ARC Review: The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy

Title: The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw
Author: Christopher Healy
Source/ Format: Won, Bound ARC
Age Range: Middle Grade
Publisher/Publication Date: Walden Pond Press, April 29, 2014



My Thoughts:    

     This must be the year of amazing trilogy enders, because The Hero’s Guide to Begin an Outlaw by Christopher Healy, was the perfect way for the epic middle grade series to end. All of my favorite characters were back and better than ever, as they raced against time to stop their kingdoms from being destroyed by a foe that was more known than not.

     The League of Princes is back at it again after the Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle, with things not quite how they thought they left them. Liam, Fredric, Gustav, and Duncan once again set out to save their kingdoms, as a threat they thought they defeated comes right back and stronger than ever. At times their situations were ugly and I just didn’t know if they would manage to get out of them, but nevertheless, their antics, plans, and mishaps were as hilariously refreshing as they always were. But Being an Outlaw wasn’t only about the princes and their quests, but the princess’s also got some attention. I liked how they banded together to try and save the day, ultimately forming the Ferocious Female Freedom Fighters. Val was also a nice addition to the series, and overall I liked her as a character.

     Ok, now the plot. It. Was. Awesome! I love it when a book manages to keep me entertained with the right mix of humor, emotion, and action sequences. And the Hero’s Guide to Being an Outlaw was in no shortage of any of it. The book had the right blend of everything that I think will grasp the attention of middle-grade readers who are fans of adventure novels with new twists on the classic tales we all know so well. So to be honest I can’t see myself giving the final book in The League of Princes trilogy anything other than five birdcages. All in all, it was a wonderful finish to an already humorous, adventure series.

ARC Review: The Warrior by Victoria Scott

Title: The Warrior
Author: Victoria Scott
Age Range: YA
Source/ Format: Publisher, E-ARC
Publisher/ Publication Date: Entangled Teen, May 6, 2014
Links:
Goodreads    Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Book Depository





Summary From Goodreads

War between heaven and hell is coming, but Dante Walker makes it look damn good.
Dante’s girlfriend, Charlie, is fated to save the world. And Aspen, the girl who feels like a sister, is an ordained soldier. In order to help both fulfill their destiny and win the war, Dante must complete liberator training at the Hive, rescue Aspen from hell, and uncover a message hidden on an ancient scroll. Read More Here

My Thoughts    

     All good things must come to an end and the same can be said for the Collector Series, which is coming to an end with the final installment, The Warrior. Dante Walker is back again with his usual wit and charm, and the compassion that’s always present for his girlfriend, Charlie. As far as finals in a trilogy go, The Warrior is one of my favorites. It was full of action, sadness, loss, and happiness with an outcome that left me nearly breathless.

     The Warrior basically picks up where The Liberator left off, as the final battle between the sides is drawing near. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the developing—and the few—dissolving relationships that happened throughout the book. I also liked seeing Dante Walker change so much. His development as a character was awesome, and Charlie was right along with him. Everyone changed a little bit, it just depended on if that change was good or bad, and I liked not knowing who was to be trusted and who wasn’t—it just made the book that much better. The other secondary characters were great as always, with each one having a different story to tell, which contributed nicely to the overall execution of the book.

     As far as the overall plot I have to say that I love it when I think a series has shown its all, but then turns right around and still has a few surprises left lurking around. With The Warrior, I thought I had just about everything figured out—I thought I knew who was who and what side they were on—but nope. The twists and turns were marvelous and kept me reading till the very end. All in all The Warrior was a fantastic finish to an already delightful series. While I am sad that The Collector Trilogy is over at the very least I have Salt & Stone to look forward to.

   This ARC was provided by the publisher (Entangled Teen) in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

Don't forget to visit Victoria Scott!

Twitter    Website     Goodreads

ARC Review: Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

Title: Fire & Flood
Author: Victoria Scott
Age Range: YA
Source/Format: Publisher (Scholastic Press), Bound ARC
Publisher/Publication Date: Scholastic Press, February 25, 2014
Links
Goodreads   Amazon  Barnes & Noble 

Summary from Goodreads:

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race. Read more here

My Thoughts:

     Ok, stop the boat. Let me lie down so I can get my thoughts in order. If you’re a fan of Victoria Scott’s writing then you’re in for a real treat. Fire and Flood was absolutely amazing and by far one of the best books I've read this year. I liked everything from the characters, to the Pandora’s, and even the whole premise of the Brimstone Bleed and the circumstances surrounding it. To say that I liked this book wouldn't be accurate, I absolutely loved this book, would be more like it. 

     Fire & Flood sported a whole host of interesting characters, from the MC to the secondary characters, each one was unique, and fleshed out with such precision and expertise that there was never a dull moment to be found. Fire & Flood focuses on Tella Holloway and her journey through the Brimstone Bleed, a race that could land her the cure for her brothers’ illness. But the race is not without danger, nor is it what it seems, it is essentially a test of one’s survival skills. I liked Tella well enough, and I could understand why she took the risk she did—her family was important to her after all. Tella was aided throughout the story by her adorable Pandora with a surprising talent. Overall, I felt like all of the Pandora's were a good addition to the story and kept the plot going at a steady pace. One thing I liked about the characters in Fire & Flood was that they all had a different story to tell, which I thought made the book all that more interesting. Guy was a mystery, he just held so many secrets throughout the book that I had a hard time trying to figure out if he was to be trusted or not. And when he finally revealed those secrets I felt like it provided a nice twist and some clarification on what was really going on. I’d love to go on and on about all the characters I liked and why I liked them, but then this review would never end, so, moving on.

     The plot, oh goodness, the plot. Its kind of one of those cases where things are revealed slowly and at the right time. The plot moved along quickly with the race starting off with a few minor complications, but once everything got started I had a hard time putting the book down. Rarely am I ever compelled—lately anyway—to finish a book in one sitting, but not with Fire and Flood. I had questions, lots of them and most of them happened to do with the Brimstone Bleed itself. Like why it was created, how did they have the cure Tella was looking for, and so on and so on. Some of those questioned were answered in Fire & Flood, but the race isn't over yet. So I'm really looking forward to seeing what Scott has planned next for this series. Overall, I really enjoyed this book! As for the sequel—and there has to be one—I can’t wait to read it. So to end this review: five freaking birdcages, because I absolutely loved it.

      This ARC was provided by the publisher (Scholastic Press) in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

Don't forget to visit Victoria Scott!

Twitter    Website     Goodreads

ARC Review: Double Vision: Code Name 711 by F.T. Bradley

Title: Double Vision: Code Name 711 (Click Title for Synopsis)
Author: F.T. Bradley
Source/ Format: From Author, Bound ARC
Age Range: Middle Grade
Publisher/ Publication Date: HarperCollins, October 15, 2013
Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble


My Thoughts:

     F.T. Bradley has done it again, presenting us with yet another thrilling Linc Baker adventure!  This is one of those cases where the sequel lives up to the hype of the first book. With the perfect blend of mystery, spies, and a plot so big you’ll have a hard time figuring out who-is-who.  Double Vision: Code Name 711 is definitely one of my favorite books this year.

     Linc, Lincoln, Baker is back for his second mission from Pandora.  This time, he’s headed for D.C. to uncover a plot that has higher stakes than the one from the previous book.  Of course, Benjamin Green is back, sticking his nose into Linc’s plans, or what he thought was his.  One of my favorite characters was also back, Henry, the tech guy and his wacky, but useful inventions.  Henry is always a great addition to Linc’s adventures, and some of his antics in Code Name 711 had me laughing out loud.  Along the way, Linc met some interesting characters, who essentially proved vital to uncovering Dagger’s plot.

    It shouldn’t be hard to guess that I absolutely loved the way the story was executed.  In my eyes, this book had something about it—an appeal almost—that’s sure to grab the attention of children of all ages.  From nearly the first page, we were immediately given the details—that were a little sketchy—of Linc’s newest mission.  As the story progressed, we also found out a little more about Pandora and its iffy origins.  And by the time the book ended, there were still questions lingering in the air.  Needless to say I need the next book.  So five birdcages because not only did I absolutely love it, I also recommend this one to everyone!

ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

ARC Review: The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick

Title:The Time Fetch (Click title for Synopsis)
Source/Format: won, bound ARC
Age Range: Middle Grade
Publisher/Publication Date: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, August 27, 2013



My Thoughts


     When I first read what The Time Fetch was about I was pretty ecstatic to read it.  After all, it presented an interesting take on time, and seemed like it would have characters that I would enjoy reading about.  I really wanted to get into this book, but the pacing felt a little slow.  From the summary, I thought it was going to take off running and detail the extraordinary events surrounding the Time Fetch.  But it didn’t.  The Time Fetch went a little too clichéd when it came to the characters, especially Edward.  I didn’t like very much about him from the way he handled Feenix, to even the way he treated his aunt.  For a middle grade book the name calling that seemed to plague Feenix’s POV left me a little baffled.  I get that she gave everyone nicknames, but I found it a little rude with the names that she was calling them.  The part with the Time Fetch didn’t even really happen until farther into the book, and even then I felt like it was a little rushed.  I wished that The Time Fetch would have focused a little more on the, you know, the Time Fetches.  When the Time Fetches finally made an appearance I really got into the story, and I enjoyed those parts more than most of the book.  I think the little Time Fetch bugs and Edwards aunt are what really saved the story for me.  So I'll give it a three. 
 

ARC Review: Blurred by Tara Fuller

Title: Blurred (Click title for Synopsis)
Source/Format: Publisher, E-ARC
Age Range: YA
Publisher/Publication Date: Entangled Teen, July 2, 2013




My Thoughts:

    Oh Cash, oh Anaya…why?  Why, Tara Fuller, why?  This book pulled at my emotions like it was a piece of string being chased by a cat.  For me, Blurred was an emotional rollercoaster that had me wanting to get to the end as fast as possible.  It was the kind of book that made me root for the character’s happiness at the end, no matter what it was.  It shouldn’t be hard to guess that I absolutely loved this book! 

    I did not read the book prior to this one and I went into the story not knowing who the characters were, what their story was, or how things got to be the way they were.  What I did get from the start, Cash was struggling with the aftermath of the fire.  He was angry; he was hurt both emotionally and physically.  Throughout the book, the lies that were surrounding him began to unravel.  I just felt so bad for Cash as the story progressed that I wished something good would happen to him.  Anaya was also tortured; she longed to get back to those she loved.  Her loyalties were tested as she struggled to do what was right versus what would benefit her.  Though their troubles differed, Cash and Anaya still struggled throughout the book with their emotions, and everything else.  Emma, well, she was hurting and I could tell she cared about Cash and wanted to help him.  Finn was supportive in the whole situation, and I liked the way that he was there for Emma.

    The plot, oh my god, why?  Why did Cash have to suffer so much?  Why?  You know the saying, right?  How life’s not fair, well, this just tops the cake with a pretty cherry on top.  The plot was so unfair to the characters that I seriously questioned if there was going to be a good ending.  And then the end snuck up on me way too quickly, and then it was over.  Despite everything, I felt like the ending was just right for this book and wrapped everything up nicely.  I just have one more question.  So, um, yeah, is there another book and when’s it coming out?

 
This E-ARC was provided by the publisher, Entangled Teen, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

Review: Of Triton by Anna Banks

Title:Of Triton (Click title for Synopsis)
Source/Format: Won, Bound ARC
Age Range: YA
Publisher/Publication Date: Feiwel & Firends, May 8, 2013




My Thoughts:
    
     What should I even say?  I had really high expectations for Of Triton going into it, but sadly I just didn’t like it that much.  I’ve read books involving mermaids before, and I like the whole idea well enough.  But with Of Triton I just had a hard time getting into the story.  I didn't end up caring for the smaller details.  As a whole, Of Triton was an ok read but I wouldn’t exactly read it again.  The characters...sigh.  Emma was pliable and just seemed to float with whatever boat was present at the time.  She had a few instances of short-lived rebellion, which made me like her a little more than I originally did.  Galen, yeah, I didn't like him very much either. Then there was Emma’s mother, Nalia and Grom, Galen’s older brother.  I just felt like their situation was settled way too quickly, which left me wondering why it was even there in the first place.  Then there were the major plot issues.  It was just kind of lacking, plus the conflicts seemed almost superficial.  I would have liked to see a little more resistance from the characters.  Maybe if I’d read Of Poseidon before diving into Of Triton, I would have understood the structure of the world a little more, but I didn’t.  Hey I’m being honest, someone else may like this one, but I guess I’m not included in that category.

ARC Review: Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace by Nan Marino

Title:  Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace (Click on title link for synopsis)
Author: Nan Marino
Source/Format:  Publisher/Bound ARC
Publisher/Publication Date: Roaring Brook Press/April 16, 2013
Age Range: 8-12

My Thoughts:

    I really liked Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace by Nan Marino. It was more than just a story about secrets and a famous young musician who was hiding out in a small town. Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace is a pleasant fictional middle grade story of Elvis, a musical prodigy, who wants to appear to be an ordinary boy as he hides "from the paparazzi," and Cecilia, an 11 year old girl, who wishes that she is more popular. There are stark differences between Elvis and Cecilia. One was musically inclined while the other was not. One was famous while the other was unpopular. Both characters just wanted to find a place to fit in and meet the expectations of others. Together they grew and found out a little more about themselves. I liked the fact that although Elvis and Cecilia were from different worlds, they seemed to be dealing with similar issues.  Also, it was nice to see how the characters evolved as they came to terms with who they really were.

     Overall, Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace is an easy read. The characters are enjoyable and realistic. I liked the story because there is a great lesson to be learned. At first, the significance of the separate chapters pertaining to the Jersey Devil legend was puzzling, but when the overall lesson to be learned was revealed, I understood exactly why the legend was included. This is a great book to share with your children as you teach them about the importance of being themselves and not falling victim to trying to become who or what others say they are.

I received a bound ARC of Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace by Nan Marino from the publisher for an unbiased review. Thank you.

 

I really liked it. I would recommend it.

 

 

ARC Review: Conjure by Lea Nolan

Previously posted on my Goodreads page
Title: Conjure by Lea Nolan
Source/ Format: Elana Johnson, (Entangled Publishing), E-Arc
Age Range: YA
Publisher/ Publication Date: Entangled Publishing, October 23, 2012



My thoughts:

     One word: Fabulous. I love a good Hoodoo magic book, and Conjure by Lea Nolan did not disappoint. Nolan did an outstanding job capturing the mysterious and sometimes gross elements of Hoodoo, which made the book so much more enjoyable. Nolan created a fantastic world filled with danger and adventure that at some points left me saying out loud, “I don’t know anymore.” Needless to say, I enjoyed reading Conjure.

    Emma, the main character, is dealing with a mountain of trouble, after visiting her father for the summer. Thanks to her brother Jack, who was seemingly blinded by instantaneous love, they’ve unleashed something nasty. Cooper, oh, poor, poor Cooper, he’s such a nice guy, even though his family legacy is about as rotten as it gets. Missy, well, her name says it all. Maggie, Maggie, Maggie, why did you have to be such a creep from the start? The characters were unique, and I liked that. They weren’t generic, and they weren’t perfect. Even Emma had her faults, and lied to her brother and Cooper at one point. Still, that fact just enhances the story.

     The twist near the end…oh boy, you’re in for a real shocker. And the ending, oh, don’t even get me started. I’m so mad right now—mad that I have to wait for the next one to come out, that is. Take my advice: slow down, take your time, and don’t speed through this book. Because you’ll be wishing that you had the second one.

This e-copy was provided by the publisher, thank you!

I absolutley loved it. I would recommend it to everyone.

ARC Review: Mila 2.0

Previously posted on my Goodreads page
Title: Mila 2.0 (Click title for Synopsis)
Source/Format: Won, Bound ARC
Age Range: YA
Publisher/Publication Date: Katherine Tegen Books March 12, 2013


My Thoughts:

Debra Driza’s debut YA Novel, Mila 2.0, is a well written adrenaline-charged sci-fi thriller. It’s an original depiction of a teenage android integrated into society who doesn’t realize that she is far from human. The story is told from Mila’s point of view (POV) and Driza does a great job of capturing Mila’s voice. Mila is a strong willed character yet likable because she stands by her convictions. She also has difficulty suppressing her emotions, which is a hint at her imperfections. After there is a turn of events, Mila realizes that she isn’t exactly human. And her behavior leads to a host of problems that puts her and her “mother” in one sticky situation after another as they try to evade the people they’re running from.

There is a light romantic element that involves Mila and Hunter, a student from her high school. Although Hunter seems likable enough-well almost too perfect- I have reservations about him. I just can’t wait for the subsequent books to find out if my suspicions are correct.

Driza’s novel is filled with creative elements and is a great start to the trilogy. I am definitely looking forward to the release of book 2.

I absolutely loved it.  I would recommend it to everyone.

 

I won an ARC of Mila 2.0 from the-society.net. Thank you.

View all my reviews