The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney

  

 

The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney
Release Date - October 8, 2013
Publisher Website -  HarperTeen
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 2.5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A teenage girl is transformed into a reluctant superhero and must balance her old life with the dark secret of who she has become.

Prima ballerina Anthem Fleet is closely guarded by her parents in their penthouse apartment. But when she meets the handsome Gavin at a party on the wrong side of town, she is immediately drawn into his dangerous world. Then, in a tragic accident, Anthem falls to her death. She awakes in an underground lab, with a bionic heart ticking in her chest. As she navigates her new life, she uncovers the sinister truth behind those she trusted the most, and the chilling secret of her family lineage…and her duty to uphold it.

The Dark Knight meets Cinder in this gripping and cinematic story of heartbreak and revenge. From Alloy Entertainment, this inventive new superhero story is sure to captivate any reader.

A superhero inspired story that left me both hot and cold. A slower paced novel whose pay off came just a little too late to fully win me over. A novel that felt rather predictable, and left me feeling unconnected to the story.

The setting is quite similar to Batman's Gotham City. Crime rules the streets, and social and economic standings dictate everything. Cops are being paid off, and things are crumbling. There were times where I wanted Amelia to allow the writing to wander a bit and go outside these walls. It felt like she was sticking too closely to something her story didn't quite fit into.

Anthem is privileged, and sheltered. Her brief flirtation with the 'wild side' has drastic consequences. Her life changing journey was taken slowly. Her reactions to things were sometimes exactly what I wanted, and other times frustrating. She falls for Gavin rather quickly. She feels so strongly that you can't believe how quick the time line actually is. It was rather jarring when I realized how little time had passed. The stakes had to be high, but I felt the time required for the emotional payoff just hadn't been invested. So much of the story happens TO Anthem rather than BECAUSE of her. I wanted to see her react to things more, instead of being controlled by the plot. It may have helped with the emotional connecting this type of story would benefit from.

The parts where Anthem is discovering her new abilities, and when she takes pleasure in flexing her power are well done. I could feel the giddy rush of her dancing for the first time, the rush of adrenaline as she soared through the air. Superhero stories almost require the hero to be made human and it's these brief moments that do that. They remind us that Anthem is just a teenage girl who adores ballet, and fell in love. It helped put her actions in perspective.

The twists and turns the story takes, especially in the second half, saved the story for me. I do hope this is a series because there is a potential there now that the groundwork has be done. I fear, however, that many won't make it to the stronger second half. The pacing in the beginning is slow, and most of the character development happens later.

The potential for the rest of the books if this is a series is evident by the ending. We leave Anthem in a place where she can start to develop, and the storyline can progress. You can tell the author has a love for superhero stories, and she wanted to do an homage to them. It resonates, but I wish she had taken her own approach, instead of being so heavily influenced. It may have moved the plot to a place where the novel made a stronger impression on the reader immediately, therefore drawing you in quicker.

A superhero beginnings story that is filled with lies, betrayal, and has some true potential. I predict that others may enjoy this one more than I did, as I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the world.

Weekly Obsession

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:

BOOK

Marissa Meyer New Book Deal

Did you miss the news? Marissa Meyer has a new book in the works. Heartless, according to Goodreads, is 'a prequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” HEARTLESS will tell the tale of how a marquis’ teenage daughter became the infamous Queen of Hearts. It will be a story of whimsy and madness, passion and tragedy, ravens and writing desks'. I was sold as soon as they mentioned Alice in Wonderland. Extra excited that it's a prequel story. I am intrigued with what Marissa will do with the Queen of Hearts. 2015 can not come fast enough.

Cover of Amy Plum's After The End

It fits the novel perfectly. Read the synopsis and you'll see. I am pretty excited about this nove, and am looking forward to getting my hands on it in May.

Synopsis of Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

The full synopsis has been revealed for Dorothy Must Die. I knew it was going to be amazing, but this...OH.MY.GOD. It's jumped to the top of my Must Read in 2014 list.

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.
What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

Remove the Tim Woodman's Heart? Steal the Scarecrow's brain? Take the Lion's courage? YES! YES! YES! Can I have this NOW please?

Cora Carmack's New Series

I was sold as soon as they mentioned Friday Night Lights. I will read it. It sounds fun, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about her first books.

TV/MOVIE

Robbie Kay as Peter Pan on Once Upon A Time

If you have to make Peter Pan evil, at least have someone who impresses me in the role. Robbie Kay is PERFECT! He looks the part, he can act, and I am all over his version of Peter. I can't wait to see what else Once Upon A Time does with his character, and how the twists and turns will present themselves. I've been hearing rumblings that he REALLY impresses in the second episode, so I am looking forward to discussing that in my recap.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends. This weeks question is:

What book (or TV show or movie) have you not read that seemingly everyone else has?

Hmmmm... I am not sure. I think a lot of people have read the Jessica Darling series and I haven't yet (but I am working on it). TV show wise... TOO MANY! I feel like I am the last person that has to watch Veronica Mars. I also feel that way about Breaking Bad.

Happy Weekend!

Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
Release Date - October 1, 2013
Publisher Website -  Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In the second book of the Arcana Chronicles Evie has now fully come into her powers as the tarot Empress. And Jackson was there to see it all. In the aftermath of killing Arthur, the tarot Alchemist, Evie realizes that a war is brewing between the other teens that, following the apocalypse, have been given powers and its kill or be killed.

Things get even more complicated when Evie meets Death, the mysterious, sexy Endless Knight. Somehow the Empress and Death share a romantic history - one that Evie can't remember, but Death can't forget. She is drawn to the Endless Knight, but is in love with Jack. Determined to discover why she's been granted these powers, Evie struggles to accept her place in a prophecy that will either save the world, or completely destroy it.

Dark. Sexy. Amazing. Those are just a few of the words that I would use to describe Endless Knight. A sequel that delivers answers, asks more questions, and ups the stakes for all the main characters.

The war is heating up and things are getting intense as more teens enter the fray. These bonds that the characters have built are being tested, and it's devastating to know that they could turn on each other at any time. The reader is on edge along with the characters because as each 'tarot card' is removed from the battle field, the pool of participants gets smaller and smaller. There can only be one victor. The idea of an alliance is tantalizing, but it's laced with the reality that it can not last. It added sense of urgency to the story that only added to it's break neck pace.

Evie is quickly becoming a character I enjoy. She's well aware of her skills, and uses what she can to her advantage.She is also well aware of her flaws. She possess a self awareness that is refreshing. She is determined to change, and learn from mistakes made in the past. Her conviction is one of the strongest things about her. She deliciously walks a little on the naughty side, and the fact that she often wants to give into her darker impulses makes her compelling.

Death is rather fascinating. His motivations for his actions were unexpected. HE was unexpected. His walls, and abrasiveness are understandable once you know his story. His history, and background are woven into the plot, and revealed at the perfect pace. We get to see him at this worst, and he slowly gains Evie's (and the reader's) trust by allowing little vulnerability to come through.

Matthew is still my favourite. Driven half crazy by the voices he hears, this installment made me feel even worse for him. My heart broke for him in some scenes, and yet I never forgot how cunning he actually is. Friendships are one of the often overlooked aspects in novels, especially those between members of the opposite sex. Evie and Matthew's bond is strong. They need each other, and depend on each other. There is no underlying tension, which is refreshing. It's a look at a friendship that develops organically through shared experiences, and learned trust.

I am not overly enamored by either Death or Jackson. They're both total Alpha males, which doesn't appeal to me. I predict many will swoon over both of them, and this maybe one of the hardest triangles for a lot of readers. Both guys are pretty interesting, and on equal footing.As I am not hugely invested in either guy, this love triangle actually appeals to me. I don't have a preferred outcome, and can instead enjoy the ebbs and flows that happen. It's refreshing to not have one of the guys sway me. Each boy gives Evie something different that she needs. Jackson awakens her sensual side, where Death awakens her mind. Evie can talk to Death for hours, and her and Jackson get along better when they're not talking. She gets something different, but essential from each guy. Nobody can be everything for someone, and I think both guys are important to Evie's progress as a character.

The story is taken to some pretty enticing places, and leaves you eager to devour the next installment. Rapid pacing, intense action, sizzling romance, and characters will keep you engrossed in it's pages, and begging for more. A story that is highly unique, sexy, and brimming with unapologetic fun. I loved Poison Princess but Endless Knight consumed me.

Don't Look Back Cover Reveal

I am thrilled to be helping reveal the cover for  Jennifer L. Armentrout's newest novel.

Here is a little about the novel before we look at the pretty!

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend.

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it’s one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took “mean girl” to a whole new level, and it’s clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She’s getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she’s falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn’t just buried deep inside of Sam’s memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

Sounds creepy right? Well the cover is just as creepy....take a look....

If you want to pre-order this it's up on Amazon and Barnes and Noble already.

 Author Bio:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.  Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. 

She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

You can find Jennifer by visiting her Website and Twitter or Facebook

So let me know what you think of this cover in the comments!

Once Upon A Time - The Heart of the Truest Believer

**SPOILERS! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE EPISODE OR PREVIOUS SEASONS!**

My first recap post for season three of Once Upon A Time. I might as well let you know that I am a complete Peter Pan fangirl, and there is very little they could have done to disappoint me with this episode since we are about to embark on the path to Neverland. Needless to say, The Heart of the Truest Believer didn't let me down.

In keeping with Once Upon A Time's tradition of starting the season with a scene that leaves you with a lot of questions, we begin season 3 with Emma giving birth to Henry. The lights flickering as Henry is born immediately has me curious. Was it Emma? Henry? The two of them? If it's Henry that makes him even more special than I expected. It was a sad moment in that we learn Emma didn't even hold Henry first. She didn't even look at him. Makes me look back on the whole show differently, because the first time Emma laid eyes on Henry was when he showed up on her doorstop in the pilot.  Emma protests that she 'can't be a mother' were heartbreaking, and parallel nicely with her speech at the end of the episode where she declares herself a mother.

Putting Regina, Snow, Charming, Hook, and Emma on a ship together was an effective way to cause drama. Barely into the journey and fists are being used, disagreements are plentiful, and each is wanting to claim leadership. Some fun one liners were tossed, and we get introduced to MERMAIDS! Not your friendly ones either. They try to capsize Hook's ship. The vicious mermaids make me happy, and I can't wait to see more of them (ARIEL!!!!). Regina and Hook in particular are full of fun venom in these initial scenes.

Regina and Hook have an interesting conversation. I may have to start shipping them. She ponders whether or not they, as villains, deserve happy endings. It's insightful, and I want more of this character development from both of them. It's a moment where they are both totally self aware, and I hope they learn from it.

I am so proud of Emma. She jumps into the water when she realizes that all the fighting is causing a massive storm. One that is going to sink Hook's ship. She TRUSTS that her parents will save her. Or Hook will (Pretty sure she doesn't trust that Regina will). Emma, the person who doesn't NEED anyone is starting to let her guard down. She does it without thinking. She just knows that they have her back. It's a huge step for her character. Also, I totally LOVED Papa Charming coming to the rescue!

Rumpelstiltskin's encounter with Felix (the head Lost Boy?) left me with a ton a questions. Obviously, as we learned in the finale, Rumple knows Peter Pan. How? I believe we have a clue in the doll that Felix gives Rumple. Upon seeing it Rumple breaks down crying. It's something important from his past. I have a bad feeling that I know where this is leading. *An aside... Robert Carlyle has played like 10 different versions of this character, and he is phenomenal*

Neal/Baelfire admits that his biggest mistake was not going after Emma when he had the chance. *SWOON*. It's apparent that he is going to fight like crazy to get back to her, and I was turned into a puddle of mush by him thinking about Emma and how much he loves her in order to active his father's crystal ball. That thing lit up immediately when he thought of his love for her. Now that he knows Emma is in Neverland, I hope he finds his way there..immediately. It appears that both he and Emma are going to have to come to terms with things about themselves that they may not want to accept. He has to accept that he's Baelfire and Rumpelstiltskin's son. Emma has to accept that she's the savior, and part of this magical world. Providing more Emma/Neal feelings is the fact that Hook gives Emma his sword! She'll be carrying it around and it will help her get back their son. The toast between Emma and Hook to Neal's memory was a lovely touch.

We also learn about blood magic via Baelfire's visit to his father's castle. Robin Hood has been hiding out there, and questions why when Baelfire touches his father's old walking staff it opens a portal when he has handled it numerous times and nothing happened. It's explained that his father used 'blood magic'. I am guessing it's going to be important later. This scene made me a mess of Baelfire/Rumple feelings. That old walking staff? Used to keep track of young Bae's growth via nicks in the wood. This prompts Baelfire to quip "it might not always seem like it but family was important to dear old dad" *sobs*

I got a chuckle out of Mulan and Baelfire's exchange regarding our world, and how we view these characters. Him telling Mulan that they made a movie about her and her reaction ('what's a movie?') was priceless.

Hook obviously has his sights set on Emma now. He admits that he 'fancies' her from time to time. (Something I am sure the Hook/Emma fans will LOVE) but I don't see it. Perhaps it's my own bias towards Baelfire that is clouding my judgement but she rolls her eyes at him, and seem exasperated whenever he flirts. Also, her mind is clearly on saving Henry. Emma, by the end, has rightfully stepped into the leadership role. Her insistence that they either 'help me find my son, or get out of my way' had me applauding. FINALLY! After all the bickering, and fighting one of the group is taking charge. Perhaps Henry isn't doomed...

Poor Henry is having a bad day. He's kidnapped, and brought to Neverland. I love that he shows a little bit of sass here. He's totally Emma and Baelfire's son. He is often smarter than the adults around him, and proves it again here by questioning Tamara and Greg's blind faith. His remark "good thing you guys don't ask any questions" made me chuckle. When a 12 year old is smarter than you....

Henry gets away from Greg and Tamara after the shadow comes and rips Greg's shadow from him, and the Lost Boys take out Tamra (her death aided by Rumple a little later in the episode). Pretty sure nobody is going to miss them. Henry runs into another young lad who happens to be hiding from the Lost Boys as well. Oh Henry, you might want to be a little less trusting. Of course the young boy that befriends Henry is none other than Peter Pan himself. Have to admit I saw that reveal coming, but it was perfectly done, and getting to see pixie dust (and FLYING) caused me to have a mini freakout. Upon revealing his true identity, it isn't long before he reveals what he is really after - the literal heart of the truest believer. Bad news for Henry? That's him. Pan calls for his Lost Boys who surround Henry and Peter's shiver inducing words of 'Let's play' are accompanied by him pulling out a dagger. EEEP! Looks like Henry is in trouble.

Robbie Kay is perfectly cast as Peter Pan. He even resembles the Disney cartoon version a little. His chilling delivery of "Let's play" to close out the episode brings to mind The Lord of the Flies. The entire manner of the Lost Boys seem to be reminiscent of that novel. The main takeaway is that Peter is not someone to be messed with, and he's actually really dangerous. Someone who has control of a group, and nobody to keep them in check? Yeah, dangerous.

With Peter literally wanting Henry's heart, our 'heroes' spending more time fighting than searching for Henry, and a darker/deadlier Neverland should make for an exciting season three. Belief seems to be the theme of the season. Emma having to believe in herself and her family, Henry's unwavering belief that his family will always find each other seem to both be an important aspect to this season.

Until next Wednesday.... Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust!

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano
Release Date - October 1, 2013
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 356 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil.

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

Internment is a perfect place to live, as long as you don't look too closely. A Utopian society that reveals itself to be built on secrets, and half truths. A captivating and page turning story that inspires you to follow your dreams, even if they seem risky.

A feeling of claustrophobia lends itself easily while you're reading this book. Internment is small. It feels even small as you're reading and the city feels like it's tightening around you. The fact that it's forbidden to leave made me, as a reader, stir crazy. Living there would be worse. The city itself leaps off the pages, and by the end you feel that you've fully immersed yourself in every aspect.

Lauren's writing floats like the clouds that surround the city. It's soft, lyrical, and it's easy to immerse yourself in it. It's some of the best writing I've come across and I will happily read anything she writes next. I found that I could recognize her voice. This writing is immediately recognizable as the author of the Chemical Garden trilogy, but still different enough to be appropriate for this story. She captures the essence and tone of the story with her writing, and it makes the novels that much deeper.

Morgan is dreamer. She dreams of life beyond her stars and clouds. On Internment, however, this behaviour is considered dangerous. She came alive for me. Lauren made sure that we know her completely. We understand what makes her Morgan, and I found that I loved every aspect of her character. She was instantly relatable, and everything she questions, wants,  hopes for is something that the reader will ache to give her.

Lex, Morgan's brother, is a jumper. His attempt at finding something more left him blind, and because he unable to, he 'sees' things differently. His bond with Morgan is brilliant. I felt the sibling connection, and the complexity of loving someone that can exasperate you like nobody else can. Their relationship is one of the most well crafted in the novel, and seemed effortless to incorporate into the story.

The romance is rather intriguing. Lauren manages to create these layered worlds, characters, and puts these little details into them that make the richer. The way marriage works on Internment is just one of these little details. Basil, Morgan's betrothed, is kind, caring, patient. He's everything that someone like Morgan could need and want. He is perfect suited to her because when it counts he supports her. I am just not sure they challenge each other. There is a slight hint of a potential complication in their relationship, and I am curious to see if anything will come of it.

This novel surprised me in the most thrilling way. Things that I expected to not happen until future novels in the series were delivered before the final pages of this installment. It's taken places that left me wanting to grab the second novel immediately. It's pacing is much faster than I expected and the pages raced by even as I savored every word.

A novel that is, dare I say it, better than her previous trilogy. Surprising, wondrous, and filled with both despair and breathtaking hope. Lauren DeStefano has cemented herself as not only a fantastic writer, but a brilliant storyteller as well.