Black Dog by Rachel Neumeier - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Angry Robot/Strange Chemistry on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Black Dog
Author: Rachel Neumeier
Publication Date: February 4, 2014

Synopsis: Natividad is Pure, one of the rare girls born able to wield magic. Pure magic can protect humans against the supernatural evils they only half-acknowledge – the blood kin or the black dogs. In rare cases – like for Natividad’s father and older brother – Pure magic can help black dogs find the strength to control their dark powers.

But before Natividad’s mother can finish teaching her magic their enemies find them. Their entire village in the remote hills of Mexico is slaughtered by black dogs. Their parents die protecting them. Natividad and her brothers must flee across a strange country to the only possible shelter: the infamous black dogs of Dimilioc, who have sworn to protect the Pure.

In the snowy forests of Vermont they are discovered by Ezekiel Korte, despite his youth the strongest black dog at Dimilioc and the appointed pack executioner. Intrigued by Natividad he takes them to Dimilioc instead of killing them.

Now they must pass the tests of the Dimilioc Master. Alejandro must prove he can learn loyalty and control even without his sister’s Pure magic. Natividad’s twin Miguel must prove that an ordinary human can be more than a burden to be protected. And even at Dimilioc a Pure girl like Natividad cannot remain unclaimed to cause fighting and distraction. If she is to stay she must choose a black dog mate.

But, first, they must all survive the looming battle.

Why?: I'm not normally a fan of werewolf stories - I think they're severely overdone right now. But this one sounds different. I like that there's magic and that the girls have to prove themselves. I also like that it's set in Mexico - I haven't really read any books set there and I think it will be interesting. 

Expectations: I am not really sure what to expect from this book. I'm hoping for a gripping urban fantasy with mystery and adventure, and maybe a little romance. 

Judging a book by its cover: I actually really like this cover. I think the colors would help it to stand out on a shelf, and the giant black dog makes it look almost like a horror book. I would probably pick it up if I saw it somewhere.


--Ashley

The Book of the Night (Librynth #3) by Pearl North - Ashley's Review

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Title: The Book of the Night
Author: Pearl North
Year Published: 2012

My The Book of the Night (#3) Review

My The Boy from Ilysies (#2) Review

My The Boy from Ilysies (#2) Pre-Reading
My Libyrinth (#1) Review

My Libyrinth (#1) Pre-Reading

 

Paul's The Book of the Night (#3) Review
Paul's The Book of the Night (#3) Pre-Reading

Synopsis: The world of the Libyrinth has experienced a series of wrenching changes. After the Libyrarians and their longtime foes the Singers discovered their common heritage, a young healer named Po found the Lion’s Bloom, an ancient and enormously powerful artifact capable of rewriting reality. 

Behind the mysteries of their shrouded past has always been the legendary Book of the Night. Sought for generations, both feared and revered, it is the key to this world of wonders. When vain, grasping Queen Thela steals the Lion’s Bloom and imperils the very reality of the world, only the Book can heal what she has rent asunder. An epic journey through strange lands, a perilous encounter in a clockwork city, and the revelation of the truth beyond reality will lead those who find the Book to a moment when their world will either be saved...or cease to exist.

 

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Review: I honestly do not understand why this series, and this book in particular, did not take the YA world by storm. This is one of those rare series where the books just keep getting better and better, and this last book just totally blew me away! It has everything an excellent fantasy book should have, plus elements of almost every other genre out there. There's sci-fi and dystopia and romance and everything I love about books. 

 

One of my favorite parts about this book was how it was told from so many different perspectives. We see things from Haly, Clauda, Selene, Gyneth, and Po, and sometimes it switches characters mid-sentence. I know that sounds like it would be incredibly jarring, but it really works ridiculously well. We even get a few other characters thrown in there too, and it's really neat to be able to see how everyone ties together to make this world survive. 

All of the characters were developed so well, and I loved getting to know them even better in this book. Even though you'd think there wasn't much more to learn about them, some of them really surprised me and did things I never would have imagined they were capable of in order to save their friends and their world. Some of the things were totally insane, but nothing was ever out of character. 

I also completely fell in love with this world in this book. I mean, I loved it before and I loved how complex the politics and the relationships and everything were, but this book took everything I knew and twisted it upside down. Everything is the same, but somehow this world is now completely different. All of the books are tied together so well, and the story just flows. I was NOT expecting the revel near the end about the world, and I think I enjoyed it even more because of that.

I don't want to give anything away because I think everyone who enjoys any YA books should read this series for themselves and discover the Libyrinth and the Song and the Redemption for themselves. I would love to live in the world of the Ancients for a little while just because of all the technology and magic and everything. Definitely a strong 5/5, and I would totally rate it higher if I could!

--Ashley

Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3) by Veronica Rossi - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky #3)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Year Published: 2014

My Through the Ever Night (#2) Review
My Through the Ever Night (#2) Pre-Reading 
My Under the Never Sky (#1) Review
My Under the Never Sky (#1) Pre-Reading
My Roar and Liv (#0.5) Review

Paul's Through the Ever Night (#2) Review
Paul's Through the Ever Night (#2) Pre-Reading 
Paul's Under the Never Sky (#1) Review
Paul's Under the Never Sky (#1) Pre-Reading

Synopsis: The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's "masterpiece" Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Times bestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won't even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

Why?: Well, aside from that ridiculous synopsis, I loved the first two books in this series. Aria and Perry are such a good couple and incredible characters on their own, and I want to find out how their story ends. I'm also looking forward to seeing more of Roar, who has got to be a mess since Through the Ever Night. I also want to know what the Still Blue is, and if it really exists!

Expectations: I have such high expectations for this book. I want it to exceed the first two books, and I want it to be a satisfying ending. I expect to find out answers to lingering questions, and I also expect there to be a lot of the characters dealing with relationships, romantic and otherwise. They have so many problems to solve and I hope they figure it all out! 

Judging a book by its cover: I love this cover! It totally matches the rest of the series, and combines them into one EPIC cover! I love that Aria and Perry are both on the cover, I love the colors, I love the font... I can't wait for this book to be on my shelves! 


--Ashley

Starters (Starters #1) by Lissa Price - Ashley's Review

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Starters (Starters #1)
Author: Lissa Price
Year Published: 2012

My Starters Pre-Reading

Paul's Enders Review

Paul's Enders Pre-Reading

Paul's Starters Review

Paul's Starters Pre-Reading

Synopsis: In the future, teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to be young again. One girl discovers her renter plans to do more than party--her body will commit murder, if her mind can't stop it. Sixteen-year-old Callie lost her parents when the genocide spore wiped out everyone except those who were vaccinated first--the very young and very old.

With no grandparents to claim Callie and her little brother, they go on the run, living as squatters, and fighting off unclaimed renegades who would kill for a cookie. Hope comes via Prime Destinations, run by a mysterious figure known only as The Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to seniors, known as Enders, who get to be young again. Callie's neurochip malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her rich renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, even dating Blake, the grandson of a senator. It's a fairy-tale new life ... until she uncovers the Body Bank's horrible plan....

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Review: Going into this book, I was really looking forward to something like Joss Whedon's Dollhouse. I really liked the show, and Starters sounded like a very close counterpart to it. And you know what? It was pretty close. People selling their bodies so that they can be used as vessels for other personae/people. A malfunctioning "doll." A heroine who tries to save the day while trying to avoid an evil organization. But luckily, this book was different enough from the show that it seemed like a whole new story! 

In Callie's world,  there are only young children & teenagers, and the elderly. Everyone else was killed during the Spore wars. I can't imagine living in a place where kids are forced to fend for themselves but aren't allowed to work. Or to do much more than rot away in prisons simply because they are "unclaimed." It sounds like such an awful world, and I was really impressed with how well it was constructed. We aren't flooded with details, and we're shown more than we're told.  I felt like the book started a little slow pacing-wise, but the world building is done very well, and I was simultaneously pleasantly surprised and terrified that this future doesn't sound like something that's too far off.

It seems like strong female characters are a common trope in YA dystopian novels, but Callie has so many other attributes that make her stand out from your typical YA heroine. She tries to be strong, but she's scared - for herself, for her brother, for her friends, for her fellow teens. She wants to save the world, but she doesn't know how. She doesn't know who to trust, but she sometimes puts her trust in the wrong person/people. Callie is such a complex character, and I totally felt for her every time something went wrong and celebrated with her when her plans went as expected. 

I also thought that the minor characters were very well developed. All of them had their own personalities and had more than one side to them. They were dynamic and ever changing. I thought the relationship with Blake started a little quickly, but then progressed at a more reasonable rate. I enjoyed reading about the time they spent together, although I almost wish Callie was a little more conflicted over which boy to pick. I want to know more about Michael and about their history together. I'm hoping for more of that in Enders! 

If you enjoyed books like Divergent or The Hunger Games, I think this would be a good read for you. I also think fans of Dollhouse would enjoy this book, although it is different and stands on its own. I can't wait to read Enders next and see how Callie's story plays out! 4/5.

--Ashley

Backward Compatible by Sarah Daltry & Pete Clark - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from SDE Press, LLC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Backward Compatible
Author: Sarah Daltry & Pete Clark
Publication Date: January 7, 2014

My Backward Compatible Pre-Reading

Synopsis: A YA Gamer Geek Comedy in the vein of Scott Pilgrim and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Ideal for fans of The Big Bang Theory, The Guild, and all things Joss Whedon.

WARNING: There is no sex in this book. Your Kindle or other device will remain at a pleasant room temperature. At no point will your panties drop. Your significant other will be allowed to snore in peace as you read.

Not too long ago, in a town that, depending on your current location, is either not super far or actually quite close… 

It is a time of chaotic hormones. 

Two nerdy gents home for winter break have discovered a female gamer at a midnight release. 

During the break, the gamer trio manages to reveal the game’s secret boss, a hidden enemy with enough power to destroy anything in its path. 

Pursued by other gamers who want to be the first to beat this boss, George and Katie race to level up, and, in so doing, restore decency and sexual activity to their personal galaxy…

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Review: If you're familiar with geek/gamer culture, and are looking for something light and fun to read, this is seriously the perfect book for you. Everything about this book is fantastic, and I'm pretty sure that I've found my favorite book of 2014 (and it's only January). It's definitely my favorite Ya contemporary romance of all time. It's that good.

I really just want to fangirl so hard about this book, because there's really no words for how spectacular it is. I mean, everything about it is just perfect. Even the chapters - they're labelled as "Level 1" and so on. And GET THIS - there's even a BOSS LEVEL. I'm telling you, it's incredible how geeky this book is. 

One of my favorite things about this book, other than all of the fantastic references (seriously, everything from Shakespeare to Tolkien to Portal to Firefly), is that even though it's presented as a romance, and it is, these characters have so much more depth to them. Even the ones who are flighty and don't seem like they have any personality are much deeper and have hidden sides that eventually come out. These kids (well, not really kids. Young adults. They're in their twenties) are real and personable and relateable and everything a good character should be. 

This book deals with so many things, and I am just blown away by how well it does that. It deals with socially awkward kids who don't have many friends, with couples who are clingy and seem like all they do is hang all over each other, bad dates, good dates, insecurities, friendship, and even how bullying affects people. I definitely spent most of the time laughing, but there are some serious parts and I totally felt for Katie and Greg and their friends. 

I could honestly go on and on and on about how much I love this book, but really you should just experience it for yourself. Especially if you're fluent in geek, because it makes this book so much better to understand all of the references. It's fun and nerdy and age appropriate and everything an excellent contemporary romance should be. I made the mistake of starting it before going to bed, and I literally could not put it down. 5/5 for sure! I wish there were more books like this one out there.


--Ashley

The Almost Girl by Amalie Howard - Paul's PRE-READING

*I received this book as an ARC from Strange Chemistry in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Almost Girl
Author: Amalie Howard
Year Published: 2014

Ashley's PRE-READING

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Riven is as tough as they come. But coming from a world ravaged by a devastating android war, she has to be. There’s no room for softness, no room for emotion, no room for mistakes. A Legion General, she is the right hand of the young Prince of Neospes, a parallel universe to Earth. In Neospes, she has everything: rank, responsibility and respect. But when Prince Cale sends her away to find his long-lost brother, Caden, who has been spirited back to modern day Earth, Riven finds herself in uncharted territory.

Thrown out of her comfort zone but with the mindset of a soldier, Riven has to learn how to be a girl in a realm that is the opposite of what she knows.  Riven isn’t prepared for the beauty of a world that is unlike her own in so many ways. Nor is she prepared to feel something more than indifference for the very target she seeks. Caden is nothing like Cale, but he makes something in her come alive, igniting a spark deep down that goes against every cell in her body. For the first time in her life, Riven isn’t sure about her purpose, about her calling. Torn between duty and desire, she must decide whether Caden is simply a target or whether he is something more.

Faced with hideous reanimated Vector soldiers from her own world with agendas of their own, as well as an unexpected reunion with a sister who despises her, it is a race against time to bring Caden back to Neospes. But things aren’t always as they seem, and Riven will have to search for truth. Family betrayals and royal coups are only the tip of the iceberg. Will Riven be able to find the strength to defy her very nature? Or will she become the monstrous soldier she was designed to be?

Why?: Angry Robot/Strange Chemistry always does well. This book sounds like it is so many inetresting things wrapped together. 

Expectations:  I'm excited for a fun sci-fi adventure from the great team of Strange Chemistry. 

Judging a book by its cover: This cover is intense. I love the electric blue and the technology. I'm excited to read the book behind this cover. 

--PAUL

The Seers (The Holders #2) by Julianna Scott - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Angry Robot/Strange Chemistry on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Seers (The Holders #2)
Author: Julianna Scott
Publication Date: February 4, 2014

My The Holders Review
My The Holders Pre-Reading

Synopsis: After nearly being drained of her ability and betrayed by a man her father trusted, Becca Ingle was left with one clue — Ciaran Shea. He holds the key to the downfall of the power-mad Holder, Darragh, and can ensure the safety of both Holder and Human kind alike... but is he willing to help? 

Becca, Alex, Jocelyn, and Cormac set out for Adare Manor to meet with the Bhunaidh, an aristocratic group of pure blooded Holders of whom Ciaran is a rumored member. However, when Becca discovers that they might not be the only ones after the information Ciaran has, everyone begins to wonder if Bhunaidh might not be as uninvolved with Darragh as they claim. 

A race to uncover Ciaran’s secrets begins, where the line between friend and foe is blurred, and everyone seems to have their own agenda. Becca will have to call on every ability at her disposal to uncover the truth, all the while knowing that sometimes the answer is more dangerous than the question.

Why?: The Holders was an excellent read, and definitely left me wanting more! As soon as I saw the opportunity to get my grabby little hands on an advanced copy of The Seers, I knew I had to have it. The world building and the character development and the story line were all so good in The Holders, and I'm looking forward to finding out more about the Holder abilities, what Ciaran's secrets are, and what's in store for Becca. 

Expectations: My expectations for this book, and this series really, have grown exponentially now that I've read The Holders. I really want this book to live up to, and even surpass, the first one. There's so much potential in this series, and I hope this second book doesn't end up with "second book syndrome." 

Judging a book by its cover: I really like that this cover matches the one for The Holders, but is still very different. The color scheme is really nice and works well with the image, and I love the things in the ball. It's also not your typical YA cover with a girl or a couple, so I like that about it too. I would probably pick it up if I saw it somewhere on a shelf.


--Ashley

Damselfly by Jennie Bates Bozic - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Jennie Bates Bozic LLC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Damselfly
Author: Jennie Bates Bozic
Year Published: 2013

Ashley's PRE-READING
Ashley's REVIEW

Paul's PRE-READING

Synopsis: In 2065, the Lilliput Project created Lina - the first six-inch-tall winged girl - as the solution to a worldwide energy and food crisis. Isolated in a compound amidst the forests of Denmark, Lina has grown up aware of only one purpose: learn how to survive in a world filled with hawks, bumblebees, and loneliness. However, on the eve of her sixteenth birthday, she discovers that she’s not the only teenager her size. Six 'Toms' were created shortly after Lina, and now her creators need to prove to the world that tiny people are the next logical step in human evolution. In other words, they need to prove that reproduction is possible.

Um. No thanks. Lina's already fallen in love with a boy she met online named Jack. Only he has no idea that thumbelina1847 could literally fit inside his heart.

When her creators threaten to hurt Jack unless she chooses a husband from among the ‘Toms’, Lina agrees to star in a reality TV series. Once the episodes begin to air, the secret of her size is out. Cut off from any contact with the outside world, Lina assumes Jack is no longer interested. After all, what guy would want to date a girl he can’t even kiss?

Slowly, very slowly, she befriends the six young men who see her as their only ticket to happiness. Perhaps she can make just one guy’s dream of love and companionship come true. But her creators have a few more twists in store for her that she never thought possible. 

She’s not the only one playing to the cameras.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Review: I have really been enjoying books lately that walk that line between fantasy and sci-fi. This book does that with a story influenced by Thumbelina. It also even brings in a reality show aspect. The concept alone should be a good enough reason to pick this book up. And it definetely meets the hype. 

I am very surprised that this was self-published. I've read quite a few self-published works that just don't quite have the polished feel of more mainstream books. This book is well polished and written excellently. 

There are so many surprises throughout this book. I loved the way they were revealed. All the relationships also feel very real. 

There is just the right amount of science. I never like it when books try to sound more technical, but use terms incorrectly. The science just is the way it is and it is easy to accept for the story. 

I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to fans of fairytale retellings set in futuristic worlds. I give this book a 4/5.

--PAUL

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures Volume 1 - Ashley's Review

*I received this comic as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors/IDW Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures Volume 1
Authors: Kenny Byerly, David Tipton, Scott Tipton, Erik Burnham and Dario Brizuela
Publication Date: January 21, 2014

Synopsis: Spinning straight out of the hit Nickelodeon cartoon comes an all-new, all-ages TMNT book perfect for fans both old and new! 

Four fantastic tales pin the Turtles against villains new and old like Snakeweed, the Shredder, and a horde of zombies?

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Review: So, I'm not going to lie, I'm not a huge fan of the animation in the new TMNT series on Nickelodeon. It just looks weird and I've always been used to the turtles from the '80s. I like the show well enough, bu the animation and their new look is just not my favorite.

That being said, I think it actually translates well to a 2-d format. I really enjoyed the art and the colors in this comic, and the characters seem more... traditional?... than they do in the TV show. I really loved the additional artwork between the chapters. It was sometimes a little darker than the rest of the comic, but I felt like it captured the turtles accurately without being too scary for little kids. 

The stories were fun and entertaining, and one chapter even played with zombie culture. I love that the new show has modernized the turtles a little bit, but still stayed true to the characters. Well, the fun characters. Not the dark, gritty, original comic turtles. It was also educational too - Donatello knows what he's talking about! In the zombie chapter, he gives the actual origin of zombies... and I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. It's fun for kids and adults! 

I would totally recommend this to any fans of the TMNT show, comics, etc. I believe that anyone, young or old, could enjoy this comic. Maybe buy it for your kids or your nieces & nephews or your friends' kids and read it with them. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment! 4/5. 


--Ashley

Backward Compatible by Sarah Daltry & Pete Clark - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from SDE Press, LLC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Backward Compatible
Author: Sarah Daltry & Pete Clark
Publication Date: January 7, 2014

Synopsis: A YA Gamer Geek Comedy in the vein of Scott Pilgrim and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Ideal for fans of The Big Bang Theory, The Guild, and all things Joss Whedon.

WARNING: There is no sex in this book. Your Kindle or other device will remain at a pleasant room temperature. At no point will your panties drop. Your significant other will be allowed to snore in peace as you read.

Not too long ago, in a town that, depending on your current location, is either not super far or actually quite close… 

It is a time of chaotic hormones. 

Two nerdy gents home for winter break have discovered a female gamer at a midnight release. 

During the break, the gamer trio manages to reveal the game’s secret boss, a hidden enemy with enough power to destroy anything in its path. 

Pursued by other gamers who want to be the first to beat this boss, George and Katie race to level up, and, in so doing, restore decency and sexual activity to their personal galaxy…

Why?: I mean honestly, just read that description. It sounds like the best YA contemporary romance ever. How could I not want to read this book? I went to a pretty nerdy college, and was surrounded by geek culture and gamers and all of that jazz, and am pretty well versed in it, so this book sounds like it will be right up my alley.

Expectations: I've never read anything by these authors, but I have pretty high expectations for this book. You can't throw names like Joss Whedon and Scott Pilgrim out there and not do them justice. I'm expecting a romance with a lot of humor and geek references, and I am so excited for that.

Judging a book by its cover: I really love this cover. I love that it's in something reminiscent of an 8-bit, game and I love the colors and I love everything about it. I would totally pick this up if I saw it on a shelf somewhere. Especially because I don't know any other contemporary YA romances with covers like this one. Definitely one that stands out. 


--Ashley

Damselfly by Jennie Bates Bozic - Paul's PRE-READING

*I received this book as an eARC from Jennie Bates Bozic LLC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Damselfly
Author: Jennie Bates Bozic
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: In 2065, the Lilliput Project created Lina - the first six-inch-tall winged girl - as the solution to a worldwide energy and food crisis. Isolated in a compound amidst the forests of Denmark, Lina has grown up aware of only one purpose: learn how to survive in a world filled with hawks, bumblebees, and loneliness. However, on the eve of her sixteenth birthday, she discovers that she’s not the only teenager her size. Six 'Toms' were created shortly after Lina, and now her creators need to prove to the world that tiny people are the next logical step in human evolution. In other words, they need to prove that reproduction is possible.

Um. No thanks. Lina's already fallen in love with a boy she met online named Jack. Only he has no idea that thumbelina1847 could literally fit inside his heart.

When her creators threaten to hurt Jack unless she chooses a husband from among the ‘Toms’, Lina agrees to star in a reality TV series. Once the episodes begin to air, the secret of her size is out. Cut off from any contact with the outside world, Lina assumes Jack is no longer interested. After all, what guy would want to date a girl he can’t even kiss?

Slowly, very slowly, she befriends the six young men who see her as their only ticket to happiness. Perhaps she can make just one guy’s dream of love and companionship come true. But her creators have a few more twists in store for her that she never thought possible. 

She’s not the only one playing to the cameras.

Why?: A future Thumbelina story with a reality tv show? I love when books don't quite fit in the sci-fi or fantasy genre and it seems like this may be one of those books. I like reality show books, too.

Expectations:  I'm expecting a futuristic fairytale. I want lots of twists and turns

Judging a book by its cover: I like this cover. I like the shadow of the girl with wings . And the fantasy of the font of the title and the spider web. Plus the test tubes.

--PAUL

The Almost Girl by Amalie Howard - Ashley's Review

*I received this book as an ARC from Strange Chemistry in exchange for an honest review*



Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Almost Girl
Author: Amalie Howard
Publication Date: January 2, 2014

My The Almost Girl Pre-Reading

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Riven is as tough as they come. But coming from a world ravaged by a devastating android war, she has to be. There’s no room for softness, no room for emotion, no room for mistakes. A Legion General, she is the right hand of the young Prince of Neospes, a parallel universe to Earth. In Neospes, she has everything: rank, responsibility and respect. But when Prince Cale sends her away to find his long-lost brother, Caden, who has been spirited back to modern day Earth, Riven finds herself in uncharted territory.

Thrown out of her comfort zone but with the mindset of a soldier, Riven has to learn how to be a girl in a realm that is the opposite of what she knows. Riven isn’t prepared for the beauty of a world that is unlike her own in so many ways. Nor is she prepared to feel something more than indifference for the very target she seeks. Caden is nothing like Cale, but he makes something in her come alive, igniting a spark deep down that goes against every cell in her body. For the first time in her life, Riven isn’t sure about her purpose, about her calling. Torn between duty and desire, she must decide whether Caden is simply a target or whether he is something more.

Faced with hideous reanimated Vector soldiers from her own world with agendas of their own, as well as an unexpected reunion with a sister who despises her, it is a race against time to bring Caden back to Neospes. But things aren’t always as they seem, and Riven will have to search for truth. Family betrayals and royal coups are only the tip of the iceberg. Will Riven be able to find the strength to defy her very nature? Or will she become the monstrous soldier she was designed to be?

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Review: I love when I stumble across a good sci-fi book. One of those that makes you think and opens up new possibilities for the not-so-distant future. Or maybe even a different spin on the present. The Almost Girl was definitely one of those kinds of sci-fi books, and I'm so glad I read it! 

Riven's home world is similar to Earth, but further advanced technologically and pretty much a total wasteland due to the Android Wars. Things outside the city are terrifying, and the "animals" are not totally animal anymore - they're a really scary mix of robot and flesh, and they will kill anything they can find. The temperatures fluctuate drastically during the day, and that alone could kill you. I mean, I would never want to live in a world like that. Just the thought of it, that all of it was caused by an AI uprising, kind of makes me wary of the increasing AI technology we have today. the world building for Neospes is really interesting, and even when Riven isn't there we still learn more about it, which was pretty neat.

The beginning of this book started kind of slow for me. We jump right into Riven's search for Caden, several years after she's been on Earth. It's a little jarring, but I think it all works out because I don't really think starting at the beginning of her search would have added anything. We learn the important parts of those years through Riven's memories and thoughts, and that ended up being good enough. Probably better, even. So if you think it's a little slow or something like that, just give it a few chapters. The pacing picks up, and I really enjoyed getting to know Caden through Riven.

I felt like there was a little bit of instalove going on, but I can't really be too mad about it. Riven and Cale are best friends, so it kind of makes sense that her feelings for Caden develop more quickly than they would for someone else. And Riven is unlike anything Caden has ever seen, so you can't blame him for being interested in her. I enjoyed Riven's inner dialogue and conflicts regarding their relationship too - she goes back and forth between being a soldier completing a mission and being a teenage girl. I loved both sides of her! 

There are so many twists and turns that I totally didn't see coming, and Amalie kept me on my toes the whole time. I didn't want to put this book down, and I can't wait to read the next installment. Because the ending of this book... I totally felt for Caden and Riven and I want to know how things work out for them! And also if Riven finds what she's looking for. I totally recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun sci-fi read with excellent world-building, mystery, adventure, a little romance, and all of that jazz. 4/5! 

--Ashley

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Knopf Books for Young Readers on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
Author: Karen Foxlee
Publication Date: January 28, 2014

Synopsis: A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

Why?: I've recently discovered Hans Christian Anderson's The Snow Queen (thanks to Jackson Pearce's retelling, Cold Spell), and now I'm always on the lookout for other twists on the story. Books with a fairy tale basis always fascinate me, and this one sounds like a really nice story. 

Expectations: I haven't read anything by Foxlee, but I kind of have higher expectations for this book because it's recommend for fans of Roald Dahl. That's a pretty hefty recommendation to live up to, and I'm really hoping that it does.

Judging a book by its cover: This cover definitely looks like it belongs in the children's section of a bookstore or library. I think it even has the feel of a Roald Dahl cover, and I love it for that. It's interesting, although I'm not sure if it would stand out amongst all of the other children's books. 


--Ashley

Enders (Starters #2) by Lissa Price - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Enders (Starters #2)
Author: Lissa Price
Year Published: 2014

Paul's Starters PRE-READING
Paul's Starters REVIEW

Paul's Enders PRE-READING

Synopsis: With the Prime Destinations body bank destroyed, Callie no longer has to rent herself out to creepy Enders. But Enders can still get inside her mind and make her do things she doesn't want to do. Like hurt someone she loves. Having the chip removed could save Callie's life - but it could also silence the voice in her head that might belong to her father. Callie has flashes of her ex-renter Helena's memories, too ...and the Old Man is back, filling her with fear. Who is real and who is masquerading in a teen body? This is the thrilling sequel to "Starters".

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Review: This second book in a sci-fi dystopian YA series continues with another fun, easy read. Although still a simple story with big reveals towards the end, I enjoyed this book more than Starters.

I think many readers, especially younger readers, will enjoy this series, but I didn't find myself invested in these characters. There are many convenient occurrences, but some have reasons later explained. Maybe some of the things I found too convenient will be revealed later in the series. I also wanted more consequences for certain characters' actions.

The romance in this series is awkward to me. I think it's supposed to be though, considering the circumstances of how they met.

Although there were many surprises and reveals in this book, I never really felt the chills of an amazing reveal.

I wasn't expecting this review to sound so negative. I did really enjoy this book, but it just wasn't as epic as I wanted it to be. I do recommend this book to younger readers. This series is one of those series that might be labeled as YA, but it could definitely pass as a Middle Grade. I give this book a 3.5/5.

--PAUL

Some Fine Day by Kat Ross - Book Trailer!

Hi guys! Today, we're really excited to bring you the brand new book trailer for Strange Chemistry's Some Fine Day by Kat Ross! The trailer was made by Kim-Jenna Jurriaans, and it's a little creepy, a lot mysterious, and we can't stop watching it. See for yourselves below! 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Some Fine Day
Author: Kat Ross
Publication Date: July 1, 2014

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Jansin Nordqvist is on the verge of graduating from the black ops factory known as the Academy. She’s smart and deadly and knows three things with absolute certainty.

She knows that when the world flooded and civilization retreated deep underground, there was no one left on the surface.

She knows that the only species to thrive there are the toads, a primate/amphibian hybrid with a serious mean streak.

Most of all, she knows there’s no place on Earth where you can hide from the hypercanes, continent-sized storms that have raged for decades.

Jansin has been lied to. On all counts. Faced with the truth in the form of a charismatic young survivor named Will, Jansin vows that her former masters will regret making her what she is…

What do you think of the trailer? Are you as excited for this book as we are? 


--Ashley & Paul

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth - Ashley's Review

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Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Year Published: 2013

My Allegiant (#3) Pre-ReadingMy Insurgent (#2) Review
My Insurgent (#2) Pre-Reading
My Divergent (#1) Review
My Divergent (#1) Pre-Reading

Paul's Allegiant (#3) Review
Paul's Allegiant (#3) Pre-Reading
Paul's Insurgent (#2) Review
Paul's Insurgent (#2) Pre-Reading

Synopsis: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

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Review: Oh my goodness, this book. I'd read mixed reviews before going into Allegiant (although I somehow managed to avoid spoilers even though I was still active on websites where this book was discussed... thanks for being awesome, internet people!), so I was a little afraid this book might let me down. But it didn't. It definitely didn't.

The beginning was a little slow for me, and other parts seemed really rushed, but I think part of that was from having to create an entirely new part of this world. Everything Tris and Tobias know is questioned, and everything has to be rebuilt from the ground up. I think there was a lot more telling in this book instead of things being inferred, but I'm not really sure how else it would have been done all in one book. The world-building was a little lacking in this book compared to the other ones, but it didn't bother me as much as it typically would. 

I did really enjoy that this story was told from two perspectives though. It was a little jarring at first - since the first two are solely from Tris' perspective, Tobias took a little bit to get used to. But then, I don't think this story would have worked any other way. Divergent and Insurgent were definitely Tris' story to tell, but this one belongs to both of them in so many ways. Tobias has issues that he has to deal with, and Tris has her own problems, and it wouldn't have made any sense for Tris to really be able to explain Tobias' problems and thoughts and actions. It was a risky choice, but I think it's one that definitely enhanced this last book.

As I was reading this book, I felt like it had a Maze Runner feel to it. I don't want to spoil anything for either series, but I think people who have read The Maze Runner will understand. One of those "society isn't always what you think it is, we're doing this for your own good" kind of things.

The pacing in this book was definitely very fast-paced, but I think the rest of the series is too so it wasn't off-putting. The whole series is a gigantic roller coaster ride, and this book was true to that. Especially with all of the feels. Oh, the feels. So many emotions on opposite ends of the spectrum that I should have been prepared for but wasn't really. So thanks for that, Veronica. You win. 

I don't want to say too much about the ending, because it's one I think everyone should experience on their own (if you haven't had it spoiled yet, keep avoiding those spoilers!), but I will say that I thought it was excellently done. It was risky, and I know quite a few people were outraged by it and hated the book because of it. I, however, think it remained true to the characters. After reading it, I don't think this series could have ended any other way.

If you've read Divergent and Insurgent, you will definitely want to read Allegiant! It has its flaws, but I think it wraps up the series well. I mean, even the epilogue is true to all of the characters. Usually I hate the epilogues, but I enjoyed this one. Any fans of The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner series would most likely enjoy this series, as well as any fans of YA dystopias. 4/5 for this final book in an amazing trilogy! 

--Ashley