Review: That’s Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger!

That’s Not What Happened
Author: Kody Keplinger

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: August 28th 2018 

by Scholastic Press

It's been three years since the Virgil County High School Massacre. Three years since my best friend, Sarah, was killed in a bathroom stall during the mass shooting. Everyone knows Sarah's story--that she died proclaiming her faith.

But it's not true.

I know because I was with her when she died. I didn't say anything then, and people got hurt because of it. Now Sarah's parents are publishing a book about her, so this might be my last chance to set the record straight . . . but I'm not the only survivor with a story to tell about what did--and didn't--happen that day.

Except Sarah's martyrdom is important to a lot of people, people who don't take kindly to what I'm trying to do. And the more I learn, the less certain I am about what's right. I don't know what will be worse: the guilt of staying silent or the consequences of speaking up . . .

Kody has also authored: ​The Duff, Lying Out Loud, Run, Shut Out, A Midsummer’s Nightmare What is the newest publicized problem facing our youth today? Have you been watching the news? Aside from rampant drug use our youth must worry about whether or not they will be safe when they go to school every morning, this due to recent increases in mass shootings.

When I picked up this book I thought what an ironic time to read a book like this, it being so close to what happened in Florida and all. Kody writes in the first person, as the main character Lee (or Leanne) as she tries to recount the events as they unfolded the day of the shooting in the small town school. She lost her best friend during the tragedy and finds a discrepancy that she feels must be corrected before it is too late so she enlists the help of the other survivors and starts to write down the events as they unfolded through their eyes.

While she is moving through the aftermath of the events, she battles with depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

She continues to build stronger bonds and realizes things about herself and others that she may not have realized before, that are making her think differently. However, she must be careful with what she is doing because it could cost her relationships that she has had since she was young.

Some things to consider about this book, although this topic has affected students as young as kindergarten, I do not believe 12 years old is an appropriate starting age for this book, nor is 7th grade. I think it would be better suited to start at 15 years old and 9th grade. A child’s ability to comprehend the material contained in this book may be a little more than they may be able to handle in a maturity manner. Some things that I like about this book; I have noticed that although the survivors were not close prior to the event, they have been able to build a bond and grow closer after being there for one another should they need someone close to talk to, someone who has been there. They are also using their experiences to tell a new story about how the event unfolded. With this they are hoping that they will leave a lasting story, the truth to go with the names that are left on the wall of the fallen victims and also to stomp out any rumors after they leave the school in the spring.

Some dislikes of the book; I found that the story would drag in some spots in the beginning of the book as the author tried to explain each of the characters, I felt like she dragged on when explaining their features or personalities. This made it difficult to continue reading but I wanted to know what the real story was so I pushed on. I also found that the story does not stay in a continuous time flow; for instance, the author could tell the story of the event letting the readers know about the students (survivors) as far as what year they were in and what time of the school year it was, etc. and then bring us to present day but also telling us how long it has been since the event happened because I am not finding it to be clear, I feel that it could be months or years but I am never sure.

This is a quick read if you have the time to sit and focus, it is not a self-help book by any means, I saw that the author explained a real life situation of her own and also her reasoning as why she thought to write this, which was my reasoning for reading it.

FIONA R.

 

Review: Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks!

Sanity & Tallulah
Author: Molly Brooks
Genre: YA Age Appropriate: 8-12 Grade Appropriate: 3-7
On Sale In Store: 10/23/2018
Hardcover, 240 pages
Expected publication: October 23rd 2018 
by Disney-Hyperion

Sanity Jones and Tallulah Vega are best friends on Wilnick, the dilapidated space station they call home at the end of the galaxy. So naturally, when gifted scientist Sanity uses her lab skills and energy allowance to create a definitely-illegal-but-impossibly-cute three-headed kitten, she has to show Tallulah. But Princess, Sparkle, Destroyer of Worlds is a bit of a handful, and it isn't long before the kitten escapes to wreak havoc on the space station. The girls will have to turn Wilnick upside down to find her, but not before causing the whole place to evacuate! Can they save their home before it's too late?

Readers will be over the moon for this rollicking space adventure by debut author Molly Brooks. Sanity and Tallulah is an action-packed graphic novel about how two friends, Sanity and Tallulah, end up putting their home at risk. Sanity Jones is a young girl with lots of intelligence and passion. Her understanding of science is extraordinary. Tallulah Vega is a bit of a free spirit and is very fearless. She is a great friend to have by your side. Both live in space on a space station called Wilinick. Tallulah’s parents are great workers that help Wilinick run. Sanity’s father is the station’s director. In this story Sanity over steps her boundaries when it comes to what she can experiment with and ends up making a living breathing...cat. The cat has three heads. Its name is Princess Sparkle, Destroyer of Worlds. After Sanity loses track of Princess Sparkle, Destroyer of the Worlds, it’s up to the two girls to find her without getting caught. When it seems like the daring duo are getting close to finding the cat a new threat has sneaked its way onto the station and is threatening the survival of Wilinick station’s residents.

I thought that this suspenseful adventure was wonderful. The suspense itself kept me turning one page after another until I realized I was already finished. I thought the book showed the theme, that friends will always have your back and will help you when you need them, perfectly. The graphic novel was filled with tons of funny one-liners and silly answers to mysteries. Speaking of the mysteries, I liked how there was just one major plot line to follow. In other books that I have read there were so many unknown answers in books that it felt like the books were just one big question mark. I could also follow the story really easy.

Overall, the book was great to read. One thing though kind of slowed down the story for me. I didn’t like how the amount of text bubbles kept fluctuating from page to page. At first a couple of pages would just have clear back and forth communication. Then, when I would move on in the story I would see lots of various bubbles. If the conversation was a bit more even from page to page I think it would flow better, but that’s just my opinion.

This book about friendship, mystery, and extraordinary science, was heartwarming and hilarious at the same time. I loved the suspense, jokes, and easy plots to follow all at the same time. Sanity & Tallulah is going to put tons of concentrated and smiling faces on the kids that read it. Good job Molly Brooks. The other thing to change is the text bubble problem and then it will be ready to send to shelves.

Lucais is a 6th grader from South Jersey. He is one of 4 children. His interests include math and science, and reading. His favorite genres are non-fiction, dystopian novels, and graphic novels and the occasional textbook. In his free time he enjoys filming videos for his YouTube channel, reading his favorite genre of books, and working on his first dystopian novel; hoping to complete within the next 6 months. He's looking forward to having a more relaxing environment to work on his hobbies in the very near future. This is Lucais's first review for Good Choice Reading and looking forward to doing more. Happy Reading!

Review: Becoming a Vincent by C.M. Owens

Title: Becoming a Vincent (The Wild Ones #1)
Author: C.m. Owens
Published: June 19th, 2017
Ebook: 168 pages

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When you live in a place where “turbo speed” internet is a slight step above dial-up, men carry on nine-year beard-growing challenges out of stubborn pride, and your brothers do things like nail all your panties to the outside of your cabin just for funsies, you tend to be a little crazy. You can call it a "locational" hazard, if you will.
That’s Tomahawk for you.
We rank people based on just how crazy they are. And the four craziest families in town are called the Wild Ones. I’m on the bottom tier of those, so technically I’m not as crazy as the other Wild Ones. In fact, if it wasn’t for my brothers and their endless antics, I wouldn’t be considered a Wild One at all. Ahem. Sure. We’ll go with that.
Anyway, I have a best friend who endures it all with me. Benson Nolans is my one, constant favorite person.Without him, I’d probably go really crazy, and not the fun kind. It’d be ridiculous, after three years of a flawless friendship, to mess that all up by falling for him.
I mean, even if we did get a little too close one night, it’d be reckless endangerment. Even if we did suddenly feel the chemistry that’s always been there and stop toeing the line, it’d be a foolish risk to take.
It’d be stupid to start hoping a really fun, but completely irrational, night with zero inhibitions might accidentally happen.Really stupid… 
Right?
*NO cliffhanger*Stand-alone book *Sexual Content*Adult language*Completely, 100% crazy

C.m. Owens is fast becoming one of my go to authors if I need a good laugh. I re-read her Sterling Shore series anytime I feel like busting a gut. They're hilarious. I'm really glad she's releasing a new hilarious series. Becoming a Vincent is on the shorter side, and you'll run right through it, because it's too funny to put down. 

Lilah is one of the members of one fourth of the corner of crazies in Tomahawk, Washington. That means she is tame compared to the girls from the other three corners. And Benson is her best friend. I don't really want to give too much away, but let's just say these two are playing hide and seek with the feelings. They have great chemistry, and a fantastic friendship. And Benson is a patient man, he'd have to be in order to put up with Lilah, her brothers, and the rest of her family. I really don't want to give away any part of the story, but the antics? Oh man. Laugh out loud funny.

Needless to say, I'd highly recommend this story...or pretty much anything C.m. Owens has written. I seriously cannot wait for more of the citizens of Tomahawk, and I especially can't wait for all the crazy that's to come. 

Review: Raised in Fire by K.F. Breene

Title: Raised in Fire (Fire and Ice Trilogy #2)
Author: K.F. Breene
Published: May 16, 2017 (Kindle edition, 432 pages)
Genre: Urban Fantasy

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It is a common truth in my life that when it rains, it pours. 

The killings that once plagued New Orleans are cropping up again in Seattle. The local office is stumped. I’m called out to lend a fresh set of eyes, and my unique magical touch.

It’s only when I get there that I realize the Seattle office isn’t stumped at all.

They’re being silenced by the Mages’ Guild, a corrupt magical institution that doesn't want word to get out of what is plaguing the city. Worse, news of my magic might’ve slipped down to the underworld, hitting the ears of some extremely powerful demons.

What I thought was a routine murder investigation turns into a fight for my life. With the help of Darius, my stalker elder vampire, and my dual-mage side kicks, I somehow have to dodge the Guild in order to stop one of the most powerful demons I’ve ever encountered. If I don’t? It’ll escape back down below with proof of what I really am.

My life hangs in the balance, and this time, I can't see a way out.

As you've probably realized, I'm a pretty big K.f. Breene fan. I love her story lines, and her fierce and feisty heroines. Reagan is no exception. And with the third and final book in the trilogy coming out in just a little more than a month, I figured I had better get on writing this review. 

When Raised in Fire starts, we learn that someone has been talk talk talking, and news of Reagan's possible parentage and abilities has made its way to the underworld. We meet Agnon, who is referred to as an it, but let's be honest...he's a legit demon. And this guy brings calls an aswang. I put it in italics, because that's what you do. I had to look up what an aswang even was. Now, there are lots of variations of what an aswang is but the gist of it is: An Aswang is a shapeshifting monster in Filipino folklore. And take a gander at these creeps.

Freaky, am I right? The aswang was seriously just a small part of the story, but since I think cryptid's are AWESOME, I just had to talk about it. 

Okay, moving on. So there's some strange murdering going on in Seattle, and Reagan is sent that way to check it out. And since Darius is a little bit stalky, he makes sure to be there with her. There is a little bit of bow chicka wow wow in this part of the story. But trust me, Reagan makes him work for it. I find it a lot of fun that Darius thinks Reagan is perfect, and she's just like-Dude. Stop it. Relax. She's not buying the bs. 

There is quite a lot of action in this part of the story. Of course, Reagan is keeping secrets, because she has to. Some people find out, some people don't. Some suspicions are confirmed, some are denied. Things like that. I imagine Reagan is not going to be able to hide forever, though. Her father is bound to find out that she exists. Guess we'll have to wait until the next book to see what happens with that.

Review: The Vanishing Girl (The Vanishing Girl #1) by Laura Thalassa

The Vanishing Girl (The Vanishing Girl #1)
By Laura Thalassa
Ebook 287 pages
Publication March 15, 2014
Lavabrook Publishing Group

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Every night after Ember Pierce falls asleep, she disappears. She can teleport anywhere in the world—London, Paris, her crush’s bedroom—wherever her dreams lead her. Ten minutes is all she gets, and once time’s up, she returns to her bed. It's a secret she’s successfully kept for the last five years. But now someone knows.

A week after her eighteenth birthday, when frustratingly handsome Caden Hawthorne captures her, delivers her to the government, and then disappears before her eyes, Ember realizes two things: One, she is not alone. And two, people like her—teleporters—are being used as weapons.

Dragged off to a remote facility where others like her live, Ember’s forced to pair up with her former captor, Caden, to learn how to survive inside until she can escape. Only Caden’s making escape seem less and less appealing.

But even as Ember falls for the boy who got her into this mess, she knows that she is running out of time. Because the government has plans for those like her, and those plans might just cost Ember her life.

Okay, so this book is kind of crazy. Ember is an experiment, essentially. She's a young girl who has special abilities and she had no idea she wasn't the only one until the day the government came knocking on her door. She's then taken away from her family and whisked off to a secret facility.

I just want to say real quick that I can't really believe what the government is making these kids do. Like, these are teenagers. They're still kids. They're being sent into dangerous situations with no regard for their young lives. I mean, actually, I guess I can believe what the government is making them do. I'm not sure if this book was supposed to be a metaphor, but that's how I related to it, personally. But that's just me. You may get something completely different out of it than I did.

I also think, on some level that The Vanishing girl could be classified as a YA, or possibly coming of age. I kind of veered away from thinking of it as a YA because there is sex in it. I liked this story. I kind of had to put it out of my mind that these were just kids. It wasn't hard, the author did well in not always reminding us that these were just teenagers, though it was right at the back of my mind throughout the story. Of course they are mature. They have to be. They have to learn how to navigate very adult situations. So there is a bit of action in the book.

The story ends on a huge cliffhanger. I don't mind a cliffhanger, especially since I'm a series reader. I know they're just par for the course, but I wanted to make that clear. If you don't mind a cliffy, and you're one of the people who don't mind buying another book to finish a good story, I'd recommend The Vanishing Girl. If you're a cliffy hater, maybe skip this one. But personally, I'm going to get myself the second book asap.

Review: Born in Fire (Fire and Ice Trilogy #1) By K.F. Breene

Born in Fire (Fire and Ice Trilogy #1)
By K.F. Breene
ebook 437 pages
Publication February 18, 2017
Hazy Dawn Press, Inc.

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Supernatural Bounty Hunter isn’t the sort of thing you see on LinkedIn. But with a rare type of magic like mine, I don’t have many options. If people found out what I could do—what I am—I would kiss my freedom goodbye.

So dangerous or not, the job is mine. And it was going fine, until an old as sin vampire stole my mark, and with it, my pay day.

Knowing I’m poor and desperate, he has offered me a job. I’ll have to work by his side to help solve a top secret case.

Everyone knows not to trust vampires. Especially a hot elder vampire. But without any other jobs coming up, I’m stuck. As I uncover a web of lies and treachery, revealing an enemy I didn’t know existed, the truth of my identity is threatened. I might make it out alive, only to end up in a gilded cage.

Okay, real quick before Raised in Fire comes out on May 16, I wanted to go ahead and talk about Born in Fire. Born in Fire is a bit of a crazy ride. With Breene's usual brand of kick butt heroine, and her women not taking any crap from anyone, this was a fun read. 

Reagan is a Supernatural Bounty Hunter. So, basically she goes out and hunts supernatural creatures. You know she's gotta have a backbone, some attitude, and a sword carrying skill set. No seriously, she kicks a**. There are some overlapping genres going on here. There are elements of paranormal, but there are also elements I would think would be classified as urban fantasy. There are witches and warlocks, vampires and shifters, mention of elves, though we don't meet any in this part of the story, and possibly Lucifer. You'd think that would make the story crazy, and it does, but in a fun and easy to follow way. It's also set in New Orleans.

The ending is wrapped up nicely. It leaves the possibilities open without a huge cliff hanger. If you like a story with lots of action, a fierce heroine, and a good cast of secondary characters, I'd definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to see what's next. 

Review: Make Me (Sterling Shore #10) by C.M. Owens

Make Me (Sterling Shore #10)
By C.M. Owens
ebook 330 pages
Published January 30, 2017


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DALE 
I'm a mature and very pragmatic person, whom others like to call boring. 
At least I was...until Harley came back into town... 

What do you do when a girl comes back for some petty revenge against you and seduction is part of her game? 
You pretend to be a millionaire dom, of course. 
Yeah...it sounded better in theory. My execution keeps ending up in awkward messes, and this game between us gets even messier when I learn more about Harley. She's easy to fall for, even though she's hazardous as hell. 
What happens when all the games end? 

HARLEY 
One simple little goal turns into one giant disaster. 
On the surface, Dale Sterling seemed like an asshole from my past; the typical arrogant guy who boulders through life and anyone in his way. So a little revenge seemed plausible, considering what he did to me once upon a long time ago. In hindsight, it was immature. But revenge has kept me on top of the world since I stopped being on the bottom of everyone's shoes, so I make no apologies for my immaturity. 
But Dale is weirdly kinky... 
Everything is going fine...until it gets real. Now the guy I wanted to humiliate is the same guy I'm begging my heart not to stupidly fall in love with. 
Unfortunately, my heart tends to be stubborn. 

*Can be read as a stand-alone 
*Sexual content 
*Adult language

I wanted to talk about Make Me because I'm gearing up to May 8, when Taming a Maverick goes live. I actually love this whole series. I'm not sure I've laughed through so many books in one series. With that, on to talking specifically about Make Me.

Dale, I love him. He's the more practical cousin in this series. He's calm, cool, and laid back. Until he runs back into Harley, that is. Then he thinks it'd be a good idea to pretend he's a Dom. This is where all the hilarious begins. I'm not sure you'd believe the things that happen when a guy who has no clue what being a dom entails, tries to pretend he knows what he's doing. But it's laugh out loud funny.

Harley comes back to Sterling Shore to settle a couple of scores. One involves family. The other involves Dale Sterling. They went to high school together, and Dale unknowingly caused a bunch of drama for Harley for the remainder of her time in high school. Well, actually, all the Sterling boys did, but she took the brunt of the abuse. But, she runs into him again, and all of the confidence she's gained since high school just flies out the window.

Add the usual SS suspects, and Dale pretending to be a Dom, and you've got 330 pages of hilarious. Now, Maverick is next. I can only imagine Salem is going to run him through the ringer. I can't wait.

You can find the Sterling Shore series, and other titles by C.M. Owens here

Review: Wild & Sweet: Haven Brotherhood by Rhenna Morgan

Wild & Sweet 
by Rhenna Morgan
Haven Brotherhood book 2
Expected publication: April 10, 2017
by Carina Press
ebook

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Zeke Dugan is not a man who walks the straight and narrow. He may have sworn an oath as a trauma doc, but he has zero problem leveraging his medical skills outside a hospital if it means giving the Brotherhood—the group of men he calls family—an advantage. Blood before business. All that changes when shy Gabrielle stumbles into his life and ignites his protective instincts.
Mechanic Gabrielle Parker prefers the complexities of an engine over men. Her life wasn't always quiet and well-ordered, but now that it is, she finds peace in the solitude. When a robbery in her neighborhood forces her out of her safe bubble, she never fathoms that a dangerous, cocky trauma doctor will fix more than her injuries.
Zeke doesn't play by the rules that Gabrielle follows but knows that he's exactly what she needs in her life. He'll show her the fierce and uncompromising protection that comes from belonging to a man like him.
When tension outside the Brotherhood threatens Gabrielle, Zeke will do anything to keep her safe, and damn the consequences. No one will hurt his woman, even if it means putting the very men who saved his life at risk. 

I found Wild & Sweet...different. Not in a bad way, just not really a story that I'd normally read. I missed the first book in this series. While it can be read as a standalone, I think I would like to find the first book and give it a read. 

I found the concept of the Brotherhood to be a different type of story as well. All these guys found each other at a time in their lives when they needed family. It's kind of like a club that you have to be invited into. They sit removed from others, and then when they invite someone along, that person is shocked and in awe of their luck. I thought it was a little bit strange. Anyway, moving on.

Zeke is a trauma doctor, and Gabrielle is a habitually shy mechanic. They meet when her brother Danny is talking to the guys at the bar one night, and he gets a phone call from Gabrielle. There was a break in at the neighbors, and she took a good push. Zeke is a character I liked for the most part. I have a couple of issues with Gabrielle. She seems to have a serious issue with thinking everyone around her is going to leave. Her parents are gone, and her brother is all she has now. She also jumps to conclusions without understanding all the elements, and she can be a little bit judgmental. I get it. Life can be traumatic, but there are times when I kind of found myself thinking- Seriously? 

I liked Zeke, I didn't hate Gabrielle, and I enjoyed the side characters. All in all, aside from a few small issues, I enjoyed Wild & Sweet. If you like a pack of alpha males, and a shy heroine with maybe a little bit of separation anxiety, this story is for you.

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Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press
Published: January 31, 2017
Hardcover: 407 pages

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Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Caraval is already at the top of my favorites list…of all time! This book was my most highly anticipated read of 2017 and it did NOT disappoint. I was shouting its praises before I had even finished reading it! I’ve not been able to fully convey my immense love for this book properly. It’s so magical that I immediately wanted to reread it after turning the last page.

This book is rich with whimsy, mystery and magic. There’s romance and so many twists and turns, just when you think you are certain you have it all figured out, Stephanie takes you down a path you never saw coming! While there is romance, the main theme of this book is the love and bond between two sisters. I immensely enjoyed the fact that it was, indeed, the main focus throughout the book and how that bond unfolded throughout the story. The romantic relationship brewed slowly and felt natural, not forced on you.

The best way for me to describe Stephanie Garber’s writing is to say it is like a painting; so vividly detailed it’s as if you are standing in a museum and the art is telling the story through movement and color. Her writing is fresh and animated. To sum it up in one word, picturesque. I was enthralled in Scarlett’s adventure and felt as if I were playing the game with her. Within the game of Caraval, reality and illusion become difficult to decipher.

In the end, this book left me in a state of awe and with a new appreciation of descriptive writing. The ending of the book is phenomenal and is sure to leave you craving the next. This story is a true work of art. It is one of those extraordinary books that come along every so often that bewitches you from page one. This lavish world built on magic, mystery, love and fantasy is a true testament to a new and creative voice in the book world.

5 Magical STARS!

Here are some of my favorite quotes (and this was really hard to narrow down to just a few):

“The hazy glow of a lantern caught the metallic edges of the paper, making them blaze a shimmery gold, the color of magic and wishes and promises of things to come.”

“Occasionally people confuse fantasy with reality. Accidents sometimes result. It rarely happens,” Rupert added.”

“Wishes were things of wonder that took a certain amount of faith, and Julian seemed the type to trust only what he saw.”

“A second in Caraval seemed richer than an ordinary second, like that moment on the cusp of sunset, when all the colors of the sky coalesce into magic.” 

Review & Giveaway: Clanless by Jennifer Jenkins Blog Tour (Duo Review)

CLANLESS
by Jennifer Jenkins
Paperback, 300 pages
Expected publication: October 4th 2016
by Month9Books

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Striker Gryphon has lost his position of honor among the Ram, and is now a hunted man. A traitor.

Zo, the object of his affection, was murdered by members of his former clan. To honor her memory, he journeys to the highly secretive Raven “Nest” to warn strangers of their impending demise—though it could cost him more than just his pride.

He doesn’t know that Zo is very much alive and in another part of the region assisting Nameless refugees over a mountain swarming with wild men known as “Clanless.”

As each struggle to make sense of what their lives have become, they fight and claw to reach the Allied Camp, their last hope in bringing peace to the region.

But the road back to one another is treacherous and uncertain. And freedom will come with a price.

Guest Review -- Jennifer:

I loved this book as much as the first. The Cover is amazing! It shows how fierce Gryhon is. He looks ready for the battle ahead.

The action is non-stop this time. At every turn there is a new threat, heartache and betrayal. You are on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what is next.

Zo is really struggling with herself in this book. Her heartache is effecting her confidence. And she has a lot on her shoulders. Tess really gets to show her skills and her courage. I just love Joshua he is sweet and strong. And this time is no different. This book is filled with strong characters!

There is not much romance in this book, but the face they are fighting to get to one another speaks just as much. This is must read!! Jennifer Jenkins will not let you down!



Damaris Review:

CLANLESS by Jennifer Jenkins is everything I expected and more! It's filled with so much action, I could hardly catch my breath! I was completely lost in the pages. The romance will leave you with tons of butterflies in your stomach. Loved it!

It is no secret that NAMELESS (book one) is one of my ALL TIME favorite reads EVER! When I was asked to read and review CLANLESS (book two), my poor heart skipped a beat.

CLANLESS kicks off pretty much where NAMELESS left off. And let me tell you, when NAMELESS ended I was stuck in the same position with my jaw hanging wanting more for about ten minutes. No lie! I absolutely loved this book! Every word devoured my poor little heart. It was one that I got so lost in, I forgot to eat, drink, and more!

CLANLESS lacks NOTHING. To me, there is triple the action and suspense in this book than in the first book. Zo really finds herself in mess after mess, but not once does she come off weak or scared. She knows when she makes a mistake and owns up to it. She is also not afraid to take charge and do what must be done.

There isn't one character in this book that I dislike. And that is very rare for me. I usually dislike one or two characters, but Jenkins did such a great job with her characters that it was hard not to get emotionally attached to them. Even the villains in the story I had some kind of attachment to. Jenkins has created a world that is so believable and crazy, you can picture everything clearly in your head while reading. The story also moves along and progresses. There wasn't a dull moment once. Jenkins writing is great!

There isn't much else I can say except that this is one series you MUST READ!

5 Stars!!

GRAB YOUR COPY OF CLANLESS TODAY!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With her degree in History and Secondary Education, Jennifer had every intention of teaching teens to love George Washington and appreciate the finer points of ancient battle stratagem. (Seriously, she’s obsessed with ancient warfare.) However, life had different plans in store when the writing began. As a proud member of Writers Cubed, and a co-founder of the Teen Author Boot Camp, she feels blessed to be able to fulfill both her ambition to work with teens as well as write Young Adult fiction.

Jennifer has three children who are experts at naming her characters, one loving, supportive husband, a dog with little-man syndrome, and three chickens (of whom she is secretly afraid).
Visit her online at jajenkins.com

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest |Instagram

• One (1) winner will receive a scrabble tile book cover charm (US ONLY)
• Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Nameless and Clanless by Jennifer Jenkins (INT)

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Review: Like A River Glorious by Rae Carson (Guest Review)

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson (The Gold Seer, #2) Release Date: September 27, 2016 Publisher: Greenwillow; 432 pages Rating:

After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram.

Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he’ll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building—even at the cost of her own freedom.

Review: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Illuminae
by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Hardcover, 599 pages
Published October 20th 2015
by Knopf Books for Young Readers

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.

This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

Space Opera anyone?!  What about a Romantic Space Opera?!

If someone had told me last year that I would read (and love) a space opera book, I likely would have laughed and even asked what the heck a space opera genre was. Little did I know that Illuminae was waiting for me with its spellbinding storyline and incredible concept.

I’ve never read a book like Illuminae. It takes the reader on a new and incredible journey as it is more than just mere words on a page, it’s an experience. Within the pages of this adventure, you experience disbelief, shock, fear, awe, heartbreak and love. The journey begins before you even open the book as the covers are like nothing I’ve seen before. Before reading the book itself, I’d encourage readers to remove the dustjacket and read the front and back covers. Beautiful, right?!

The journey of Kady and Ezra are told through hacked emails, medical reports, instant messages, schematics and more. While there is romance between Kades & Ez, it is not at the immediate forefront of the story. I actually adored the cutesy, playfulness between these two. You could tell they love each other and could see a progression within their relationship throughout the story; it’s a young love that matured with each page. I’ll be the first to admit that I had my doubts as to whether I’d be able to follow along with the storyline and if I’d actually get a STORY from this method. To my surprise, not only was I able to follow along easily, the story continued to intrigue me with each page. 

Illuminae is a spectacular ride that should not be missed. Book 2, Gemina, is scheduled to be released October 18, 2016. I highly recommend pre-ordering now so that you don’t waste a single day in continuing the adventure of Kady and Ezra. 

This book is written by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. I’ve not read their previous works (separate works by each) but they have garnered themselves a new and loyal fan. I plan to check out their other books soon.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Illuminae:

“Am I not merciful?”

“”Perhaps bravery is simply the face humanity wraps around its collective madness.”

“You have me. Until every last star in the galaxy dies. You have me.”

“He presses the triggers. And like roses in his hands, death blooms.”

“She runs. Not away, but toward.”

Available on...

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5 Stars!