Alienated (Alienated # 1) by Melissa Landers ARC Review

Name: Alienated
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: February 4th, 2014
Format: ARC E-book
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352 pages

Summary: Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Goodreads

My Review:
A really great start to a genre that I wouldn't normally read...but I found myself LOVING this book. Melissa Landers is able to create both a realistic world with the introduction of aliens!

What I really liked about this book was the plot! It was very original and I liked how Melissa showed both Cara and Aelyx's viewpoints. I thought that gave us some really great insight in both of their characters and what they were going through. I also loved how funny this book was!! Their definitely were parts were I was laughing out loud at how Aelyx was adjusting to life on earth. I also really liked how we got to read portions of the blog that Cara was making about Aelyx's stay..it really made me feel like I was actually part of the story and in the world that Melissa was creating.

Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the two main characters; Cara and Aelyx! I thought they had such great chemistry and they really worked well together. I also really liked learning about Aelyx's world as well..it gave us some great insight into outerspace! I also thought this book was really realistic..their wasn't any instalove which was great and I thought it progressed really well.

Overall, I really enjoyed Alienated! I thought it was original, funny, and had a lot of action and romance! I can't wait to read the next book in the series! If you love Jennifer Armentrout then definitely check this book out..you won't regret it! 

My Rating:

Delirium (Delirium # 1) by Lauren Oliver Review

Name: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Harper Teen  
Release Date: February 1st, 2011
Format: Paperback
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480 pages

Summary:
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 government 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.

Goodreads

My Review:
I can't believe that this book has been out for over a year and I haven't read it!! I was hooked on Delirium from page one, and I couldn't put it down until I was finished.

What really got me into loving Delirium has to be how beautiful this book is written. Lauren Oliver seriously is a genius..this book so stands out as one of the best written books I have ever read. The words flow so smoothly from page to page and every scene caught my attention because of the writing style. The plot of this book really intrigued me when I first heard about this book. I don't read a huge amount of dystopian books but I really liked how Lauren Oliver made this one work. She still makes us feel like we are in a familiar place, but adding the aspect of no love really changes things in the world she creates. It really makes you think how different the world would be without love, and even though it's hard at times we really do need love. At first, I really wasn't sure what to make of the main character Lena. She seemed so unsure about herself and what she wanted..she only knew what she was suppose to do..not what she wanted to do. Once she meets Alex, however, things totally change and her eyes are opened up into a new world. As the book progresses, Lena grows into such a strong willed character and realizes that you should always question, and maybe some things aren't always as they seem.

I LOVED the relationship between Lena and her best friend Hana. While both girls are complete opposites, Hana being more of a wild child and Lena being so reserved, the two really balance each other out and have a great friendship. Hana starts to help Lena break out of her shell and realize that it's okay to go against the rules that you are suppose to follow. The relationship between Alex and Lena is so SWOON WORTHY. He is so caring and sweet, and very very handsome! From the start, I knew that Alex was going to be an awesome character. He helps her see the world in a whole different life and makes her realize that love isn't so scary. Yes, love can cause heartache and pain, but it can always bring joy and happiness. Lena soon realizes love isn't so bad at all, and she would rather have been in love then forget it all.

The ending gets me every time..seriously the ultimate cliff hanger ever!! I can't wait to get started on the second book in the series. Definitely check this book out if your interested in reading a dystopian book with an awesome romance. One more thing, a final quote to leave you all with that really stood out in my mind in this book:  
"You can build walls all the way to the sky and I will find a way to fly above them. You can try to pin me down with a hundred arms, but I will find a way to resist. And there are many of us out there, more than you think. People who refuse to stop believing. People who refuse to come to earth. People who love in a world without walls, people who love into hate, into refusal, against hope, and without fear.
I love you. Remember. They cannot take it." (440-441, Delirium)

My Rating:

The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen Review

Name: The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy, #1)
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: April 1st, 2012
Format: Library Book
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THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well. 

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together. 

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.-Goodreads

My Review:
The False Prince has become the best book I have read this year..once I started it I could not put this book down! At first, I wasn't sure how much I would like this book...I'm not a huge fan of all out fantasy types of books, but four hours later, I couldn't believe that I didn't pick this book up sooner.

One of my favorite parts about the book was the plot! Jennifer A. Nielsen does a fabulous job of creating a world that sucks you right into the story. Like I said above, once I started The False Prince I could not put it down. There was so much action and mystery packed into one book, that I never knew what was going to happen next! I really like reading books where I have no idea what will happen and this book definitely does just that. Another thing that is so great about the plot of this book is that certain details, while at first don't seem very important, end up playing a HUGE role towards the end of the book! I love when authors do that in books..it really makes the reader want to re-read the book and see the scenes with a different perspective. What really intrigued me about this plot was how Conner (the nobleman of the court) is able to come up with this whole elaborate scheme without anyone really finding out! 

Of course, my favorite character has to be Sage. I really enjoy reading books from a male POV, especially one like Sage! He is very cunning, and very smart, but underneath it all he is a caring person. He doesn't submit to Conner's games like the other boys, which makes me like Sage even more. Seeing things from Sage's perspective was a really great aspect to this book, and made me as a reader feel like I was on Sage's journey with him.

Overall, I LOVED The False Prince. I don't want to give away any spoilers but Jennifer A. Nielsen adds an awesome twist close to the end of the book that makes me love The False Prince even more! If you are looking for a book with mystery, action, and a really great main character, definitely check this book out!!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Dark Passage by M.J. Putney Review

Name: Dark Passage (Dark Mirror # 2)
Author: M.J. Putney
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: September 13, 2011
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The Irregulars return home to 1803 England safely, but their worldview has changed. Not only have their heroic efforts at Dunkirk given them pride and confidence but their dangerous mission has increased their magical powers.
Tory delights in the ever deepening bond she shares with Allarde until she discovers how powerfully he is connected to his ancient family estate—the lands he will not inherit unless he denies his magical powers and chooses a nonmagical mate. If Tory really loves him, she must walk away—but does she have the strength to leave the love of her life?
Cynthia’s heroic efforts at Dunkirk have won her the respect of the Irregulars, but her sharp tongue keeps everyone at a distance. Isolated and very alone at Lackland Abbey over the Christmas holidays, she reluctantly agrees to join Jack Rainford and his family for their celebration even though they’re commoners, far below her own noble rank. The warm welcome of the Rainfords makes her feel happier and more accepted than she has ever been. But she can’t possibly be falling in love with flirtatious Jack! Can she?
Then the Irregulars are drawn into a dangerous attempt to rescue a vitally important French scientist from Nazi-occupied France. Tory and Allarde must work together because countless lives are at stake. Disaster strikes and not only is their mission threatened, but their very lives. Can magic and their loyalty to each other help them survive to return home?-Goodreads

My Review:
Wow what a great sequel to a really fun series! Who wouldn't want to read about time travel, magic, and people from England in the 1800s? This book has all of my favorite things combined: paranormal, historical, and time travel (and British accents which is always a bonus!!).

One of my favorite parts about Dark Passage was the plot! It was definitely really really exciting/fast paced/mysterious all packed into one! I really liked seeing Tory and her friends go on a completely different adventure than the last book and also learn more about their powers and skills! It was also really fun to see how these teenagers from the 1800s reacted to what was going on in the 1940s. I really liked how M.J. Putney was able to portray this so well!!

I also really enjoyed reading more about the main character, Tory! It was interesting to see her progression from the first book into the second book and see her grow as a such a strong willed character! Of course (spoiler alert from the first book!) I also liked seeing her relationship with Allarde in this one!!

Overall, this definitely was a great sequel to a really great series!! I can't wait to read the next book, Dark Destiny, when it comes out soon!!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars

Destined by Aprilynne Pike Review

Name: Destined
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: May 1st, 2012
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Thank you Harper Teen for sending me an ARC copy of this book!!

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face.
Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless.
Tamani looked at her gravely, and reached up to touch her hair behind her ear. He hesitated for an instant, then his hands found the sides of her face, pulling her to him. He didn't kiss her, just held her face to his, their foreheads resting together, their noses almost touching.
She hated how much it felt like good-bye.-Goodreads

My Review:
What a great ending to a really fun series!! This book definitely was jamb packed with action and did not disappoint! Destined starts us off right into the action, which I really liked! One of my favorite parts about this book was that I never knew what was coming next! Aprilynne Pike really kept me on my toes and I really liked that about this book!! I also really liked how this one was a little bit more fast paced and not too slow/dragged out. Sometimes the last book in a series can be really long and can go on forever, but that didn't happen with Destined at all!!

Another part of this book that I enjoyed was the romance between Laurel and Tamani! I really loved seeing their relationship progress through the last three books and it was great to see it go on in this book. I don't want to give away and spoilers but I will say I am happy with the ending!

The only complaint I have with this book is that I got a little bit confused by all the characters..at times it was hard to tell who was who!

Overall, I enjoyed Destined and if you are a fan of the series this one won't disappoint!!

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Awake at Dawn (Shadow Falls # 2) by C.C. Hunter Review

Name: Awake at Dawn
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: October 11th, 2011
400 Pages

Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities. But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold.

To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away. When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point. Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie--and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive...-Goodreads


My Review:
I really enjoyed this book! It wasn't amazing as the first book in the series but I still had fun reading this!
One of the best parts about this book was seeing Kylie start to figure out who she is! During the last book, I was on the edge of my seat because I could not figure out what Kylie was! It's really interesting to see her go through different changes in this book!

One part of this book that I did not love was the love triangle that is sort of happening. Most of the time I am not bothered by love triangles, but for some reason I just did not like how this worked in this book. One minute she was pining for Derek and then she was thinking about Lucas! I just wished that she would focus more on one boy then thinking about both, but that's not how love triangles work :)

I also really enjoyed seeing Kylie grow as a character! In the first book in this series, we really got to know her and as a reader I wasn't sure what to make of her! I liked seeing her become more independent in this book!

Overall, I enjoyed this book! Not as great as the first but I am still looking forward to the next book in the series!


My rating:
Four out of Five Stars

The Vampier Stalker by Allison van Diepen Review

Name: The Vampire Stalker
Publisher: Point
Release Date: June 1st, 2011


What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.-Goodreads

My Review:

Wow what a really fun read! It might sound weird, but I have always imagined my favorite character from a book coming to life and this book (sort of) made my dreams come true!

It was really awesome to see Amy's journey throughout the novel and seeing her meet and eventually fall in love with her favorite character: Alexander Banks.
The only thing that I did not really like about this one was the plot moved a little bit too quick and I wished that the story was longer!

If you always have imagined your favorite book character coming to life, give this book a try!

My Rating: Four out of Five Stars

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard Review

Name: Wanderlove
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: March 13th, 2012
335 pages

This book is an ARC received from netgalley!

It all begins with a stupid question:

Are you a Global Vagabond?

No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.

But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.

Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry into this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.-Goodreads

My Review:
Wow what a great read!! This book truly was inspiring and made me want to go on an adventure just like Bria.

At first, I did not really like the main character Bria. But as the novel went on, I saw myself rooting for her as she goes across Central America. I really liked seeing her grow as a character during her journey.

I also really liked the plot of this novel! I have never read any books about backpacking so it was really cool as a reader to learn about it with Bria.

Overall, highly recommend this book! It was a really great read!

My Rating: Five out of Five Stars