Innocent Darkness

Innocent Darkness (The Aether Chronicles #1)
by Suzanne Lazear
Pages: 408
Source: Netgalley
Format: ebook


Rating: I liked it/Good


Goodreads Synopsis:


Wish. Love. Desire. Live.

Sixteen-year-old Noli Braddock's hoyden ways land her in an abusive reform school far from home. On mid-summer's eve she wishes to be anyplace but that dreadful school. A mysterious man from the Realm of Faerie rescues her and brings her to the Otherworld, only to reveal that she must be sacrificed, otherwise, the entire Otherworld civilization will perish.


My Review:


Before I got this via Netgalley, I was so psyched! Steampunk? Horrible Boarding School? Mysterious man? Sacrifice? Sounded like a recipe for success in my book. Sadly, no. While reading I was hooked. I kept wanting to go back for more. But after reading I just felt kind of "meh". The plot itself if what hooked me in, but there were many things that bugged me. 


The Good:


I think Innocent Darkness started off good. You've got your rebellious teenage girl who goes against the social norm (Go Noli!). Girl and her geekishly cute best friend get into lots of fun shenanigans. Girl gets sent to crazily strict boarding school. Beating ensues. Enter gorgeous man. And through the portal they go! Sounds fun huh? And it was. 


I wasn't in love with Noli but I did like her rebellious nature. She was just trying to make money to help her mom even if fixing objects wasn't what a girl should do. Her determination was admirable. And I felt absolutely awful for her when she went to the boarding school. 


I also liked her best friend V initially. A bit cliche, but I like the whole friend turned love interest. It's cute. He was endearing with all his geekiness and a good and caring friend to Noli. 


The boarding school was well-written because the author really gave off the feeling of despair. It was a horrible place with a creepy doctor and sadistic teachers. 


The Bad:


Not really steampunk: I mean, yeah, it's there at the beginning, but then the rest of the book takes place at the boarding school and in the Otherworld so don't expect much steampunk.


Kevign: He wasn't really awful. He was in some ways alluring. However, I just wish he was more so. I wish he gave off a more mysterious, dark, dangerous and enticing atmosphere. He had some allure to him, but nothing to make me fall for his dark persona. I wish he was more like the Darkling from Shadow and Bone. Now thats seductive done right. 


The last half: As I said, I liked the first half well enough. I felt bad for Noli and I liked V and was interested in Kevign. However, after a while, it got very repetitive. If I had to read the sentence "opium and soft women" one more time I was going to punch someone. Not to mention, it got very...risque. It just didn't really fit. It's not to say they were bad or anything (though one part was...interesting?) it's just the tone felt very different from the first half. It was definitely more for older audiences. I don't feel like the transition was well done. If the writing was like that throughout it would've been a different story. The first half was more innocent and then V changes and Bam! To be honest, I don't really know how to describe it without giving things away. Let's just say I didn't like the change in V or the storyline. Also, I saw the ending coming. 


Overall:


It's good. Some will like it more than others. While I saw a great disconnect between the first half and the second half, there are many people who simply fell head over heels for this book. Also, there is no doubt in my mind some will find Kevign intriguing. Sadly, I didn't. I thought I would like V but in the end he changed for the worse in my opinion. Overall, I liked it, but sadly didn't fall in love with it like I was hoping. 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

Read More

Stacking the Shelves (3)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews as a way to share all the books we've received this week!

Ironskin (Ironskin #1) by Tina Connolly

OMG!!! I'm so excited XD This was my WoW a few weeks ago so you know I'm pretty psyched :) There's an iron mask, a fey curse, and "Ugly women, who enter his closed studio...and come out as beautiful as the fey. " A recipe for success! 

Seven Wonders by Adam Christopher

Superheroes and super villains? 

I'm hooked. 


So what'd y'all get this week? Let me know in the comments below! 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

Read More

Otherkin by Nina Berry

Otherkin (Otherkin #1)
by Nina Berry
Pages: 320
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley


Rating: DNF


Completed: 50%


Goodreads Synopsis:


I thought I knew myself. Then I met Caleb.

Dez is a good girl who does as she’s told and tries not to be noticed.
Then she rescues a boy from a cage, and he tells her secrets about herself.
Now inside her burns a darkness that will transform her.

Everything is about to change -- and neither Caleb, nor the Otherkin, nor those who hunt them are prepared for what Dez will unleash.


My Review:


I'll be honest, I had high hopes for this book. Come one, tiger shapeshifters?! Yes please! And the author wrote for That 70s Show. THAT 70s SHOW! I freaking love that show! So this books gotta be good right? Yes and no. 


The action starts immediately, something I always love. I actually liked Dez too (though that name has to go). She didn't deny who she, she accepted it when it was proven. She's willing to fight. She's clear-minded because she didn't grow up wit the prejudices of the Otherkin. She speaks her mind and she's even a bit snarky. 


Caleb was alright. I didn't really get to know him that well. But he's a gentleman with a bad boy vibe. Maybe I could have liked him had I gotten to know him more.


And I loved the mom. Guess what?! She doesn't disappear! She actually plays a large part in Dez's life and I loved it! She kind, caring and understanding, but strict when she needed to be.


As I said before, she wrote for That 70s Show so I expected to be laughing a lot throughout this book. Sadly I wasn't. I did laugh some at the banter between Dez and Caleb, but I'll admit I was expecting more. But I could get over it. 


The pacing was really fast and really good, but really started to drag by the middle. I don't like that the "school" was so small. It would've been a lot cooler if it was more like a boarding school. 


So, at this point, I liked it. I wasn't in love with it, but I liked it. I was caught in the middle. So what was the part that turned the tables? Why did I DNF?


Religion. 


I'm sorry y'all, but I'm so sick and tired of this plot line. The Tribunal (bad guys) are a big group of hypocrites that used to be a part of the Catholic church and consider the Otherkin "demons" and "devils" and want to banish them. So far, it's not like "The Religious people are EVIL!!", but I have a feeling its going there. If the Tribunal wasn't such a big part of the book, I could maybe look past it. But I don't think so. I don't mind religion in books when you are given both sides and a middle ground and also when it's not specific (a la For Darkness Shows the Stars) but it's just frustrating when its demonized. Again, if it was general then maybe I could have taken it. But then its talking about how there is a "Christian CD" in the back of the Tribunal car and just ugh... Look, yeah, there are crazies out there, but not all are. This book could have easily just made the Tribunal a group that disagreed with the Otherkin without the religious aspect. The religious aspect didn't really add anything to the plot. 


If y'all have read it and can tell me that it isn't really a huge part of the plot then I may pick it up again one day. Like I said, right now, it's not awful, but that's because there haven't been many interactions between them and the Tribunal. But from what I've seen so far, I don't think I'll enjoy it. 


Overall:


The book wasn't bad. I liked Dez and the mom, the action was fun and the plot was different. But I just don't like "make religion look bad" kind of plot. It's very tiring. I don't mind religion in books when it's done well with both points of view and even a middle ground. It can be done tastefully. But often times, I feel as if its just thrust into the book to get the author's point of view across instead of actually adding to the plot. So, for now, I'm done. 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

Read More

Waiting on Wednesday (19): The Crimson Crown

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4)

by Cinda Williams Chima

Release Date: October 23, 2012

Goodreads Synopsis:

A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed — Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.

Now, once again, the queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana’Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible. Tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells’ inner turmoil, Raisa’s best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she’s falling in love.

Navigating the cutthroat world of blueblood politics has never been more dangerous, and former streetlord Han Alister seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it?

A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.

Why I want to read it:

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!! 

I AM SO FREAKIN PSYCHED!!!!!!! 

♥♥THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST HIGH FANTASY SERIES EVER!!!! ♥♥

OKay, I think I've calmed down enough. Yes, this series is utterly fantastic. I was so engrossed in every single book. The plot, characters, world, everything, was fantastic. I'm practically jumping up and down in my seat because I can't wait for this book. I even look forward to it's 608 pages! 


So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday? Let me know in the comments below! 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

Read More

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

For Darkness Shows the Stars
By Diana Peterfreund
Pages: 402
Source: Bough from B&N
Format: Hardback


Rating: Really Liked it! 


Goodreads Synopsis:


It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen's "Persuasion", "For Darkness Shows the Stars" is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.


My Review: 

As most of you know, I’m an action junkie. I like books with kick-ass characters, quests, action, ect. But every now and then, there comes along a book that may no exactly fit my normal standards, but I still end up loving it. For Darkness Shows the Stars is one of those books. This book isn't necessarily "dystopian". At it's core it is an epic love story. If you’re looking for an action-packed book, you won’t get it here. Neither will you get a tough and brave character in the physical sense. But there are different types of bravery. There are other ways to fight and show defiance. Strength isn’t always physical. Sometimes, being selfless is the hardest strength of all. Which is why I absolutely adore Elliot.

Elliot isn’t your physical kick-butt girl. She’s not going to go get a sword and destroy evil or anything. No. And because of this, at first I wasn’t sure I loved her. She seemed almost passive, something I abhor in a character. Yet I gave her a chance and I’m glad I did. Elliot is one of the most selfless characters I’ve ever read about.

Although not legally the keeper of the estate, her father’s ignorance and lack of care means she is the one to take care of everything. The only good thing about her life was Kai. We know that she didn’t run away with him, but the “why” is what makes her such a fantastic character. She put the welfare of those under her care above her own happiness. She knew her father’s cruelty and carelessness and couldn’t let her people suffer at his hands. She sometimes seemed passive because if she made her dad angry, he’d take it out on people she cared about. Therefore, she had a quiet strength. She did things without him knowing. She defied him in silence. While it did take her a while to stand up to him and sometimes I just wanted her to go ahead and do it already, I respect her choice. 

To be honest, I absolutely hated Kai through the first half of the book. Because we know why Elliot stayed behind, I simply couldn’t understand how he could be so cruel to her when he returned. But don’t despair. Kai definitely redeems himself. He’s got such a good heart, he just first has to get past his hurt.

One element I really enjoyed throughout the book were the letters between Kai and Elliot. They give flashbacks to their relationship when they were young and I think it was just incredibly sweet and adorable. I loved getting the glimpses of their relationship.

And, as with all books, I love that it makes you think. While this book has religious undertones, it’s not “in your face” and it’s general. It’s part of the Luddite way. While prominient in some parts of the book, it doesn’t bother me because you get to see both sides and even a middle ground. Each character believes a bit differently and it’s makes you think about how things can apply to everyday situations.


Although this book is considered "dystopian", it is definitely "dystopian lite". The main purpose of this book is to shows the love story between Elliot and Kai, so don't expect fantastic world-building. I have to say that it did bug me some, I wanted to know more, but I was able to look over it and get to the meat of the story. 

Overall:

For Darkness Shows the Stars isn’t an action-packed novel with kick-butt characters. It’s a beautiful love story with characters that are tough in their own ways. While not always my cup-of-tea, I couldn’t help but become entranced. 

Read More

Stacking the Shelves (2)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews as a way to share all the books we've received this week!

For Review:

Stormdancer (The Lotus Wars #1)

by Jay Kristoff

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Y'ALL HAVE NO IDEA HOW EXCITED I AM FOR THIS BOOK XD Well, I guess that caps kind of help you get an understanding but no words can really describe my excitement for it. Japanese steampunk? Griffins? THUNDER TIGER?! How can y'all not be excited!?!?! Only thing is, to be honest, I hate when I get hyped up because I'm afraid it won't live up to it so I'm trying to reign it in :P But I'm keeping my fingers crossed! 

Midnight City (The Conquered Earth #1)

by J. Barton Mitchell

"freedom fighters, mutants, otherworldly artifacts, pirates, feuding alien armies"

I'm hooked.  

Library:

Soulbound (Legacy of Tril #1)

by Heather Brewer

Yes, this is cover love 100%. Look at it! She's got a katana! And some crazy metal face veil...thingy. Sure, it's not exactly practical. I mean, if my enemy had a sword too, I'd like to know where somebody was trying to stick it but, ya know, it's the look that counts ;)

A Confusion of Princes

by Garth Nix

Just read the synopsis and tell me you aren't interested. Super human? Reborn? 10 Million Princes (which gives me plenty to  choose from)? While I've heard some mixed reviews, I can't pass it up. 

Read More

Colorado Massacre

For those of you who don't know, early this morning there was a massacre at the Dark Knight Rises premier in Aurora, Colorado. As of now, 12 people were killed and 71 total were wounded. The man had on a bullet proof vest and gas mask and his weapons included tear gas and two guns. 

First, I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. This is a tragedy, one that never should have happened. I was at my movie theater from 7 till 3 watching a marathon of all three movies. I can't even begin to think what it would have been like had that been my theater. I cannot even begin to understand how those who were there must feel, but know that we are praying for you. 

But we cannot let this one act of violence cow us into submission. I already know people who are absolutely terrified of going to the theater now. Don't let that happen. Do not let this one man make us fall. We are Americans. United we stand. We cannot let him scare us and make us afraid to live our lives. Instead we must rise up against it. We must show him that we are strong. There are many good people in this world, and if we stand together, we can show those that want to hurt us that they cannot. 

Read More

Entwined by Heather Dixon

Entwined
by Heather Dixon
Pages: 472
Format: ebook
Source: Bought


Rating: Really liked it!


Goodreads Synopsis:


Azalea and her younger sisters dance in the mysterious silver forest every night, escaping from the sadness of the palace and their father’s grief. What they don’t understand—although as time passes they begin to get an inkling of the danger they are in—is that the mysterious and dashing Keeper is tightening his snare with deadly purpose. Luckily, Azalea is brave and steadfast. Luckily, a handsome young army captain also has his eye on Azalea. . . . Lush, romantic, and compelling, this debut novel by Heather Dixon will thrill fans of Shannon Hale, Robin McKinley, and Edith Pattou.


Short and Sweet:


What an adorable book! Because it's a re-telling, you know what's going to happen, but that doesn't take away from it's sweet nature. 


My favorite part by far were the characters themselves. With 12 sisters, you'd think it'd be hard to separate each. You'd think they'd start blending together. Not the case here. Each sister had her own distinct personality. Even the ones that were younger and didn't really have much dialogue. Briar was by far my favorite! Her prickly nature and sharp tongue got her in plenty of trouble, but she always put her sisters first. And the romances were simply adorable! 


I know some complained that Entwined wasn't that much different from the original fairytale, that it didn't have enough of it's own flavor. Well, to be honest, I'm only familiar with the general idea of the story, and while perhaps not completely unique, it's almost like a comfortable old blanket. It's familiar, but that doesn't take away from it's warmth. 


Overall:


Entwined is definitely a cute book and one to add to your fairy-tale retelling collection. It's a sweet, warm and all around fun book to read with an adorable dash of romance. 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

Read More

Thinking Through Thursday (7)

Welcome to another "Thinking Through Thursday"! This is a post I write (or try to) every Thursday in which I discuss various bookish goodness. 

This week's discussion is:

Love Triangles:

Let's face it, love triangles are definitely a new fad in YA books. 

So the question is:

Love em or leave em?

I personally have a love/hate relationship with this new fad. While I'd actually like this new trend to fall through the cracks, there are times, however few, when it actually works. 

First off, both boys have to have something worth wanting. I hate when one is a complete jerk and bad boy in the bad way (a.k.a abusive, condescending, ect.). For me, a love triangle only works if they both have something going for them. Because then I can see why she may have a hard time making a decision. Sure, I usually end up knowing which one I want to win in the end, but I at least like the other well enough to possibly be alright with him winning. 

But you really want to know the bane of my existence? Indecision and sucky reasoning. 

Kill. Me. Now.

When the girl kisses one guy and then kisses the other guy literally 5 pages later? No. Just no. I want to smack her for that. For one, that's unfair to the boys. I don't like when girls just keep dragging and leading them on. I want to smack the girls and let them know that guys have feelings too. But also, it's just annoying. If you can't decide between boys, don't lead them on. Stew over it for a while and then make a decision. And if you go back on that decision GIVE ME A GOOD REASON. Don't just go behind one guy's back because the other's cute. How petty. 

Example of bad triangle:

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

The contenders: 

Shay: Condescending jerk that laughs at Calla when she's scared. She constantly risks her life for him while he scoffs at her when she's a bit wary of doing something. If he wants her to do it, then she's gotta do it. Not to mention he constantly and knowingly puts her life in danger when he pisses Ren off on purpose. 

Ren: Sure, he's your run-of-the-mill alpha, but he's stays on the right side of the possessive/protective line. He tries to win Calla over because he knows that she's nervous and wants her to love him and marry him not simply because she has to. He tries to make it better for her and respects her. Is he a playboy jerk sometimes? Absolutely. But at least he tries. 

Example of Good Love Triangle:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

The contenders:

Dorian: Don't let his confident, witty, playboy attitude deceive you. This boys got himself a sensitive side worthy of love. And he's a book lover to boot. And dealing with a dad like his, it's a darn miracle he turned out as good as he did. While he still has some maturing to do, he'll grow up to be a fine and just king.

Chaol: This Captain of the guard's honor and loyalty are worthy of praise. He may be broody and stoic, but those glimpses of his soft, caring side and his dry, witty humor makes him a worthy contender of Celaena's love. 

See the difference?

In Nightshade, I definitely liked one over the other. I couldn't even say I was alright with the other. No. I wanted to jump into this book so many times and just tell him off it wasn't even funny. And I also didn't love Ren, but I definitely liked him.

In Thone of Glass, on the other hand, I was drooling for both of these sexy men ;) I believe I'm team Chaol just because I'm more into the stoic type, but I can't deny that I fell pretty hard for Dorian. I don't want to say too much about this book since it's not out yet (but definitely go buy it! it's FANTASTIC) I can say that I'd be happy with whichever one she chose. Both of them are good men. And she's not all wish-washy when it comes to them. Bonus points! XD

So, here's a list of what a good love triangle needs:

1. Give me reasons to love both boys, even if I know which one I want to win.

2. Good reasoning for indecision.

3. No flip-flopping every 5 pages

Okay, so if I thought about this a lot more, I'm sure I could come up with many more reasons and suggestions but this was kind of a quick post on my part ;) But I want to give a little advice to authors:

Don't create a love triangle simply because it's a "trend". Do it because it adds to the story, because it give's the story substance. Create quality guys (and don't worry, even bad boys can be good ;) ) that are worthy of love. 

So what about y'all? Do you love, feel indifferent,  or want to gouge your eyes out when it comes to love triangles? Let me know in the comments below!

All the best ♥

Read More

Glitch (Glitch #1) by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch (Glitch #1)
by Heather Anastasiu
Pages: 371
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley


Rating: DNF


Completed: 46 %


Goodreads Synopsis: 


In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy


My Review:


No...just no. I tried. I really did. But me and Glitch just don't go together. 


At first, I actually kind of liked the book. Sure, it's your run-of-the-mill dystopian, but still interesting. I thought Zoe wasn't that bad and I liked that the world was believable and you get answers pretty quickly. 


Then came annoying characters, insta-love, made up curse-words, and awkward situations. Bleh. Zoe and the book were okay, but when I got 46% through, I realized that not much had happened in way of development. Character or plot wise. Yeah, you're given a bunch of answers, but then I just feel like I'm being told everything instead of being shown. 


At first I could understand Zoe's fear of glitching and fear of being deactivated. Who wouldn't be terrified. But after half the book she needs to shut-up and do something! Ugh.....it's just her going back and forth between turning herself in and running away. Quit being so dang paranoid. Either accept deactivation or go be part of the resistance. It's really not that hard. 


Then come's insta-love. Ugh......I mean, on one hand it's like "okay, she's just now getting used to these emotions. It may not be love but thats what it feels like to her. She's never experienced it before. Blah, blah, blah", but I just couldn't really get past it. Sometimes it's okay when there is a good explanation (like in paranormal books sometimes) but even then it bugs me. Insta-love can often be the bane of my existence. 


And those made up curse-words? No. I've never been the real picky one that likes new words cause it takes place in the future. It never really bothered me that people in dystopians speak like us. However, even though I don't care for made up languages, I can often times ignore them or get over them. However, in this book it was too often and they just grated on my ears! Every time he would say it I wanted to jump in the book and punch him in the face! It was making my ears bleed! And I never really understood why only cuss words change? 


And then, the icing on the cake. That part. The most awkward part I've ever read in a book. EVER. 

If I had been drinking something at the time, that would've happened.

Just that one sentence. I honestly don't even really know what to say! At first I was just utterly shocked. And then I burst out laughing. Not really the author's intent but it was just so awkward that I had to laugh. But it was that real awkward almost nervous sounding laugh that normally happens when it gets real quiet. Yeah. I put the book down after that. 


The one good thing? The author does a fantastic job of keeping the emotions real. These characters have felt no emotions for 17 years so of course there is going to be awkwardness. I like how, unlike most dystopians, the emotions were believable. They don't just come around, they learn these emotions. Did it bug me? Yeah. But at least it was understandable. And to be honest, had I fallen in love with the characters, I could have gotten over the awkward parts. But since I didn't love the characters or plot, it was just...meh.  


Overall:


While I feel that the author conveyed the emotions realistically, I just couldn't get into it. The book isn't bad by any means. I know plenty of people that loved it. But there are certain things that I just couldn't get over. If I had loved the characters or been really interested in the plot, I could've easily looked past the more trivial things. But I just couldn't. However, I say give it a try. Just cause I didn't care for it, doesn't mean it won't float someone else's boat. 

Have y'all read Glitch? Did you hate it or want to date it? Let me know! 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

Read More