Review: Darkness Before Dawn (Darkness Before Dawn Trilogy #1)

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Title: Darkness Before Dawn

Author: J.A. London

Series: Darkness Before Dawn Trilogy, #1

Age Group: young adult

Format: paperback

Pages: 342

Release Date: May 29, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: library

ONLY SUNLIGHT CAN SAVE US.
We built the wall to keep them out, to keep us safe. But it also makes us prisoners, trapped in what's left of our ravaged city, fearing nightfall.
After the death of my parents, it's up to me--as the newest delegate for humanity--to bargain with our vampire overlord. I thought I was ready. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the monsters. Then again, nothing could have prepared me for Lord Valentine...or his son. Maybe not all vampires are killers. Maybe it's safe to let one in.
Only one thing is certain: Even the wall is not enough. A war is coming and we cannot hide forever.

I remember reading some time ago that Darkness Before Dawn received criticisms for the cover being similar to Fallen by Lauren Kate. That is true, but I still love the whole gothic theme going on, so in the end, I love it!

I can't help but admit that this was a bland read. There wasn't anything new to read in Darkness Before Dawn. I found it very cliche, and boring, to be honest.

Through the story, I kept reading that Dawn was special, but yet I never found out why. Major disappointment. There was the classic love triangle. Michael, Dawn, and Victor. But if you keep reading, you'll immediately find out who the obvious choice is going to be.

I ended up struggling to finish this book. I would read a few chapters each day, and then put it down for a few more days, and then pick it up again.

In the end, there's not much to say. I just could not enjoy Darkness Before Dawn. If I had to say, Rachel would be my favorite character out of all. She was just a sweet young woman who took on the responsibility of taking care of Dawn. Rachel represented a great mixture of being a friend, and a motherly figure for Dawn.

That's about. I still have not decided if I want to start the sequel, but don't let this convince you to not read the book. Maybe it just was not for me. I hope you all have better luck. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

My Rating:

Darkness Before Dawn is part of the Catch Up Reading Challenge!

Review: Soulbound (Legacy of Tril #1)

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Title: Soulbound

Author: Heather Brewer

Series: Legacy of Tril, #1

Age Group: young adult

Format: hardback

Pages: 394

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Publisher: DIAL

Source: school library

SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO BREAK ALL THE RULES TO FOLLOW YOUR HEART...
Tril is a world where Barrons and Healers are Bound to each other: Barrons fight and Healers cure their Barrons' wounds in the ongoing war with the Graplar King. Sixteen-year-old Kaya was born a Healer, but she wants to fight. In Tril, and at Shadow Academy, where she is sent to learn to heal, it is against Protocol for Healers to fight. So Kaya must learn in secret.
Enter two young men: One charming, rule-following Barron who becomes Bound to Kaya and whose life she must protect at all costs. And one with a mysterious past who seems bent on making Kaya's life as difficult as possible. Kaya asks both to train her to fight, but only one will, and the consequences will change their lives forever.

I've always been a fan of swords, so it's no marvel that this cover captured my attention. How could it not? Besides, I'm always on the lookout for books with strong female characters, and well, it doesn't get much better than a girl with a sword on the cover. So, hip hip horay for the cover of Soulbound!

I've been fortunate to be finding amazing books. May the winning streak continue! First The Pledge, and now Soulbound. Let me just warn you, this is a pretty freaking amazing book!

There are books where girls are continually wishing they were stronger, or whatever, but they never actually do anything about it, and just wait for the guys to rescue them. Now, Kaya, isn't quite like that. She takes the initiative. And I couldn't help but love her. Any girl who is willing to stand up to a stuck up, close-minded teacher is A okay for me. Oh, and throw in Maddox too. She was pretty kick-butt, considering she didn't know how to fight or anything.

As for the plotline, it was pretty good. I will brag about this. The author was trying to add a twist to the story, but I had her figured out. At first it was just an assumption, but turns out I was right! I won't tell you what it is, for risk or ruining everything. But just watch out for Darius's relationship with Kaya, and why he's so secretive and all that.

Now, my favorite part, the lovers. Well, there was amazing, gorgeous, mysterious, stunningly hot, Darius. Did I mention he's hot?! His silver hair just added to the mystery! Then there's boring, rule-following, mediocre Trytan. Hello, is there much of a choice? Examine Kaya. I just said that she's rebellious, and totally wants to learn how to kick someone's butt, which is against the rules. Then there's Darius who is a rebel of his own accord....and rule-following Trytan. Screw opposites attract. Darius and Kaya are made for each other! I just hope the author agrees with me. Sorry about my mini rant.

Just take my word for it. This is a pretty awesome book! If you're into strong heroines, then you won't be disappointed. Kaya may not be the strongest, but she certainly has gumption.

My Rating:

Soulbound is part of the Catch Up Reading Challenge!

Review: The Pledge (The Pledge #1)

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Title: The Pledge

Author: Kimberly Derting

Series: The Pledge, #1

Age Group: young adult

Format: hardback

Pages: 323

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Source: school library

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking in their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max, who speaks a language she's never heard before...and her secret is almost exposed.
Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills become real emergencies and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

 I've always been a big fan of dark, gothic looking covers, and well, this is no exception. The book cover drew my interest with the gloominess, and although the book isn't that dark, it's certainly a beautiful cover.

We all know that I have not posted a review in ages, and well, I have nothing to say, except apologize. But, it's a new year, and hopefully things will be different, and I won't be such a slacker. Anyways, on to The Pledge. One of the reasons I haven't been reading as much is because I have not had any particular book grab my interest. The Pledge changed it all!

For starters, I loved how its a queendom, and that royal men do not have that much value, only female royalty. It's definitely a change from the stereotypical kingdom, and I can honestly say that I loved it. The class system was pretty unique to, or at least, I have not seen anything like it. Each class system has their own language, along with the national language. You cannot learn any other language, except for the one in your class. Guess who's the exception to the rule? Our main character Charlie! It was just a great spin to the Ludania society.

Next, we can't skip the love interest. At first, I thought that there would be a best friend who love Charlie, but no, it didn't quite take that spin with Aron. It seemed like the author was headed there, so I'll watch out for that in the sequel. But no, Charlie was interested in Max since she met him at the club. Another cliche love at first sight story. Although, right now, I pretty welcomed that kind of story. Afterwards, Max and Charlie did make a pretty cute couple. Max is sweet and cares a lot about Charlie, and that makes a great guy in my book.

A character who I think deserves an honorable mention is Angelina. She was the cutest, most adorable little sister ever. While reading, I was jealous of Charlie. It made me wish that I had a little sister like Angelina, and I'm an only child. 

I think that about covers the greatest points of The Pledge. Considering you didn't hear me say anything bad about it, I think you can tell that I'm in love with the book. I can't wait to get started on the sequel, The Essence. 

My Rating:

The Pledge was part of the Catch Up Reading Challenge.

Review: Moongazer

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Title: Moongazer

Author: Marianne Mancusi

Series: none

Age Group: adult

Format: paperback

Pages: 355

Release Date: July 31, 2007

Publisher: Shomi

Source: library

Imagine every night entering a nightmare world you can't escape and being told real life is a dream. Skye Brown has it all: the cool job, the hot boyfriend, the apartment on New York's Upper West Side. But lately she can't enjoy any of it. She's having dreams of a post-apocalyptic world. Of a bleak futuristic wasteland of a struggle against oppression. And she's been told she's a MOONGAZER.
But what is that? And what is reality? In her dreams, she's not Skye Brown at all, but Mariah Quinn. In her dreams there's Dawn, the beautiful yet haunted soldier, and Skye is but the empty shell of a girl he once loved. And there was a betrayal, a great betrayal. Ripped between Dark Sides and club kids, the mundane and the mystic, Skye must discover who she is, what she wants and who wants her. And why. But in the glow of the moon, it's not always easy to recognize the face in the mirror.

I actually don't have much to say about this book. It was definitely not what I expected. And there is definitely a lot of explicit sexual scenes, so if you're considering reading this book, be aware. It was not a bad book...per say. I did finish it in one reading, so you can say it's a quick read.

The characters were bland. That's simply how I would describe them. I could not warm up to the main character, Mariah. Like I said, she was too bland and wishy-washy for me. The other main character, and the love interest, Dawn was too vulnerable. I like that he wasn't the conventional overprotective lover. I mean, he was still overprotective, but I would say that Mariah/Skye was the "dominant one" in the relationship.

Like I said, I don't have much to say about Moongazer. I picked this book up for two reasons. Number one would be the moon. I don't know why, but I usually pick up a book if it has something magical to do with the moon. I'm crazy like that. Lastly, my second reason would be the guy's hair on the cover. Of course, the guy on the cover is Dawn. If you look, his hair is kinda whitish, and I thought that was pretty cool.

So, in the end, I would recommend this book as a quick read. It's not boring, it's simply average.

My Rating:

Review: Troubled Waters (Troubled Waters #1)

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Title: Troubled Waters

Author: Sharon Shinn

Series: Troubled Waters, #1

Age Group: adult

Format: hardback

Pages: 391

Release Date: October 5, 2010

Publisher: Ace Books

Source: library

After the death of her father--a former royal advisor who'd fallen out of favor--Zoe Ardelay has little time to grieve before she receives astonishing news: She has been chosen to become the king's fifth wife!
Unable to resist the ambassador sent to fetch her, Zoe accompanies him to the royal city. Once there, she slips away and hides among those who live along the shores of the mighty river. For Zoe is coru: ruled by the elemental sign of water.
Gradually she discovers that she is, in fact, the coru prime. Which means she must return to the palace, not as unwilling bride for the king but as a woman with power in her own right.
But the palace abounds with intrigue and deception as Zoe unlocks more of the mysteries of her blood--and the secrets of the royal family--she must make a decision: How best to use her great power?

This was the perfect book! Lately, most of the books I've been reading have a bad case of insta-love. Basically where it's love at first sight. So, awhile ago I went book hunting through the web, and found Troubled Waters, a book that claimed to be not insta-love. But, it was so much more than that.

I've always loved books where the heroines are able to control a certain element. I don't know why. Maybe it's because when I was little, I was obsessed with Sailor Moon. That obsession probably unconsciously carried on into my love of literature. So, you can imagine my joy when I found out about this book. I mean, Zoe, the main character, is coru, and controls water. How cool is that?!

In kingdom of Troubled Waters, you element is basically like your race/ethnicity. You're usually asked what you are. If I lived here, I would definitely be coru(water & blood).

I just simply loved this book! I could go on and on, but then it would be a 2 page review. So, I'm just going to say a little about my favorite characters. First, definitely Zoe! She was a kick-butt heroine. She didn't care what people thought of here, she was who she was(this was partly due to her being exiled most of her life). I couldn't help but admire her. Plus, she's not just a kick-butt heroine, but she has powers! Now, my other favorite character was Darien. He was so cute! I couldn't help but like him. And Zoe and him made the perfect couple. I'm even going to share my favorite quote by him(it gave me goosebumps).
"If you did leave," he said. If you simply walk out the doors and stroll down the mountain, leaving behind no word of where you were going or why, I would come looking for you. I would never stop looking for you. I would find you, too."
Isn't that just the best? I found him a definite reprieve from the YA boys of late. Sure, he was overprotective, but he was also kind and caring. And trust me, Zoe could hold her own against Darien. She was not weak. And best of all, there was a build up before they actually got together.

You should just go and get your hands on a copy of Troubled Waters! I assure you, you won't regret reading this book.

My Rating:

Review: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)

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Title: Shadow and Bone

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series: The Grisha Trilogy, #1

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Paperback

Pages: 368

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Surrounded by her enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near-impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one unlikely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life--a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha...and he secrets of her heart.

An ARC was provided by Henry Holt and Company for review. Thank you!

I have a feeling that tonight I'm not going to be getting much sleep. Why, you ask? The reason is most likely because I'll be tossing and turning in bed all night while I think about how the sequel to Shadow and Bone isn't coming out until 2013! In my mind, this is an awful way to torture readers!

I fell for this book hard. Head over heels hard. Ever since I read the description, I knew this was going to be my kind of book. I had high expectation(sky high), and they were met! Simple as that. The heroine, Alina, was a kind orphan girl who knew who to be the exact dose of fun and realistic. Well, as realistic as you can be in a fantasy world.

Personally, I loved the kingdom of Ravka. I wish I could live there! Also, if I could be any type of Grish, I'd probably be a Heartrender. Something about having control over people seems pretty amazing! For second place, I would be a Healer. 

Now, the last thing I have to say about Shadow and Bone, is predictably about the lover interested. Sweet, best friend Mal. Alina's heart belongs to him since the beginning. But then she gets taken away, and she has her doubts. Then, there is mysterious Darkling, whom Alina can't help but feel drawn to. All that power just draws her in. Personally, I think Alina's relationship with the Darkling was more lustful than anything. With Mal, it was sweet and you could definitely tell there was something more.

Anyways, I'll leave you all to figure out what goes on in the kingdom of Ravka. Pick up a copy of Shadow and Bone. You won't regret it!

My Rating:

Review: Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

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Author: Marissa Meyer

Series: Lunar Chronicles, #1

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback

Pages: 390

Release Date: January 3, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Original Price: $17.99

ISBN: 978-0-312-64189-4

Source: Local Library

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

SIXTEEN-YEAR OLD CINDER is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interface has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. This reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. He jokingly calls it "a matter of national security," but Cinder suspects it's more serious than he's letting on.
Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her young stepsister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an "honor" that no one has survived.
But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for.

The Cover:
 The cover is really simple, yet completely astounding. It portrays the story's plot, especially with Cinder being a cyborg. The leg is see through, and you can see the metal bone. I love it! 5/5 cover rating.


The Review:
Let's see, I will admit that it took me quite awhile to finally finish Cinder. Why, you ask? Because the story lagged at first, but after about seven chapters it finally picked up. Then, I could not put it down for the life of me. It was amazing!


I felt sad, happy, and frustrated. It was an emotional ride and a unique retelling of Cinderella that ended in an astounding cliffhanger. I'm begging for more! I can't wait until 2013, when the second book will be released. The parts that were especially frustrating were the ones where Kai and Cinder where together. It was sweet, but I was constantly thinking, "Get on with your relationship already!". Well, the ending was bittersweet, because Kai and Cinder were left a bad point.


I adored Kai. He was a kind prince/emperor, but I did not feel a deep enough connection with him. I'm hoping I'll get to know him even better in the next few books. On the other hand, Queen Levana I do not want to get to know at all. Cruel, murderer, and all of the insults that can be thought of describe her. She is just terrible, one of the worst, the perfect villain. 


Lastly, I've always been fascinated with the moon, and how it would be amazing if people could live here, so when I saw Cinder I had to read it. Kingdom on the moon! Awesome! And Marissa Meyer is a fan of Sailor Moon, which is where I assume she got some of her inspiration from. A completely amazing read, that you will never regret reading!


The Author:
Marissa Meyer lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and two cats. She's a fan of most things geeky (Sailor Moon, Firefly, color-coordinating her bookshelf...), and has been in love with fairy tales since she was a kid, which she doesn't intend to ever grow out of. She may or may not be a cyborg. Cinder is her first novel.

Review: Article 5

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Author: Kristen Simmons

Series: Article 5, #1

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Hardback Finished Copy

Pages: 364

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Publisher: Tor Teen

Original Price: $17.99

ISBN: 978-0-7653-2958-5

Source: Publisher

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY. 
New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned. The Bill of rights has been revoked and replaced with the Moral Statutes.
There are no more police--instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior--instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested don't usually come back.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.
In the three years since the war ended, Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.
That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And what's worse, one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings...the only boy Ember has ever loved.

The Cover:
The simplicity of the cover is stunning. The stark gray buildings contrast greatly against the red of the title and Chase's shirt. It is gorgeous.


Review:
Article 5 twisted my feelings very much. I felt frustration, compassion, cruelty, and so many more indescribable feelings. At the beginning, it was a slow pace, and I became semi-uninterested in the book. I put it down, then picked it up again a few hours later. Everything changed. My eyes were locked on the words, and I could not quit reading. It was a thrilling, amazing ride until the conclusion.


I felt connected to Ember. Besides having a beautiful name, she was headstrong, but also vulnerable, both physically and mentally. Her short stature of five four did nothing to impede her screaming at Chase constantly. In the end, I could not help but like Ember as a character.


Chase was fierce, cold, and at times, a monster. Yet, everything he did was for the love of his life, Ember. Since before he left to join as a soldier, he loved Ember. Even as a soldier, he could not forget her, and that was his greatest fault to the FBR. I admired the way he protected her. He truly was honorable, and I think that Ember and Chase are a great duo.


Overall, I recommend Article 5 to anyone who loves dystopian, and wants a book with memorable characters that will haunt them the rest of their lives.


The Author:

Kristen Simmons has a master's degree in social work and is an advocate for mental health. She lives with her husband, Jason, and their precious greyhound, Rudy, in Tampa, Florida. Article 5 is her first novel.

Review: Undone (Outcast Season #1)

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Author: Rachel Caine

Series: Outcast Season, #1

Age Group: Adult

Format: Paperback

Pages: 305

Release Date: February 3, 2009

Publisher: ROC

Original Price: $7.99

ISBN: 978-0-451-46261-9

Source: Local Library

Finished In: 4 Days

My Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)

"I was one of the Old Djinn, the First Djinn, who came before any human walked the earth. I was a spirit of fire and air, and Ashan cast me down to this heavy, crippling flesh..."
Once she was a powerful Djinn. Then Cassiel defied her ruler, Ashan, who tore her very essence away and reshaped her in human flesh as punishment. Forced to live among mortals, Cassile has found refuge among the Weather Wardens--whose power she must tap into regularly, or she will die.
Cassiel earns her keep by assisting the Earth Warden Manny Rocha on his missions--which she finds much easier than coping with the emotions and frailties of her human condition, especially her growing affection for Manny's brother, Luis. But when Cassile encounters a malevolent force that threatens the Rocha family, she discovers that her perceived human weaknesses may be her greatest strengths....

The Cover:
I like the cover, especially the motorcycle. But, Cassile wasn't portrayed quite right. She's supposed to be paler, with pink hair. Well, it was blond, like the girl on the cover, until she dyed it. And, the girl is wearing black, while Cassiel normally wore white leather or pink clothes. She only wore black at the funeral. But, I guess you can't make it perfect. But, overall, I think the cover of Undone portrays Cassile pretty well. A tough woman with a kick-butt attitude.


The Review:
So, if you look on my currently reading, which is on the sidebar, you will notice that I was reading Blue Bloods first. Why did I begin Undone, you ask? Well, it arrived suddenly at the library. You see, I had put a hold for Undone, but there was only one copy, and about 6 people in line. Doesn't seem like much, but when the people hog the book for the full 2 weeks, and then afterwards, don't return it on time, it can be a long time. Anyways, I received it at the library a few days ago, and immediately went to pick it up, which is why I now have the book with me, and dropped Blue Bloods momentarily to begin this book.


Also, I have not read the Weather Warden series yet, but that did not confuse me at all. If you're wondering,  Undone is a continuation of the Weather Warden series, but with new characters. I'm beginning to wonder. I am really liking Cassiel, the main character in this book. I tend to play favorites, so when I read the Weather Warden series, I'm hoping I like Joanne, but I don't think I will. And, I hope Cassiel shows up in those series.


I will say, I love Cassiel(like I said before)! She is my type of character. Cold, stern, unforgiving, powerful, heartless, everything you can think of. After all, she is a Djinn. But, then Ashan casts her down from being a Djinn, in the meantime stripping her powers away. Yet, she still remains kick-but! Over time, though, she softens a little, taking mercy on children(Isabel in particular), and Luis.


Now, Luis, is her love-interest. Yet, I like it that in the book, love isn't the main focus. The focus is more on the war, and the mystery of what happens to Isable. Overall, this is just an action-packed book that you will enjoy. At least, I did. But, I really like Rachel Caine, since she is an amazing author. For example, her Morganville Vampire series are awesome! I'll definitely be picking up the second book, Unknown, at the library, as soon as it arrives(I put it on hold). One last warning for Undone, don't get attached to Manny(or Angela). I won't say why, but I'm warning you.


The Author:

Rachel Caine is the author of more than twenty novels, including the Weather Warden series. She was born at White Sands Missile Range, which people who know her say explains a lot. She has been an accountant, a professional musician, and an insurance investigator, and carries on a full-time secret identity in the corporate world. She and her husband, fantasy artist R. Cat Conrad, live in Texas with their iguanas, Popeye and Darwin; a mali uromastyx named (appropriately) O'Malley; and a leopard tortoise named Shelley (for the poet, of course).

Review: Enna Burning (The Books of Bayern #2)

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Author: Shannon Hale

Series: The Books of Bayern, #2

Age Group: Young Adult

Format: Paperback

Pages: 317

Published: September 15, 2004

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Original Price: $9.99

ISBN: 978-0-7475-9799-5

Source: Local Library

My Rating: * * * * *(5 stars)

When Enna is given a mysterious piece of vellum that teaches her how to create fire--without a spark, without a fling--Enna cannot decide if this is a power she wants, or something that should be extinguished forever. Then war threatens her country and Enna's judgement becomes irrelevant. But she never imagined that control over the life-giving energy of fire could become something so destructive. It is starting to consume her and everything she loves.

The Cover:
Since I think covers should deserve a mention, I have now added this to. I'm thankful I got this version of Enna Burning. The cover is beautiful! Just look at it. If you look more closely, you'll see the flames coming out of the splatter of orange. It's truly beautiful!


The Good:
Just like The Goose Girl, Enna Burning was a lovely written book. The vocabulary was splendid, the details only adding to the beauty of Bayern. Shannon Hale is an amazing author, who I think deserves more credit and should be more popular. Everyone should read her books!


Now, Enna is just my type of heroine. She's strong-willed and stubborn. Plus, she can control fire! How cool is that?! First, we had Princess Isi with wind, and now we have Enna with fire! If you read until the end, you'll find two nice surprises. First, Isi and Enna learn something. And, something exciting happens to Isi!


The Bad:
There was nothing wrong with this book. It was perfect!


The Guys:
There were two main love interests. First, Finn. I will admit something. When I began the first book in the series, The Goose Girl, I though Finn would like Isi. Boy was I wrong! Finn is handsome, strong, and now, he's even a warrior! He's loyal and a really nice guy.


The second love interest is Sileph. He's the captain of the Tirdan army. Did I mention there's a war going on between Bayern and Tiran? So, Enna is semi-crushing on Sileph. How does she meet him if they are on opposite sides? Who does she end up with? Read and find out!


The Judgement:
This book was amazing! I definitely recommend it, and you should go out and buy/borrow it!


The Author:

Shannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels, including the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, two award-winning books for adults, and the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012). She co-wrote the graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel with husband Dean Hale. They live with their four small children near Salt Lake City, Utah.

Review: Matched (Matched #1)

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Author: Ally Condie
Series: Matched, #1
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardback
Pages: 366
Published: November 30, 2010
Publisher: Dutton Books
Source: School Library
My Rating: * * * 

IN THE SOCIETY, OFFICIALS DECIDE. WHO YOU LOVE. WHERE YOU WORK. WHEN YOU DIE.
Cassia has always trusted their choices. It's hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one...until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's know and a path no one else has ever dared follow--between perfection and passion.
Matched is a story for right now and story-telling with the resonance of a classic.

 The Good:
I loved the writing style! It was beautiful and flowed like a river. I wish I could write like that. Ally Condie is an amazing writer. I also loved the setting, although, I hope the future really isn't like this.


The Bad:
Now this is where it gets complicated. I found the plot dull. Quite a lot, I was struggling through parts of the story. Maybe this book just wasn't for me. But, I still semi-liked it, which is why I gave it three stars, making Matched an average book. Cassia was an average main character, too. I didn't particularly like her, or hate her.


The Guys:
There were two guys in this story. Xander and Ky. Just by reading the description, you'll likely figure out who Cassia ends up with, but if you haven't read it/figured it out, I won't tell you. Personally, I didn't really like one guy over the other. Xander was handsome, blond, blue-eyed. He sounded nice. Ky was handsome, too, black-haired, blue-eyed. He was mysterious. Each had their traits, and they were both good guys. I just couldn't like one guy over the other.


The Judgement:
Although Matched is not one of my all-time favorite books, I will be reading the sequel, Crossed. In fact, I have already gotten the sequel from the library.


The Author:

Ally Condie is a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband and three sons outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.