Book Revew: The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings

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Title: The Murder Complex

Author: Lindsay Cummings
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: 10th June 2014
ISBN: 9780062220011
Stand Alone/Series: First book in the Murder Complex series
Pages: 398 pages
First Lines: It is the key to survival, the key to life.  My father's old dagger.

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Synopsis:  An action-packed, blood-soaked, futuristic debut thriller set in a world where the murder rate is higher than the birthrate. For fans of Moira Young’s Dust Lands series, La Femme Nikita, and the movie Hanna.

Meadow Woodson, a fifteen-year-old girl who has been trained by her father to fight, to kill, and to survive in any situation, lives with her family on a houseboat in Florida. The state is controlled by The Murder Complex, an organization that tracks the population with precision.

The plot starts to thicken when Meadow meets Zephyr James, who is—although he doesn’t know it—one of the MC’s programmed assassins. Is their meeting a coincidence? Destiny? Or part of a terrifying strategy? And will Zephyr keep Meadow from discovering the haunting truth about her family?

Action-packed, blood-soaked, and chilling, this is a dark and compelling debut novel by Lindsay Cummings.

My Thoughts:
I stumbled across Lindsay Cummings' Instagram some time ago and have been following her pics and promotion but hadn't had the chance to pick up any of her books. It was after watching one of her Youtube videos on help for writers that I realized I hadn't read anything of hers so I picked up The Murder Complex.

I had read the first paragraph in the synopsis and it had won me over to reading this so I purchased a kindle version and off I went. As you can tell it was a bit of a surprise when Meadow and Zephyr meet because I had no idea he was a programmed assassin as the synopsis had stated so it was a a big surprise. Because I was thinking this is great they'll get together... :)

I liked the world that Lindsay has created: The Shallows. Don't get me wrong, it's not a place I'd personally live in but it came alive and felt real and believable. The only thing I did think of was that the perimeter reminded me of many other dystopians that had walls keeping them in. The story needed it, but I guess I hate to say it but felt it was bordering on cliche.

The characters were an interesting mix. Meadow, a girl who would do anything to keep her family safe, including kill. Trained in combat and always on her guard, Meadow quickly became my favourite when I was reading her chapters.

Zephyr is a bit of a complicated one. He's a ward of the government and lives with all the other orphans on the reserve, and up until a certain point, I'd believed him to be fairly innocent in the story. It's not what you think though and I did really like Zephyr as a character in the book also.

Talan, Zephyrs friend and fellow ward was another one I felt I needed to mention. She's mouthy and rebellious and a great addition to TMC cast.

If you are looking for a gripping read that is a bit gory I suggest giving this one a try. I'm already itching to read the sequel to this so that's saying something.

Hope you all enjoy!


Fave Lines:  Sometimes we have to give up little pieces of our humanity so that we can keep living.
(There are too many favourite lines to list here!)
Book received from:  Purchased (Kindle)
Authors Website:  Lindsay Cummings

Book Trailer: The Fate of Ten

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Synopsis:

 The sixth book in the thrilling, action-packed, New York Times bestselling I Am Number Four series! For years the Garde have fought the Mogadorians in secret. Now all of that has changed. The invasion has begun. If the Garde can't find a way to stop the Mogs, humanity will suffer the same fate as the Lorien: annihilation.

There is still hope. When the Elders sent the Garde to Earth, they had a plan—one which the Garde are finally starting to understand. In the climax of The Revenge of Seven, a group of the Garde traveled to an ancient pyramid in Mexico known to their people as the Sanctuary. There they awoke a power that had been hidden within our planet for generations. Now this power can save the world . . . or destroy it. It will all depend on who wields it.

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Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard
Genre: Young Adult / Sci-Fi / Romance/ Dystopia / Fantasy
Publisher: Orion Books (Hachette Australia)
Publication Date: 12th February 2015
ISBN: 9781409155843
Stand Alone/Series: Red Queen #1
Pages: 383 pages
First Lines: I hate First Friday.  It makes the village crowded, and now, in the heat of the summer, that's the last thing anyone wants.

Synopsis: 
This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The poverty-stricken Reds are commoners, living in the shadow of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from the Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Then Mare finds herself working at the Silver palace, in the midst of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

My Thoughts: 
In all honesty, I wasn't real keen on picking up Red Queen.  Without even reading the Synopsis, I imagined this being a romantic Victorian times book, something that wasn't really up my alley. Thank god I was wrong.  Very!

It is even being mentioned that it is for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games.  Well there certainly are aspects from Red Queen that I would have likened to these two also.

For me, I got to about page 12 before thinking, yeah this is interesting.  I can see myself reading more.  By the time i hit half way that book was NOT leaving my hands.

I really liked the main character Mare/Mareena.  She's a red girl caught up in the politics of a silver world and as you can gather from the synopsis, Mare's world is divided between Reds that are slaves, servants, workers and poor, and Silvers, royalty, upperclass, with super powers.  Two very different people.  But when she gets thrown into the deep end at the arena, she discovers she has powers of her own.  Something not heard of among the red people.  So the Silver Royal family does the only thing it can.  They lie and welcome the long lost Mareena from House Titanos soon to be betrothed to the Queen's son Maven.

The moment this happens, the book sped up pace for me.  I felt up until that point the first part of the book sets the scene of the Reds and their way of life.  It was interesting but hadn't quite completely grabbed my attention up until that moment.  There is pressure for Mare to in the beginning too.  Her 18th birthday nears, and with that the compulsory conscription of the army looms over her.  Those lucky enough to have someone train them get to stay, for those that don't, it's off to the army. Probably never to be seen again.;

There is romance in this, but it's not what I'd call the main event of the book.  I'd certainly think the Scarlet Guard takes most of the focus.  So if you are looking for a book for romance alone.  This won't be it.

But in saying that, the action for me was what propelled the story to the end.  The worldbuilding is pretty awesome.  The author has definitely put alot of thought into Mare's world and while we only catch fleeting glimpses of both the Red and Silver's world, I dare say we will get a more look-see with the second and third books.

If you are after a decent fantasy read, I suggest giving this one a go.  I'm curious to find out what Victoria has in store for the next two books.

Fave Lines:  Anyone can betray anyone.
Book received from:  Hachette Australia

Unwanted by Amanda Holohan

Title: Unwanted

Author: Amanda Holohan
Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian/ Sci Fi/Post Apocalyptic
Publisher: Penguin Australia
Publication Date: 28th January 2015
ISBN: 9780143571094
Stand Alone/Series: Stand Alone I think!
Pages: 336 pages
First Lines: It was coming for her.  She sensed it following her through the empty crumbling alleyways - tracing the scent of her body, already slick with sweat

Synopsis:  All her life, Bea has wanted nothing more than to become a sniper on the wall and earn the coveted ink of a Dread warrior - a mark of distinction among her people. She knows that one day the terrifying Erebii might break through the city's outer defences, and if her people aren't prepared and the wall is breached then the last human city will fall. But everything Bea thinks she knows is about to be challenged... What does the ink really do as it flows underneath their skin and who is the mysterious Unwanted boy that keeps appearing in her life? 

My Thoughts:  I think what I enjoyed the most was the unique detail this dystopian had over other books in the genre.  It made the book stand out for me.

I love all things dystopian but there has to be an aspect that hooks me from the beginning that some books tend not to have.  For Unwanted it was the swirling ink and the crows and the Erebii.  The further along in the story and there were more aspects that made this book stand out. (I shall not mention these as they may spoil the book for others)

Unfortunately there were a few things that I didn't like.  The first one, and this could be personal preference, but the chapters in the beginning of the book seemed too long.  I don't know whether anyone else found this out, but I found that first chapter a bit of a struggle.  I was just getting to know the character but I felt there needed to be a break, even if the chapter was halved, though I know it would have been hard considering what she was doing.

The other thing that bothered me was that Gus wasn't as strong a character as I'd hoped him to be.  I mean I'm not after a super hero but a bit more fight for her would have been nice.  Maybe just me.

In saying that, I loved Bea and Red.  Two of my favourite characters for sure!  There was enough mystery about Red and it kept me itching to find out what the go was with him.

Even though there were a few things that bothered me, I absolutely loved the ending!  I fully expect a sequel!!  I can't find anywhere that there will be but I have to know what happens next.  I need to know!

I'll be keeping an eye out for more work by Amanda Holohan for sure!

Book received from:  Penguin Australia

The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

Title: The Infinite Sea
Author: Rick Yancey
Genre: Young Adult/Sci-Fi
Publisher: Penguin Australia
Publication Date: 27th August 2014
ISBN: 9780141345840
Stand Alone/Series: The Fifth Wave #2
Pages: 336 pages
First Lines: There would be no harvest.  The spring rains woke the dormant tillers, and bright green shoots sprang from the moist earth and rose like sleepers stretching after a long nap.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST BOOK!

Synopsis:How do you rid the earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.
Cassie Sullivan and her companions lived through the Others' four waves of destruction. Now, with the human race nearly exterminated and the 5th Wave rolling across the landscape, they face a choice: brace for winter and hope for Evan Walker's return, or set out in search of other survivors before the enemy closes in. Because the next attack is more than possible – it's inevitable.
No one can anticipate the depths to which the Others will sink – nor the heights to which humanity will rise . . .

My Thoughts:
I must admit I was super excited when this rocked up on my doorstep.  Completely over the moon.

I started reading and the first chapter in had me hooked completely.  Drew me in to this group but wow by the end of the chapter I was shocked.  I knew that this would play a part further into the book so I kept reading wondering when this would pop.

The story itself is told through various characters: Cassie, Ringer, Evan Walker, some in first some in third.  This itself caused me a bit of an issue at the beginning when I thought I was in Cassie's POV then found out it was Ringers.  It wasn't made obviously clear to begin with but I did eventually tell the two apart. Especially towards the end of one of the scenes with Ringer and Teacup.

The one problem I had was that I was confused a bit of the time.  It had been so long since I'd read The Fifth Wave and when there were references and things that came up I felt a bit lost.  So if you intend on reading this, I suggest refreshing with the last couple of chapters of The Fifth Wave before moving on.  I think I have to blame this a little on the fact I read way too much lol.

I'm interested to see where Rick takes this story.  There were a few revelations and we find out a fair bit about the main characters in the book including a few new characters!  So I'm itching for the next book.

I must say the only thing that bothered me a little was that this seemed be more Ringer's story than Cassie's.  I felt like we spent alot more time in her head than Cassie's.  I begun to really like her but I wonder how the third book will turn out!

Good read!

Book received from:  Penguin Australia

The Young World by Chris Weitz

Title:  The Young World
Author:  Chris Weitz
Genre:  Young Adult / Dystopia / Post Apocalyptic
Publisher:  Atom / Hachette
Publication Date:  29th July 2014
ISBN:  9780349001937
Stand Alone/Series:  The Young World Trilogy #1
Pages:  352 pages
First Lines:  It's another gorgeous spring day after the fall of civilization.  I'm doing the rounds, following the path that winds through Washington Square Park like a warped infinity sign.

Synopsis:   Welcome to New York, a city ruled by teens. After a mysterious Sickness wipes out the rest of the population, the young survivors assemble into tightly run tribes. Jefferson, the reluctant leader of the Washington Square tribe, and Donna, the girl he's secretly in love with, have carved out a precarious existence among the chaos. But when another tribe member discovers a clue that may hold the cure to the Sickness, five teens set out on a life-altering road trip to save humankind. The tribe exchanges gunfire with enemy gangs, escapes cults and militias, braves the wilds of the subway and Central Park ...and discovers truths they could never have imagined. 

My Thoughts:  I was pretty stoked.  I arrive home from work one afternoon with a couple of packages sitting on my desk.  I had requested a book from Hachette a little while ago and was lucky enough to be given a few different books to read.  This was one of them.

I must admit, I did read the back of the synopsis and think, "Damn, no zombies in this." I've read similar post apocalyptic story lines like this before too but you know what?  I love the post apocalyptic/dystopian genre and have not yet reached my threshold of "I've had enough of this".. yet.

I must admit, I wasn't completely hooked the first few pages in, but like alot of other books that turn out to be awesome, I kept going.  And I'm glad I did.

The two viewpoints in the book are Jefferson, reluctant leader/Generalissimo and Donna, his long time friend. Both POV's are in first person present but unlike Jefferson's, Donna seems to talk to the reader a little more.

I liked Chris Weitz's writing style and his characters were true to form of typical teenagers (without hopefully stereotyping teens), eg. declarations of love, the constant use of "like", everything is so amplified when your a teen.  It almost as if teens feel more than any other age group.  Hopefully that makes sense.  I got that feeling throughout the book.  Maybe not as up front and in your face obvious but it was there.

There were parts of the book which were less enjoyable than others, but I had to look at it this way.  If you were to take any adult and child away from a scenario leaving teens, how would things be.  I can totally understand the grouping.  Maybe not so much the emphasis on the "b&*%es" and the whole sexual objectification, but this is really only targeting one small group in the whole story and not all characters agreed with that attitude.  On the other hand I did laugh at the group from the library.  A little bit scary but at the same time a bit amusing and a little gross.  Sorry if there are a few spoilers here, I'm trying to keep some things as vague as possible so as not to ruin it for others.

I can see other readers saying this type of story has been done before, but really which ones haven't?  I'd love to see where the next two books takes the story and its characters!  Maybe in the second and third book it will set this trilogy apart from other books in this genre.

I've also read that this book has been optioned for movie rights already by Warner Bros so keep your eyes open.  It would sure make a great movie.  Especially since the author happens to have had a hand in The Twilight Saga: New Moon, A Better Life, About a Boy, The Golden Compass and American Pie.  Yep.  I reckon the movie should be good :)

Fave Lines:  "..You and Jefferson will have ten Eurasion babies.  Me and Theo will adopt half of them.  I'll host a TV show called Apocalypse Wow." Page 327
Book received from:  Hachette Australia

Monsters by Ilsa J. Bick

Title:  Monsters

Author:  Ilsa J. Bick

Genre:  Young Adult / Dystopian / Science Fiction

Publisher:  Egmont USA

Publication Date:  10th September 2013

ISBN:  9781606841778

Stand alone or series: Ashes Trilogy #3

Pages:  688 pages

First Lines:  Alex had fallen like this only once in her life.  That happened when she was nine and took a wild leap from Blackrocks Cliff off Presque Isle into the deep sapphire-blue of Lake Superior.

Possible Spoilers if you haven't read Ashes and Shadows!

Synopsis:The Changed are on the move.
The Spared are out of time.
The End...is now.
When her parents died, Alex thought things couldn't get much worse--until the doctors found the monster in her head.
She headed into the wilderness as a good-bye, to leave everything behind. But then the end of the world happened, and Alex took the first step down a treacherous road of betrayal and terror and death.
Now, with no hope of rescue--on the brink of starvation in a winter that just won't quit--she discovers a new and horrifying truth.
The Change isn't over.
The Changed are still evolving.
And...they've had help.
 With this final volume of The Ashes Trilogy, Ilsa J. Bick delivers a riveting, blockbuster finish, returning readers to a brutal, post-apocalyptic world where no one is safe and hope is in short supply.
A world where, from these ashes, the monsters may rise.

My Thoughts:
This is by far the longest book in the Trilogy and I'm grateful for it.  It also took the longest to read but being the last book in the Trilogy I really wanted to savour the world and its characters before it was all over too soon.

I have to also point out that there is a list of Characters at the end of the book that will help freshen the memory of what's happened so far.  I thought it be a good idea to tell you it all now so that if you are like me, and take a little bit to remember what happened in the last book.  This is a big help.

The first thing I noticed with Monsters was that it wasn't as goretastic as the other two books.  Don't get me wrong, there's violence but not to the extremes(or shock value) of the first two books.  There's more backstory  for the characters than I had noticed in the first two, and this is good because it fleshes (excuse the pun) the characters out more and I guess there was a little more empathizing with the less likable characters.

I both liked and hated that there were so many viewpoints.  Alex, Ellie, Tom, Greg, Peter, Chris. You see my point.  Right when I was getting into one viewpoint Ilsa flips over to another character.  I know this is to be expected to keep you reading... and by god did I do some reading to get back to finding out about that particular character.  But then I'd be pulled into another character .. the cycle goes on.

I couldn't help but wondering all throughout the book.. when are Ellie, Alex and Tom getting back together. And, I have to say that this time reading about Ellie, I didn't want to reach in a throttle her as much as I wanted to in the first book.  She's grown up since we've last heard from her and thank god for that.  It was actually nice to see a more mature POV from her.

Tom on the other hand seemed to be slowly falling apart at one point.  His time away from Alex really plays on his mind and in doing so, starts to form cracks in his sanity.

Wolf was a curious character I'm not sure whether I really liked or whether I was turned off from such a descriptive telling of smell lol.  He shows more so than ever the protectiveness  towards Alex but it all came back to me as Why!  Why has he changed.  And that I guess is where my answer was.  Evolving.  While I wish some other characters did a little more evolving, my shock at which characters had changed had me thinking.. HOW is this going to end.  Because right now.. she aint gonna be pretty!

While I wouldn't say this is the most ideal ending I wanted to happen, I think I'm pretty happy with how it did turn out.  I'm not sure if bittersweet is the right word I'm thinking of, but it's quite close to it.

Book Received from:  Netgalley (Requested)

No Safety In Numbers by Dana Lorentz Book Trailer

I've only just come across this book and had to share.  No Safety in Numbers will be a book I'll definitely be adding to my To Be Read List.  Enjoy!  P.S No Safety in Numbers is the first in a series!

In the After by Demitria Lunetta

Title:  In The After

Author:  Demitria Lunetta

Genre:  Young Adult/Scifi/Dystopian

Publisher:  Harper Collins 

Publication Date:  25th June 2013

Stand alone or series:   In the After #1

Pages:  261 pages

Book Received from:  Bought (e-book)

First Lines:  I only go out at night.  I walk along the empty street and pause, my muscles tense and ready.

Possible Spoilers if you haven't read this.  

Synopsis:
They hear the most silent of footsteps.
They are faster than anything you've ever seen.
And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.
Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.
After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more.
Rebellious, courageous, and tender, this unforgettable duo will have you on the edge of your seat as you tear through the pulse-pounding narrow escapes and horrifying twists of fate in this thrilling debut from author Demitria Lunetta.

My Thoughts:
I was really drawn in with the synopsis and I mean look at the cover.  Awesome right?!

The books split up in to three Parts: Part One After, Part Two New Hope, Part Three Guardians.  I have to say the strongest part of this book for me was definitely Part One.

Part One, we are introduced to Amy and Baby, the two main characters in the book.  The story is told in Amy's POV first person present tense.  I have to admit, I really liked Chapter One.  The fact that she can only go out night is definitely the opposite of what I would do and what most would do if there are zombies or aliens.  I mean look at Legend.  Hole up in a bathtub with the dog for the night and fingers crossed make it through until the morning.  Well these monsters "thankfully" can't see well in the dark.  Hearing is ultra fine but the bad eye sight is a definite plus for the survivors.

Chapter two onwards we get a bit of the back story and everything leading up to Baby.  I have to admit, this story is the strongest when both Amy and Baby are together.  Their relationship for me makes the story all that more captivating.  The best thing is the way they have learned to communicate with each other since the creatures have turned up.

Part Two got a little confusing.  The chapter starts with what I thought was flash backs and then what happens currently but it didn't make sense.  The way I understand it now was the italics start off small to begin with and it's like this is the current scene but she's drug addled thanks to the Dr.. and because the story that she's telling is longer it becomes the main focus.  I guess maybe because she's dreaming or whatever.  Towards the end the italics become clearer until it clicks that wow.. it's not what I thought at all.  Once I got past Part two I thought,  even though it was a little jarring, it was pretty smart.  Get two of the most important parts and weave them together.  I think if it was done a little bit differently it could have been better.

Others who have reviewed this book comment on the romance as lacking.  It's almost none existent for me that I almost didn't notice it.  I'm happy with the way that Part Three played out.  I don't want to say too much else and ruin it but there are some big revelations in Part Two and Part three.  For some of you it may be a let down, for others it will be nowhere near what they expected.  I was in the latter of the group.  And I can say that I'm looking forward to the next book In The End which will be out next year.

For those of you that may or may not have enjoyed The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey, this might be up your alley!

The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse Book Trailer

I seen the second book in this series and had to post up the book trailer for the first!

 

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey Book Trailer

I have read this and really enjoyed it.  So glad I come across the Book Trailer so I could share with all of you.  Hope you enjoy this and it makes you want to pick up the book.

 

Waiting on Wednesday (138)

Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


Not long of a wait now until I can get my hands on Champion by Marie Lu, book 3 in the Legend trilogy.  This will be out 5th November 2013.

Synopsis

The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT! He is a Legend. She is a Prodigy. Who will be Champion? June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

What are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday (130)

Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!

Looking forward to reading The Waking Dark by Robin Wasserman which will be out 10th September 2013! Pre-order it at Book Depository!

 Synopsis

They called it the killing day. Twelve people dead, all in the space of a few hours. Five murderers: neighbours, relatives, friends. All of them so normal. All of them seemingly harmless. All of them now dead by their own hand . . . except one. And that one has no answers to offer the shattered town. She doesn't even know why she killed—or whether she'll do it again. 

Something is waking in the sleepy town of Oleander's, Kansas—something dark and hungry that lives in the flat earth and the open sky, in the vengeful hearts of upstanding citizens. As the town begins its descent into blood and madness, five survivors of the killing day are the only ones who can stop Oleander from destroying itself. Jule, the outsider at war with the world; West, the golden boy at war with himself; Daniel, desperate for a different life; Cass, who's not sure she deserves a life at all; and Ellie, who believes in sacrifice, fate, and in evil. Ellie, who always goes too far. They have nothing in common. They have nothing left to lose. And they have no way out. Which means they have no choice but to stand and fight, to face the darkness in their town—and in themselves.

What are you waiting on?

Prodigy by Marie Lu

Title:  Prodigy

Author:  Marie Lu

Genre:  Young Adult/Dystopian

Publisher:  Penguin (Imprint: Razorbill)

Publication Date:  30th January 2013

ISBN:  9780141344096

Stand alone or series:   Legend #2

Pages:  368 pages

Book Received from:  Penguin (Publisher)

First Lines:  Day jolts awake beside me.  His brow is covered with sweat, and his cheeks are wet with tears.  He's breathing heavily.

Synopsis:

After escaping from the Republic's stronghold of Los Angeles, June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the pair joins a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and who offer them passage to the Colonies. The Patriots have only one request – June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It's the chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she's haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood? What if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a gripping, breathtaking thriller with heartbreaking intensity and nonstop action.


My Thoughts:
Another fantastic book but OMG what an ending!  The wait from Legend was just about killing me but when I received the package from Penguin I was jumping up and down excitedly!

If you are going to read this I suggest rereading Legend again.  It took me a little bit to fall back into the story but after chapter 2 it was so much easier after waiting for so long.

June and Day are on the run.  Prodigy picks up a few weeks after Legend and Day eventually convinces June to join up with the Patriots but at a high price. Unfortunately for them both they have no other choice.  We get to meet back up with Tess and Kaede as well and it seems in just a few short weeks Tess has done alot of growing up.  Kaede, one character that got on my nerves through most of the book does shine through towards the very end and Tess, one of my favourite characters from the first book actually made me change my mind about her in Prodigy.  Less likeable this time around.

The story itself was both awesome and hard.  Both June and Day are separated for most of the story and while it kept the story rolling I couldn't help but wishing they were back together.

Yet again another brilliant book from Marie Lu and after that killer ending I am on the edge of my seat having to wait for book 3 expected to be released in 2014.

Waiting on Wednesday (128)

Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!

I'm really looking forward to reading Stung by Bethany Wiggins.  Due out 2nd April 2013!  Preorder Stung on Book Depository.

Synopsis:

There is no cure for being stung.

Fiona doesn’t remember going to sleep. But when she opens her eyes, she discovers her entire world has been altered—her house is abandoned and broken, and the entire neighborhood is barren and dead. Even stranger is the tattoo on her right hand—a black oval with five marks on either side—that she doesn’t remember getting but somehow knows she must cover at any cost. She’s right.

Those bearing the tattoo have turned into mindless, violent beasts that roam the streets and sewers, preying upon the unbranded while a select few live protected inside a fortress-like wall, their lives devoted to rebuilding society and killing all who bear the mark. Now Fiona has awakened branded, alone—and on the wrong side of the wall.

What are you waiting on?

The Farm by Emily McKay

Title:  The Farm

Author:  Emily McKay

Genre:  Young Adult/Dystopian/

Publisher:  Penguin Australia

Publication Date:  21st November 2012

ISBN:  9781405909259

Stand alone or series:   Stand Alone??

Pages:  424 pages

Book Received from:  Penguin (Publisher)

First Lines:  Sometimes you just want to let the bad guys win.

Synopsis:
For Lily and her twin sister, Mel, there is only the Farm . . .

It's a prison, a blood bank, a death camp - where fear and paranoia rule. But it's also home, of sorts. Because beyond the electric fence awaits a fate much, much worse.

But Lily has a plan.

She and Mel are going to escape - into the ravaged land outside, a place of freedom and chaos and horrors. Except Lily hasn't reckoned on two things: first, her sister's ability to control the horrors; and, secondly, on those out there who desperately want to find and control Mel.

Mel's growing power might save the world, or utterly end it. But only Lily can protect Mel from what is to come . . .

My Thoughts:
I'm not sure whether this one will have a sequel or not but after the ending that we are left with.  I sure hope it does.

The story follows two girls Lily and her autistic twin Mel who are doing their best to survive and escape The Farm.  What I like about this to begin with is that we have three POV's happening.  Lily, Mel and Carter, a boy who shows up on the farm that the girls new from The Before who may not be as genuine as he tries to make out.

I must say I really enjoyed reading the short chapters from Mel's POV.  She's so switched on with what's happening but just doesn't know how to communicate with Lily her overprotective sister.

And I have to point this out, because the synopsis does NOT mention this word at all when summing up the story.  There are vampires.  Two types.  The ticks which are animalistic, hairy, scary vampires that hang outside the farm and the other which could pass for normal people apart from the cold, predatory nature they  portray.  Which now that I think about, are worse than the ticks.  

For those of you that have had enough of the vampire genre, I suggest you give this a try.  Its a different take on the whole vampire scene and one I think you'd find worthwhile.  I just hope that we get to see a second book to find out what happens next!

Waiting on Wednesday (125)

Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!

This weeks pick is called Wasteland by Susan Kim, released 26th March 2013. Just a note that this is book one in a trilogy!  What do you all think?

Synopsis

Welcome to the Wasteland. Where all the adults are long gone, and now no one lives past the age of nineteen. Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan’s post-apocalyptic debut is the first of a trilogy in which everyone is forced to live under the looming threat of rampant disesase and brutal attacks by the Variants—hermaphroditic outcasts that live on the outskirts of Prin. Esther thinks there’s more to life than toiling at harvesting, gleaning, and excavating, day after day under the relentless sun, just hoping to make it to the next day. But then Caleb, a mysterious stranger, arrives in town, and Esther begins to question who she can trust. As shady pasts unravel into the present and new romances develop, Caleb and Esther realize that they must team together to fight for their lives and for the freedom of Prin.

What are you waiting on?

Reached by Ally Condie

Title:  Reached

Author:  Ally Condie

Genre:  Young Adult

Publisher:  Penguin (Imprint: RazorBill)

Publication Date:  13th November 2012

ISBN:  9780141333083

Stand alone or series:   Matched # 3

Pages:  520 pages

Book Received from:  Penguin (Publisher)

First Lines:  Every morning, the sun comes up and turns the earth red, and I think: This could be the day when everything changes.

Possible spoilers if you haven't read the previous two books!

Synopsis:Cassia faces the ultimate choices in the long-anticipated conclusion to the "New York Times" bestselling Matched Trilogy After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising--and each other--Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again. In this gripping conclusion to the #1 "New York Times" bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without.

My Thoughts:
Waiting for this to come out was .... to be honest a little painful!  I really wanted to find out where Ky and Cassia would end up and what the final book had to offer.

I must admit that picking this one up it was a little hard to get back into the story.  One of the big reasons for that was that I'd read so many books since Crossed that it took at least a chapter to find my bearings with what the characters were up to.  In saying that I was pretty excited to find that we not only read from Ky and Cassia's POV but we get to hear from Xander.

All three characters are separated from eachother when the book begins.  Cassia is stuck back in central, Ky is flying planes and Xander is a medical assistant.  Something I felt was a big step from the ending of Crossed.  I did find that throughout the story I felt a bit sorry for Xander.  He's a little bit of a third wheel when it comes to the three characters but we also get to see more of what he can contribute to the story as a whole and I did really grow to love Xander.

I am a bit sad that this is the final book in the Matched story.  I really enjoyed Ally's worldbuilding.  I think the biggest thing I liked about this was how sucked into the story I was with all three characters.  All three are so different.  Ky, who is willing to grit his teeth and do as he's told so he doesn't wreck his chances of getting back to Cassia.  Xander, who puts others first and does everything he can to help regardless of the situation and how it will affect him.  And Cassia, who when she puts her mind to something will get things done and will go that extra mile just to make it back to the others.

Another thing that the Matched series has taught me was to never take for granted the choices we make because they are "Our Choices" not the Society's.  I couldn't imagine living in a world where you couldn't write down on paper thoughts and ideas or to share songs and art that aren't on an approved list.  How crazy would that be?

Recommended reading for sure!  Loved this

 

Fave Line:  Newrose, oldrose, Queen Anne's Lace.
                    Water, river stone, and sun.
                    Wind over hill, under tree.
                    Past the border none can see.
                    Climbing into dark for you.
                    Will you wait in stars for me? - page 292

Waiting on Wednesday (123)

Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!

I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on Fractured by Teri Terry, the second book in the Slated series.  This won't be due out until 2nd May 2013!  Don't you just love the cover!!

Synopsis
Kyla's memory has been erased, her personality wiped blank, her memories lost for ever.
 Or so she thought.
 Kyla shouldn't be able to remember anything. But she can - and she's beginning to realise that there are a lot of dark secrets locked away in her memories. When a mysterious man from her past comes back into her life, she thinks she's on her way to finding the truth. But the more she learns about her history, the more confusing her future becomes...

What are you waiting on?

Sneak by Evan Angler Book Trailer

Swipe's book trailer was really cool.  So here is the second book in the Swipe series.  Enjoy!