What-to-Read-Next #14

THE APRIL 28TH BOOK MADNESS CONTINUES! I can't wait to read THE SHATTERED COURT! This is a book that I know will be fabulous. This decision of power that Sophia must make is sure to be one that will be amazing to read about. Comment below with the books that you're looking forward to! 

Title: In a World Just Right

Author: Jen Brooks

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Date: April 28^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

High school senior Jonathan Aubrey creates worlds at will. In Kylie-Simms-is-my-girlfriend, he’s given himself everything he doesn’t have in real life-–the track team, passing grades, and his dream girl–-until one day he confuses his worlds and almost kisses the real Kylie Simms. Now his girlfriend Kylie and the real Kylie are changing, and Jonathan must solve the mystery of his own life to save his love from a gruesome fate.

Title: Magonia

Author: Maria Dahvana Headley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Date: April 28^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

Aza Ray is drowning in thin air. 

Since she was a baby, Aza has suffered from a mysterious lung disease that makes it ever harder for her to breathe, to speak—to live. 

So when Aza catches a glimpse of a ship in the sky, her family chalks it up to a cruel side effect of her medication. But Aza doesn’t think this is a hallucination. She can hear someone on the ship calling her name.

Only her best friend, Jason, listens. Jason, who’s always been there. Jason, for whom she might have more-than-friendly feelings. But before Aza can consider that thrilling idea, something goes terribly wrong. Aza is lost to our world—and found, by another. Magonia. 

Above the clouds, in a land of trading ships, Aza is not the weak and dying thing she was. In Magonia, she can breathe for the first time. Better, she has immense power—and as she navigates her new life, she discovers that war is coming. Magonia and Earth are on the cusp of a reckoning. And in Aza’s hands lies the fate of the whole of humanity—including the boy who loves her. Where do her loyalties lie?

Title: The Secrets of Attraction

Author: Robin Constantine

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Date: April 28^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

Madison Parker is on fast-forward. Working toward a scholarship for a summer art program, she already has her future figured out. But when a visit from a family friend turns her life upside down, everything she thought she knew becomes blurred. All she wants is to stand still for a moment.

Jesse McMann is stuck on repeat. Reeling from a breakup that shattered his heart and his band, Jesse divides his time between working as a barista and trying to find the inspiration to write music again. All he wants to do is move forward.

The night Maddie strolls into Jesse’s coffee shop after yoga class, the last thing on his mind is hooking up, but her smile and witty comebacks are hard to ignore. The spark between them is undeniable, but once-a-week flirting is hardly the stuff of epic romance.

Kismet arrives in the unlikely form of Grayson Barrett. When Jesse discovers that Gray’s girlfriend is also Maddie’s best friend, he invites Gray to join his band as their new drummer, hoping this connection will give him more time around Maddie. Slowly but surely, Jesse and Maddie forge a friendship, but do they have what it takes to make their relationship truly sync?

Title: The Secrets We Keep

Author: Trisha Leaver

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Date: April 28^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

Ella and Maddy Lawton are identical twins. Ella has spent her high school years living in popular Maddy's shadows, but she has never been envious of Maddy. In fact, she's chosen the quiet, safe confines of her sketchbook over the constant battle for attention that has defined Maddy's world.

When—after a heated argument—Maddy and Ella get into a tragic accident that leaves her sister dead, Ella wakes up in the hospital surrounded by loved ones who believe she is Maddy. Feeling responsible for Maddy's death and everyone's grief, Ella makes a split-second decision to pretend to be Maddy. Soon, Ella realizes that Maddy's life was full of secrets. Caught in a web of lies, Ella is faced with two options—confess her deception or live her sister's life.

Title: The Shattered Court (A Novel of the Four Arts #1)

Author: M. J. Scott

Publisher: Penguin USA – Roc

Date: April 28^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

Entangled in a court ruled by tradition and intrigue, a young witch must come to terms with newfound power and desire—and a choice between loyalty and survival.…

The royal witches of Anglion have bowed to tradition for centuries. If a woman of royal blood manifests powers, she is immediately bound by rites of marriage. She will serve her lord by practicing the tamer magics of the earth—ensuring good harvests and predicting the weather. Any magic more dangerous is forbidden.

Lady Sophia Kendall, thirty-second in line to the throne, is only days away from finding out if she will be blessed—or perhaps cursed—with magic. When a vicious attack by Anglion’s ancient enemies leaves the kingdom in chaos, Sophia is forced to flee the court. Her protector by happenstance is Lieutenant Cameron Mackenzie, a member of the royal guard, raised all his life to be fiercely loyal to the Crown.

Then Sophia’s powers manifest stronger than she ever imagined they would, and Cameron and she are inextricably linked in the process. As a witch unbound by marriage rites, Sophia is not only a threat to the established order of her country, but is also a weapon for those who seek to destroy it. Faced with old secrets and new truths, she must decide if she will fight for her country or succumb to the delicious temptation of power.…

Book Review: Save Me by Jenny Elliott

Title: Save Me

Author: Jenny Elliott

Publisher: Swoon Reads - Macmillan

Pages: 309

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: 3/5

Source: Review Copy from Publishers

Goodreads Blurb:

Debut-novelist Jenny Elliott’s thrilling romance, chosen by readers, writers, and publishers for the first list in the new Swoon Reads imprint, pours on the tension and danger in an addictive combination that will keep you turning pages!

Something strange is going on in the tiny coastal town of Liberty, Oregon. Cara has never seen a whale swim close enough for her to touch it—let alone knock her into the freezing water. Fortunately, cute newcomer David is there to save her, and the rescue leads to a bond deeper than Cara ever imagined.

But then she learns something about David that changes everything, and Cara is devastated. She turns to her best friend for support, but Rachel has changed. She’s suddenly into witchcraft, and is becoming dangerously obsessed with her new boyfriend….

Cara has lost her best friend, discovered that her soul mate is off limits, and has attracted the attention of a stalker. But she’s not completely alone. Her mysterious, gorgeous new friend Garren is there to support her. But is Garren possibly too perfect?

Hmmm. This book. To start off with, this book is a book for middle school student getting into young adult novels. And, don’t get me wrong, as a high school student I still liked this book and I could definitely see myself reading it in the future. But I’d have to say that I would have liked it more if I had read it a few years ago.

So, now onto the actual review.

‘Save Me’ is a light, interesting contemporary romance that takes place in the small town of Liberty, Oregon. This book isn’t so deep and intense that I had to actually focus, but it wasn’t light either, so I wasn’t instantly bored. It was more of a beach read - a book you would read if you were looking to fill your time pleasantly.  

This was, overall, an average book. There were good characters and a good plot, but there were quite a few things I didn’t like about this book. Let’s start off with the good things, such as the characters.  I’d have to say that these characters were incredibly cute. Cara was just another ordinary girl, definitely not looking for the love of her life. She was smart, nice, one of those girls who would make a good friend. And David was absolutely handsome. He was like a knight in shining armor, even after his true identity was discovered. But while the characters were adorable and all, I still had a few problems with Cara. For one, while she was book smart, she definitely didn’t seem all that street smart. The way she approached the problems she faced seemed a bit senseless, as if she hadn’t given it a single thought. On the other hand, there was David who was the epitome of rationality and thoughtfulness. The stark difference between the two of them made it extremely easy to see the areas where Cara was lacking that David excelled in.

Then there was the romance plot. There were a few good parts and a few bad parts about this section of the book. One good thing about this book would be how cute it was. The devotion that Cara and David had for each other was adorable to read about. Not only that, but reading about the struggles the two faced to deal with their feelings was incredibly sweet. It was one of those books where you have a good idea of how the book is going to end up but any expected change makes you gasp in shock. Basically, I was hooked. But then, I really didn’t like the fact that the obstacles in the way of Cara and David’s love were very ordinary. There was nothing extremely different about these challenges, which was most definitely a letdown.

I could say the same for the whole “witch” idea. Because there are so many of them, books that have witches have to meet a certain standard. A standard that if they fail to meet, aren’t a good book. And while this book had interesting paranormal creatures, that was the main focus. There wasn’t anything else besides them. And while the paranormal creatures were intriguing, they weren’t good enough to be truly riveting. Quite often I felt that the events occurring were was too popular. There were moments when I couldn’t help but think the events incredibly clichéd.

But, the book began to pick up again in the conclusion. It was towards this part of the book that, even with the over-the-top witch idea, the book began to get more interesting. Cara, Garren and David were finally taking a stand to protect each other and rid the evil spirits that were plaguing them. I’m happy that the book was able to conclude with a fast pace and good ending. And though it was a bit cheesy, it was still a sweet ending that I liked.

‘Save Me’ by Jenny Elliott was an average book that is a decent time-passer. It’s a book that I would reread if I was looking for a quick read. If you’re interested in books that include fantasy creatures this is the book for you.

Looking for other books to check out releasing in January 2015? Click here to check it out!

What You Need to Read Next! (March 2015)

Ooh more books are releasing soon! It's hard to say which book I'm looking forward to the most. They all seem really good! If I had to choose I would most likely have to say is MY BEST EVERYTHING. 

Comment below on which books from this list you're looking forward to! 

Title: My Best Everything

Author: Sarah Tomp
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Date: March 3^rd, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

Luisa “Lulu” Mendez has just finished her final year of high school in a small Virginia town, determined to move on and leave her job at the local junkyard behind. So when her father loses her college tuition money, Lulu needs a new ticket out.

Desperate for funds, she cooks up the (definitely illegal) plan to make and sell moonshine with her friends, Roni and Bucky. Quickly realizing they’re out of their depth, Lulu turns to Mason: a local boy who’s always seemed like a dead end. As Mason guides Lulu through the secret world of moonshine, it looks like her plan might actually work. But can she leave town before she loses everything – including her heart?

The summer walks the line between toxic and intoxicating. My Best Everything is Lulu’s letter to Mason – though is it an apology, a good-bye, or a love letter?

Title: Sorceress (Spellcaster #3)

Author: Claudia Gray
Publisher: HarperTeen

Date: March 3^rd, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

To save the lives of countless people in Captive’s Sound, Nadia has sworn herself to the One Beneath, to black magic. Her plan, and the town’s only hope, is for Nadia to learn enough sorcery to strike back against the forces of darkness. But now that she’s separated from her friends, her family, and her Steadfast, Mateo, Nadia is more vulnerable than ever to darkness. And as the sorceress Elizabeth summons torrential rains and brings the One Beneath closer to the mortal world, Nadia is running out of time to stop her. The final battle lines are drawn, surprising alliances are made, and true love is tested in the action-packed conclusion to the breathtaking Spellcaster series. 

Sorceress is richly woven with New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s signature dark magic, captivating mystery, and star-crossed romance.

Title: Vision in Silver (The Others #3)

Author: Anne Bishop
Publisher: Roc

Date: March 3^rd, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

The Others freed the  cassandra sangue  to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.

Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.

For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…

Title: The Winner’s Crime (The Winner’s Trilogy #2)

Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Date: March 3^rd, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

You Must Read These 5 Books! (February 2015)

The last week of February is upon us, and with that come the last books releasing in Feb 2015. The book that I'm most looking forward to from this list is SHADOW STUDY because Yelena and Valek are back! I can barely contain my excitement. 


  
Comment below about which book from this list you're most looking forward to! 


Title: Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1)

Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publisher: Mira

Date: February 24^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

Once, only her own life hung in the balance.

Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. But she'd survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands and protect her relationship with Valek.

Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek's job - and his life - are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret - or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is - while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers.

Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. And certainly not as dangerous,

Title: The Third Twin

Author: C.J. Omololu
Publisher: Delacorte

Date: February 24^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

Identical twins. Identical DNA. Identical suspects. It's Pretty Little Liarsmeets Revenge in this edge-of-your-seat thriller with a shocking twist.

When they were little, Lexi and her identical twin, Ava, made up a third sister, Alicia. If something broke? Alicia did it. Cookies got eaten? Alicia's guilty. Alicia was always to blame for everything. The game is all grown up now that the girls are seniors. They use Alicia as their cover to go out with boys who are hot but not exactly dating material. Boys they'd never, ever be with in real life.

Now one of the guys Alicia went out with has turned up dead, and Lexi wants to stop the game for good. As coincidences start piling up, Ava insists that if they follow the rules for being Alicia, everything will be fine. But when another boy is killed, the DNA evidence and surveillance photos point to only one suspect: Alicia. The girl who doesn't exist. As she runs from the cops, Lexi has to find the truth before another boy is murdered. Because either Ava is a killer…or Alicia is real.

Title: Unchanged (Unremembered #3)

Author: Jessica Brody
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux Books for Young Readers 

Date: February 24^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

So many secrets are buried within these compound walls. 
I used to be one of those secrets. 

After returning to the Diotech compound and undergoing an experimental new memory alteration, Seraphina is now a loyal, obedient servant to Dr. Alixter and the powerful company that created her. Happy and in love with Kaelen, another scientifically-enhanced human designed to be her perfect match, Sera’s history with a boy named Zen is just a distant memory from a rebellious past she longs to forget.

But as Sera and Kaelen embark on a nationwide tour to promote Diotech’s new product line—a collection of controversial genetic modifications available to the public—Sera’s mind starts to rebel. She can’t stop the memories of Zen from creeping back in.

As more secrets are revealed, more enemies are uncovered, and the reality of a Diotech-controlled world grows closer every day, Sera will have to choose where her true loyalties lie, but it’s a choice that may cost her everything she’s ever loved.

Title: Vendetta (Vendetta #1)

Author: Catherine Doyle
Publisher: Chicken House LTD

Date: February 24^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

For Sophie, it feels like another slow, hot summer in Cedar Hill, waitressing at her family’s diner and hanging out with her best friend Millie. But then someone moves into the long-abandoned mansion up the block--a family of five Italian brothers, each one hotter than the last. Unable to resist caramel-eyed Nicoli, Sophie finds herself falling for him -- and willfully ignoring the warning signs. Why are Nic's knuckles cut and bruised? Why does he carry an engraved switchblade? And why does his arrogant and infuriating older brother, Luca, refuse to let her see him? As the boys' dark secrets begin to come to light, Sophie is confronted with stinging truths about her own family, too. Suddenly, she's torn between two warring dynasties: the one she’s related to and the one she's now in love with. She'll have to choose between loyalty and passione. When she does, blood will spill, hearts will break. Because in this twisted underworld, dishonor can be the difference between life and death.

Title: A Wicked Thing

Author: Rhiannon Thomas
Publisher: HarperTeen

Date: February 24^th, 2015

Goodreads Blurb:

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.

Her family is long dead. Her "true love" is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept. 

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.