Review : Sharing Sam by Katherine Applegate

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

• Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Release Date: March 9, 2004
Pages: 160
Source: Own

The Story:

How can you take the guy your best friend loves . . . when your best friend’s going to die?
Alison Chapman has always believed she’d fall in love hard. And she does—with Sam Cody, a new guy with a gorgeous face and brooding eyes, a guy who’s impossible to resist. When Sam asks her to the Valentine’s Day dance, Alison is elated . . . until she finds out that her best friend, Isabella Cates-Lopez, has fallen for Sam, too . . . until she finds out that Isabella is dying. Now Alison wants Isabella’s last days to be her happiest ever—even if she and Sam have to hide their love. Even if, by sharing Sam, Alison risks losing him forever.

via -- Amazon

Rating: 

My Review: One word: HEARTFELT

Sharing Sam is a heartfelt story about true friendship. Love. And the sacrifices made for loved ones.

Opening Line:

Some people said Sam had robbed a Get n' Go in Okeechobee. 

Plot:

I just knew Sharing Sam was going to be heartbreakingly good. Two best friends fall for the same guy. One of the girls is dying cancer. The other best friend gives up boy so her best friend can date him. Boy agrees to the terms but falls in love with sick friend. Talk about a love triangle.

Sharing Sam was a relatively short book and so was the romance but definitely believable. I suppose I would choose short and believable than long and doubtful. The premise was the love-triangle to end-all love-triangles and Applegate wrote it out in a tasteful manner. 

Overall, Sharing Sam is a short and sweet heartfelt story with decent writing. Applegate's character's are believable and the premise is one yo keep readers drawn in until the end.

Meet the Author: 

Katherine Applegate's many books include the Roscoe Riley Rules chapter book series, a picture book entitled The Buffalo Storm, and the award-winning novel, Home of the Brave. With her husband, Michael Grant, she wrote the hugely popular series Animorphs, which has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.

Katherine was inspired to write The One and Only Ivan after reading about the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, the "Shopping Mall Gorilla." The real Ivan lived alone in a tiny cage for twenty-seven years at a shopping mall before being moved to Zoo Atlanta after a public outcry. He was a beloved celebrity at the zoo, which houses the nation's largest collection of western lowland gorillas, and was well known for his paintings, which he "signed" with a thumb-print.

Katherine lives in California with her husband and two children.

***Check out Katherine Applegate's website for more information about her and the Sharing Sam: HERE Always, Hay

Happy Reading!

Feature Friday ARC Review : Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas

                                      
*Feature Friday is a meme hosted by The Tattered Page to feature YA books that have not yet been released by reviewing them.*

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperTeen 
Release Date: September 15, 2015

Pages: 464
Source: ARC

The Story:

The tale of Cinderella has been retold countless times. But what you know is not the true story. Sarah Prineas’s bold fairy-tale retelling is a dark and captivating world where swords are more fitting than slippers, young shoemakers are just as striking as princes, and a heroine is more than ready to rescue herself before the clock strikes midnight.

Pin has no recollection of who she is or how she got to the Godmother’s fortress. She only knows that she is a Seamstress, working day in and out to make ball gowns fit for fairy tales. But she longs to forsake her backbreaking servitude and dares to escape with the brave young Shoemaker.

Pin isn’t free for long before she’s captured again and forced to live the new life the Godmother chooses for her—a fairy-tale story, complete with a charming prince—instead of finding her own happily ever after.

When the glass slipper just doesn’t fit . . .

via Amazon

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

I was interested in reading Ash & Bramble strictly because it was a fairy tale retelling. If you know anything about me it is my favor towards fairy tale and greek mythology (especially Hades and Persephone) retellings. And as the blurb states, Ash & Bramble was without a doubt an utterly original YA retelling of age-old tale of Cinderella.

Tag Line:

When the glass slipper doesn't fit . . . 

Opening Line:

I know this part of my story, the beginning, maybe.

Plot:

As aforementioned, the premise of Ash & Bramble was as I had hoped, a twist on the classic Cinderella tale. A twist I never saw coming. Not to spoil it for readers, I will keep mum except to say the plot is creative, original and keep you reading.

The writing was decent -- probably good, even --, a little thin with imagery at the beginning but a bit meatier as the story continued. The pacing of the story was perfect. While it did not feel rushed it did not feel as if it dragged along reluctantly. The only issue I had was with Shoe's character. While I did not hate his character, he did annoy me to the point I kept pulling away from the story during the last 100 or so pages. Luckily, I was able to get past my annoyance with Shoe to finish the story because I am glad I did. Also, I really appreciated the feminist theme in the story. Instead of the usual, helpless, dainty princess waiting around for the charming prince to come and save her, readers got to see a clever, strong girl save herself as well as others.

Overall, I enjoyed Ash & Bramble and would recommend it to any reader who enjoys fairy tale retellings --especially one which centers around the damsel in distress saving herself. Sarah Prineas is a writer with much potential for Young Adult fiction. Prineas' Ash & Bramble is not a bad start for her YA debut -- definitely a story worth a try.

Character Breakdown:

Pin/Pen - Pin/Pen was a decently written character. But she was not particularly unique or stood out to me. Still, I did not dislike her so her character did not distract me from the story. Pin/Pen was strong-willed, independent and witty.

"She goes to her wardrobe and pulls out a corset. 'I won't wear that,' I tell her.
'You'll have to,' Precious replies briefly, 'to fit into this dress.'
Unfortunately, she is right. The dress fits only with the corset squeezing me into the right shape. I get it on and Precious laces it tightly.
I looked down at my plumped-up breasts. 'They look like fruit laid out on a tray" [page 174].

Shoe - At first Shoe charmed me with his shy, innocence . . . but then he started to annoy the hell out of me when he was trying to escape with Pin the second time. He was diligent on escaping yet he swore they would not escape the Godmother at every turn. He drove me crazy which drew me away from the story. 

Pre-order Links:

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Powells 

Meet the Author:

Hi there! I'm Sarah Prineas, author of the Magic Thief series published in the US by HarperCollins and in 17 other languages around the world, and the Winterling trilogy. I live in rural Iowa with my mad scientist husband, two kids, two dogs, two cats, chickens and a bunch of goats.

My main thing is writing--I love to write, and talk about writing, and write emails to other writers. And reading. I read a lot. Mostly fantasy, but also romance and regular fiction.

I live on 40 acres out in the countryside, and I'm working to restore the woods and prairie. So basically I'm either writing or I'm outside working on the land, canoeing around our lake, hiking, or gardening. Or wrangling goats.  

My next book is called Ash & Bramble, and it's a YA.

Here's my website:

http://www.sarah-prineas.com

and here's my book website (with games, wallpaper, and extras!):

http://www.magicthief.com


***Check out Sarah Prineas' website for more information about her and Ash & Bramble: HERE

*My review on Goodreads 

Happy Reading!

Review : Matched by Ally Condie

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Speak
Release Date: September 20, 2011
Pages: 416
Source: Own

The Story:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. .

via -- Barnes & Noble

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

Matched is the first dystopian novel I read. Or at least the first I read in adulthood. And it was a brilliant start.

Tag Line:

In the society, officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Opening Line:

Now that I've found the way to fly, which direction should I go into the night? 

Plot:

Matched is a story about 17-year old Cassia who lives in a society controlled by Officials. And when I say controlled I am not exaggerating. The Officials controls everything down to what citizens eat, whom they marry, what jobs they will have and more. A predictable life is an understatement. Cassia seemed to be at terms with what her life would entail . . . until the Match ceremony where her personalized microcard glitches. At first, the microcard told Cassia she is Matched with Xander Carrow, her best friend, and she couldn't be happier. But then insert *glitch* and on the screen a face comes up she recognized. Name of the Face: Ky Markham. And Ky is no ordinary guy, no, he an Aberration who isn't eligible to be Matched. To make matters worse, as the story unfolds Cassia begins to fall in love with Ky and her whole world begins unravelling at the seams . . .

On that note, the premise of Matched is what drew me in. I thought the premise was fantastic. Fantastic for one book. Although I own the two sequels in the trilogy I have not read them because the novelty of the dystopian world and Cassia's romance dilemma will not be as captivating as it was in Matched.

Meet the Author:

Ally Condie (www.allycondie.com) is a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband and three sons outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, running, eating, and listening to her husband play guitar.

***Check out Ally Condie's website for more information about her and the Matched: HERE 

Happy Reading!

Review : The Heir by Kiera Cass

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Harper Teen 
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Pages: 368
Source: Own

The Story:

Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series has enchanted readers from the very first page. In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illéa's royal family into a whole new Selection—and find out what happens after happily ever after.

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon's heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn't expect her Selection to be anything like her parents' fairy-tale love story...but as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.

A new generation of swoonworthy characters and captivating romance awaits in the fourth book of the Selection series!

via Amazon

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: 

I am not going to lie, I was so stoked about reading The Heir. I loved The Selection trilogy and when I find out Kiera Cass was given the green-light to continue the series -- from the point of view of Maxon and America's daughter -- I almost cried. So . . . I may have set my expectations a bit too high going in. Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed reading the start of Eadlyn's -- you don't know this, but I didn't even remember her name -- story, it wasn't as grasping as her mother's.

Tag Line:

35 suitors. 1 princess. A new selection has begun.

Opening Line:

I could not hold my breath for seven minutes.

Plot:

There wasn't as much romantic sparks as I was hoping for-- you know, the swoony moments to die for. But the plot as a whole had promise. The plot was basically the same as for The Selection. Reluctant girl navigates through The Selection and finds a spouse. However, I enjoy Eadlyn as a character so she keeps me in the story. 

As for the sidebar: King Maxon changed the game, as he had dreamed, and rid the country of the caste system. America is gracefully and strong as ever. *And they are both still deeply in love* Eadlyn has adorable brothers with personality and one with his own subplot drama.

All in all, I enjoyed reading The Heir. I do hope the next book in the series has a bit more drama to spice the plot up. Although it is not one of my favorites it is a decent read, worth the time if you are willing.  

Character Breakdown:

Eadlyn - I can say, without a doubt, I relate to Eadlyn. We have such similarities in beliefs and characteristics it was the books saving grace. Because the main character reminded me of me -- how vain that sounds -- I felt as if I were a part of the story. 

Meet the Author:

Kiera Cass graduated from Radford University with a degree in History. She grew up in South Carolina and currently lives in Blacksburg, Virginia with her family. In her spare time, Kiera enjoys reading, dancing, making videos, and eating unhealthy amounts of cake. You can learn more about Kiera at kieracass.com, follow her on twitter via @kieracass, and see her silly videos at YouTube.com/user/kieracass.

***Check out Kiera Cass' website for more information about her and The Heir: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : Hallowed by Cynthia Hand (Unearthly Series #2)

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Pages: 403
Source: Own

The Story:

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to Unearthly, Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!!

My Review: One word: COMPELLING

Yup, Cynthia Hand did it again! Sequels have a notorious reputation for sucking but not in this trilogy. I was sold from the start.  

Plot:

As I mentioned in my review of Unearthly, the plot of Hallowed wasn't exactly the most original or unique but it was well laid out and flows. However, I wish there was more  . . . BAM! to it. Clara was afraid of this fallen angel who threatened her and her friends and family's existence and yet  . . . he didn't do much of anything. So, that was a little disappointing but not to the point Hallowed's rating suffered.

As for the Dream plot-line, it was good. I could figure out what was going to happen next. It kept me on my toes wondering, who was going to be next, what God had planned for Clara and more. The person who dies . . . I was like whaaaa? So sad. But so good. Made me choke up a bit.

Overall, Hallowed is a good read. Tucker is still my main man but Christian, boy is he growing on me. The story is compelling and makes readers a part of Clara's world. Round of applause to Cynthia Hand.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from Hallowed:

“Hi there," Tucker says brightly, like we're bumping into each other on the street. 
"Uh, hi."
"Nice night for stalking," he observes.
"No, I was---"
"Get your butt in here, Carrots.” 

***Check out Cynthia Hand's website for more information about her and the Hallowed: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : Unearthly by Cythnia Hand

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Pages: 435
Source: Own

The Story:

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!!

My Review: One word: LUMINOUS

Yes! Simply, yes! I loved Unearthly so much that as soon as I finished reading it, I jumped on my computer and scoured the internet for Cynthia Hand's author event. In fact, that is how I learned about the existence of RT Booklovers Convention and ended up in Los Angeles (first time in California ever!) back in April 2011.

Character Breakdown:

Clara Gardner - Clara's character is nicely written. I may not be able to relate to her much (not being part-angel and all) but she is a likable and believable character. She is not annoying or docile. Clara is the right mixture of feminine, strong and teenage girl. I especially appreciate how adapt Cynthia Hand was at relaying Clara's emotional struggles to the readers. Clara's emotional scope is multifaceted and realistic.

Tucker Avery - *Swoon* Tucker is exactly my kind of guy. He is a cowboy, boy-next-door and fighter all wrapped in one. Tucker is wholesome, loving, funny and has just the right amount of attitude. I am Team Tucker all the way! Don't believe me? Look at the gadgets on The Tattered Page, I have a sticker that says so! :)

Christian Prescott - Christian . . . Oh, Christian. Hmm... Well,  have to admit, at the beginning I was not a big fan of the love-triangle contender, Christian. But . . . he does grow on you. I mean, he is the man of Clara's dreams and all. Literally. So, that at least grants Christian a second look. He is handsome, popular, athletic, rich and has particular affinities *cough cough* of his own.

Plot:

The plot . . . I think my love of the book is reliant on the characters more so than the plot. The plot isn't exactly the most original or unique but it is well laid out and flows. *I am not mentioning anymore details because I feel the blurb has given enough away* The angel lore and such aren't simply thrown into the mix but is stitched into the story seamlessly. I appreciate not having all the information dumped on me in one scene.

Overall, the writing of Unearthly is phenomenal. The storytelling sucks you into the world of angels and love triangles and divine plans. Unearthly deserves a 4-star rating without a doubt! If you haven't already picked up the Unearthly trilogy, I suggest you stop what you are doing and get on it!

Here is one of my favorite quotes from Unearthly:

Tucker: "I didn't ever think you were a freak. I think ... I thought you were magic or something. I thought that you were too perfect to be real." [Page 332]

Clara: "He loves me. Inside his head, his every thought and reaction was born of love, love inside and out, crazy, irrational (and sure, a bit lustful) love. He loves me, and that's also what terrified him when he saw me light up like a Christmas tree. He doesn't know what I am, but he loves me." [Page 340]

***Check out Cynthia Hand's website for more information about her and the Unearthly: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games Series #2)

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Publication date: 6.4.2013

Pages: 400

Source: Own 

The Story:

Suzanne Collins continues the amazing story of Katniss Everdeen in the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

- Barnes and Noble

Rating: THREE GOLD STARS!!!

My Review:

As you know, I was originally hesitant about reading The Hunger Games. I think the movies are fantastic but I know that usually film adaptations stray away from crucial parts in the novels. Simply put: I did not want to be pissed about my favorite parts of the book being left out of the film. However, much to my delight, The Hunger Games was great. The film adaptation did it justice!

Well, having said that, I recently finished reading Catching Fire. And, honestly, although I enjoyed some parts I did not get the same flutter in my stomach as I did for Hunger Games.That is not to say Catching Fire is not a good book, though.

Peeta Mellark, the boy with the bread, was still swoon-worthy and made my heartache for him. Who can resist unrequited love, right? Oh yeah, Katniss can! haha

"'Because I don't want you forgetting how different our circumstances are. If you die, and I live, there's no life for me at all back in District Twelve. You're my whole life,' he says. 'I would never be happy again." I start to object but he puts his finger to my lips. 'It's different for you. I'm not saying it wouldn't be hard. But there are other people who'd make your life worth living." [page 351].

Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire... Although I have the feels for Peeta's plight, I have to admit that I admire Katniss. I admire her strength, her loyalty and her compassion. Even with everything that is thrown at her she manages to stay true to herself and deal with the grievous circumstances with grace. She does not allow what President Snow is throwing at her take her down. Oh, for example, let's say: The Quarter Quill when the Tributes are reaped from the existing pool of victors! That is what you call a plot twist, is it not?! But the plot twist does not simply halt there. Not only does Katniss destroys the arena but Gamemaker Heavensbee was part of the revolution all along. And, yet again, Katniss survives The Hunger Games.

And that my Bookies, is the epitome of a strong female lead!

Let's go Katniss! Absolutely mind-altering work of literature that gets under your skin.

"My choices are simple. I can die like quarry in the woods or I can die here beside Gale. 'I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to stay right here and cause all kinds of trouble.'" [page 119].

Now, I am desperately trying to wait until Mockingjay Part 1 hits theaters to get started on Mockingjay ... but my resolve is slowly disintegrating. I do not know how much longer I can last. Need to finish Katniss' story ... Failing ... Urgh! 

"'It's like you're decomposing,' says Finnick. But I guess the itching wins out, because after a minute Finnick begins to treat his own skin, too. Really, the combination of the scabs and the ointment looks hideous. I can't help enjoying his distress.

'Poor Finnick. Is this the first time in your life you haven't looked pretty?' I say." [page 316].

*** Check out Suzanne Collins website for more information about her and Catching Fire: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Release Date: March 13, 2012

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 488

The Story:

A troubled soul

An impossible choice

A final battle

Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grave Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.

With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and the greatest alpha. Sirhan, near death, a Challenging Ceremony to determine the new leader of the pack looms. Destined to be a bloddy battle, it will be Grace's final chance to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.

The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion.

--via The Savage Grace book-jacket

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!!
My Review: One Word: GRIPPING

First, I want to say how much I enjoyed The Dark Divine trilogy. I remember when I started reading the first book, The Dark Divine, in my dorm room of Spring 2010. When I picked up the book I had no idea what Daniel's secret was. But once I was a few pages in I just couldn't put it down. So, you can imagine my dismay when I discovered half way through The Savage Grace that it was the final installment.

But, going on to my opinion of The Savage Grace as an individual book ... As my one word review says -- gripping -- I could not put this book down. Point. Blank. There is without a doubt an even balance between action, paranormal and romance. Not to mention, the alpha villain was just delicious. If you've read the previous installments of The Dark Divine trilogy and wondering "What the hell is she talking out about?" ... let's just say there is indeed a twist *hint, hint.*

It is in The Savage Grace that Grace Divine discovers her purpose ... what she truly wants out of life. Daniel finds his footing as a True Alpha ... what being a leader and being person -- not just a werewolf -- is really like. The Lost Boys finally find their home ... where they belong and the true meaning of family.

The Savage Grace is the bittersweet end of a divine journey with Grace and her werewolves. And it sent The Dark Divine trilogy in farewell on an entrancing, howling note.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from The Savage Grace:

Grace: I watched as April and Charity bounded out of the family room, leaving Baby James to suck on the edge of his blankey with blissful oblivion. At least I never had to worry about his running off with a pack of paranormal thugs. - page 297

***Check out Bree Despain's website for more information about her and The Savage Grace: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : The Selection by Kiera Cass

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Release Date: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 336
Source: ARC

The Story:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

- via Barnes & Noble

My Review: One word: CHARMING

Let me start off by saying I love modern retellings of fairytales. So I ws totally stoked to devour The Selection on the plane ride home from the RT Booklovers Convention in Chicago. And the only reason I managed to snag a copy was because I'd just so happen to spot it in a fellow book blogger's bag while she was rearranging it. I'd saked hr if they were giving ARCs out at the Convention but she answered "no." By pure luck, she also said that I could have the copy she was carrying because she had an extra one at home. To top it off with sprinkles: it's signed!

Readers began the story by meeting America Singer, a seventeen-year-old who lives as a Five. The caste system of Illea is rather interesting. Being a One means you are Royalty while being a Eight means you are homeless. Fives are the Artists. "And artists and classical musicians were only three steps up from dirt." America is a performer, a musician, who sings while her mother plays the piano. Her younger sister, beautiful and boy crazy May, is an artist like their Dad. Their little brother, Gerard, hasn't found his talent yet but then again he's only seven. While America's family - father, mother, younger sister and her little brother - aren't exactly starving, they can't have seconds at dinnertime either.

Addressed to the House of Singer was a letter in the post. All young women of age between 16 and 20 were encouraged to enter in the Selection, a lottery. And if selected, one girl from each province would go on to compete for the crown as a the future bride of Prince Maxon and princess of Illea. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. "Participants will be housed at the lovely Illea Palace in Angeles for the duration of their stay. the families of each participant will be generously compensated for their service to the royal family." Only problem is: America doesn't want to be a One.

What she wants is to be with Aspen Leger. The one who makes America's heart skip. The one she is forbidden to be with. Her secret for the last two years. The boyfriend she breaks Illea's strict rules and curfew to date unbeknowest to her family. Why? People marry up, like America's older sister Kenna, not down. And Aspen is a Six. Sixes are those you call when you need help with cleaning or serving at a dinner party. But after America finds out she has been choosen to compete for the chance to be the princess of a war-torn country, Aspen ends their relationship.

Practically forced by her caste climbing mother to participate in the Selection, America accepts her bid and makes way to the palace with the thirty-four other girls. She decides that she may as well use her time at Illea Palace to benefit her family. Who knows, once the Selection was over and done with, maybe she'd be able to utilize her new status as a Three to help her loved ones then. Besides, it isn't like Aspen would miss her while she was gone. Except, there is an unexpected hitch in her plan: Prince Maxon Schreave.

 The Selection is a story about a girl who just wants to be with the guy she loves, but instead ends up capturing the heart of a prince who isn't who she thought he was. And normally that would be an easy notion to disregard. But, instead of the stuck-up little wimp America pegged him to be, Prince Maxon is, in fact, a shy, compassionate person trying to find his place as a individual other than just the guy with the title of The Prince.

Kiera Cass' debut Young Adult novel is a soft, endearing read that will open your eyes to the possibility of a different happily ever after. The Selection has a little bit of everything for a variety of readers' tastes. There's dystopia, a love-triangle, a prince, a fairy-tale theme, a brooding beau and more.

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

***Check out Kiera Cass' website for more information about her and The Selection: HERE

Happy reading!

Review : Hard To Resist by Wendy Loggia

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.


Release Date: September 8, 1998
Publisher: RandomHouse Children's Books
Pages: 192
Source: Own

The Story:

Leigh Feralano's move to Buffalo has been a blast, thanks to her fun-loving new friend Kerry Cole. Now Leigh's psyched to begin her junior year, and curious to meet Kerry's boyfriend, Christian Archer, who's been studying in England. Leigh can't believe Christian could possibly be as sexy and charming as Kerry claims.

The second Leigh meets Christian, she discovers he's all that...and more. As much as she wants to, Leigh can't deny that she's beginning to develop serious feelings for him. And the more she sees Christian, the more she suspects he's into her too. Still, there's no way anything can happen between her and her best friend's boyfriend...is there?

--via Barnes & Noble

Rating: THREE Gold Stars!!!

My Review: One word: IRRESISTIBLE

The shy, quiet Leigh Feralano is a California implant in Buffalo, NY. While in Buffalo, she attends Fillmore High School where she makes best friends with pretty, outgoing, fun-loving Kerry Cole. For the past year, Kerry helped Leigh adjust to life in Buffalo. And after helping Kerry get through the year without her boyfriend and constantly listening about how amazing he is, Leigh is definitely curious to see if he was really all her best friend made him out to be.

For his third year of high school, gorgeous, wavy-haired Christian Archer decided to study abroad in England; leaving behind his life, including his girlfriend, Kerry, in Buffalo. Only thing is: people change. Coming back to America, and the life he left behind, was a lot harder to adjust to then he'd thought.

The plot conlfict of this novel was pretty easy to spot. Forbidden love. As the stars would have it, Leigh falls in love with her best friend's boyfriend. And to add the cherry on top, it was during Kerry and Christian's relationship -- not after they broke up. Apparently, for Leigh it was "love at first sight" and at the time didn't know he was Kerry's boyfriend. Nonetheless, trying to remain a loyal friend on some level, Leigh continued to refuse her feelings her Christian. But, of course, to no avail.

Hard to Resist, shows how three teenagers deal with love, heartbreak, change and more... What would you do if you had to choose between love and loyalty?

***You can find out more about Wendy Loggia and her books: HERE

Happy Reading!