{Book Review}: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Title: Incarnate
Author: Jodi Meadows Website | Twitter
Stand Alone or Series: Incarnate, #1
Genre: YA Fantasy/Dystopian
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books  (January 31st 2012) 
Hardcover: 374 pages
ISBN:  9780062060754 
Source: NetGalley
Available On: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository | Kindle | Nook

Description from GoodReads:

New soul
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.
No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?
Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

My Review

First Impressions: The cover is beautiful. The idea of reincarnation and soul-mates are common among YA novels so I was hoping that this story stood out among the rest.


Plot & Characters: At first like most post-apocolyptic stories the setting is a bit hard to understand. In Ana's world a predermined number of souls where born and are reborn again and again into different bodies and retain all of  their memories. Which leads to 5,000 year old souls living and crating a community together. 


The problem arises with the birth of Ana. She is a new soul that has replaced one of the old souls. Ana is raised in a world of ancients with no place where she belongs, that is until she meets Sam.


I really enjoyed this story. The connection and relationship between Ana and Sam was great. I really believed their relationship. The other characters such as Sam's friends and Ana's mother where fun to read about. Great character development in this story. The setting was also well developed their community, the rules they lived with, what they believed in. It is all explained so as to bring the reader into Ana's world so they too can feel like a new soul learning everything.


Final Thoughts: if you are looking for a fantasy/dystopian/romance/good book then you should give Incarnate a try. 


Buy, Borrow or Skip: Buy! Great story and beautiful cover. A great addition to any library.


My Rating:

Book Trailer:

{Book Review}: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Title: Under the Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi Website | Twitter
Stand Alone or Series: Under the Never Sky, #1
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Publisher: Harper Collins (January 3, 2012)
Hardcover: 374 pages
ISBN: 9780062072030 
Source: NetGalley
Available On: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository | Kindle | Nook

Description from GoodReads:
Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse. 

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive. 

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

My Review

First Impressions: Under the Never Sky sounds very promising. I just hope it stand out and doesn't feel like the many others I have read.


Plot & Characters: It begins with aria being forced to leave her protected home. She is thrown out to die. In a world of wild violent storms and cannibal tribes, odds where not in her favor that is until she meets Perry.


The dual narrative helped the reader understand the world from both perspectives, from that of an outsider and that of a dweller. The added "magical/evolutionary" elements were amazing and made this a better story. 


It was great that both Aria and Perry had goals and drives, they did not exist and were not there just to be the others love interest.


Final Thoughts: A great dystopian that shows us another world where I wouldn't last a minute. :)


Buy, Borrow or Skip: Buy.


My Rating:

Book Trailer:

Cover Reveal: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

Will you look at this beautiful cover! 

They say not to judge a book by its cover but I can't help and get excited about this one.

Title: Chosen Ones (The Lost Souls,#1)

Author: Tiffany Truitt Website | Twitter

Expected Publication: April 2012

Description from Publisher:

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?            

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.
             Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.
             But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

What do you think?

{Review}: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Title: Bumped
Author: Megan McCafferty Website | Twitter
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (April, 2011)
Hardcover: 323 pages
ISBN: 9780061962745
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:
When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

My Review:
In Melody's and Harmony's world humans become infertile at the age of 18. Teenage girls are urged to "bump" and get pregnant. There are even agents who help sponsored girls find a wealthy couple that will pay large amounts for a baby. When Harmony appears on Melody's front door after being separated at birth, they will have quite an adventure trying to understand each other and at the same time learn things they never knew about themselves.


What I liked: Bumped is different from other dystopian novels I have read. It focuses on the everyday life and the choices of the two main characters and not them fighting an oppressive government. Sure, they may disagree but they are not trying to save the world just make decisions that make them happy.The dual narrative allowed me to see Melody's mainstream philosophy and Harmon's religious, righteous way.It was great to see how two physically identical girls were molded by society and can have such different views. Fighting to be themselves and to find the right path for themselves adds a nice element to the story. 


Did not like: The futuristic lingo without explanation was a bit confusing at first. They should have added a glossary to the beginning or explained and not just assume we can derive what these words mean. It would have also been nice to see more of their world. To get a bigger picture of how their world works. Hopefully this is done in the sequel.
The negative ideas such as teen pregnancy are not discouraged. It might give a younger audience the wrong idea. I am not saying they should die and suffer because they got pregnant but it would be nice to see realistic consequences being shown. 
Why does it have to be series? WHY? They could have easily added a few more chapters and made it stand alone book. Unless they add something amazing to the next book I cannot see the point. 


Overall, a good book that if you have time and want to read a dystopian that is more like Teen Mom than the Hunger Games or if you are tired of characters that want to change the world and want to read about two girls that are just trying to find themselves in a crazy world, then this is the book for you.


My Rating: 
                 

{Review}: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Wither
Author: Lauren DeStefano Webpage | Twitter 
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Publisher: Simon&Schuster
Hardcover: 358 pages
ISBN: 9781442409057
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository 


Description from GoodReads:

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.  With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

My Review: 
Imagine you knew the exact age you would die. What would you do? Well, Rhine knows that she only has 4 more years but her choice of how to live them is taken away from her. She is captured and forced to marry. Rhine is kept prisoner and told that she should be happy with her new role of wife and sister wife. Yet, all she wants is to escape and make her own decisions.

Not only is this a great written book but it also contains a captivating story. Wither is one of those books that you simply can't put down until you finish it. I was transported into this original dystopian world and had a rainbow of emotions as I followed Rhine on her journey.

It begins with Rhine in a dark room with other scared girls as they await their fate. I felt the fear and panic along with Rhine. Later, I felt confused because I was unsure whether I should like Linden or not. I wanted her to stay with him even though that would be no fun to read but still, he just seemed so innocent and in need of love that I was rooting for him. Her relationship with Gabriel didn't seemed based on anything other than he was a way to rebel from what she is told to do. It seems like she just decided to like him because he was the only nice guy there other than her husband. Maybe I am just biased because I liked Linden, it would all be great if he could just get away from his creepy father.

Rhine's sister wives were also a joy to read about. It was great that Lauren DeStefano decided to give them a sisterly friendship and develop each of their characters. I loved how they were so different from each other and together they showed three different reactions to the same situation. It made me wonder how I would react in a similar situation. Would I be like Rhine, Jenna or Cecily? How would you react?

The whole feel of the book is dark with random glimpses of light. I feel like they are all living in a world full of cobwebs and dust. Linden's father adds an element of mystery and terror to the story. As I discovered more about his role in the story I was disturbed and my hope for Rhine's escape diminish.

Make sure you have time to read when you pick up this book because you wont be able to put it down.

My Rating:

{Review}: ARC Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu  Website | Twitter
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (November 29th 2011)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN: 9780399256752
Source: Good Choice Reading Book Tour
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

My Review:
Ever since I first heard about this book I have kept my eyes open for it. You can imagine my excitement when I saw that Good Choice Reading had an opening for its book tour. I even did a happy dance when I received it in the mail and almost cried when I had to send it to the next person because now I have to wait until November to purchase my copy. I will get on with my review since you are not here to learn about the emotional roller coaster this book took me on.

Legend is written in dual narrative from June's and Day's perspectives. It uses different fonts and colors to differentiate who narrates the chapter. I usually have a hard time figuring out who is telling the story when books are written in dual narrative but with the different fonts I was able to make the transitions effortlessly. It left me wondering why I haven't seen it done more often.

The characters are great. I enjoyed both June and Day. I loved their personalities and being in their mind. It was great to see who would outsmart who and being able to see the story unfold from both of their perspectives. Legend is one of those books where you even like the secondary characters. I hope we see more of Tess in the next book. Legend made me feel like I knew the characters and I understood their actions.

The pace of the story was good. It began by introducing the main characters and their stories and then brings June and Day together as they play a game of cat and mouse and discover secrets about themselves and the Republic in which they live. It leaves you anxiously waiting for the next installment, which is a long time since the first one hasn't even come out yet.

Overall, this is a great fast paced book that keeps you actively engaged in the story until the end. Full of mystery, love, action, and another amazing dystopian world that will leave you wanting more.

{Review}: ARC Crossed by Ally Condie

Title: Crossed (Matched, #2)
Author: Ally Condie Website | Twitter
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (November, 2011)
Hardcover: 384 pages
ISBN: 9780525423652
Source:  Good Choice Reading Book Tour
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository


My Rating: 4/5


Description from GoodReads:

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

My Review:


In Crossed we see a world outside the Society. We accompany Cassia and Ky on their journey's to find each other. Crossed, unlike Matched where we only see Cassia's point of view, is written in dual narration both Cassia and Ky take us on their adventure.

The beginning was a little difficult for me because I had a hard time remembering where Matched left off. This is probably just a personal problem and not a problem with the way it is written. The dual narration was also a little difficult at first but after a few chapters I enjoyed the ability to see both characters at once instead of wondering what is going on with the other.

Midway through the book I was suffering. I kept gaining and losing hope with the characters. I was anxious to see if Cassia and Ky would ever find each other. I was also hoping Xander would magically appear. What can I say I like Xander. :) Ally Condie does an amazing job of creating a love triangle that seems real and where both guys have a chance. I personally am hoping she chooses Xander.

Did I like it? Yes, I did. I got many questions answered and it was amazing to see what lies outside the Society ruled world. I was amazed by the description of their surroundings. I hope we get to see more in the 3rd book. The adventure was also amazing we get to see the outside world from two perspectives. Cassia's with her inexperienced eyes trying to make sense of everything and Ky's perspective as he tries to remember his way.

There are many questions answered and many more brought up but Ms. Condie did a great job at not leaving me confused but just wanting to know more. We learn more about Ky's past and secrets about other major characters. New characters are also introduced that are sure to add interesting personalities to the third book.

If you enjoyed Matched then you will love Crossed. Just make sure you re-read Matched so you are not confused like I was at the beginning.

{Review}: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Publisher: Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers (Oct, 2009)
Hardcover: 379 pages
ISBN: 9780385737944
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 4.5/5

Description from GoodReads:

Imagine waking up one day in total darkness, unsure of where you are and unable to remember anything about yourself except your first name. You're in a bizarre place devoid of adults called the Glade. The Glade is an enclosed structure with a jail, a graveyard, a slaughterhouse, living quarters, and gardens. And no way out. Outside the Glade is the Maze, and every day some of the kids -- the Runners -- venture into the labyrinth, trying to map the ever-changing pattern of walls in an attempt to find an exit from this hellish place. So far, no one has figured it out. And not all of the Runners return from their daily exertions, victims of the maniacal Grievers, part animal, part mechanical killing machines.
Thomas is the newest arrival to the Glade in this Truman-meets-Lord of the Flies tale. A motley crew of half a dozen kids is all he has to guide him in this strange world. As soon as he arrives, unusual things begin to happen, and the others grow suspicious of him. Though the Maze seems somehow familiar to Thomas, he's unable to make sense of the place, despite his extraordinary abilities as a Runner. What is this place, and does Thomas hold the key to finding a way out?

My Review
I cannot imagine waking up and not having my memories. The Maze Runner is an amazing book. I enjoyed solving the mystery along with Thomas and the rest of the boys. The made up language was a little hard to understand at first but after a few chapters I grew used to it. The adventure is the best part, it keeps you turning pages all the way to the last page. It definitely reminded me of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins because in both of these books children are put in a place where they have to fight to survive.

I would have liked for Thomas to be more of a hero and less of an extra addition to the maze. I'll keep my review short because I don't want to give away parts of the story. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to solve a mystery and enjoy reading dystopian novels.

{Review}: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Title: Incarceron
Author: Catherine Fisher  Website
Genre: YA Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books (May, 2007)
Paperback: 458 pages
ISBN: 9780340893609
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

My Review:
Incarceron has a very original plot. I have not read a book quite like it. It had mystery, magic, a fascinating world, interesting characters, and a plot that kept me eagerly turning pages. The first few chapters were a little difficult to get through because I was confused as to what was happening but as the plot developed I was engulfed by the mystery. I enjoyed solving the mystery along with Claudia and Finn.

Finn does not accept that he was born in Incarceron, a prison unlike any other you have read about before. Imagine trying to escape a prison that thinks, adapts and is always watching you. A "perfect" prison created to send away the worst prisoners because it is impossible to escape. Yeah, doesn't sound like fun. Even though Finn has seizures where he believes he sees a world outside the prison, he begins to doubt his origin until Claudia comes into his life. Claudia the daughter of the Warden wants to escape an unwanted marriage. When they come across a device that allows them to speak to each other they discover that they can help each other escape their prisons.

The adventure was wonderful, full of twists that kept me entertained. I would have liked more descriptions of the inside of Incarceron because I was unable to picture it clearly. The characters were also a little distant. I liked them but I did not love them. Maybe things will change in the next book.

I recommend this book if you can't get enough Fantasy mixed with adventure and spoonfuls of dystopian. I am looking forward to reading Sapphique.

{Review}: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Delirium ( Delirium, #1)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Genre: YA Fiction, Dystopian
Publisher: HarperCollins (February , 2011)
Hardcover: 441 pages
ISBN:9780061726828
Source: Borrowed from Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble
My Rating: 5/5

Description from GoodReads:

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

My Review:
This book was Amazing! Imagine living in a world where everyone believes that love is a deadly disease (Amor Deliria Nervosa). I know heartbreak hurts but living without love just sounds a little too extreme. I guess when people are desperate they believe anything that promises a good life. 


Lena's world was fascinating! It showed how a society can be so scared that they allow the government to dictate their life because of fear. To me this book was more about learning to live with fear and accepting and dealing with pain and loss that comes with loving. 
I also enjoyed the small glimpse of the life outside their society. I was a little disappointed that they did not introduce any character that lived outside but I am hoping the next one in the series will.


I loved Lauren Oliver's writing! She allowed me to see the change in her main character. I was able to see from the dialog the change in Lena from being scared and nervous to strong and determined. I liked the way she began the chapters with quotes from different text and referenced altered books like the bible and classics, such as Romeo and Juliet: A cautionary tale. 


I loved Hana Tate. She made my list of best Minor Characters because she was simply an amazing friend. The romance was also a major contributor to me loving this book. Lena and Alex *Sigh* I don't want to give to much away but let me just warn you that the ending is insane! I was on the edge of my seat, scared to death for Lena and Alex. You know a book is good when you are worried and care about the characters. 


I highly recommend this book. Especially to those who enjoyed Matched by Ally Condie and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. 

{Review:} Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (November 2010)
Hardcover: 384 pages
ISBN: 9780525423645
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon

My Rating: 4/5

Description on GoodReads:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review:


I decided to read this book because I heard great things and I fell in love with the cover. I won't say I was disappointed because I did enjoy this wonderfully written book but I was just expecting more from it.

My biggest problem with this book was that it left me with more questions than answers. I never really understood how and why the Society came to existence. Who are they fighting? Why?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading about the Society and how they control most aspects of their citizen's life, even their death. I found it interesting to see how the Society dealt with information overload and got rid of it along with obesity and most of the problem an industrialized society faces.

It is scary to think how they have been controlled, and their survival without the Society will be difficult because most of them don't know how to do things for themselves.

Now for the characters.

I don't see the best friends relationship between Xander and Cassia. They grew up together but she doesn't seem to do a thing for him. She ignores him, lies to him and puts him in danger. Hmm... I wouldn't want her as my friend.

Also, why does she fall in love with Ky? Does she like Ky just because they tell her to forget him?

I am looking forward to next book in this series because I want to know more. I want my questions answered! So I guess, Ally Conde did a great job because she left me wanting to read more.

I recommend it, but be prepared to be left wondering.