Book Review: The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all. 
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. 
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

The excitement I had for this book was really high.

It didn't meet my high expectations unfortunately.

The story itself was really interesting and highly imaginative, but it just didn't do it for me. I don't know if I just got lost from the beginning and that made it hard to read/hard to picture what was happening; or if it was the book itself.

I read the Legend series and loved them. I fell in love with Marie Lu's writing and her art of storytelling. This was a good book, I just didn't love it.

The main character is one that is more inclined to be "dark" and has these thoughts that in most books would make her a villain. I really enjoyed that. It's not everyday that you have a protagonist and a narrator be a character that can easily be classified as the villain in the story. Unfortunately, she kept going back and forth from embracing this "dark" side and being horrified that she even thought those things. I get that it's an indicator that maybe she's not terrible or can be saved/be the hero- but why can't she be just that? What's so wrong with having a morally ambiguous character? I mean besides, like, murder. 

I think, with how this ended, she might be gearing towards that way. Which will be a very interesting story in itself. 

I did really love the her whole attitude about making those who hurt her, be hurt in return. While probably not the best way to live your life, it's something to somewhat admire and understand once you see where she's coming from.

Speaking of the ending; that was this book's saving grace. It took a turn I was not expecting in the least. I mean, I figured out what had happened shortly before the narrator but did not see that coming before hand. I really liked it, even though it's not something one should probably like if they enjoyed the characters. It was a good story move. I think, anyways.

Might not read the next one. I'll see how the reviews are and whether I have the time (or motivation) to read it.

I'm making it sound worse, but it's not unbearable or anything. It's a pretty good book.

Read: June 2015

My Rating: 3.5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.
Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

I can not tell you how excited I was when I found out that Sarah J. Maas was publishing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. 
I was really, really excited.
The story was great and a new twist on a classic tale that has not already been done before. I was apprehensive when I read that the "Beast" was faerie. I don't like to read faerie/fairy/fey novels anymore. Too many in my earlier years and they end up making me angry at Tinkerbell. Can't have that. This book did that genre a great service. 
It wasn't what I was expecting at all but it was still a really great story. The plot takes a little time to get going and once it does, it doesn't let go. I actually liked the end a lot better than the beginning. I can see how the series might go and I'm excited for it. 
But damn, that plot twist. If only you said something, girl. If only.

While I did not enjoy this book as much as her Throne of Glass books, it's definitely worth a try if you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas. Her writing is so magnificent. Regardless of the plot. It's the plot that got me on this one but I love her writing. 
I will probably be reading the next one when that comes out. It'll be exciting and interesting that's for sure. 

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 4 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days #3) by Susan Ee

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE SERIES IN THE SUMMARY
After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.
When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

It's finally here!!!

I've been eagerly awaiting this book to come out. Like, going to Barnes and Noble almost everyday to see if it's there. 
I gobbled this up.
This is the last book in the Penryn & the End of Days trilogy (Angelfall and World After). If you ever need a reference on how to end a really well-written and successful series- use this as your guide. It ends the series perfectly and with justice.
The story was filled with tension and really had me engaged to see what was going to happen next. I didn't even have time to think about my predictions for where this was going to go; I just read. Most of the time I didn't figure it out until Penryn (the narrator) had figured it out. 
Great job, Susan Ee. Four for you, Susan Ee. You go, Susan Ee.

God, Penryn and Raffe have changed so much over this series. They've developed and learned so much about themselves and each other. 
The ending was unexpected, but good. Very good. Very happy with it.Would have really enjoyed an epilogue, though. 
I can't believe it's over now. I read the first two earlier in the year. Now it's over. No more.
10/10 would recommend for a wonderful series and story. 
I await whatever Susan Ee has to write next.

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Chaos (Guards of the Shadowlands #3) by Sarah Fine

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE SERIES IN THE SUMMARY
With Juri in control and everything in absolute chaos, Lela plunges into the depths of hell to free Malachi from creatures that have waited decades to exact their revenge. But the Judge has her own way of doing things, and Lela must work with Ana, the new Captain, who has a very personal mission of her own. Together, they infiltrate the most horrifying realm either has yet encountered in the Shadowlands—the bitter landscape ruled by the Mazikin.
The stakes could not be higher, and Lela must accept the help—and love—of people she barely knows or trusts. As alliances and loyalties shift and she realizes the soul she came to save isn’t the only one in need of rescue, can Lela summon the strength to see the fight through to the very end? 

Oh dear, I've finished another series. 
I loved this series, so it's even sadder to see it end. Hopefully more people will read it and it will cause just as much pain to them as it did for me. That's what marks a great book- emotional turmoil.

Ah, sweet, sweet pain.
While this book did the rest of the series justice and gave me an ending that was very, very generous; it felt a little too fast-paced for me. I would've enjoyed a break between each monkey wrench thrown into each plan. It would have been nice to calm down and think everything is going fine only to realize you have about a hundred pages left. 
But maybe I'm just a cruel sadist. 
This series is one of my favorite for many reasons.
1. It has a POC (person of color) as the protagonist and it's not catered to or ignored. She's just not white, nothing crazy.
2. The story was wonderful and highly imaginative. 
3. Character development from book to book was extraordinary. Even development in each book was amazing. You have to keep reminding yourself that these aren't real people. 
4. It displays what it's like to have PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) without the protagonist being magically cured when she falls in love or conquers her fear. It's a constant battle that is shown throughout the books.
It's just a great book, a great series and a great story.
Highly recommended for those who want a captivating adventure story. 

Read: May 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars

Book Review: Fractured by Sarah Fine

Really all I have to say about this book is:



Seriously. This book is amazing. If you've read the first one (Sanctum), then you should most definitely read this one. If anything this might be better than the first. 
The characters are so real and have such growth in each book. I love, love Lela. She's a great protagonist and such a badass. She's everything I hope to be. Malachi is great. That boy is wonderful and I want one for myself. Their relationship is real and goes through similar emotions that other couples do. (I would say situations but I don't think most couples fight spirit-infested people.) 
The angst! Oh, the angst. It was heart-breaking to read but so well done. Ugh. 

BUT THE ENDING. Oh man. I am so happy I had the third one with me on hand. I would've died if I had to wait to read it. This is left with the worth possible cliff hanger ever. It's so sad and everything. Oh my God. Just-just read it. Seriously. You will not regret it. Okay, maybe you will because of the emotional trauma this will cause. 
This is definitely one of my favorite series.

Read: April 2015
My Rating: 5 stars / 5 stars