Killer Instinct by S.E. Green

Killer Instinct by S.E. Green

Release Date - May 6, 2014
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 272 pages
My Rating - 2.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

She’s not evil, but she has certain... urges.

Lane is a typical teenager. Loving family. Good grades. Afterschool job at the local animal hospital. Martial arts enthusiast. But her secret obsession is studying serial killers. She understands them, knows what makes them tick.

Why?

Because she might be one herself.

Lane channels her dark impulses by hunting criminals—delivering justice when the law fails. The vigilantism stops shy of murder. But with each visceral rush the line of self-control blurs.
And then a young preschool teacher goes missing. Only to return... in parts.
When Lane excitedly gets involved in the hunt for “the Decapitator,” the vicious serial murderer that has come to her hometown, she gets dangerously caught up in a web of lies about her birth dad and her own dark past. And once the Decapitator contacts Lane directly, Lane knows she is no longer invisible or safe. Now she needs to use her unique talents to find the true killer’s identity before she—or someone she loves—becomes the next victim...

Killer Instinct revolves around a female character who is reminiscent of Dexter Morgan (from both the TV show and book series). This comparison right there piqued my interest in this book. While the plot shares many similarities to not only the character, but the premise itself, it was the differences that stood out for me. Much of the deeper, thought provoking aspects that this type of story benefits from were, sadly, not there for me.

The writing itself is quick and readable. The flow of the novel certainly lends itself to a quick, one sitting type of read. This, and the novel's length, will appeal to those who are looking for a fun, different type of beach read this summer. It's one that can easily be finished in a day at the beach, and provides a lighter take on this subject matter that was a little unexpected.

Lane, and her personality, are going to create strong opinions in readers. Her lack of connection to others, and abrasive nature perfectly match her character and what it's supposed to be. I felt she came across as detached but focused, and was exactly what I was expecting. The interesting aspect of her character is when we do get glimpses of her emotions. She has moments where she realizes that perhaps some people are important to her. This seems to be at odds with her stance that she has no emotions, but I felt it made sense. We've seen that people like Lane, especially in forms of entertainment, tend to have some emotional connection. It may be to a few people, animals, things, but it is there. They are not emotionless, and the author portrayed that nicely.

These types of stories tend to be driven by the question of nature vs. nurture. The pondering, and inner reflection was surprisingly lacking in this novel. I, personally, find that novels with a character like Lane work best if we can really get inside their head. I didn't feel I learned about Lane in this aspect. It didn't help me feel I got to know and understand this character and her motivations. As interesting, and intriguing as she is, I wanted that connection.

The end reveal, and how it is presented felt a bit rushed without more build up. I think, for myself, the pacing was what made me not connect to the book in the way I wanted to. There are side 'cases' (if you will) that Lane 'investigates' while the over-reaching story arc of the Decapitator is going on. I would have preferred the main story line be fleshed out instead. This aspect strongly resembled a 'case of the week' TV show format which, I feel,  did not translate as well into a novel. Those aspects were not developed enough, and it took focus off the driving plot which was much more interesting.

An intriguing concept that didn't quite come together as I hoped. While I enjoyed the Dexter vibe the novel offered,  I felt something was missing to make this story and the characters truly jump off the page. I am interested in checking out another novel  by this author, and do think perhaps others might like this more than I did.

Once Upon A Time - A Curious Thing

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

Regina is not impressed that Snow and Charming want to announce their pregnancy NOW. She sneers that there is a wicked witch on the loose. Charming seems to think it'll rally their people. As they are discussing this a distraught Belle comes up. She's going to tell them about Neal's death right? *sniff* Belle does tell them about Neal's death and that Rumple is back. Regina's gleeful "Rumple's alive?" is contrasted with Snow's melancholy "Neal's dead?". I totally get that Regina is excited to have someone help her with the witch though. Belle admits that she is unsure about either of these things (Rumple being alive, Neal being dead) because Rumple absorbed Neal and it's confusing. She tells them about Zelena getting the dagger which, as expected, does not go over well.

Aurora says that perhaps now is not the time to announce the pregnancy. She's hiding something major. Snow scoffs that they have to do it. They don't want to give into fear, and they want to give their people hope. Charming points out that they don't know what Zelena wants. Aurora says that they do know, and what she wants is Snow's baby. Philip and Aurora tell them that Zelena threatened their baby if they didn't tell her when Snow and the rest showed up. Zelena told them that Snow's baby will be important. They apologize for their part in all this just as the witch herself shows up. She claims that she makes good on her promises and turns Philip and Aurora into monkeys! What the heck, Zelena. I hate her.

Snow tells Zelena to stay away from her baby, which gets her frozen. Charming tells Zelena to stay away from his wife, and that results in him being frozen. Regina is quick to point out that this is really between them, which (as you guessed) gets her frozen. That leaves Belle left unfrozen. Zelena creepily goes to check on Snow's baby. Tells her it'll work out quite nicely, and for Snow to take care of the baby, as she'll be back for the happy day. UGH!

8 MONTHS LATER STILL IN ENCHANTED FOREST

Grumpy comes to give a report. They can't find anything to destroy the witch with. Snow laments that it is happening again. She's pregnant and someone is threatening her child. Regina says that to be fair she was really threatening Snow herself, everyone else was just in the way. Grumpy wants to know why everyone forgave Regina. She says it's because she's helping. Regina asks them how they had a head start on her last curse. They said it was because Rumple warned them. Regina wants to get Rumple and have him help. Grumpy is not part of this plan that involves sneaking into the Dark One's castle where the witch currently is ("the name is Grumpy, not stupid"). Snow says it's the only way. Regina realizes that Belle might know a way in since she lived there. Belle says she doesn't. Robin Hood offers that he does, as he broke in before. Regina is hilarious here and wants to know why they are listening to Robin because "he's a thief". Oh Regina, you'll be playing kissy face with him soon enough. They bicker and it's awesome. She snips that he shouldn't still be there. He snips back that he's there to save her ass, and tells her about the deadly traps at Rumple's castle. Regina snarls that her magic is way more powerful than any traps. Yup, 100 percent shipping them. Snow puts her foot down and says Robin is coming, end of discussion.

Storybrooke - Present

More kissytimes for Robin and Regina. She wants to know what he sees in her. He says that it's the same thing she sees in him - a second chance. He tells her that she's "quite a good kisser" she shoots back that he should 'just wait until she has her heart back'. Oh, these two. SO FREAKING CUTE. He wants to know what not having a heart is like. Regina tries to explain, but says it's difficult. Robin offers to let her 'use his heart for the both of them'. Henry walks in on them kissing, and it's awkward. Regina is sad that Henry doesn't remember her, and as she's leaving to go help everyone Robin kisses her one last time.

Regina shows up at the Charming's house. Snow quips that if she didn't know any better she'd think Regina was smitten. Regina tosses back "if I didn't know any better I'd swear Hagen Daz was smitten with your stomach'. Regina is the queen of one liners this episode because when Emma asks if they should wait for Hook, Regina says she doesn't have time to wait for the 'handless wonder'. Regina wants to destroy her sister. Emma wants to know why they were brought back to Storybrooke. What was the point. Regina thinks what they should be asking is HOW because Zelena had to give up the thing you love most. I am calling it. Hook cast this curse. He destroyed the Jolly Rodger in order to enact it. It was not Zelena. She doesn't love anything, except maybe Rumple, and Regina points this out. Emma is like "You didn't love much either Regina, and you manged". Charming points out that maybe it was necessity because they discovered a way to stop her during the missing year. Fair point, Charming. Totally plausible. Snow agrees and they realize that they need to break this curse and says it's good that they have the saviour. Emma says that all she had to do last time was kiss Henry and believe in magic. Regina says that it's HENRY. Henry has to believe. Emma doesn't seem into it, but Regina wants to do it. Regina asks what made Emma start to believe. Emma says it was the book Henry had. Regina says it's what got Henry to believe originally too, and wants to get him the book again. She seems happy he will remember her. Emma says that Henry remembering may not be a gift. Henry's gone through a lot (and LOST  HIS FATHER!). Regina says that there are good things too. Snow agrees with Regina, and Emma relents. I am excited we are going to see the book again!

Zelena is meeting someone. A car drives up. Oh, just Rumple who has Hook in the trunk of the car. Why does Zelena have a rose? She pushes Hook about not kissing Emma yet. She tells him that she he has until Snow's baby is born to kiss Emma or she's going to start killing people. She'll start with Henry. She throws the rose on top of Hook and tell him that if he doesn't kiss Emma soon, the next rose will be for Henry's grave. YOU KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF HENRY! Zelena really wants Emma's magic gone. She must be able to do something that Zelena needs not to happen.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

Robin and Regina are still bickering. It's kind of hilarious. They get into the castle and find Rumple spinning straw. He's insane, and speaking in riddles. Rumple says he was so much better when he was dead, and mentions having two minds (*sniff* Neal). Snow asks for his help and Rumple says 'round and round the circle of time racing towards the finish line'. I think it'll end in a race between Emma and Zelena to see who will get to Ava first. I think Rumple is honestly telling them what they need to do. Belle wants to try to reach him by talking to him. She goes to talk to him (and I am sure I am going to cry). She holds his hand and asks how to stop Zelena and he replies by telling her to get 'light magic' (AKA Good Witch of the South). He says that she was banished 'north of the dark forest'. Snow asks how they will find her and Rumple clams up and pulls his hand way from Belle. THIS IS WHY YOU LET BELLE DO THE TALKING, SNOW! Robert Carlyle must have LOVED these scenes. He's totally stealing them.

Storybrooke - Present

Charming says that Belle does not have the book in the shop after getting off the phone. Snow tells them the story of how the book first showed up. Regina wants to go check Snow's closet. Emma goes to check on Henry who is with Grumpy. Henry gets mad. Wants some answers. He wants to know if this is all about Neal's death. Henry calls her out, says she's been lying to him this whole time. Emma tells him that she is his mother, and she knows best. Oh, Emma. Henry is not going to like this. As predicted, he asks for Emma's keys since he would like his video game if he's 'going to be a prisoner'.  My mind immediately jumps to Neal telling Emma that she could have just asked for the keys when she stole the yellow bug with him in it. *sniff*. Snow's face when Emma yelled at Henry though - she's totally disappointed (as is Regina). I don't believe for one second Henry is going to sit there and behave. This is Henry. He does go back to the room, but leaves and hops into Emma's car. Hook catches him and asks where he is going. Henry admits he's going home. Hook says he can't let Henry do that since Henry can't drive. He tells Henry that he has a better way to get out of Storybrooke. Hook, DO NOT help Henry run away. Or do, because Emma will not talk to you ever again (never mind kiss you).

Back at the Charming's everyone is looking for the book with no luck. Snow finds it after searching something Emma just looked through. Regina immediately looks through the book to see whose heart Zelena crushed. Snow and Emma talk, because Emma isn't herself right now. Emma admits she doesn't want this for Henry. Snow asks if Emma is really leaving after Zelena is defeated. Emma says yes, she's taking Henry back to New York. Snow figures out that is why Emma didn't find the book. She doesn't want Henry to get his memories back. Emma says she'll do it to break the curse, but she wants it to be easier on Henry. Snow tells her that New York wasn't home because Emma forgot about them. Emma looks sad.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

Regina does not appreciate Snow and Charming's cuteness. They find a door at the edge of the dark forest. Snow realizes it matches the riddles Rumple was telling them. She opens the door and walks through, Charming quickly follows. Regina tries, but cannot because she is not pure of heart.

Snow and Charming meet The Good Witch of the South. She tells them Regina couldn't enter because her heart is full of vengeance. Only good witches can pass through. Snow is quick to point out that she's not a witch. Glinda says that she knows who Snow is, and she is pure (plus she's carrying a second pure heart with the baby and all, so that's extra special). Glinda reminds me of Jennifer Morrison. They look a little similar. They ask her for help with Zelena. Apparently Glinda was once friends with Zelena. She tried to prevent her from going dark, but failed. Glinda tells them that she gave Zelena a pendant to help control her magic, and her power now resides in it. They have to remove Zelena's pendant but only the person with the strongest light magic can accomplish this. My money is on Emma being that person. Oh, yup. Glinda says it's created from true love. Snow puts it together. They need Emma. Charming points out she's not in this land. Glinda says that's too bad basically. Snow is quick to point out that there is a way. Did Snow cast this curse?! That would be insane. Charming doesn't want her to do this, but Snow says they must. What would Snow have sacrificed though?

Regina thinks Snow is insane. Regina says she can't enact it because it would mean killing Henry. Snow says there has to be another way. Regina points out she wouldn't have killed her father if there were another way. Charming starts bringing up portals, beans, etc. Regina shuts them down. Says that when she cast the curse to bring them all back to the Enchanted Forest, it created a wall that prevents them from going back. The dark curse really is the only way. Charming says that Snow can cast it. She can kill him, using his heart. Snow tells him that she needs him, and the baby needs him, so no. They will find another way.

Storybrooke - Present

Emma realizes Henry is gone. Regina wants to do a locator spell. Emma's quicker and checks out the GPS location on Henry's phone. He's at the docks.

Hook is introducing Henry to Smee (who immediately asks out Peter Pan because of the movie). So Hook's plan is to get Henry out of Storybrooke so Zelena can't kill him? I get the sentiment, but Emma is still going to be pissed (so is Regina). Henry is totally okay with them stealing a boat if it means getting him back to New York. Flying monkeys come and they run to the boat house. Hook sends Henry and Smee out the back while h e goes after the monkeys. Hook shoots one. OMG THEY ARE KILLING PHILLIP AND AURORA! STOP! Emma and the gang show up and help to kill more monkeys (stop murdering the dwarves). Henry is freaked out and wants answers. Emma promises it'll make sense soon. She is going to tell him the truth. She asks if Henry trusts her. She tells him to believe in magic. She tells him that it's more than just a book. Henry says he believes in her and takes the book from Emma. It makes Henry remember EVERYTHING. He calls both Regina and Emma mom and I start to cry as everyone is hugging. Regina tells Emma to go ahead and break the curse. Emma goes to kiss Henry but Zelena shows up and magics him over to herself. She asks her wants to say goodbye to Henry first. Henry wants to know who she is. She tells Henry to call her Auntie Zelena. Regina is like 'Enough of this already' and goes to walk towards Zelena but gets zapped with magic. Emma tells Zelena that Henry had nothing to do with this. Zelena tells Emma not to blame her. It's Hook's fault for failing her. Emma wants to know what Zelena is talking about. Zelena says that Hook knew the price of him failing (meaning Henry's death). As Zelena starts to choke Henry, Emma uses some powerful magic to burn Zelena causing her to release Henry. He runs to Emma, and Zelena snarls that they should enjoy this moment together and promises that they don't have many left. Henry runs over to Regina who is knocked out.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

They made the potion and now they need the heart to complete the curse. Charming tells Snow that she has to do this. He needs her to think of the baby. Charming is giving some pretty speech about how the baby will know him because of Snow (Shut up, Charming). They have a really heartbreaking goodbye. I am crying even though I know this doesn't happen. Regina is going to take his heart away and Snow is going to crush it. Regina actually rips it out. Snow tells Charming she loves him, more than anything. He tells her to crush his heart. Tears are streaming down my face and this doesn't even happen. WHAT? SHE CRUSHES IT? WHAT?! How is Charming alive in present day?! WHAT?! Zelena shows up now, and pretty much wrecks the potion. She tells them that Charming died for nothing. Regina says it can't be stopped when Snow starts to panic that Charming died for nothing. Zelena admits she cant stop it, but can spice it up a bit. She adds the memory element to the potion so they forget everything. She tells Snow that she won't even remember Charming's sacrifice, and they won't be able to stop her because they'll be too busy trying to piece it all together. She tells Regina to pay attention because "this is how you take away a happy ending". Ugh, Zelena is the worst, Charming's not dead though. We know this. What happened? Regina, do something.

Storybrooke - Present

Henry is screaming at Regina to wake up. She does, and they have another reunion. Very sweet and touching. She tells Henry that he's never going away again, and that she loves him. She kisses Henry on the forehead and the curse breaks! I love that. The motherly true love kiss breaking the curse just like when Emma did it back in season one. So everyone remembers the missing year now, right? Emma wants to know how Zelena cast the curse now that they can remember. Snow tells her that THEY did it, not Zelena. They fill Emma in on the whole 'light magic defeating Zelena' thing. Emma looks overwhelmed. Doesn't this mean that Charming should be dead though? Emma asks that very question.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

Snow wants Regina to split her heart in half so both her and Charming can survive. WHAT?! How does that even make sense. Regina asks how that will even work. Snow says she believes it will and begs Regina to do it. Regina says that if Snow is wrong she'll die. Snow is crazy and says that she should do it anyways. Regina does and tears the heart in two. She puts half in Snow and half in Charming. Snow seems okay. Charming eventually comes back too, and they kiss as the curse begins to work. So basically Snow and Charming share one heart now. I wonder if one dies if the other will? I imagine so

Henry and Regina are talking about New York. It's very cute. Henry is proud of his math skills. Henry wants to know all about the man who was kissing Regina. Regina relents and tells Henry a little about Robin. Henry is excited because, duh, a young boy is going to LOVE Robin Hood. Robin walks in and Henry declares it 'awesome'. that he and Regina are dating. I seriously love Regina and Robin together. Why is Henry not freaking out about his father though? This is not okay writers.

Emma corners Hook and wants answers. She wants to know why Zelena said what she said. Asks about kidnapping Henry. Hook admits that was his idea and his way of saving Henry. Emma wants to know what Zelena is doing. Hook tells her that Zelena cursed him (his lips to be exact) because she felt he was the best person to get rid of Emma's magic. Emma says it should have been her choice to protect Henry. She tells Hook that it doesn't matter what Zelena did. She can't trust him again. Snow and Charming come over and say she's right not to trust Hook. They bring up his previous lies. They said they never sent a message to Emma via Hook like Hook said. Hook swears he got one. Wants to know who else would know where to find the saviour, and who else would have the potion. Hmm.. I still want to know what happened to the Jolly Rodger.

Enchanted Forest - Flashback

We see Zelena making a potion. Could it be her that sent Hook the note? Why would Zelena want Emma there though? It makes no sense because she wanted to keep Emma away. It is the same potion. She drinks it to remember her plans and the spell she wants to use because as Rumple points out she can't cast the spell if she doesn't remember it. She gives Rumple a bottle and tells him to drink it if he wants to, or he can stumble around blind like the rest of them. So, Rumple sends it. I bet it was Neal coming through. OMG. They are going to tease us with Baelfire. He sent the potion. He got Emma back. He is the reason that Emma can save everyone. Tears. I have so many tears right now. Neal ties the letter and potion to a bird, tells the bird to find Killian and lets it go. Neal is sucked back into Rumple's body. So I am guessing this is the last time we'll see Neal, like ever. *rages* Now I want to know why they couldn't just have Neal come out, have Rumple give Zelena's name and have Neal go back inside Rumple. It's obviously possible. It just makes me more mad. There was away around this that didn't mean Neal's death.

Emma and Henry at Neal's grave. Emma tells Henry that Neal was a hero, and that he didn't give a second thought to sacrificing himself for Henry and for all of them. Henry is sniffling. Henry wants to know if it was hard to come back. So that's it? Moving on from Neal? Good to know. Henry's father dies, and Henry barely reacts. That's awesome, writers. Emma tells him that she heard his voice in her head, that she knew how Henry would have voted if given a chance. He tells her Operation Cobra is back on. Emma says that is unsure it ever ended. Operation Cobra was bringing back everyone's happy ending. WHY DOESN'T NEAL GET ONE? Magic ruined his life (and yes, I am a broken record). Snow and Charming are watching this from nearby and Snow goes into labour. Baby Snowflake is coming!

Next week, as per the promo we get to meet Dorothy! FUN! Oh, and there are only two episodes left in this season. The question of the night though is - where is the Jolly Rodger?!

Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Release Date - May 13, 2014
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 248 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A twisty story about love, loss, and lies, this contemporary oceanside adventure is tinged with a touch of dark magic as it follows seventeen-year-old Wendy Darling on a search for her missing surfer brothers. Wendy’s journey leads her to a mysterious hidden cove inhabited by a tribe of young renegade surfers, most of them runaways like her brothers. Wendy is instantly drawn to the cove’s charismatic leader, Pete, but her search also points her toward Pete's nemesis, the drug-dealing Jas. Enigmatic, dangerous, and handsome, Jas pulls Wendy in even as she's falling hard for Pete. A radical reinvention of a classic, Second Star is an irresistible summer romance about two young men who have yet to grow up--and the troubled beauty trapped between them.

Second Star immediately captured my attention by it's obvious Peter Pan similarities. As a Peter Pan fangirl I knew I needed to read this one...immediately. This contemporary twist has a lot of the same themes, and emotions of the classic story, but it was it's characters that kept me from really connecting to this unique, and promising story.

The characters themselves possessed characteristics that were immediately recognizable from the classic story. Tinkerbell's jealousy is found in Belle. Pete's charisma, and youthful charm is mixed with a under current of recklessness. Jas had Hook's proper upbringing and manners, and also much of his danger. These were plentiful and welcome as someone who adores the original story. However, I wanted something that made them feel like their own characters too. I wanted to connect with them in THIS story. It didn't quite happen. I found myself relishing the setting, and parallels to the original story instead of being drawn in by these characters. It still worked for me, but I am unsure how someone not familiar with Peter Pan would react.

Jas especially, and more importantly his relationship with Wendy, never connected with me the way I wanted him to. I never got to understand WHY Wendy would have been attracted to him. The link to Wendy's search for her brothers, and his past make him an unlikely romantic interest, and there is little character development or redemption that showed me what she would see in him. Where I could feel the attraction with Pete, the connection with Jas felt rushed, and like something was missing.

The meshing of surfing with the Peter Pan mythology seems to be tailor made for each other. The haunting, ethereal tone of Neverland and the Peter Pan story itself are complimented by surfing. The ocean has this allure, and danger to it. It's like it has a mind of it's own. It reminded me of Neverland itself, and that's what made it work. The beauty of the waves, and the ocean itself provided this novel with it's own version of Neverland, one that has just a strong a pull as the original did over the Darlings.

Part of Peter Pan's charm, at least for me, is the wonderment of all it. It's other worldliness. Did Wendy and her brothers really go to Neverland? Was it all a dream? This aspect of the mythology is woven throughout the entire story. It is primarily what drives the story, and the reader forward. I wanted to know what was real, and what really happened to Michael and John. However, the truth remains illusive. I personally think, for Second Star at least, that the stronger choice is that it wasn't real. The grief Wendy is experiencing provides a wonderfully heartbreaking backdrop that adds an emotional element that was sadly missing throughout the rest of the story. It's what I chose for myself, because it enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

A dreamy, clever nod to Peter Pan that certainly had it's moments. The only thing that kept me from falling under it's spell fully was a few issues with the characters themselves but it's wistful, enchanting pull certainly made it worth the read for me.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Release Date - May 6, 2014
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 448 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough.Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um...

Book hangers are a wonderful thing. As a book lover there is nothing better than reading a novel that works it's way into your heart and refuses to let go. It stays with you long after you've turned that last page because you're still living in that novel's world. This is how I felt after finishing Since You've Been Gone. It's a novel of friendship, music, romance, and finding unexpected things inside yourself.

Morgan Matson takes what ,on the surface, appears to be a fun, fluffy book and fills it with heart, and meaning. It still has those fun and playful elements you would expect, but it's also deeper and much more meaningful than I expected. It's one of those books that sneaks up on you, and it's because of decisions the author made. The characters, plot, and setting all work together to create something really wonderful, and it's because of Morgan Matson's talent.

The inclusion of playlists (and other similar bonus material) has to be done right for it to work well within the story. Morgan Matson does it perfectly in Since You've Been Gone. She allows it to compliment the story, instead of being the story. It doesn't detract or distract from the plot, but rather enhances it. I finished the novel wanting to go on a itunes shopping spree so I feel it was a rather successful inclusion.

The romance, well really adorable, is not overdone. It shares the spotlight with the themes of friendship and self discovery in a way that really works. Each is balanced so that you're getting a well round, well crafted story that doesn't need to be just one thing. Morgan Matson's talent is that she can make her story be each of these and have each be equally compelling and strong. One element doesn't suffer for the other.

Emily was someone I related to immediately. She is reserved, and content to stay in the background. She doesn't come out of her comfort zone very often. She's someone that might need to be pulled out of it from time to time. I loved that she surprised herself time and time again during her journey. It shows that it is possible to change and grow if you keep yourself open to new experiences. As she learns what friendship means, what standing on her own would look like, and  how to stand up for herself, the reader gets to really know her. Of course, that also means falling love with her (and the other characters, obviously).

The secondary characters are just as wonderful, and just as developed as Emily. The mysterious Sloane who steals the pages even when she's not there. The insecure but hiding it Matt, and the adorable and amazing Frank. Dawn is also fantastic. It's rare that you care about the group as a whole, but every single one of them became important to the story, and therefore important to me.

Friendships, especially the one between Emile and Sloane shone the brightest here. All the ups and downs of friendships are within these pages. Love, forgiveness, and that bond that exists between best friends are captured here perfectly. Emily and Sloane hurt each other, but they forgive each other too. More importantly, they are both 'in' the friendship. Each of them cares about the other, and this story makes that point glaringly obvious.

No review could be complete without talking about the 'to do list' that drives this story. It links back to Emily and Sloane's friendship perfectly with Sloane knowing exactly what Emily needs (even if Emily may not think so). As everything unfolds we see that many of the items on the list are directly related to their friendship and fears that Emily needs to overcome. It's a sweet way for them to connect and to unravel the mystery of where Sloane is now

To quote Emily and Frank - In a well ordered universe everyone would read Since You've Been Gone. It's a sweet, fun novel about friendship, finding things within yourself you didn't know where there, and taking risks. It's a must have item for your beach bag this summer that will be a perfect beach read. It's a novel that will make you want to hug your own best friend, and perhaps make a few lists of your own.

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).

I had some amazing books land in my mailbox this week. A huge thank you to Raincoast Books for both of them. I am excited to start reading them.

Empower by Jessica Shirvington (goodreads)
Plus One by Elizabeth Fama (goodreads)

I am curious as to how Violet's story will wrap up in Empower. I've enjoyed the journey so far and am hoping she ends up with a somewhat happy ending.

I've heard nothing but amazing things about Plus One by Elizabeth Fama. I will be diving into this one as soon as possible.

Happy weekend, 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 Lots of pretty covers!

BOOK

Cover of Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios (goodreads)

Love this cover. So pretty right? Totally love it. It's soft, and pretty and that bracelet on her wrist ties in with the synopsis perfectly. I've noticed books about jinn (genies) are becoming a new thing with a lot of them expected to be released in the next little bit.This one sounds amazing, and also deals with human trafficking. Cannot wait to pick this one up while at Book Expo America.

Cover and title of the third Raven Cycle novel (goodreads)

The title of the third Raven Cycle series is Blue Lily, Lily Blue. I love it, and the cover. I think it's my favourite of the three covers.

MOVIE

Sisterhood Everlasting movie news

I loved the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. LOVED. The last book, Sisterhood Everlasting, was heartbreaking, beautiful, and I've totally wanted them to make it into a movie since I finished reading it. According to Entertainment Weekly, I am going to get my wish. It's apparently 'in development' and I hope it happens quickly. The original cast, especially the girls, have to return. Otherwise it won't feel the same. They are the right age, and were so perfectly cast. I look forward to more information, and hopefully casting details are next!

OTHER

Book Expo America autographing schedule

Part one of the autographing schedule at BEA was unveiled. The in booth signings are still to come, but what we do have is pretty awesome already. Plenty of amazing signings that have left my head spinning with how lucky I am to attend. My nieces (one in particular) has recently gotten addicted to Goosebumps books. R.L. Stine is going to be signing one, and I going to cement my Coolest Aunt Ever status by getting them one!

Authors I am excited to meet for myself? The list is SO long but includes - Rebecca Serle, Josephine Angelini, Morgan Matson, Chelsey Philpot, and Danielle Paige. These are without the in booth list being unveiled and are just a small sample. Is it May yet?!

The Geography Of You and Me by Jennifer E Smith

The Geography Of You and Me by Jennifer E Smith

Release Date - April 15, 2014
Publisher Website - Hachette/Little Brown
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Lucy and Owen meet somewhere between the tenth and eleventh floors of a New York City apartment building, on an elevator rendered useless by a citywide blackout. After they're rescued, they spend a single night together, wandering the darkened streets and marveling at the rare appearance of stars above Manhattan. But once the power is restored, so is reality. Lucy soon moves to Edinburgh with her parents, while Owen heads out west with his father.

Lucy and Owen's relationship plays out across the globe as they stay in touch through postcards, occasional e-mails, and -- finally -- a reunion in the city where they first met.

A carefully charted map of a long-distance relationship, Jennifer E. Smith's new novel shows that the center of the world isn't necessarily a place. It can be a person, too.

A life changing night. That is what happens when Lucy and Owen get trapped in an elevator together during a blackout. Something shifts in them and leaves them permanently linked. Jennifer E Smith takes what could be an outlandish, contrived plot and makes it seem not only plausible, but incredibly romantic.

There is something comforting about getting exactly what you expect out of a book. The Geography Of You and Me delivered exactly what it promises to and more. It's got the humour, heart, and beach weather appeal of Jennifer's previous novels so fans of those will devour this one. Her characterization and her ability to make you root for them is what makes her novels appeal to me, and this one was no exception.

Jennifer manages to give both Lucy and Owen their own story lines that exist outside of one another. They are each dealing with issues that send them spiraling in opposite directions. As life throws obstacles at them, Lucy and Owen struggle to remain in touch. Twists of fate, determination, and luck all weave together to create a story of how two people can come together. It's more than that, however.  It also tells the story of how they keep coming together, despite everything.

Lucy and Owen's interactions are what make the story come to life. We see them grow closer each time chance brings them together. Their situation is treated realistically, I felt, even while being adorably sweet and of the romantic comedy variety. It was refreshing to see both of them question WHY they couldn't let that one night go. They questioned what kept drawing them back. They don't claim to be in love, they just know their connection is undeniable. It's a force. Isn't that what attraction is? A force greater than yourself pulling/pushing you towards someone. It felt authentic without resorting to the insta-love that usually plagues these types of novels.

I always get wanderlust when reading books set in Europe. They make me want to go back. Sometimes it's bad, but in this case it was more of a nostalgic feeling. It was the road trip Owen is on that captured my attention. Something within his story resonated with me. I do believer that readers will, in general, have a strong urge to travel after finishing this one though. The setting, locations (even New York) shine as a backdrop to this international love story.

A cute story that left me wishing I had someone of my own to send postcards to. A sweet, charming novel that left me smiling as I turned the last page. Fans old and new will find much to enjoy about this heartwarming read.