Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens

Title: Never Knowing
Author: Chevy Stevens
Pages: 416 (hardcover)

Summary: All her life, Sara Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents. As an adopted child with two sisters who were born naturally to her parents, Sara’s home life was not ideal. The question of why she was given up for adoption has always haunted her. Finally, she is ready to take steps and find closure. But some questions are better left unanswered. 

Review: I've always been a fan of psychological thrillers, I'm not sure whether it is because I have a degree in psychology or the fact that I love getting an adrenaline rush ;-)  So when I won an advanced copy of Never Knowing through a Goodreads drawing I was very excited to read it and I will say that I was not at all disappointed!! 

 Author Chevy Stevens knows how to write gripping novels that will have you literally on the edge of your seat. I read this book in one setting, just could not put it down. I would tell myself "okay after this chapter I'll go do something else" then another intriguing event happened and I had to find out the results. The intensity and suspense factor in this book were high at times and low at others, but never went away. The author was full of surprises in the plot, which I loved!!

The topic of adoption is the overall theme of this book and having a family member who has been adopted this made the book even more interesting. I think this is something not everyone can relate to on a direct level, but it definitely will pull at the heartstrings.

Sara, the main character is someone who an reader should and could look up to. She is a woman who seems brave, but only because of the circumstances that are thrown her way she has to be for her family. Sometimes a person has to chose the right thing to do, even if that may mean going against what others are saying, in order to keep family safe. And Sara does exactly that. I truely enjoyed the characters in Never Knowing. Each person had a distinct personality that allows a reader to understand a little more about what they could be thinking about the actions that Sara takes.


Overall, Never Knowing was an intense, enjoyable read! I look forward to picking up Chevy Steven's other book Still Missing.

Crossroads by Mary Ting

Title: Crossroads
Author: Mary Ting
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Summary: On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most

Review: I have never read any books about angels before, but after reading this book, I definitely will! Crossroads lets a person's imagination explore a a world where only books can take you. Crossroads is a wonderful Young Adult book that could be categorized as a Paranormal Romance.

Speaking of Paranormal Romance, the two main characters in Crossroads, Claudia and Michael are wonderful! I absolutely fell in love with both these characters. In the beginning you automatically want to dislike Michael, but can't help taking a liking to his personality throughout the book. Claudia is a girl who I believe most teenagers could relate to, besides the fact that she has a special supernatural gift, that even she is unaware she has. Although there were characters that I could not stand due to their greed and lies and pure evilness, Mary did a fantastic job at writing the part of Aden, a  Fallen who is after Claudia.

For  first time, self published author, I was impressed. I loved the way author Mary Ting wrote; she added so much detail into the story that made a reader feel as if they were actually there. The writing was fun but at the same time there were tidbits that were suspenseful and serious. This book is a page turner, unfortunately at the time I was reading I was busy and had to allow myself to read only several chapters at a time, which was very difficult to do! So I recommend having a day or two filled with nothing but reading Crossroads. The ending will have you wanting more!

I would recommend this book to anyone! Crossroads is a fantastic YA book. It goes beyond the cliched paranormal romance and makes a person question the true meaning of love, life and religion.

2 months until the release of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer hits stores everywhere 9.27.11. Pre-order your copy here. Download the widget here. Enter to win an Advanced Reader’s Copy here.

Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Book: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: Harper Teen

 Synopsis: 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 car 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 Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

My Review: Need a book that will take you away to the beautiful scenery and life on the outskirts of Paris, just the right amount of thrill and suspense with a breathtaking romantic tie in, and not to mention a handsome & charming non-human? Then Die for Me is the novel for you ;-)

I picked up Die for Me after hearing mixed reviews, I needed to find out where I stood in the midst of Paranormal Romance novels and the truth is, Die for Me stole my heart- or rather the characters did! There is something about a human and a non-human (in this case a Revenant) falling in love that is gripping. Everyone wants something that they can't have, it is just the matter of how far are we willing to go to get what we want. This story shows just that.

Certain parts of the book had me in tears, others I was laughing, and throughout I was even scared for a few of the characters. Based on the emotions I described, the pace of the book follows; gradually rising and falling. Personally I love reading fast, adrenaline filled books, but enjoy when I have a chance to slow down to fall in love with a character and learn more about them. Die for me was a great balance between suspense and romance. 

One of my personal favorites about this book was that the author, Amy Plum came up with an entirely new "monster" "villian" "immortal" or whatever other word you may use to describe the un-dead. It was hard to wrap my head around something that wasn't the normal Vampire, Werewolf, Zombie creature but Amy put together an impressive story about Revenants to the point where I kept asking myself if they were also under the category with the other 3 and I just missed it. I was and still am impressed with the creativity throughout this book.

Also, If you haven't been to France, this book will make you want to book a flight!! ;-)  
Overall, I loved this read! I recommend for anyone who likes a great Paranormal Romance or even if you aren't sure if that is a category you would enjoy, pick it up anyways. You never know, you might surprise yourself!

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Name: If I Stay (If I Stay #1)

Author: Gayle Forman

Publishers: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated

Summary: In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

Review:  I had heard a lot of great comments about this series and was finally able to go through my stack of books and begin to read If I Stay. I was drawn in right from the beginning. The author does a fantastic job at creating a visual picture of the scenes written in the book. If I Stay has such a deep emotional tie, that it is hard not to want to continue reading!

  The characters in this book are very likable. Mia, the sole character of the book has very fun, hip, supportive parents; I enjoyed reading the sections where Mia would describe her mother and father. During the dialogue it was great to see the difference between her parents personalities and their daughters- Mia may be the oddball, but I couldn't help but feel the warmth, acceptance and encouragement she received from  her family. In fact, Mia has everything any teenager could possibly want; She is being considered into Julliard, Adam her rocker boyfriend has the sweetest personality and who couldn't enjoy reading about her silly younger brother Teddy who always looks up to her. 

Gayle uses a writing style that I don't normally like; she switches back and forth between past events/stories and the present. Sometimes I feel as though that can either be confusing or interrupts the book. But I never felt that way while reading If I Stay; the emotions, feelings that I had while reading transferred over.

I believe this book was a reality check, it makes a person look around and think "Wow! My whole world could easily turn upside down in the blink of an eye." Gayle writes from the patients (Mia) perspective which is something that a reader doesn't always get to experience. The emotions and feelings that Mia has are believable, heartbreaking, and real. She is telling the story how she sees it as an observer of her own life, watching herself lie in the hospital. While watching these events unfold, hearing what her loved ones have to say, Mia has to make some valuable decision- one that won't only change her life but those around her. While reading I could help but put myself in Mia's shoes & wonder what my choice would've been. As well as what path I believe Mia should take-Should she stay or should she go.

Overall, I truly enjoyed reading If I Stay. I am excited to continue onto the next book, Where She Went. I would recommend this book for anyone- especially if you are looking for something quick to read. If you are a sappy reader like myself, then I advise having a few tissues close ;-) 

Dark Days of Supernatural- Summer Tour- June 7th

So as a "spur of the moment" idea I decided to take a quick trip to Naperville, IL to the Dark Days of Supernatural Summer Tour that was being held at Anderson's Bookshop on June 7th. The authors on the tour were Veronica Roth- Divergent, Ellen Schrieber- 8 Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses Series), Aprilynne Pike- Illusions (The Wings Series), Tara Hudson - Hereafter, and Amy Plum- Die for me. This was my very first tour and signing, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to go.

The main reason I went was to see Veronica Roth- author of Divergent. I absolutely loved that book! You can read my book review for Divergent here

Veronica Roth and Myself- LOVE this book. And she is such a sweetheart.

Below are a few pictures from the event. As well as a few answers from the authors during a Q&A session.

 I met up with Jasmine and Jacinda from The Reading Housewives of Indiana. We went out to eat beforehand, walked around downtown Naperville and ate some delicious Gelato. Then went into the bookstore early so we could get good seats (In the front row!)Who knew how much fun 3 book lovers could have!!! lol. Check out there book blog here

 The Question and Answer session was so much fun and very interesting. These authors are hilarious. They had the crowd laughing the entire time.

Aprilynne says that she is a religious planner-everything is outlined. She doesn't skip ahead because she loves writing endings, so going from beginning to end is her motivation  to finish. Veronica on the other-hand does not outline her writing process. She writes out of order- wrote Four's part first because she found him compelling ( so did the rest of us ;-) LOL) 

 Amy Plum, Tara Hudson, & Ellen Schrieber always knew what ages their characters would be. Aprilynne logically worked out what age her character was going to be based on how many books she was going to have. Veronica Roth said she wanted Tris to be 16 because it that aged seemed like an "awful" idea for someone to choose what to do in life. 

Veronica Roth shared.... If you check her blog next week she will reveal the name of the 2nd book in the Divergent Series!! (*squeee* I am so excited about this!)

And it was the Book Birthday of Hereafter that day also! It was very exciting to have Tara there talking about the book. I hadn't preordered it so I bought it after hearing her talk about it! Sounds like a fantastic read.

The Crowd

Tara Hudson signing my Hereafter book

Amy Plum

I went home with every book except for Ellen Schreiber's 8 Cryptic Cravings. I hadn't read that series yet, but maybe one of these days will get the chance to read them! Also came home with some cool swag: Signed bookmarks, bracelets, and Divergent tattoos.

This trip was fantastic and I can not wait to attend my next book event! If the Dark Days of Summer Tour is in your area be sure to check it out- you won't be disappointed.

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth 

Pages:  487 pages 

Genre: YA fiction - Dystopian

Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. (from Goodreads)

 

 My Review is vague: I didn't want to spoil any of the plot- therefore it is my opinion & reaction to the overall book!! 

My Review: Lately, I have noticed that Dystopian reads have been hitting the young adult shelves like crazy. And after reading books like The Hunger Games Series, I had to pick up a few more novels in this genre. What does Dystopian mean? Well, below is a quick definition:

                     Dystopian is a fictional society; when the conditions of life are extremely bad 

                     due to deprivation, oppression, or terror. In most dystopian fiction, a corrupt 

                     government creates or sustains the poor quality of life, often conditioning the 

                     masses to believe the society is proper and just, even perfect.

The above is a perfect example of the society in Divergent. At the age of 16, Beatrice is made to choose one of the five factions (a group/society) that the city of Chicago is divided into. Each faction having a their own distinct rules and identity. While reading I couldn't help but wonder which faction I would belong to? On Veronica Roth's blog she explains the first 100 pages of Divergent including a definition for each faction. I put a quick summary of her blog post below:

DAUNTLESS: fearless, undaunted (courageously resolute in the face of danger/difficulty).

ABNEGATION: .to refuse or deny oneself (some rights, conveniences, etc.); reject; renounce.

ERUDITE: characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly

CANDOR: the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness.

AMITY: friendship; peaceful harmony. mutual understanding and a peaceful relationship, especially between nations; peace; accord.

After reading Divergent I couldn't come to a conclusion of which faction I would choose; but two that I would best be fit for: Candor & Dauntless - honest & brave. Say what's on my mind & a little bit of a daredevil! lol 

So, which faction would you be in? 

The characters in Divergent are written incredibly well, not to mention I fell in love with a few (who can't love Beatrice & Four ;-) ) I was very impressed. Each character belongs to a different faction, and it was very easy to tell by the way the character talks to one another & their actions which faction they belonged to. Or in some cases which faction they are in but don't necessarily belong there. This isn't always easy to do, and each character had a distinct voice. 

One of my favorites parts to this book is that I believe the author, Veronica takes a very relate-able topic, and makes it into this adrenaline filled novel. Beatrice has to make the ultimate choice, continue to be in a faction with her family or chose a faction that best fits her personality. We all have to develop a sense of self: who are we? who we hang around? What do we want out of life? And maybe those things aren't exactly what our parents or family would choose for us or even be a part of. All in all, the messages are clear, you just have to think a little (which I love about books- everyone can take from it what they want). I have never taken so many notes on my Nook before. 

Overall, the WOW factor & excitement of Divergent is over the top! This book was a page turner no doubt and will keep you up into the wee hours of the night. I can't wait for the next book- the ending was a bit tortuous I will say- leaves the reader with a bit of a cliff hanger ;-)  ***** Five of Five Stars