Wednesday, February 22, 2017

100 Hours Advanced Review

In this pulse-pounding new trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent, a decadent spring break getaway on an exotic beach becomes a terrifying survival story when six Miami teens are kidnapped and ransomed.

Maddie is beyond done with her cousin Genesis’s entitled and shallow entourage. Genesis is so over Miami’s predictable social scene with its velvet ropes, petty power plays, and backstabbing boyfriends.

While Maddie craves family time for spring break, Genesis seeks novelty—like a last-minute getaway to an untouched beach in Colombia. And when Genesis wants something, it happens.

But paradise has its price. Dragged from their tents under the cover of dark, Genesis, Maddie, and their friends are kidnapped and held for ransom deep inside the jungle—with no diva left behind. It all feels so random to everyone except Genesis. She knows they were targeted for a reason. And that reason is her.

Now, as the hours count down, only one thing’s for certain: If the Miami hostages can’t set aside their personal problems, no one will make it out alive.


Expected publication: March 28th 2017 by Katherine Tegen Books

Review:
I'm still speechless. Wow, just wow. I don't normally read ya suspense, love paranormal romance books. But Rachel Vincent is my all time favorite author so I had to read it. 

100 Hours was a young adult novel with grit. The story was raw, emotional, and action packed to the very last page. 

The author still managed to capture teens in the peak of drama. This book has everything. True to form, social hierarchy, boyfriend drama, personality flaws, and entitlement are weaved into the plot. 

Once the plot really got going, it didn't stop. There were twists I never expected. Being kidnapped and held hostage in the jungles of Colombia, these teens will be put to the ultimate test-how they respond under true pressure. 

Vincent penned a story most others would be leery to write. She delved into politics, cartels, tension between countries, and managed to turn this into one of the best ya page turners I've read all year. 

This book-out March 28, 2017- needs to be on your to read shelves. Ten glittery stars for 100 Hours. No guts, no glory. The end was shocking and I can't wait to see what the next installment in this trilogy will bring.




SURVIVAL + SIZZLING ROMANCE+ TICKING CLOCK = UNPUTDOWNABLE!Fans of books by Nova Ren Suma, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Lauren Oliver as well as devoted followers of television shows such as Homeland, Lost, and Scandal will devour 100 Hours' mix of fight-for-survival stakes and real-life romantic drama.

NEW YORK TIMES
 BESTSELLING AUTHORKnown for writing unputdownable books that hook readers from the very first page, bestselling author Rachel Vincent once again grapples with our darkest fears, this time exploring issues of power, loss, inequality, and the courage to fight for what matters most.

STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS

Each book is told in the alternating perspectives of Genesis and Maddie Valencia, two powerful, determined, and flawed cousins. Readers won’t soon forget the Valencia spirit.

Other books releasing in 2017

Praise for Rachel Vincent's books:

"A dark tale of exploited and abused others, expertly told by Vincent.”
—Library Journal on Menagerie (starred review)


“A hugely fun and entertaining read.”
—SLJ on The Stars Never Rise

“Vincent (the Soul Screamers series) carves out an intriguing niche in the postapocalyptic landscape . . . plenty of reasons for readers to look forward to the next installment.”
—Publishers Weekly on The Stars Never Rise

“The gritty world is compellingly presented . . . much to consider.”
—BCCB on The Stars Never Rise


“A devil of a thriller.”
—ALA Booklist on The Stars Never Rise


“This high-stakes romantic thriller had me hooked from the very first page!”
—Kimberly Derting, author of the Taking trilogy on The Stars Never Rise


“As depicted by Vincent, Delilah is magnificent in her defiance of injustice, and the well-wrought background for her world sets the stage for her future adventures in this captivating new fantasy series.”
—Publishers Weekly on Menagerie

"Well paced, readable, and imaginative.”
—New York Times Book Review on Menagerie

“Vincent creates a fantastic world that is destined to pique your curiosity. . . . As Delilah Morrow slowly uncovers a side of herself that she never knew existed, you’ll sympathize with her . . . desperate to see her succeed.”
—RT Book Reviews (Top Pick and Seal of Excellence) on Menagerie

Rachel Vincent is the New York Times bestselling author of several pulse-pounding series for teens and adults, including The Stars Never Rise and Menagerie. A former English teacher, Rachel remains convinced that writing about the things that scare her is the cheapest form of therapy. She shares her home in Oklahoma with two cats, two teenagers, and her husband, who’s been her number one fan from the start. You can find her online at www.rachelvincent.com and on Twitter @rachelkvincent.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Review of Replica by Lauren Oliver

Replica: Book 1 in the Replica series by Lauren Oliver
From a distance, the Haven Institute, tucked on a private island off the coast of Florida, looks serene and even beautiful. But up close the locked doors, military guards, and biohazard suits tell a different story. In truth, it is a clandestine research facility where thousands of replicas, or human models, are born, raised, and observed.
But when a surprise attack is launched on Haven, two of its young experimental subjectsLyra, or 24, and the boy known only as 72manage to escape. As they make their way through a new and menacing environment, they meet a stranger named Gemma, who has embarked on a perilous quest of her own. 
Gemma has been in and out of hospitals her whole life. A sickly child, she has grown into a lonely adolescent whose life is circumscribed by home, school, and her best friend, April. 
But after she is nearly abducted by a stranger claiming to know her, Gemma starts to investigate her family’s past and discovers her father’s mysterious connection to the secretive Haven research facility. Hungry for answers, she travels to Florida, only to stumble upon two replicas, 24 and 72and a completely new set of questions. 
While the stories of Lyra and Gemma mirror each other, each contains breathtaking revelations critically important to the other story. Their narratives can be read separately or in alternating chapters. In either case, the two distinct parts of this astonishing novel combine to produce an unforgettable experience for its two young heroinesand for the reader.

Extras:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/69132-harpercollins-has-big-plans-for-lauren-oliver.html

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/17/lauren-oliver-replica-interview

The New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy has written a brilliant, riveting novel that explores issues of individuality, identity, and humanity. Replica is an ambitious, thought-provoking masterwork, and the first in a duology.

Review:

Another excellent read from author Lauren Oliver. I loved Before I Fall and can't wait for the movie next year! This book is equally worthy of its own movie!
The concept of this book was unique and kept me hooked throughout the entire story. I loved how there were two viewpoints but not alternating each chapter. The second one was only introduced when needed to compliment the story and tie up the burning questions from the other character.
The story starts out from Lyra's voice, the main character, a replica. We learn how she grew up and what it was like to be her. Essentially, we get the viewpoint from someone who never left the Haven Institute. Her thoughts and actions reflect her naivety.
Then a little while after Gemma was introduced, we get her point of view and more questions pop up. Her thoughts and reactions reflected her upbringing and the story takes on a very different tone.
I can't forget the romance building as the story unfolded. It wasn't insta-love in any aspect-a great trait. And the twists in the plot? Blew my mind! There were some clues, but I totally didn't see some of it coming.
As a whole, this book was unique and gripping. I highly recommend this first installment of a new series to anyone of any age really. I can't wait to see what happens next for Lyra and Gemma. Five glittery stars!!!

About the Author:
Lauren Oliver is the author of the teen novels Before I FallPanicVanishing Girls, and the Delirium trilogy: DeliriumPandemonium, and Requiem, which have been translated into more than thirty languages and are New York Times and international bestselling novels. She is also the author of two stand-alone novels for middle-grade readers, The Spindlers and Liesl & Po, which was an E. B. White Read Aloud Award nominee, as well as the Curiosity House series, and a novel for adults, Rooms. A graduate of the University of Chicago and NYU’s MFA program, Lauren Oliver is also the cofounder of the boutique literary development company Paper Lantern Lit. 
You can visit her online at www.laurenoliverbooks.com.

Book 2 coming soon! Ringer (Replica #2) October 3, 2017
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30457727-ringer

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Review of Book 1 and 2 of The Unit Matched Trilogy by Mary Smith

Hidden behind the walls of Unit, Vermont is what many believe to be a religious cult. However, inside these walls lie the secrets to why Unit may be one of the most beautiful towns around. Residing inside the gates are the descendants of Mother Nature, who help keep the balance of Earth.

Among these descendants, Xaviera Anderson reigns as the Princess to Unit. Her life was much the same, until today, her eighteenth birthday. Today is different because she's to be Matched with one of the Unit males who her parents have chosen for her. Once Matched, Xaviera has to go through a decision period. She must decide if she wants this life or leave Unit powerless to be a normal human.

It is not until she's tested by the ones she trusts that Xaviera questions her faith in people and that of Mother Nature.

***This is for an audience over the age of 18 due to its sexual nature***


Review:
I really wanted to give this book five stars. The writing style and the storyline were wonderful. I liked the characters and the whole concept of the unit. I loved Xaviera and how she opens up to a romance that she didn't know she even wanted. The chemistry between the characters was a slow burn that culminated in a big bang.

Okay, here are the few problems I had with this book. There wasn't a lot of them using their powers. The whole mother nature and use of the elements was glossed over quite a bit. The main focus of this book was strictly the romance.

Here's the biggest problem of all. The real story unfolds at the very end of the story. The ending left me very unhappy. This would have been okay if the next book resolved things. Instead, the next one is about one of the other couples and there will be a short part at the end of the book explaining what happened with the first couple. There was too much left undone to leave it with such a small resolution. These characters should have had their own sequel. Also, I didn't like the couple that star in the next book. I would have preferred it be her true friends story.

Overall, the story was unique and the characters interesting. Even though I didn't like how the storyline ended, the writers writing was solid and kept my attention throughout the whole book.


WARNING: If you haven't read A Royal's Love (Unit Matched #1) this blurb and book will be a spoiler. Read with caution!

Amaya Roberts broke the Rules of Unit. As a Protector, she lied to her Royal and best friend, Xaviera Anderson. She broke those rules with Xaviera's Matched, Thaddeus Edwards. After the truth is revealed, Amaya is exiled to a cabin in Canada with her Matched, Oliver Thomas. The problem is she wants to be nowhere near Oliver.

Ninety days locked away in a cabin is pure torture for Amaya. The only escape that she finds is writing in her journal, something that has been her solace forever. Oliver wants to get to know his Matched during this exile. He seeks her out and wants her to let him in. What he doesn't know are the secrets buried deep within her and her journals. She hides secrets that have shaped who she is and ghosts that haunt her still.

As she learns to share a cabin and a temporary life with Oliver, she begins to let the old ghosts go. As she realizes just how good life with Oliver could be; she is in danger of losing it all. Will she finally find the happiness she never thought she deserved just to have it ripped away when the Royal Xaviera banishes her from Unit forever?

***This has Adult Content. Please read with caution.***


Review:
I definitely enjoyed this book better than the first one! In A Royal's Love, Xaviera was the princess of the unit and the story revolved around her. I really liked Xaviera, although I didn't really like Thaddeus so much. The ending left me rather upset, with how the author left things. It was definitely a cliff-hanger.

So when I started reading this book, I had reservations. This was only because the book was about Amaya and Oliver, leaving things with Xaviera and Thaddeus unresolved.

The storyline jumps right in to Oliver taking Amaya to their destination. Her punishment for breaking the rules were simple. She has to be exiled for 90 days in this remote cabin, as well as having to spend this time with her own matched, Oliver.

The story is written in days, to show how time went by throughout her exile. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it in that format at first, but I quickly enjoyed keeping track of the changes in Amaya as her 90 days went by.

At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about Amaya, given the circumstances that happened in the first book. As the book went on, I decided that she was a good character, once the author developed her more.

Then there was Oliver. I adored him. He was hot and a great guy. He was so patient with Amaya, even when she was a total brat. I was definitely an Oliver fan :)

The last 10% of the book was excellent. It brought Oliver and Amaya back to the Unit. The characters reunited and there were a lot of great twists. I loved the resolutions the author tied up.

There is a third and final book out and I can't wait to read about Gia! This book gets a lovely five glittery stars for being a compelling read!


 In the conclusion of the Unit Matched trilogy, Gia Centers has a secret that she has kept from her Matched, Graham Centers and her friends. She thought that she would have more time to spend with them before it's revealed.

Unfortunately, it's not the case and now she needs to figure out how to save Graham and her friends.

***This is for readers over 18***
 



About the Author:
Best Selling Author, Mary Smith, has been coming up with stories her whole life. She has written A HOCKEY TUTOR, THE ICE SERIES, as well as co-authored THE PENALTY KILL TRILOGY and OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN SERIES. When not busy writing or rooting for the Chicago Blackhawks you can find her with her nose stuck in her Kindle.

You can visit her website at: www.authormarysmith.blogspot.com

Follow her on Twitter: @maryms1980

Or Faceook: www.facebook.com/authormarysmith