Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Mare Barrow's blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?
**************************************************************
(After first read)
== I didn't like this book as much as Red Queen. It just seemed like nothing happy happened at all. I liked the recruitment of the newbloods. I loved when they had to go to Harbor City to look up the information and the chase through WhitHill Palace. With the first trap with Maven, I was real excited to see what happened and how they were going to get away. I was sooo disappointed that the author just skipped right over their escape. It seemed like the easy way out to have Mare "pass out" and wake up 4 days later and everything be accomplished without us being able to go through it with the other characters. I know everything is from Mare's point of view but I was still disappointed.

Then it happened again with the prison. The most anticipated duel of Mare and Elara and we don't even get to see it?! It felt like a "cop out". Don't get our hopes up and have another flash forward. With her return to the island, I felt so exhausted when she wanted to go after the Little Legion. I was like,"No more! Leave that to the next book." The ending of the book was a surprise and I liked it, but it just didn't flow. I liked the collar thing and the walk of shame. I do look forward to the next book.

(After multiple reading)
I do admit, that the book was a little slow. But ooooooooo Maven! xoxoxo That's all I'm gonna say. ==
**************************************************************

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver-blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard—a growing Red rebellion—even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction.

One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.

**************************************************************
== BRAVO!!! The book pulled me in almost as soon as I started to read it. I loved this book as soon as I finished it. I loved this book after the tenth time reading it. I have it as a "MUST" on my bookshelf. Whenever I need to lose myself for a few days, I read the whole series again. Just...*chef's kiss*. Anywhoo, it did take me a few times to comprehend what was going on after the character got her first job. But the attention to detail was great. The visuals were spot on. I LOOOVED the royal family. Yes...I was completely caught off guard by the betrayal. But it made for the story to be extra juicy for the next few books. ==
**************************************************************

Insurgent By Veronica Roth

One choice can destroy you.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. **************************************************************
== This book was a lot different for me.  I didn't enjoy it as much as Divergent, but I still enjoyed it.  I like the fact we get to actually spend time with the other factions. Learn some of their beliefs and customs. Towards the last battle, I lost track of who was who. Born this, chose that. The personalities of the characters didn't stand out anymore. It made the characters too generic and they weren't special anymore.

Tris was really whiney alot. Just cry and get it over with. Too many false stops. It was alright that the author weaved into to storyline Tris' death wish, but I felt it was unnecessary until the point she was actually going to die. Evelyn could easily be played by the actor who portrayed Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series.

I got tired of all the sub-characters dropping like flies. I felt like I was reading George R. R. Martin's books. All of them didn't need to die. Anyways, I didn't like the cut off at the end. I was looking forward to the next book. I was about to download it onto my Kindle when I happened to see the reviews. Now I'm sad. I don't want to be disappointed. =( ==
**************************************************************
I never did read the 3rd book

Divergent - By Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the YA scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance. **************************************************************
== I haven't read a book in a really long time.  I recently saw a movie with my daughter and the trailer for this new movie came on. Another teen book turned movie. But I have seen this book before at the stores. The story seemed interesting, so I bought the book "for my daughter". After several weeks on it sitting on the shelf, I grabbed it and gave it a try.

It's good. Real good. It has some hints of The Hunger Games, but that ended quickly. There was a lot going on in the story. Action. The story moved at a good pace. The book isn't full of surprises, but you didn't seem to mind it being a little predictable.

I loved the visuals. The author used great descriptions. I really got to see the different parts of the city. I even felt the wind on the train. You really feel the characters. See them.

The one thing I was disappointed in though was that we didn't get to revel in Tris' new found position. Right after she FINALLY got through initiation, there's war. It was too soon. Too soon we couldn't play with her as she jumped through the air. Or got to indulged more in her romance. We didn't even get a chance to discover more about her parents. That's it, gone. No more answers.

Even though I was disappointed how the books turned so quickly, I am eager to begin book two.==
**************************************************************

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

When literature studen Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating.  The unwordly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him.  Unable to resist Ana's quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too--but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates.  For all the trappings of success--his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family--Grey is a man tormented by demons and sonsumed by the need to control.  When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey's secrets and explores her own dark desires.
*********************************************************************
==This story was a welcome read.  There was much hype about this book.  I wasn't sure I wanted to join the herd.  But I am glad I did.  I heard it was "steamy", and yes, a few times while reading, I couldn't help but smile.  But I guess I could say, the scenes weren't enough for my tastes. 

It was a good read.  I will read the trilogy.  Thank you Ms James for a well written series.==
***********************************************************************

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Never Have I Ever (Lying Game #2) by Sara Shepard

MY PERFECT LIFE WAS A LIE.
NOW I'D DO ANYTHING TO
UNCOVER THE TRUTH.

Not long ago, I had everything a girl could wish for: amazing friends, an adorable boyfriend, a loving family. But none of them know that I'm gone--that I'm dead. To solve my murder, my long-lost twin sister, Emma, has taken my place. She sleeps in my room, wears my clothes, and calls my parents Mom and Dad.

And my killer is watching her every move.

I remember little from my life, just flashes and flickers, so all I can do is follow along as Emma tries to solve the mystery of my disappearance. But the deeper she digs, the more suspects she uncovers. It turns out my friends and I played a lot of games--games that ruined people's lives. Anyone could want revenge...anyone could want me--and now Emma--dead.

*********************************************************************************
==This book was alot more action packed. More anxiety. I actually thought we could finally come away with some real answers. I do admit that my heart was pumping when Emma was stuck in that cave. I almost wanted to cover my eyes, with fingers spread, like at a tense moment watching a movie. =)

I was bummed out that we have to go back to square one. But will eagerly look for the next book.==

********************************************************************************

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Pretty girls don't
play by the rules.
They make them.

Abandoned by her mother at age five, Emma Paxton has had a rough life in foster care, always longing for a familyu of her own. When she discovers Sutton Mercer, the wealthy twin she never knew she had, she leaps at the chance to meet her. But then Sutton disappears...

Mistaking Emma for her sister, Sutton's friends whisk her away. At first Emma plays along, eager to peek into her twin's life. Sutton seems to have everything Emma never got--an adoring boyfriend, fiercely loyal friends, and a close-knit family--but as Emma is drawn further into Sutton's world, she find that everyone is hiding dark secrets. Worst of all, Sutton may not be coming back--ever.

Now, to find out what happened to her, Emma must kepp up the charade. But one wrong move and she could end up missing as well.

Let the Lying Game begin.

**********************************************************************************
==I liked the story. It was nice to move away from the occult books. The style of writing the author has to offer is very refreshing. Who doesn't love a good mystery? I, of course, love Ethan. The voiolence in this book is just enough to get the point across. I was actually shocked at first that they would add something like this in a YA book. The author makes you actually feel the necklace around her throat. Every episode of fear is so real with this character.

The only bad thing, is that after I read this book, I watched the TV version of this book series. I didn't like it, and now it messed up my memory of the book. I need to remember to write the review of the book BEFORE seeing any other version, movie or TV. =(

**********************************************************************************

Insatiable by Meg Cabot

SICK OF HEARING ABOUT VAMPIRES?
SO IS MEENA HARPER.

Meena Harper is familiar with the supernatural. After all, she knows how you're going to die. (Not that you're going to believe her. No one ever does.)

But not even Meena's precognition can prepare her for Lucien Antonescu--whom she meets and then makes the mistake of falling in love with--a modern-day prince with a bit of dark side for which an ancient society of vampire hunters would prefer to see him dead.

The problem is Lucien's already dead. Maybe that's why he's the first guy Meena's ever met with whom she could imagine herself having a future. See, while Meena's always been able to see everyone else's destiny, she's never been able to look into her own. Lucien seems to be everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, though he might turn out to be more of a nightmare.

SO NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME FOR MEENA TO START LEARNING TO PREDICT HER OWN FUTURE...IF SHE HAS ONE.

**********************************************************************************
==I liked it. There is always items I wish the author would of done differently. But overall, the book was entertaining. But I do have to compliment the author on her set up for a sequel. It tied up the loose ends of the book, while also leaving the door open for more to the story to be added later. She didn't string you along with a piece of cheese like most YA authors do to their readers. Not saying that this was a YA book. If they had toned down the touchy feely, it could apeal to the older of the YA audiance. Even I felt a little uncomfortable.

I did roll my eyes how she spoofed Susan Lucci, the Twilight Series, The Vampire Diaries show, then rode the coat tails of Bram Stoker. But...no one is perfect. I will look for her sequel to this, and just may pick up another of Meg Cabot's books. I'm starting to like you Meg. ==
**********************************************************************************

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in a small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life--boating, swimming, and barbecues with his close buddies--he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship would only cramp his style. That is until Gabby Holland moves in next door.

Despite his attempts to be neighborly, the attractive redhead seems to have a grudge against him. Still, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen. THE CHOICE ultimately confronts us with the most heart-wrenching question of all: How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

****************************************************************************
==This is my first Nicholas Sparks book. The only one that I have ever considered reading. I won't lie, I have a copy of THE LAST SONG on my bookshelf, but I have never read it. I only bought it was because a friend of mine wanted to go see the movie of it. But I never read it or saw the movie. I have seen THE NOTEBOOK. After hearing how it was such a tear jerker, even my gay friends loved this movie enough to see it 100 times, I did see the movie. I guess that should of told me right there about the author. That movie was almost there--but not quite.

That's how THE CHOICE was for me as well. I gave the book some benefit of the doubt being a new author for me. Also the fact that it was an "adult" book, which I rarely desire to read. The only part that delivered was when Travis was sobbing at her bedside. The rest of the story, just wasn't enough. I didn't "feel" the story.

There are so many other of the author's books to choose from, yet I am not sure if I do want to read them. You would think that being so popular with the "heartbreak" in his books, you would actually get what was promised. I didn't cry or swoon. I'm disappointed. =(
**********************************************************************************

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

DOES NOT A CHILD RECOGNIZE HER OWN MOTHER?

Lucy Sexton is stunned when a disheveled woman appears at the door one day...a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her own beautiful mother. The two women are identical twins, seperated at birth and raised in dramatically different circumstances: one as a member of high society, the other in a workhouse. Lucy's mother quickly resolves to give her sister the kind of life she has never known, and the transofrmation in Aunt Helen is remarkable. As time goes by, Lucy herself transforms into a young woman, falling in love with a childhood friend she was once sure she hated. But in what should be a happy household, something is very, very wrong. And as Aunt Helen and Lucy's mother become ever more indistinguishable, Lucy begins to suspect that her aunt's now familiar face may mask a chilling agenda.

****************************************************************************
== Once I read the jacket, I pretty much knew what it was going to be about. But I hated this book from the beginning. This book could of easily done without the turn of the century backdrop. That's why I hated it most. The only part I liked was Kit's letters to Lucy. I pushed through the book because it promised twists and turns and I had nothing else to read during my vacation at my in-laws.==
*****************************************************************************

The Lost Saint (a Dark Divine Novel) by Bree Despain

A FAMILY DESTROYED
A LOVE THREATENED
AN ENEMY RETURNS

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befrinds Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger--in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her--not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.


*******************************************************************
==It had been quite a while since I read the first book. I had to re-read it again before I tried this one. So when I first opened the book of The Lost Saint, it was hard to swallow the first few pages. I didn't want to hear about training, I feared this book was going to be cheesy. I groaned for a few chapters.

Even as Daniel started to drift away, I thought this story was only too expected. With the entrance of Talbot, I dove right into the story. I knew how it was going to probably end, but I didn't care anymore. I loved this book as much as I loved the first when I first read it so many years (months?) ago.

I didn't like how it ended...just like that. It could of ended a little earlier. It would of made sense if it did. But to give it such a "cliff hanger" it felt so much like late night novelas or old school Dynasty or Dallas. But this book and author are charming enough to get away with it.

I am only sad that I do not know when the next one is coming....I will continue with this series =)
*******************************************************************************

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

CAN THERE BE TRULY LOVE AFTER DEATH?

Drifing in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life--or her actual death--she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to love. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia into the ghost world...forever.

*******************************************************************************
==I was a little disappointed in this book. I felt it was dumbed down too much for it's potential readers. Even though, this genere is Young Adult, authors like Stephenie Meyer and Suzanne Collins don't have to dumb the story down to enthrawl their readers.

The author spent more time explaining every detail of a characters body movements than the scene around them. It was very difficult to image yourself in the story world. I felt the only background she truly described was the backyard of the Mayhew's house.

The characters could of been more, especially Eli. I thought the ending was predictable with Jillian. I felt the way everything was ended and swept under the rug was diappointing. It's like the author dug herself so deep, that she didn't know how to end it. It felt like the shower dream from Dallas.

I just felt sad that authors today don't fully develop their stories in the first books. They linger and drag out the stories so they can have sequels. She left so much dangling, you kind of have to read the next one to know about rest of the story. But I think, this series I will skip. ==
******************************************************************************

Abandon by Meg Cabot

PIERCE KNOWS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO DIE.
BECAUSE SHE'D DONE IT BEFORE.

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone...because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when some there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away...especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

**********************************************************************************
==After seeing Meg Cabot books showing up in my usual book haunts, I thought about giving her a try. But it was another series entirely. I was unsure still to start a new author just for the sake of moving on in my reading. But when I saw Abandon, it was book love at first sight. I knew...this was the one for me.

I was excited to start this book. I do have to say that it isn't an easy transition into the book reality. I took me quite a few chapters before things started to make sense. It did get frustrating when the author kept certain past details still a secret. It's was like we were halfway through the book already, just spill it!

I liked John very much. From the first encounter, to the Underworld. Pierce seemed a little ditzy, but it was ok because she was so young (15) and probably a tree hugger. The story was going well until the scene in the cemetary in the beginning of the book. She would flash back so much that you forgot about the moment you were in. A very intense and angry passionate moment. By the time you got back to real time, it dimenished the emotion that was there. The part of him kicking in the gate and throwing her out was weak because of lost intensity of the moment.

I didn't care for the subplot. The popular kids and her cousin's beef with them. It seemed like an afterthought to tie in a second book. I was actually really disappointed with the ending of this book. I thought the story in Book 1 could of been so much more. The author doesn't need to quote Ice Cube in her book just to connect with the audience she is trying to reach out to. That only makes her seem like she is trying too hard and she shouldn't want to channel the "House of Night" series. Blah..

Overall, I like the story. I want to read more. I just hope the author gives it the passion it deserves. Don't dumb it down. Give us the pain and the love. It's death...afterall.==

*****************************************************************************

Incarceron (Series #1) by Catherine Fisher

IT GIVES LIFE. IT DEALS DEATH. IT WATCHES ALL.

Finn cannot remember his childhood. HE cannot remember