meanwhile, at Somerton, Sebastian is out of his mind with worry for his former valet Oliver, who refuses to plead innocent to the murder charges against him--for a death caused by Sebastian himself. Sebastian will do whatever he can to help the boy he loves, but his indiscretion is dangerous fodder for a reporter with sharp eyes and dishonorable intentions.
The colorful cast of the At Somerton series returns in this enthralling sequel about class and fortune, trust and betrayal, love and revenge."

        Diamonds & Deceit was everything I had hoped Cinders & Sapphires was going to be, it had the glitz and glamour, the intrigue and the drama. Even though it was entirely predictable and melodramatic, it was perfection. I honestly wasn't even interested in reading Diamonds & Deceit after how disappointed I was in Cinders & Sapphires but it made up for it in full. 

     The addition of Alexander Ross was exactly what I needed, he reminded me of Mr. Darcy a little and I was SO happy to see that there was less Sebastian. Although, I like him as a character I did not enjoy his storyline. The ending however is where the intrigue begins and I cannot wait to see what will happen! It was a giant cliffhanger and it is very reminiscent of Season 2 of Downton Abbey. In conclusion, if you were like me and were not wowed by Book 1... try out Diamonds & Deceit,  I could hardly put it down.  

Wicked & Killer (Pretty Little Liars, #5 & #6)

Summary:

"In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four very pretty girls just can't help but be bad. . . .
Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer's digging up her family's secrets. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men.
Now that Ali's killer is finally behind bars, the girls think they're safe. But those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. And they should know by now that I'm always watching. . . ."

Summary:

"In picture-perfect Rosewood, Pennsylvania, ash-blond highlights gleam in the winter sun and frozen lakes sparkle like Swarovski crystals. But pictures often lie— and so do Rosewood's four prettiest girls. Hanna, Aria, Spencer, and Emily have been lying ever since they became friends with beautiful Alison DiLaurentis. Ali made them do terrible things—things they had to keep secret for years. And even though Ali was killed at the end of seventh grade, their bad-girl ways didn't die with her. Hanna's on a mission to corrupt Rosewood's youth, starting with a very attractive sophomore. Aria's snooping into her boyfriend's past. Spencer's stealing— from her family. And pure little Emily's abstaining from abstinence. The girls should be careful, though. They thought they were safe when Ali's killer was arrested and A's true identity was finally revealed. But now there's a new A in town turning up the heat. And this time Rosewood is going to burn." 

I have to start off by saying that I started reading these books WAY back in high school and I LOVED them, they really creeped me out. The series was originally only going to be 4 books and it wasn't until a few years after I finished the series, that I found out it ended up continuing. However, my library never newest books in the series in, so I never really read them and the show came out and I began watching that. I love the show, but was curious to see what aspects were stilling following the books and what were not. So, when my local library finally got the new books in I instantly picked the next two books in the series and read them back to back. Getting back into book Rosewood was a bigger transition than I expected. I had to remember things that had happened in the book that I forgot and that the book girls, are SO different from the TV girls. Which when watching the show, when it first came out, totally annoyed me. Now, I imagine the actresses as the characters even though, they are pretty different.

With that being said, going back into book Rosewood was nice. Wicked is mainly just a refresher and transitional book. Meaning, we spend a lot of the book being reminded about what happened in Unbelievable. I needed that because I had forgotten so much. Then there were the very mini minor subplots that were really just getting us set up for all the new drama to come in the rest of the series. As for the creepy factor though, Wicked didn't deliver the same was as the first four books in the series did.

Killer, gets better. A is back and the creepy factor starts to come back, although never quite hits the mark. The story really goes back to alternating views and we really see the girls as their characters again. I start to remember all the things I enjoyed and envied about them previously and also, the habits they have that really drive me crazy. Like Spencer's horrendous family & Hanna's aggravating family. The poshness. Everything. It comes back in this book and I liked it.

Overall, I am glad I am back into the series and although, I don't think these books are as good as the original four; I cannot wait to continue reading them. It is also really interesting to see the stuff, I know has happened SO long ago in the show and events that are just being brought into the TV Show.

United We Spy (Gallagher Girls, #6)

Summary:

"Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever."

Ally Carter goes balls to the walls with the final book in the Gallagher Girls series. The only thing that may disappoint you is that the book wasn't longer and the series had to end! We see the girls having to essentially save the world and realizing that the life that they have been leaving and preparing for really is just months away and that they will constantly be preforming missions that will involve life and death and can they handle that reality? The girls really do grow up in front of our eyes. Relationships are made and changed forever. Enjoy and savor ever last moment. 

Just One Year ( Just One Day,#2)

Summary:

"Before you find out how their story ends, remember how it began....When he opens his eyes, Willem doesn’t know where in the world he is—Prague or Dubrovnik or back in Amsterdam. All he knows is that he is once again alone, and that he needs to find a girl named Lulu. They shared one magical day in Paris, and something about that day—that girl—makes Willem wonder if they aren’t fated to be together. He travels all over the world, from Mexico to India, hoping to reconnect with her. But as months go by and Lulu remains elusive, Willem starts to question if the hand of fate is as strong as he’d thought. . . .

The romantic, emotional companion to Just One Day, this is a story of the choices we make and the accidents that happen—and the happiness we can find when the two intersect."

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Very similar to Where She Went, the second book AKA the follow up to  Just One Day is told through the eyes of Willem. We get to find out exactly WHY he left Lulu and his life after that year. Which was great because we actually get to know the mysterious Willem. Gayle Forman as usual, does a magnificent job tying the story lines together and making the book immersive in travel. Great plot and great way to end the book too.  

Curtsies & Conspiracies (The Finishing School, #2)

Summary:

"Does one need four fully grown foxgloves for decorating a dinner table for six guests? Or is it six foxgloves to kill four fully grown guests?
Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy (won't Mumsy be surprised?). Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners.
Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a school trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card.
In this sequel to bestselling author Gail Carriger's YA debut Etiquette & Espionage, class is back in session with more petticoats and poison, tea trays and treason. Gail's distinctive voice, signature humor, and lush steampunk setting are sure to be the height of fashion this season."

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Carriger's story for Curtsies & Conspiracies was great, because I got to immerse myself in that world and I got to know it a lot better and understand it, the way I had wanted to in Book 1. Here we see Sophronia expand her spying horizons and also really begin to understand the world she has herself has entered. That it isn't just for fun, that it is life and death and that there are complicated matters at hand and she starts to begin to question if this is what she really wants. 

Can we PLEASE just talk about Lord Mersey?! Because I love him. He is the perfectly safe bad boy or so he appears to be and the chemistry between him and Sophronia is sizzling hot.

Also, WHY wasn't there more Captain Niall?! Although, Lord Mersey is more age appropriate for Sophronia, I still ship them together and find him absolutely delectable. Which is why I beg the question.. why wasn't he in the book more?!

I acknowledged Sophronia's growing up in the plot summary, or coming to terms with growing up. However, I enjoyed seeing the other girls grow-up too, We get a better sense of themselves in this book and how their lives may play out for them.

Then there is Soap. The cheeky sootie, who is also being added into the love mix for Sophronia. I am not buying it or liking it one single bit. I do believe their is more to his story and I cannot find to see what it is.. but I am just not buying that coupling.

Oh and Bumbersnoot, my favorite character who isn't a character at all. Really, I adore him.

Really impressed. I liked Etiquette & Espionage, but Curtsies & Conspiracies was really going to determine whether or not I would continue with the series or not and Carriger delivered! I would say 95% of the book is full throttle awesome-ness. We really get a feel for life at the school, as well as the world they are in. I loved the mystery & romance of the plot. The only thing that irked me, is something Carriger did in her writing previously and something, that in general bothers me in writing a story. That is right, the quick wrap up. When you are absorbed in the book and its story and there are a lot of answers to be well, answered... BUT there are only 10 pages left! So, in a quick manner almost everything is answered in those 10 pages and on to the next. Leaving your head spinning and a tad disappointed. So, that is something I wish didn't happen.. but really when I finished Curtsies & Conspiracies, I wanted Book 3 in my hand IMMEDIATELY. 

Just One Day (Just One Day,#1)

Summary:

"A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay
When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.
Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!"

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Man oh man! What a great plot. What great writing! The story is told in two parts, which I didn't expect but TOTALLY makes the plot that much better!  This is just some fantasized hook-up on a summer trip to Europe. It explores raw human emotions we all have and I love it, especially because it is done in a way only Gayle Forman can do.

Allyson aka LuLu - watching her grow and truly find herself is what makes her great and even relatable. However, the character who really steals the show isn't Allyson, it isn't William. It is Dee. Dee is great and honestly can book #3 be about him?! Because there is so much about him that we don't know, but I want to know and I think that says a lot that secondary character can make you want to know more about him. William is intriguing and you can see why Allyson has fallen for him, but Just One Year (the sequel,which I just finished) tells a way better story of the person he is. 

I have said this before.. I got the privilege of meeting Gayle Forman at the Burbank Library last year and she made a slideshow and she read several long passages from the book and with those passages she told us the stories in her life that inspired them. It was beyond wonderful and honestly it felt like she had read to us most of the book. Boy was I wrong, this book has so much content and emotion. It is amazing and definitely a book I recommend. I was SO glad that I checked Just One Year out with this book, because I could not wait to find out William's side of the story. 

Witchstruck (The Tudor Witch Trilogy,#1)

Summary:

"If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned. 
If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged. 
Meg Lytton has always known she is different—that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practise witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne. 
With witchfinder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice. 
The Secret Circle meets The Other Boleyn Girl in Witchstruck, the first book of the magical Tudor Witch trilogy"

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The tone of the book, was actually quite realistic. Lamb did a good job at making you feel like you were in that era and what it would be like for someone who practices witchcraft. All the obstacles they would face. She was also able to make the witchcraft believable, not overly dramatic and fantasy-like. Needless to say I was impressed with hoe well the atmosphere of the book is set and the general plot was well done. It had always been rumored that Anne Boleyn was a witch... so to have a witch present with Elizabeth and for Elizabeth to maybe possess those powers herself is plausible. Add the mix of Catholic vs Protestant and forbidden love, family and witch hunters and execute it perfectly as Lamb did and you can't fail. I can only say I did feel that towards the middle-ish end that is slowed down a little and for a second I lost some interest. 

Meg has some gumption for a girl of her age and stature, but she still knows her place; although at times she has tested it. I enjoy that she is learning that she is scared but willing. She has a way of being empowering. Then there is the sexy Spaniard Alejandro. He can be quite frustrating and stubborn, but he is conflicted between his duties and his feelings. Personally, I find their connection to be forced and more lust than love. Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth a Princess imprisoned. Lamb portrayed her perfectly. She is someone of royal stature, yet she is still a young girl. She has her beliefs that she wants to instill, yet she still doesn't want to upset her sister. She really just wants to know what her future will be and hopefully that future involves staying alive.

Honestly, I didn't expect much from this book at all. I requested it for two reasons the name Tudor and the pretty cover. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself actually intrigued and enjoying it. What I most excited about though is reading the next book, since it ended at a great turning point. 

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (#1)

Summary:

"A horrific family tragedy sends Jacob 16 to a remote island off Wales, to the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, where he finds unusual old photographs. The children, one his grandfather, were more than peculiar, perhaps dangerous, quarantined for good reason - and maybe still alive."

What a plot, what a plot...what a unique plot. 

That is all I can say.

The story obviously centers around several Characters. Jacob, his Grandfather Abe, Miss Peregrine and her Peculiar Children. Mainly, a girl names Emma. I like Jacob. I oddly like him, because their is nothing overly special about him. He knows his faults and where he can improve. However, he doesn't magical get strength for his short-comings or anything like that. Which I can respect. You don't see that enough in books. We learn about Abe more post-humously and there is still SO much more to learn about him. Miss Peregrine, is your typical matriarchal mysterious and stern headmistress and I love that about her. The peculiar children.. are just that peculiar and Emma's personality fits her talent perfecty.. a fiery temper that one. 

SO unique and a great unisex read.

Slower than I expected.

My feelings about this book are so very mixed. I liked it, but I want be dying to read Hollow City. More like something I will pick up if I see it on the shelves of my library. Now that isn't saying this book is bad, it isn't by any means. I just think this is one of those books, that had SO much hype, that I built up my own expectations of the book and it just didn't live up to what I imagined it would be. 

The Madness Underneath (Shades of London, #2)

Summary:

"When madness stalks the streets of London, no one is safe…
There's a creepy new terror haunting modern-day London.Fresh from defeating a Jack the Ripper killer, Rory must put her new-found hunting skills to the test before all hell breaks loose…
But enemies are not always who you expect them to be and crazy times call for crazy solutions. A thrilling teen mystery."

Starts off slow and is mainly a transitional book for the rest of the series. However, it has a great plot twist and I am very eager to see what book 3 has to offer!

Not a lot of character growth or crazy character involvement. 

While reading I was very intrigued, there is something about Maureen Johnson's writing that can do that, but there really wasn't A LOT going on. The book wasn't action packed and I was stumped with where the book was going to go. Which is when Maureen Johnson threw me for a loop! Now, I have no idea, where the book will be going. BUT I am very excited to find out!