Review: A Want so Wicked by Suzanne Young

A Want so Wicked (A Need so Beautiful #2)
Suzanne Young
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
Release Date: June 26, 2012

Elise is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until the day she wakes up in a desert park, with no idea who she is.
After that episode, her life takes a bizarre turn. She's experiencing unexpected flashes of insight into people's lives--people she's never met before. Strangers frighten her with warnings about approaching Shadows. And although Elise has never had a boyfriends, she suddenly finds herself torn between two handsome but very different young men: Abe, the charming bad boy whose effect on her both seduces and frightens her, and the mysterious Harlin, who's new to town but with whom Elise feels an urgent, elemental connection--almost as if they are soul mates.
Now Elise begins to question everything about her life. Why do these guys both want her so desperately? What are the Shadows? Why does the name Charlotte inspire a terrifying familiarity? And who is Elise, really? 

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when starting A Want so Wicked. I really enjoyed A Need so Beautiful, and I was curious and excited to see how Young would proceed with this story in A Want so Wicked. 

I'll admit, not everything was a surprise for me. Going into the book, I had no idea what was going to happen, but I was able to figure some things out throughout the book. Although, not everything was this way; I was shocked a few times, too. 

In this book, we meet new characters along with appearances from characters from the last book. I really liked getting to know the new characters, especially Lucy, and getting to know more about the old ones.  

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the family dynamic. I loved the relationship between Elise, her father, and her sister. Her father was very caring and would do anything for his daughters; in turn, Elise was really close with her father. And the sisterly relationship between Elise and Lucy: they would argue and pick on each other, but they also really cared for and would do anything for each other. 

This is a really quick read, and not just because it's short. The characters and mystery will keep the reader keep turning the pages. And it really picked up a little more than half way through. I do have to complain that I wished it was a little more drawn out. I just think that it ended a little too abruptly. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I was happy with the way that everything was wrapped up and all my questions were answered. 

Help Raise 1,000 Books! (And Giveaway)

Help Raise 1,000 books for charity and enter to win $200, signed books and swag!

We are excited to share about an ambitious blog tour—Fiction Frolic for All Hallow's Read—where ten authors from several genres are working hard to raise 1,000 books in three weeks for Books for America.

From October 1st to 19th, donate a new book (or books!) and earn extra bonus points in a huge giveaway that these authors are hosting.

Two winners will each receive the following PRIZES!

$100 Amazon G.C.

5 signed books from the authors hosting the event

A swag bag

Plus—in honor of All Hallow's read, gift a signed copy of one of our books to a friend!

With a total of $200, 12 signed books (including the gifted books) and major swag, what better way is there to raise books for charity and celebrate All Hallow's Read?

Each author participating is also donating signed copies of their books to Books for America, an awesome charity that is officially sponsoring their event and excited to be involved with All Hallow's Read. In 2011, Books for America donated more than $800,000 worth of books and materials to DC area schools, shelters and dozens of other educational programs and organizations.

The authors are blogging throughout the event at The Fiction Frolic Blog.

·        10/1-5 Read about how books shaped their love for reading and writing.

·        10/8-12 Read their scariest, funniest or craziest Halloween experiences, or learn about their favorite Halloween themed book or movie, or favorite work of "dark" literature.

·        10/15-19 Enjoy some flash fiction, short stories and novel excerpts.

So donate, share, and look for daily ways to enter to win. Donate to charity for bonus points!.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event is sponsored by:

Eleanor T Beaty, author of the YA paranormal Veiled Mist

Brewin' author of the supernatural horror, The Dark Horde

Andy Gavin, author of the fantasy horror, The Darkening Dream

Laxmi Hariharan, author of the YA fantasy, The Destiny of Shaitan

Kimberly Kinrade, author of the YA paranormal thriller/romances, Forbidden Mind & Forbidden Fire

Richard Long, author of the supernatural thriller/horror, The Book of Paul

M.C. Mars, author of the mind-bending novel, Burner

Melissa McPhail, author of epic fantasy Cephrael's Hand

Sheryl Steines, author of She Wulf & Days of First Sun

Pavarti K Tyler., author of the Lit Fic Shadow on the Wall and the erotic horror Consumed by Love

Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Timepiece (Hourglass #2)
Myra McEntire
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Release Date: June 12, 2012

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...
Kaleb Ballard was never supposed to be able to see ripples-cracks in time. Are his powers expanding, or is something very wrong? Before he can find out, Jonathan Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, reappears. Why is he back, and what, or whom, does he want?
In the wake of Lander's return, the Hourglass organization is given an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the people who might carry the time gene, or time will be altered - with devastating results for the people Kaleb loves most.
Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Landers. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

This series is shaping up to be quite a fantastic series. Timepiece was a great, addicting read; a great addition to Hourglass. 

I'm not going to lie, I was a bit weary of having Kaleb as the main character in this book. I mean, I liked him in Hourglass, but I still wasn't sure. However, I'm extremely happy that I had the chance to see and get to know the different sides of Kaleb. Kaleb has been through a lot and is hurting in so many ways. One thing I loved about Kaleb was his willingness to help and do anything for those around him. He was such an overall nice guy, even if he pretends not to be sometimes. 

Timepiece was a really fast-paced novel. I may not have been sucked back into this world right away, but it didn't take long. It was full of adventure and action...but it was more than that. There was plenty of emotions: heartache, love, and more. 

I loved that this book (and series) is just so unique. It deals with time travel and such, which may not be a new concept (although it hasn't been touched on a whole lot in the YA world), but McEntire puts a new twist on it. Timepiece holds a very unique concept and I love learning more about it. 

Overall, I really enjoyed Timepiece, as much as Hourglass, if not more. I can't wait to dive into this world again. 

Review: Perception by Kim Harrington

Perception (Clarity #2)
Kim Harrington
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Release Date: March 1, 2012

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?
Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.
Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.
But then someone starts playing with her head...and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?
One thing is for certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and girls in town has suddenly disappeared. 

I enjoyed the first book in this series, Clarity, but didn't love it. After reading Perception, I have to say that I love these characters and this little world that Harrington has created. 

I'm very conflicted with this book in that it took so long for me to really get into the story. The first half of the novel I enjoyed, but, like the first book, it was nothing special. However, once I got into it, I couldn't get enough. 

Clarity, or Clare, is a really interesting character. She's strong in a way that she stays true to herself and doesn't let other people push her around, even if she seems too trusting at times. And she's loyal, especially to her family and brother. Mostly, I like that she didn't let her power and abilities define her. 

I have to say, I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. It was really interesting and unique. There were some things that I saw coming, but there were plenty of twists and surprises in there as well. 

Harrington's simplistic writing makes Perception a really easy and quick read. Despite this being a mystery, it's a fairly light read; save for a few scenes there isn't anything too intense. 

Overall, I really liked Perception, more so than Clarity. I don't know what Harrington's future plans for this series are, but I want more of these characters.

Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Speechless
Hannah Harrington
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: August 28, 2012

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret.
Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast--and nearly got someone killed.
Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence--to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed, and even attached is worse.
But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way--people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself. 

I really enjoyed Hannah Harrington's Saving June, so I was excited to read Speechless. I figured I would enjoy Speechless, but I didn't expect to like this novel as much as I did.

In the beginning, I was not a Chelsea-fan. She shallow, self-centered, and hypocritical. However, it took some bad situations to bring out the best in her. She had a long ways to go, but by the end I was proud of her for all the ways that she changed. I ended up really liking her by the end of the novel.

There was a specific moment when I could start liking Chelsea. It was when she decided to tell her parents about the students who took things too far. That time it was a good thing she couldn't keep a secret, and she earned my respect in that moment.

One thing that I liked about this novel was Harrington's writing. She can really capture the voice of the teenager without coming off as trying too hard. That really made this novel a more believable read.

There were some pretty intense moments in this book. It wasn't an incredibly emotional read, but it had it's moments, some more intense than others. However, it did have a very uplifting ending. Everything and everyone didn't turn out perfectly, but it did end pretty nicely.

Overall, I really enjoyed Speechless. Hannah Harrington is an author that I will not be missing in the future.

Top Ten Tuesday: Older Books that Shouldn't be Forgotten

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and Bookish. For more information or to participate, visit here.

This week's topic is older books that may be forgotten but shouldn't be. Some of these books may not by that 'old,' but they're books that I feel are or could be forgotten and I'd like to bring attention back to them.

1. The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti-one of my favorite contemporaries. I haven't seen it around much but don't hesitate to reccomend. 
2. Willow by Juila Hoban-One of my favorites, period. Absolutely loved it and unfortunately haven't seen a lot of it. 
3. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headly-A fantastic novel with a beautiful point. 
4. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson-Another personal favorite of mine. 
5. She's so Money by Cherry Cheva-I haven's seen this one at all since I've read it. It's a hilarious read and the epitome of chick-lit
6. Forgotten by Cat Patrick-I saw this one around quite a bit when it was released, but haven't since. It's a really unique novel and I really enjoyed it. 
7. Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler-A great contemporary. 
8. Life as We Know by by Susan Beth Pfeffer-This these books are truly wonderful post-apocalyptic series. 
9. Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson- this one often gets overlooked by Johnson's other works, but this is my favorite. A really fun and unique adventure. 
10. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb-Such a gorgeous ghost story. Definitely shouldn't be forgotten.

What are some books that you feel are/could be forgotten but shouldn't be?

September Wrap Up

This post is mostly dedicated to how much I sucked at reading this much, which is quite a bit. 

I don't think I've not read this much much since before I started reading avidly. Even then...

So, in September, I read a whopping total of 6 books. That's right, peeps, I read an amazing amount of 6 books. 

So, needless to say that I'm really disappointed in myself for reading so little this month. I mean, I've been busy, but that's not really an excuse. So, in October I'd like to get back to my monthly goal of 18 books a month (like I've reached that goal this year). I just need to get myself back into the habit of reading as much as I did prior to school starting. 

Here are the books I've read:

(Despite reading so little they were all really good books)

1. Dearly Departed by Lia Habel
2. This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
3. Fathomless by Jackson Pearce
4. The Stone Girl by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
5. Speechless by Hannah Harrington (review coming this week)
6. Perception by Kim Harrington (review coming this week)

Other Reviews:

1. Miracle by Elizabeth Scott
2. What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor
3. A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young

So, yeah, wish me luck this next month. Hopefully I don't suck it up as badly this time.