Review: Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorensen

Breaking Nova (Nova #1)
Jessica Sorensen
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: September 3, 2013

Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she's getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn't want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he's done, what he's lost. He's sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he's too damaged to get close to her, yet she's the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?

(This review may contain slight spoilers, but nothing major)

I have been read a lot of Sorensen's novels lately. I haven't read her Fallen Star series but I love all of her contemporary new adult novels. When I found out that another of her books was available, I got it right away and started reading.

Breaking Nova is a lot different than Sorensen's other novels, or anything I'm used to reading for that matter. It's really dark and really intense. This is not a novel filled with angsty characters that are redeemed by love, like I initially thought. Like I said, it is a lot darker and more intense than I expected. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; I just wasn't expecting it and it's out of my comfort zone.

The two main characters in this novel are completely, utterly lost. They've both been through separate tragedies and are struggling to survive. Because of their situation, I found it was hard to connect with these characters. I could sympathize with them, sure, but it was hard to understand a few of their decisions.

This story is mostly about Nova. Throughout the novel, she has to lose herself more and more. Breaking Nova is the story of how Nova is able to find herself again after a tragedy. Even though I questioned Nova's decisions, I was so proud of her by the end of the novel.

Breaking Nova is not a romance--at least not in the sense I was thinking when I first picked it up. I honestly (and I never say this) did not think that the two main characters were good for each other. Quinton was not able to redeem himself like Nova. However, there is going to be a sequel so I'm not completely go against their relationship--hopefully things will get better for these two in the next book.

With an emphasis on drugs and suicide, Breaking Nova took me out of my comfort zone. These characters are deeply scarred, and for them, things have to get worse before they can get better. This dark novel is not one I'm likely going to reread, but I am anxiously waiting for the sequel.

Review: Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt

Right of Way
Lauren Barnholdt
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: July 9, 2013

Can a road trip repair a romance gone wrong? Find out in this standalone companion to Lauren Barnholdt’s Two-way Street.
Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.
Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.
Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead…

I will read pretty much read anything by  Lauren Barnholdt. When I found out she was not only writing another novel but it was a companion to Two-Way Street I was very excited.

I'm just going to start this reviewing by saying what I didn't like about this book. I had a similar problem with Right of Way as I did with Lauren's last book, Sometimes it Happens. I hope it's not becoming a thing with her. Anyway, throughout the novel we know that Peyton and Jace were together before, but something happened and now, at a wedding, there is tension between them. It is slowly revealed what happened. When what happened between them was finally revealed I just thought, "that's it? That's what all this drama is about?" The same thing happened in Sometimes it Happens; there was this build up and I was let down when it was finally revealed. 

Other than that aspect I enjoyed the novel. I couldn't stop reading it. Plus, it's a road trip novel! If you don't know by now novels about road trips are my favorite! I also appreciated the ending. It wasn't exactly wrapped up in a pretty bow; there was the unknown but I still knew the characters were going to be okay.

I also liked Peyton and Jace, even though they were both really frustrating at times. Jace overreacted to something incredibly stupid (back to the whole drama thing). And Peyton could be just as frustrating at times. But overall I was rooting for them. 

Overall, not my favorite Lauren Barnholdt novel. I still enjoyed it along with Lauren's writing and I'm looking forward to her next book. 

Review: The Originals by Cat Patrick

The Originals
Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 7, 2013

A riveting new story from Cat Patrick, author of Forgotten and Revived.
17-year-olds Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey Best grew up as identical triplets... until they discovered a shocking family secret. They're actually closer than sisters, they're clones. Hiding from a government agency that would expose them, the Best family appears to consist of a single mother with one daughter named Elizabeth. Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey take turns going to school, attending social engagements, and a group mindset has always been a de facto part of life...
Then Lizzie meets Sean Kelly, a guy who seems to see into her very soul. As their relationship develops, Lizzie realizes that she's not a carbon copy of her sisters; she's an individual with unique dreams and desires, and digging deeper into her background, Lizzie begins to dismantle the delicate balance of an unusual family that only science could have created.

I am a huge fan of Cat Patrick. I'll read anything by her and I was very excited to read The Originals. However, I didn't enjoy it as much as Patrick's other novels. It was still an interesting and unique, but it fell short in certain areas.

One of my favorite aspects of Patrick's novels is the originality. She always has a unique story to tell and The Originals was no different. It's a clone story, but with a twist. The world sees the three "sisters" as one person. Even though these three are clones, they all have different personalities and it was interesting to get to know each of them. 

One thing that I didn't like about this book was the love aspect. I really liked Sean, don't get me wrong, but can you say insta-love? I know this really bothers a lot of people, but it's something that I can normally get past if it isn't too much. But in The Originals, Lizzie trusts Sean with her secrets way too quickly and Sean accepts everything way to quickly. 

This is a fast-paced book and a fast read. However, the ending was too abrupt. Not only was it abrupt, but everything wrapped up too easily. I would have really liked to see this book expanded.

Honestly, a lot of the problems in this novel (the romance, the ending) could be fixed if it was expanded and developed more. I'm not saying it needs to be a series, but this is a unique concept and it could easily be a five-hundred page novel rather than a three-hundred. I am still a Cat patrick fan and will continue to read her novels. 

Review: Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

Level 2 (The Memory Chronicles #1)
Lenore Appelhans
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 15, 2013

In this gripping exploration of a futuristic afterlife, a teen discovers that death is just the beginning.
Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow drones, Felicia passes the endless hours reliving memories of her time on Earth and mourning what she’s lost-family, friends, and Neil, the boy she loved.
Then a girl in a neighboring chamber is found dead, and nobody but Felicia recalls that she existed in the first place. When Julian-a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life-comes to offer Felicia a way out, Felicia learns the truth: If she joins the rebellion to overthrow the Morati, the angel guardians of Level 2, she can be with Neil again.
Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself at the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.

Level 2 had a very interesting and unique concept. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started it, but unfortunately while I enjoyed reading it the story just didn't grab me like I wanted it to. 

This book switches between two different time periods: flashbacks to Felicia's life and her afterlife. The flashbacks feature a very contemporary vibe while Felicia's time in the afterlife (which is described as futuristic in the synopsis) is borderline sci-fi. I really liked the flack backs and learning about Felicia while she was living. However, I had a hard time getting into the Level 2 world. I think this is a personal issue; I am not a sic-fi fan and I had a hard time imagining this world. 

Level 2, being so short, is a fast read. It is overall fast-paced novel, although the flashbacks slowed it down a little. I didn't mind that at all but I can see how it could bother others. It did take me a long time to get into this book. Not sure why. But I did get more into the second half. 

It took me a while to like Felicia. At first it bothered me that she seemed to go along with everything. But then I realized she wasn't as naive as I initially thought because she questioned everything. However, she still isn't my favorite main characters. 

Overall, I did enjoy Level 2, but not as much as I would have liked. It just isn't a book that will stick with me. 

Review: Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Dairy Queen (Dairy Queen #1)
Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books For Children
Release Date: May 22, 2006

When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D.J. can't help admitting, maybe he's right. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn't so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won't even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D.J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say.

Dairy Queen is a book that I've been wanting to read for a few years now but just never picked up. But after seeing a few recent reviews for it, I finally decided to pick it up. I'm so glad I finally did read this novel because it is such a fun book. 

I'll start by saying that this book is so funny. D.J.'s sarcastic attitude combined with Murdock's witty writing creates quite a humorous experience. And although there are no real pressing and hard issues featured in this novel, it isn't all fluff. This is the story of how a girl in an emotionally struggling family makes her own path. 

D.J. is a somewhat self-concious girl who has never really done anything besides what is expected from her family. Dairy Queen is mostly the story of D.J. discovering who she wants to be and what she wants to do. Now, she still has a lot of growing to do, as I expect she does in the following novels. And D.J. is snarky and (as mentioned before) sarcastic, which makes her a great main character. 

Overall, I really enjoyed Dairy Queen. It was everything I expected with a few extra surprises thrown in. I loved the characters (not just D.J. but other such as Brian and Curtis), and I loved the story. There were some things that I wish had a bigger spot in the novel or that were developed a little more, but I expect that to be fixed in the coming novels, which I can't wait to read. 

Review: The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

The Sea of Tranquility 

Katja Millay

Publisher: Atria Books

Release Date: November 13, 2012

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.
Josh Bennett’s story is no secret: every person he loves has been taken from his life until, at seventeen years old, there is no one left. Now all he wants is be left alone and people allow it because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.
Everyone except Nastya, the mysterious new girl at school who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of an enigma she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.
The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

I'm going to start this review by saying that those who are wary of the cover or description should or are turned off by new adult still look into this book. The Sea of Tranquility is more than just a romance, it's a story of healing.

Both of the characters in this novel have dark pasts that they are trying to recover from. Although Josh has his problems, too, The Sea of Tranquility mostly focuses on Nastya and her healing from losing everything that defined her. Both of these characters are unique and frustrating at times. I loved Josh's unique view of life and reading about his hobby of building.. And Nastya--she has an exterior that everyone so no one will want to get know her. She has experienced something terrible and needs to learn how to live with the after. 

Even though a romance is not the first word I would use to describe this novel, I do have to address the relationship between Nastya and Josh. Their relationship is very slow-building, which I appreciated. This is more of a story of how these two characters learned to let others in than how they fell in love. Both Nastya and Josh learned to let the other in, which led to letting other people in as well. More than anything, Nasty and Josh found a family--both with each other and with others. 

The Sea of Tranquility is a beautifully-written and well-paced novel that tells the story of two characters and how they learned to live again. 

New Adult Review: The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden (The Coincidence #1)
Jessica Sorensen
Release Date: December 1, 2012

There are those who don't get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don't get saved.
Luck was not on Callie's side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it's all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it's a struggle just to breathe.
For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.
Now he can't stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved. 

I was really surprised by this novel. When I first picked it up, I was expecting a cute, fun read. What I wasn't expecting was for this to pack such an emotional punch. 

Both Callie and Kayden have had painful pasts that they have yet come to terms with. Callie and Kayden were just so damaged. I definitely feel that I sympathized with them more than I empathized with them. But I just wanted them to be happy. Kayden was better at hiding than Callie, and it took me a good chunk into the book to realize how much he was hurting. Both of these characters came a long way from the beginning of the book, mainly with trusting others and letting each other in. They still weren't completely healed, though, which was very frustrating.

For a fairly short novel, I think it was paced well. The relationship between these two characters grew (for the most part) at a good pace. I thought that I had everything in this novel figured out, but I was wrong. The last fifty or so pages of this book really pack a punch. Sorensen through some last minute punches and killed me with this ending.

Overall, I was very impressed with this novel. It was an addicting read that had me rooting for the characters and screaming at the ending. I'm anxiously waiting for the next book in this series.

Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1)
Rick Yancey
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: May 7, 2013

The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.
Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

The 5th Wave is a very unique story. I'll be the first to admit that I am not a fan of alien stories. But, the world that Rick Yancey created is unlike anything that I've read before. The premise is (to me, at least) extremely creepy which I love. But Yancey took an intriguing premise and turned it into an engaging read.

One of the thins that I appreciated most about this novel is the sense of humor that Yancey was able to weave into this novel. You wouldn't think such an intense post-apocolyptic novel could include humor, but there was comic relief at just the right times. 

The 5th Wave is told through multiple points of views, all of which were interesting. The main character, Cassie, was filled with fight and spunk. Remember the comic relief I mentioned? Yeah, most of that came from her. She was funny and sarcastic despite everything that was happening. She is very believable as a teenage girl who has lived through terrifying events and has endured many losses. 

Now, I'm not going to completely rave about this novel. There has been plenty of hype surrounding this novel, and I didn't love it as much as some others did. It's a very addicting, well-written story, but it's not making my favorites shelf. Regardless, it was good and I'm looking forward to the next chapter in this story. 

Review: Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Slammed (Slammed #1)
Colleen Hoover
Publisher: Atria Books
Release Date: September 18, 2012

Falling in love can feel like poetry. Or it can feel like a slam to the heart.
Colleen Hoover’s romantic, emotion-packed debut novel unforgettably captures all the magic and confusion of first love, as two young people forge an unlikely bond before discovering that fate has other plans for them.
Following the unexpected death of her father, eighteen-year-old Layken becomes the rock for both her mother and younger brother. She appears resilient and tenacious, but inside, she's losing hope. Then she meets her new neighbor Will, a handsome twenty-one-year-old whose mere presence leaves her flustered and whose passion for poetry slams thrills her.
Not long after a heart-stopping first date during which each recognizes something profound and familiar in the other, they are slammed to the core when a shocking discovery brings their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together and the forces that tear them apart. Only through the poetry they share are they able to speak the truth that is in their hearts and imagine a future where love is cause for celebration, not regret.

I have fell in love with this novel. Slammed was a beautiful novel and unlike anything I've read before. 

Within the first few pages Slammed took a completely different direction than I was expecting. This story is unlike any other. There were several twists in this novel that may have not been completely surprising to me, but still left me in shock. 

Layken is a very feisty character. One minute she would make me want to scream at her and the next I was laughing at her. And could she act crazy sometimes. But she loved wholeheartedly and she was willing to fight for what she wanted. 

I also loved Will. He's not the macho love interest we see a lot of in books, but is just as swoon-worthy as anyone. He's smart and caring and has a lot of fight in him as well. He had been through so much and had to mature very quickly, but that's what made him so lovable. 

The other characters in this novel are also worth mentioning. Both Lake and Will's younger brothers, who were very humorous. And Lake and Will's friends were also entertaining. Heck, even Lake's mother was a great character. 

Slammed can be summed up in one statement: completely original. This novel is not only a story of love, but of loss, grief, family, friendship, and growing up. Colleen Hoover is a talented author. I can't wait to read her much-talked-about novel Hopeless, but I hope that Slammed is not over-looked. 

Review: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

The Vincent Boys (The Vincent Boys #1)
Abbi Glines
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: October 30, 2012

There was something wicked about Beau that drew me to him. What was wrong with me? Why did I want to sin so badly?
Ashton is getting tired of being good, of impressing her parents and playing ideal girlfriend to Sawyer Vincent. Sawyer is perfect, a regular Prince Charming, but when he leaves town for the summer, it's his cousin Beau who catches Ashton's eye. Beau is the sexiest guy she's ever seen, and even though he's dangerous, Ashton is drawn to him.
Beau loves his cousin like a brother, so the last thing he wants to do is make a move on Sawyer's girl. Ashton is off-limits, absolutely. That's why he does his best to keep his distance, even though he's been in love with her forever. When Ashton wants to rekindle their childhood friendship in Sawyer's absence, Beau knows he should say no.
Ashton and Beau don't want to hurt Sawyer. But the more they try to stay away from each other, the more intense their urges become. It's getting way too hard to resist...

I have been reading a lot of Abbi Glines lately, and I've been wanting to get my hands on The Vincent Boys for a while now. 

This novel contains some really interesting characters. I thought Beau and Ashton were really fun, especially together. Ashton drove me nuts sometimes, but, honestly, I was okay with that. She was so obsessed with how people perceived her, but I loved watching her really discover who she is despite what others think. And I fell in love with Beau, just as Ashton did. I will say I wasn't the biggest fan of Sawyer, although I'm sure that will change in The Vincent Brothers. 

I am not a fan of cheating stories, but The Vincent Boys is more than that. There were plenty of surprises throughout the novel. There was even an emphasis on family (or at least, family secrets). The Vincent Boys is well-paced and addicting. 

I didn't quite enjoy The Vincent Boys as much as I thought I would. It wasn't anything super-spectacular, but it was an enjoyable, fun read. I'm looking forward to reading Sawyer's story!

Review: The Rising by Kelley Armstrong

The Rising (Darkness Rising #3)
Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: April 2, 2013

Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by the powerful St. Clouds and now a rival Cabal as well, they're quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, it's not like they can just go to the authorities for help.

All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they're so valuable, and why their supernatural powers are getting more and more out of control.

But Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her. And now, like it or not, she'll have to face down some demons from her past if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because Maya can't keep running forever.

Old secrets are revealed and unexpected characters make a surprising return in this stunning conclusion to Kelley Armstrong's New York Timesbestselling Darkness Rising trilogy.

Nineteen. That's how many books I've read in this world. And it's over. All the series have ended. I was not ready to let go yet.

Okay. This isn't my favorite trilogy but I have quite grown to like it. Despite the length, I flew through this book, which I regret doing considering it's the last book I will ever read in this world (possibly). Anyway, it was very fast-paced and addicting. 

There is quite a collective crew in these books. Up until this book Maya and Daniel have been my favorite characters. However, in this book I realized just how entertaining the rest of the group is. They were pretty funny actually. And I loved a certain new character that joins the crew (can't say who because it  would be a spoiler).

If you've been following my reviews of this trilogy, you'll know why I've been looking forward to this particular book for three years: because we finally see more of Chloe and the gang from The Darkest Powers trilogy. All I can say on that topic is I was quite satisfied.

I did find this book anti-climatic. I was fine with the way it ended, but it didn't feel like there was one big epic scene. I mean, there was a final battle scene, I guess, but it was no more epic than any other fight scene. However, it didn't exactly end like I was expecting, but I was fine with it. 

So, to sum it, The Rising was not the conclusion I was looking for, but I did enjoy the ride. 

Review: Altered by Jennifer Rush

Altered (Altered #1)
Jennifer Rush
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 1, 2013

They were made to forget. But they'll never forgive.
Everything about Anna's life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch, at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There's Nick, solemn and brooding; Cas, light-hearted and playful; Trev, smart and caring; and Sam . . . who's stolen Anna's heart.
When the Branch decides it's time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape. Anna's father pushes her to go with them, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs.
On the run, with her father's warning in her head, Anna begins to doubt everything she thought she knew about herself. She soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they're both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away.

From the cover of Altered, I was expecting a very dark read. Although this novel had it's dark moments, it was a very fast read that was action-packed with it's share of mystery. 

One thing I loved about this novel was The Boys. They were very entertaining and I loved their relationship with each other and Anna. They all had their quirks and they were over all a very fun group. I wasn't expecting humor play a role in this book but these guys provided the readers with a laugh here and there.

Anna has spent most of her life at the Branch, and one thing that really bothered me was she seemed a little too passive most of the time. I don't know about you, but when I read about someone whose lives with genetically altered boys in a secret branch, I want her to be a little more questioning. About a hundred pages in Anna finally changes, helping the boys to escape. Along the way she finds a lot of secrets about her life. Again, I just felt that, most of the time, Anna was a little too passive for my taste.

This book is certainly a fast-paced read and intriguing read. It's not one of my favorites, but if you like surprises, action, and a fun crew, I would recommend you pick up Altered.

Review: I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

I'll Be There
Holly Holdberg Sloan
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 17, 2011

Emily Bell believes in destiny. To her, being forced to sing a solo in the church choir--despite her average voice--is fate: because it's while she's singing that she first sees Sam. At first sight, they are connected.
Sam Border wishes he could escape, but there's nowhere for him to run. He and his little brother, Riddle, have spent their entire lives constantly uprooted by their unstable father. That is, until Sam sees Emily. That's when everything changes.
As Sam and Riddle are welcomed into the Bells' lives, they witness the warmth and protection of a family for the first time. But when tragedy strikes, they're left fighting for survival in the desolate wilderness, and wondering if they'll ever find a place where they can belong. Beautifully written and emotionally profound, I'll Be There is a gripping story that explores the complexities of teenage passions, friendships, and loyalties.

If I had to sum up this book in one word it would be beautiful. Although I was expecting a cute, sweet read, I got something a whole lot more.

One of the best things about this book was Sloan's writing style. It was so sophisticated and lovely. I would have to say that this is what makes the book.

I also loved Sam's relationship with Riddle. I wouldn't have liked Sam as much if he didn't have such a great relationship with his brother. Sam stands as Riddle's protector and care-giver, and he was so sweet and patient with him.

What I was not expecting in this novel was those moments of high tension. Even though this is a contemporary, there were a few scenes (toward the second half) that had me so anxious.

I'll Be There is certainly an emotional roller-coaster that can pull at your heart strings. However, even though I was very impressed by this novel, I'm not sure it's going to be one to stay with me. For this book being more emotional than I though, it was still a beautiful and sweet story.

Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol

Stork (Stork #1)
Wendy Delsol
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: October 12, 2010

Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.

Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.

Stork is one of those books that has been sitting on my shelf for a while, and I just now picked up. I haven't heard much about it or the series, so I didn't know what to expect. Turns out I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.

I don't know if I'm alone here, but this book started very abruptly and I found that very confusing. I thought this would be a reflection on the rest of the book, so I wasn't so sure I was going to like it in the beginning. Thankfully, I got more into it once it explained things and I got to know the characters.

I ended up really liking Kat as a character. She was quirky and fun. There were a few times (toward the end) when she could be a little slow on the up-take, but there were also moments where her strength shone threw.

When I read that this book was about Storks, I wasn't sure what to expect. But it was very interesting and original. Like it says in the description, this novel features Norse mythology with Hans Christian Anderson references. Again, very unique and original and I enjoyed that aspect of the story.

I really enjoyed Stork, more than I expected I would. I though it was very original and I liked the characters. However, with the way it ended, even more excited to see where the next books will take us.