A Million Suns by Beth Revis

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Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

You may (or may not) remember me exclaiming my disappointment in Beth Revis for crapping on my shiny spaceship fantasy.  What I can tell you off the bat is that the Beth Revis’s story did not get any shinier.  But that’s okay because shiny would just cover up the awesomeness that is A Million Suns. 

When Across the Universe ended with the inhibitor supply being cutoff you just knew that the people were going to revolt in the next book.  Elder has no idea how to command the ship let alone manage a rebellion and to make matters worse he has just discovered that the ship has stopped and as far as can be determined has been motionless since The Plague. While trying to come up with a solution to the ship’s lack of momentum, Elder and Amy learn a secret that will most likely be the final spark that causes a civil war on the ship. 

I really enjoyed Across the Universe but I have to say that A Million Suns blew it out of the water.  The pace was fast and Beth Revis keeps you guessing at every page.  What I love most about these books is that neither of the main characters (Elder and Amy) is perfect.  Elder and Amy are idealistic teens but perfection is not a quality they (or anybody for that matter) possess.  

So many times we read about teen characters that are born leaders.  Elder is trying to lead and command a ship with no real life experience to pave the way.  He is most definitely NOT a born leader but there is no doubt he tries his best.   And then there is Amy that is struggling with the loss of her parents as well as her attraction to Elder and his attraction to her.  They way she deals with both issues leave a lot to be desired but at the same time are completely human reactions with which a lot of people can identify. 

The final installment in this trilogy can’t come soon enough.  I am eagerly awaiting the release of Shade of Earth in January 2013.

Nat

Bound by Erica O'Rourke

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Mo Fitzgerald has made her choice: A life in Chicago. A future with Colin. To leave behind the enigmatic Luc and the world of the Arcs. But the more she struggles to keep her magic and mortal lives separate, the deadlier the consequences. In the end, Mo must risk everything – her life, her heart, her future – or lose it all.

I’d like to thank Erica O’Rourke for my lack of sleep. I’ve had my nose in this book for two days straight wishing I had the patience to slowly read through it but I don’t. I just had to know and now I’m sad it’s over. 

The first chapter opens with the return of Mo’s father, Jack. Considering he’s been behind bars for the last few years and the little child he’d left behind is now a stubborn young teen, you can say the reunion is nothing short of awkward. Mo’s uncle Billy, continues to be a manipulating scoundrel (I’ll refrain from using a stronger word though I’d very much like to) and her mom, Annie still has her head stuck in the ground much like an ostrich only more annoying. Colin and Mo are officially a couple openly displaying their relationship.

Mo has plenty on her shoulders but none weighs more heavily than the deal she brokered with Billy to protect Colin. As a result, she’s now working as an errand girl for him and it’s put her in a whole new line of fire. And Luc, oh Luc, that ever charming and mischievous fellow, is still around though "trying" to respect some of the boundaries Mo has put in place. Try as she might to be planted firmly in the Flat world, she is tied to Luc and the Arc world. Dealing with the Quartoren, taking down her uncle and a rival mob, plus school, dating her bodyguard and avoiding her parents keep her social schedule rather full.

Bound is thoroughly enjoyable. Much like its predecessors, it has action, humor and twists  galore making every moment of reading fun. Mo does do a lot of growing up in this one, coming a long way from the girl who witnessed the tragic murder of her best friend. Her personal evolution finds her simple black and white philosophy making room for other people’s perspectives. She makes no apologies for some of her decisions such as snooping behind Colin’s back to learn about his past. By the same token she also learns that while too many secrets can hurt, boundaries still need to be respected. On a wider scale, you see her awkwardly learning to come to terms with her double life.

My favorite element of the series is that the paranormal world with its own brand of dysfunction often collides into Mo’s equally dysfunctional world in Chicago. It puts the reader on edge to see this somewhat normal girl whose biggest worry should be applying to college suddenly be thrown into utter chaos because of a cruel twist of fate. It's a wonder Mo maintains her sanity long enough to devise a plan of action. This being another reason I enjoy the series so much – Mo is a heroine who uses her intellect to work her way through each disaster. She makes tough decisions and she's loyal to a fault. The dangers she faces feel so tangible that it's easy to grasp the demanding push-and-pull of both worlds. 

If you’ve read the first two in the series, Torn and Tangled, then you’ll find many questions answered and Mo won’t disappoint you.  Bound also finds a few of the supporting characters stepping up. Together they help to tie up loose ends and everyone can breathe a huge sigh of relief.  You're certain that everything will work itself out but there’s genuine pleasure in watching Mo influence events. She's had enough of being bossed around. Plus she’s picked up a few things from watching her sleazy uncle, so you know she’s got plenty of fight in her!

~ Bel

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights future releases that we are excitedly anticipating.

By Jill Shalvis
Publication Date: July 31, 2012

LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT.

Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s loveable mutt to caring for his rambunctious kids. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family–until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day…(

I Am (Not) The Walrus by Ed Briant

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Available July 8, 2012

As the singer and bass player for Lucky Twenty, a Beatles cover band, Toby wants to make it big. But Zach, Toby’s friend and fellow band member, is convinced there’s a problem: Toby’s utter lack of mojo. How can he croon about love when he’s never even kissed a girl?

So begins Toby’s quest for cred as a lovestruck singer. But his quest derails when he finds a note inside his old bass guitar. Who is the true owner of the bass? And can a kiss really help Toby figure out who he is?

What a delightful and uncomplicated read! When you’ve read one too many dystopian novels, it’s a refreshing change of pace to come across something where the biggest decision is agreeing on the band’s name that changes from day to day. 

Toby’s problems are pretty normal: prepping for his band's first gig as a Beatles cover band, trying to impress a very confusing girl and a possible move out of town which would mean the end of the band. However, his biggest dilemma becomes whether or not to keep his beloved p bass guitar after he comes across a hidden note within it. From the note he surmises that his older brother most likely stole the bass.  His decision to dig into the history of his p bass has him running into some interesting characters.

Being a huge Beatles fan myself (especially of the early stuff), how could I not enjoy this book? Toby is very likable – his self-deprecating sense of humor had me laughing out loud several times. I really got a kick out of how he would analyze his various situations and his clueless moments were funny!  In fact, the tone of this book reminded me quite a bit of Nick Hornby’s “Slam” which I also liked very much. 

I think if you’re someone who appreciates dry humor you’ll enjoy this charming story that will not only have you giggling but also thanks to Ed Briant, have a few Beatles tunes running through your head.

~ Bel

One Moment by Kristina McBride

* * 1/2

"This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie's life. Now it's the one she'd do anything to forget.”

Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can't she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below-dead?
As Maggie's memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?
The latest novel from the author of "The Tension of Opposites," "One Moment" is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

The Good: 

Although predictable, the story moved along well and kept my interest.  Also, I think this story ended up being a good lesson on how it is normal and okay to be angry with someone you have lost.  Something that is difficult for people of any age to learn and accept. 

The Bad: 

Even having read the synopsis, I was not ready for the first chapter of this story.  In my experience, stories about trying to discover the truth of a tragedy don’t usually start out by showing you the tragedy. Usually you will learn pieces along the way.  Not so with One Moment.  The first chapter builds up the scene well.  And although there are pieces missing that you will learn later on, you see enough in that first chapter to make you feel sad and sick to your stomach.  Not a feeling I enjoyed. Granted I fully admit that I am a bit sensitive.

I also felt that the first chapter sets everything up for the story a little too well.  When I say “too well”, I mean that the reader can easily predict everything that will happen in the book.  It’s fairly easy to figure out what everybody’s secrets are.    

This book gets just shy of 3*’s from me.  If you are looking for a similar story I would also recommend Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf.

Nat

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop

Woohoo!  Today we are starting the Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop!  I love the 4th of July - not just because I am a huge constitutional nerd (which I am), but because it is just a celebration filled with fun, friends and great food.  No gifts to worry about, no icky winter weather - just good times all around.

So, we are celebrating our freedom to read!  The Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop is sponsored by Mundie Moms and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer -  A huge thanks for bringing us all together for this fantastic giveaway.

You all know the drill, fill out the rafflecopter form below.  Sorry, this giveaway is for U.S. shipping addresses only.  The rest of the rules can be found in the terms & conditions below.  

For our giveaway, we are giving away two books Bel has loved!  First up:

 

Everyone has secrets.
Even best friends.

Swirling black descends like ravens, large enough to block the glow of the streetlights. A dull roar starts like a train on the ‘L’, a far-away rumbling that grows louder as it pulls closer, until it’s directly overhead and you feel it in your chest, except this doesn’t pass you by. Verity, white-faced and eyes blazing, shouts through the din, “Run, Mo!”

Mo Fitzgerald knows about secrets. But when she witnesses her best friend’s murder, she discovers Verity was hiding things she never could have guessed. To find the answers she needs and the vengeance she craves, Mo—quiet, ordinary, unmagical Mo—will have to enter a world of raw magic and shifting alliances. And she’ll have to choose between two very different, equally dangerous guys—protective, duty-bound Colin and brash, mysterious Luc. One wants to save her, one wants to claim her. Which would you choose?

AND

Constance started to keen as the air around us began to thrash and twist, the caustic scent of ozone burning my nose. As I watched, her dark gold hair began to lift and kink into knots. “I’m here. It’ll be okay.”It was the last thing I said before my best friend’s little sister went supernova in the second-floor girls’ bathroom, taking me with her.

A month ago, Mo Fitzgerald risked her life to stop an ancient prophecy and avenge her best friend’s murder. Now, she only wants to keep her loved ones safe. But the magic – and the Chicago Mob – have other plans.

Mysterious, green-eyed Luc is back, asking for help – and a second chance. Colin, her strongest protector, is hiding a shocking secret. And inside Constance, the magic is about to go terribly wrong. Tangled in a web of love and betrayal, Mo must choose between the life she’s dreamed of and the one she’s destined for.

So, go forth and enter to win fabulous prizes!  There are approximately 200 blogs participating in this hop, so check out the others on the linky below.  Good luck!

~Shel

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

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 “One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them … until one summer night Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase’s family embraces Samantha – even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha’s world. She’s suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time to save herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

I don't read contemporary romance too often but if they're written as lovely as My Life Next Door then I am thrilled to read more. It's been a while since I've read a book and seriously gushed over it to anyone who comes near me.

Seventeen year-old Samantha is an absolute delight. I enjoyed everything about her – her naiveté her awkward moments, her maturity and most importantly her eventual decision toward the end of the book to stand up for what's right – even if it means she has to stand up to her narrow-minded mother. Samantha’s mom, Grace, has good intentions for her children, though it’s evident from the beginning that since she entered into politics, her attention to her daughters has lessened. It’s Samantha who notices how much her mother has changed especially when she starts dating a younger man who also happens to be her campaign manager. Samantha is a bit blindsided by these events yet Grace shows no recognition of how much Samantha is changing.  Instead she mothers through post-its and schedules but doesn’t really engage with her daughters. She sees what she wants to and has expectations that are a bit unfair. Samantha, being the good kid that she is takes it in stride. She is very insightful when it comes to noticing her mother’s change. It's too bad her mother doesn’t wake up for a while.

It's when Samantha offically meets Jase for the first time after years of observing his family over their privacy fence that her world starts to change. Jase is impossibly perfect but a dream come true for Samantha – and for all us other girls too. He’s easygoing and unfazed by things. Plus he can fix cars, motorcycles, vacuums and babysit! But it's his thoughtfulness that really does a girl in. Case in point:

"Jaces' green eyes meet mine, then his lashes lower. 'I guess I like things that take time and attention. More worthwhile that way.'"

Seriously, can we clone this guy?  The Garrett’s home is a culture shock to Samantha who has only known order and routine all her life. Every member of the Garrett family shines with abundant personality and she takes to them instantly. 

As Samantha spends more time with Jase and his family she learns the valuable lesson of looking beyond the surface. Sure their yard may be a perpetual mess and Jase’s parents my breed like rabbits but that doesn’t make them bad people. In fact, they’re all hardworking, upstanding folk. This lesson comes in handy particularly when she is blindsided by how her two best friends, Nan and her brother Tim, have always viewed her as a trust fund baby. They’re under the misconception that she has always had it easy because her family has money. As these two worlds eventually meet, Samantha has to figure out how she'll balance her mother's expectations with her own growing independence. And when things take a turn for the worst, Samantha finds a way to push through. This is what I adore about this book: Fitzpatrick allows her characters to evolve and surprise you and she does it so well. Samantha learns that given the chance, some people can pleasantly surprise you and some can also disappoint you.

I know Huntley Fitzpatrick hit the mark with me when I kept reaching for the book even after I finished it. After the initial twinge of sadness that I had done so, I reminded myself that I can always reread it. This book is simply dazzling and will appeal to anyone who loves Stephanie Perkins’  Anna And The French Kiss  and Lola And The Boy Next Door. It has the growing pains issues of the latter but will leave you with the same good vibes that you get from reading Anna. Needless to say, My Life Next Door stands in good company on the bookshelf.

~ Bel