Review: The Duff by Kody Keplinger

"Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "the Duff," she throws her Coke in his face.
But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.
Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. And eventually, through this realization, Bianca begins to see how harmful her unhealthy way of dealing with her problems has been, and finds a way to confront them head on."

Title: The Duff

Author: Kody Keplinger

Release Date: June 7, 2011 (PB)

Publisher: Poppy

Pages: 280, Paperback

After reading one of my very good blogger friend's review of THE DUFF, I knew I had to check it out (Ehem, Gianna from Books To Infinity). To my delight, THE DUFF met my expectations and did just that. There was the fun story line and enjoyable characters, as well as your everyday high school drama. Recommended for anyone looking for a quick, entertaining read!

THE DUFF was able to present the reader with a very engaging plot and easy-flowing storyline. I found myself breezing along with hardly any discomfort. Overall very enjoyable. I was surprised that I was indulged in the simple cast of the story!

The characters weren't the best, but they were definitely tolerable enough for me to keep reading. There definitely could have been more depth in each character. I have to say that I can't agree with most of Bianca's actions most of the time, but I see where she gets her motives. For me, Wesley is exactly the type of guy that I would stay away from, and Mr. Toby Tucker was more of my type. ;) Bianca's friends were very supportive of her and I can't help but admit that I would love to be part of their close-knit group!

I also revered the fact that this book acquaints an important lesson, and I think it's something everyone can get out of. It was quite eye-opening for me, actually. Now the only flaw that I have to say for the downgrade is the idea that Kody Keplinger may give to her readers: sex is a good way to escape your troubles. IT'S NOT.

All in all, I was very satisfied with Kody's debut novel, and while I didn't enjoy her sophomore novel as much (SHUT OUT, review here), I will still be anticipating Kody's other works of literature!

Grade: B

Source: Read at B&N :)

Glitch Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

Hi everyone! Today, the GLITCH BLOG TOUR is stopping by my blog today! I have a review for you guys, as well as a giveaway to win a signed copy--make sure you enter!! Thank you Shane for hosting this blog tour. Check out the rest of the tour here.

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My Review of Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

"In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.
As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.
In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy."

Title: Glitch

Author: Heather Anastasiu

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Pages: 371, Paperback

Prior to reading GLITCH, I had heard really, really mixed things about it! But the synopsis just sounded SO intriguing, and I knew I couldn't pass it up. Who knows, right? To my surprise, I enjoyed GLITCH much more than I expected to. The dystopian/sci-fi elements were fantastic. The plot was very fast-paced and was able to keep me on the edge of my seat. The only downplay in this action-packed dystopian was the insta-love.

But before I get into the negativity of the novel, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with how well Heather was able to come up with such an intricate world. The Community is not your average dystopian world; it's much more technology-based.The world-building was strong and believable. I liked how there was actually a reason behind the Link, as well as the reason WHY the people were being controlled, unlike some dystopians that don't even explain WHY the world is that way.

Although the plot and world-building were adequate factors in GLITCH, the characters and romance, were not. I hate insta-love with a fiery passion. So you can imagine how this got to me. Yes, the emotions are especially new to every character, especially love, because they are new to this type of life, when they are glitching. But really? All three main characters--Zoe, Adrien, AND Max abuse the emotion. The insta-love triangle. They literally FALL IN LOVE-- LIKE THAT. Oh my goodness, I could probably rant about Max all day. His possessive-ness got to my nerves, literally every second I wanted to smack him. He is so CREEPY. Like, get away man! But seriously, they were all really naïve. And Zoe? You can NOT just fall in love with someone just because they have gorgeous eyes. Nope. You can't. At least I don't think you can.

Despite the need in improvement in the relationships of the characters, GLITCH is a solid scientific dystopian that, if you can get around the insta-love-triangle, will keep the reader engaged and committed until the end.

Grade: B

Source: Publisher for Blog Tour

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Review: The Death Cure by James Dashner

"Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.
The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.Will anyone survive the Death Cure?"

Title: The Death Cure

Author: James Dashner

Release Date: October 11, 2011

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Pages: 325, Hardcover

Prior to starting The Death Cure, I had heard very mixed things about it. After completing the novel in the later hours of the night, I have to agree a little. For me, The Death Cure is the weakest novel out of the trilogy, when in my opinion, should have been the strongest. Even after I read the last sentence of the novel, I still had a hundred questions running through my mind, unanswered. The Death Cure still had that unique James Dashner voice throughout the novel, but the plot itself could have been better.

For one, I felt myself trudging through the first 3/4 of the book. I have no idea why, but it was SO hard to get through! Nothing was happening, nothing intense to make me flip the pages very fast. It was just very slow-paced and boring.

It was the last 1/4 of the book that really picked up and bumped this up half a star. The transition from slow to fast paced was very quick and some elements that James Dashner included just made me really happy [spoiler] for example, when they have to go back to the Maze. Aw, GOOD OL' TIMES. [end of spoiler] However, I think the way James Dashner ended things was really interesting. It wasn't my favorite, and I felt as if he didn't really know how to end it, so he just.. ENDED IT LIKE THAT. I was really surprised with who James chose to die and who survived…. I was a little let down.

The characters were another boost for me though: Thomas's growth in character--his decisions that he makes and the friends he choses in the end shows obvious maturity throughout his journey. And can we just talk about Minho for a second? That boy is a plain AWESOME shuck face. GO ASIANS. He made me laugh so many times.

In all, The Death Cure had it's ups and downs, and I wasn't satisfied with the conclusion, but I wasn't exactly disappointed, either. Nevertheless, the ongoing elements from the previous two novels that were transferred to book three kept the story alive and going.

Grade: B

Source: Library (Hardcover)

Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

"A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...
Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?
Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results. 
Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...
The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts."

Title: Timepiece

Author: Myra McEntire

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Publisher: Egmont USA

Pages: 336, Hardcover

"I'm a bad ass. A bad ass who bakes when he's depressed." -Timepiece (quoted from eARC, not final.)

I was beyond excited to dive right into Timepiece after finishing Hourglass. I was so utterly satisfied with Myra's writing and story, and I had heard nothing but great things about Timepiece. Sadly, while it still had it's enticing characters from Hourglass that I loved, there were many points in the novel that left me in confusion, leaving me frustrated; I wasn't able enjoy the story as much.

Heading into the story, I had no idea that it was told from Kaleb's point of view! I was completely surprised, and while it was really interesting and portrayed very well, I couldn't get into it until about halfway through it. I guess I was just so used to reading in a female's POV. However, after familiarizing myself with his personality, I found it very enjoyable and he was a very blunt (and honest!) character. His comments and thoughts cracked me up.

I also really adored Lily and Kaleb's relationship, much, much more than Em & Michael's! (I loved Em & Michael's relationship, so that's saying something.) I loved how it started out terribly, but graduated into something sweet and tender! They are perfect together. I hated seeing Kaleb chase after Em in Hourglass, so I'm extremely happy that he found someone.

Other than that, Timepiece was quite the roller coaster ride. There was about 3-5 new characters that were introduced, and I felt that Myra could have spent more time elaborating on them. She whipped by them so quickly that I couldn't seem to recall who they were or what their abilities were. What were their motives? What role did each character play? I got so confused at one point that I had to ask one of my blogger friends  for confirmation and help (thanks Nina!)

There was also the plot. Sure, Myra keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, but there was just too many things going on! I was jumping from one situation to the next-- my mind was just about ready to erupt. Why couldn't she just keep it simple? It was very difficult for me to follow the plot and story when so many factors were affecting one another. And the fact that it was about time-travel? Even more puzzling.

I do have to give credit for Myra McEntire for still having that amazing ability to write so smoothly and with ease. She was still able to entrance me and bring me into the story. It was very well crafted and there was some serious world-building in this sophomore novel! You can tell she really thought it thoroughly!

On the whole, Timepiece is an intricately designed novel with fantastic characters brought in from Hourglass that readers will continue to enjoy. At times, the plot and new addition of characters may leave readers perplexed, but it is overall still a delightful read. I am still looking forward to Infinityglass, the third and final installment in the Hourglass trilogy!

Grade: B-

Source: Publisher via Netgalley--thanks Egmont USA! 

Review: The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

"Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

A debut novel from an immensely talented new writer, The Probability of Miracles crackles with wit, romance and humor and will leave readers laughing and crying with each turn of the page."

Title: The Probability of Miracles

Author: Wendy Wunder

Release Date: December 8, 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 360, Hardcover (Read: library hardcover)

"Because thoughts are energy, energy is matter, and matter never disappears."-The Probability of Miracles, pg. 249

I didn't feel everything that I should have felt.

First off, I went into this book, getting ready for all of the AWESOME and preparing a box of tissues next to me while I read. Alas, it was never needed. I didn't even come close to crying, and the overall story was disappointing. Do not get me wrong, the plot was great, but it wasn't minutely near to living up to it's hype.

The plot kicks off with Cam and her mother, Alicia, and her younger sister, Perry, as they move from Florida, to a miracle town in Maine. More specifically, Promise, Maine. It's believed that miracles happen there. And once you leave the town, disaster will strike to whomever left. Cam and her family moved there because of the ongoing cancer that has plagued Cam when she was young. She wants to be cured, somehow. When they arrive in Promise, she meets new people who she never have thought would affect her life than ever before.

The characters in this novel were fantastic. Cam, especially. From the start, I was drawn in by her sarcastic humor and her nonchalance behavior. She is so chill for someone who has cancer and is on the brink of death. I loved her personality! And Asher was just the sweetest boy you could ask for. Their relationship wasn't too rushed, either. I thought it was pretty darn close to perfect. And for some reason, I really loved Perry, even if she is a young, bratty, and annoying teenager. And Lily! Lily, Cam's best friend who also was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, left the story so quickly I wished that I could have seen more of her.

There was also many outrageously creative aspects in this novel. The miracles, more specifically. The incorporation of flamingos, donkeys, lobsters, Disney-world, the Flamingo list, and more. It was a little on the silly side, but still completely enjoyable.

The ending was absolutely beautiful, but it wasn't enough to make me bawl my eyes out. For me, it was more of an "Aww, that's so sad!" moment for me. I think Wendy Wunder could have done a better job with the notion of death and leaving a loved one. However, I loved the interesting messages she threw in there. Such as, paying attention to coincidences. Or, staying in the present moments. Those were deep.

All in all, while the characters were brilliant, as was the idea and plot, it wasn't memorable for me, and with all of the other cancer-involved stories out there (My Sister's Keeper, The Fault In Our Stars), I have a feeling this one won't stand out for me, personally. It was more of a laugh-out-loud book than a cry-out-loud one for me, but do check the book out, many people cried heavily over it.

P.S. I LOVE the title. Once you read the book, it's so freaking absolutely perfect. <3

Grade: B

Source: Library

Repost: Review: Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

"Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistable good looks and charm on ususpecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him."

Title: Lies Beneath

Author: Anne Greenwood Brown

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Pages: 303, Hardcover (read: eARC)

I'm always on the lookout for mermaid/siren books, because I just love the underwater world. It's always intriguing; it seems like it would be amazing to be a sea creature with a gorgeous scaled-tail. So Lies Beneath was definitely an eye-catcher. I didn't expect too much or too less, so I wasn't disappointed. Lies Beneath is a great, solid read.

Calder and his three sisters are sirens. But they aren't typical sirens. They drown humans so they can take away a feeling: happiness. And they are seeking revenge on the Hancocks for killing their mother. So they hunt the Hancocks down, only they want Calder to seduce the Hancock daughter so they can later on kill the father. Things don't go as planned and Calder must figure out who's side he must go on, his sisters's side or the Hancocks.

The characters were alright. I definitely liked the change in perspective (Lies Beneath is told from a male's point of view). It's really different and fresh. I was reluctant on Calder's character at first because he didn't have any emotions or feelings that are particularly flamboyant. I don't hate him, but there isn't any spark. But when Lily comes into the story, his whole character lights up and I loved Calder after that. I really, really liked Lily. She's so sweet and smart and caring, I totally understood why Calder liked Lily so much.

On the other hand, Calder's sisters were so, so annoying. I hated them from the start. They are all so cocky and full of themselves. They are also seductive towards Calder, which is actually disgusting. Ugh, disastrous. But, they are supposed to be hated (mostly) so I'm on the right track!

The plot was delightful. It had a great amount of chilling, underwater moments. I loved those, they are very suspenseful. The twist in the end was very unexpected and took me by surprise. Lily and Calder's blooming of a relationship was a little fast-paced (insta-love) but it wasn't ridiculous, so I could still go with it. The plot was very sturdy.

Something totally random: I think the title really suits the story of the book. This is a title I actually really like! How Calder has to hold in so many lies from Lily, and they are beneath as in underwater.... I'm not sure my interpretation is correct, but it makes sense to me that way!

Overall, Lies Beneath is a well-written mermaid story that I recommend to people who love underwater creature books with action. I look forward to Anne Greenwood Brown's other books!

Grade: B+

Source: Publisher via Netgalley--Thank you for providing me with an ARC!

*Note: Originally posted on this blog on 2/17/12 here.

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

"Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan’s life. She’s stuck at JFK, late to her father’s second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley’s never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport’s cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he’s British, and he’s in seat 18C. Hadley’s in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver’s story will make you believe that true love finds you when you’re least expecting it."

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Release Date: January 2, 2012

Publisher: Poppy

Pages: 236, Hardcover

Well, I can safely say that I didn't get what I expected.

What I mean is, I thought that this one was going to be very, very similar to Anna and the French Kiss, which is one of my absolute favorite books of all time. However, I didn't get that same cute, developing love story for this novel. Instead, I was disappointed with where the plot went. In a completely different direction to what I expected coming into the story. Because of this, I couldn't enjoy it as much.

The story begins with Hadley at the airport, getting ready to fly to London to attend her father's wedding, in which she does not want to be present at. She misses the flight, and because of this, she catches the flight 3 hours later, meeting a charming British boy, Oliver. The plane ride turns out to be much better then she expected, and when she gets to London, her relationship with her father is mended and in the span of 24 hours, everything shifts from terrible to absolutely brilliant.

The plot definitely started out great. Especially the beginning, when Jennifer E. Smith talks about the what if s. It really set up the story quite well, and I could feel the anticipation building up. I was so happy to have met Oliver, finally. But quickly as soon as Oliver was introduced, he disappeared. That was halfway through the book. I was extremely confused, because prior to reading this book, I had thought that the entire book was about Hadley and Oliver's growing relationship, them falling love. But nope, the story fluctuates into a completely different story, becoming about Hadley and her father's relationship. I was so disappointed.

I mean, the second half of the story with Hadley and her father's amend was alright, mediocre. I didn't hate it. But I was so dissatisfied as to the path the story took. I was expecting a love story, not a father-daughter thing. Oliver only showed up again in the end, which, I admit, was pretty adorable, but the plot just failed for me. The twist just didn't work out for me.

As for the characters, Hadley was…decent. She was moderate, nothing too bad or good. I didn't connect with any of her emotions, and she was just, there. And Oliver, not as charming as I wanted him to be, either. Sure, he was funny and I loved what I read of him, but I think he could have been elaborated in so much more detail. By the end of the story, I wasn't even sure if he is a main character or not. I felt like Hadley's father played a more significant role in the story than Oliver did.

All-inclusive, The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight was a great letdown for me, as I had expected it to be mainly about romance. Through my perspective, I didn’t get enough of it. However, I do not that many people enjoyed it, and even though I didn't enjoy quite was much everyone else, I do hope that everyone still gives this book shot.

Grade: B-

Source: Library