Waiting on Wednesday (28) - a day late

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

Prodigy (Legend #2)

by Marie Lu

Goodreads Synopsis:

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

Why I'm waiting:

It's freakin Prodigy! Why wouldn't I be waiting on this sequel?!?!?!?! I absolutely fell in love with Legend and I've been waiting on the edge of my seat for what seems like ages for this book. And it's almost HERE!!!!!! It's so close I can almost taste it. AHHHHH Jan. 29, just freaking hurry up! I'll give you chocolate?

So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday (well, Thursday in this case)?

Be sure to let me know in the comments below.

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

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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

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Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1)
by Bethany Griffin
Pages: 320
Source: Gift/B&N
Format: Hardback


Rating: I liked it (3/3.5 stars)


Goodreads Synopsis:


Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her. 


My Review:


    I was so incredibly excited when I finally bought this book because I had heard some utterly fantastic things about it. I simply devoured it! I couldn't stop reading! Every chance I had (heck, even when I should've been doing other things) I grabbed this book just so I could delve back into this world. When I finished I immediately went to Goodreads and rated this a huge 4/4.5 stars. 


    Fast forward 30 minutes when I tried to write this review and I just felt...bleh. But not in a good way where you're just so sad the book ended and can't find another book to fill its awesome shoes. No. I looked back and couldn't really remember much about the book. I thought it was utterly fantastic while reading it, but afterwards all these things I kind of ignored kept coming back to bug me. 


    To be honest, I think what kept me so addicted was the atmosphere. There is no doubt that Masque of the Red Death is dark and gritty and gruesome and I loved it! I was completely immersed in this dark, gothic world. The eerie masks and threat of disease around every corner. It was....addicting. 


    However, I'd be lying if I didn't say the guys were also a bit addicting. Neither of them were exactly swoonworthy but they were intriguing. This has to do with their mysterious natures. Will, the mysterious man of the club has always intrigued Araby. But he's got a softer side too. He's actually an incredibly kind and loyal guy and really wants to help Araby. Elliott, the rich owner of the club probably has a couple loose screw yet I was still intrigued by him. In a weird way. If that makes any sense :P I can't really delve into either of them too much for fear of giving things away, but while I didn't fall in love with them, there is no doubt that I want to learn more about them. 


    But, those were really the only two aspects of this book that kept me reading. 


    When looking back, I didn't really care for Araby. She wasn't an incredibly strong heroine and she was far too trusting. She didn't really think through things and this really bothered me. Not to mention she was a bit depressing. I understand the death of her brother really affected her, but she's also got to learn to move on and learn that she can be happy. She's one of the lucky few to have a mask and should be thankful for that. Instead she does drugs and wants to go into oblivion to get away. I will say that she can be incredibly kind and she has a good heart and towards the end she does become stronger and learns that maybe she can be happy. However, I wasn't exactly rooting for her. 


    Also, there were many inconstancies in the writing. There were too many times where I had to go back and re-read sections because I thought I missed something. A big part where I did this was between Ch. 3 and 4. There was no transition. It went from 1 scene straight to the next. Even though you get a glimpse of what "happened" a little later, it doesn't make sense. I literally thought I was missing a chapter. That's not good. 


    While I loved the plot, it definitely could've been delved into more. Masques to keep out diseases, a tyrannical prince, rebellions? A great set-up but  I feel like we only really get a glimpse of it. While that's not bad, I do wish I could've seen more, especially more about how the world came to be. But hopefully we get to learn more about it in the next 2 books. 


    Also, on a side note: there is a religious cult. I don't think it was too bad, but I do hope it doesn't go overboard in the next books (which I have a feeling it might since I think its a big part of this book). 






Overall:


    This book was interesting, don't get me wrong. The atmosphere and mysterious nature of the book were definitely addicting. However, while the descriptive writing was good, transition needs to be worked on and more details added. If you like gothic atmospheres, definitely give this a try! 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

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Thinking Through Thursday (2)

Welcome once again to Thinking Through Thursday!! This weeks discussion is on...


"Why I like the dystopian genre"


All right, its not exactly news that the dystopian genre has taken over the YA scene as of late. I decided to discuss this genre this week because I recently saw an interesting article on Wovenmyst talking about dystopian novels (definitely check it out!). It really is interesting how such a dark genre has really taken over. Whatever happened to all those happy ending books I liked as a kid? :P


The first dystopian book I ever read was The Hunger Games (really, is it any surprise?) and I loved every moment. It was only a matter of time before I found other dystopian books to fill that gaping hole received after The Hunger Games trilogy ended. 


So why has this genre so intrigued us? I started thinking it over and decided to compile a list of reasons (well, the reasons I can think of at the moment) why I'm so in love with this genre.


1. No shortage of action!


I like my books like I like my movies: action-packed. Honestly, the more action the better! If it's got fights, car chases, sword-play, explosions, guns, ect. then I'm bound to enjoy it! And almost all dystopian books have action in them so it's really no surprise that I like em :)
Legend by Marie Lu



2. They make you think:


There are many dystopian books where the authors blend the line between good and evil. Nothing is absolute. No, I often don't agree with the government, however, what's so interesting is that they actually think what they are doing is right. They fully believe that what they are doing is best for the people. Is this always the case? No. Some just like power. But in some books, like Birthmarked, the government thinks they are doing the right thing. 


Also, I've always found it so incredibly interesting when I can actually understand why they do what they do. Do I agree with it? No. But, their logic isn't exactly off. I don't really believe that people are born absolutely good or absolutely bad, I believe it is the persons choice on which aspect they choose to act on. While some have good intentions, the execution is wrong. 


I know some people just like to read, and I do too! But I do love to really delve into the minds of the characters. I like to understand them even if I don't agree with them. Maybe its because I like psychology too but whatever the case, I love when a books make be think and question. 




3. Rebellions abound!


Power to the people! 
I've always been interested in politics and often when I think of dystopias, it reminds me of that famous quote "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely." A dystopia is defined as "the idea of a society in a repressive and controlled state, often under the guise of being utopian (via Wikipedia)". 


Often dystopia's come about after apocolyptic events and whoever becomes in charge says that they are doing this "for the people" and that it's "for the best" when more often than not they just want the power. However, after such a devastating event, people are more willing to go into such a totalitarian state if it means safety. But in this totalitarian state, freedoms are limited. It's more along the lines of "fake freedoms" where the citizens think they have choices but they are just cleverly disguised rules. 


Growing up in America where we have freedoms, it's hard for me to imagine what it would be like to be in such a state. Having this taste of freedom would make it very hard to live under such awful conditions. In dystopias, the main characters often get a taste of freedom or realize that their goverment is lying to them or something along those lines and they want to do something about it. To be honest, that right there is why I like them so much. Being an Army brat, I've grown up learning to really be thankful for all the freedoms that I have but I also know freedom isn't free. I definitely think freedoms are worth fighting for and that is why I enjoy dystopian novels so much. These characters are fighting for choice and standing up for what they believe in, something I've always treasured. I often fall in love with the  characters of these books because I find them incredibly honorable and love their sense of justice. 


4. Emotional


When I read, I like to feel emotions. Whether its sadness, anger, happiness, or if it just get my heart pounding and blood pumping, then I enjoy it. I like to care about the characters and what might happen to them. I like to fear for their lives or hope they can accomplish whatever it is they set out to do. Because I feel such strong opinions for their situations, strong emotions often accompany them. I want them to fight their government, I want them to fight for what they believe is right. Since I feel a connection with the characters fight for freedom I often feel these emotions and it adds to my enjoyment. 


Overall:
Are these the only reason I like this genre? No. I'm sure I could name many, many more but these are all I thought of at the moment :P But I'd love to know what y'all think about this genre. Do you love it? Hate it? Why? 
Leave answers in the comments below! I love to hear other people's opinions :)


All the best ♥

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The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1)
by Julie Kagawa
Pages: 485
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley

Rating: Fan-freaking-tastic! 

Goodreads Synopsis: 

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

My Review:

o_O  Mind is blown with the pure awesomeness that is The Immortal Rules. It was such an emotional thrill ride! I don't even know what to say that won't sound like blubbering, rambling, incoherent mess! My mind is still reeling! All I can think to say is GO BUY IT NOW (well, when it comes out)! I’ll buy it for you if I must just so you can read this pure awesomeness. Actually, scratch that. I have no money (its what being poor does to you), but if I did, I would totally buy everyone a copy!  

No Sparkley Vamps:

That’s right. No sparkles here! Just your class-A human blood-suckin, kick-butt, killing machines! And it’s amazing. This book made me terrified of vampires again!

Creepy atmosphere:

Kagawa did a fantastic job of world-building and creating such creepy and eerie atmosphere. I felt fully immersed in this world while reading. It was dark and gritty yet intoxicating. I was terrified and loved every moment.

4 books in 1:

This book is long, no doubt about it at a whopping 482 pages, but its divided into 4 different parts making it almost like reading 4 different books. Each has its own plot but they all flow together so smoothly and I loved every single one.

Allie:

Allie is an utterly fantastic character. She's tough, rough and hardened, but not without heart. She's always hated vampires, but after being attacked while saving a friend she ends up being saved by a vampire and given the choice to die or become like him. She always did whatever she could to survive, even if it meant become the very thing she hated. Now she's your regular blood-sucking, katana wielding (you read right), kick-butt killing machine. But don't hate on her just because she's a vampire. She may not be human, but she's bound and determined to not lose who she once was and that takes heart. Its hard on her, extremely hard, but although she may be considered a monster, she still has a choice, and that choice is to remain good. To not let herself become the monster everyone thinks she is. Is it easy? No. But is she going to do whatever she can to remain true to herself? Yes. And that, my friends, is something to be respected.

Kanan:

Awww Kanan, your so cool! He teaches her to weild weapons! XD I’d definitely love to have him as my vampire teacher. Sure, he’s more of a tough love kind of guy, but you can tell he really care’s about Allie. He was mysterious and aloof, but really wanted to help her. I don't want to give to much away but I  can’t wait to learn more about his story! Its heartbreaking! I really believe he's a great guy, you just gotta dig around to find it. 

Zeke:

This is the guy you want in real life. The sweet, caring guy that has such an incredibly good heart. But don’t think that he’s a wimp. No way. He may have a good heart, but he’s tough and protective too. A guy that’s incredibly sweet but also knows how to protect a girl? A perfect combination of sensitive guy and a man's man . Seriously, I fell in love with him. He was also so real. Unlike a lot of fictional boys, he’s not perfect, but I loved that about him. He had his faults and weaknesses, but he knew what they were and worked through them anyways.

Katanas:

She’s a katana wielding vampire. How freaking cool is that?!

Don’t worry, there’s still hope:

Perhaps one of the best things about a dark and gritty book is when their is always that little spark of hope. Even in the darkest of times, there's always that little light of hope and faith that your going to be alright. This book is dark and these characters are put in some awful situations but they keep going. No matter how bad things get, even if they sometimes doubt themselves, they have faith that things will get better. This is especially true when it comes to Zeke, something I absolutely loved about him. He went through unimaginable stuff, yet he never lost faith in something better. 

There was one thing I was kind of iffy about. The religion. Its nothing specific, but being religious myself, I kinda hate when they make religion bad. Of course there are....fanatics...out there, but not every religious person is. However, in this book it wasn't bad because A) it wasn't in your face (like some other books I've read before) and B) it showed both sides and didn't make the bad side ridiculously crazy. I actually let this part go to the back of my head because it didn't exactly make religion a bad thing, but I just wanted to warn you readers that it is in here. 

Overall:

This book was utterly fantastic. I loved the dark, gritty nature of the book and loved that, even in the darkest times, there was always hope. It was actually quite a beautiful story. It had fantastic characters and plot arcs and I know that Kagawa definitely has a fan for life when it comes to this series.

All the best ♥

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Starters (Starters #1) by Lissa Price

Starters (Starters #1)
by Lissa Price
Pages: 368
Source: Random Buzzers
Format: Paperback ARC


Rating: DNF


Goodreads Synopsis:


HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER 

Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. . . .


*SPOILERS THIS REVIEW*-sorry, I just couldn't really do it without them. While you must highlight to read them, you've still been warned. They aren't huge  and the don't necessarily ruin it (because I only read 1/2 the book) but if you don't like to know anything don't read. 


My Review:


Yes, I didn't finish...PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! I feel as if I'm the only one to not finish! I think I might start a riot :P Oh well. 


Look, its not that it was awful, because it wasn't. I actually was really, really interested for the first half. And then came the second half and I just kinda went mehh.....Look, the premise is beyond creepy. Um...I sure as heck know that I don't want some old person renting my body. I don't care how much money I get! Alright, scratch that. I do get a free makeover and it is a lot of money, but still. BEYOND CREEPY! But, to be honest, thats what kept me interested! I wanted to know what was going to happen. Especially after I learned about the whole assassination plan. I was like WHAT?!?!?  but then that plot point got all sorted out and it just kinda went down to meh....I didn't really care about the new plot. That one plot point was what kept me going because I was like "YES! whats gonna happen?!" (again, unhealthy obsession with assassins) but then it was resolved pretty easily and a new plot was added and it just went downhill from there.


And the romance....meh....(seems to be my favorite word for this review). The guy seemed nice, but I didn't feel like we got to know him. We learn that he's nice but thats pretty much it. I want a hate turned love romance or at least add some spice or tension or heck, flesh him out enough so that I like his sweetness and caring attitude. However, with this lack of depth, I couldn't even come to love how sweet he was. 


Also, there was one other thing that really bothered me, but perhaps I missed something so I was hoping that those who have read this could help me. Helena wanted her body so she could use it to do a job but her connection was faulty. She was supposed to have full control over Callie right? So she could do whatever and then Callie would deal with the consequences. But how come when she got it fixed, she couldn’t take over again, she could only talk to her? Did I miss something?


Overall: 
The first half of the book was really interesting. But after that little plot that I was so interested in got "solved" it just didn't keep my interest. I think I'll continue it again...maybe. Because I am still interested in finding out what happens but I'm not rushing out to read it. Do I still encourage you to read it? Yes. I've heard some utterly fantastic reviews, but its just not for me. I don't know if this has to do with my reading funk or if it is just because I read it after some absolutely fantastic books, but I'm just not feeling it. 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

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Fever (Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano

Fever (Chemical Garden #2) 
By Lauren DeStefano
Pages: 341
Source: Library
Format: Hardback


Rating: I liked it


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

My Review:

To be honest, I didn't go into this with high expectations and that might be why I enjoyed it more than most. I know a lot of other people didn’t like this novel and thought it was boring, but, personally, I thought more happened in this novel than in its predecessor.

Plot:

I thought the beginning was very interesting, albeit disturbing. Rhine and Gabrielle are finally free from the mansion but are they actually free? Within the first few chapters, they once again find themselves captured, this time by a crazy gypsy woman who owns a circus brothel. To see these girls is heartbreaking but with life spans being so short love is a lost commodity. Most just want to be less lonely, if only for a bit and are therefore, willing to be with any amount of men. This part had my heart-racing because I wanted to know what was going to happen to Rhine and Gabriel. Was Rhine going to end up like those empty shells of girls? This part was crazy and exotic with its mad circus-mistress, young prostitutes and drug-hazed atmosphere. I liked the creepy circus feel throughout the beginning of the book. It was both creepy and intriguing. 

And this was all fine and dandy up until the middle of the book. Meh. I have to say that I could've skipped a good majority of it and not missed a thing. It was way to repetitive. While yes, that part of the journey is necessary, it definitely could have been shortened. A lot. The only thing that actually kept me interested during this part was the writing. I'll give the author credit when it comes to her beautiful writing. That in and of itself is what kept me going during the boring parts (now that I think about it, same thing happened in Wither). With this beautiful writing, she creates amazing atmospheres that are both eerily creepy and beautiful

Then, the last couple chapters start to pick up. You finally start to see something! Woot! though I don't want to give much away, it leaves me excited for the third book because we might actually get to learn about this darn virus! And this brings me to....

World-building:

I'm still so lost. I'm not sure if this is 100 years in the future (there is a "kind of" reference that means this might be possible) or heck, it could be just 10 years in the future. And while there are holograms and what-not, and the buildings are kind of dilapidated, I don't really get a feel for this world. Though, you do get to know that America is all thats left. But what is the virus exactly? We still don't know how it came to be. All we know is that it kills people off at a young age. Um...Okay. Well how did it start? What were they actually trying to do when they accidentally created a virus? How come it kills everyone off at the same age (girls-20, boys-25)? How does it know when someone is that age? I know nothing and I hate that. Ugh...

Characters:

Rhine was much like she was in her previous novel: brave, defiant, determined. However, this time, I believe she actually learned the cost of freedom. She really learns to think through her choices. Is it better to be well fed and taken care of but have not happiness or freedom? Or is it better to be free, fall in love and be happy, if only for a short while? These are the questions that plague Rhine throughout Fever and she must learn what is worth it, and what isn't. However, sometimes, she thought about her past life too often and it became weary. She got what she wanted, and yes, there are always the what ifs in life, but since this is what she wanted from the beginning, she needs to be happy. 

I'm also glad we get to see more of Gabriel. I didn't like him in the previous novel, because he was hardly ever there. However, you learn that he is an incredibly sweet guy that truly cares for Rhine and wants to make her happy, even if that means leaving the comfort of the Mansion for a world unknown to him. 

Issues: 

This book also brings up many ethical and moral issues such as the sexualization of women. Its sad that in this world, all women are good for is for having children. Its always 1 man with a bajillion wives. Guys get all the choices and can do as they please while the women are left being used for their bodies. Its sick, disgusting, and quite heart-breaking. Love is a lost thing in this world. With time being so short, most don't fall in love like in the olden days when you knew you have 50 some odd years together. In this world you'd be lucky having 5. So, instead of actually falling in love with a women, they are only used to keep the populace alive. Would you be like that? If you knew you only have 20 years to live, would you do anything, including prostitution, just to be a little less lonely just for a little while? 

Overall:

This book was very interesting, although the middle definitely could have been shortened. While the world-building still leaves a lot to be desired, I'll admit the writing is stunningly beautiful, sometimes making me forget the lack of plot and world-building. I think if you enjoyed Wither you'll still enjoy Fever. 

All the best ♥

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The Hunger Games (the Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
by Suzanne Collins
Release Date: October 31, 2008
Pages: 374
Format: ebook
Source: bought/Amazon


Rating: Fantastic


Goodreads Synopsis: 
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


My Review: 


Wow....just wow. Absolutely amazing. Honestly, just as emotional and fantastic as the first time I read it. I don't even know where to start this review!




200 years earlier, the USA was destroyed and in its midst rose the Capitol with its surrounding 13 districts. Each district has its own way of living and for a time lived peacefully. However, after a time, the districts rose up against the Capitol and a rebellion ensued. With its superior weaponry and technology, the Capitol defeated the districts and completely obliterated District 13. To show the districts how superior Capitol is, each year two children, one boy and one girl from each district, are chosen to fight to the death in The Hunger Games. 24 enter, 1 comes out. Let the Seventy-Fourth Hunger Games begin.




Y'all need to understand that I am not and emotional person when it comes to books. No, I promise I'm not heartless, I just don't cry easily. Yes, during books my heart rate accelerates and I'll feel bad for the characters, but I don't actually cry. This is one of the only books where I have come this close to tears. And thats saying something.




But before I get into all the emotional part of this book, I want to first talk about the characters.




Katniss is fantastic. She's incredibly strong and fierce. Now, that's my favorite type of heroine and I know that sometimes these types start to blend together but something I love about her is the fact that although she may be these things like so many other heroines out there, she's not exactly lovable and witty like most others. She's standoffish and a loner and it takes a long time for someone to get through to her. She's mature beyond her years because she has to be. She became the sole supporter of her family at such a young age and it hardened her. She's a survivor. But sometimes this hard exterior became her downfall because she couldn't always see what's right in front of her: the fact that people care about her. However, although its hard to get past her hardened exterior, once you do, she is an incredibly kind and admirable person. This is especially shown through her actions at the reaping. She cared so much for her family that she was willing to risk her life, knowing that her chances for returning home were slim, just to keep her sister safe. If thats not worthy of respect, then I don't know what is.




Peeta is also a great character. He's pretty much the complete opposite of Katniss. He's personable, caring, and charming. He truly cares about Katniss even if she can't see it herself. Even though you don't get to know to much about him since this is from Katniss' perspective, you can still see that he has admirable qualities too. Normally I like the alpha male and the bad-boy (I guess its kinda my weakness) but I do also fall for the sweet, respectful guys and I fell head-over-heels for his heart.




As for secondary characters? Amazing. Each was unique in their own way. Effie, sweetly oblivious Effie. Haymitch, who may drink a bit to much, but has a heart under that surly exterior. Cinna, who truly cares about Katniss even though he hardly knows her. Even the other tributes each had their own personalities that made them unique (Don't even get me started on Rue!).




This book was just so incredibly emotional. 24 kids go into an arena and only 1 comes out. I honestly can't even imagine being in their situation. I know that I would do whatever it took to survive, but how would that change me? Each tribute was just trying to survive. They didn't want to be there (well, except a few), but were forced to be. When your facing your immediate death, what would you do? Survival changes people. These different reactions to their situations were shown remarkably well through all the different tributes. Collins' does a fantastic jobs of showing how different people would fare in this situation. While all the bloodshed in the arena itself is disturbing, perhaps the most disturbing thing for me was the fact that the people of the Capitol enjoyed it. Children were dying and to them it was just entertainment. They were completely oblivious!! It was all just a game to them. So long as they were entertained, they were happy. It was sick. Completely and utterly sick.




And to be honest, I felt awful for the other tributes, even as they tried to kill Katniss and Peeta. How could you not? They were thrown into a situation many of them weren't prepared for and just trying to get home. Although they were her enemies, I felt pity and guilt right along with Katniss. She, too, understands that they were only doing what they had to do just like she was.




My words can't even begin to describe all the emotions and feelings you get when reading this book. The Hunger Games may be a dark book about death and destruction, but within its dark exterior is a beautiful story full of survival, hope and fighting for what you love. May the odds be ever in your favor. 


All the best ♥
Mackenzie

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Wither (The Chemical Garden #1) by Lauren DeStefano

Wither (The Chemical Garden #1)
by Lauren DeStefano
Release Date: March 22, 2011
Pages: 358
Format: Hardback
Source: Library


Rating: I really liked it


Goodreads Synopsis:


By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?


My Review:


At first, I was pretty hesitant to read this book for various reasons. However, in the end my curiosity won out and I just had to get my hands on it. And, to be honest, I'm glad I did. 


Rhine was an enjoyable character who was defiant from the start. As soon as she became a sister wife, she knew she wouldn't do it and I found this rebelliousness enjoyable. If I was in her position I'd have a very hard time conforming to that way of life. I know I'd do anything to get out of it. 


Cecily, a fellow sister wife, was....annoying. Incredibly so. But, on the other hand I understood why. She's the youngest and thinks that all there is to life is becoming a sister wife. She just wants to grow up and be the best one out there. She was just an innocent girl doing what she was taught to believe. 


I had a love/hate relationship with the last sister wife, Jenna. On one had she was defiant and knew it was wrong, but she also conceded to it. While it does explain why, it was still frustrating to me. I wish she would have fought more. However, she was incredibly sweet and cared for her fellow wives. 


Although I had my faults with the different sister wives, I like the fact DeStefano created characters that each had different reactions to their situation. If this had happened in real life, each person would react differently to their various situations and I like the fact that the author took the liberty to create characters that show the different behaviors people would have. 


Now to the boys in the story. Linden…..how sweetly oblivious you are! Even from the beginning I liked him even though what he was doing was wrong. It was simply because he was also doing what he was taught like Cecily. They both thought that how they acted was the “norm” so they just followed suit. He was a respectful and sweet man and I hope to see what happens to him in the sequel. 


Gabriel was sweet too, though I don’t feel like I know him very well. That is one thing that bothered me about this. He was the love interest, yet I just didn’t feel it. He was Rhine's friend at the beginning and then you hardly see him for about 2oo pages and them Bam! they're in love. :? I hope in the next book we get to see more of him so I can actually understand why she likes him. 


And Lindens dad……I don’t feel like he came across as evil as he was supposed to. He just didn’t……click I guess. He wasn't in there often enough for the whole "creepy villain" persona to come across. 



The plot was very interesting. Honestly, I can’t even imagine being in that situation! I have no idea what I would do! And that bring me to a great part of this book. It makes you think! Crazy, right? Just imagine yourself in Rhine’s situation…..would you rebel like her? Would you strive to be the perfect sister wife? Or would you hate it but simply give in? I know that I would hope I was the defiant, rebellious one doing my best to get out but who knows?! I do know one thing, I would probably be a hermit if our world was ever like that. I’d be terrified of going outside just in case I was captured! Not to mention, there are also plenty of moral and ethical issues in this book that really make you consider things (P.S. I plan on having a discussion post on this later :P) 


There was one thing I couldn’t wrap my head around….the world. I mean I just had a hard time believing that the only difference between our world now and their world was the fact that everybody died young. [ like at the end? they get out and voila! she describes their world just like ours! I'm sorry, but that's just unbelievable. people are out and about walking when theirs always a chance they'll get caught and coerced into marriage or freaky experiments? I just don't get it. I wish she would have done something different with the world.


Overall, I really enjoyed this book (even though I complained :P)! Although I wished we could've gotten to know some of the characters better (Gabriel and Linden's dad) I enjoyed the rest and the plot with its many moral and ethical issues was very intriguing. 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

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