(ARC) Review for Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross

Tear You Apart (Beau Rivage)
By Sarah Cross
Published by Egmont January 27th 2015
Recieved Ebook from NetGalley
384 pages

"Faced with a possible loophole to her "Snow White" curse, Viv goes underground, literally, to find the prince who's fated to rescue her. But is life safe in the Underworld worth the price of sacrficing the love that might kill her?" ~ Goodreads

Review

Set in the magical town of Beau Rivage Tear You Apart holds so much promise of an exciting adventure, but didn't quite deliver.

I adored Kill Me Softly and being reunited with the characters was awesome. I love how the loose ends from the first book are tied up in this one (specifically Mira's family situation). Viv as a minor character in Kill Me Softly is great, her edginess fit into the Beau Rivage gang. However, a story starring her? Eh, no. I strongly dislike her. Yes, I do have sympathy for her (she get's into some horrid situations) but I really can't excuse her actions. She treats Henley like dirt. She is one of those girls who makes out with another guy to get the guy she actually likes jealous but then pushes the guy she likes away because they can't be together due to her curse but at the same time wants him to always be there for her. Inhale. Exhale. Henley deserves better. His anger issue is a little unnerving, but I admire how loyal, patient, and determined he is. As for Viv's prince and his family, they were developed well. Her stepmother's (the evil queen's) depth of character was surprising. 

 I have so much respect for Cross as she does not shy away from the original Grimm tales, instead she embraces them. Do not expect a fluffy fairytale retelling. There are dark going-ons. It amazes me how intertwined the various stories are and I love the original world Cross creates, it is entirely her own. The mystery was missing and there was quite a bit of lag time. It only really picked up at the end (now that part was very entertaining). Both books boast a solid ending - no need for panic over a cliff hanger.

I'd recommend Tear You Apart to readers who appreciate the Grimm tales and unique twists. Although not enjoying it nearly as much as the first (thanks a lot Viv), I think I will be on the look out for more!

Excerpt

"So." Blue flopped down on the bed. "Haven't seen you in a while. Thought maybe you were in your glass coffin already."

"Can you not tonight? I'm not in the mood."

"Sorry. Habit. You okay?"

......

"I'm just hungry," Viv said. "The food at the party was gross. Pate and caviar licked by a cat."

"That's what happens when you let a boots-wearing cat join your country club."

"He wasn't even wearing his boots."

"Scandalous. What happened to no shirt, no tiny boots, no service?"

Viv laughed. "I don't know. Standards are really falling at Seven Oaks. I'm going to see if I can find some food. I'll be right back."

Review for Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand

Imitation (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. 

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. 

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

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.

Stacking the Shelves (10)

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

  

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

  

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...

Stacking the Shelves (7)

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)!

Received from NetGalley (Ebooks)

        

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

Currently I am reading Endless, which I have not heard too much about (the cover was the main reason I chose it *coughs*), and it seems to be quite interesting. I'm not really sure what to expect from it, but so far so good. I'm really excited to read Pawn (I was ecstatic that I was accepted even), so I cannot wait to start it!! Eek!

                       What did YOU guys get? Leave LINKS to YOUR posts!!! Thanks for reading...