[Review] Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam

Title: Elusion

Series: Elusion #1
Author: Claudia Gabel [Twitter | Website] and Cheryl Klam [Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Science Fiction, Dystopian

Release Date: March 18, 2014

Source: Audiobook borrowed via library, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Really cool tech and world building

Set in a futuristic Detroit with acid rain, Regan is grieving her father's death as his invention is preparing to launch nationwide. Now his business partner, teen genius Patrick, is the face of the product and it's future. Elusion is a virtual reality head set but soon after the launch things start to go wrong and Regan is determined to figure it all out.

Elusion is a cool piece of tech even if the explanations are a bit rough around the edges. There are some hints to other science fiction-esque theories that can get a bit deep and feel unstable without the proper foundation. I'm really hoping the second book gets into this more. In the end I would totally go to Elusion and hang out.

The "real world" is futuristic and totally believable. We've destroyed the world, on bad days you need a Star Lord style O2 mask and the rain is something to be feared. 

Mystery and Corporate Espionage 

There is a mystery element here as Regan and her new friend Josh go hunting for his sister Norah in both real life and Elusion. There's also the big bad corporation, Orexis, who owns Elusion. Trying to figure out everyone's agenda is exciting and the reveal of whodunnit was not as predictable as one might guess. So it made listening while driving quiet exhilarating since I felt like I should be involved in a high speed chase... haha. (There are no high speed chases though, bummer.)

If you're a fan of the movie Inception or any movies that involve bad corporations handling big tech you'll enjoy this.

Ah, answers but I'm not sure I'm invested...

It's like a second date at this point. I've asked you all the important questions on the first date and the answers are average. Now we're at my door and you've given me a pretty awesome kiss, but is it enough to accept a second date? I'm not sure... however, book two, Etherworld is out in March.

publishes March 31, 2015

3 Stars – Soooo... okay. I'll call you some time but not to Elusion.

[Review] These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: These Broken Stars 
Series: Starbound #1

Authors: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Science Fiction, Romance

Release Date: December 10, 2013

Source: Audiobook borrowed via library, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it. - via Goodreads

---

I'm not sure about stars but there are definitely some things that are broken...

I saw Meagan Spooner at an author event not too long ago. She described These Broken Stars as being The Titanic is the ship had crashed in the first 15 minutes and was in space. This could not be more true.

Lilac is not my favorite person in the world but due to her upbringing we'll dismiss it and give her some credit for have a keen sense of self awareness and guts. When the time called for it, she buckled down and got stuff done. However, it's Tarver that I preferred to hear from. His inner dialogue was less self-depreciating, practical, honest, and, most importantly, he had a great sense of humor. I'm always down for someone who can still laugh even when things go south. 

The tense... the past, the present... so confusing :/

Let's talk about format for a bit. The story was told in (mostly) alternating chapters of Lilac and Tarver in first person, present tense. In-between chapters there were clips of Tarver's debrief interview, which is refers and alludes to items in the narrative. So we know the narrative is past tense and Tarver's interview is present tense, if not also past tense. I'm not really sure why this format was chosen but it was very confusing to listen to at first. Maybe it comes off differently in text or maybe it's just me?  

Whispers... so mysterious

The Whispers are probably one of my favorite things about this entire book and I still have sooo many questions. Unfortunately we don't really get to know these/this character as well as I would've liked. Maybe a couple chapters of narrative from them could've answered some questions and provided explanations.

Overall the story line and plot development is nicely paced to allow for necessary character development to occur and move everything forward. There are a couple moments where the plot just happens but for the most part everything fits into Kaufman and Spooner's world. I'm definitely looking foward to the second book in this companion series, This Shattered World. 

3.5 Stars – Earth is good, no whispers.

[Audio Review] Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

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Title: Cruel Beauty

Author: Rosamund Hodge [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Voiced by: Elizabeth Knowelden

Publisher: Balzer + Bray an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Fantasy, Mythology, Fairy Tales

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Source: OverDrive Audio, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Nyx has been promised to the Gentle Lord, Ignifex, thanks to her dad who made a bargain before her birth. Now it's the day before her 17th birthday and wedding day. She's been trained for this day since she was born. Trained to avenge her mother's death and free the people of Arcadia. The only way this can be done is by killing Ignifex. Once she's in his castle she meets a servant, Shade, who shows her the castle at night so she can find the answer to her husband's death. This is a beautiful story intertwining the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast with Greek mythology to create a unimaginable love story filled with history, trust, betrayal, deals and loopholes. 

Becoming moments...

The world of Arcadia and the castle are described with such detail. As Nyx discovered new room after new room in the castle I could visualize the interior decor along with the atmosphere creating a shared experience between the reader and protagonist. 

Nyx's self-awareness is refreshing. The story is told in first person as she leads us through, quite frankly, this crazy fantasy tale. Nyx is not perfect but she is perfectly flawed in being the teenage bride of a demon. She's whiney, sharp tongued, clever, slightly vain and faithful, to a fault. 

Unbecoming...

The large plot premise is fantastic, however double timing in the retelling arena can be a bit much at time. Particularly when it comes down to the climax/solution of the story and there's a "catch" much like the storyline indicates... only fools make bargains. However, this late plot twist did not work for me, it felt like a taxing double ending. At this point I'm exhausted with all of the information and rules that (call me a sucker) I just want a happy ending.  

Fav Quote

“I couldn't be kind to him after what he'd done, couldn't be cruel after what I had done” 

3.5 Stars – I was entranced in the beauty of the words but that late plot twist was just cruel.
On second thought, I'm a glutton for punishment, so is there more?

[Audio Review] 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

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Title: 13 Little Blue Envelopes

Author: Maureen Johnson [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Voiced by: Emily Durante

Publisher: HarperTeen 

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary 

Release Date: Hardcover - August 23, 2005; Audiobook - December 21, 2010

Source: OverDrive Audio, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Ginny Blackstone is lead on a European adventure via the guidance of her "Runaway Aunt" Peg and the envelopes she's left behind. Ginny is a fairly reserved 17 year old who adores her Aunt Peg and allows each envelope to guide her no matter how confused she may become at time. Navigating multiple levels of love and loss Ginny learns how to say goodbye. 

This has it all! Amazing character development for both Ginny and Aunt Peg. Just when you think you know Peg she surprises you, shows you the world is not always what it seems, and neither is she. Ginny transpires from being a timid young woman to laughing off the ludicrous and taking leaps towards adulthood. My adoration for Ginny is solidified in the fact that she never loses sight of who she is but she's willing to take chances. Her relationships with Richard (her London contact) and Keith (a British boy she falls for) are enduring, supportive and support Ginny in her quest to fulfill her mission. Not to mention the Keith swoons! I most appreciated her logical and cool head that actually saves her in the end and made me laugh the entire journey. 

The plot is driven by the envelopes Aunt Peg has left behind beginning in New York City to London and then on a series of other stops. Each stop contains a mission from Aunt Peg that may or may not come with logic, reason, or a whole lot of sense. I adored each letter read and envisioned the European tour based off this mission. I see the narrow streets of Paris filled with cafes, the various modes of transport, and the bougie monstrosity of Harrod's. 

This book has been out a while, but it is truly timeless. I can definitely see myself retracing Ginny's steps or at least re-listening to the audiobook. This is what Becoming Books is all about. 

Fav Quote

I liked you because you are mad. And you're pretty. And pretty sane for a mad person.
- Keith, Envelope Seven

In a Tweet

Only @maureenjohnson can seriously make me question turning around in the middle of my daily commute #13LittleBlueEnvelopes #Wanderlust
— Meghann (@BecomingBooks) June 18, 2014

4.5 Stars – I went on the backpacking adventure of my life during my morning commute.
You can too. So you should.

[Throwback] Delirium by Lauren Oliver

 

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Title: Delirium

Series: Delirium #1

Author: Lauren Oliver [Twitter | Facebook | Website] 

Audiobook Performer: Sarah Drew

Publisher: Harper Collins

Genre: Young Adult- Science Fiction, Dystopia

Release Date: February 3, 2011

Source: audiobook via public library/OverDrive – review policy here.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still, I worry. They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.

Letters to the Characters

Since this series is complete and it's sort of a throwback, I'm just gonna write some shipping letters. It's my blog, my rules. 

Lena, oh sweet Lena. I adore you for all of your qualities. Girl you are fierce, smart, witty and so naive that it's endearing. And not naive about this deliria nonsense, we all know that's craziness, but about sweet first kisses, butterflies, secret crush codes, flirting, and all of the yucky, love stuff. Lena I LOVED spending the hours in my car to and from work with you as you went on your exploits to spend more and more waking moments with Alex. Thank you for reminding me what middle school love feels like. I needed those smiles and giggles while sitting hours of traffic each day. 

"It's amazing how words can do that, just shred your insides apart. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me - such bullshit."

Alex, I swear I saw you on my TV Monday night. In case you're wondering I've attached a photo below. 

You're such a nice guy... so far... that I couldn't imagine you as a book boyfriend, because I'd be too mean. Also that whole motorcycle bit broke my heart... I mean, broke it. Please don't make Lena promise you anything like that again. No more sacrifices, Lena's a cool chick but let's try and stay alive. K? Mkay.

"I'm tired of sleeping.”

Hana, Every girl needs a person like you. Someone to run with, be the voice of reason and believe in you. You're that awesome girl, and I hope you are brave and fearless. I have a feeling we're going to need you in the next book. 

“You can't be happy unless you're
unhappy sometimes".” 

Gracie, Stay strong. Don't give up your fight on silence. One day you'll venture into the wilds and you'll be home. 

4 Stars: Read it!!! I'm already listening to book 2. I couldn't wait!

[Audio Review] Reality Boy by A.S. King

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Title: Reality Boy

Author: A.S. King [Twitter | Facebook | Website] 

Audiobook Performer: Michael Stellman

Publisher: Hachette Audio, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: October 22, 2013

Source: audiobook via public library/OverDrive – review policy here.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Gerald Faust knows exactly when he started feeling angry: the day his mother invited a reality television crew into his five-year-old life. Twelve years later, he’s still haunted by his rage-filled youth—which the entire world got to watch from every imaginable angle—and his anger issues have resulted in violent outbursts, zero friends, and clueless adults dumping him in the special education room at school.

Nothing is ever going to change. No one cares that he’s tried to learn to control himself, and the girl he likes has no idea who he really is. Everyone’s just waiting for him to snap…and he’s starting to feel dangerously close to doing just that.

Gerald's day goes something like this... Wake up,  avoid all family, school, work at a performance arena in concessions, and return home for a drink with dad. There's no denying that Gerald was a difficult child and has been destroyed by reality TV which has landed him the nickname "crapper" and an anger management coach. The world began to revolve around Gerald at age five when he became a reality TV centerpiece for "Network Nanny" in which a fake nanny was coached off-screen by a real nanny to help tame him and his two sisters. We find out really quickly that reality TV is not what it seems but that the perception of its realism has the power to live on over a decade later. This provides a unique storyline and provides insight into what happens when the cameras stop rolling.

“Because it's true.
Isn't that the only reason to ever say anything?” 

Ahh, characters. Everyone in this book is truly a character. Gerald begins the story as an individual who cannot see a way out of his current situation which includes living at home with his parents and older sister Tasha, constantly bullied and reminded of his childhood antics, and daydreaming as a coping mechanism. Luckily, there is SO much growth from Gerald as he meets Hannah, and attempts to visualize and actualize the next phases of his life. Hannah and Gerald's relationship is natural and clean, filled with all the doubts and question found in teenage love. Their inability to fit in serves as the glue for their being. 

Creating a list of demands, Gerald looks for family stability and support has he moves on from being the "crapper." Gerald's family is a piece of work, where both parents have virtually given up and take zero responsibility for their decisions and how these have impacted all three of their children. Mom is a stay-at-home where magazines are a priority in addition to covering up the noises from the basement. In the basement Tasha has moved back home after dropping out of college and maintains a generously loud sex life. Unfortunately neither of these characters do not develop much over the story but that's to be expected. Dad is a busy realtor with, what seems, a passive attitude towards home life. Dad also grows a lot and by a lot I mean he grows a pair. 

The one downfall for this story at times was the pacing and transitions between reality and Gerald's day dreaming landscapes. The transition piece maybe from listening to it versus reading the text. There were definitely some areas where I feel like it dragged. I would have liked to "see where this is going" a little bit sooner. However, I did feel the need for the flash back scenes. It really tied together all of the emotional and psychological damage Gerald and his family faced. Not to mention how its not Gerald who's messed up but that someone else is a true psychopath. 

Gerald's voice is genuine and painful. His journey is one of doubt that led to healing, moving on and making plans. At times I was worried but his growth is not only awesome but believable. A.S. King gives us the raw voice of an American teenager who just wants to grow up. This is a great coming-of-age tale as youth's entire childhoods from conception to graduation are documented online via photo and videos, reality TV not needed. 

4-Stars: Read it. This is mood heavy so be prepared. Definitely a post-read thinker.

[Audio Review] Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

LGBT Month is hosted by Cayce a Fighting Dreamer and Laura at Laura Plus Books. It runs throughout April and it’s here to celebrate LGBT readers, LGBT authors and of course LGBT books!

Buy on Amazon or the Book Depository

Title: Two Boys Kissing

Author: David Levithan (Twitter, Facebook, Website) 

Audiobook Performer: David Levithan

Publisher: Knofp Books for Young Readers/Random House 

Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary Fiction, LGBT, Romance

Release Date: August 27, 2013

Source: audiobook via public library/OverDrive – review policy here.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

New York Times  bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS. 

While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.

This book evoked so many emotions in me while giving voices to gay men of the past (hence the Greek Chorus of "we") and giving fire to the 21st century gay voice. Levithan's prose is presented in way that it reads like poetry. The feelings are drawn from the pacing and sentence structure which left the impact of song lyrics and I wanted to play on repeat all day. Without the disruption of chapters we follow the Greek Chorus and cheer each boy on as they live one day at a time. 

"Things are not magical because they've been conjured for us by some outside force. They are magical because we create them."

There are a lot of characters! All of them unique, with an equally heart-warming story of their own, but I got easily confused when the story switched to a new character and would have to rewind and get it straight in my head. While Harry and Craig are a focal point in the story, my favorite couple was easily Avery and Ryan who meet at an alternative LGBT prom and spend their next 48 hours sharing their stories and exploring town. The growth of the characters is graceful and reinforced by Levithan's narration reminding you that these boys are just like any other teenage couple exploring the possibility of a relationship. The most heartbreaking story for me is Cooper's. Cooper's journey is so real that it hurts. It hurts because we know it to be true, thanks to mainstream media, and it hurts because we've all experienced rejection regardless of sexual orientation. Cooper's story is able to demonstrate how this rejection influences youth in America, an increased sense of hopelessness, and a solid cry for help as a human. The Greek Chorus watches each character from above commenting on their own experiences during the AIDS crisis of the 80's, providing a voice of encouragement to each young man so we know they are not alone, and highlighting a progressive gay history for the future.

"We wish we could show you the world as it sleeps. Then you'd never have any doubt about how similar, how trusting, how astounding and vulnerable we all are."

More than anything, Two Boys Kissing is able to deliver an important message. We are all people first. The underlying themes are not unique (rejection, betrayal, hate, love, family) but are present to remind us that sexual orientation or gender identity does not make one less human. We are people first and we all feel. The level of humanity in each storyline churned out smiles, tears and laughter with each passing minute. When the tape stopped I found myself rewinding a few minutes to make sure that was the end because I was not ready to let go.

5 Stars: I cannot stress how much I loved this. I loved it so much that it hurts. Read it and share it. This is a great discussion book for a family, a group of friends, teenagers and adults who work with teens.

It goes without saying that this is a must read for gay youth

because in the end we always want to know we're not alone.

Random Question for the masses:
Does anyone have a discussion guide for Two Boys Kissing?

  

[Throwback Thursday Review] If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Throwback Thursday is a Twitter based meme using #tbt to showcase old photographs.
Check out for an awesome linky hosted by I Heart YA Fiction of book bloggers doing the same remix style with books in the TBR pile! 

Buy on Amazon or The Book Depository

Title: If I Stay

Author: Gayle Forman (Twitter, Facebook, Website)

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Genre: Young Adult - Contemporary

Release Date: April 2, 2009 

Format: audiobook via public library

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?

Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters.

If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.

This book has received a lot of hype since before it was even released back in '09. Unfortunately, in 2009 I was buried up to my ears in grad school work, so I decided since I loved Gayle's more recent duology, Just One Day, I had to check it out.

My jaw dropped at least a dozen times, I laughed, I cried and I needed a hug before this was all over. My guess is an 8 out of 10 on the feels scale. 

The plot does not waste time and Mia is faced with her tough decision within the first couple of chapters. Told beautifully from Mia's point-of-view, she recounts past memories of various friends and family members as she balances the choices that are to come. The secondary cast is hilarious! Each one has their quirks and you really feel like Mia is laying on your bed, with popcorn, telling you a series of short stories from her childhood. Ranging from how she met her best friend, her first date with Adam, the birth of her baby brother and her never ending love for the cello. If you're looking for swoon-worthy moments between Mia and Adam, look elsewhere. Their relationship is tender, genuine and a whole lot of other adjectives but the focus is always on the "big issue" at hand. 

Great read and when the audio ended I was definitely like... wahhhh????? So glad I can now listen to the second part, set three years ahead and from Adam's point-of-view. 

4-Stars: Great book, many feels... if you haven't already read this!

This was my first successful attempt with an audiobook. I really liked it! I feel like sitting in traffic was so much more productive... haha.

The narrator's voice was smooth and since the story is told in first person it fits really nicely. I've started Where She Went in audiobook, which is part two to this duology, and its a little bit more jagged. We'll see how it goes...

This novel has been optioned for a film and is currently in post-production. The film will star Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass,Carrie) as Mia and is set to release later this summer on August 22. IMDB

What are your hopes for the movie?
What do you think about the casting choices?

Not the Adam I envisioned... at all!!