Ruthless by Sara Shepard

Book: Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars #10)
Author: Sara Shepard
# of Pages: 341 (Hardcover)
Challenge: 2012 TBR Challenge
Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Summary

For years scandal has rocked Rosewood, Pennsylvania--and high school seniors Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer have always been at the center of the drama. They've lost friends, been targeted by a ruthless stalker named A, and narrowly escaped death. And it's not over yet.

Aria's love life is on the fritz. Emily's exploring her wild side. Hanna's kissing the enemy. And someone from Spencer's past--someone she never thought she'd see again--is back to haunt her.
                                                                                                                                                               But none of that compares to what happened last spring break. It's their darkest secret yet and guess who found out? Now A is determined to make them pay for their crime, and the only thing scarier than A is the fear that maybe, just maybe, they deserve what's coming to them.
                                                                                                                           My Thoughts:
I kept pushing this back on my TBR list, but I finally read it.

Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily have a huge secret that, if revealed, could ruin them all. We do get to see a little bit of what happened the previous summer for two of the girls. Ezra does come back, and the ending is a semi-cliffhanger.

I love this series. The mystery and suspense are endless. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. And I'm dying to know who A is.

Does anyone watch the PLL TV series? Is it anything like the books?

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Book: The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #2)

Author: Julie Kagawa

# of Pages: 359 (Paperback)

Challenge: 2012 TBR Pile Challenge

Rating: 2.5 stars

Goodreads Summary

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

My Thoughts: Meghan is in the Winter Court when the Scepter of the Seasons is stolen. The Winter fey believe the Summer fey are behind it an prepare for war. But Meghan knows the truth, and she is determined to help retrieve the scepter before things turn ugly.

I like the world of the Nevernever and find the creatures that dwell there fascinating. I'm also a big fan of Puck and his sense of humor.

The thing that I disliked most about this book was Meghan. She was stubborn and whiny. She would not listen to what anyone had to say, and she was constantly obsessing over Ash. For the most part, she does not pay much attention to Puck, but depends on him to get her out of trouble. She does not even try to get herself out of unpleasant situations.

The book dragged. I actually stopped reading it at one point not intending to finish it. I did finish it, but I had to push myself in order to do so.

Soul Screamers Volume 1 by Rachel Vincent

Book: Soul Screamers Volume 1: My Soul to Lose, My Soul to Take, My Soul to Save
Author: Rachel Vincent
# of Pages: 471 (ebook)
Challenges: 2012 Ebook Challenge, 2012 TBR Pile Challenge
Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Summary
My Soul to Lose 
— The prequel: never before in print! — 
Kaylee is just your average girl shopping at the mall with friends—until a terrified scream burst from her that cannot be stopped. 
Taken to a hospital ward, will she be able to save her mind—and her life? 

My Soul to Take 
She always felt different, but now Kaylee discovers why. The screams that cannot be denied mean that someone near her will die—and she can never save them. Because saving one life means taking another... 

My Soul to Save 
Going on dates with her boyfriend is still new to Kaylee. But when the singer of the band they're seeing dies and Kaylee doesn't scream, she knows something carzy is going on. Soon she discovers soul can indeed be sold...
                                                                                                                           My Thoughts: I heard that this series was good, but I honestly did not expect to like the first couple books as much as I did. The writing is witty, and I really like the characters. Nash, the strong football player, the sarcastic and mysterious Tod, and Kaylee whose panic attacks turn out to be something more complex then she could ever imagine.

The last few chapters of My Soul to Steal did drag a bit. And we don't know too much about Tod. But, I thought these first couple books were fascinating, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and finding out more about Tod.

Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

Book: Dark Eden
Author: Patrick Carman
# of Pages: 316 (Hardcover)
Challenge: 2012 TBR Pile Challenge
Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Summary
Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?

Patrick Carman's Dark Eden is a provocative exploration of fear, betrayal, memory, and— ultimately—immortality.                                       

My Thoughts: This was a creepy, twisted book, and I really enjoyed it. Will has a severe phobia and is sent to "camp" to be cured along with six other teens. Fort Eden has many secrets and Will is the only one suspicious enough to do a little digging. He does not know who he can trust, yet he finds himself falling for one of his fellow campers. 

Filled with mysterious characters, secrets, suspense, and a little romance, this book kept me on the edge of my seat and left me craving for more when it ended.

The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Book: The Duff

Author: Kody Keplinger

# of Pages: 288 (Paperback)

Challenge: 2012 TBR Challenge

Rating: 3.5 stars

Goodreads Summary

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

My Thoughts: First, I must say that I really like Keplinger's writing. I was drawn in from the very first page and it held my attention until the end. As for the main character, Bianca, I did not really like her that much. I can understand why she was so cynical, but I could not help but wonder if this girl actually liked anything (besides Wesley of course). I did, however, like Wesley even though he is a, to use Bianca's term, "womanizer." He is a jerk for the first part of the book. But in the second half you get to know him better and you get a better understanding of why he is the way he is.

Overall, for me, this was an okay book.

Gone by Michael Grant

Book: Gone (Gone series #1)
Author: Michael Grant
# of Pages: 558 (Paperback)
Challenge: 2012 TBR Pile Challenge
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary
In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents--unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers--that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...
                                                                                                                        My Thoughts: In the world dubbed the FAYZ, all adults have disappeared along with the Internet and cell phones, and bullies take over. Even stranger, those left develop supernatural powers. And they must try to survive in this new world that is so unlike the one they are used to.

The characters are intriguing especially Little Pete. I love Sam and Astrid. They make such a great team. And Drake, one of the bullies, gives new meaning to the word scary.

This is a thrilling, action-packed read, and I'm so glad I finally read it.

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Book: The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2)
Author: Rick Riordan
# of Pages: 513 (Hardcover)
Challenge: 2012 TBR Book Challenge
Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Summary
Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven(
                                                                                                                           My Thoughts: Percy Jackson is back! He has lost his memory, but thankfully he still remembers Annabeth. He ends up at Camp Jupiter where descendants of the Roman gods dwell. There he meets Hazel and Frank, who are both harboring secrets. Percy and his new friends embark on a quest to free Death and must return to camp before the Roman demigods are attacked by an army of monsters.

I did like getting to know Hazel and Frank, but I half wish the whole story would have been told from Percy's POV. There were a few places where the story dragged a bit. I thought the Roman mythology was very interesting. And I like how we get to see what life in Camp Jupiter is like compared to life in Camp Half Blood.

Overall, I liked this book a lot more than The Lost Hero, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Book: The Body Finder
Author: Kimberly Derting
# of Pages: 327 (Paperback)
Challenge: 2012 TBR Pile Challenge
Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads Summary
Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.
                                                                                                                         My Thoughts: This was such a great book. There was mystery, suspense, and romance. I like how the chapters are interspersed with sections for the murderer's POV. I also like how it does not have a cliffhanger ending.

Violet is stubborn and a little reckless, but she is a very likable protagonist. Her ability to detect the murdered and murderers is creepy yet fascinating. I loved her relationship with Jay. It was sweet and I'm so glad that they got together.

I'm really looking forward to reading the sequel and finding out what happens next to Violet and Jay.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Book: Looking for Alaska
Author: John Green
# of Pages: 221 (Paperback)
Challenge: 2012 TBR Pile Challenge
Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps. 
                                                                 My Thoughts: I had heard many great things about John Green's books. In one of his youtube vlogs, Green read the first chapter of his new book, The Fault in Our Stars, and that was what convinced me that I really needed to read his books. I had no idea what to expect in Looking for Alaska. But after reading it, I can only say that I can't believe I waited until now to read one of his books. It was amazing. The writing flows nicely and pulls the reader in from the very beginning. As the story progresses, you grow to care for each of the characters Miles/Pudge, the Colonel, and Alaska. This book is witty and moving and so worth the read.

I will definitely be reading the rest of his books. If you have not yet read anything by John Green, I highly suggest you do so.

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

Book: Saving Francesca
Author: Melina Marchetta
# of Pages: 243 (Paperback)
Challenge: 2012 TBR Pile Challenge
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastians, a boys' school that's pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom. Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an an impossibly dorky accordion player. The boys are no better, from Thomas who specializes in musical burping to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about.

Then there's Francesca's mother, who always thinks she knows what's best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling who she really is. Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself.
                                                                                                                         My Thoughts: Francesca is obligated to go to a new school, and not just any school, a school that until now only allowed boys to attend. She does not get to see her group of friends as often as she used to. And, to make matters worse, her mother falls into a state of depression. Francesca is worried about her mother and is frustrated because she can't make it go away. As time passes Francesca forgets who she really is and it takes a group of the oddest, yet very likable, assortment of characters to help her find herself again.

Another great book by Melina Marchetta. There were times when I wanted to jump into the book and give Francesca a hug. Yet, there were other times where it was impossible not to burst out laughing. By far my favorite character is Thomas. He is pretty immature, but he also is one of the funniest characters in the book.

A quick, heart-warming story that I highly recommend.