Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Reviewer: Kristen
Author: Morgan Matson
Pages: 344
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 8½ out of 10

Summary (you da greatest, Goodreads): Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

My Thoughts: So, this one's going to be short and sweet. Partly because I had made this draft a while ago (aka when I actually finished the book) and therefore don't really have much to say about it, and partly because I'm excited to get back to the other book I'm currently reading. If you're looking for a cute summer love, this book is for you! I loved Amy, and I loved how she didn't just jump into the romantic thoughts in regards to Roger. You know what I'm talking about? When suddenly just because they're thrown into an albeit awkward situation, she suddenly wants him in her pants? At any rate, that's not what Amy does. I also really enjoyed that both had their own baggage. They helped each other, they grew together, they were there for each other when no one else really was. I hated how Amy treated her mother, as I think the way she acted was pretty understandable under the circumstances. I also didn't like how the book ended. I'm the kind of person who likes the promise of a happy ever after, not a subtle hint that it might happen. But, you can't have it all! 

Final Thoughts: Good read! Cute, funny, pulls at the heart strings!  

Age of the Aura

Reviewer: Kelsey 
Author: Samuel Odunsi Jr
Pages: 160
Format: eBook
My Rating: 6 out of 10 (not my cup of tea, see below)

Summary (thanks Goodreads): There was no other name for the Blessed Galaxy. After being gifted with the Auras, five great powerhouses of celestial creation, the title was a suitable fit. While harnessing such energies, the governing bodies have ruled their respected reaches of the Galaxy for a number of millennia, but now they face the threat of an inevitable calamity that could shake the lives of everyone, caused by one of the five Auras.

After accepting a sudden promotion, a devout man of science, named Lowen Sars, decides to take on the burden of saving the Galaxy’s people after he learns of the calamity, but soon realizes that the role of a hero was a calling not meant for him. In his process of self-discovery, Lowen inadvertently begins the fateful saga of not only the Blessed Galaxy but also the kingdom in possession of the corrupt Aura, and especially its two young heirs of the throne.

Age of the Aura, Phase I: Champions of Power is the first book in a science fiction series that has yet to be seen elsewhere and it will certainly be one for the ages.

-------------------- This book was sent us by the author for a honest review --------------------
My Thoughts: Let's start with the style stuff. This book uses a lot of big words, a lot. At times, I found it hard to follow because of the words but after a while you get used to it. You also get to learn something because of it. There was also a small issue with contractions. There were no contractions used in this book. I felt like maybe that took away from the work because it's distracting. Lack of contractions makes the work feel like a piece of Academic writing. I think that it would have been best if the author made the "barbaric" people use contractions or something like that. Even Shakespeare had the less educated people speak differently. I think that, in the future, we will be using more contractions, not less. Finally, there was a single picture in the book. The words should have been able to describe the image without the picture being necessary. 

Now, on to the story. I was sad to find that I didn't care about Lowen or his grandfather when things were happening to them. Had I cared, I might have been more into the action. I cared more about the other two brothers than Lowen. That left me confused about what I was suppose to care about.

There was some witty banter that made me chuckle. It was greatly appreciated. 

Finally, I thought that the end came suddenly. I'm sorry to go all English class on you but there was no 'falling action' after the climax. It really forces the reader to read the second in this series. You have no idea where the story is going by the end. One side gets their way but there is no wrap up so if you want to know how it ends, plan on reading the rest of it.

This book really speaks to the geek in me. I grew up watching Star Trek and the like so I could follow along and fill in whatever I felt was left out. It was a good thing that I had this background or I might not have been able to appreciate this story at all. I do, however, believe that this book would be better suited for a male audience with a strong interest in science fiction that won't miss having a romance element.

Final Thoughts: Though I learned some big words, this was a pretty easy read. I would recommend this book to mostly guys. I made it through it but it wasn't exactly my forte but I believe guys might get more out of it. If you like science fiction though, you might like it too.

Wither (The Chemical Garden #1)

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Format: Paperback
Pages: 358
Rating: 8 out of 10

Summary (via Goodreads): By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?

Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?

My Thoughts: I was originally told that this was an awful book but, for some strange reason, I felt that I needed to read it anyway. I went against what this person told me and bought the book. This was partly because Kristen wouldn't let me leave the store without a book and partly because I hate waited so long to read this book that it was just time to buy it. I wasn't disappointing with my choice. I'm so glad that I did it.

This novel jumps right into the action. It doesn't throw the reader so far into the story that the reader cannot catch up with what is going on. Everything was explained clearly, thank goodness! 

I found myself caring deeply for Rhine. Whenever she made a choice to do or not do something, I was freaking out! Then I had this massively inner turmoil whenever it came to Linden and/or Gabriel. I couldn't choose what I wanted. I didn't understand how she could know. I had to remind myself that I was not her. I'm not sure how I ever got myself confused that I was since I would have given up for sure but Rhine never did.

I also found that this book was really good for using a variety of words. There wasn't the same word over and over. That drives me nuts!

Final Thoughts: I would recommend this novel to anybody who likes YA romance or dystopian. I found that I could figure things out in advance so if that bothers you, beware. Don't worry, there are still some surprises! Check this book out and let me know what you think!

Up in Nipigon Country: Anthropology as Personal Experience

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Edward J. Hedican
Format: Paperback
Pages: 156
Rating: 5 out of 10

Summary (love Goodreads): Arguing that modern day fieldwork has much to offer a social anthropologist, this study takes the author's experience as a worker in a First Nation community in Northern Ontario as an example of how basic research can be linked to theoretical thinking and result in epistemological value.

Summary (love Me): Hedican, an anthropologist, studies a town in Northern Ontario. This novel is about his experiences there and what he learned. This novel is often used as a textbook for Anthropology students (like me). 

My Take: Okay, I only read this novel because I had to for class. For the most part, it was interesting. He records many of his experiences and he writes them in story format. It was more like a short story book than a textbook. Sadly, we only get pieces of the story which he interrupts with how he came to certain conclusions or technical jargon. The stories are fascinating enough and I knew there would be a lot about his conclusions since it was my textbook but that doesn't mean that I had to like it. As far as ethnographies (the type of book this is) go, this is one of the better ones. If you ever wonder what cultural anthropologists do for a living, this is a solid look into that. 

In Conclusion: This is interesting for the type of book it is but I wouldn't just read it for fun and I'm an anthropology student! If you are curious, you'll be able to finish it but I wouldn't rush out this second to buy it.

The Wizard of Oz

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: L. Frank Baum
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
Rating: 6 out of 10

Summary (from Goodreads): Dorothy thinks she's lost forever when a tornado whirls her and her dog, Toto, into a magical world. To get home, she must find the wonderful wizard in the Emerald City of Oz. On the way she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion. But the Wicked Witch of the West has her own plans for the new arrival - will Dorothy ever see Kansas again?

Quick View: It really threw me off to find out that Dorothy was actually a very young girl. This changes the entire feel of the novel. I had to change what I thought about it since, in the movie, Dorothy is played by a much older actress. It took a bit of getting used too but I managed.

Also, it was hard to remember the time the story took. She was with the witch for a lot longer than it looks in the movie. I guess, in the end, one really must just avoid bringing their preconceived notions about a book to their reading because they saw the movie.

I thought the book was quite simplistic however. It was definitely a quick read and, if we are being honest, was probably meant for children to read. I couldn't resist; it's a classic.

So: If you enjoyed the movie than you should check out the original but don't expect them to be the same; for such a short book, they left a lot out of the movie! Try going into the book forgetting that you ever watched the movie. It's a quick and fun read. If you like classics then take a look at this book!

Even Bones knows what it's like to be sucked into a book!

Effortless

Reviewer: Kristen
Author: S. C. Stephens
Pages: 496
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 9 out of 10

*Spoiler Warning*
Review for THOUGHTLESS

Summary (thanks Goodreads): After being caught in the middle of a love triangle which led to a devastating betrayal, Kiera pledged to learn from the mistakes she’d made. She was determined to never again inflict that kind of pain on anyone, especially the soulful, talented man who held her heart. But life offers new challenges for every relationship, and when Kiera’s love is put to the ultimate test, will it survive? Love is easy . . . trust is hard.

My Thoughts: I'm going to keep this one nice and short! I essentially loved this book. I love Kellan (oh my God, Kellan), I still love Denny, and I still hate Kiera. She just, I don't even know. There's something about her that just gets on my nerves. At any rate, this book picks up about three months after we leave Kellan and Kiera in Thoughtless. The first, I'd say, third of the book (ish) is heavy on the lust factor. More so than the last. Lots of sex at first, and though I understand that this in fact a romance novel, it was almost like there was no plot while this was happening. Don't worry this changes! I loved where Stephens took the book. I really didn't know how there would be more to this book that wasn't covered in the first, but don't you fret none, Stephens makes sure to rip your heart out and make you want more. This seriously is going to be one of my new favourite series, and I'm so so so so so (add another few so's) excited for the next! Soon, I keep having to remind myself. I feel like I was underwhelmed with this review, but I don't really know why.... it's an amazing book. Seriously. 

Final Thoughts: Perfect sequel. 

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As a random side note, while reading this, I totally imagined the D-Bags (Kellan's band, for those who haven't read) sound kind of like Hedley's "Kiss You Inside Out"

Though, I do know that the S.C Stephens has said that she pictured their sound more like Linkin Parks "New Divide" 

If any of you have read this, what do you think that our lovable D-Bags sound like?!

Going Too Far

Reviewer: Kristen 
Author: Jennifer Echols
Pages: 245
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 7 out of 10


Summary: HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....

My Thoughts: This book came  highly recommended on Goodreads, and I'll admit to you, as long as something has a rating of 4> I won't hesitate to pick it up. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed this novel. It was easy to follow, it was a breath of somewhat fresh air. I'm quite sick of the bad boy getting the sweet, innocent girl. I'm glad that Jennifer Echols put a twist in it, and made Meg the hard ass. I also really enjoyed that both Meg and John came with their own baggage. Too often, I find, only one character has the baggage and someone always has to save said character. Both John and Meg have deep emotional scars, and they finally begin to open up to each other. I really, really, really didn't like Meg at first. Okay, I liked her sarcasm and her wit. I didn't like how she "conducted" her life, so to speak. You find out why she's the way she is, and suddenly you just go "Ahhhhhh! It all makes sense now!" John After is similar. You begin to understand why he's the way he is and why he feels so emotionally tied to their quiet little town (that Meg hates!) and the bridge that brought them together. I've heard lots of wonderful things about all of Jennifer Echols books, and it suffices to say that I've ordered a bunch more. (Thanks Book Depository, without you I'd probably have to beg on the streets for my book money.) I'd be lying if I said that this was exactly what I expected when I got the book. I was a little bit disappointed, but I think that was just because of what I thought the book was. Don't you hate when that happens? When what you thought the book was going to be interferes with what it really is. At any rate, this really was a good, really quick read. I encourage you to give it a shot! 

Final Thoughts: Good read. Quick, funny, a bit dark, hopeful. 

The Ripple in Space-Time

Reviewer: Kristen
Author: S F Chapman
Pages: 260
Format: Paperback (ARC)
My Rating: 7½ out of 10

Summary (Thanks Goodreads): When the huge lunar Ultra Energy Laboratory is destroyed by a mysterious blast, Inspector Ryo Trop of the Free City Inquisitor's Office is called in to sort out who is responsible for the disaster.

Early reports imply that rogue moon miners are to blame but Ryo quickly discovers that a far more complex and sinister scheme is afoot.

With the help of a promising young Liaison Agent and a faltering Grad student, Ryo searches for clues and culprits in the corrupt and moldering feudal fiefdoms of the Warlords that dominate human affairs in 2445.

Ryo’s longtime friend, Biology Professor turned spy Malcolm Evans, suggests that the wave of space piracy that has recently vexed the Solar System could be connected to the obliteration of the lunar lab.

But why would reckless and marauding space raiders have an interest in a research facility

**We received a copy of this novel for a fair and unbiased review**

My Thoughts: I haven't read any science fiction novels that I truly enjoyed lately. I'm happy to say that The Ripple in Space-Time has ended that little streak I had goin' on. The novel was about a scientist who was abducted and a team was assembled to to rescue them. When Tribute Books emailed me about this book, I'm not going to lie, I was excited. I loved how S. F Chapman laid out this book. I don't really know why, but the way the chapters were broken up added a lot to the book. I also thought that the way the book was written added so much to the story which is an obvious kudos to the author, again. In stories like this, you need to be able to picture everything because everything is so different when a story takes place this far into the future. For the most part, I could picture everything that S.F Chapman was describing, and I could visualize where he was trying to take the reader. I really don't know what to say other than I just enjoyed this story. A lot. Don't get me wrong, it was a lot different than the bluster of cute romantic novels I've been reading lately, and let me tell you that it was a breath of fresh air. My only critique of this would be that it starts out great, and it ends great, but the middle could sometimes be a little eh. It was worth it though, and I really enjoyed this read! I feel like this review was all over the place, I've just literally finished it. I definitely recommend any sci-fi lover to pick this book up, it won't disappoint! P.S can I just say that I love when the title suddenly makes all the sense in the world?

Final Thoughts: Good read. Definitely would consider re-reading. Perfect for anyone who loves sci-fi and/ or crime! 

Thoughtless

Reviewer: Kristen
Author: S.C Stephens
Pages: 520
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 8½ out of 10

Summary (thanks GR): For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same


My Thoughts: I've really been into the whole romance thing lately. Not Fifty Shades of romance, mind you, but the good old fashioned love triangle. If that's what you're looking for, then this is for you. Yes there is some sex, but it's nothing that made me blush, so again, not something Fifty Shades would be proud of. I instantly fell in love with Denny, which was hard because you know that with these kind of novels, chances are their gonna fall for the other lover. Well, don't you fret none, I loved Kellan just as much. I probably loved him more. I loved that he wasn't perfect, and I loved that he accepted how he was. I loved that he was so involved in his music, and that he felt real. He didn't seem like the perfect kind of guy that protagonists always go for. He was messy, he was stupid, he was caring, he was hilarious, he was warm, he was cold, he was close, he was distant. He was everything that you want in a guy. Well, maybe not everything. He was a little promiscuous. And by a little, I mean a lot. For good reason, that I promise you will find out as you near the end. I loved the dynamic that the three of them had, and I really enjoyed the band part of the story. I am a sucker for a boy with a good voice and who knows how to play the guitar, but then again, who isn't? Kiera is another story - she royally pissed me off majority of the time. Sometimes I felt bad for her, sometimes I hated her so much that I wanted neither Kellan nor Denny to end up with her. I really liked Jenny and Evan. They weren't mentioned as much as I would have liked, but I hope that with the next one (which I have ordered, by the way) we get to learn more about the secondary characters. Anna too, who was Kiera's sister. This book was a tad long for the typical romance, but it didn't feel long, ya know what I mean? I just kept turning the pages, and I didn't want to leave their world. Sue me, but I'm excited that this is a trilogy. When I fall in love with characters, I want to spend as much time as I possibly can with them. Which is probably why I have a pull towards trilogies, as Kelsey can attest too. Alright, enough of my rambling. I really enjoyed this, and S.C Stephens wrote this beautifully. Great characters and a well written novel?! Whose alley wouldn't this be up!?

Final Thoughts: I definitely recommend this if you're on that romance kick that I've been on. If you like Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire then definitely, without a doubt, check out Thoughtless!