Review for Girl At Sea by Maureen Johnson

Girl At Sea

Author: Maureen Johnson

Publisher:HarperTeen

Source: Public Library

Challenges: For the Love of YA, Library

336 pages

"Sometimes you have to get lost . . . 

The Girl: Clio Ford, seventeen, wants to spend the summer smooching her art-staore crush, not stuck on a boat in the Mediterranean. A least she'll get a killer tan.

The Mission: Survive her father's annoying antics. Oh, also find some underwater treasure that could be the missing link to a long lost civilization.

The Crew: Dad's absentminded best friend Martin, his scary girlfriend Julia, her voluptuous daughter Elsa... and then there's Aidan, Julia's incredibly attractive, incredibly arrogant research assistant.

What's going on behind Aidan's intellectual, intensely green eyes, anyway?

As Clio sails into uncharted territory she unveils secrets that have the power to change history. But her most surprising discovery is that ther's something deeper and more mysterious than the sea - her own heart.

..... to find what you're lookin for.

     I enjoyed 13 Little Blue Envelopes and The Last Little Blue Envelope so I was excited about this book. Maureen Johnson is a good author that can weave a very entertaining read!

 

  Clio was a good main character. You could feel her emotions and anticipate what she might be thinking. I found her annoying and snobby at times (I wanted to shake her and say 'no, stop') but beneath that I could see the hurt she went through. Clio and her father's relatonship was quite interesting... they didn't have a very good one. But, fortunetly by the end it got better. Elsa was Clio I guess 'best friend' on the boat, she is just what a best friend should be. Fun, caring, upbeat and funny. I loved her term 'rubbish'... I thought that was a very fitting term when she used it. But who is my favourite character? Aidan. It seems like the past few books, my favourite characters have been the guys. Oh well. Aidan was caring and sarcastic at times which I enjoyed. The whole cast on the boat I thought was quite the bunch!

 

  The plot was a nice balance. There weren't too many events but it wasn't too slow and boring. There is this one event that happens (actually two) that took me by surprise and made the book exciting. I never do get used to Maureen's writing style though. It's not strange or anything but I'm so used to being instead the main characters head that it seems strange when Maureen refers to Clio as 'her'. But then again, you do get some of Clio's thoughts in there. And the authors writing does flow together quite nice.

 

  Would I recommend it? Sure. I thought this was a great summer read (even though it doesn't feel like summer yet)... and if you're looking for a beach book be sure to pick it up! It is a very entertaining!!
 
Excerpt:
 
    " She was standing straight, so she slumped a little and arranged her face into a mask of minor melancholy. She approached slowly.
"Hey," she said.
Ollie turned. Good reflexes. (He used to do all-terrain skateboarding. Very badly, he said. Very, very badly. Humble as well. Could you ask for more in a man? No. It was impossible. All human wants had been fulfilled in him.)
Which was why this could never work. She had to be dreaming.
"Well?" he said.
"Well . . ." Clio began. "I'm only a junior in high school, and apparently, most Galaxy employees are in college. And I have no retail experience. No job experience at all, actually."
"Oh," Ollie said. His face fell.
"But . . ." Clio went on. "I have this."
She held up her arm, showing the long tattoo that wound around her right forearm: an electric-blue-and-pink zipper with three yellow-and-black stars flying out of the toggle.
"You got the job!" he said.
"You know it!" Clio said, feeling herself beaming. "
 

Review for Tikmia by F.H. Faizal

Tikmia

Author: F.H. Faizal

Publisher: F.H. Faizal

Source: PDF from publisher

Challenges: For the Love of YA

333 pages

  

"Seventeen year old Alia's life on the seemingly-perfect island is shrouded by lies. Everything she's loved has been taken away from her - even her memory.
Who killed her parents? Who's taking the orphans she's spent the past two years with?
Why does the man she despise resemble her so much? Who is he?
Her only source of happiness is her two sisters - she will do anything to keep them safe.
Until she fails. Until she is forced to choose. One sister will live, the other will die.
Alia and her sister find out everything is not as it seems. No one is who they say they are. Soon, they find out that they are part of something greater - an experiment that results in the creation of a new race. They look like us, but they are faster, stronger, and they feed on the raw flesh of animals.
And worse, the red-eyed Tikmia are intelligent and they have the ability to change shape at whim.
A devastating fire, a mysterious, mesmerizing creature, the colors Alia now sees - everything leads back to the Tikmia."-Goodreads

  
    Expect the unexpected. Don`t assume. Once you think you know what might happen or how things might turn out, most likely you`ll be wrong. Or at least I was, for well the whole book. It kept me on my toes, it was awesome!

   Alia was the main character, and I liked her right from the start. She didn`t whine or complain, she took the logical route and conquered her problems. I loved how she loved her sisters. It touched my heart so much because she cared for them both immensily. Ella and Joanna were well developed and I would have loved to have them as sisters. But you know who was my favouriteÉ Eben. Yup, I thought he was so sweet and caring for Alia and her sisters. I was impressed too how he handled some tough situations. All the characters, good bad, human and not-so human were believable and creative.
   Wow. What a plot! This has so much action, mystery, and thrills in it to keep you going till the end. I mean there were a lot of twists that I did see coming! I would be like `oh, I think I know what might happen`haha your right to laugh in my face; I was so naive. I really enjoyed how I was surprised, touched, and was on the edge of my seat for most of the book.... F.H. Faizal put a lot of creativity into this plot!

  So would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you`re into these types of books, go for it. And was is the most amazing part? That is was written by one of our very own bloggers! So bravo, F.H. Faizal, you can sleep at night knowing you did a good job! Can I comment on the cover too... whoa. This cover goes with this book so well, the colours really do mean everything! I like how it`s so bright too!

Excerpt:


   This is my life now - worry, fear, and something else. The happy, carefree life I lived before my sisters and I were dragged on to this island is gone. Along with the people I once loved. Now, my future`s as small as this island. The island is run by Doctor Christopher Meld. I try to think back to that day - I can hear my mother`s screams, my father`s fearful shouts. I can see my brother running fractically, but as always, my mind turns blank and dark after that point.
Dark.
Just like the room around me.
Just like my hopeless life.

Review for The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

The False Princess

Author: Eilis O'Neal

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Source: Diana's cousin (thanx!!)

Challenges: For the Love of YA

336 pages

 

"Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court.  But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection.  Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.
Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks.  But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.
Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever." - Goodreads

  
  What an original book! Eilis O'Neal did an amazing job whipping up a fantastic plot filled with fantasy, mystery, and romance! Bravo!

   I loved Sinda. I could relate to her so easily throughout the book. After all, I'm sort of like her (not towards the middle or end though) in the beginning when she's shy and doesn't like confrontation. Neither do I. So as she progressed and became more hardened I felt I was pulled with her. I felt a connection throughout the story. There were a few things I did not agree with her doing but overall I was totally on her side and felt terrible when she found out she was the false princess. Keirnan, *sigh* Keirnan. I love funny, upbeat people and he was no exception! I loved their relationship throughout the story! The other characters were well developed as well, they all added to the story and you didn't feel like 'why is this character in here?'.

 But even though the characters were great.... I must admit, I was in it for the plot. This book was SO unpredictable. From the little things to the huge surprises you never could say 'aha!', it was like 'aha...wait a minute...' I found the beginning of the book slow for me but as soon as it hit the middle and towards the end I was so hooked I had to tear myself from it. I did not, I repeat did not, see some of those things coming. When Sinda and Keirnan went to find *insert info*, I loved the quest feel it had to it! I love quests with purposes and  you know of course when they become completed. The plot was fantastic!

  In the end I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who are interested. It's a great book, that will keep you on your toes and up till the wee hours!

Excerpt:

   I clenched my gown’s skirts in my hands. It was too much, too much to comprehend. “Is he still alive?”
Again, that flash of sadness across the King’s face. “No. He died some years ago.”

The light from the windows pressed against me, as bright and sharp as diamonds. I am alone. I thought as I gazed around the Hall. All of this, all my life, it was a dream. And it was ending. 

“What is my name?” I asked.

For the first time, the Queen stirred, raising her head to looked at me. “Sinda,” she said, her voice thin. “He said your name was Sinda.”
“Sinda,” I whispered. I waited for the word to have some meaning, to fill the empty place left when the golden haze had receded.
But the name just faded away, filling nothing, lost in the high-ceilinged Hall of Thorvaldor.

Very First Giveaway!!

Hey everyone, first off I want to apologize for being absent other than posting reveiws. You know that thing called life? Well, it caught up with me and has dragged me down these past couple months. School, neices, and my dog getting bit up didn't help.... So, how to show I am truly sorry? A giveaway! Yup.... my first one ever! Here is the book I am going to giveaway:

"After her mom vanished in a stench of drugs and alcohol, Ruby continued to live in the family house alone. Finally found out, the introspective teenager is sent to the luxurious home of her older sister, Cora, whom she hadn't seen in ten years. Everything there seems unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and supremely weird: her fancy new room; her lavish new wardrobe; the exclusive private school where she never quite fits in. Most mysterious of all is Nate, the friendly boy next door who seems to have a deep secret of his own. "

Rules:

-> To enter, leave a comment with your email address

-> Open to Canada/US (sorry international peeps!!)

-> Ends on May 31

That's it! Since I am far from a technical person, that's that. I will be selecting the winner by using Random.org. Then I will email the winner for their address!

Much appreciated:

-> Follow (but only if you like my blog)

-> Please, please can you spread the word?? As many of you know, I do not get very many readers... thus to make this giveaway a giveaway by fairplay, I need at least some entries (Thanx so much!)

Info on the book:

Ok, this was my personal copy that I bought recently and I only read it once. Since I love to take care of my books, this one is in new like conditions. Basically its new. Just so you don't worry about getting a bad/bent/ripped copy cause it's not!

Well, that's about it. Thank you! for participating in my first giveaway ever!! It means so much. I'll have my review up for The False Princess in a few days, be sure to come back and read it!

Review for Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

Just One Wish

Author: Janette Rallison

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Source: PDF from D's cousin (thank you sooo much!!)

Challenges: For the Love of YA

272 pages

"Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it's all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.
But Annika's plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly fi nds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?"- Goodreads

 

  Far-fetched, over-the-top, silly, unrealistic, totally in your dreams concept. I loved it. Loved it. Janette Rallison has done it again and I can't wait to read more by her!!


 I loved Annika as a main character. She was so determined and headstrong, and just loved her brother so much. I felt so terrible for her and how she was dealing with all of it, the nightmares were especially scary. On the other hand I adored Jeremy. Their relationship was so touching and sweet and heart-renching all at the same time. They felt so real, and I drew so close to both of them. Not to mention that Annika has the best sense of humor! Truly 'laugh out loud like a nut case' moments in this book. Yes, it did have a very serious problem, that Jeremy had cancer but Janette managed to keep it light but still it had an emotional impact on the reader. It was a perfect balance. Steve was another great character. I have no idea what actors are like (I've never met one) but he seemed very realistic, plus he's very sweet. There was more to him that met the eye.


  The plot was, sure far-fetched, but SO entertaining!! I cannot stress that enough, it was hilarious! The situations Annika found herself it were priceless... The writing was descriptive yet kept on moving and not once did I say "ok now lets get going". It was a nice quick, fun, but touching read that I highly recommend to anyone who loves romantic comedy's! It has made it to my favourite shelf!

Excerpt:
 "I would have expected to see this sort of line if, say, Elvis had returned from the dead to give a concert. Or if some eccentric yet ultra-cool billionaire was blessing the lives of deserving teens by handing out free sports cars. But I hadn‟t expected to see this many people lined up in the dark waiting for the Day-After-Thanksgiving sale at Toys "R" Us. Really, whatever happened to good old-fashioned procrastination? Apparently every resident of Henderson, Nevada, had come out, and it was still only 4:50 A.M. The store didn‟t even open for another ten minutes.
Madison zipped her jacket up higher as we climbed out of my minivan. "This is a prime example of commercialism run amok." "

Review for A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

A Long Long Sleep

Author: Anna Sheehan

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Release Date: August 9, 2011

Challenges: For the Love of YA, 250 Page Challenge

352 pages

"Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss. Locked away in the chemically-induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten sub-basement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the Dark Times that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew.

Now, her parents and her first love are long dead, and Rose – hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplanetary empire – is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat. Desperate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeopardizes her fragile new existence, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes – or be left without any future at all."- Goodreads

 
  When I requested this book (by accident) and recieved a confirmation for it, I didn't know what to expect. What would this story be like? How is she going to develop it? Is it a series? Well, right now I can answer that last question, no it is not a series: hooray!


   I found myself expecting to be annoyed with Rose, you know how characters come out of a coma or whatever and are all 'I dont know what to do now' (understandably). Yes, she did have that feel but for some reason I did not get annoyed with her. I liked Rose. She was a really strong main character and discovered herself during this book. Bren, (the boy her kissed her awake) I adored him when we are first introduced to him. Then there came Otto who I loved. People viewed him as a freak but he was so kind with Rose, it was so sweet. (And no there is not a love triangle going on). Xavier was Rose's past love. Gosh I loved him! Their relationship was so sweet and touching. But towards the end, after certain twists and gasps, it was kinda weird. I'm glad I was not Rose throughout this story! Anyways, for the characters, you knew who to love and who to hate (sometimes), and they were all well developed.


   Anna Sheehan did an amazing job with the world building! This story takes place around probably I would guess 2030's, somewhere around there. You expect stuff, technology, speech to be different right? Yes! She did that, she created a world that was so believable for the time period! The plot had so many twists and turns and mystery and.. and.. well just a bunch of everything!


   I think that this book is defenitly worth the time to read, so I recommend it. It may not be for everyone but I think people should have the chance to formulate their own opinion about it. I enjoyed it even though I didn't know what to expect,; I was pleasantly surprised! There are so many twists, turns, gasps, sighs, and emotions. My hat is tipped to Anna Sheehan for a unique, interesting read!

Excerpt:

"Dark times?" I asked.

"The Dark Times?" he said as if it should be obvious. "When the..... Oh, God." His voice fell to a horrified whisper. "That was sixty some years ago."

"I'm sorry...." I whispered, unable to grasp what he was saying. "Sixtxy.... y-years?"

"Yeah," Brendan said quietly. "And..... if you're really Rosealinda Fitzroy...." Whatever more he had to say would have to wait. The ocean from my dream returned in the form of roaring surf, which blocked all sound and stopped my breath. Sixty years. Mom and Daddy, dead. Asa, dead. Xavier.... my Xavier...

I think I screamed. The last thing I felt as the shadows overcame my vision completely was Brendan's strong arms catching me as I fell.

Review for Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Forgive My Fins

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Source: PDF from Diana (Thank you so much!)

Challenges: For the Love of YA

293 pages

"Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.
Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.
When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned." - Goodreads

   What a cute read! Yes, 'cute'; It fits it perfectly. I love tales like these, since it has romance it's a huge plus! I wanted to read this for the longest time but my library didn't have it so I am over-joyed that Diana let me read a PDF version, so thank you Diana!

  The characters in this book were ok. See, Lily she's loyal and a very good friend but she's really blind. No not in the literal seeing way but you know about situations around her. I just wanted to smack some sense into her sometimes. Like, duh, even a 'blowfish' would know how someone (remains nameless) feels and what's "really" happening! But she has charm, spunk, and I love her sea terminology! Then there's Quince. He was my favourite character in this book! I loved him so much, the way he always teased Lily and how he treated her and talked to her. Me want a biker boy next door!

  The plot and writing were good too. I found how the author depicted the world Lily came from quite I dunno, it was almost a little unbelievable for me. I know that this book isn't a "real-life" story but I found it depicting some pretty surreal things. You'll have to read to see what I mean (unless it's just me). But I admit that ocean sounded sooo beautiful! Overall, this book was a nice pick me up read, and I can't wait for the next installment! I recommend this for a light, fun, and magical read!

Note: I love this cover, actually I love the second cover even more. There so magical, what do you think?

Excerpt:

“Hello?”
“You should check the curtains before you take a bath, princess,” a deep, mocking voice says.
“Wha—” I half scream, half yelp as I bolt up in the tub.
The nearest towel is folded neatly on the toilet . . . on the far side of the room. With a powerful kick I flop myself over the side, onto the cold tile floor, and dive for the towel. I am just tossing it over my fins when I hear a roar of laughter coming from the receiver. Scowling, I snatch it off the floor.
“Priceless,” he howls, still laughing. “You never fail to amuse, princess.”
Aaarrgh! I slam the handset repeatedly on the floor, in what I hope are eardrumdamaging whacks.
“Why?!?” My flipper-fast heartbeat ebbs toward normal as I stare, first at the phone —which has suffered a few nicks from my display of rage—then at the tightly drawn curtains covering the bathroom window. Holding the phone back up to my ear—ignoring the laughter still echoing through the earpiece—I ask, “Why do you enjoy torturing me so much?”
“Because,” Quince manages between laughs, “you make it so easy.”
Grabbing a handful of now-soaking towel, I throw it against the wall next to the door and watch it slowly slide down into the hamper. Aunt Rachel’s cat, Prithi, meows in complaint from her position outside the door.
“You,” I say as I pull myself back up onto the edge of the tub—this isn’t easy with fins, you know—“are a vile”—spinning, I sink my backside gingerly into the water—“repulsive”—even lukewarm, the water feels heavenly—“slimy-headed vent worm.”
I catch the phone against my ear before spreading my hands beneath the water to bring the temperature back up to a Zen-inducing near-steaming.
He chuckles once more before answering, “That’s a new one.”

Review for Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry

Auhtor: Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker Books

Source: PDF from Diana (Thanx D!!)

Challenges: For The Love of YA

248 pages

"When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. " - Goodreads

     WOW! This review is going to be short because the faster you read it the sooner you can get to the book! This is a romantic's dream. Granted, it has a fair amount of cussing (but if you're like me and just skip those words) it has an amazing story with amazing characters!


    Perfect Chemistry's plot is well perfect. You've got your good girl (who does have problems!) and you're bad boy. They're love is dangerous. Yet, they still find each other. The ending was fitting too! I kinda laughed and cried because I didn't want it to end and yet it was a little funny. 

    Alex is so *swooooon-stastic* If you like bad boy's with good hearts then he's the one for you! And me. I loved his character and I loved the fact that the author mixed in Spanish with his speech. I liked that :) Brittany, I found her to be oh so relatable. Sure she's gorgeous, popular, and smart-ish but she has family problems that she tries to hide from the rest of the world. I have to admit that would be alot of work. The other characters were well done too. I found Brittany's friends to be well not the best in the world. I loved Paco and Isabel. They were great friends.


     I read this in basically 7 hours straight - yes I did sleep in between but I just couldn't leave the story! That's how good it was! I think that if you're a romantic, you'll go kooky over this so I am telling you to get it! I loved it! It has made it to my favourites and I hope that everyone reads it! IT"S INCREDIBLE!


Check out Diana's review too, she loved it just as much as me! (She also did a way better review for this amazing book!)

Excerpt:

But I was itching to make Little Miss Perfecta stumble in her introduction of me. And stumbling she is.
“Miss Ellis?”
I watch in amusement as Perfection herself looks up at Peterson. Oh, she’s good. This partner of mine knows how to hide her true emotions, something I recognize because I do it all the time.
“Yes?” Brittany says, tilting her head and smiling like a beauty queen.
I wonder if that smile has ever gotten her out of a speeding ticket.
“It’s your turn. Introduce Alex to the class.”I lean an elbow on the lab table, waiting for an introduction she has to either make up or fess up she knows less than crap about me. She glances at my comfortable position and I can tell from her deer- in-the-headlights look I’ve stumped her.
“This is Alejandro Fuentes,” she starts, her voice hitching the slightest bit. My temper flares at the mention of my given name, but I keep a cool facade as she continues with a made- up introduction.
“When he wasn’t hanging out on street corners and harassing innocent people this summer, he toured the inside of jails around the city, if you know what I mean. And he has a secret desire nobody would ever guess.”The room suddenly becomes quiet. Even Peterson straightens to attention. Hell, even I’m listening like the words coming out of Brittany’s lying, pink- frosted lips are gospel.
“His secret desire,” she continues, “is to go to college and become a chemistry teacher, like you, Mrs. Peterson.”
Yeah, right. I look over at my friend Isa, who seems amused that a white girl isn’t afraid of giving me smack in front of the entire class. Brittany flashes me a triumphant smile, thinking she’s won this round. Guess again, gringa.I sit up in my chair while the class remains silent.
“This is Brittany Ellis,” I say, all eyes now focused on me. “This summer she went to the mall, bought new clothes so she could expand her wardrobe, and spent her daddy’s money on plastic surgery to enhance her, ahem, assets.”
It might not be what she wrote, but it’s probably close enough to the truth. Unlike her introduction of me. Chuckles come from mis cuates in the back of the class, and Brittany is as stiff as a board beside me, as if my words hurt her precious ego.Brittany Ellis is used to people fawning all over her and she could use a little wake- up call. I’m actually doing her a favor. Little does she know I’m not finished with her intro.
“Her secret desire,” I add, getting the same reaction as she did during her introduction, “is to date a Mexicano before she graduates.”
As expected, my words are met by comments and low whistles from the back of the room.
“Way to go, Fuentes,” my friend Lucky barks out.
“I’ll date you, mamacita,” another says.
I give a high five to another Latino Blood named Marcus sitting behind me just as I catch Isa shaking her head as if I did something wrong. What? I’m just having a little fun with a rich girl from the north side.
Brittany’s gaze shifts from Colin to me. I take one look at Colin and with my eyes tell him game on. Colin’s face instantly turns bright red, resembling a chile pepper. I have definitely invaded his territory.
Good.
 

Review for The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials

Author: James Dashner

Publisher: Delacorte Books

Source: Given from Amanda

Challenges: 350 Page, For the Love of YA, I'd Wish I'd Read That

260 pages

"Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.
In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.
Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.
The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.
Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?" - Goodreads

    Nooooooooooo! It ended!! *breaks down crying* Do I really have to wait five month's to find out what happens? I'm going to die! Yes, it was that good.... Let me explain.


 Everyone knows how much I love this series, starting with the Maze Runner. The Scorch Trials continues off where Maze Runner left off, naturally. We continue to see the same characters and the brutal world that the Gladers have always wondered about. It's a horrible place; with Cranks, the Flare, and sun flares. I still love Thomas as the main character, Minho I can't live without, and same with Newt. Those are the three characters that you get very attached to when reading this book. There are a few new characters introduced and I think they add a lot to the story. Now, your're probably wondering, what about Teresa? Well, let me tell you I still have mixed feelings (for good reason!) about her. You'll see when you read. So, overall the characters are incredible.


  The plot. It is so, now how to describe it, un-put-a-down-able. You simply cannot put it down. There is so much anticipation as you read, the author gives you little bits of information that keeps you formulating what might happen but then BAM! there's a twist. It's an amazing roller-coaster ride that you cannot miss! There are so many twists, turns, and gasps, my hat is tipped to the author. The writing style is so simple but up to YA level that it's easy to follow and the descriptions are wonderful. It really gives you a feel for how the world is. And there is so much mystery it totally got me hooked!


  This series is INCREDIBLE! If you haven't read it I'm now telling you to read it! Give this series a chance!! You won't be disappointed!! But I advise you to read BOTH The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials. Can anyone tell how much I love these books?? Good then I'm doing my job :) I cannot wait for The Death Cure to come out... oh October hurry up!

Excerpt:

   The world seemed to fade away. All became numb and sweet. And the darkness, somehow comforting. He slipped into a dream.

***
He's very young. Four, maybe? Five? Lying in a bed with blankets pulled to his chin.

A woman sits next to him, her hands folded in her lap. She has long brown hair, a face just beginning to show signs of age. Her eyes are sad. He knows this even though she's trying very hard to hide it with a smile.

He wants to say something, ask her a question. But he can't. He's not really here. Just witnessing it all from a place he doesn't quite understand. She begins to talk, a sound so simultaneously sweet and angry it disturbs him.

"I don't know why they chose you, but I do know this. You're special somehow. Never forget that. And never forget how much"--her voice cracks and tears run down her face--"never forget how much I love you."

The boy replies, but it's not really Thomas speaking. Even though it is him. None of it makes sense. "Are you gonna be crazy like all those people on TV, Mommy? Like . . . Daddy?"

The woman reaches out and runs her fingers through his hair. Woman? No, he can't call her that. This is his mother. His . . . mommy.

"Don't you worry about that, honey," she says. "You won't be here to see it."

Her smile has gone away.

***
Too fast the dream faded into blackness, leaving Thomas in a void with nothing but his thoughts. Had he seen another memory crawl up from the depths of his amnesia? Had he really seen his mom? There'd been something about his dad being crazy. The ache inside Thomas was deep and gnawing, and he tried to sink further into oblivion.

Later--how much later he had no idea--Teresa spoke to him again.

Tom, something's wrong.