The Jewel

Debut author Amy Ewing's The Jewel is the first of her The Lone City series.

The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty.  The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty- because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.

Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel's glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive.  But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentlemen hired as a companion to the Duchess's petulant niece.  Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.

The Breakdown:
1. I picked this book to read because of my love of dystopian societies.  I was a little worried after I saw some of the reviews of Goodreads, but I ended up really liking it. Ewing creates a fascinating world where there is a sharp contrast between the haves and and have nots.  While the wealthy look down upon those of lower class, they are reliant on them to produce offspring since they can no longer do it.

2.  I found Violet to be such a compelling character. She wants nothing more than to live with her family despite their poverty. She loves them so fiercely, and is horrified by the backstabbing and cruelty of high society.  I love that she works so hard to hold her identity despite society doing everything possible to take it away.

3. I really liked Lucein from the beginning.  He reminded me so much of Cinna from The Hunger Games. So I was glad to see him play a bigger part in the story than I first expected.

4. Ash is such an interesting character. While not quite the object that surrogates like Violet are, he is too is a prisoner of high society. I loved every interaction between him and Violet.

5. Other characters such as Annabelle, the Duchess, and the Duchess's niece added so much to the story.  Annabelle, who I could see not only cared for Violet, but worked so hard to make sure Violet did what was expected of her.  The Duchess with her murcurial mood swings that I never knew what her reaction would be to an situation. The Duchess's niece who was bitter and jealous of Violet.

6. The ending really gave me quite a surprise.  Let's just say not all the characters are what I expected them to be, and I cannot wait to see where Ewing takes this story.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading:
The Greyfriar
by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith

Until I Die

The second novel in Amy Plum's Revenants series is Until I Die.

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there's one question they can't ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can't resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he'll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake- and that Vincent's immortality is in jeopardy.

The Breakdown:
1. I think that Plum was very wise in setting these stories in Paris.  It just seems to fit so well with the idea of the revenants and the love between Kate and Vincent.  These books make me really want to visit Paris.

2. I like that this book focused mostly on Kate and Vincent dealing with their odd relationship, and how to make it work.  Each is trying to figure out a way to keep Vincent from the pain and drive to sacrifice himself to save humans, until Kate dies.  Although, the subplot of the Champion and the numa's new leader is great, too, with some nice twist in it.

3. I love that Kate refuses to sit back and let Vincent figure out everything.  She takes an active role in finding a way to keep him safe and healthy. Kate is no shrinking violet.

4.  The introduction on Violette and Arthur certainly make for some entertaining situations.  I especially loved any interaction between them and Georgia, who is definitely not afraid to speak her mind.

5. The ending of this book is has me wanting to read the next book right now.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
The Jewel
by Amy Ewing

Winterkill

Winterkill is by debut author Kate A. Boorman.

Emmeline knows she's not supposed to explore the woods outside her settlement. The enemy that wiped out half her people lurks there, attacking at night and keeping them isolated in an unfamiliar land with merciless winters.  Living with the shame of her grandmother's insubordination, Emmeline has learned to keep her head down and her quick tongue silent.

When the settlement leader asks for her hand in marriage, it's an opportunity for Emmeline to wash the family slate clean- even if she has eyes for another.  But before she's forced into an impossible decision, her dreams urge her into the woods, where she uncovers a path she can't help but follow.  The trail leads to a secret that someone in the village will kill to protect. Her grandmother followed the same path and paid the price. If Emmeline isn't careful, she will be next.

The Breakdown:
1. Boorman is a master of imagery. She does so well in vividly describing the world around Emmeline that is easy to picture both its beauty and the stark nature of the outpost.

2. The story itself had elements that reminded me both of the movie, The Village, and legends of the lost colony of Roanoke. The unseen threat of the malmaci, and the council that governs the post. Then there is the Lost People.  Boorman does an excellent job of keeping me guessing on what all the characters motives are.

3. I did really like Emmeline as a character. She is a girl weighed down by the sins of her family's past.  She tries so hard to hide her natural curiosity, and conforms to the way of society, but there are those who see her for who she really is.  Her biggest struggle is learning to follow her own heart and not worry about what others think of her.

4.  I loved Kane.  He was cute and funny, and sometimes a little awkward at times when he is talking to Emmeline. I probably fell in love with when he takes up for Emmeline with others their age, defending her against the accusations about her family.

5. Brother Stockham totally gave me the creeps. I love that Boorman was able to convey Emmelines aversion to him so well through her writing. I knew there was something off him from the moment he was introduced.  Plus the council itself, especially Brother Jameson, was very dis-likable. What kind of people really hold to the policy of the Sins of the Father.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Until I Die
by Amy Plum

The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner is the first book in James Dashner's series of the same name.

If you ain't scared, you ain't human.

When Thomas wakes up in the left, the only thing he can remember is his name.  He's surrounded by strangers- boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze.  It's the only way out- and no one's ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. the first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying. 

Remember. Survive. Run.

The Breakdown:
1. Wow! Dashner has written an intense and amazing story in The Maze Runner. He did a great job of keeping me guessing of what was going on in the story, and what the end game was. Plus the way Dashner created the glade and the maze was so vivid.

2. One of my favorite things about this book was how well the characters were written.  Thomas, despite remembering nothing, is a strong character, and his personality comes through the pages so clearly. He is brave, loyal, and compassionate.  He is also very smart.

3. I loved the Grievers. They were frightening, and just the perfect mysterious villain to the Gladers.  I mean what is scarier than unpredictable robots.

4. The ending has me dying to read the rest of the series because I have so many more questions.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read

Currently Reading:
Winterkill
by Kate A. Boorman

Deadly Heat

Deadly Heat is a Nikki Heat book by Richard Castle.

Picking up where Frozen Heat left off, top NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat pursues the elusive former CIA station chief who ordered the execution of her mother over a decade ago.  For the hunt, Nikki teams once again with her romantic partner, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Jameson Rook, and their quest for the old spy and the motive behind the past murder unearths an alarming terror plot-which is anything but ancient history.  It is lethal. It is now. And it has already entered its countdown phase.

Complicating Heat's mission to bring the rogue spy to justice and thwart the looming terror event, a serial killer begins menacing the Twentieth Precinct and her homicide squad us under pressure to stop him, and soon.  The frightening murderer, known for his chilling stealth, not has singled out Nikki as the exclusive recipient to his taunting messages, he then boldly names his next victim: Detective Heat.

The Breakdown:
1. I know that there is not a really a Richard Castle, but the books are a nice tie into the show. For the most part, they an action packed mystery novel.  However, this one fell a little short for me, compared to the previous books.

2. I felt that, like the show, the whole who was behind my mother's murder was getting stale.  I am honestly kind of tired of dealing with it, and lets hope that this book, and the show, have wrapped that part up for good now.

3.  I was honestly enjoying the serial killer aspect of this book more than the spy/terror plot more.  Unfortunately, the author tipped their hand too early, and I figured out the killer about a third of the way through.

4. I have to say, I do love the Firefly references!

To Read or Not to Read:
Skip it, unless you are just a huge Castle fan

Currently Reading:
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner

Die for Me

Die for Me is the first book of Amy Plum's Revenants series.

In the City of Lights, two-star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic accident, she leaves her life-- and memories-- behind to live with her grandparents in Paris.  For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisain art.  Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile.  As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant-- an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others.  Vincent and those like him are bound in centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray.  Kate soon realize that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

The Breakdown:
1. As a fan of both paranormal and YA fiction, of course I wanted to read this book. Plus it takes place in Paris.  Plum does an excellent job of weaving both the world of the revenants together with the charm and beauty of Paris.

2. I loved how Plum teased with Vincent and his friend's otherworldliness without spilling all their secrets at once. I thought she did an excellent job not only with the reveal of what a revenant is but with how Kate handled the whole situation.

3.  From the start I naturally identified with Kate because she is an introvert and love of reading. She loves her sister, but accepts she will never be the vibrant, center of attention that Georgia is.  I did have a moment of worry after she met Vincent that she would turn out to be a Bella Swan, but she held her own, and I think, is a much stronger character for it.

4.  I have to say that I found Vincent refreshingly different from many YA male main characters. He is not suave all the time with Kate. In fact his first couple of meetings with her, he manages to say all the wrong things.  He does have moments that are totally swoon worthy, but he is far from perfect.

5. Plum did a wonderful job with her supporting characters. Georgia, Kate's sister, is lively and cares for her sister, even though they have their fights. Charlotte is adorable and caring, and her loyalty to her brother is great. Ambrose the southern boy, and Jules the passionate artist. I really liked Kate's grandmother, Mamie, elegant and warm, who wouldn't want a grandmother like her.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Deadly Heat
by Richard Castle

Beastly

Beastly by Alex Flinn is the modern day Beauty and the Beast.

I am beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright-- a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore.  I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way.  The place is New York City.  The time is now.  It's no deformity, no disease.  And I'll stay with way forever-- ruined-- unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me.  Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how  used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life.  And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly...beastly.

The Breakdown:
1. Flinn pulls from several different tellings of Beauty and the Beast to develop her story for this book.  For the most part, she does a reasonably job at it.  I like that the story was told from Kyle/the beast's point of view rather than the beauty's.

2. My biggest problem with the book was that she broke up the different parts and did this chat room thing in between the parts.  For me, it made the flow of the book choppy. I think the book would have been much better without them.

3. Kyle is quite the piece of work at the beginning, but as the book progress, I could tell that he was seeing things very differently, and was becoming a better person.  Although, I have to admit that especially after seeing his dad and knowing what his mother did, made me wonder if they should not have been the ones punished for Kyle's attitude to towards. After all, we learn how to treat other people by watching out parents, so really this kid did not have a chance.

3. Lindy is not typically beauty.  She is not traditionally beautiful, nor does she have the doting father.  In fact, her father is kind of a scum bag, and gives her to Kyle so he can get his drugs back and not be arrested for his crimes. She is very smart, and sees past Kyle's appearance to get to know the person underneath,

4. I have to say, I think that they are a couple that never need each other more.  Both have pretty crappy parents, and it nice to see that they found each other for love and support.  Plus, there is Will, their blind tutor, that gives them the parental guidance that neither had before.

To Read or Not to Read:
Unless your really into retelling of fairy tales, I say skip it.

Currently Reading:
Die for Me
by Amy Plum

The Heist

The Heist is the first book of the Fox and O'Hare series co-authored by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg.

FBI Special Agent Kate O'Hare is known for her fierce dedication and discipline on the job, chasing down the world's most wanted criminals and putting them behind bars.  Her boss thinks she is tenacious and ambitious; her friends think she is tough, stubborn, and maybe even a bit obsessed. And while Kate has made quite a name for herself for the past five years, the only name she's cared about is Nicolas Fox- an international crook she wants in more ways than one.

Audacious, handsome, and dangerously charming, Nicolas Fox is a natural con man, notorious for running elaborate scams on very high-profile people.  At first he did it for the money. Now he does it for the thrill.  He knows the FBI has been hot on his trail- particularly Kate O'Hare, who has been watching his every move.  For Nick, there's no greater rush than being pursued by a beautiful woman... even one who aims to lock him up.  But just when it seems that Nicolas Fox has been captured for good, he pulls off his greatest con of all: he convince the FBI to offer him a job, working side by side with Special Agent Kate O'Hare.

Problem is, teaming up to stop a corrupt investment banker who's hiding on a private island in Indonesia is going to test O'Hare patience and Fox's skill.  Not to mention the skills of their ragtag team made up of flamboyant actors, wanted wheelmen, and Kate's dad.  High-speed chases, pirates, and Toblerone bars are all in a day's work... if O'Hare and Fox don't kill each other first.

The Breakdown:
1. If you are a fan of White Collar and Leverage, like me, you will love this book.   This book has the FBI handler-con dynamic with a bit of sexual chemistry between them.  The team put together by Fox is wonderfully quirky, and a pleasure to read.  Evanovich and Goldberg do a masterful job of putting the team together and setting the con. The story is funny and exciting, and a good read from beginning to end.

2. Kate O'Hare is definitely a career driven woman, but despite her little bit of a rough exterior, I really liked her.  I could totally relate to her issue of food spillage ending up on her shirt. She has a wonderful relationship with her father, in fact I enjoyed their scenes together just as much as her scenes with Fox.

3. Nick Fox is such a charismatic character.  He easily becomes the center of any scene he is in, drawing the reader in, making me really like him even though I know he is a criminal.  And the way he plans things out so meticulously makes the Type A personality in me jump for joy.

4. Evanovich and Goldberg made not only great main characters, but the supporting characters are fabulous, too.  I especially enjoyed Kate's father, Jake, who has not qualms about helping his daughter on covert missions and packing her a grenade launcher for the trip. My other favorite is the wheel-woman,  Willie.  She is delightful and funny. She is full of life and always up for the next big adventure.  I do hope she is in more books.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Beastly
by Alex Flinn

The Beautiful Ashes

The first book of Jeaniene Frost's new series, A Broken Destiny, is The Beautiful Ashes.

In the world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own.  But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse-- her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm.  And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who's bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn't mean he can change is fate... no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy.  Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn't: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world.  Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other.  And nothing but ashes in between...

The Breakdown:
1. As a big fan of Frost, I was pretty excited about her new series.  I liked even more once I started reading it.  The book has elements that remind me of the show Supernatural, which I also love. Angels, Demons, and humans of certain lines all players in an ancient war that is rushing toward a big battle.   Frost balances the human drama and the action all while setting up this universe.

2. Ivy is an interesting character.  She suddenly learns that the world is not what she thought it was, but she mans up and gets things done to save her sister.  She has a big heart.  She cares deeply for those around her, and sometimes risk everything to save innocents.

3. Adrian is a man with more secrets that stars. Frost slowly peels away each, keeping me guessing who he really is, and what his motives are.  Despite all that, I really liked.  Frost uses him to show that he is better than what he was raised to be.

4. Frost writes fantastic chemistry between Ivy and Adrian.  Even when they are fighting and avoiding each other, the spark sizzles between them. I am excited to see how their relationship evolves as the series continues, especially after the ending.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
The Heist
by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

Fable

Fable is the third book in Chanda Hahn's An Unfortunate Fairy Tale.

All that glitters is not gold.

When something precious is stolen from sixteen-year-old Mina Grime, she will do anything in her power to get it back, even if it means traveling to the dangerous Fae plane and battling one of the strongest fairy-tale villains yet.

However, nothing can prepare Mina for the dangerous obstacles she will face in the Fae world, or the choices she must make when love and life are on the line.

The Breakdown:
1.  This series is definitely getting darker as it progresses. In this book, you really get the sense that Hahn is channeling  the original Grimm fairy tales in the tone she is setting. I do have to admit that is was a little hard to get through the first half of the this book because the events were pretty heavy.

2.  At the end of the of Fairest, Mina was growing quite the spine, especially with she confronted the Story, or Teague/Jared's dark twin. She is becoming strong with the completion of each task. She is also dealing with her confused feelings for both Brody and Jared.

3. The ending of this one is going bring some major changes to the storyline and Mina's life. I cannot wait to see how the series will progress after this book. Oh, and this does answer a lot of questions about Jared and Teague's roles and the creation of the human and Fae books.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
The Beautiful Ashes
by Jeaniene Frost

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

April Genevieve Tucholke's Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is the first of her Between series.

You stop fearing the devil when you're holding his hand...

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White's sleepy, seaside town... until River West comes along.  River rents the guest house behind Violet's crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard.

Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more?

Violet's grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery... who makes you want to kiss back.

Violet's already so knee-deep in love, she can't see straight.  And that's just how River likes it.

The Breakdown:
1.  Tucholke attempts to give a gothic mystery and romance in this book. There are some elements are done really well, like the setting of a crumbling family mansion and the small seaside New England town. There are things that just fall flat.  She spends so much time setting up the romance between Violet and River, that the real mystery gets neglected.  It kind of comes out of left field at the very end.

2. I found that the characters were not very likable. Luke who was always rude to his sister. Sunshine who more like a frenemy to Violet, and is a little be on the trashy side.  River with his questionable morals, and possible lack of conscience. Violet is a little more likable, but she still gets a bit too in her head at times.  Honestly, the best character was Jack with his strong spirit and  his is one smart cookie.

3.  The romance between Violet and River felt forced at times, especially since she can't make up her mind if she loves or hates him. She knows he lies about so much of his life and activities, but yet she keeps going back to him.  It makes her appear weak.

4. I did like the copious amount of literary references.

To Read or Not to Read
Skip this one

Currently Reading:
Fable
by Chanda Hahn

Fairest

Fairest is the second book in Chanda Hahn's An Unfortunate Fairy Tale.

Mirror, Mirror,on the wall,
Who is the Fairest of them all?

In the sequel to UnEnchanted, Mina Grime discovers that all is not fair when it comes to the Fae and their tales, especially when they don't all play by the rules. Barely surviving the Story's first fairy tale quest, Mina still has hundreds to go before she can end the curse on her family.  But a new player arises to challenge Mina while new rules revamp the game she has just barely begun to understand.

All the while, people are mysteriously disappearing, including Jared, whom Mina must finally determine to be friend or foe.  And the loss of her greatest weapon, Mina must try to outwit a deadly hunter. Can Mina survive the most difficult quest yet while protecting those she loves from falling victim to one of the lethal tales of all? Or will she become a pawn when she strikes a bargain with the Queen of Fae?

The Breakdown:
1. I like that Hahn keeps the story exciting, and keeps bringing new twist in this book.  There are new revelations about Mina's role as a Grim, like she is not always the princess in the tales.  Plus there are new Fae characters that make their appearance.

2. This book is a little darker than the first one.  Mina struggles with jealous of Nan in this book, and dealing with the Story while not having the support she had in the last book because Brody and Nan no longer remember the events of the last book.

3. This book does give us more of Jared's secrets.  We learn more about his loyalty and who exactly he his, and why he helps Mina. Plus we get to see Jared's Fae family, and they are not nearly as pleasant as him.

4. I was a little disappointed on how things turned out between Mina and Brody in this book. Then there is the growing attraction between Mina and Jared.  It will be interesting so see how Hahn ends up playing out the love triangle in the future books.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read

Currently Reading:
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
by April Genevieve Tucholke