Article 5 (Article 5 #1) by Kristen Simmons

Article 5 (Article 5 #1)
by Kristen Simmons
Pages: 363
Format: Hardback
Source: Bought

Rating: Really Liked It

Goodreads Synopsis:

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.

My Review:

One aspect I really enjoyed about this book is the fact that it actually doesn't really deal with a rebellion. The recipe for most dystopians is: character is oblivious, something happens, character finds out he/she has been lied too, starts to rebel/becomes part of rebellion, ect. This book, however, deals with Ember's journey to find her mother and escape her boarding house she is sent to after being arrested. 

 I really enjoyed the plot of this one. Even though I knew what happened very early on, I liked learning more and more about the society alongside Ember. Add in a crazy boarding school, road trips and tons of action and you've got a recipe for success. And politics. Gotta love politics! 

I had a love/hate relationship with Ember. There were times I really liked her. She wasn't perfect but she was strong-willed and really cared about her mom, always an admirable trait. However, what I really hated was her attitude towards Chase. I liked the relationship itself because I could tell they truly cared about each other. But I hated the fact that she blamed him for everything. What was worse is the fact that if it's anyone's fault, it's hers. He was drafted. He didn't have a choice. But he said he'd run away for her and she says no because she knows the consequences, yet pretty much turns around and blames him and hates him for leaving her. Yeah, I don't think so hun. Other than that though, I believe she's a good character and her growth in all departments is exponential by the end of the book.

This brings me to the part that I actually was most interested in: Chase. While not explicitly stated, Chase suffers from PTSD. I've always been interested in this part of psychology and I also know people that suffer from it. I liked that the author delved into this aspect of his character and really showed the struggle he was going through. In my mind, the fact that he tried so hard made me fall for him hard. He truly is a kind, caring and protective guy who is just going through some incredibly hard times and trying to work through them. His heart is admirable and his struggles showed his strength. 

Overall:

I really enjoyed the plot of this book. Action-packed, adventurous and a swoon-worthy love interest? Definitely worth checking out. Even though Ember bugged me, her growth shows that she'll end up being a fantastic character. 

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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. 

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Book Trailer: The Forsaken (The Forsaken #1) by Lisa M. Stasse

While I'm not one for book trailers, I'll admit I liked this one :) I'm actually really excited about this book! First off, she's got a "high capacity for violence" so that means 

action! I'm already interested. Add in a freaky island, crazy

 machines and wacked-up criminals? Count me in!

Release Date: July 10, 2012

Goodreads Synopsis:

A thought-provoking and exciting start to a riveting new dystopian trilogy.

As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.

The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.

So what do y'all think? Are y'all excited for this book? Have y'all already read it? Let me know in the comments below! 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

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Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
by Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 338
Source: Gift
Format: Hardback


Rating: I liked it/Really liked it


Goodreads Synopsis:


Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting asThe Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices,Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.


My Review:




This is one of those reviews that is really hard to write. Not because I loved it so much I simply can't find the words to describe its awesomeness, and not because I have such a burning hatred for it that my language would become less than ladylike. No, this is one book that while reading I was completely engrossed. I was completely immersed in it that I breathed it in like life itself. And then it ended. And I was left....wanting.


The writing is annoying. The writing is addicting.


Look. You're either going to love the writing, or hate it with the passion of a thousand fiery suns. Just a fact of life. Lucky for me, I loved it! Now that I look back, I think it was the writing that kept me so interested. Don't get me wrong, the story is fascinating, but the writing was beautiful and unique and fitting. Juliette is a broken girl and the writing reflected that. Think Blood Red Road meets Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Although there are broken sentences and the rules of grammar don't exactly apply (a la Blood Red Road), it's beautiful prose (a la Smoke and Bone) makes it addicting. Yes, there are major differences between these books, but if you can handle the writing in both of those, then you can handle this. While perhaps disconcerting at first, after a while it just flows together. 


Characters:


I actually liked Juliette. At the beginning. She's such a broken girl and I just wanted to give her a big 'ol hug. But there was a quiet strength to her. A battle within herself that she didn't give up on. But I think the thing I loved most about her is that, even when everyone turned on her, even when everyone wanted to lock her up, she still loved humanity. Part of me hated her for it because she kept blaming herself even though it wasn't her fault. But her continuing faith in people was admirable. 


I also liked Adam and I actually liked their relationship. At first. Well, really throughout it was rather sweet. Its sort of insta-love and at the same time it isn't. I can't describe it without spoilers but it is actually incredibly sweet. He's a great guy that truly cares about Juliette and wants to take care of her.


And Warner is....a psychopath. But that's what makes him a good villain! I'm talking really crazy. But, and I know I'm going to get a lot of flack for this, I feel bad for him. Yes, I understand he's got a few loose screws, well, a lot of loose screws, but we get these little glimpses of reasons why he's like that. We don't get much, but you get to learn that maybe his past wasn't that great and made him like that. I actually want to learn why he is like he is. Maybe is the psychology lover in me or just the fact that I obviously watch to much Criminal Minds (Morgan = ♥). 


Ah...but here's where the unbelievable part comes in. Juliette has been in prison for almost a year, and all of a sudden she gets out and becomes some kind of sex kitten? Um....no. I don't believe it works like that. While reading I lapped it up! Come on, you gotta admit those shower scenes are pretty steamy ;) but not really believable. So...I kind of have a love hate relationship with it. On one hand, I loved it. Tension is always good XD but I just couldn't understand it. 


Another thing that bugged me. A HUGE sense of Deja Vú. This felt like a dead ringer for X-men. Which isn't a bad thing considering the fact that I love X-men (Wolverine anyone?), I just really hope that it veers off that path. I know it says that in the synopsis, but its almost too close. I don't mind the X-men like powers, I just hope it can remain unique in it's plot. 


Also, I know those who abhor lack of world-building will have a hard time with this book. It isn't exactly the best as setting up the world, more along the lines of just dropping you into it. For me, I can accept it. Do I like world building and would I like to know how it came to be? Of course. But its also fantasy and therefore, not the most important thing. However, I'll admit that I do wish there was more. 


cover lust Cover hate


I know most of you are going to kill me but....
I hate that cover. Well, at least the model. The title and background are absolutely perfect and applicable to the story, but the model! Ugh....normally I'm a sucker for the cover model books, but this one is just a no. First off, what's with that look? She's trying to look all tough and "I'm so cool with my power of death!" but comes across as vaguely confused and constipated. And that dress? All that peplum is in the wrong place! And there is way to much! The top of the dress is simple and elegant but then it's like BAM! Chiffon explosion! NOT GOOD! 


Overall:


While reading this book, I loved it. I devoured it. But after reading I felt....odd. I looked back and found a lot of things wrong with it. While I liked the characters, the whole prisoner turned Miss Desirable wasn't believable though definitely steamy. Also, while the plot was interesting, I also had a huge sense of Deja Vú. But the writing is just so beautiful. 

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Pure (Pure #1) by Julianna Baggott

Pure (Pure #1)
by Julianna Baggott
Release Date: February 8, 2012
Pages: 448
Source: Netgalley
Format: e-book
★★★★★ 


Goodreads Synopsis: 
Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet, she thinks about what is lost--how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies.


My Review: 

Wow…….that was not what I was expecting. And that’s not a bad thing.

Pure is dark. Its raw and dangerous and twisted. This has got to the one of the darkest dystopians I’ve ever read. Most other dystopian books at least have a bit of fluff, but not Pure. Its nothing but death, destruction and carnage and I loved it. Though I warn you now, if you can’t handle that stuff, do not read it. You have been warned.

 Pure takes place after a bomb, also called the Detonation, is set off in America. This harmed everyone in some way, except for those that made it to the Dome before the Detonations. This book takes place between two main POVs. There is that of Pressia who was outside the Dome, and Partridge who was inside the dome.

Those outside the dome are called wretches, someone who was fused with something because of the detonations. Yes, you read right: fused. These detonations, if they didn’t kill you, caused you to fuse with whatever you were touching at the time, whether it be an animal or a toy or even a stone. It was absolute destruction. There were even those that fused with the earth, called Dusts. However, those that were inside the Dome came away unscathed.

  What I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that it really digs into human nature. This book is a story of survival and what people are willing to do in order to live. Each character reacted to the Detonations differently. You have Pressia who is resigned to what happens and tries to see the beauty even in the destruction. Although she lost so much, she doesn’t become a savage. She does whatever it takes to take care of her grandpa. Then there is Bradwell who is a conspiracy theorist who believes that it is easier to survive when alone. However, he is incredibly intelligent, strong, tough and may just prove to be right. You have Partridge who was fed lies in the dome. Who loves his mother so much that he decides to do anything he can to find his mother who didn’t make it to the dome. El Capitan who has to carry the weight of this brother. Who is resigned and goes with the group that seems to be winning.

    Each of these characters reacts in their own way. This book really takes “survival to the fittest” to a whole new level. Its shows such a stark reality that really makes you think. We’d all like to think that we’d still be ourselves if such a thing happened but would we? Morals and values tend to disappear when your fighting for you life. People are willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Only the strong remain.  

  However, it wasn’t only the characters that were interesting, but the story itself. I can’t say to much without giving stuff away but I will say that there are parts that will shock you and there are twists. It also shows that people can be plain awful. Actually that doesn’t even do the villain justice. He’s crazy, sick, twisted, desperate…I just had a hard time believing someone could do that.

However, although I loved this book, there were a few things that bugged me.

1. where exactly did the bomb go off? I’m assuming somewhere in the middle of the US because if they were at the center, it would have disintegrated them. However, since they still lived but were still fused, I assume they were on the edge of the bombs radius.

2. Pressia, actually all of them, are rather smart for having hardly any education. The detonations happened when they were all in elementary.

3. What about the other countries? I assume they know what happened but have they sent no help? Is there any communication? Or are they part of it? I'd just like to know a bit about how the rest of the world, specifically our allies, reacted. 

4. a few other inconsitancies but nothing drastic (and at this moment I can’t think of any specifics so they must not have bothered me to much!)

However, although there are some things that bugged me, the rawness and starkness completely blew my mind making me forget about these small things. 

Pure is dark, twisted, and depressing. But it is also a story of hope. It is a story of human survival. It is both twisted and beautiful, a lethal combination. If you can handle dark stories, this is a must-read. 

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Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1)

By Marie Lu

Available Now
Pages: 305
Format: Hardcover
Source: Gift
★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

My Review:

…I’m warning y’all now that I’m about to go all Gollum on y’all….myprreeeccccioouss….*cough cough*. Sorry, but it’s just that freaking good.

This book was absolutely stunning. I honestly don’t even know how to write this review! This book was full of heart-pumping, non-stop action! From the very first chapters, I fell in love with these absolutely amazing characters. And Day’s last chapter!? So heartbreaking!

If anyone has seen the show Bones, then y’all will know what I’m talking about when I say that Bones is who June reminds me of. She a child prodigy. She is intuitive, calculative, blunt, factual and observant just like Bones. However, she could also be compared to Sherlock Holmes. She notices everything. Details about everything are constantly going through her mind. Though, not only is she amazingly intelligent, she can also kick your butt. Literally. I absolutely love her. She might be one of my favorite female characters ever. As Day said, she is “coolly logical and fiercely defiant” and I absolutely love her for it.

And Day….If June won’t take him, I will! Bold, brash, and daring, yet so amazingly loyal and noble and honest. He’s been through so much pain but still puts his family first. Extremely intelligent, agile, and brave, I absolutely fell in love with him. I think June described him best when she said he was “a beautiful mystery”. So true. Seriously, he is a definitely a book boyfriend!

The plot was full of non-stop action that read like a movie-script. Honestly, this book would make an amazing movie. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and I did not want to put it down. This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful. Action, mystery, murder...what more could you want? This is such an emotional thrill-ride! Even though this had the generalized dystopia of a corrupt society, it was still unique in its content. I just can’t stop gushing about it!

I absolutely loved the writing. Both Day and June's POV's seamlessly blended together, allowing the reader to truly understand these characters and their emotions.

My review does not do this book justice. Not even in the slightest. That is how amazing this book is! It is a book full of heart-pumping action, but also has a heartbreakingly beautiful side to it. I almost didn’t want to finish it because I know I have to wait so long for the next book in the series! If I could give this book more stars, I definitely would. Please,please read this book. Marie Lu did an amazing job on her debut novel and the next book in the series can’t come fast enough.

Truth truly will become Legend.

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