In Time by Alexandra Bracken

Book: In Time (The Darkest Minds #1.5)
Author: Alexandra Bracken
# of Pages: 76 (ebook)
Challenge: 2015 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads Summary:
Gabe's life has been devastated in the wake of the economic crash. The only option left for someone like him to escape his tragic past is to leave his small town behind and to attempt to become a skiptracer. This already almost impossible task is made all the more difficult by his first score, a young girl who won't speak, but who changes his life in ways he could never imagine.

My Thoughts:

I didn't love this, but I didn't hate it either. It was fast-paced and entertaining. And I liked that Zu made an appearance, because she was one of my favorite characters from The Darkest Minds. While it was interesting getting to know Gabe, I wish the story would have been told from Zu's perspective.  It did have a semi-cliffhanger ending, so it will be interesting to see how it plays into the next book in the series.

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Book: AMillion Suns (Acroos the Universe #2)
Author: Beth Revis
# of Pages: 404 (paperback)
Challenge: 2015 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
GODSPEED WAS FUELED BY LIES. NOW IT IS RULED BY CHAOS.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. Everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to act on his vision--no more Phydus, no more lies. But when Elder learns shocking news, he and Amy must race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed, all the while dealing with the love that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

Beth Revis catapulted readers into the far reaches of space with her New York Times bestselling debut, Across the Universe. In A Million Suns, Beth deepens the mystery with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: THEY HAVE TO GET OFF THIS SHIP.

My Thoughts:

The one big difference between this book and the Across the Universe was that I grew to really like Elder. In AtU I found to to be a bit annoying, but now I like him as much as Amy.

A Million Suns seemed darker AtU and there was definitely a lot more tension and mystery what with Elder taking on the role of leader and chaos breaking out everywhere. Also, there is a big secret that Amy and Elder unearth about Godspeed. While there was so much suspense building up to the revelation of this secret, the secret itself was kind of underwhelming.

AMS was pretty fast-paced, and I enjoyed getting to know more about Elder and Amy and watching their relationship grow. Even with the slight disappointment of the big secret, this was still a great read.

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Book: Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
# of Pages: 408 (hardcover)
Challenge: 2014 Dystopia Reading Challenge, 2014 Series Enders Challenge
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book! It was a fantastic ending to to such an incredible series.

I liked watching Juliette grow stronger and more confident with each book. Kenji was the ultimate best friend to Juliette, and I enjoyed reading the scenes they shared together. I never suspected it at the beginning of the series, but they make an excellent team. I really hope Tahereh Mafi writes a novella from his perspective one day. As for Warner, wow, I loved him even more in this book than Unravel Me.

Suspenseful, steamy, and action-packed, this book was one of the best I've read all year. And though the series is over, I will definitely be reading it again! And I am really looking forward to reading what Tahereh Mafi comes out with next.

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Book: Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
# of Pages: 333 (ebook)
Challenge: 2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge, 2014 Ebook Challenge, 2014 Dystopia Reading Challenge
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.(les

My Thoughts:

This book was incredible!

It did take me a few chapters to get into the book, but after that I could not put it down. Once again Tahereh Mafi's writing was amazing and addictive.

Juliette is training to harness her powers. And while her character does grow stronger, there were a few times when she said or did things that got on my nerves.

While I did like Adam in Shatter Me, I could not stand him in this book. He annoyed me so much! As for Warner, I absolutely loved him. And Kenji. He's such an awesome character. He's funny and smart and a great friend to Juliette. 

Unravel Me was full of action and suspense and I really enjoyed it.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Book: Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
# of Pages: 248 (ebook)
Challenge: 2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge, 2014 Ebook Challenge, 2014 Dystopia Reading Challenge
Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

My Thoughts:

Why? Why? WHY did I wait so long to read this book?! It was absolutely amazing!

The thing that made this book for me was the writing. Tahereh Mafi's writing is beautiful. It's vivd and poetic and addictive. I envy her talent.

I loved Juliette. She's smart, brave, and manages to maintain a sense of positivity despite all the hell she's been through. Her touch is deadly. She wants to prove to the world that she isn't a monster, but The Reestablishment is determined to use her as a weapon.

Adam is kind and supportive and does everything within his power to help Juliette. Warner is manipulative and controlling and also a bit creepy. Though I have a feeling there's more to him than meets the eye.

I would have liked to see a bit more action. But, other than that, I loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Insurgent by Verionica Roth

Book: Insurgent (Divergent #2)
Author: Veronica Roth
# of Pages: 525 (Hardcover)
Rating: 3.5-4 stars

Goodreads Summary
One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

My Thoughts:
Insurgent picks up where Divergent ended. We get to see what life is like for the Amity, Candor, and even the factionless.

The thing that I disliked the most about this book was Tris. In Divergent, she was so strong and brave and smart. But in Insurgent, some of her actions/decisions were just so careless.

I was very excited for this book. I wanted to love it as much as I loved Divergent., but it just fell short of my expectations.

Lies by Michael Grant

Book: Lies (Gone #3)
Author: Michael Grant
# of Pages: 447 (Paperback)
Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Summary
It's been seven months since all the adults disappeared. Gone.                                                                                                                                             It happens in one night. A girl who died now walks among the living; Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach; and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most: Drake. But Drake is dead. Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness--or so they thought.
                                                                                                                                                                     As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake, who is back from the dead and ready to finish where he and Sam left off. And all the while deadly rumors are raging like the fire itself, spread by the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza. They say that death is a way to escape the FAYZ. Conditions are worse than ever and kids are desperate to get out. But are they desperate enough to believe that death will set them free?

My Thoughts: Things in the FAYZ are getting worse. Zil and his band of anti-freaks are desperate for power. Sam is haunted by his experience with Drake. And rumors are going around causing chaos and terror.

For me, the two characters that stood out were Edilio and Quinn. Edilio finally gets gets a chance to be a leader. Though we do not see too much of Quinn, I could tell that his character has grown a lot since the first book. I wonder if either of them are going to develop any supernatural pawers.

Dark and thrilling, this book kept me reading well into the night.

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Book: Fever (The Chemical Garden #2)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
# of Pages: 341 (Hardcover)
Challenge: 2012 Sophomore Reading Challenge
Rating: 3.5-4 stars

Goodreads Summary
Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

My Thoughts: One of the things that I really liked about this book, besides the beautiful writing, was that it picked up almost exactly where Wither ended. New characters are introduced, the most fascinating one being Maddie. And Vaughn remains to be the perfect creepy villian. The ending was a semi-cliffhanger, and I'm very curious about what is going to happen in the final book in the series.

On the other hand, there were a couple things that were a bit predictable. And, we do not learn too much more about Gabriel, which was disappointing. Overall, I did not like this book as much as Wither, but it was still a good read.

Hunger by Michael Grant

Book: Hunger (Gone #2)
Author: Michael Grant
# of Pages: 590 (Paperback)
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary
It's been three months since everyone under the age of fifteen became trapped in the bubble known as the FAYZ.

Three months since all the adults disappeared. GONE.

Food ran out weeks ago. Everyone is starving, but no one wants to figure out a solution. And each day, more and more kids are evolving, developing supernatural abilities that set them apart from the kids without powers. Tension rises and chaos is descending upon the town. It's the normal kids against the mutants. Each kid is out for himself, and even the good ones turn murderous.

But a larger problem looms. The Darkness, a sinister creature that has lived buried deep in the hills, begins calling to some of the teens in the FAYZ. Calling to them, guiding them, manipulating them.

The Darkness has awakened. And it is hungry.

My Thoughts: I almost like this book better than Gone. In this book, food is scarce and the kids in the FAYZ are starting to get power hungry and jealous of those who have powers. More kids are developing powers and more animals are mutating. We learn more about some of the characters, and new ones are introduced. Poor Sam is under major stress trying to deal with the complaints and problems of the kids, and he never has any time for himself.

This book is darker than the first. There is betrayal, secrets, and ominous revelations. I wish there had been more Sam and Astrid moments. And I hope that more about Little Pete is revealed in Lies.

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.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Book: Monument 14

Author: Emmy Laybourne

Release Date: June 5

Goodreads Summary

Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.

A huge store isn’t the worst place to be stranded. There’s food and water, bedding and books. But what if it’s not safe to leave? Emmy Laybourne had us from the get-go with her utterly fresh and fast-paced debut.

Six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids are trapped together in a chain superstore. Together they build a refuge for themselves inside, while outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapon spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Book: Under the Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
# of Pages: 398 (Hardcover)
Challenge: 2012 Debut Author Challenge
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary
Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.
                                                                                                                         My Thoughts: Aria lives in Reverie, a pod where the most advanced technology is prominent. Perry lives in the "Death Shop" aka the Outside where Aether storms are plenty and danger is inevitable. Aria is kicked out of her safe and familiar home into the Outside about which she has heard many horror stories. To Aria's annoyance, she comes across Perry and is forced to depend on him for survival. As time passes their dislike for each other turns to love which neither of them sees coming.
                                                                                                                                                                     I  love Perry. He's strong, stubborn, and puts up with Aria and helps her survive despite her negative attitude toward him. I like how Perry possesses the powerful senses. It adds a great uniqueness to his character. The twists, the action, the romance, and the revelations make this a fantastic read! I can't wait to read more of Rossi's work.

Legend by Marie Lu

Book: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
# of Pages: 305 (Hardcover)
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
The United States is gone, along with its flooded coasts. North America's two warring nations, the western Republic and the eastern Colonies, have reached a breaking point. In the midst of this broken continent and dark new world are two teenagers who will go down in history....

Born into the slums of Los Angeles, fifteen-year old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. A mysterious boy with no recorded image or fingerprints. A boy who should no longer exist. A boy who watches over his family until one evening, when the plague patrols mark his family's door with an X--the sign of plague infection. A death sentence for any family too poor to afford the antidote. Desperate, Day has no choice; he must steal it.

Born to an elite family in Los Angeles' wealthy Ruby sector, fifteen-year old June is the Republic's most promising prodigy. A super intelligent girl destined for great things in the country's highest military circles. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country--until the day her brother Metias is murdered while on patrol during a break-in at the plague hospital.

Only one person could be responsible.

Day.

And now it's June's mission to hunt him down.

The truth they'll uncover will become legend.

My Thoughts: I was really excited for this book, and it did not disappoint. Although Day and June come from two completely different backgrounds, they have more in common than they realize. Both are stealthy, observant, and strong fighters. In her quest to avenge her brother and bring Day down, June learns, with Day's help, the secrets and motives of the Republic that she so respects.

Narrated by both June and Day this book is full of action and is practically unputdownable. Lu's writing will suck you in and leave you wanting more once you have finished. If you love dystopians, then you will definitely want to read this book.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Book: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
# of Pages: 396 (Hardcover)
Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.
                                                                                                                         My Thoughts: One of the things that I really like about this book is the world that Revis created. The futuristic slang and inventions are incredibly creative. Her writing is amazing! I love the mystery of the story, trying to figure out who unfroze Amy as well as discovering the secrets of the ship. And, of course, I like the dual narrative. I did find Elder to be ever so slightly annoying. The one good thing about waiting this long to read this book? I don't have wait too long for the sequel!

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Book: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
# of Pages: 374 (Paperback)
Rating: 3.5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. 

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

My Thoughts: I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked how Thomas was quick-thinking when he was faced with danger and never let panic take over. I  liked the interesting scenes within the Maze, and I thought the Grievers, part animal-part machine covered in needles and other lethal instruments, were pretty creepy.

On the other hand, I felt that the first half of the book dragged. For the longest time all Thomas did was ask questions. Yes, I know that would be the logical thing to do if put in a situation like him, but he never tries to find anything out on his own. I also thought Thomas was a bit too trusting. When Teresa arrives, he feels a "connection," and is sure he knew her before coming to the Maze. He almost instantly accepts her, unlike the other boys who find her presence very suspicious. I do hope that more of Thomas and Teresa's history is revealed in the sequel.

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

Books: The Hunger Games Series
Author: Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5 stars

I actually liked this series a lot more than I thought I would. Though there were so many people saying how great it was, there were also some who said it was not worth reading. That coupled with what people were saying about how they did not like the ending of Mockingjay made me not want to read the series. But, after much  begging from my mom's friend, I finally caved and agreed to read the books.

These books were awesome! Katniss was an amazing protagonist. She was smart, strong, and resourceful. Both Peeta and Gale were caring loyal friends who did whatever they could to help her. But, I'd have to say I'm Team Peeta. The arenas in which the Hunger Games were played were both very intriguing, especially the one in Catching Fire. And though the beginning of Mockingjay dragged a little, I really liked the ending.

One of the things that really impressed me was the greatness of Catching Fire. Usually the second book in a series is a letdown compared to the first book. But Catching Fire is my favorite of the three books.

I do wish we could have gotten a better idea of what Katniss and Gale's relationship was like in the first book. There are maybe three scenes with Gale before Katniss is sent off to the Capitol. I also wish we knew what happened to Haymitch at the end of the series.

Overall, I really liked this series and am so glad that I finally read it.

Variant by Robison Wells

Book: Variant
Author: Robison Wells
# of Pages: 373 (Hardcover)
Rating: 5 stars

Benson Fisher is excited about getting a scholarship to Maxfield Academy, but little does he know how much his life is going to change once he arrives at the school. Maxfield Academy is unlike any other school. There are no adults, breaking rules is deadly, and the subjects that are taught are unusual. The students are constantly being watched and no one is permitted to leave the school grounds…ever. The students are split into three groups each of which has certain duties it is required to fulfill. When Benson discovers the school's secret, he knows that he can no longer trust anyone and is determined to escape if it is the last thing he ever does.
                                                                                                         I really enjoyed this book. It drew me in from the first page and I could not put it down. This is a different and thrilling read that will leave you wanting more. It is creepy, dark, and action-packed with an unexpected twist. The ending will leave you with your mouth hanging open. As for Benson, I really liked him. Though he does develop an obsession with escaping from the school, I found myself rooting for him all through the story.
                                                                                                       So, if you haven't bought/read this book yet, you should do so soon. It is the perfect Halloween-ish read.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Book: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
# of Pages: 441 (Hardcover)
Rating: 4.5 stars

Lena lives in a world where love is considered a serious disease. Boys and girls go to separate schools. Marriages are arranged (AHH!) And everyone must be cured of love, aka deliria, when they turn 18. This cure rids a person of the ability to love or express any other real emotion for the rest of their life. The cure also makes people happier. Lena is afraid of love and is counting down the days until her procedure. She is a strong believer in the government's laws and is very careful with how she acts and what she says. Then, she meets Alex and her whole world turns upside down.

For the first part of the book, I did not like Lena much. She was so focused on following the rules and lecturing her best friend, Hana. At one point I found myself wishing that Hana was the protagonist. But, once Alex came into Lena's life, she began to relax a bit and became more likable. Once she made this turn, it was easier to want her to be happy, to want her to end up with Alex even though the odds are against her. Unfortunately, the story ended on a cliffhanger to which I cannot help but say UGH!

Oliver's idea of treating love as an epidemic is genius. Not only does it set her novel apart from the other dystopians that have been released this year, but it also gives the story a believable quality. She takes the term love sick to a whole new level.

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Book: Enclave (Razorland #1)
Author: Ann Aguirre
# of Pages: 259 (Hardcover)
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads Summary

Deuce has finally become an adult in the eyes of the members of the enclave. After years of waiting, she has finally earned the title Huntress. This job includes gathering food and killing Freaks, zombie-like creatures that roam the tunnels of what once was the subway. Deuce's spirits are marred when she discovers that her hunting parter is going to be Fade, a mysterious loner who has had much experience in the outside world. As she gets to know Fade and his beliefs, Deuce comes to realize that the elders' decisions and rules are not always the right ones. When fate takes an unexpected turn, Deuce finds herself Topside, above ground, with Fade faced with danger and unfamiliarity.

One of the things that I really liked about this book was the names of the characters. Deuce, Fade, Twist, etc. They are just so unique, and the naming ceremony, the way the members of the enclave receive their names, is quite interesting. I know the Goodreads summary says that Deuce is fifteen when she gets her name and becomes an adult. I might have missed it, but I don't think the book mentions Deuce's age.

I also liked the Freaks. They are creepy and numerous and better than one singular villain. Though, who knows, Aguirre might introduce an even greater human enemy.

The ending was the one thing that annoyed me. It was so abrupt and I couldn't help thinking Is that it? The story was flowing so smoothly then, bam, it was over. But, other than that, I really did enjoy this book.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Book: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

# of Pages: 487 (Hardcover)

Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads Summary

At first, I did not even want to read this book. I read the summary and thought that it just was not for me. But then, I kept coming across all these reviews saying how amazing this book was and how it was the best of the year. So, eventually I gave in and bought the book eager to see what all the hype was about.

Divergent is a dystopian novel that takes place several years from now. In this clever world that Roth created, the people are separated into 5 factions Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. The main character, Beatrice (Tris), is a member of Abnegation who is on the verge of becoming an adult and choosing which faction she will be a part of for the rest of her life. The story follows Tris and her training as she strives to be one of the lucky few initiated into her chosen faction, Dauntless. Along the way she makes friends, she makes enemies, and she unintentionally falls for one of the instructors, Four.

I am not the biggest fan of first person narratives, but this one was AWESOME! I admit I felt like putting the book down after the first chapter, but as I kept reading, the book got better and better. I love how Tris is such a strong protagonist. Though she is short, just like me, she is not made out to be some sort of weakling, but a brave fighter. As for Four, he was just so likable even though at times he came across as intimidating. I also like how his and Tris's relationship was not overly sappy.

Full of action, romance, and great characters, this book has earned a spot on my favorites shelf.