[Guest Review] The Remedy by Suzanne Young

Title: The Remedy
Series: The Program #0.5

Author: Suzanne Young [Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon & Schuster 

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Science Fiction, Dystopian

Release Date: April 21, 2015

Source: ARC provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and the reader's own. – review policy here.

A huge thank you to Meghann for sending me this ARC and letting me review it!

I was a bit nervous to read this because I LOVED The Program but The Treatment let me down a bit. I was wondering which way this book would go. The synopsis immediately intrigued me though. 

Here it is:Quinlan McKee is a closer. Since the age of seven, Quinn has held the responsibility of providing closure to grieving families with a special skill—she can “become” anyone.

Recommended by grief counselors, Quinn is hired by families to take on the short-term role of a deceased loved one between the ages of fifteen and twenty. She’s not an exact copy, of course, but she wears their clothes and changes her hair, studies them through pictures and videos, and soon, Quinn can act like them, smell like them, and be them for all intents and purposes. But to do her job successfully, she can’t get attached.

Now seventeen, Quinn is deft at recreating herself, sometimes confusing her own past with those of the people she’s portrayed. When she’s given her longest assignment, playing the role of Catalina Barnes, Quinn begins to bond with the deceased girl’s boyfriend. But that’s only the beginning of the complications, especially when Quinn finds out the truth about Catalina’s death. And the epidemic it could start.

THIS BOOK. I loved it even more than The Program. I was on an emotional rollercoaster the whole time! I loved the relationship between Quinn and Deacon, her former partner and former boyfriend turned best friend. The humor between them was fun and reminded me of Sloane and James. On the actual "closer" job, I was somewhere in the middle. I can see how this could be a beneficial therapy but I also found the idea SUPER creepy and unhealthy for the grieving families. Quinn was such an interesting character. We essentially follow her tailspin into insanity. It was awful to watch but so addicting. My favorite thing about this book was how psychologically intense it was! There was a point in the book where she stopped investigating some of Catalina's mysteries and that bummed me out. This cooling off period didn't last too long. I won't spoil it, but after her assignment with the Barnes and Isaac, she had a few mysteries of her own to unravel along with getting back to Catalina's. THE END OF THIS BOOK HAD MY HEART RACING. It was still racing after I finished! I couldn't help myself and HAD to ask the author on Twitter if we will get more Quinn and she said yes! *happy dance* My only complaint about this book would have to be some of the character's physical descriptions. I feel like I didn't get enough to form clear pictures of them in my mind. I mostly just made them up myself.

Otherwise, I loved this book and I am definitely ready for more! Five out of five stars!

5 Stars from Harlee Rose (@Harlee_S)

[Mini Guest Review] The Cage by Megan Shepherd

Title: The Cage
Series: The Cage #1

Author: Megan Shepherd [Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Science Fiction, Dystopia

Release Date: May 26, 2015

Source: ARC provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and the reader's own. – review policy here.

This book reminded of few other books that i read recently that are along the same lines kids are kidnapped, some rules are set in place, you got the leaders, those that want to escape, those that want stay extra. Don't get me wrong that not a bad or a good thing it just a standard format i seen in a few books the Maze Runner, Alive, and Hunger Games. It a format that works it keeps you guessing you never quite sure what going to happen. The Cage kept me guessing on who the bad guys where and the fact that it aliens and your not sure if Earth is gone or not is a pretty interesting concept. I like all the twists and turns in the story and excited to see what happens in book two, also liked the ending as it was not cliff hanger but makes me want to read the rest of the series.

4 Stars from Jan at J.R.'s Book Reviews

[Review] The Prey by Tom Isbell

Title: The Prey
Series: The Hatchery #1

Author: Tom Isbell [Twitter]

Publisher: HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Science Fiction, Dystopian, Thriller

Release Date: January 20, 2015

Source: eARC provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Run!!!!!!!

Immediately we kick off with folks hiding in caves and almost dying in deserts, oddly called the No Water. There's the potential for high action and we know there are some bad and suspicious people in this world. They're called Brown Shirts. They wear Brown Shirts. Be aware of the Brown Shirts.

Twists and Turns
Interestingly we have two POVs, one is first person past/present through Books who is an LT at a boy's camp, and the second is a third person present showcasing Hope. This makes things a bit hard to follow, despite the change in tenses, but more so the change in narratives. I'm really curious why Hope's POV isn't also first person. If there's going to be a third person narrative I'm looking for a lot more regarding world building and character development.

For the first half of the book the world building is laid out depicting a post-apocalyptic US in which the boys and girls have been separated, some people have defects due to, what I can guess is, radiation exposure.

The plot really is the driving force here. The concept of hunting people for sport and using the population for scientific testing is all very intriguing. Tell me more. How did this start? Once the boys and the girls come together in part three things really get moving and the action packed journey begins.

I made little attachments to the characters so when people died it was just a shrug. The character I enjoyed the most is Cat and the story does reveal some info about him that is interesting but he's mostly an unexplored character like the rest. Also Hope's father's past shows some potential to add character value so I'm waiting for more in book two.

Descriptive Disasters
The writing is really interesting here. Putting aside the tenses and POV issues. There are several times I snickered at descriptives such as "purpling," the act of turning purple. There's also the possibility of "masculine smells." At some point I started glazing over them because I found them to be more distracting than off-putting.

Um, no. That's a strong no.

But I stuck with it. Mostly because the plot and concept were still interesting to me and I was curious to see it all play out. Once the ending started creeping up I was excited and anxious to see how the set up for book two played out. Whomp, womp! I was extremely let down. I'm not going to spoil here but I will say it comes off as underwhelming.

I'm not sure I'm reading book two but if I do this is what I'd like to see...

By far to me one of the most interesting character's is Cat, who Books and his friends find in the desert, ahem, No Water. At this point Cat's POV is more interesting than Books' or Hope's. Overall more character development to make me invested in who lives and dies.

The ending was redundant. I really hope book two skips some pieces since this one was already a journey book. So I'm looking for lots of action! 

2.5 Stars – Good premise, but ultimately not for me.

[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.

[Cover Reveal + Giveaway!] Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott (Fire & Flood #2)

Yay!!!! I'm here to show off the new cover for Salt & Stone which is book two in the Fire & Flood series by Victoria Scott! Fire & Flood was one of the first books I reviewed and I adored it. There are some very interesting things going on and now part two is coming in 2015!!

Also, the paperback of Fire & Flood is getting a makeover.

 

Here are the original covers and my review of Fire & Flood. 

HERE ARE THE NEW COVERS!

Paperback on sale January 27, 2015

Releases February 24, 2015

Available for pre-order now!

Synopsis:

In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't quit--she has to win the race, save Cody, and then fight to make sure the race stops before it can claim any more lives. In the next legs of the race, across the ocean and over mountains, Tella will face frostbite, sharks, avalanche, and twisted new rules in the race.

But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?

The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the start of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the final part of the race, just forty-one are left--and only one can win.

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WOW!!!! These new covers :) Sooooo intense and fierce, much like the book!! 

I can't wait to read Salt & Stone. We're in luck, Victoria is giving away an advanced copy plus some other goodies. 

This giveaway is sponsored by Victoria Scott, US only. 

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[Review] The Infinite Sea (The Fifth Wave #2) by Rick Yancey

Title: The Infinite Sea
Series: The Fifth Wave #2
Author: Rick Yancey [ Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Website]

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, an imprint of Penguin

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Science Fiction, Dystopian

Release Date: September 16, 2014

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

How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.

Cassie and her friends haven't seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate. - via Goodreads

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I almost didn't finish the book and I'll explain why later but I'm so glad I did.

Strong out of the gate...
The first two-thirds of The Infinite Sea alternates between various points of view (POVs) creating a masterful balance of plot building, action scenes and character development. Picking up shortly after book one ends Cassie and the crew are hunkering down to lick their wounds and come up with a new survival plan. We're introduced to a couple of new characters who bring in different dynamics while everyone is not sure they trust each other.

I really, really loved the first 200 pages or so. I read through them at lightning speed (for me) as the pacing led the POV changes and domino-effect action sequences. More information about the Others is revealed as well as character backstories which builds up strong feels! Now I'm just hoping no one dies because I love them all!!

Ugh, but this last 1/3 almost killed me...

For the last 100 pages the POV switches to a secondary-ish character and everything slowed down to a pacing halt. I would read a chapter or two and then quit. A couple days later I would come back and try again. I finally convinced myself I would just plow through.

For 60 pages the legendary second book journey kicks in with days and months passing without a whole lot of progress, and minimal new information and character development. There is the introduction of a new character who I found really, really interesting and possibly swoon worthy. 

*Happy Dance* It gets better...

Yay, we're free!!! For the last 40ish pages of the slow POV there's a plot turn and everything takes off. All of a sudden there are some revelations, a major action scene, swoons and just all the things took place. It was worth the 60 pages of dredge, a reader's reward if you will. 

My connection to the POV has strengthened and I get why this POV narrative had to occur. 

Why I'll be finishing this series off...

Say What??? The revelation!!!!!!! It changes everything and I mean everything. I'm ready for the crew to all be united and, maybe, a happy ending where the Others are not in charge. 

I wish I could write more but I'm trying so hard not be spoilery. It's a solid sequel, minus the pacing issue in the last third, packed with action and a major game changer. 

3.5 Stars - Love conquers all, even at the end of the world.

[Waiting...] The Walled City by Ryan Graudin

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: The Walled City

Author: Ryan Graudin
[Twitter | Website]
Release Date: November 4, 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown Publishing
Genre: Young Adult – Science Fiction, Dystopian

Summary via Goodreads:

There are three rules in the Walled City: Run fast. Trust no one. Always carry your knife. Right now, my life depends completely on the first. Run, run, run.

Jin, Mei Yee, and Dai all live in the Walled City, a lawless labyrinth run by crime lords and overrun by street gangs. Teens there run drugs or work in brothels—or, like Jin, hide under the radar. But when Dai offers Jin a chance to find her lost sister, Mei Yee, she begins a breathtaking race against the clock to escape the Walled City itself.

Why I'm Waiting...

Adventure!!!! Someone is probably going to die and there's mystery. Sign me up!!!!! 

I'm also excited about some new world building and I'm always down for sisterly love.

[Book Blitz + Giveaway] A Vault of Sins by Sarah Harian

   

A Vault of Sins by Sarah Harian

(Chaos Theory #2)

Publication date: September 16, 2014

Genres: Dystopia, New Adult

Synopsis

In her stunning New Adult debut, The Wicked We Have Done, Sarah Harian introduced readers to the Compass Room: a twisted experimental jail where the guilty and the innocent suffer alike. But breaking out was only the beginning…

Even though she’s escaped, twenty-two-year-old Evalyn Ibarra is anything but free. She’s desperate to return to a life that no longer exists, but prying reporters continually draw her back into nightmarish memories, using the tabloids to vilify her. Bad press is the last thing she needs during the trial of the year: the case that she and her fellow survivors staked against the Compass Room engineers. A case that could terminate the use of the inhumane system forever…
But in her dreams, she is still locked in that terrifying jail.

When she wakes, someone is trying to communicate with her in secret, through strange and intricate clues. As Evalyn follows their signs, she uncovers a conspiracy that goes so much deeper than her own ordeal. A dangerous intrigue that only she can bring to light. One that will force her to work with the one person she doesn’t want to see.

The person who owns her heart…

Excerpt

In my dream, I’m alone.

The forest swells up all around me, warm and dark and moist. It’s a cocoon of comfort, if I didn’t know better. This is always the worst part of the dream—the feeling of entrapment, of loneliness. I’m lying on the ground, the underbrush of the woods spidering over my body, and I smell the Compass Room again. The wood fire, the soil, the sweat—and the blood, permeating above all the other odors.

It’s always night in the dream-Compass Room. Fog rolls through the air, thick enough to taste.

I hear the other candidates. Tanner and Jace scream the loudest. Shrieks of anguish, like their flesh is slowly being ripped from their bones. I shut my eyes to wait it out because I know that I can’t save them.

But then I hear Casey.

The underbrush ropes me to the ground, growing tighter as I twist and writhe, trying to free myself to get to him. His voice rips the night in half, and I scream to match his, back arching off the earth, the entire forest shattering into a thousand sharp pieces.

I jerk awake, lying on my back with my hand pressed to my chest, waiting for my heart to stop pounding. I inhale the cold air of my living room and hold it in my lungs as the terror dissipates. It’s like waiting for a brain freeze to end. I get up, flipping on all the light switches in the silent house, checking the shadowy corners for dream monsters.

Not dream monsters. Illusions. Nick or Meghan, a Compass Room test crawling from the darkness. There’s nothing in the house, but of course there wouldn’t be.

I peel back the curtain in the living room. Fingers of the dark trees sway back and forth with the wind and I want to throw up my heart. I let the curtain fall back into place, rush to the kitchen, and take a long pull from the tequila bottle. The good tequila bottle.

Returning to the living room, I flop back onto the bed.

The woods in my dreams are thick, always lurking with Compass Room devils. The woods around my home are nothing more than a scattering of sad little trees, but my mind doesn’t care.

Gemma and the division thought they erased Compass Room C from existence, but they can’t. It’s everywhere.

Author: Sarah Harian

Sarah Harian grew up in the foothills of Yosemite and received her B.A. and M.F.A. from Fresno State University. When not writing, she is usually hiking some mountain or another in the Sierras, playing video games with her husband, or rough-housing with her dog.

Twitter | Website | Facebook | Goodreads

This giveaway is set up and managed by author, not Xpresso Book Tours or Becoming Books. Eight winners will receive their choice of one of the following New Adult Scifi/Fantasy ebook titles (INTL):

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[Review] Our Broken Sky by Sarah Harian

Buy from Amazon

Title: Our Broken Sky
Series: Chaos Theory #1.5

Author: Sarah Harian [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Penguin/InterMix

Genre: New Adult Fiction - Science Fiction, Dystopia, Romance [violence and sexual content]

Release Date: August 19, 2014

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.

Valerie has always been different from her identical twin Veda. Tattooed, fiery, and foul-mouthed, Valerie acts on instinct, getting even with anyone who wrongs her passive and sensitive sister.

At twenty-two, Veda doesn’t want to seek revenge against the three young men who raped her. As for Val…

Val never could manage her anger well.

As far as Val sees it, the Compass Room is simply a quicker way for her to die—payment for the crime she feels no guilt over. There isn’t a reason to fight, not until a girl as broken as she is reminds Val of what it’s like to hope… - via Goodreads

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Continuing with Harian's gritty prose Our Broken Sky dives into the backstory of Val exposing her family, her loves, her crime and the aftermath in the process. As a series novella the storyline is quick and fast paced, avoiding content that is present in book one, The Wicked We Have Done, to deliver fresh storytelling. Val is an amazingly strong character whose voice is as raw and gritty as her personality. The moments where she really shines are connected to her extreme emotions of lust, anger, guilt and hope. Similar with TWWHD the scenes are intense, emotional and without filler. Celebrating the romantic side of the New Adult genre, Harian leaves the reader with super steamy scenes while incorporating much appreciated diversity. 

Why I'm desperately waiting for the next book...

I tend to be skeptical about novellas and the value of their content. However, this really hit the mark by adding new and relevant content that parallels the original story. The downside is that it would be really hard to pick this up without having read book one to fill in holes and provide context. The upside is you get 90 pages of action and information which add more depth to TWWHD. Random shout out for looking at lesbian and interracial relationships! 

I don't read my NA for various reasons but mostly because I feel like it's branded itself as an extension of the romance genre. I find the Chaos Theory series refreshing because there's a balance between exciting storylines/plot points, (super steamy) romance and character development. 

 A Vault of Sins comes out September 16!

Check out my review of The Wicked We Have Done!

3.5 Stars