Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

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Book summary: 

When "Perfect" Parker Fadley starts drinking at school and failing her classes, all of St. Peter's High goes on alert. How has the cheerleading captain, girlfriend of the most popular guy in school, consummate teacher's pet, and future valedictorian fallen so far from grace?
Parker doesn't want to talk about it. She'd just like to be left alone, to disappear, to be ignored. But her parents have placed her on suicide watch and her conselors are demanding the truth. Worse, there's a nice guy falling in love with her and he's making her feel things again when she'd really rather not be feeling anything at all.
Nobody would have guessed she'd turn out like this. But nobody knows the truth.
Something horrible has happened, and it just might be her fault.

          Courtney Summers is one these authors whose work I know I'll love. I realized that with This is Not a Test and in months to come I have no doubt I'll confirm that. Mostly the reason for that is that she brings something different in her stories. Cracked Up to Be might not be as perfect as This is Not a Test but it for sure didn't disappoint.

          Talking about different from the blurb you can see that this one is not typical. Parker from before everything was a typical girl for your YA stories. Perfect, smart and friendly cheerleader with a popular boyfriend and everything that comes with that. Parker with whom we meet here is everything but that. She is drinking, rude and bitter. Something pulled the trigger but she is not ready to talk about that. Now her only goal is to graduate and be left alone. Things start to complicate when a new guy shows up and  it mix her feelings even more. You can see the cracks.

         Not only the plot is different, for me the best part of Summers' writing are characters. I dare to say that her characterization is high on my list. They are real and bitter and far from perfect. Even though they might not act like you would you can totally understand that. With is a great accomplishment. I needn't say there is plenty of feels in these lines.

         Now you probably wonder why 4 stars. Well it's the ending. Somehow I wish there was more. Simply it all came too soon for me and while it was somehow satisfying it wasn't as good as the whole story.

Rating: 4 stars.

***I read this book as part of Courtney Summers read-a-thon organized by Ciara at Lost at Midnight Reviews.

Until the next time,

Quote of the Week: The Brides of Rollrock Island

A week ago I have reviewed Margo Lanagan's The Brides of Rollrock Island and then I told you about her beautiful writing. So to prove you that I need some evidence, right? I've got some qoutes and I hope you'll like them. Actually only two because there is no stopping me if I go on.

For the first time in my life had been beautiful, and lovable, whether Potshead people thought so or not. I felt cleansed of the rage and misery that had made up so much of me in pettier company, in prettier. I felt freed to please myself, to find my way as I would, in a world that was much vaster than I had realized before, in which I was put one star-gleam, one wavelet, among multitudes. My happiness mattered not a whit more than the next person’s – or the next fish’s, or the next grass-blade’s! – and not a whit less. How piddling I was, in the general immensity! And how lovely it was to be tiny and alone, to have quickened to living for a moment here, to be destined soon to blink out and let time wash away all the mark and remembrance of me.

and the second one..

All the years to come crowded into that time, and I lived them, long and bitter and empty of him.  The rightness of what I had done, and the wrongness both, they tore at me, and repaired me, and tore again, and neither of them was bearable.

I hope that you'll discover Margo's beautiful style sometime soon.

Until the next time,
 

The Thing About Wolves by Leigh Evans

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Book summary:

Being put in charge of a werewolf pack might be someone’s dream, but it’s Hedi’s nightmare. Hints that it’s not working out include the Creemore wolves wanting her blood. And the Council of Weres wanting her dead…
Then all Hedi's wishes are granted. Robson Trowbridge, pack leader, returns – and her love isn't alone. He's found her missing twin brother, Lexi, among the fae. With this double helping of wonderful, things should’ve been all sunshine and flowers, but the fae lands have changed both men. Hedi’s brother is dying of an addiction, and her relationship with Robson may not survive the forces pushing them apart. To combat the darkness ahead, Hedi must face her dangerous were/fae heritage – and accept the consequences.

        The Trouble with Fate was one of the first Urban Fantasy books I dared to read and it brought me not only the experience of a new genre but also the experience of a pretty unique style for me. Leigh Evans continued to surprise me in this sequel.

         After all the trouble in The Trouble with Fate Hedi was left in a really bad position. To save the one she loved she had to throw them in a world he didn't belong to and now she had to find a way to get him back. Only that brought some changes into Towbridg's pack and she had to take control over them. That wouldn't be a big deal if she wasn't an enemy the one they despise the most. Even when she though the things can get any worse Towbridge is back but not alone. He brought someone from her past, the one she lost long ago and the one that changed a lot, still he was her brother. It wouldn't be much of a problem if there wasn't another person who Towbridge brought with them. It made her question her choices.

         Besides having a really interesting concept this story has a really interesting narration. While you're reading it you feel like you're inside Hedi's head. You can read her thoughts and big parts of this book are inner monologues. That might sound unappealing but once you meet Hedi you change your mind. Only thing is it takes some time to get used to it but once you do be prepared to laugh, because Hedi is a really witty girl.

         While I did struggle at the start because it takes few chapters to remember all the details and get used to Hedi's mind it didn't stop me from enjoying this story. While The Trouble with Fate brought a really interesting plot in The Thing about Wolves be prepared to experience some new twists and as always you'll want more.

Rating: 4 stars.

Until the next time,

***NOTE: A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher - PanMacmillan. Thank you. 
I'm not paid for writing this review - I do it as a lover of written word. All opinions are personal. 

Ghost Hand by Ripley Patton

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Author's 

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Book summary: 

Seventeen-year-old Olivia Black has a rare birth defect known as Psyche Sans Soma, or PSS. Instead of a right hand made of flesh and blood, she was born with a hand made of ethereal energy.
How does Olivia handle being the girl with the ghost hand? Well, she's a little bit morbid and a whole lot snarky. 
Her mother thinks her obsession with death, black clothing, and the local cemetery is a bid for attention. But when Marcus, the new guy in Olivia's calculus class, stares at her like she's a freak, Olivia doesn't like it. And when her hand goes rogue, doing things she never imagined possible, Olivia finds herself running for her life with Marcus from a group of men bent on taking the power of her hand for their own nefarious purposes.

         First time I have heard of this book was when Kindlemom hosted it as Indie book of the week and from her review it sounded like a really unique read and I'm always in when it comes to unique stories. Luckily for me it really was unique.

          So this is a story about Olivia, a girl with a ghost hand. Yeah literary she has a ghost hand meaning her hand is translucent and glowing. With time she got used to it and while no one really had any logical explanation for that phenomena Olivia learned how to live with it. Up until one day in school when her hand did something really unusual and all that in front of a new guy, Marcus, in her class. Little did she know that a group of men are coming to get her and that Marcus knows more than she imagined.

          As you could gather from that ghost hand or Psyche Sans Soma is something I haven't heard of and please don't bother google this is pure fiction. While the whole idea is really unique and to my liking I guess that some readers will mind the lack of explanation. It didn't bother me because I like to see it as mystery and with so many things in universe unexplained one more doesn't make some big problem.

          Probably the only problem here was that story was predictable from time to time. But still other things made this book likable. Not only the idea, but Olivia as well as she is strong and not whiny and the romance was really sweet. I couldn't but cheer for them.

          Bottom line that for me this was a really enjoyable and relatively fast read. The whole idea got me interested from the start and different twists made me read it even faster.

Rating: 4 stars.

Until the next time,

***NOTE: Copy of this book is kindly provided by the author, Ripley Patton. Thank you. 
I'm not paid for writing this review - I do it as a lover of written word. All opinions are personal. 

ARC Review: Heritage by S.M. Boyce

Pre-order book at website

Expected publication November 5th, 2013

Author's 

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Book summary: 

Kara Magari isn’t normal, even by Ourea’s standards—and in a world of shape-shifters and soul stealers, that’s saying something. To the royalty, she’s a loose cannon. To the masses, she’s a failure. But Kara’s arrival in Ourea started a war, and she’s going to end it.
An ancient isen named Stone takes an interest in Kara’s training, and it turns out he has more answers than he originally led her to believe. In an effort to unearth a secret that might end the bloodshed, Kara instead discovers an ugly truth about her family—and how much she has in common with an infamous mass-murderer.
Braeden Drakonin has slowly rebuilt his life after the betrayal that tore it apart. His father wants him dead, and frankly, his so-called allies wouldn’t mind that either. Private alliances are formed. Secrets are sold. Tension is driving the armies apart. A single battle will end this war, and it’s coming. Braeden may be a prince, but it will take more than that to survive. He must take the fight to his father’s door—and win.

         It's not a secret that I'm a huge (if you don't mind the biggest) fan of this series. Ever since I got a chance to read Lichgates I was fascinated with Ourea and the whole fantasy world that this series has to offer.

         While in Lichgates I got to meet the world and Kara mostly, Treason brought some new twists to the whole story. I got to see the bad side of power and all the different plots in the kingdoms so I couldn't wait for more. So when Boyce send me the ARC of Heritage I stopped everything just to read it. I was not disappointed.

         Being back to Ourea felt like coming back home from a long trip. With all betrayals and reveals that happened things calmed a bit in this world but still power is something that many dream off and finding someone to trust can be pretty hard. With all that Kara has got a bigger role to play and a bigger responsibility to carry. Plus Braeden is not by her side all the time any more and she must fight and learn. She must find her strength and learn how to control everything she has.

         Besides the whole fantasy concept that still fascinates me maybe even more with every book, the relationship between Kara and Braeden is something that made me love this story even more. He, for sure, is high on my list of fictional boyfriends and Kara who is fierce but at the same time real made them a perfect match - I couldn't but support them and cheer for them throughout the whole book.

         Even though I have got my dose of Ourea  my cravings are still enormous and I cannot wait to read the final installment of this story - Illusion. Only Boyce no more heart-attacks. I'm watching you!

Rating: 5 stars.

Until the next time,

***NOTE: Copy of this book is kindly provided by the author S.M. Boyce for review. Thank you. 
I'm not paid for writing this review - I do it as a lover of written word. All opinions are personal.

Waiting On Wednesday (#62)

You know the story. This is a meme created by Breaking the Spine and every week we pick books we're waiting for. Here are our picks for this week.

Glass' pick

Rapunzel's tower is a satellite. She can't let down her hair - or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker – unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

Expected publication: February 4th, 2014

Tanja's pick

DESTRUCTION
The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.

FLIGHT
Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.

CHOICE
The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.

With gorgeous romance and thrilling action, the final book in the Incarnate trilogy offers a brilliant conclusion to the compelling questions of this fascinating world, where one new girl is the key to the lives of millions.

Expected publication: January 28th, 2014

We'd love to see your picks so feel free to link them up.

Until the next time,

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Best Sequels Ever

I haven't done this meme in a while so I guess I should go back on track. In case you don't know Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish where every week we pick top ten picks on certain task. Here are my picks for this week.

Feel free to link up your picks in comments below.

Until the next time,

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Buy the book at

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Author's Facebook

Book summary: 

If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right?
If your brother's accused of a terrible crime but says he didn't do it, you defend him, don't you?
When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her, his world begins to fall apart.
When Ellie's brother is charged with the offence, her world begins to unravel.
When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide.
This is a brave and unflinching novel from the bestselling author of Before I Die. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love.

          Jenny Downham is another author that I need to add to my list - authors-that-make-things-real as she really does that. In this story you get to read about the thing that have have happened before and unfortunately are likely to happen again.

          Mikey is a boy that has a lot of things on his mind. He mostly takes care of his family, so he has to keep things in order when his mother is too drunk to do just that. It's not an easy thing but a teenage boy who works to bring food to his home and at the same time tries to live his own life. Things are bad as it is, but they got even worse when his sister claims that a boy assaulted her. He as big brother failed to take care of her and now he has to do anything to help her. It ain't easy when that boy is a coming from a very wealthy family and it's his word against theirs. Only person who can tell the truth boy's sister Ellie, who acts like any other sister will and defends her brother. Only those two worlds will meet again and that will change many things.

          When it comes to the characters you will fall in love with Mikey instantly, as he is a boy that suffers a lot and simply you would want to give him a hug, because he is the brave one, the one who stayed with his family and took care even though he is not old enough for that. Ellie is a girl you would want to have as your friend. She is at times navie and in her innocence some can manipulate with her, but at the same time she is strong and once she let her emotions and stops acting like her family wants her to you'll cheer for her.

           Like you can assume this is a story about coming of age and finding the true self, also not letting the revenge blind you and figuring that there are more beautiful things to care about. It's also a story about love, the one that grows and fills you as you turn the pages of the book. It's a story that you should read.

Rating: 5 stars.

Until the next time,

Showcase Sunday (#7)

Hello lovelies. As we didn't have time to prepare this post last week this week we have some goodies to show. In case you don't know Showcase Sunday is a meme created by Books, biscuits and tea, where we show all the awesome books that we've got.

Glass' haul 

1. What Goes Around by Courtney Summers (bought)

2. Stolen: A letter to My Captor by Lucy Christopher (bought)

3. A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley (bought)

4. The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (bought)

Thank you - Pocket Books, Greenwillow Books, HarperCollins, Atria, Escape Publishing and Blefry Press.

Tanja's haul

1. The Thing About Wolves by Leigh Evans (From PanMacmillan for review )

(By accident I've got two books but one of them is now on it's way to Maja @ The Nocturnal Library)

2. Antigoddess by Kendare Blake (Won at Young Readers. Thank you and Hachette too! )

3. The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (from the library - the book is divided into two here)

Thank you - HerelquinTeen, Disney Hyperion, Omnific Publishing, Bella Forrest, Marion Croslydon, S.M. Boyce, Ripley Patton and my girls from The Readdicts.

Until the next time,