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Friday, July 31, 2015

Forgotten Friday: Burn Out & Strange Skies by Kristi Helvig

This meme is about books that have been pushed aside while others have gone viral and made into movies. It can be old books, new books, any book that never got its (or enough) time in the spot light.

Synopsis for Burn OutMost people want to save the world; seventeen-year-old Tora Reynolds just wants to get the hell off of it. One of the last survivors in Earth's final years, Tora yearns to escape the wasteland her planet has become after the sun turns "red giant," but discovers her fellow survivors are even deadlier than the hostile environment.


Holed up in an underground shelter, Tora is alone--her brilliant scientist father murdered, her mother and sister burned to death. She dreams of living on a planet with oceans, plants, and animals. Unfortunately, the oceans dried out ages ago, the only plants are giant cacti with deadly spines, and her pet, Trigger, is a gun--one of the bio-energetic weapons her father created for the government before his conscience kicked in.

When family friend, Markus, arrives with mercenaries to take the weapons by force, Tora's fury turns to fear when government ships descend in an attempt to kill them all. She forges an unlikely alliance with Markus and his rag-tag group of raiders, including a smart but quiet soldier named James. Tora must quickly figure out who she can trust, as she must choose between saving herself by giving up the guns or honoring her father's request to save humanity from the most lethal weapons in existence.



Synopsis for Strange SkiesAction, adventure, and romance are heating up in this sequel to the futuristic science fiction thriller Burn Out. Perfect for fans of Across the Universe and The Memory of After.

Caelia is the new Earth. That's what the Consulate told everyone and, against all odds, Tora finally has made it there. She can't see the ocean from her cell in the Consulate's containment center, and she doesn't know what happened to the weapons her father died for and she's risked her life to save.

But as she plans her escape, she runs into the last person she ever expected to see-her dad. The Consulate has kept held him prisoner in a complicated plot designed to lure Tora out of hiding. Now Tora has a new purpose: break free, get the guns, and save her father.

But first she'll have to navigate a strange new planet, track down James (whose loyalties still remain questionable), and find Kale…before he finds her first.


You guys might have seen my reviews for both Burn Out and Strange Skies. Maybe you've even seen my book boyfriends post for James. I've also had the privilege of being able to interview Kristi Helvig herself. And yet, somehow (which is a completely mystery to me) these books are not getting the credit they are due. 

In my opinion, these books can stand out with the best of the dystopian sci-fi's that are out there right now. They are quick and fun reads. There is great world-building, diverse characters, and a hot leading male. What more can you ask for from YA books? 

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Giveaway: *Signed* ARC The Rose Society by Marie Lu


I love this book so much and as much as it pains me to part with it, I know that there are a bunch of you dying for it. So, I've gotta give it away. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL meaning it's open to everyone! Even if you have never read The Young Elites


*IMPORTANT* Everyone, please remember that if you want to enter the giveaway YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER ON MY BLOG AND LEAVE A COMMENT. All who enter the giveaway without being a follower (I will be checking) will be disqualified. All you have to do is click "JOIN THIS SITE" on the right sidebar and follow the instructions.

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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Characters Who Are Fellow Book Nerds

I've seen this meme on a lot of blogs and decided to join in. This meme was created by The Broke and Bookish


1. Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen)

Lizzie always makes the top of the bookworm list—as she should. Although she was criticized for loving to read, it all worked out in the end because Mr. Darcy loved that about her.  

Quote: "Miss Eliza Bennet," said Miss Bingley,"despises cards. She is a great reader, and has no pleasure in anything else."

2. Hermione Granger (The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling)

Definitely one of my favorite female fictional characters. I identified so much with her growing up. She looked for all her answers in her books and spent all of her free time reading. 

Quote: “Because that’s what Hermione does,” said Ron, shrugging. “When in doubt, go to the library.” 

3. Tyrion Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire Series) by George R. R. Martin

Not only is Tyrion is an AMAZING character. He knows what he's talking about when it comes to his books. If you ever need an incentive to readgo read about Tyrion. 

Quote: "Sleep is good," he said, "And books are better."


4. Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë)

Poor little Jane Eyre used to have to hide away while she read. Misunderstood and judged by others, just like a lot of us have been. 

Quote: "A small breakfast-room adjoined the drawing-room. I slipped in there. It contained a book-case: I soon possessed myself of a volume, taking care that it should be one with pictures."


5. Matilda Wormwood (Matilda by Roald Dahl) 

Another girl from our childhood with so much spunk and love for books. I have no doubt that she's making all of the Top Ten Tuesday book nerd lists today. Her love of books and her story spoke to so many of us bookworms growing up.

Quote: “The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives. She went on olden-day sailing ships with Joseph Conrad. She went to Africa with Ernest Hemingway and to India with Rudyard Kipling. She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.”

6. Alex Sheathes (Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver)

His love of books and poetry made me swoon. When he recited poetry to Lena, my heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest. 

Quote: "Tell me that poem again." My voice doesn't sound like my own; my words seem to come from a distance.

"Which one?" Alex whispers.

"The one you know by heart." Drifting; I'm drifting. 

"I know a lot of them by heart."

7. Hazel (The Fault in our Stars by John Green)

Hazel and Gus bonded over books, so one might say that books brought these two lovebirds together. 

Quote: "As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once."

8. Kate Mercer (Die for Me by Amy Plum)

Ugh, I was so jealous of Kate for being able to go read and just since in a cafe in the center of Paris. I mean, what better place could there be to read? Reading was her escape from the upsetting parts of her life and I have to say that I can relate to that as well. 

Quote: "I spent the rest of the day in someone else's story. The rare moments that I put the book down, my own pain returned in burning stabs."


9. Bella Swan (Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer) 

While I seriously question her tastes in books, Bella Swan is a bookworm. It is worth noting that the only healthy romantic portions of Wuthering Heights are the ones that were quoted in Twilight


10. Nicolette (Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell)

I've just started reading this book and it began with Nicolette talking about her and her mother's love of books, so it's off to a great start XD

Quote: "I tried talking about books with them, too. They responded with glazed expressions and derisive giggles, and when I finally had the chance to look at the beautiful collection of leather-bound books Stepmother had bought them, I found the pages ripped out, and replaced with magazines and catalogs.

Then I knew for sure we'd never understand each other."

Monday, July 27, 2015

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon ARC Review


4.5/5 Stars
Details of the Book
Paperback ARC, 306 pages
Published by Delacorte Press,
an imprint of Random House Children’s Books
Publication Date: September 1st, 2015

Synopsis: This innovative, heartfelt debut novel tells the story of a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she’s ever known. The narrative unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, texts, charts, lists, illustrations, and more.

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla. 

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly. 

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Madeline is an 18 year old girl with a rare disease called SCID, which weakens her immune system and prevents her from going outside. For her entire life, she has lived in her house with only her mother and nurse, not wanting anything more than the life she has. That is, until the new family moves in next door, and she sees Olly, a teenage boy who she instantly likes. After talking to him, she figures out that a life without freedom is not a life worth living.

Everything, Everything is an amazing book with a very creative writing style. It manages to have unpredictable plot twists, with plenty of character and relationship development. Although it has a bit of a slow start, it quickly changes pace. It was full of funny and meaningful dialogue, thought-provoking quotes, and an immersive style. Normally I prefer character or plot-driven books, but in this case I managed to love it although it was heavily centered around romance.

Strengths/Likes:

1) The author has a unique writing style, and nearly every chapter is different from the one before. The book features diary entries, IM conversations, spy schedules, Madeline’s comical “spoiler reviews”, drawings, dreams, and every other form of writing you could possibly imagine.

2) This book had everything I was looking for, from depth to relatable and likable characters.

3) The ending had exactly the type of plot twist I wasn’t expecting, and I enjoyed the element of surprise.

Weaknesses/Dislikes:

1) Madeline is often selfish and reckless, endangering her life for things that accomplish nothing in the end.

Favorite Quotes/Moments:

1) Madeline: What color are your eyes?
Olly: blue
Madeline: Be more specific please.
Olly: jesus. girls. ocean blue
Madeline: Atlantic or Pacific?
Olly: atlantic. What color are yours?
Madeline: Chocolate brown.
Olly: more specific please
Madeline: 75% cacao butter dark chocolate brown.

2) “How do you manage to carry around an ego that size and weight?”

3) “Maybe we can’t predict everything, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly.

It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.”


Sunday, July 26, 2015

SBPT 2015: Tee from Me Books and the Internet

Welcome to the fourth week of the Summer Blogger Promo Tour hosted by the awesome Book Bratz! This week I have the privilege of hosting Tee from Me Books and the Internet

Take it away, Tee!

The best thing about reading is the attachment you grow to have towards characters. Sometimes you even envision yourself in the story, partaking side by side the main character in a quest. But for me and many other fangirls and fanboys is envisioning oneself dating your favorite fictional character. Here is my, MeBooksAndTheInternet's, top five fictional boyfriends.





5) Percy Jackson From The Percy Jackson Series

Percy Jackson was one of my first book boyfriends i’ve ever had. I’ve always lived for his sarcasm and loyalty to his friends and family. He’s funny and cute and could be almost seen as perfect if it wasn’t for his ultimate flaw of holding grudges. Yet still i love Percy because it shows how real he is even though he’s just a fictional character. Even though his story ended in Blood Of Olympus i’ll always love the person he had become since The Lightening Thief.







4) Ethan Wate From The Beautiful Creatures Series


Ethan is charming southern boy. He’s also immensely protective of Lena, the main character who’s a witch and dispute his shock when he found out he still loves her very much. He’s never given up on Lena and i love his determination to find her when she disappears at one point in the series. 





                                             


3) Levi From Fangirl By Rainbow Rowell


If you haven’t read Fangirl, stop reading this post and do so right NOW. Besides Fangirl being a fantastic book about sisterhood and family, you can’t overlook Levi, one of the funniest and silliest side characters i’ve come across. Not only that but he’s too adorable (based on the cover and many fan arts.)







2) Leo Valdez From Heroes Of Olympus Series


I fell in love with Leo the minute he was introduced. He’s funny, witty and cheeky. He’s a lot like me in which we make jokes to cover up our pain and i love how he isn’t dismissed by his friends when he accidentally hurts them. Before the last book in the Heroes Of Olympus, Blood Of Olympus, Leo was a great representation of a character that didn’t need romance to find purpose and i really admired that.








1) Gansey From The Raven Cycle Series


Gansey is the lead male character in the raven cycle. He’s rich and handsome but above all he’s friendly, kind and thoughtful. I like that he doesn’t think he’s superior to his friends just because he’s wealthy. He’s just a great guy and can’t wait to see him grow in the second book, The Dream Thieves.






About Me


I am Netanya T (or just Tee preferably) and i’ve been book blogging for a month. Its one of the most fun things i’ve done in my 16 years of life and i enjoy it.I like expressing my opinions but most importantly having fun. I like to evidently talk and review books on my blog, MeBooksAndTheInternet.Blogspot.com. I make videos at youtube.com/user/itsbookology also talking and reviewing books in addition to skits and tags. I make horrible jokes and when i’m not talking about books i’m really random and out there but i still like making friends so you can hit me up on my twitter, Twitter.com/BookssInternet, my Tumblr, MeBooksAndTheInternet.Tumblr.com and Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21157068-tee

Thank you, Tee for joining me on my blog today. I haven't had the chance to read any of the books you listed here but they are on my TBR. Next week, I am hosting Drew from Endless Reading. I hope you guys are enjoying meeting all of these great bloggers, I know I am =)

Thursday, July 23, 2015

The Rose Society (The Young Elites #2) by Marie Lu ARC Review *light spoilers*


4.5/5 Stars
Details of the Book
paperback ARC, 400 pages
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons,
an imprint of Penguin Group
Expected Publication Date: October 13, 2015

Synopsis: Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.

Adelina Amouteru’s heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers that murdered her love, the Crown Prince Enzo Valenciano.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?

WARNING: THERE ARE LIGHT SPOILERS WOVEN INTO THIS REVIEW. What that means is that I don't give exactly what happened away but I have hinted at it. Read at your own risk!

Adelina is losing control of the darkness within her and while she makes new allies, she is losing those who matter to her the most. I had so many things I was hoping for going into this book and even though I got one of my wishes, my heart is broken.



I think it's really interesting reading from the POV of a villain but the sap in me wanted to see Adelina reunite with Daggers. Instead, Adelina is spiraling out of control and becoming drunk on power. 


There is a lot of action and new drama in this book but I don't feel like it keeps up with the intensity of The Young Elites. I do like the new characters, especially Magiano, but my new loves were not enough to mend my heartache over Enzo. I don't want to go into details and spoil it for everyone. I'll just be waiting for when this book is unleashed onto the rest of you and we can hold crying parties and eat a lot of ice cream.

Marie Lu's writing is still amazing (duh), I felt every stab and every tear. She is exceptional at giving the reader a glimmer of hope and then annihilating it. Part of me wants to pretend that I haven't read The Rose Society so I can go back to my blissful fantasy bubble I created after I read The Young Elites to ease the pain I feel from reading this book. The Young Elites will get your heart-racing, and The Rose Society will break it. 

Strengths/Likes:

1) Marie Lu is really an amazing writer. Through every battle, mental breakdown, and heart-wrenching scene, you feel like it's you feeling those things. Even with characters that aren't likable, through her writing Marie Lu makes them sympathetic and their pain becomes your own. 

2) The multi-POV is still awesome. It really pulls the whole book together. It gives the reader a grand scope of what's going on with all of the characters and gives you subtle hints of what's to come. 

3) Magiano. I was surprised at how much I liked him considering he's Adelina's new love interest but he's cute and funny. He brings the light that this book needs. 

4) The great world-building that started in The Young Elites is further developed in this book. The baliras sound really cool. 

Weaknesses/Dislikes:

1) Enzo and Adelina. That's all I'm going to say. (Still love Enzo though.)

2) Violetta kind of got on my nerves a bit. Through The Young Elites I felt bad for her due to how much hate she received from Adelina but in this book she was a bit too self-righteous for me. I think that's how Marie Lu intended her to be though. 

3) I missed the intensity I felt while reading The Young Elites in this book. While this has a lot of inner turmoil, it takes away from the heart-racing scenes. 

Favorite Quotes/Moments:

1) "I only ask for obedience. If that is too hard, I can help. It is easier to obey without a tongue, and easier to kneel without legs."

2) "Why are powerful men so stupid around a pretty face?"

3) For a fleeting moment, I imagine that if I were queen, I could make the act of hurting malfettos a crime. I could execute this boy's pursuers with a single command. 

I start hurrying after them. "Come on," I urge Violetta.
"Don't," she starts to tell me, even though she knows it's pointless. 

"I'll be nice." I smile.

She raises an eyebrow at me. "Your idea of nice is different from others."

I have one other quote that is probably my favorite out of all of these but it's such a huge spoiler and I don't want to do that to you guys! I hope you enjoyed this review. If you missed my review of The Young Elites be sure to check it out. 

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

The Taken (Foxcraft #1) by Inbali Iserles ARC Review


The Taken by Inbali Iserles
Paperback ARC, 252 pages 
Published by Scholastic Press, 
an imprint of Scholastic Inc. 
Publication Date:  September 29th, 2015 
Buy it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository |
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Synopsis: The first book in a thrilling fantasy trilogy starring one of the animal kingdom's most haunted heroes. Foxcraft is full of excitement and heart, and a touch of magic. 

Isla and her brother are two young foxes living just outside the lands of the furless -- humans. The life of a fox is filled with dangers, but Isla has begun to learn mysterious skills meant to help her survive. 

Then the unthinkable happens. Returning to her den, Isla finds it set ablaze and surrounded by strange foxes, and her family is nowhere in sight. Forced to flee, she escapes into the cold, gray world of the furless. 

Now Isla must navigate this bewildering and deadly terrain, all while being hunted by a ruthless enemy. In order to survive, she will need to master the ancient arts of her kind -- magical gifts of cunning known only to foxes. She must unravel the secrets of foxcraft. 

The Taken is a whimsical novel written from the perspective of a young fox named Isla, who is searching for her family. She soon finds out that both she and her brother, Pirie, are being hunted down by a ruthless group of foxes. With the help of a new friend who seems to know more than he is letting on, Isla begins learning the magic of her ancestors: foxcraft.

Inbali Iserles is a great writer who believably captures the voice of a fox. Her characters are constantly growing and developing, and each of them have distinct personalities. However, some parts of the book are confusing due to foxes not knowing even the most common human terms.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and after I finished it, I was left wanting to read more. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series as soon as it is available.

Strengths/Likes: 

1)  The author managed to make me care about all of the characters in this book and what they were going through. I even cared about Isla's family—who were only present for the first 10 pages of the book—by including constant memories and flashbacks.

2)  The author realistically captures the thoughts and motivations of an animal, which is no easy feat, especially considering the fact that foxes have no understanding of human terms.

3)  The main character, Isla, goes through a lot of character development throughout the book. She faces many challenges, and because of this, her skills are constantly growing. 

Weaknesses/Dislikes: 

1)  Because the entire story is told in the first person point of view and through a fox's eyes, all human terms are switched out to something that makes sense to an animal. This is a minor complaint but at times, the descriptions were not enough to make it clear what Isla was referring to without checking the glossary. For example, cars are introduced as 'manglers', roads as “deathways”, and any animals other than foxes are described without being given a name.

Favorite Quotes/Moments: 

1) “A surge of relief thundered through me, so powerful that I yowled. If we could harness gerra-sharm, if we bridged the space that divided us, we could be together again. I would call to him; I would find him. Hope rekindled the warmth inside me.”

2) “The furless liked their walls. Walls to keep them in. Walls to keep others out.”

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books That Celebrate Diversity/Diverse Characters


I've seen this meme on a lot of blogs and decided to join in. This meme was created by The Broke and Bookish. Every week there is a new topic where you choose ten books that fit the bill. 


This week's topic: Ten Books That Celebrate Diversity/Diverse Characters

This list is a mishmash of books I have read and want to read. As all of you bookworms know, there are so many amazing books out there there doesn't always seem enough time in the world to get to all of them when you want to. 


1) The Young Elites by Marie Lu
Adelina, the main character, after suffering a blood fever has her eye removed as a child leaving her marked forever for the rest of the society to treat her like the plague. This book is amazing and Adelina is extremely complex. The other characters in this book come from different walks of life and ethnic backgrounds as well. If you don't have this book on your TBR, then add it. You won't regret it. 



2) An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Another one of my favorite books. Inspired by Ancient Rome but I felt some definite Middle Eastern Elements. It's a story of Laia, a slave-girl on a mission to save her brother from execution and Elias who has trained most of his life to be a Martial--brutal soldiers that carry out harsh punishments and executions. Both characters carry a lot darkness in them but together they fight against 


3) The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
This book has been making all of the best of 2015 YA lists. I haven't had the chance to read this one yet but I've heard so many amazing things that it's gotta be on this list. It's based on the fairy-tale A Thousand and One Nights and this book is making waves among the book community.  


4) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
My love of everything written by Leigh Bardugo is no secret. Six of Crows is an amazing book with a diverse cast of characters. Here are descriptions of two of the main characters: 

Jesper: "A Zemeni sharpshooter--long-limbed, brown-skinned, constantly in motion." He also happens to be bi-sexual. 

Inej: A Suli acrobat, with dark hair, eyes, and skin. 


5) A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
If you've read the books, watched the TV series, or both you know that this story has there are hundreds of different types of characters. From the royals to the peasantry we have different cutlural and ethnic backgrounds. There are bi-racial, homosexual, and incestual couples. One of my favorite characters is Tyrion Lannister who is a dwarf who somehow uses his weakness to his advantage against those who oppose him. 

6) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini 
This such an important book. It tells the story of 30 years of Afghan history through the perspective of two woman who are forced to marry the same man. Bonded together through war, abuse, and love for one another, they have such a tragic but beautifully told story.

                                    

 7) More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
The story of Aaron Soto and his struggle in discovering and accepting who he is as a person has been making great waves in the YA community. Aaron has a girlfriend, friends, problem is that he has fallen for a boy named Thomas while he's surrounded by people who are not supportive of homosexuality. I hope that his book and its popularity is a sign that we are becoming more accepting of homosexuality. 




8) Soundless by Richelle Mead
I have been wanting a book with a main character that looks like me for a long time. If for nothing else this is one of the main reasons that I want to read this book. I've heard amazing things about Richelle Mead's writing, so I'm hoping that to get to this one soon. 




9) The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
A heart-breaking story of Hazel and Augustus, two terminally-ill teens who love in love. This is the first time I read a book with a main character who was sick and you knew that her days were numbered. I felt that John Green captured life with a loved-ones with cancer 


10) Kindred by Octavia E. Butler 
Dana, the main character, is a young African-American woman who travels back through time to the time of slavery. She watches as a child of a slave-owner grows into an even more abusive and controlling slaver-owner than his father. Dana's story also covers the issues surrounding bi-racial relationships during the time of slavery and more modern times as well. 

Monday, July 20, 2015

The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

5/5 Stars
Details of the Book
Hardcover, 355 pages
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons,
an imprint of Penguin Group
Publication Date: October 7, 2014

Synopsis: I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.
Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.


I'm amazed and horrified and I love it. I'm in awe of how incredible of an author Marie Lu is. She really knows how to twist your feelings around and stomp on your heart. She's a magician, always making you feel like you understand where the trick is going but then slamming you with something completely unexpected. This book made my heart both soar and ache at the same time. The Young Elites is incredible beyond words.

Structurally, this book is outstanding. The writing, plot, world-building, character and development are all through the roof. What makes it tilt is how much this book twists the reader around. It's common in YA novels to read about a protagonist that is hated and/or mistreated by everyone. It's also common in YA novels to feel bad for her/him and hate the society that the main character inhabits. Instead, at times I found myself on the side of the society that fears and hates Adelina. She is probably the most complex and interesting character I have ever read in my life. I'm struggling so much trying to make up my mind about her. However, I'm pretty sure that this is what Marie Lu intended for this character and that makes me just want to bow down to her.



The Young Elites deserves all of its hype it gets. It wraps you up in the darkness that stirs inside Adelina and you won't be able to escape it.



Strengths/Likes:

1) Marie Lu's writing is just amazing. Her prose, her dialogue, all of the details in the plot. Her world and characters are unique. I have nothing but adoration towards her.

2) Enzo. I love him. He's dark, powerful, and sexy. 

3) Adelina's character as a whole. Marie Lu has made me feel so many things towards her—sympathy, sadness, admiration, fear, and anger. She is a multi-layered character, as well as the most unique and complex character I have read to date. I have no idea what to feel about her. I want to love her and I want to hate her at the same time.

4) I already touched on this briefly but it deems repeating—the world-building is amazing. It reminds me of something that would come out of a Hayao Miyazaki film.

5) I love the muti-POV aspect in this book. It adds an extra layer of perplexity.

Weaknesses/Dislikes:

1) If you guys saw my guest post on The Confessions of Carlisa about my Bookish Pet Peeves, you know how much I hate it when the main character has some big secret that it would be better—or at least not like an atomic bomb exploding—if he or she just told the truth. Adelina is holding onto a terrible secret for most of the book and I just kept waiting for the shit to hit the fan.


At the same time I struggle with calling this a weakness because I'm blown away by how this one plays out. I like it and I don't like it at the same time. It's confusing!

Favorite Quotes/Moments:

1) "Repeat after me," Raffaele says. I nod wordlessly, my throat dry. His words echo all around us.

"I, Adelina Amouteru—"

Violetta will pay for this, you know. Not you, Violetta.

"—hereby pledge to serve the Dagger Society, to strike fear into the hearts of those who rule Kenettra—"

I'll tell you what you want. Just give me one more week. Please.

"—to take by death what belongs to us, and to make the power of our Elites known to every man, woman, and child."

Three days. If you go back on your word again, I will shoot an arrow through your sister's neck and out the back of her skull.

"Should I break my vow, let the dagger take from me what I took from the dagger."

2) I grab his dagger and aim for his throat.

His hand clamps hard on my wrist before I can make contact. Heat rushes through me. Something sharp taps against my chest. When I look down, I see a sword point hovering over my ribs. "Don't forget one weapon just because of an other," he says. A flicker of approval flashes in his eyes. "Or you'll find yourself skewered in no time."

"Then maybe you should know which weapons are real," I reply. The dagger I'm holding near his throat vanishes in a puff of smoke. The real dagger I'd taken from him is in my other hand, which I now press to his side.

3) "Dance with me," he murmurs.

All part of our act. All part of the disguise. I tell myself this repeatedly, but it doesn't change the way I lean into his touch, how his words stir the longing in my chest. If he notices, he doesn't show it... but he does seem to stand closer than he needs to, and look at me with an intensity that I don't remember seeing before.

4) He smiles, draws me close, and leans down. The elaborately carved grooves of his mask brush against my skin, and I wonder if it will leave a touch of glitter behind. I close my eye. A moment later, his lips touch my own. Only a touch.

It must have been brief—probably a second, no more—but to me, it seems like forever, like he let us stay this way for a beat longer than needed. The familiar bubbling of heat courses through me, the luxurious feeling of a hot bath on a cold night; I return his kiss, leaning into him, savoring his heat.

5) Sorry, always sorry. What in the world can you buy with an apology?

Sunday, July 19, 2015

SBPT 2015: Always Opinionated Girl

Welcome to the third week of The Summer Blogger Tour hosted by The Book Bratz! This week I am hosting Emily from Always Opinionated Girl

If Emily had to survive on an deserted island, these are the five book characters that she'd want with her and her reasons why.


1.   Penryn -Angelfall
This girl is smart, tough, resilient, strong and the list goes on. She is all of these things because she manages to survive an apocalypse whilst looking after her sister and mum. I think she can more than handle an island. An added bonus on top of that drive to survive and all those useful skill, is that Penryn is very witty and funny, so she'd be good company and have some interesting stories to tell.






2. Sam - Rites of Passage
Sam is definitely tough and has a sensible head on those shoulders of hers. She managed to survive an army school where everyone wanted to kick her out because she was a girl. She not only put up with this, which included threats on her life, but she managed to keep up with the strict army training with the rest of the boys? Now if that's not awesome, I don't know what is.







3. Isabelle - The Mortal Instruments
Despite being utterly glamorous and fabulous at all times, in short black dresses and extremely high heels, there is no denying that Isabelle is fierce. She slays demons just as well as Jace and Alce and somehow manages to do in seven inch heels, which deserves an award, as I can barely totter to the car when I wear heels. She is capable of fighting demons whilst looking good, and has a razor sharp wit and refuses to back down ever. She'd certainly be useful if there were demons on the island and if not, she could give some fashion tips.



4. Katniss - Hunger Games
Katniss survived not one, but two Hunger Games, which is an accomplishment not many can lay claim to. She would be able to feed me and the others whilst on the island, as she can hunt and forage for edible plants which is a pretty handy skill. I reckon she could manage to rustle up a half decent three course meal with her skills, which isn't bad going when you're stranded on an island. Admittedly she wouldn't always be the best company, but I could certainly forgive her if she feeds me.





5. Sam - Paladin
The second Sam on this list, she deserves this place just as much as the first. She wields a sword just as well as any man and fearlessly kills multiple demons, so would definitely be a good companion on a desert island. Sam is also used to roughing it whilst traveling on the road and regularly puts up and sleeps in tents, which would be handy when we need shelter. Sam is also stubborn and realistic, meaning she doesn't give up easily but makes the right choice at the end of the day.



Thank you, Emily. This is a great list! Most of these books are still on my TBR. We do share one person on our lists in Katniss. Be sure to check out my list of characters I'd want with me to survive on an island when Emily hosts me on her blog.