[Review] Twisted Fate by Norah Olson

Title: Twisted Fate

Author: Norah Olson

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Thriller, Mystery, Contemporary, Social Issues

Release Date: January 20, 2015

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

Whoa... who am I supposed to trust?

Immediately we're introduced to Sydney, Allyson and a few other point of views. Right off the bat you know something is off as the sisters recount events with different versions. But who's telling the truth? Who's version is accurate? It's all really weird but I was totally roped in and the pages kept turning.

Honestly, everyone is kind of creepy just to varying degrees
One thing I think Olson nails is the fact that we're all flawed. While some may find the multiple POVs a bit much it is needed to show all sides of the story, reveal "evidence", and bring clarity as to what/who we're dealing with here. There's only two people I trusted in the whole story and that's the police officers.

Because there's always boys...
The story kicks off with gorgeous Graham moving in next door and taking a liking to Allyson. Sydney, her younger sister, is immediately skeptical of him and along with Becky, the BFF, and Declan, her sort-of-boyfriend, they begin befriending him and spying...

The writing is on the wall from pretty early in the story but I was still unsure how things were going to shake out. The ending did not disappoint but did leave one big question for me.

Spoiler

One of the main issues is that Sydney is mentally ill. This is NEVER addressed and for all these kids to be super smart (Declan and Syd are top of the class and Becky is a hacker/computer programming nerd) NO ONE notices this!!!!! I kind of get absent parents but she hangs with these people everyday and reveals her sickness but everyone just shrugs it off. Even the school guidance counselor.

If this question/issue/point been addressed then it would've been a five star read for me.

You'll like is if... and it may annoy you if...

You'll like this if you enjoy psychological thrillers without questioning too much. The only character development is revealed/forced by the plot so you may not find yourself deeply attached to any one person but it's not boring. I promise! Also, if you're looking for a lot of explanations as to why... prepare to lose sleep. The ending is with little explanation after the last conflict.

If you enjoyed Gone Girl, or enjoy the TV shows Snapped or Forensic Files this should please you. 

Random side note: I could find nothing on the author except that she wrote this book. This totally adds to the creepiness factor, even if it's just a pseudonym. ;)

4 Stars – I don't know who to be more afraid of...

[Waiting...] Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes

"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: Liars, Inc.

Author: Paula Stokes

[Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website]

Release Date: March 24, 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Contemporary Mystery

Summary via Goodreads:

It all starts with one little lie…

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell lies to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts a business providing forged permission slips and cover stories for the students of Vista Palisades High. Liars, Inc. they call it. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

Why I'm Waiting...

I LOVE a good mystery...

with an unreliable main character...

and making great fiction out of something that could realistically be a headline. I can't wait!

[Review] Since You've Been Gone by Mary Jennifer Payne

Title: Since You've Been Gone

Author: Mary Jennifer Payne [Blog | Twitter]

Publisher: Dundurn Group

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller

Release Date: February 17, 2015

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

Is it possible to outrun your past? Fifteen-year-old Edie Fraser and her mother, Sydney, have been trying to do just that for five years. Now, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only has Edie had to move to another new school she's in a different country.
Sydney promises her that this is their chance at a fresh start, and Edie does her best to adjust to life in London, England, despite being targeted by the school bully. But when Sydney goes out to work the night shift and doesn't come home, Edie is terrified that the past has finally caught up with them.

Alone in a strange country, Edie is afraid to call the police for fear that she ll be sent back to her abusive father. Determined to find her mother, but with no idea where to start, she must now face the most difficult decision of her life." – via Goodreads

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There was a girl...
I was not overly impressed with Edie as a character however I did appreciate some attributes of her personality. While many of her actions/reactions to things were not desirable I did find them human and a realistic byproduct of her situation. As the book would say, teenagers can be little twats. I did like in the end that Edie tried for redemption, another human like quality.

and a whole lot more plot.
The book weighs in at a little over 200 pages which was a way to short to delve into any sort of character development. On the other hand we are raced out of Toronto within the first couple of chapters and onto the busy streets of London. Within a few days the mystery of Edie's mom takes center stage. The pacing is great with each twist and turn keeping Edie on the hunt. There are a couple of points that I feel like could've been modified to really raise the stakes but alas, did not happen. There are a few writing inconsistencies that may be cleared up during the final editing stage but it was noticeable when the story is told in first person.

A great read for...
those looking for a quick and exciting story. I think the subject matter is important and handled with care but could use a higher page count to really flush everything out, not to mention character development.

3 Stars –  An exciting, quick read without all the nuts and bolts.

[Waiting...] There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake

"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: There Will Be Lies

Author: Nick Lake

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Release Date: January 6, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Thriller, Mystery

Summary via Goodreads:

In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car.

Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon.

All Shelby knows is that they're running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn't, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.

Award-winning author Nick Lake proves his skills as a master storyteller in this heart-pounding new novel. This emotionally charged thrill ride leads to a shocking ending that will have readers flipping back to the beginning.

Why I'm Waiting...

Car chases. Well possible car chases. Dishonest parents make for a bonus. Very curious to see what the plot is since the synopsis is very vague. 

I read Lake's Hostage Three earlier this year and loved it from beginning to end. A mixture of action, villain sympathy and mystery has resulted Lake's books being added to my TBR the moment they're announced. 

[Waiting...] Twisted Fate by Norah Olson

"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: Twisted Fate

Author: Norah Olson

[Twitter]

Release Date: January 20, 2015

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Thriller, Mystery

Summary via Goodreads:

When Alyson meets Graham Copeland, the new boy next door, she instantly feels like he’s a kindred spirit—shy and awkward like her, someone who has trouble making friends. It’s impossible to resist having a crush on him.

As usual, her sister, Sydney, sees things differently. In Sydney's mind, Graham's odd personality and secretive past scream psychopath, not sweetheart. Her gut is telling her to stay away from him, and to protect a love-struck Alyson from her own naïveté. But despite her instincts, Sydney is surprised to realize that a part of her is drawn to Graham, too.

And the more Sydney gets to know him, the more she realizes just how right—and wrong—she is about everything.

Why I'm Waiting...

This has been suggested for fans of Michelle Hodkin and E. Lockhart's We Were Liars, both of which I heart so I'm looking forward to this debut. Thrillers are also really in right now so I'm curious to see how Twisted Fate sets itself apart in a crowded field. 

Don't forget to check out the Secret Santa Book Exchange!

[Review] Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Black Ice
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Simon Teen

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Mystery, Thriller, Romance

Release Date: October 7, 2014

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

Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late.

Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage.

In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target.

But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally? - via Goodreads

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The prelude, though!

Becca Fitzpatrick kicks off Black Ice with an intense opening prelude reminiscent of the opening scenes in horror movies. Quick moving with action and the set-up necessary to get the vibe of the serial killer.

Smart girls making bad decisions...

I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing, or maybe just a real thing. Best friends Britt and Korbie (really, really disliked this name) decide to hike a trail for spring break but there's an unsuspecting snow storm so things go south real quick and they have to worry about their survival.

They knock on a stranger's door and these guys are acting all sorts of sketchy! I felt like the guy in Scream who needs to explain all the rules of scary movies because we all know this trope except Britt and Korbie.

Britt is an 18-year-old college student who is looking to assert herself and upend some stereotypes about her female gender role and affluent upbringing, oh and make a boy jealous. As a result she has spent hours studying and practicing her wilderness survival skills. Unlike Korbie, Britt is tired of playing the damsel in distress and frequently mentions how much she relies on all the men in her life to get by. I don't want to spoil anything but lets just say her practicing and studying comes in handy a time or two.

Money and Masculinity...

Almost all of the key players have money!!! I'm not sure if this was done to help the plot in some places or if that's the population that usually has cabins in the mountains of Wyoming. I understand it as a characteristic for certain characters and on others not so much. I would've liked to see more diversity in this area because I feel like the in some way Fitzpatrick was tying in the theme of gender roles/views directly to affluence. While money can affect character I would like to believe there's not a direct correlation there... 

Gender roles became a much larger focal point than I thought possible for a mystery/thriller! Learning the character's back stories and relationships with their parents, siblings, friends, etc. played such a large role in how they've arrived at this point. Really looking at the expectations and stereotypes for each relationship revealed and how it has influenced the present day plot is disturbing and also so true. Definitely makes me rethink how I choose my words and how they affect my relationships. 

It's all in the details...

One of the things I really enjoyed is that even though the story is plot driven there are flashbacks that help build the character case. This way the reader is playing judge and jury as they're reading. 

If you're into details... it's all there! I called this towards the middle of the book but even then there were little bits 'o' information that kept popping up to surprise me. 

The romance...

I found it slightly awkward. I can't get into too many details but you know from the synopsis there are two boys Britt is involved with. I really struggled with the idea of being kidnapped and falling for one of my captors in three days and then wondering if it's Stockholm Syndrome or Lima Syndrome all the while I'm lost, cold, wet and hungry. I didn't hate the ending but I wasn't in love with it, I enjoyed the ride there much more! 

4 Stars - It's all in the details! 

[Review] Girl Defective by Simmone Howell

Girl Defective by Simmone Howell
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary Mystery
Goodreads


Thanks to Andye for allowing me to be a guest blogger today! Read my full review of Girl Defective over at Reading Teen!

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In the tradition of High Fidelity and Empire Records, this is the literary soundtrack to Skylark Martin’s strange, mysterious, and extraordinary summer.

This is the story of a wild girl and a ghost girl; a boy who knew nothing and a boy who thought he knew everything.

It’s a story about Skylark Martin, who lives with her father and brother in a vintage record shop and is trying to find her place in the world. It’s about ten-year-old Super Agent Gully and his case of a lifetime. And about beautiful, reckless, sharp-as-knives Nancy. It’s about tragi-hot Luke, and just-plain-tragic Mia Casey. It’s about the dark underbelly of a curious neighborhood. It’s about summer, and weirdness, and mystery, and music.

And it's about life and death and grief and romance. All the good stuff.

3 Pieces - Find a record you would trade your house for... everyone deserves an anthem. 

[Review] Made for You by Melissa Marr

Title: Made for You
Author: Melissa Marr [ Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Website]

Publisher: HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Contemporary Thriller/Horror

Release Date: September 16, 2014

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

Bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely books Melissa Marr’s first contemporary YA novel is a twisted southern gothic tale of obsession, romance, and murder. A killer is obsessed with Eva Tilling. Can she stop him, or will he claim her?

When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva.For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling. - via Goodreads

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Oh what a tangled web we weave...

With three point-of-views Marr guides us through protagonist Eva's accident recovery and detective skills, Judge's psychopathic ramblings, and Grace's, Eva's best friend, fill-in moments. 

Judge, not his real name, is convinced it's God's will that Eva is to be his true love/wife. We quickly learn he is CRAZY PANTS!!! I can't even describe how fast I read through his chapters because he scared me that much with all his crazy talk. 

Eva is burdened with her new ability and the idea that someone wants her dead. Eva also has a boyfriend, Robert, and another boy, Nate, who is interested in her. Basically, her milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. However, she handles most things as any fierce southern woman would. She's polite and firm, kind of like sweet tea. 

There is a delusional romance, one that's at the end of it's rope, and one budding. They all have their place in Eva's life and there are FEELS. I actually would've liked to hear a chapter or two from Nate or Robert to round out some of these feels.  

Southern teenage royalty lives on...

Judge's anger stems from Them which are the "in-crowd" of the small town, Jessup, and essentially describes most small towns in the south where the founding families still reside. Class and socio-economics determine the adolescent experience and into adulthood if you don't escape. For Grace, a northerner, her place is sealed with Eva at her side. For others in town it means getting as close as you can to join the court.

What we don't get to see, but feel through Judge's anger, is the influence and privilege that comes with being small town royalty. (Side note: As someone who grew up in the south and went to high school with people who had the same last name as the town name, this stuff is powerful while in the city limits.)

This culture however is what makes Eva a strong protagonist. While not perfect, she understands her place, and owns it, but the balance comes with her humility, resolve and awareness. Her ability to be self-aware allows for the compassion of Judge's other marks and the character flaws of those around her. No matter your status, everyone has issues and Eva gets that.

But that paranormal though...

Felt like a cheap trick to help the plot along. Womp, womp! The visions are not revolutionary or earth shattering, I felt like she could've drawn all these conclusions with common sense or natural plot development... or maybe it's just me.

The back of the ARC blurbs that Made for You is "southern gothic". I found this further interesting once I looked at how its been shelved on Goodreads. I do not agree that this is any sort of gothic, landscape or world building wise, and only slightly gothic in narrative and themes. I really feel this is true once you discount the "paranormal" element. This doesn't change my opinion of the book but did make me raise an eyebrow.  

Woo me with the prose and pacing...

Read it in one sitting, even took it to dinner in a restaurant with my significant other. No shame, I'd do it again! The prose and pacing work in tandem to take control over your heartbeat and page turning. The alternating chapters really move in a cat and mouse rhythm, exposing bits-o-truth to keep you guessing what is going to happen next. 

This is my first Melissa Marr book but it will not be my last. Crazy awesome standalone novel that you should've pre-ordered yesterday!

You'll like this if...

If you enjoy crime procedurals, southern culture, and horror. Bonus for pleasant parents, building healthy relationships and no slut shaming. Edit: I realize that there is slut shaming, female to male, which would be the double standard if we tolerated this. There are also instances of body image shaming. 

Judge really, really reminded me A LOT of James Van Der Beek's character Tobias Hankel on Criminal Minds. Creepy!!!!!!!

4.5 Stars - Hide your kids, hide your wife, hide your husband!
And don't forget to buy your own copy for reading... while you're hiding.

[Waiting...] The Doubt Factory by Paolo Bacigalupi

"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 Doubt Factory

Author: Paolo Bacigalupi
[Facebook | Twitter | Website]
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult – Thriller, Mystery

Summary via Goodreads:

In this page-turning contemporary thriller, National Book Award Finalist and New York Times bestselling author Paolo Bacigalupi explores the timely issue of how public information is distorted for monetary gain, and how those who exploit it must be stopped.

Everything Alix knows about her life is a lie. At least that's what a mysterious young man who's stalking her keeps saying. But then she begins investigating the disturbing claims he makes against her father. Could her dad really be at the helm of a firm that distorts the truth and covers up wrongdoing by hugely profitable corporations that have allowed innocent victims to die? Is it possible that her father is the bad guy, and that the undeniably alluring criminal who calls himself Moses--and his radical band of teen activists--is right? Alix has to make a choice, and time is running out, but can she truly risk everything and blow the whistle on the man who loves her and raised her?

Why I'm Waiting...

Nothing like realizing your life of privilege has been granted by the lives of innocents! Action, betrayal and mystery boy... sign me up! I picked this up at BEA and fell in love with cover and thriller aspect. I've also heard nothing but praise for Paolo Bacigalupi's writing. 

Thrillers and mysteries are starting to thrive in YA. What are your thoughts? 

[Pre-Order Special!] Get Even by Gretchen McNeil

 

Hey, Hey Readers!!

I got this awesome book Get Even by Gretchen McNeil at BEA and I can't wait to share my review with you soon. But while we wait Gretchen is giving away special sneak peek booklets of the second book in the series, Get Dirty. Why do you NEED the sneak peek chapters? Because Get Even ends on a massive cliffhanger that will result in a book hangover!! The only peace you'll have are the next two chapters and your swag to comfort you while you wait. – Meghann

Title: Get Even

Series: Don't Get Mad #1

Author: Gretchen McNeil [ Facebook | Twitter | Website]

Publisher: Belzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: YA Fiction – Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller

Release Date: September 16, 2014

So... how do you get the awesome sneak peek chapters + bonus goodies? 

(1) Pre-order GET EVEN in paperback, ebook, or audio format from your favorite chain, independent, or online retailer, such as:

   

(2) Submit proof of purchase (email, scan, photo, etc. of your receipt) at gretchenmcneil.giveaways@gmail.com, along with a valid mailing address. Alternately, you can pre-order from one of the participating bookstores listed on Gretchen's blog and pick up your booklet from them on release day! Note: If you have already submitting proof of purchase for a previous giveaway, you must do so again.

(3) On September 16, 2014, you will be mailed/pick up a signed, special edition booklet containing the first two (2) chapters of GET DIRTY, which does not go on sale until June 2015, along with bonus content for GET EVEN and a signed Don't Get Mad bookplate.

(4) Submissions for the giveaway close September 15, 2014 at 11:59pm PST.

LEGALEZE:

- You Must be 13+ to enter.
- One Entry Per Pre-Order Proof of Purchase.
- Open to U.S. and Canada residents only, but participating bookstores will ship internationally!
- Check out the original post on Gretchen's blog.