Saturday, November 29, 2014

Stacking the Shelves and Weekly Recap (Nov 29)



Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews (all credit goes to Tynga for this meme). It offers a chance to showcases the books we got over the past week. The recap includes a list of reviews and other posts published during the week.

This Week's Books

Ebooks from Library

(click on covers to see their Goodread's synopsis)

17881333  8665876

7199667   9182417

15792316

Thoughts

Can I do a happy dance now? I'm impatient to read The Liar Society (I've waited an incredibly long time and I love a good mystery)! Princess of Glass will no doubt be a solid read as I adore re-tellings by Jessica Day George. As for Awaken, I remember seeing it around years ago. So, it is definitely time to give it a try. , A Fool's Errand is the second book in The Gypsy King series. I don't recall what happened in the first book, so I'm a bit worried this one won't make much sense. I'll have to see if I can find a summary somewhere. Lastly, Split Second has been moved up on my TBR list because I absolutely fell in love with Pivot Point (stay tuned for review) and I. Must. Find. Out. What. Happens!

This Week's Posts






What did you lovelies get? Leave links to your post and I'll visit. Thanks for reading!



Thursday, November 27, 2014

Review for Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman

8101452Babe in Boyland
By Jody Gehrman 
Published February 17th 2011 by Dial
Bought from Local Bookstore
292 pages

"When high school junior Natalie-or Dr. Aphrodite, as she calls herself when writing the relationship column for her school paper-is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, she decides to investigate what guys really think and want. But the guys in her class won't give her straight or serious answers. The only solution? Disguising herself as a guy and spending a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boy boarding school in town. There she learns a lot about guys and girls in ways she never expected-especially when she falls for her dreamy roommate, Emilio. How can she show him she likes him without blowing her cover?" ~ Goodreads

Review

WARNING: Do not read in public spaces. WARNING: Side effects of reading this book include, but are not limited to: giggling, uncontrollably laughing, shrieking, face-palming, sighing, and squealing. 

Have you watched the movie "She's The Man"? If you answered yes, you will have a perfect idea of what to expect. Swap the soccer ball for a pen and paper and you have Natalie. A budding actress and journalist wannabe. Natalie was awesome. Despite her experience in the acting showbiz, she made blunders here and there and everywhere in her role of Nat. Misplaced giggles, delayed reactions, and too much enthusiasm. She had strengths as well as weaknesses and had a lot of learning to do about relationships. I could totally relate to her. Natalie's two besties were there from the start to the end and their involvement was priceless. They made a great trio. As for Emilio, he was cute. However, he wasn't swoony. The chemistry between him and Natalie was obviously hindered (the whole being a dude thing messed it up), but I thought the connection between them could have been stronger. The conversations between them were great and I really did like him. It just was lacking a spark or something. 

The way it was written could not have been better. The voice of Natalie was perfect. Perfect. Not annoyingly girly, but very much a teenage girl. The plot itself wasn't all that original, predictable even, but I don't think that's a downside. I picked up the book expecting just that, so I wasn't disappointed. It was hilarious and just what the doctor ordered to lighten my mood. The pace was steady, the whole story very engaging, and the message that came in at the end made it more than a fluff kind of read. 

I highly recommend Babe in Boyland to readers who enjoy a hearty laugh, a sweet romance, a totally relatable protagonist, and a good time. I assure you, at the very least, you will be left with a smile on your face!

Excerpt

I stop painting my nails and look up. "That's it!"
Darcy pauses in her makeup application. "What?"
"That's my Story of the Year. It's perfect."
Chloe grabs a bottle of hairspray and squirts some on her bangs. "Rob's thought process is your story? Sounds like a short one."
"No, guys - how they think, what they really want, all the shit they do that makes no sense finally decoded and demystified. What girl wouldn't want to read that?" I'm getting so excited I knock the nail polish over and have to scramble to right it before it stains the tub. "It's socially relevant, right? Haven't women throughout the ages worried about this stuff?"
Darcy nods, thinking it over. "That is a good idea."
I scramble for my bag, grab a notebook and pen, and start scribbling. "We'll call it 'A Girl's Guide to Guys: Their Top Secrets Revealed."
"Ooh, I like it," Darcy says. "Very catchy!"


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday (33): When by Victoria Laurie


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.






My Pick This Week Is...



20338342When
By Victoria Laurie
Expected publication: January 13th 2015 by Disney-Hyperion
336 pages

"Maddie Fynn is a shy high school junior, cursed with an eerie intuitive ability: she sees a series of unique digits hovering above the foreheads of each person she encounters. Her earliest memories are marked by these numbers, but it takes her father’s premature death for Maddie and her family to realize that these mysterious digits are actually death dates, and just like birthdays, everyone has one.
Forced by her alcoholic mother to use her ability to make extra money, Maddie identifies the quickly approaching death date of one client's young son, but because her ability only allows her to see the when and not the how, she’s unable to offer any more insight. When the boy goes missing on that exact date, law enforcement turns to Maddie. Soon, Maddie is entangled in a homicide investigation, and more young people disappear and are later found murdered. A suspect for the investigation, a target for the murderer, and attracting the attentions of a mysterious young admirer who may be connected to it all, Maddie's whole existence is about to be turned upside down. Can she right things before it's too late? "  ~ Goodreads

Why?

The word that comes to mind is cool. This sounds like a cool read. Being able to see when someone will die? That can make life complicated! Not exactly a "skill" I would want. But nevertheless an interesting concept. Mixed in with a crime scene style situation - yeah, like I said, cool. 

What are YOU waiting for this Wednesday? Leave links and I'll visit!

Monday, November 24, 2014

Review for Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand

22845365Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)
By Heather Hildenbrand
Published July 29th 2014 by Alloy 
Received from NetGalley
272 pages

"Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face.
Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.
When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?" ~
Goodreads

Review

Imitation is an all around solid read.

It was intriguing that Ven is a clone of Raven but her personality differs. She has more compassion and isn't as shallow (thank goodness). I respected her choices because she doesn't act rashly and put others in harms way. However, she also doesn't passively accept the role she's been given (yes, the attempt she makes fails, but its the effort that counts). Even though Ven is not a tough heroine, it was nice that she knew what she wanted. Linc was traditional (if that is the term for it) in his role of love interest. To be expected, this tall, dark and handsome bodyguard is a perfect ally for Ven. I really liked him, but wish they would have had more relationship building page time. It definitely was not insta-love, but a firm foundation was missing. Secondary characters like Titus and Daniel were developed nicely. It was awesome how there wasn't a clear distinction between good and bad guys! It had me conflicted at first.

I understood the general concept of the dystopian world and thoroughly enjoyed learning about Imitations (cloning is new to me). The world itself wasn't expanded on, but the description of Twig City was clear. My attention was held. The pace was almost the same from start to end - it never picked up, but it was never slow. There were twists and revelations. Imitation ends in a way that most first books do. Not wrapped up, but cut off at a suitable spot in the storyline.

I recommend Imitation to readers who enjoy dystopians. It's not exactly a memorable read, but is satisfying if you crave sci-fi!

Excerpt


Everyone is exactly like me.
There is no one like me.
I wrestle with these contradicting truths most nights while others sleep. Tonight is worse because Marla has left me a note to see her in the morning. No one sees Marla and comes back.
***
I've been awake for five years. Training. Preparing. Waiting - for a note from Marla. And for what comes after. 




Saturday, November 22, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (13)

STSmallStacking the Shelves is a meme created/hosted by the lovely Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews! (All credit goes to her for this meme.) If you want to participate click on the link! The more the merrier! It's a chance to showcase titles that arrived in the mail or for review... any book goodies over the past week.


(click on the covers to see their Goodread's synopsis)

Bought from Local Bookstore

   
8101452

Since I have a gift card I made a trip to the local book store and got myself a comic book (Peace, Love, and Wifi - gosh I love Jeremy) as well as Babe in Boyland. The latter was half price! Ch-ching! Babe in Boyland looks like a light, fun read. YES, PLEASE! I remember reading a review written by a good blogging buddy that sang it's praises, so I am desperate to start it. If it's anything like the movie "She's the Man" I'm going to love it.

I'm actually happy I don't have a big haul... maybe I can catch up on my TBR pile? On a side note, HUGE apology for not posting any reviews this week. Things got busy and I couldn't finish any books, but I will have reviews next week - I hope you can stop by!

What did you lovelies get? Leave links to your post and I'll visit. Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday (31): Hold Me Like A Breath by Tiffany Schmidt


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.






My Pick This Week Is...



18584521Hold Me Like a Breath (Once Upon a Crime Family #1)
By Tiffany Schmidt 
Expected publication: May 19th 2015 by Bloomsbury
400 pages

"Penelope Landlow has grown up with the knowledge that almost anything can be bought or sold—including body parts. She’s the daughter of one of the three crime families that control the black market for organ transplants.
Penelope’s surrounded by all the suffocating privilege and protection her family can provide, but they can't protect her from the autoimmune disorder that causes her to bruise so easily.
And in her family's line of work no one can be safe forever.All Penelope has ever wanted is freedom and independence. But when she’s caught in the crossfire as rival families scramble for prominence, she learns that her wishes come with casualties, that betrayal hurts worse than bruises, that love is a risk worth taking . . . and maybe she’s not as fragile as everyone thinks."  ~ Goodreads

Why?

I am a sucker for heroines that discover their independence and learn that they can totally rock it! That's what I wish for myself. As well, the idea that she is in a crime family is intriguing. Normally the M.C. is placed in a bad situation, but it seems she grew up in one! Lastly, the cover is awesome.

What are YOU waiting for this Wednesday? Leave links and I'll visit!



Saturday, November 15, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (12)

STSmallStacking the Shelves is a meme created/hosted by the lovely Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews! (All credit goes to her for this meme.) If you want to participate click on the link! The more the merrier! It's a chance to showcase titles that arrived in the mail or for review... any book goodies over the past week.


(click on the covers to see their Goodread's synopsis)

Library 


16248068 10798416 12954231

I believe I read The Selection this summer, so I'm hoping it all comes back to me after I start The Elite. This series really boasts beautiful covers and I hope it has a beautiful story to match! I actually have read The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, but I want to review it here on the blog. So, I am reading it again to refresh my memory. My expectations for Code Name Verity are high as I have seen glowing reviews. Fingers crossed.

Ebooks via NetGalley



22845365 22608499 

Haven't seen too much about Imitation, so it's pretty much a blank slate for me. We Should Hang Out Sometime looks like a nice light read. As for Strange Skies, at the time of request I didn't realize it was the second book in a series (how could I miss that? After all it says RIGHT ON THE COVER *knocks head against desk*). So... I'll have to see if I can get my hands on the first! 

Anyway...


What did you lovelies get? Leave links to your post and I'll visit. Thanks for reading!


Thursday, November 13, 2014

Review for Every Ugly Word by Aimee L. Salter

Every Ugly Word
By Aimee L. Salter
Published July 29th 2014 by Alloy Entertainment
Received Ebook from Netgalley
257 pages

"When seventeen-year-old Ashley Watson walks through the halls of her high school bullies taunt and shove her. She can’t go a day without fighting with her mother. And no matter how hard she tries, she can’t make her best friend, Matt, fall in love with her. But Ashley also has something no one else does: a literal glimpse into the future. When Ashley looks into the mirror, she can see her twenty-three-year-old self.
Her older self has been through it all already—she endured the bullying, survived the heartbreak, and heard every ugly word her classmates threw at her. But her older self is also keeping a dark secret: Something terrible is about to happen to Ashley. Something that will change her life forever. Something even her older self is powerless to stop." ~ Goodreads

Review

Put away your assumptions and predictions about Every Ugly Word. They probably won't match up to the real thing. 

Every Ugly Word was not at all what I expected. Meaning it was not one of those "issue" books. The ones that are really heavy and hard to digest. You feel like you are wading through deep water. With the addition of obscurity and mirror magic it made the story feel a lot lighter, but the message still remained. The effects of bullying are astounding - and not in a good way. 

I really empathized with Ashley. I felt her helplessness, hopelessness and experienced the nightmare that was her life. The fact that she kept going and getting back up proved she was strong inside. A quality that reached through the pages and affected me deeply. Her best friend Matt at times was exasperating, but he really was the only one who truly cared about Ash. Bonus points to him. Their friendship was strong because they both stood by each other during the rough times. And like any realistic friendship, it had its less-than-stellar moments. However, they worked through them and by the end  both became more mature.

I cannot divulge any specifics regarding the POV or plot as it would ruin the mistique. However, I can say that I loved how the two alternating point of views were handled. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. As I was flipping pages I was unaware of becoming hooked, it just happened. There is an underlying mystery to Ashley's story that will keep you remarkably engaged. Then, there is the fact that you are left questioning her sanity and her credibility. It felt almost like a thriller at times (slightly). As for the whole seeing her twenty-three year old self, that part was confusing. I like the ingenuity of it, but there came a point where I felt lost on how it all fit together. I just threw up my hands and kind of accepted it as it was. 

I highly recommend Every Ugly Word to readers who enjoy mystery, romance, page turners, and of course a heavier topic. Give it a chance and see what you think!

Excerpt

"So... where do you want me to begin?"
He crosses his leg over his knee, pulling up his pang leg slightly. "Nothing too dramatic. Start with the night you planned to give Matt the letter."
I feel the grin slide off my face. Nothing too dramatic. Right. I can't help glancing sideways at the mirror.
For a moment the magnitude of what I'm trying to achieve is overwhelming. I cannot breathe. But I force my muscles to loosen. I swallow my fear - and begin to speak. 


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday (31): Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.






My Pick This Week Is...


18009950Liars, Inc.
By Paula Stokes
Expected publication: March 24th 2015 by HarperTeen
368 pages

"Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell lies to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts a business providing forged permission slips and cover stories for the students of Vista Palisades High. Liars, Inc. they call it. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit?"  ~ Goodreads

Why?

Uh, why not? Oh right, my bad, yeah that plot sounds bor-ing. And really, a mystery? What are they thinking, that is so not cool. And that cover? It isn't even wickedly awesome in the slightest!

Okay, okay. Enough. In all seriousness, I think a murder mystery would be such a great change of pace for me. I just recently discovered this one and I really, really can't wait to get my hands on it. Need. It. Now! 


What are YOU waiting for this Wednesday? Leave links and I'll visit!

Monday, November 10, 2014

Review for Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

3697927Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess #1)
By Jessica Day George 
Published January 20th 2009 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Borrowed from Local Library
280 pages

"Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above." ~ Goodreads


Review

 There is no doubt that Jessica Day George knows how to put her own spin on a classic. She accomplishes it in such a way that you at times forget she based it on a Grimm tale!

I remember reading the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses many times in my old worn-out fairytale book when I was young. It was delightful to see how Princess of the Midnight Ball took the main ideas of the original and fleshed it out. I couldn't quite forge a deep connection with the characters because of the way it was written. However, they are very amiable and I did care for them. Galen was not brooding or arrogant, he was humble and kind. He had manners, wasn't ashamed of his skill at knitting, and yet he was not in the slightest a pansy. Instead, he was the perfect hero - one the girls needed. The princesses were a bit hard to keep track of, but I enjoyed how they acted like typical sisters. Rose was obviously my favourite. She was family oriented and did not stick her head in the sand regarding their situation. When the time came, she was prepared to do something. As for the rest of the characters they each were given personalities that fit.

I wouldn't call Princess of the Midnight Ball fast paced, but it was engaging. Events flowed nicely together and as expected things turn out in a way that will curl your toes in contentment (I hope that isn't a spoiler). It is a fairytale retelling after all. Again, the spin that is used (namely, the curse the girls are under) makes so much sense and provides a strong basis for the rest of the story. I loved how pieces of the original tale would pop up in between the expanded portions of the book. Very cleverly executed!

I highly recommend Princess of the Midnight Ball to readers who enjoy Grimm tale retellings, fairytales, princesses, princes, originality, and of course sweet heros. A quick pleasure read at its finest!

Excerpt

"Allow me to give you this orange, Your Highness, along with my wishes for a swift recovery."
"That's very generous of you, Master Galen," she replied, a faint light kindling in her eyes, "especially since they are my family's oranges." She took it from him, rolling it between her palms. "And considering that my illness is most likely a result of falling into the fountain the day we met."
Galen winced. He had known she would remember that, but he had hoped she wouldn't hold it against him. Although, judging by the faint smile on her pale lips, she didn't mean it in earnest.
"Well, Your Highness, I know that I am indeed handsome, but I can hardly be blamed if my good looks overcame you so strongly that you fainted," he said, striking a pose. He had butterflies in his stomach, wondering if he was taking the teasing to far.
But he was rewarded: Rose laughed, a high, clear sound, and lobbed the orange at him.


Saturday, November 8, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (11)

STSmallStacking the Shelves is a meme created/hosted by the lovely Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews! (All credit goes to her for this meme.) If you want to participate click on the link! The more the merrier! It's a chance to showcase titles that arrived in the mail or for review... any book goodies over the past week (or weeks for me).

(click on the covers to see their Goodread's synopsis)

Free Ebooks From Amazon 


969566 11700785

UnEnchanted (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, #1)

I always look for free ebooks (I'm so cheap) and was excited to find these! I can't wait to read all three of them. They're all so different, it will be nice to switch between genres. 

What did you lovelies get? Leave links to your post and I'll visit. Thanks for reading...

Friday, November 7, 2014

Review for Everblue (Mer Tales #1) by Brenda Pandos

11700785Everblue (Mer Tales #1)
By Brenda Pandos
Published March 22nd 2012 by Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Free Ebook
304 pages

"She wanted her life to change... he wanted his to stay the same.
Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.
Ashlyn is about to discover what she'd thought to be true her whole life, wasn't, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever." ~
Goodreads


Review


Everblue had the potential  to be great with its own take on the mermaid world, but it fell short in quite a few ways.

Ashlyn, Ashlyn, Ashlyn. It was easy to relate with certain aspects of her personality, especially the timid side. However, as time went on I sadly came to a point where I didn't care what happened to her. (On a bit of a side note, I have no idea what the synopsis means by her "doing something drastic to find them", I don't remember her doing anything. She was a complete bystander.) Her initial crush on Fin was cute and her loyalty to Tatiana endearing. The biggest issue for me was the lack of relationship development . Not enough page time to get a deep connection or understanding of her friendships with these people. There is only one scene with Tatiana and Ash in the entire book. I couldn't get a feel for why they were friends - there wasn't even a childhood flashback. 

Same goes with the romantic relationship between Ash and Fin. In the first half they have one brief interaction. There were no real reasons given as to why Ash and Fin had a crush on each other other than the obvious physical attraction. Then, later on when things get a bit more interesting with their relationship it feels so forced. They may have known each other since childhood, but it totally felt like insta-love. On a positive note, it was refreshing to see two sets of parents in the picture! The character that I loved most was Ash's father because he was so understanding and caring. It was beautiful. 

The mer society was interesting and sufficiently developed. Aspects such as the "promising" were very loyal to mermaid lore and made Everblue stand out from the crowd. However, the first half of the book left me waiting for something - anything - to happen. Even after the pace picked up slightly and more substance was added to the plot, it became a chore to finish reading. That really saddens me to say. The dual POV's (Ash and Fin) were done well and it was great to see the difference between worlds.

I (don't know if I should) suggest Everblue to readers who like mermaid tales. It is important to mention that many, many people love it and I am in the minority. So, the choice lies with you. 

Excerpt

“Would I like this boy?"
I bit my lip to keep from smiling. "Yeah. I think so. He's nice."
"So I imagine you'll need a dress?"
"Yeah, probably."
"And I'll need a gun."
"Dad!”

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday (30): The Heir by Kiera Cass


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.






My Pick This Week Is...

The Heir (The Selection #4)
The Heir (The Selection #4)
By Kiera Cass 
Expected publication: May 5th 2015 by HarperTeen
352 pages

"Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought" ~ Goodreads




Why?


I know I have only read the first book in the series (and didn't really love it), but come on. I had to pick this one. First of all the cover. CAN THESE COVERS GET ANY MORE GOREGOUS?! Seriously, it blows my mind. Second, I love the idea that The Heir takes place twenty years later with the offspring of the heroine. Yeah, that should be interesting. Plus, think of all the potential suitors... Anyway, I have to get going here and read The Elite and The One, so I can properly prepare myself.

What are YOU waiting for this Wednesday? Leave links and I'll visit!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Review for Rebel Wing (The Diatous Wars #1) by Tracy Banghart

Rebel Wing (Rebel Wing #1)Rebel Wing (The Diatous Wars #1)
By Tracy Banghart
Published July 29th 2014 by Alloy Entertainment
Received Ebook from NetGalley
372 pages

"The Dominion of Atalanta is at war. But for eighteen-year-old Aris, the fighting is nothing more than a distant nightmare, something she watches on news vids from the safety of her idyllic seaside town. Then her boyfriend, Calix, is drafted into the Military, and the nightmare becomes a dangerous reality.
Left behind, Aris has nothing to fill her days. Even flying her wingjet—the thing she loves most, aside from Calix—feels meaningless without him by her side. So when she’s recruited to be a pilot for an elite search-and-rescue unit, she leaps at the chance, hoping she’ll be stationed near Calix. But there’s a catch: She must disguise herself as a man named Aristos. There are no women in the Atalantan Military, and there never will be.
Aris gives up everything to find Calix: her home. Her family. Even her identity. But as the war rages on, Aris discovers she’s fighting for much more than her relationship. With each injured person she rescues and each violent battle she survives, Aris is becoming a true soldier—and the best flyer in the Atalantan Military. She’s determined to save her Dominion . . . or die trying." ~
Goodreads


Review


Rebel Wing may initially feel like a "been there done that" sort of book, but in truth it is well written and highlights the importance of finding one's identity and independence.

Aris has guts. Posing as a man is one thing, but transforming into a solider is another. The training described is hard - especially for her in her weakened state. It impressed me how this girl who had been treated as a broken doll pushes herself to do the incredible. Her personal growth is astounding. By the end of the book she becomes an independent woman. It is refreshing how the romance doesn't overwhelm the book. Yes, it is the inciting force for her to join the Military, but that changes. She comes to realize the bigger picture and how she can make a difference. The rest of the characters were varied and fulfilled their respective roles (friend, commander, potential love interest, etc.)

The dystopian world is described very well, namely the sectors and dominions. The biggest indicator that it is futuristic is the technology, but I appreciated that it is not far fetched. Rebel Wing is engaging and keeps a steady pace. The chapters alternate between two seemingly parallel stories, which proved to be intriguing. One was Aris' story and the other showed what was going on politically. It definitely enhanced the whole experience.

I highly recommend readers to give Rebel Wing a chance, especially those who look for a strong female lead. You may be surprised. 

Excerpt


High above the olive groves and blinding white roofs of the village, Aris danced. She twisted and dove, guiding her wingjet straight out over granite cliffs and the glitter of the ocean. As she did, she imagined its wings were her arms, reaching far out into the blue. Her fingers would knife through a wisp of cloud, and the moisture would linger against her skin, like a kiss. Most everyone here could fly. But no one flew like Aris did.


Saturday, November 1, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (10)

STSmall
Stacking the Shelves is a meme created/hosted by the lovely Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews! (All credit goes to her for this meme.) If you want to participate click on the link! The more the merrier! It's a chance to showcase titles that arrived in the mail or for review... any book goodies over the past week (or weeks for me).

(click on the covers to see their Goodread's synopsis)

Borrowed From Library

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3)  Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess, #1)

Having already read and reviewed Cress, I can give my full recommendation: it is worth the read! Pick it up as soon as you can - the whole series. Trust me. As for the Princess of the Midnight Ball I look forward to another fairytale retelling (I am SO in the mood for these right now).

Net Galley

Tear You Apart  Every Ugly Word

Rebel Wing (Rebel Wing #1)

A big shout of thanks to Net Galley and the authors/publishers/people! I cannot wait to devour these three! Rebel Wing so far is looking very promising.

What did you lovelies get? Leave links to your post and I'll visit. Thanks for reading...