Audiobook Review: Pandemonium

Pandemonium (Delirium, #2) by Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Harper Audio
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Sarah Drew
Source: Purchased from Audible
Buy It From Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★★

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

If I’ve learned to expect one thing from Lauren Oliver, it’s unbearable cliffhangers!  When you read Pandemonium I can almost guarantee you, like me, will end up begging for the next book!

Pandemonium was a slow start for me. At the beginning I felt that it just didn’t compare to the first book. Boy did I change my mind during the second half!! Just as Delirium was emotion filled, Pandemonium certainly had its moments as well. There were a few particular scenes that I struggled with… If you’ve read this you probably have an idea of what I’m talking about. The story wasn’t completely focused on emotion, however. There was plenty of action to keep me satisfied as well, even more so than the first book. 

Many new characters were introduced into Lena’s story. The character I found most intriguing, like many others, was Julian. I loved the contrast between the two: how each of them came from different backgrounds but managed to work together. I loved watching the suspicion between them melt away as they learned to trust one another!

I enjoyed Pandemonium just as much, if not better, than Delirium. The characters, action, and turn filled plot left me begging for more. As I mentioned earlier, be prepared for yet another cliffhanger! Yes, I am still recovering from it! Be sure to check out the Delirium series: Delirium, Pandemonium, and Requiem (coming March 2013)!

Audiobook Review: Delirium

Delirium (Delirium, #1) by Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTEEN
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Sarah Drew
Source: Purchased from Audible
Buy It From Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★★

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now.

Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Delirium is one of those books that I had no interest in reading initially. The plot seemed a bit too familiar and sounded as if it could easily go wrong. Then came the gushing reviews from my fellow bloggers. So what did that make me do? Naturally, I put off reading it even longer (I've since learned to listen to them)! Eventually I gave in and now I can’t believe how I could put off reading such a fantastic book!

 Delirium contained all my favorite elements: A bit of action, a pinch of  mystery, a killer ending, and a romance seemingly doomed from the start. Yet, even in the face of that doom, the main character, Lena, maintained hope. There's just something about underdog characters like Lena that I love. They manage to both inspire and intrigue me. Up against all odds, will they make it or break it? You'll have to read this one to find out!

Delirium evoked all kinds of emotions: anger, sadness, love, and hope to name a few. Expect a rollercoaster! While, yes, this is a very emotional book, it has none of the fluff that one might expect from reading the blurb. There is legitimate thought and meaning in Delirium! Yes, it is about love, but there is so much more to it!

Don't be like me and put off reading Delirium! Life's too short to miss out on the good ones!

Review: Under the Never Sky

Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1) by Veronica Rossi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Buy It From Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★★

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Under the Never Sky is unlike any book I have read. With a mix of dystopian and sci-fi elements, it is no surprise that this has become one of my favorites!

Told from the perspectives of Aria and Perry, Under the Never Sky provides two sides to the story. Reading from both point of views was fantastic! It was so interesting seeing the interactions and knowing the motives behind them. Not only did I get to experience the great dynamic between the two main characters, but I got to see the trust between them develop as well. There was some serious tension between Aria and Perry. They, in addition to a slew of great side characters, were the highlight of this book.

The world building in Under the Never Sky was on par with that of a great fantasy book. If you are looking for a complex, original dystopian setting, this book has it. I was as intrigued with the outside, 'Death Shop,' world as I was with the dome setting. Both groups had their own views on the other. I really enjoyed seeing Aria and Perry challenge the views of each other. The differences between the two made for some great, and at times tense, interactions.

Under the Never Sky is a book that will most definitely please readers across genres. It has so much to offer! You have to check this one out, trust me. Not only is it a quick read, but it is a very satisfying one that will have you dying for the next book. Had I only known how amazing this book was, I would have picked it up the day it was released!

Review: The Selection

The Selection (The Selection, #1) by Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Amy Rubinate
Source: Audible
Audible | Amazon | Goodreads
★★★★★

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

I picked up The Selection expecting a light romantic read. What I got instead was a reflective, romantic, and beautiful story with surprising depth. For having a Bachelor-esque type set up, I was amazed by the sincerity, legitimate emotion, and lack of cat fights between the girls. If I had to use one word to describe Kiera Cass' take on this story, it would be "tasteful."

The Selection features a terrifying love triangle. I was happy to see that there was no insta-love! After being with Aspen for years, it was expected that America have feelings for him, so I didn't feel cheated there. I especially enjoyed the relationship between America and Prince Maxon! America was the one person that Maxon could expect to be honest with him. And believe me, she could be a feisty one! The banter between the two was quite entertaining. A choice between two fantastic guys: How will she ever choose!?

The crazy part is that I almost stopped listening to this book due to the narrator! She has a very... different voice. She was almost robotic at times. Once I adjusted to her voice, I was able to focus on the story. I might recommend reading the book instead of listening due to the difficulty I had with her narration.

If I have one complaint about the content of this book, it would be the abrupt ending! Talk about a cliffhanger... If you have issues with cliffhangers, you might want to put this one off until the next book, because it is a bad one! All I can do is hope it doesn't take too long for the next one...

The Selection is a book that could have easily gone wrong. Instead Kiera Cass made it tasteful, fun, and intelligent. Don't be turned off by the reviews saying that it is a Bachelor spinoff. There is so much more to this book! It is definitely one to add to your summer reading list! I'm certainly looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Review: The Immortal Rules

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, #1) by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen 
Format: eGalley
Source: Provided by Publisher For Review 
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★☆

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.

In market flooded with vampire books, The Immortal Rules stands out as a refreshingly original and brutal dystopian tale.

Allison was given a choice: die or become the very thing she despises. She chooses life… well kind of. Allison chooses to become a vampire. Throughout the book she struggles with this fact. There is a never-ending battle waged between her heart and her body. Her hunger doesn't discriminate: She fights it around everyone, even those she cares about. Despite her new vampire nature, she sacrifices herself many times for those she loves. I found her to be an extremely honorable and strong main character.

Not only did Allison struggle with her new vampire state, but as the story progressed she began to unravel a much larger mystery. Julie created the perfect balance between personal and large scale issues: neither overshadowed the other. I really felt for Allison’s situation. Being a vampire, people looked at her different, as if she was a monster. Even she, herself,  pondered that thought at times. Did she have a soul? When Zeke and his group came into the picture she was given some purpose and direction in her new life. She grew to love, appreciate, and trust them, Zeke in particular.

The tension and love between Zeke and Allison grew to impressive levels, but in the end left me a bit disappointed. I was looking for something more from them... But maybe that's the beauty in it: They found a plain love in a complicated world. Both had duties that came before their personal desires; creating a love that was believable and realistic. If you are looking for insta-love, I'm happy to say you will not find it here!

I’m a huge fan of Julie’s Iron Fey series! Unfortunately, so far, The Blood of Eden series doesn’t seem to be surpassing it…. yet. I see so much potential, but I feel that parts of this book were rushed and the ending was somewhat anticlimactic. I imagine I will like the upcoming Blood of Eden novel more so than this one. Saying that, I still believe that The Immortal Rules is one of the best YA vampire books out there. The combination of dystopian and paranormal elements is sure to please readers across genres!

Review: Starters

Starters (Starters, #1) by Lissa Price
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Format: eGalley
Source: For review by publisher
Release Date: March 13th, 2012
Amazon |  Goodreads
★★★★☆

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.

Starters was fantastic! It was a refreshingly original dystopian read . Filled with twists, it kept me on my toes from page one.

Imagine having someone "rent" your body: You wake up having no clue where you have been or what you have done. Lissa made this chilling concept easy to imagine. You are dropped into a world where trust is thrown out the window. No one is what they seem. Creepy right? Well, It gets creepier.

The situation Callie, Michael, and Tyler are placed in after their parents' deaths is bad enough. But when you toss The Old Man and Prime Destinations into the picture it becomes one heck of a scary beast. After agreeing to be a renter, Callie's neurochip malfunctions and she is thrown into a conspiracy she never could have imagined. Yet, even when lives were hanging in the balance, Callie remained a relatable and true character.

Callie's voice pulled me into the story easily and brought a certain realness to it. From the beginning it was clear that she was not afraid to make the necessary sacrifices for Tyler and Michael. Not only was she a selfless character, but she was quick to think and act even in the most desperate of times. Poor Callie never had a break in this book.

Lissa did an amazing job with the pacing! Just when I was starting to feel comfortable with the world, she would throw another twist at me. I was constantly on my toes! I did, however, find Starters lacking  in the detail department. It would have been nice to see the world fleshed out a bit more. Perhaps that's something I can look forward to in book two!

Starters is a smart, thrilling, and action-packed dystopian read. The ending will leave you desperate for the next book!

If you liked Unwind by Neal Shusterman then you will like Starters by Lissa Price.

Review: Divergent

Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Harper Collins, Inc.
Format: Ebook
Pages: 487
Source: Purchased
Amazon | Audible | Goodreads
★★★★★

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

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the YA scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

This is seriously one of the best debut novels I have ever purchased! Roth does an amazing job of pulling you into this crazy world. At first I shied away from it thinking Divergent was just a fad and wouldn’t compare to the other dystopian books I have read. Boy was I wrong! This book is so deserving of each and every bit of praise it receives.

I loved all the characters, but Tris and Four were written so well. They were definitely my favorites. Forgive me if I’m wrong, but is Four not the most romantic badass that you’ve read?! I was swooning over him the entire book… Following Tris and Four as their relationship developed was certainly a treat. Roth has a great skill with romance.

This book was not all rainbows and butterflies… Tris faced quite overwhelming odds, heartbreak, death, and betrayal. Reading this, I couldn’t help but put myself in her place and wonder if I would be strong enough to survive. She was a very inspirational character for me..

I’m so happy that I decided to read this! This story is not only original, but action-packed and filled with twists! I swear I had no idea they were coming. I became so engrossed that it was an extremely quick read for me. I would sit in bed and think to myself “Just one more chapter…” and before I knew it, it would be 1am. I was so tempted to stay up and finish it.  You definitely need to pick this up if you get a chance. It is an original, strong story one that I likely will not forget. I’m very excited to see where the next book goes!

Post. Amazing. Book. Depression.

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Review: Mockingjay

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3)
By Suzanne Collins
Scholastic, Inc.
Genre: Dystopian YA
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary
“Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.” –goodreads
 
Review
This book was by far one of the most emotionally draining books I have ever read. It has haunted me all day and I'm sure it will for quite awhile longer.. I have sat here for at least two hours struggling to find the words to describe this amazing book. What I know I can say is this: This book is the most moving and heart wrenching book of the series. It has left me with an immense feeling of loss, even if it is not necessarily an unhappy ending.

This book follows the others and is absolutely packed with action. Katniss never gets a break! I would say that it is more gory and graphic than the other two as well, but very realistic. If you thought you had seen human cruelty at its worst in the first two books: prepare yourself. You will feel all of Katniss' emotions: frustration, fear, helplessness, terrible loss. All of them. If you were concerned about the Gale vs. Peeta dilemma, then you will be happy to know it is resolved in this book.

I cannot say more for fear of spoiling the plot. This definitely needs to be experienced spoiler free.. There are so many twists and turns that Suzanne Collins had me guessing the entire time. I believe everyone should experience this amazing trilogy.. You will not be disappointed.

If you do not know what P.A.B.D is please click the button to find out.

Review: Catching Fire

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press 
Format: Ebook
Pages: 391
Source: Purchased
Amazon | Goodreads
★★★★★

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol...

I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot twists, the lush settings, and the cliffhanger ending (love-hate relationship with this) all lend themselves to form this amazing, perfect, and epic tale. And I mean it when I say that this book is epic

This is one of those books where you really need to struggle to find something wrong... I don't think I was as emotionally invested into this book as I was in the first, but that's not necessarily bad. I found that I was more concerned with the politics in this one.

Take everything you thought was going to happen in this book and just throw it out the window. There is a major plot twist that I was not expecting AT ALL! A word of caution: be prepared. I didn't know what to do with myself after that... I had to finish it at once! Also know that the ending is one of the worst cliffhangers I have ever experienced. I promised myself I would take a break between this book and Mockingjay to read some other books I need to review...but I honestly don't know if that will happen.

All of the hype around this book is certainly deserved for it is one of the best I have ever read. This book will make you think. It will make you reassess you values, your government, and your relationships. It will challenge you.

Get it. Read it. Love it.

Review: Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

by Suzanne Collins

Scholastic, Inc

Genre: YA Dystopian

★★★★★

Summary

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.- goodreads

What I Loved

• The descriptive writing skills of Suzanne Collins.
• The added humor to a grim storyline:

"It's lovely. If only you could frost someone to death," I say. "Don't be so superior. You can never tell what you'll find in the arena. Say it's actually a gigantic cake -- " begins Peeta.

• That the violence was not camouflaged to protect readers like some other books.
• Katniss' firey personality!
• Several unexpected twists that keep you guessing.

What I Didn't Like

•  This book was a bit slow in the beginning, but looking back I could see that it was all necessary. It was still a joy to read despite this! Note: The games themselves don't even start until about a third of the way in.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★


Review

In the beginning you are introduced to the strong protagonist, 16 year-old Katniss Everdeen. She certainly is a survivor: hunting, gathering, and providing for her mother and 12-year old sister, in a world where hunting outside town borders is prohibited. Her sister, Prim, is elected for the Hunger Games and Katniss volunteers to take her place not wanting to think about losing her little sister. This is where the real story begins. I do not want to give too much away!

I found Katniss to be a very likeable character. She is smart, clever, and a great hunter. She is a survivor. She can come off as harsh at times, but this only makes her character more believable.

Suzanne Collins' writing is raw and descriptive. She does not hold anything back. This is exactly what made me love this book so much. The picture she paints in my mind is of a future government that is oppressive, controlling, and merciless. Panem is world where only the strong or rich survive. Her characters are deep, believable, and relatable. The plot is raw, unheard of, and original. Her settings are extremely rich and descriptive. This book will become a classic read, no doubt. I would not be surprised to see this as a common read in schools in the future.

There is romance, action, heartbreak, sorrow, happiness, and rebellion all stuffed into the 374 pages of this excellent read. Expect a few unexpected plot twists as well! I did not think I would like this book as much as I did. I cannot recommend it enough and I will be starting the next book ASAP!