Review : Gone Girl

 

Gone Girl

Gillian Flynn

Broadway Books

 

From Goodreads: On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

 

 

 

My Review: All I can say about this book is Wow. What a rollercoaster ride of events and emotions. The love - hate relationship I had with these characters was amazing. Really helped me get out of a reading slump I was in, because the story just kept calling me. Both Nick and Amy are great characters well written and well developed. Amy thought is mind blowing. Strong and powerful not someone you will forget easily . I do not re-read many books but this one is going to be re-read by me  loved this book if I could give it more than 5 stars I would

 

Review: Second Star

 

Second Star

Alyssa B. Sheinmel

 Farrar, Straus and Giroux

 

 

 

From Goodreads: A twisty story about love, loss, and lies, this contemporary ocean side adventure is tinged with a touch of dark magic as it follows seventeen-year-old Wendy Darling on a search for her missing surfer brothers. Wendy’s journey leads her to a mysterious hidden cove inhabited by a tribe of young renegade surfers, most of them runaways like her brothers. Wendy is instantly drawn to the cove’s charismatic leader, Pete, but her search also points her toward Pete's nemesis, the drug-dealing Jas. Enigmatic, dangerous, and handsome, Jas pulls Wendy in even as she's falling hard for Pete.

 

 

 

My Review: I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.

      I have been reading fairy tale retellings for a while and when I saw this one I said Yes. Peter Pan is one I have not seen before and I was drawn to it. I liked this book and the plot was good. Wendy looking for her twin brothers, surfers who are missing and assumed dead. Wendy not believing in their demise goes on a journey to find them. Then she meets Pete, Belle and Jas. I did squeal with joy every time I saw a reference to the old tale of Peter Pan and read on excitedly, but it was good enough and different enough that at moments you forget it is a retelling. Surfing instead of flying, biker bar and drugs. This was a radical retelling and I think the touch of new and old mixed well in this book . This was about to get a four star rating until the end. I was disappointed in the ending because the book just seemed to be begging for a sequel, but at last  it was not meant to be.





Review: Paranoia

 

Paranoia

J.R Johansson

Flux

 

 

 

From Goodreads: In the aftermath of the events that nearly killed him, Parker Chipp is trying to learn to cope better with life as a Watcher. And it seems to be working...until he wakes up in jail with a hangover and 12 hours of missing time. Darkness has somehow taken control and Parker doesn't have a clue how to stop him. He finds an unlikely ally in Jack, the mysterious guy in the motorcycle jacket who offers to help Parker master his abilities as a Watcher. But even as they practice, the darkness inside Parker is getting more and more powerful, taking over Parker’s body and doing everything he can to destroy Parker's life.

When Jack reveals that there is another kind of Night Walker, known as a Taker, Parker starts to wonder if the strange things happening in Oakville are more than just a coincidence. After all, people are more than just sleepwalking. They're emptying their savings accounts with no memory of doing so, wandering into strange parts of town and disappearing, they're even killing other people--all in their sleep. If Parker wants to find out what's happening or have any hope of seeing his father again, he’ll have to defy Jack and put his own life in danger...because the more he learns about these other Night Walkers, the more certain he becomes that his life isn't the only one that could be lost.

 

 



My Review:   I received this book from Netgalley and Flux for my honest review


This book was just as good as the first one. Jack is a new and amazing character, but to be honest I like all the characters in this series and I look forward to the third book too. I wonder how much more knowledge of what he is Parker can take,

Review : The Tyrant's Daughter

 

 

 

The Tyrant's Daughter
J.C Carleson
 Knopf Books for Young Readers

From Goodreads:When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?

 

My Review: I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.

     I was quite surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. I think the author did a wonderful job with the story, Laila struggle to adapt to American Culture while still trying to true to herself and her belief was interesting and I could understand her conflict. I would have like to see more about her coming to terms with who she knew as her father and how the world saw him, but  readers will understand how different her father was. Laila is a wonderful character who is strong, intelligent and interesting girl, a great quick and thought provoking read.

 

 









Review: Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold

 

 

 

Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold

Katie Finn

Feiwel & Friends

 

 

 

From Goodreads: The war rages on between Gemma and Hallie in the second installment of the Broken Hearts and Revenge series.

After the humiliating events on the 4th of July, Gemma's trying to handle the fact that Hallie knew who she was all along, and she was the one who stole Teddy from her. Gemma vows revenge, but things get more complicated than she planned. Ford, Gemma’s long-time crush, has arrived in the Hamptons cuter than ever. Josh is refusing to speak to her after she lied to him, and Teddy is playing champion to his beloved Marsh Warbler (in Gemma's backyard, no less).

Gemma and Hallie find themselves locked in an escalating revenge cycle. Just when Gemma thinks she has the upper hand, the biggest bombshell of all is dropped. And it’s one that threatens to change her life forever. This exciting sequel to Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things To Mend will leave you begging for the third installment.  

 

 My Review: I loved this sequel to the first book. Gemma and Hallie are back and up too their tricks and better than ever. I am so looking forward to the third book in this series. Not going into too much detail because I don't want to spoil this delightful, crazy and funny story.

 

    





Review : Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend

 

Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend

Katie Finn

Feiwel & Friends

From Goodreads: Gemma had her summer all planned out, but it takes a sharp turn when she gets dumped and finds herself back in the Hamptons after a five-year absence.

Being there puts her at risk of bumping into Hallie, her former best friends (that is, before Gemma ruined her life). But people don't hold grudges forever. Do they?

Gemma intends on making amends, but a small case of mistaken identity causes the people she knew years ago—including Hallie and her dreamy brother, Josh—to believe she's someone else. As though the summer wasn't complicated enough already.

My Review: Every once in a while I read a contemporary story. I am luck that so far I have read some funny and interesting stories. This entertaining and laugh out loud book was my favorite so far. Gemma is a girl who I instantly understood and sympathize with. We have all done things when we were younger that we would change if we could, so I understood Gemma's desire to do just that.

I also felt for her when things started to get tougher for her. The ending of this book just begs for a sequel and I am so happy I am reading the second  book in this delightful trilogy .




Review: Perfect Victim

 

 

 

Perfect Victim

Jan Christensen

Createspace

 

 

 

From Goodreads: A few days after Sylvia Leominster is murdered, private investigator Paula Mitchell interviews Sylvia's fiance in their small-town Rhode Island jail. Warren Wade's fingerprints are all over the murder weapon, he has no alibi, and Sylvia broke up with him the night she was killed. After another young woman friend of Sylvia's is bludgeoned to death, Paula is dismayed when the police keep Warren in jail. They claim the second murder could have been committed by a copy-cat and remind her Warren's fingerprints are still on the weapon that killed Sylvia. Working with her best friend who often hires Paula to investigate cases and who is Warren's lawyer, Paula searches for answers. Paula and her computer guru lover narrow down the suspects to the victim's friends. The group is led by a mesmeric young man with political ambitions. Paula doesn't trust him, especially when she learns that all of Sylvia's friends have lied during her interviews. At the preliminary hearing, some answers begin to emerge. Paula zeros in on the killer and sees firsthand how friendship and loyalty can be used for personal gain. With Warren's freedom on the line, she has to find a way to capture the real killer. But in doing so, she doesn't realize she's putting herself and her own best friend in danger. First in a series featuring Paula as a feisty private investigator.

 

My Review:  I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my honest review.

 

 

 I enjoyed this book. It is nice to read about a female P.I. instead of all the hard boil men. A woman who is realistic, not a superhero who knows 15 forms of martial arts. Paula is sensitive and strong a refreshing mix. I also like the humor in the story. This is a fast paced and action packed story, the ending is predictable but does take away from the story at all but brings closure to this quick read.

 







Review : My Year Of Epic Rock

My Year of Epic Rock
Andrea Pyros
Sourcebook Jabberwocky

From Goodreads: If Life Was Like a Song

Nina Simmons’ song would be “You Can’t Always Eat What You Want.” (Peanut allergies, ugh). But that’s okay, because as her best friend Brianna always said, “We’re All in This Together.”

Until the first day of the seventh grade, when Brianna dumps her to be BFFs with the popular new girl. Left all alone, Nina is forced to socialize with “her own kind”–banished to the peanut-free table with the other allergy outcasts. As a joke, she tells her new pals they should form a rock band called EpiPens. (Get it?) Apparently, allergy sufferers don’t understand sarcasm, because the next thing Nina knows she’s the lead drummer.

Now Nina has to decide: adopt a picture-perfect pop personality to fit in with Bri and her new BFF or embrace her inner rocker and the spotlight. Well..

Call Me a Rock Star, Maybe.

 

 

 

My Review : I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.


       I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun and fast read. Nina's world just fell apart, her bff for her entire life just deserted her. Too a twelve year old that is the end of the world. Nina handles it well and her growth in this book is wonderfully entailed in this story of staying strong and empowering through tough time even when someone so young. This is a great book for the younger group and young at heart.

  

Review : Puppet

 

 

 

Puppet

Pauline C. Harris

Patchwork Press

 

 

from Goodreads: Penelope never dreamed she’d become a superhuman experiment masquerading as a puppet.
She never dreamed everything would be taken from her; even her ability to lie.
Nor did she ever dream that she would become something so unreal.

Penelope lives in a world of advanced technology. Marionettes have advanced in the form of robots; lifelike creations remote controlled to perform super human tasks.
When Penelope makes a deal with Jed, a marionette-obsessed scientist, she doesn’t fully realize what she’s getting herself into. In order for Jed to take her away from the orphanage she lives in, she must first agree to undergo his experiments and tests, ultimately creating something no one ever dreamed possible; the first living marionette.
As Jed shows off his scientific creation to the world, concerns arise surrounding Penelope’s abilities and what she’s capable of doing. Ordered to somehow lessen her abilities, Jed makes a desperate attempt to change Penelope to make her more human, more vulnerable. After Penelope lies to the officials about her past, Jed makes sure it’s the last one she’ll ever utter. The truth is now the only thing she is capable of telling.
As Penelope struggles with her past, her disturbingly new present, and her uncertain future, she is thrust into a magically twisted world of mayhem in search of the one thing she wants, but knows she can never have. The chance to be just a girl again. To be normal. To be real.

 

 

My Review: I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

           I went into this book with high hope a retelling of Pinocchio intrigued me too no end. It started off really well but then something happened. The book seemed to just fall flat. I continued to read in hopes that it got better but I am sorry to say it did not recapture the magic I was  hoping for. It had it moment and I thought it was Okay but disappointed I did not love it.

 

 

 





Review : Blur

Blur

Steven James

Skyscape

 

 

 

From Goodreads: The isolated town of Beldon, Wisconsin, is shocked when a high school freshman’s body is found in Lake Algonquin. Just like everyone in the community, sixteen-year-old Daniel Byers believes that Emily Jackson’s death was accidental. But at her funeral, when he has a terrifying vision of her, his world begins to rip apart at the seams.

Convinced that Emily’s appearance was more than just a mere hallucination, Daniel begins to look carefully into her death, even as he increasingly loses the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality.

What’s real? What’s not? Where does reality end and madness begin?

As Daniel struggles to find the truth, his world begins to crumble around him as he slips further and further into his own private blurred reality.

My Review:  I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book for my honest review.

         This book has mystery and ghost. Okay, you have my attention.  This book was wonderful story. Full of mystery and action. Daniel struggles to understand what is happening to him and keep it together at the same time that compels the story even further. I found myself blurring the line between what was real and what was not while reading the story. This put me right in the middle of the story as an observer  and I liked finding all the clues and solving the mystery with Daniel. I already purchased the second book and I am looking forward to reading that just as much.





Review : The Zodiac Collector

 

 

 

 The Zodiac Collector

Laura Diamond

Spencer Hill Press

 

 

From Goodreads: For almost-16 year-old Anne Devans, the annual Renaissance
Faire means three things—her dad spending weeks in the smithy, her bipolar mom doing some manic costume making, and another ruined birthday for her and her twin sister, Mary.

This year, Anne wants things to be different, and she's going to do things her way.

On the eve of the Faire, Anne (along with a reluctant Mary) conjures up a spell that will make their 16th birthday party a whirlwind event. Little do they know that it's a literal request.

After the mini tornado in their room subsides, the girls realize they've invoked the power of the Gemini Twins, Castor and Pollux. That's the good news. The bad news is they also caught the attention of a sorceress named Zeena who has been collecting children born under each Zodiac Sign to enhance her power. Once she captures Anne and Mary, Gemini twins, the entire Zodiac—and the world—will be hers.

Anne leads the fight against Zeena, but her one-sided decisions could throw them into a world so far from home, even the Renaissance Faire would seem like a brilliant vacation. Between managing their new Zodiac powers, dodging their manic mother and trying to stop Zeena, they'll get a 16th birthday they'll never forget.  

 

 

My Review: I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book.

 

 

      I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but the title and cover looked great to me. I am glad I liked the story too. This was an intriguing read. Enjoyed the elements of the zodiac and I was interested to see how they would play out. Working with witchcraft is always dangerous but this brought that home for the twins. This uses all the elements of the story just perfectly and taught me some things about the zodiac. Anyone who like family stories dealing with witchcraft will enjoy this fun story.   



Review: The Beast

 

 

The Beast

Lindsay Mead

 

 

 

From Goodreads: Demon possession has swept through Glace's neighboring kingdom, turning humans into hellhounds. These great, fanged wolves are wild, desperate, and hungry. Only the sworn Hunters have kept them back for five long, bloody years.

At the young age of fifteen, Belle LeClair became a Hunter. She no longer remembers how many hounds she's killed, or how many friends she's buried. Still, Belle leads the hunt till a tragedy forces her deep into the dark kingdom. Her heart will be turned, her loyalty tested— and fate will intervene.

Amid a backdrop of Steampunk inventions and a harsh winter landscape, The Beast is a re-imagining of the infamous love between a beauty and a beast.

 

 

My Review: Ok just a warning I am going to gush here. I watched Lindsay Mead's video when she was on you tube, When she mentioned she was working on a book I was interested. When she said it was a Beauty and a beast re-imaging I know I wanted the book. When I bought the book I started it immediately and I loved it. To say I could not put this down is an understatement. I was in this world that was dark and beautiful. I felt like I was part of the world Lindsay created. I felt comfortable with the familiar characters and the steampunk elements just made the story that much interesting. The only thing that I did not like was.......It ended. Okay now I have one thing to say Lindsay Write Faster PPPLLLEEEAAAAASSSSSSSEEEE. 

 

 

Review: Scorch


Scorch
Gina Damico
 HMH Books for Young Readers

From Goodreads:Sixteen-year-old Lex Bartleby is a teenage grim reaper with the bizarre ability to damn souls. That makes her pretty scary, even to fellow Grims. But after inadvertently transferring her ability to Zara, a murderous outlaw, Lex is a pariah in Croak, the little town she calls home.

To escape the townspeople’s wrath, she and her friends embark on a wild road trip to DeMyse. Though this sparkling desert oasis is full of luxuries and amusements, it feels like a prison to Lex. Her best chance at escape would be to stop Zara once and for all—but how can she do that from DeMyse, where the Grims seem mysteriously oblivious to Zara’s killing spree?

 

 

My Review: I missed the characters from Croak. I did not realize it till I started reading this great sequel. I missed the sarcasm that pours from Lex's lips like a second language. This was a great follow up to Croak and I loved all the action in this book. I am not going into too much of this book, because I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. I do recommend this series too anyone who likes paranormal and humor

    

Review: Red Queen

 

Red Queen

Victoria Aveyard

Orion

 

 

From Goodreads: This is a world divided by blood - red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance - Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart...  

 

 

My Review : I really enjoyed this book. At first it was hard to get into but I continued because I do not DNF books. This book seem to drag in the beginning, but when the action starts it is amazing and fast paced. You also see were all the detail from the previous chapters works into the story. I enjoyed the twists and turns this book takes. Sometimes I found myself pulled into the story because of the wonderful world building and the characters. The supporting characters are just as strong as the main character and grow more important as the story continues. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see how the riveting story continues.

 





Review : Killer Instinct

 

 

 

Killer Instinct

S. E. Green

Simon Pulse

 

 

From Goodreads : Lane is a typical teenager. Loving family. Good grades. After-school job at the local animal hospital. Martial arts enthusiast. But her secret obsession is studying serial killers. She understands them, knows what makes them tick.

Why?

Because she might be one herself.

Lane channels her dark impulses by hunting criminals and delivering justice when the law fails. The vigilantism stops shy of murder, but with each visceral rush, the line of self-control blurs. And when a young preschool teacher goes missing—and returns in pieces—Lane gets a little too excited about tracking down “the Decapitator,” the vicious serial murderer who has come to her hometown.

As she gets dangerously caught up in a web of lies about her own past, Lane realizes she is no longer invisible or safe. Especially after the Decapitator contacts her directly. Now she needs to use her unique talents to find the true killer’s identity before she—or someone she loves—becomes the next victim…  

 

 

My Review : I was so trapped in this book I read it in one night. This was a fast pace, bone chilling read. I did not expect the ending and I was shocked but thrilled to see this is a series. Lane is a character I liked dark and disturbed and she know it. Yes, I am the classmate you had that read about true crime and serial killers in high school. I am so looking forward to reading more about Lane and seeing what happens to her family now. This is my favorite book I have read this year so far.

 

 

 

Review : EKHO: Evil Kid Hunting Organization



EKHO: Evil Kid Hunting Organization

Marie D. Jones with Max Jones

Open Road Media Young Readers

 

From Goodreads: Ten-year-old Elvis Jones is tired of being picked on, taunted, and teased by the bullies at his elementary school, so he does what any smart, technologically brilliant kid his age would do: he creates EKHO, the Evil Kid Hunting Organization, a sophisticated network of kid spies and secret agents that utilize a variety of cool gadgets to stay one step ahead of the enemy—the bullies. They hire kids, make them swear allegiance to the organization, and train them as commandos, privates, and elite spies. As kids rise through the ranks, the missions, posted on an encrypted EKHO website, require ever more smarts and skill, especially when the bullies form their own counterspy group called DEKE (Destroy EKHO Kids Everywhere).

It’s all in good fun, until the kids of EKHO must put their pretend skills to use for far more serious, and dangerous, missions. As field agents come across evidence of more sinister forces, they now have to deal with the strange, the weird, and the unknown as they look for the truth about the bizarre and creepy threats to their school, their families, and their own lives. They experience betrayal, intrigue, infiltration, and counter-espionage as well as teachers and adults who act more mysterious with each passing day, which leaves Elvis and his EKHO team wondering: Whom can you trust when the person standing next to you might not be entirely human?

 

 

My Review :I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book for my honest review.

      I enjoyed this book and its premise. We have all dealt with some kind of bullying in our life. This take a fun and interesting look at the kids who are being bullied, and their plot for revenge. I also like the use of social media and computers in this book. A lot I must admit would take me a manual to operate myself, but it was still fun to read about. I am looking forward to reading more from this series when they are available.



Review: Gossip Files



The Gossip File

Anna Staniszewski

 Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

 

 

 

From Goodreads: The Gossip File:

-Chandra lets little kids pee in the pool.
-Melody stole $ from the cafe register.
-Ava isn’t who she says she is…

Ava is cool. Ava is confident. Ava is really Rachel Lee who is lying her butt off.
Rachel is visiting her dad at a resort in sunny Florida and is ready for two weeks of relaxing poolside, trips to Disney World and NOT scrubbing toilets. Until her dad’s new girlfriend, Ellie, begs Rachel to help out at her short-staffed cafe. That’s when Rachel kinda sorta adopts a new identity to impress the cool, older girls who work there. Ava is everything Rachel wishes she could be. But when the girls ask “Ava” to help juicy resort gossip to their file, Rachel’s not sure what to do…especially when one of the entries is a secret about Ellie.  

 

 

My Review: I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book for my honest review.

 

 

           I have read been fortunate to have read all of "The Dirt Diary " trilogy and each one was more amusing than the last. This time Rachel is visiting her father and trying to spend some time with him but when another woman is taking all his attention it is time to end it. Rachel is up too her zany tricks again, with the wacky results I've come to expect but it is still fun to read about. I really enjoyed this trilogy and I want to see what Anna comes up next. 

 

 



Review : Creed

 

 

Creed
 Trisha Leaver , Lindsay Currie
Flux

From Goodreads: Three went in. Three came out. None even a shadow of who they once were.

When their car breaks down, Dee, her boyfriend Luke, and his brother Mike walk through a winter storm to take refuge in a nearby town called Purity Springs. When they arrive, the emergency sirens are blaring and the small farming town seems abandoned. With no other shelter, they spend the night in an empty house.

But they soon discover that not everything in Purity Springs is as it seems. When the town's inhabitants suddenly appear the next morning, Dee, Luke, and Mike find themselves at the mercy of the charismatic leader, Elijah Hawkins, who plans to make Dee his new wife. Elijah's son, Joseph, offers to help them escape . . . but the price of his help may be more than Dee and her friends can bear.  

 

 

 

My Review: I would like to thank Netgalley and Flux for my copy of this book for my honest review,

 

           This book kept me up all night. Not because it was long, I flew threw this book the writing flows well and the story keep you reading. It was that creepy and dark. I loved it. This was the first young adult horror story I read and it was just as good as the adult books. I am now creeped out for small towns now.  I pray my car never breaks down on a dark road because of this masterfully written book I will still be in the car in the morning. Dee is a wonderful strong willed character who you cheer for till the end and then wonder what happens next. I will not spoil this book but there is a heart breaking moment when you read this book.