Insurgent by Veronica Roth {Divergent #2}

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. {Synopsis taken from Goodreads}

My thoughts:

Wow! Just holy freaking wow! I absolutely loved this amazing book. I was extremely skeptical because of all the reviews I had seen and thought it wouldn't live up to the first book. It. completely. did.

So many sophomore books don't live up to the first book but this was just not the case with Insurgent.  Veronica Roth's writing style is still amazing. I just devoured this book and loved the fact that it was over 500 pages. I could just keep reading and loving Tris and Four.  One of my worries was that the romance I enjoyed so much in Divergent wouldn't be present in this book, it was even better!  Tris and Four are definitely developing their relationship and it's growing to be more and I love being a  part of it. 

The only thing honestly that bugged me about this book was Tris.  I realize that she has just lost both of her parents so she's allowed to fall apart but she drove me a little crazy in this book but it worked really well.  Roth was able to tie up the broken Tris and make it a pretty amazing story.

Their are so many "holy oh my gosh's" in this book, some I just was not expecting and I just loved that.  I enjoy being shocked by a story and Insurgent definitely did this, especially the ending. Wow! What a cliffhanger. I just was not expecting that! 

I absolutely cannot wait to read the third book of Veronica Roth's.  She herself is evolving as an author and I'm just so happy to be reading her wonderful books.  Her next book cannot come out soon enough.

I give it 5 big fabulous rainbows!

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison {Contains Spoilers}

Thank you Netgalley.com and Harlequin Teen publishers for allowing me to review an ARC copy of New Girl by Paige Harbison in exchange for my honest review.


Welcome to Maderley Academy
I hadn't wanted to go, but my parents were so excited.... So here I am, the new girl at Manderley, a true fish out of water. But mine's not the name on everyone's lips. Oh, no.
It's Becca Normandy they can't stop talking about. Perfect, beautiful Becca. She went missing at the end of last year, leaving a spot open at Manderley—the spot that I got. And everyone acts like it's my fault that infallible, beloved Becca is gone and has been replaced by not perfect, completely fallible, unknown Me.
Then, there's the name on my lips—Max Holloway. Becca's ex. The one boy I should avoid, but can't. Thing is, it seems like he wants me, too. But the memory of Becca is always between us. And as much as I'm starting to like it at Manderley, I can't help but think she's out there, somewhere, watching me take her place.
Waiting to take it back. (Synopsis taken from Amazon.com)

My Review: C+

This book was tough for me. I enjoyed the writing style and it kept my attention, however I had so many questions when I was done with this book.  It left me frustrated.

I enjoyed the concept of the book. That really kept me going. I had to find out what happened to Becca Normandy.  The drama in it was great and the paranormal aspect was interesting, it just wasn't enough for me.

I am big on characters and character development so this is probably why this book frustrated me so much.  Dana, the new girl is basically a punching bag. She has no depth to her and the supporting characters are all shallow and easily persuaded by a teenage girl, all of them.  It just seems so unlikely.

Becca, I think she frustrated me the most because immediately arriving at Manderly she sleeps with some random guy. This just doesn't make sense. I realize teenagers have sex and drink but the way it is portrayed in this book means the teachers at Manderly Academy are idiots. It was almost like it was thrown in their to make it more "life like"? Her relationship with Max doesn't make sense to me either. I just don't understand how one teenage girl who is so mean can turn a whole school on the "new girl". I just didn't get it.

Another frustration was the relationship between Dana and Max. It too felt forced and underdeveloped.  

I don't think this book was bad, I just think it wasn't for me. It did keep my attention and I read it in 2 sittings I was just left with so many unanswered questions.

Adult content - graphic sexual situations, drug use, cursing, and rape.

Happy Reading!
Stephenie

Review: Existence by Abbi Glines

What happens when you're stalked by Death? You fall in love with him, of course.

Pagan Moore doesn't cheat Death, but instead, falls in love with him.

Seventeen year old Pagan Moore has seen souls her entire life. Once she realized the strangers she often saw walking through walls were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them. If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone. Until she stepped out of her car the first day of school and saw an incredibly sexy guy lounging on a picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face. Problem is, she knows he's dead.

Not only does he not go away when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done. He speaks. Pagan is fascinated by the soul. What she doesn't realize is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul she is falling in love with is not a soul at all.

He is Death and he's about to break all the rules. (Synopsis taken from Amazon.com)

My Review: A+

Why oh why had I not read this sooner?  Abbi Glines is proving with each book what a wonderful storyteller she is. I read this book in one sitting and actually had to order Chinese food for supper because I couldn't put my kindle down. It was just so good!

Pagan isn't your normal 17 year old high school student, she sees dead people!  I loved this character, she was likeable and fun. She had depth and was interesting which can be rare in YA books. She also hasn't been interested in boy's so when the popular quarterback Lief takes an interest in her, she finds out that there is more to him than she realized, and boy is there!

Pagan has always been able to see souls that are wandering but when the unbelievably sexy blue-eyed dark haired Dank actually speaks to her, he catches her attention.  She's so drawn to him and the romance that they have is hot and steamy!
 
This book was a roller coaster that I just didn't want to get off of. I read it in one sitting and just devoured it. Abbli Glines has created a cast of characters that are lovable and a storyline that I can't wait to find out what happens next.

If you have not read this book or any other of Abbi Glines books you're seriously missing out. She creates amazing and lovable characters and a rich story for them to be a part of.  Abbi Glines you rock my world with your amazing books and I just cannot wait for the next one!

Happy Reading!
Stephenie