Never Have I Ever

Goodreads Synopsis:    My perfect life was a lie.

Now I'd do anything to uncover the truth.

Not long ago, I had everything a girl could wish for: amazing friends, an adorable boyfriend, a loving family. But none of them know that I'm gone--that I'm dead. To solve my murder, my long-lost twin sister, Emma, has taken my place. She sleeps in my room, wears my clothes, and calls my parents Mom and Dad.

And my killer is watching her every move.

I remember little from my life, just flashes and flickers, so all I can do is follow along as Emma tries to solve the mystery of my disappearance. But the deeper she digs, the more suspects she uncovers. It turns out my friends and I played a lot of games--games that ruined people's lives. Anyone could want revenge . . . anyone could want me--and now Emma--dead.

My Thoughts:

-    Grrrr! No reveal on the murderer yet! Gah! There are six books in the series, and I don't know if I want to stick with these books to the end.

-    I had a love/hate relationship with this book. Love is too strong a word. I suppose it was a liked/hate relationship. I liked and hated the characters. That is, I'm learning to appreciate the characters, but they are still bratty and b@%#es. I like and hate the drama and mystery. I like and hate the romance. 

-    This one didn't bug me as much because I was kinda expecting how this would turn out. I'm willing to continue the series. 

Previous Book

Coraline: Graphic Novel

From Goodreads:    When Coraline steps through a door in her family's new house, she finds another house, strangely similar to her own (only better). At first, things seem marvelous. The food is better than at home, and the toy box is filled with fluttering wind-up angels and dinosaur skulls that crawl and rattle their teeth.

But there's another mother there and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go. Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and all the tools she can find if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.

This beloved tale has now become a visual feast. Acclaimed artist P. Craig Russell brings Neil Gaiman's enchanting nationally bestselling children's book Coraline to new life in this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel adaptation.

My Thoughts:

-    This wasn't my favorite adaptation of Coraline, but it was okay.

-    I didn't care for the art style very much. It didn't capture the mood and story.

-    I liked the original much better. The pictures in the original book are more satisfying.

-    The story is still really fun and creeptastic.

Coraline

Goodreads Synopsis:    Coraline lives with her preoccupied parents in part of a huge old house--a house so huge that other people live in it, too... round, old former actresses Miss Spink and Miss Forcible and their aging Highland terriers ("We trod the boards, luvvy") and the mustachioed old man under the roof ("'The reason you cannot see the mouse circus,' said the man upstairs, 'is that the mice are not yet ready and rehearsed.'") Coraline contents herself for weeks with exploring the vast garden and grounds. But with a little rain she becomes bored--so bored that she begins to count everything blue (153), the windows (21), and the doors (14). And it is the 14th door that--sometimes blocked with a wall of bricks--opens up for Coraline into an entirely alternate universe. Now, if you're thinking fondly of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, you're on the wrong track. Neil Gaiman's Coraline is far darker, far stranger, playing on our deepest fears. And, like Roald Dahl's work, it is delicious.

My Thoughts:

-    I read this a long time ago, and I don't remember how much I liked it, but I loved it this time through!

-    The story and characters are awesome. I love Coraline's journey and how she grows throughout the book. The side characters are all great. The other mother is perfectly creepy. I also love the cat.

-    The illustrations were so creeptastic. I loved them!

-    Neil Gaiman is SO imaginative. I would love to see him and Tim Burton create an original movie together. The story and style would be mind boggling.

-    Very fun quick read! 

Unearthly

Goodreads Says:    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.

My Thoughts:

-    This book was alright. I'm not a paranormal romance fan, but this one was okayish.

-    I liked the angel lore and everything. I like the wings and glory and all that. It was interesting.

-    My biggest grief with the story is that the romance takes over! I wish the book had been more about Clara finding out who and what she is, and her discovering her purpose. I wanted the the romance to be a side thing and not the main thing. I also want more about these black wings.

-    This book starts a love-triangle. UGH! I can handle some love-triangles, but I wasn't a fan of this one.

-    I really liked the setting. I live by big mountains too, and the setting felt very much like home. It was nice. 

-    Despite the overbearing romance, I'm going to continue the series. I'm really curious to find out what happens. 

The One and Only Ivan

From Goodreads:    Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.

Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.

Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.

Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.

My Thoughts:

-    A very charming and bittersweet story. 

-    I loved the format of short thoughts from Ivan. It made the book so simple and poignant. 

-    I loved all the animals. They were so endearing, and I felt for all of them. Bob was really fun, and he kept the book lighter. Ruby was so cute, but I felt so sorry for her, poor thing. The real story of Ivan was far worse than the book portrays, so I'm happy fictional Ivan had friends.

-    I liked Julia a lot. I'm glad Ivan had her come visit her so often. I wish she and her dad could have done more for Ivan and the other animals. They were very kind though. 

-    The book had a very somber yet happy feel. I liked the ending a lot because it gave me a sense of peace for Ivan and the rest of the animals. 

-    I LOVED the illustrations. They were so beautiful! They really captured the animals and their emotions. 

-    Great middle grade story. I think anyone could read this and enjoy it. I am really glad I got to learn about Ivan. 

Echoes of Us

Goodreads Says:    To change the world, I may lose everything

All Eva ever wanted was the chance to be herself. But in the Americas, to be hybrid—to share your body with a second soul—is not tolerated past childhood. Now Eva and Addie, her sister soul, are constantly on the move, hiding from the officials who seek to capture them. But the tide is changing. A revolution is brewing, and people are starting to question the hybrids' mistreatment.

Then Marion, an ambitious reporter, offers Eva and Addie a daring proposal: If they go undercover and film the wretched conditions of a hybrid institution, she will not only rescue them, she'll find a way to free Jackson, the boy Addie loves. It's risky, and Eva will have to leave Ryan and her friends behind, but if she succeeds, it could also tip the scales forever and lead to hybrid freedom.

As Eva and Addie walk into danger, they cling to each other and the hope of a better future. But the price they might pay is higher than they ever could have imagined.

My Thoughts:

-    I really like the covers for these books. They are very clever and beautiful. I think they fit the books perfectly.

-    This was probably the best written book in the trilogy. It is fun to see author's improve their writing as their books progress.

-    There was a lot going on in the story, but it wasn't too confusing to follow. There was more tension in this book, and it was just when the story needed.

-    I like Addie and Eva's relationship. They are so true to one another. I love how they can coexist in one body. I think it is wonderful how supportive they are to each other. At the same time, I wish they would squabble more. It would seem more realistic to have disagreements with someone you are sharing a body with. They have an occasional fight, but it isn't very major and they get over it pretty fast.

-    I liked seeing another facility with hybrids. It was like being inside a prison, and I liked how the girl's did small things to keep sane.

-    I liked how the story wrapped up. Things were getting better for the hybrids, and it left me feeling hopeful for character's future. 

Previous books in The Hybrid Chronicles

(covers are linked)

 

Once We Were

From Goodreads:    In this riveting sequel to What's Left of Me, Eva and Addie struggle to share their body as they clash over romance and join the fight for hybrid freedom. With a powerful voice, an intense sibling relationship, and a sweet romance against the odds, this second novel in the Hybrid Chronicles is perfect for fans of Ally Condie, Lauren Oliver, and Scott Westerfeld.

Addie and Eva escaped imprisonment at a horrific psychiatric hospital. Now they should be safe, living among an underground hybrid movement. But safety is starting to feel constricting. Faced with the possibility of being in hiding forever, the girls are eager to help bring about change--now. The answer seems to lie within a splinter group willing to go to extremes for hybrid freedom, but as Addie and Eva fall ever deeper into their plans, what they thought was the solution to their problems just might be the thing that destroys everything--including their bond to each other.

My Thoughts:

-   This book had a little bit of 2nd book syndrome. Not a lot happened, but there was some development in the characters.

-    I liked meeting new characters, and I liked how they interacted with the characters I already knew. I liked that Addie had people to talk to and get to know. 

-    Addie and Eva are way nicer about sharing their body that I would be. They only argue about it once I think. I don't think I could handle sharing a body like they do.

-    I wish Hally and Liva did more. They are the same age as Addie and Eva, but I felt like everyone thought they were too young or incapable of doing anything. It bugged!

-    The ending was exciting, and I thought it wrapped up nicely. There are still unanswered questions, but I like how the book ended.

Previous book in The Hybrid Chronicles

(cover is linked)

Four

Goodreads Says:    Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader did the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is a chance to begin again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child.

Newly christened “Four,” he discovers during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning, though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future—and the future of the entire faction system.

Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her, it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth comes a companion volume to the worldwide bestselling DIVERGENT series, told from the per-spective of the immensely popular character Tobias. The four pieces included here—THE TRANSFER, THE INITIATE, THE SON, and THE TRAITOR—plus three additional exclusive scenes, give readers an electrifying glimpse into the history and heart of Tobias, and set the stage for the epic saga of the DIVERGENT trilogy.

My Thoughts:

-    I enjoyed the Divergent series, but I wasn't sure about this novella thing. I didn't know if I should try it or not. Well, I did.

-    It's like a giant monologue in Four's head.

-    This was an easy and quick read, and I usually enjoy those, but not this one. I wouldn't read this again.

-    There was nothing new. I didn't learn anything new or special. It as disappointing.

-    There was a part where he went back and forth about if he liked Tris or not, and it was really annoying!

-    I didn't like being in Four's head. It took away some of his appeal. I liked how mysterious Four was, and how I didn't know what he was thinking. Now I do and I don't like it. 

-    I feel like this book didn't need to be made. I feel like the publishers are just trying to squeeze more money out of us.

-    If you haven't read this, go ahead and pass it up. Just go read the Divergent books. It is better. 

Divergent Trilogy
(covers are linked to my thoughts)

  

The Rising

From Goodreads:    Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by the powerful St. Clouds and now a rival Cabal as well, they're quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, it's not like they can just go to the authorities for help.

All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they're so valuable, and why their supernatural powers are getting more and more out of control.

But Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her. And now, like it or not, she'll have to face down some demons from her past if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because Maya can't keep running forever.

Old secrets are revealed and unexpected characters make a surprising return in this stunning conclusion to Kelley Armstrong's New York Timesbestselling Darkness Rising trilogy.

My Thoughts:

-    I felt like most things got wrapped up, but I was a bit disappointed.

-    I really didn't need all the recap at the beginning. It was a bit annoying, and slowed down the beginning.

-    A lot of the book was telling instead of showing, and I wanted more showing. 

-    I knew there was a love triangle!! Urgh! I really hoped that Daniel was more of a brother figure, but no! I didn't like how the love interests were settled. 

-    There were a lot of characters introduced, and it was a bit confusing. 

-    I wasn't expecting things to go down so smoothly.

-    I liked Ash. He was a fun addition to the gang. 

-    Overall, I just feel like not a lot changed. There wasn't really any progress. The characters end up in almost the exact same situation they started with. 

The Calling

From Goodreads:    Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly is -a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly everyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it's only a matter of time before she's able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they're kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

In THE CALLING, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of THE GATHERING clamoring for more.

My Thoughts:

-    I enjoyed this one a little more than the first book. There were still some slow parts, but overall, it was more entertaining.

-    I got a couple answers to some questions, but not a lot. I want more info! The third book better deliver or I'm going to be frustrated!

-    I think Maya is growing as a character. Traveling through the forest with her friends has taught her a few things, and I hope her character continues to grow and develop.

-    I love how much Maya's dog is involved in the story and with Maya's safety! I wish more books would incorporate an animal. I love Maya's relationship with her dog. I'm so jealous!

-    Daniel is a natural leader. He knows how to keep everyone together and how to lead. I really like that about him. He seems too perfect though, and I feel like he is keeping something from Maya.

-    Is there a love triangle? I'm still unsure, but I think there is. I hope it doesn't develop into one, but I pretty sure it is going to happen. Ugh!

-    RAFE!!!! 

-    Another killer cliffhanger!! Dang! I'm so glad I have the next book! I hate awful cliffhangers! 

-    To be honest, not a lot happened to move the story along. The characters traveled through the forest for most of it, and the story did progress, but I don't feel like it progressed enough. I hope the last book can give all the answers and tie everything up. 

First book in the Darkness Rising trilogy

(cover is linked)

The Gathering

Goodreads Description:    Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

In The Gathering , New York Times best-selling author Kelley Armstrong brings all the supernatural thrills from her wildly successful Darkest Powers series to Darkness Rising, her scorching hot new trilogy.

My Thoughts:

-    I don't understand how the title connects with the story.

-    There was a lot of description about the town and the surrounding area in the beginning, and it was kinda boring. 

-    I almost quit reading, but there was enough there for me to keep going. I wanted to see if the story would get better, and it did. Most of the beginning is setup, but towards the end, things pick up a bit. 

-    I really like Rafe. I don't know why yet, but I like him. For some reason I kept picturing him as Bender from The Breakfast Club. 

-    Maya wasn't a strong female lead. She seemed kinda dull. I really want more depth to her character. I kinda wanted more depth to a lot of the characters.

-    There is a lot of mystery surrounding this little town and it's residents. I think a lot of the characters have secrets, and Maya isn't the only one trying to figure out who and what she is. 

-    The writing was easy to read, and things seemed to flow ok. I did get confused on who was saying what a couple times. 

-    The ending is a killer cliffhanger! I didn't feel like this was a complete book. It was missing a whole lot! I have a lot of questions, and not enough answers!

-    I'm really glad this trilogy is complete, so I don't have to wait to find out what the heck is going on. Hopefully the next books keep up the momentum with the story. I don't want another slow beginning.