Mini Review - Mila 2.0 Origins: The Fire by Debra Driza

Mila 2.0 - Origins: The Fire By Debra Driza
Release Date – January 8, 2013
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 15 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**Free KoBo book**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Heart-stopping and electric, MILA 2.0: Origins: The Fire contains a short prequel story and an excerpt to MILA 2.0, the first book in a riveting Bourne Identity–style trilogy by Debra Driza.

Mila can't remember anything before the fire that took her father's life. It's normal to have some memory loss after traumatic events, but Mila doesn't remember if she's ever learned to ride a bike, or if she's ever been in love. Nothing.

What she doesn't know is that she isn't supposed to remember—that she was built in a computer science lab and programmed to forget. Because if she remembers, she might discover her true identity.

The question is: If she relived the fire, what would she see?

Debra Driza uses only fifteen pages to hook me into her story. A tense, fast moving glimpse at a devastating fire that left me wanting to grab my copy of Mila 2.0 and read it immediately.

This novella really just sets up a captivating mystery. The fire, what or who caused it, and another delicious twist at the end that is potentially too good to ruin. Mila's very human reactions to getting out of the house, and desperation to find her parents set up her character. The synopsis mentions her very human characteristics and these short fifteen pages make it evident.

The novella runs rather short, and I do wish it had been a touch longer. I could not get a proper feel for the author's writing, but there is potential for Mila 2.0 to be really captivating. In the end, this novella intrigued me enough to bump Mila 2.0 up my reading list, which is kind of the entire point.

 A quick novella that teases and piqued my interest immensely. If you are planning on reading Mila 2.0 this is a quick, action packed read that will set the tone and feel perfectly before you dive in.

Waiting on Wednesday... Tumble & Fall

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A novel about the end of days full of surprising beginnings

The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left? Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand.

Alexandra Coutts's TUMBLE & FALL is a powerful story of courage, love, and hope at the end of the world.

The idea of the pre (wether preapocalypse, predystopian, etc) is intriguing. We have had many novels deal with the during, or the post, but this is something unique. The urgency, the awareness, the stark realization that everything is going to change could provide some great moments.

Expected release date September 17, 2013

Marissa Meyer Toronto Signing

In case yo missed the excitement - Marissa Meyer is coming to Toronto!! She'll be signing at the Yorkdale Indigo location on March 9 at 12 pm.

Raincoast Canada, a distributor for a group of USA publishing houses, is hosting a fun contest for bloggers to celebrate the event. One blogger will get a chance to interview Marissa, either in person or over the phone if unable to attend.

If I were selected, one of the questions I would ask Marissa is -

Fairytales are always being adapted, changed, and twisted. What do you think it is about them that continuously inspires people?

If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and meet Marissa (and get your copies of Cinder and Scarlet signed). It sounds like a fun bookish afternoon!

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Unremembered by Jessica Brody
Release Date – March 5, 2013

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books Canada
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  320 pages

My Rating- 3/5

**Received from publisher for review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The only thing worse than forgetting her past... is remembering it.

When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.

Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.

Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.

Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?

From popular young adult author, Jessica Brody comes a mesmerizing and suspenseful new series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten.

A story of lost memories, and transcendent love. Unremembered delivered a completely different book than I was expecting after having read the synopsis. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself with a fast paced, interesting nove that was different than expected.

The plot itself is incrediably fast paced. The need and drive to find out this girl's secrets and unravel the mystery with her is compelling. It's what kept my interest, and the pages turning.

While I thought the plot was a fun twist it was mainly because I wasn't expecting it from THIS novel. The plot is nothing overly unique, or different. It's been done before, but the reveals while not surprises are satisfying. It worked well because I went into this novel knowing almost nothing. I think it reads better if you allow it to unravel the story for you, rather than know too much or try to guess the outcome.
Our main character is introduced to us without a name, without any memories, and drifting in the ocean. Her memory loss doesn't just encompass her personal memories, but basic things as well. Words are lost to her, emotions, and even tangible goods are things she stumbles on.She is quickly nicknamed Violet and it's not until much later that we learn her true identity. Her learning, and making mistakes along the way lead to some fun lighter moments in an action filled plot. A character like this, however, is kept at arms length. This is both from the other characters, and the reader as well. It's hard to get attached when she's an empty page.

Zen, the boy who claims to know Violet, is rather sweet. He comes on a little strong when they first meet, but it works within the story. The romance aspect only worked for me because of the built in history. The unique thing in this type of story is that we get both the history and the rush of first love. Here is a character that is having to make someone fall back in love with them. The history made his declarations of love more believable because it was earned previously, even if Violet can't remember it. I didn't feel as strong of a connection between the two of them as I wished I did, and it's the backstory that saved the romance for me.

Cody, Violet's foster brother, was a character that felt authentic. He was a typical thirteen year old boy caught in this intense, crazy world that Violet finds herself occupying. His sarcasm provided humour, especially as Violet often misunderstood, or need clarification on things. He was sullen, bitter, and filled with teenage angst that can sometimes feel over dramatic, but this case it is perfectly balanced.
A action packed read that, while not unique, was certainly enjoyable enough. A well paced plot that was, for me, a little lacking in the character area. It will be a huge hit for some, but for me what started out promising, and offered a few surprises, ended a little flat.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Release Date – Feburary 5, 2013

Publisher Website - Little Brown Books For Young Readers

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages - 307 pages

My Rating- 3/5

**Received from publisher for review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.

Sophronia Temminnick at 14 is a great trial more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners -- and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Her poor mother, desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady, enrolls the lively tomboy in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage -- in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy produces young women who can charm you with their manners, entice you with their appearance, and kill you with the dagger hidden in their dress. A fun, and often funny, novel where the world building truly shines.

I was not expecting there to be as many steampunk elements as exists in the novel. The adorable Bumbersnoot, a Mechanical that is very dog like, was a sweet touch. The steampunk details added a fantastical touch that complimented the tone perfectly.

It’s this world, and the steampunk elements within, that are the most thrilling part of the novel. The setting is thoroughly developed, and intriguing. The school is a place worthy of being explored. It sets the stage for all the other creatures, mechanicals, and gadgets we are introduced to. There are some paranormal elements as well. We learn of werewolves, vampires, and the potential is there for more to be included. It provides a fun twist to the story.

Bunson and Lacroix’s Boys’ Polytechnique is the sibling school to Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy. It’s a finishing school of sorts for boys. I hope we visit the school in subsequent novel as I think there is more to learn about both the schools, and their ties to each other.

Sophronia is dreadfully unpolished according to her mother. She prefers climbing trees to afternoon tea. Her dreadful manners are a thorn in her mother’s side. When she’s offered a spot at a prestigous finishing school, her mother is only too happy to send her off. Her inquisitive nature, sarcasm, and penchant for trouble make her a perfect fit for her new finishing school. She’s headstrong and precocious. She’s a rather engaging main character, and I was happy to follow her on her journey.

Dimitry becomes Sopronia’s best friend at finishing school. A proper lady who is distracted by shiny things. She is almost the opposite of Sopronia’s but they work as friends. The other characters were almost a footnote. It was in this aspect that I felt something missing. The characters were not as developed as the wold inhabit, and therefore it was easy to not form any attachment to them.

The best word to describe this book really is fun. It’s a light, thrilling read that will charm you. It may at times be too light, but is otherwise an enjoyable read that will appeal to those looking for something different than the usual.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

An awesome mailbox again this week. A HUGE thank you to Hachette Canada and Raincoast Books for the incredible reads. I can not wait to start all of them.

Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green (goodreads)
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E Smith (goodreads)
Icons by Margaret Stohl (goodreads)

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)
Game by Barry Lyga (goodreads)

My cat Aria kept getting in the pictures. She especially seemed to like Marissa Meyer's Scarlet (and yes, she's the cutest cat ever).

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
 

The new covers were released. Everyone was talking about them. Me? I am most excited about the fact that this means the book is one step closer to being in my hands. I can't wait to fall in love with NYC (I already am, but even more so), Isla and Josh. It even has a cute synopsis to go with the new cover. Super excited.

Cover of Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts

I love the synopsis of this one so much. I immediately added it to my 'to be read' list upon hearing it takes place BEFORE the world is destroyed. Its pre in a sea of post. It's unique and this piqued my interest. A novel from the perspective of how you would spend the last few days before something like this happens is fascinating  and I hope to see more.

TV

Bates Motel

I keep seeing previews for this, and everything I am seeing is making me that much more excited. I am especially curious about Freddie Highmore playing Norman Bates. The feedback from people who've seen his performance is that he is chilling. They mention him saying "mother" as especially contrasting the charming/creepy sides his character has. Can not wait for the premiere in March.

OTHER

Book Expo America

We're about 3 months away from BEA and my excitement is already beginning to build. I can't wait to start planning my autograph sessions. I am making plans with other bloggers to meet up as well. I am looking forward to a fun bookish week.

So what are you obsessed with this week?