Monday, October 31, 2011

HAPPY HAAAAOOOWLLOOOOWEEEEN!!!!!

Yes, I spell it that way on purpose. I decided to add some "howl" to Halloween.

This is for all you vampire-werewolf-ghost-witch-whatever-but-mainly-vamps enthusiests out there:



OMG I MADE MYSELF LOOK LIKE A VAMPIRE!!!!!
(fun with photo-shopping)

Happy reading!! Read a scary book today!

~Haley G

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Name of The Star by Maureen Johnson

Series: Shades of London (bk. 1)
Genera: Paranormal, Thriller, Mystery
Subjects: London, ghosts, murder, Jack the Ripper, serial killers, police, boarding schools, romance
Length: 372 pgs.
HC/PB: Hardcover
Summary/ product description: "A modern-day thriller about Rory, an American high-school student who enrolls at a London boarding school for her junior year. Soon after her arrival, a series of murders begins to take place across the city—on the exact dates and in the exact style of Jack the Ripper. Rory’s ties to the killer bring her in contact with a secret paranormal branch of the British police, as they attempt to stop the mysterious killer."
My Rating:ê ê ê ê
My Review: This book was also so much better than I thought it would be! I happy to know it was set in the present, and at a boarding school. I love boarding school books! I’m not a fan of British stuff, but this book made it awesome. And Jack the Ripper? I remember a whole live episode of Most Haunted dedicated to the ghost of Jack the Ripper, it was interesting to learn about Jack the Ripper, and the mystery of his murders.
The characters were well written. They each had a different personality. Rory was very southern: she kept mentioning how southerners can slowly talk you to death. Jazza was more shy. Jerome was interested in the Ripper. Charlotte was competitive. Boo was athletic and said “yeah” at the end of sentences. Callum was “hormonal.” Stephen was Stephen, and a police officer. I like the whole ghosts police idea.
Maureen really had a sense a humor in the dialog and plot, and pretty much everything. There were some very ridiculous parts. Read it, and you’ll understand what I mean. The humor was in the characters too, as I mentioned.
I highly recommend this series. It’s a fresh ghost story. It’s a great read for this fall. Best around Halloween.
Cover Art Review: I really like this cover. The girl on it is not Rory, but the layered images look cool and creepy. Very English and Victorian ghosts… I love the swirls of gold. The fonts used seem unique. I may have seen them before, but the look like the were altered specifically for this series. I love the texture of the book jacket. It’s the sparkly plastic coated kind that’s also used on the Hush, Hush and Nightshade series covers.
~Haley G

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Unforsaken by Sophie Littlefield


Series: Banished (bk. 2)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Healers, seers, psychic ability, magic, supernatural, zombies

Length: 277 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Hailey Tarbell is no typical girl. As one of the Banished who arrived from Ireland generations ago, Hailey has the power to heal—and, as she recently learned, to create zombies if she heals someone too late. But now, Hailey is finally getting a chance at a normal life. After realizing the good and bad sides of her power, Hailey has survived the unimaginable to settle with her aunt, Prairie, and her little brother, Chub, in the suburbs of Milwaukee. Finally Hailey has a loving family, nice clothes, and real friends. But her safe little world is blown apart when she tries to contact her secret boyfriend, Kaz—and alerts the incredibly dangerous man who's looking for her to her true whereabouts.”

My Rating: ê ê ê 1/2

My Review: This sequel was fast paced, and thrilling, but maybe a little too fast. I started it in the late afternoon, finished it before 1 am. And that wasn’t even in one sitting. It was probably written to be a quick book, a page turner. The chapters were short, the text size was larger. I can’t remember what I thought of the first book.

I was confused what was going on in the beginning. Mostly because she doesn’t recap the what happened last time until later. I thought it was cool that they were in Milwaukee. I’ve never been downtown there, but I did drive past it and also go to the State Fair there.

I like that a have a few things in common with this series. My name Haley, one letter from Hailey, but still the same name. I live near Chicago, so that was also a great setting to me. I love books I can relate to.

I don’t know if there will be a 3rd book because the ending wrapped up nicely. I won’t spoil it, but it seems most of the story get resolved. But I won’t be surprised if there is a 3rd book.

I do recommend this series because it’s different from a lot of paranormal book I’ve read. There’s a lot of action and adventure, and the fear of being caught. It’s mixed with science fiction and thriller elements.

Cover Art Review: Similar to the 1st book’s cover, so they‘re unified. The model on this one also looks vaguely Asian. I don’t know why. It must be the eyes shape.

~Haley G

Monday, October 24, 2011

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: The Covenant Series (bk. 1, the sequel will be Pure)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Greek mythology, forbidden love, gods and goddesses, boarding schools, warriors

Length: 281 pgs.

HC/PB: Paperback

Note: This is a self published book by Spencer Hill Press.

Summary/ product description: “The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi—pure-bloods—have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals—well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:

Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.

Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the pure-blooded Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê

My Review: I swear, the author must be a die-hard fan of the Vampire Academy series because it has so much in common, that she practically was copying the plot at the beginning. Thankfully, it’s also very different. It’s more like a cross between Vampire Academy and the Percy Jackson series. The Half-Bloods are basically the dhampirs, and the Hematoi Pures are the Moroi (but don’t drink blood or anything, but they can control certain elements, but Spirit is not one of them) and the Daimons are the Strigoi. And the Covenant is like St. Vladimir’s, only it’s on an island in the south instead. So Alex is basically Rose, and Aiden is sort of like Dimitri, but not really because he’s American instead. This is not a vampire book, so I can’t say they’re the same, but I can say that the parallels made it more interesting because I liked comparing it. And there is no Lissa-like character, or royal families. This makes a big difference to the story’s overall plot. The Apollyon idea is very unique. I won’t spoil what it is. You will find out when you read it. There was a forbidden love theme between Pures and Halfs. I liked Alex and Aiden’s chemistry. Alex was sarcastic and Aiden “didn’t know how to have fun.” The dialogue was funny, and awesome in parts. I wish I owned a copy just to under line the quotes.

I recommend this book if you love mythology, the Vampire Academy series, or Percy Jackson series. This is probably the best self published book I’ll ever read, but it was the first, so who knows if I’ll find a better one.

Cover Art Review: It’s a purple hibiscus made of fire! Awesome!!! I wish I could make art like this. Firey flowers and other stuff… I just wish this was hardcover.

~Haley G

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: 11/15/2011

Genera: Dystopian Sci-fi

Subjects: Super power, love, resistance to government

Length: 342 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old-girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war - and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê ê +

My Review: This is probably the best super hero book I’ve read. (I’ve only read a few) It reminds me of James Patterson’s Witch & Wizard series, also set in a very similar dystopian world where they want to get rid of individuality and art. Hopefully we will get to learn even more in the next book.

Juliette was interesting because she seemed crazy, but she wasn’t. Her romance with Adam is compelling. Warner’s obsession with her will make you want to hate him (he’s such a psychopathic personality). Kenji’s the cool Asian dude that you get to meet near the end. Won’t spoil anything about him.

Interesting writing style. I loved the crossed out words and phrases. It was a great way to get Juliette’s thoughts across. What she wanted or didn’t want to believe. What she wanted to say, but didn’t say. It was very creative. There were some interesting poetic sentences where the author just press enter. There was repetition of certain phrases that made you want to believe that the narrator had be driven crazy by her solitary confinement.

I started this book on Sunday afternoon, and ended it on Monday afternoon. If it weren’t for eye strain and school, and other needs, I probably would’ve read it straight through. It was that good. This is the kind of book you can’t/won’t want to put down. A fast paced page-turner full of action, romance, super powers, and awesomeness. If you like X-men, any of James Patterson’s YA book, the Gone series, The Hunger Games, or super heroes and dystopia fiction in general, buy/check out this book. I guarantee you will love it. If the writing style bothers you, try to look past it. There’s a really interesting story in there. If you’re just going to wait for the movie to eventually come out, you are missing out.

Read

This

Book!

It will leave you begging for the next one.

Cover Art Review: I love this cover. Especially what’s behind the girl in the white dress. It looks like electricity and shattered glass. It’s awesome! The cover is metallic. The title looks like it’s shattered somewhat. Well done design!

~Haley G


PS. Visit SHATTER DAY: https://www.facebook.com/shattermebooks

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Frost by Marianna Baer

Genera: Mystery/Psychological Thriller/ Horror

Subjects: mental illness, boarding schools, mystery, ghosts

Length: 296 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Leena Thomas’s senior year at boarding school begins with a shock: Frost House, her cozy dorm of close friends, has been assigned an unexpected roommate: confrontational, eccentric Celeste Lazar. But while Leena’s anxiety about a threat to her sanctuary proves valid, it becomes less and less clear whether the threat lies with her new roommate, within Leena’s own mind, or within the very nature of Frost House itself. Mysterious happenings in the dorm, an intense triangle between Leena, Celeste, and Celeste’s brother, and the reawakening of childhood fears, all push Leena to take increasingly desperate measures to feel safe. Frost is the story of a haunting. As to whether the demons are supernatural or psychological . . . well, which answer would let you sleep at night?”

My Rating: ê ê ê

My Review: I was so disappointed in this book. I was hoping for a haunting ghost story, and all I get it a psychological thriller. I feel like a victim of bait and switch. It looks like a ghost book even. Not enough paranormal stuff happened. Celeste was odd, and started acting paranoid. Leena appeared normal, but she had pill problems. David was over protective and obsessed with taking care of his sister Celeste.

The setting was creepy at least. The plot wasn’t bad, but cliché and confusing at parts. I really haven’t read many thrillers or social issue book, so I don’t have many book comparisons. I have watched many movies thought. The Roommate movie had some similarities, but Celeste wasn’t obsessive like that girl in the movie.

It wasn’t that bad of a book. I did finish it. I just hoped for more. I recommend this if you like boarding schools, thrillers, and don’t mind reading books that aren’t really paranormal.

Cover Art Review: This cover was the main reason I gave this book a shot. I love the creepy house, and the title. The girl on the cover could almost be a ghost or victim of a ghost. She looks like she’s dying, which add creep factor.

~Haley G

Monday, October 17, 2011

Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement Moore


Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Witches, ghosts, farm life, ranches, sisters, love, magic, psychic ability, Texas

Length: 404 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Amy Goodnight's family are far from normal. She comes from a long line of witches, and grew up surrounded by benevolent spirits and kitchen spells. All fairly harmless, but Amy can't wait to get to college and escape the "family business".

But things take a darker turn when she and her sister Phin spend the summer looking after Aunt Hyacinth's ranch. Amy is visited by a midnight specter who is clearly trying to send her a message. It seems that the discovery of an old grave on a neighbor’s land has been the catalyst for an apparent ghost uprising.

Aided by local friends and Ben, the handsome cowboy who just can't take his eyes off Amy, the sisters investigate. And they soon find that there's something strange and dangerous going on, deep in the heart of Texas…”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê

My Review: I’m so happy I found out about this book! I would have missed out on such an awesome story. This was the most creative witch & ghost story I’ve ever read. It’s mixed with western “gothic” and forensic anthropology like on Bones. I love the mix of magic and science. Amy’s sister Phin is a total paranormal science geek and genius. Talk about awesome supporting characters.

And there’s Ben, Mr. McCrankypants who really like Amy, but shows it by tensing her in really rude ways. If his teasing makes you furious, then it must be love, right? (Well, only if he’s also hot. My brother’s friend make’s me furious, but he’s a short, ugly, rude kid with mental issues)

The story had a great voice. Amy’s narration and character where perfect for the story, with southern/Texan sayings and all. I’m gonna miss it. I hope there’s a sequel, though I doubt there will be one because the story seems pretty wrapped up. I just feel like there wasn’t enough romance between Amy and Ben. Not enough kiss scenes. The second book would have to make up for that. And Ben will have to be less of a skeptic and more of a believer in magic. I recommend this book if you love Paranormal YA (and detective stories, and mystery).


Cover Art Review: Not the most creative cover, but it does it’s job. The font the title’s in is very gothic looking. It’s a creep cool cover and very YA.

~Haley G

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Dead Rules by Randy Russel


Genera: Paranormal romance/humor

Subjects: Death, boarding schools, ghosts, supernatural, dark humor

Length: 374 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Jana loved Michael to death…. Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.
But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistably warm touch.
Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life--or death--story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.
But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true--no matter what rules she has to break.”

My Rating: ê ê

My Review: The beginning was confusing. I wasn’t sure if she died yet. Then everything after that was just as confusing. I though the virgins were interesting, like a funny version of angels that always sing everything and scold you “nicely.” I went into this book thinking it would be a funny boarding school after life novel in the paranormal romance genera and came out thinking that the author just globbed a few ideas together to come up with a ridiculous plot, and not in a good way. Jana wants to kill her boyfriend because he’s alive and she’s not. That makes her psycho and I can’t relate to that.

I don’t think I’d read the sequel if there is one. I just expected so much more from a Harper Teen paranormal romance. Not liking it was a surprise to me. Maybe I shouldn’t have read it. The text was easy to read. So easy that I could just scan it and create my own action of what’s happening. I think maybe as an audio book I would’ve like it better. Or maybe if the characters were better. There wasn’t anything to deep in here. It was all just death humor and Jana exclaiming “Fart, fudge and popcorn!”

I only suggest this if you find these kind of books interesting. Heck, I think a guy would like it because it’s ridiculous. It’s not a very girly book. Not that romantic.

Cover Art Review: I like the title script (it‘s turquoise on the real cover). I think the doll face is just weird. I don’t get it.

~Haley G

Friday, October 14, 2011

Siren’s Storm by Lisa Papademetriou

Series: (not sure, but the sequel will be Fury’s Fire)

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Sirens, mermaids, supernatural, love, New York, Long Island, The Hamptons, Greek mythology, Calypso, Furies, seaside resorts,

Length: 260 pgs.

HC/PB: Hardcover

Summary/ product description: “Nothing has been the same for Will ever since what happened last summer. One day, on an ordinary sailing trip with his brother, there is a strange accident. When Will wakes up, he learns his brother has disappeared, presumed drowned. Worst of all, Will can't remember what happened—his family finds him unconscious, with no memory of the accident. Now Will and his best friend and neighbor, Gretchen, are starting a new summer. Gretchen seems troubled—her sleepwalking habit is getting worse, and she keeps waking up closer and closer to the water. Will is drawn to Asia, the exotic new girl in town. Nobody knows where she's from—all Will knows is that her beauty and her mesmerizing voice have a powerful effect on people. Then there is another mysterious drowning, and Will and Gretchen begin to wonder: Is Asia just another beautiful, wealthy summer resident? Or is she something entirely more sinister . . . and inhuman?”

My Rating: ê ê ê 1/2

My Review: Just to clarify, Asia is the siren. No spoiler there. The book seems a bit creepy at the beginnings, but it’s not as mysterious as I hoped it would be. Not like Tricia Rayburn’s Siren. The characters didn’t stand out to me, but the dialog was pretty good. Will’s friend Angus was the funny, gossipy reporter dude. He was probably the most interesting character. Funny name too. As with most siren novels, the setting is a seaside town. I liked how will depicted the whole summer residents vs. residents thing, but it could’ve used some characters that were temporary summer people.

What I really enjoyed about this books was how it connected to Greek mythology. In high school, I had to read some of the Odyssey, so the whole Calypso thing was familiar to me (and also cuz the Percy Jackson series). I’m hoping that the next book will include more mythology. I really want to know what’s up with Gretchen! What is she?

Cover Art Review: I love the photo on this cover! The model’s hair strands look so awesome. The picture is perfectly focus on the mouth area, and the rest is softened and blurred. The eye is so green! I wish the title was a bit bigger, but I love the font. The back cover has a beach dune ocean scene on it. I also like the seashell designs on the side.

~Haley G

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston


Genera: Paranormal fantasy adventure

Subjects: Druids, Celtic, archeology, England, magic, time travel, adventure

Length: 302 pgs.

HC/PB: Paperback

Summary/ product description: “Clarinet Reid is a pretty typical teenager. On the surface. She’s smart, but a bit of slacker; outgoing, but just a little insecure; not exactly a mischief-maker… but trouble tends to find her wherever she goes. Also? She unwittingly carries a centuries-old Druid Blood Curse running through her veins.

Now, with a single thoughtless act, what started off as the Summer Vacation in Dullsville suddenly spirals into a deadly race to find a stolen artifact, avert an explosive catastrophe, save a Celtic warrior princess, right a dreadful wrong that happened centuries before Clare was even born, and if there’s still time—literally—maybe even get a date.

This is the kind of adventure that happens to a girl once every… never.”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê

My Review: I had no idea what to expect when I started this book, but I gotta say that is surprised me. So much better than what I got from the description. Lovely cover though. This book is one of the funniest book I’ve read yet this year. The characters each have their own unique sense of humor. Everything from sarcasm, to puns, so made up words, to acting smarticle. The dialog reminded me of some Disney movies I’ve seen. I won’t be surprised if this became a Disney movie.

So Clare’s from Canada. This book was first published in Canada. The author is Canadian. But they are in the UK for the summer and lots of crazy happens. I love how the author took history and made it into a great time travel story. I’ve never heard much of ancient British history, and I learned a lot of things reading this book. Even though I still got very confused at times, but it was a good confused.

I’m not big on historical fiction, but when the main character’s from the present and travel to the past, I have an easier time enjoying myself. Historical fiction has boring dialog that’s harder to read and loses my interest. This book was interesting because of the dialog, and the plot twist. It made me wonder where Clare would end up next. How does she possess this power? It’s a fun read, and adventure fantasy lovers should try it.

Cover Art Review: This is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve seen this year. I love the girl’s hair, the stringy things, the sparkly/glittery star things. I love the hot pink and electric blue combo. I like the raven. The title’s font is very awesome. Pretty cover.

~Haley G

Saturday, October 8, 2011

If I Die by Rachel Vincent


Series: Soul Screamers bk. 5

Genera: Paranormal Romance

Subjects: Banshees, supernatural, love, death, reapers, hellions, magic

Length: 342 pgs.

HC/PB: Paperback

Summary/ product description:

“The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

Anything”

My Rating: ê ê ê ê

My Review:

When I read the title I immediately thought it was the last book in the series. It’s not. And that’s all I’m going to tell you. I won’t tell you weather Kaylee dies or not.

And if you haven’t read the first 4 books, read them or this won’t make much sense to you.

In this book Kaylee finds out when she’s supposed to die, so she does her version of living like she’s dying by trying to save people. Also Tod plays a bigger role later on…

My favorite character is still Tod. I love his humor and personality way better than Nash. He’s really starting to grow on Kaylee like he’s been growing on me. I’ve been Team Tod all the way! I really hope to see even more of him in the future.

I’m not sure how to review a 5th book in a series, but I think that each book has had a great continuation. This series seems more episodic that planned. I wonder is Rachel knew what she wanted to happen in book five when she wrote the 1st or 2nd one. I think that she didn’t because the incubus is new. Now we’re finding out more about the Netherworld and it’s creatures. I never even heard of a Syphon before read this!

This series is really worth reading! I recommend it completely! It’s fun, fresh, and sometime scary.

Cover Art Review: Both this cover and the cover of My Soul to Steal are beautifully done. The first three books had boring cover in comparison. I like having both a guy and girl on the cover. It looks like they’re dancing. The title is different than the 1st 4 books, and it’s white only. I like the green dress, but don’t like the shoulder part of it so much. The guy looks like maybe he’s trying to keep the girl from being suck away. Is it Nash and Kaylee, or Tod and Kaylee?

~Haley G

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Genera: Dystopian sci-fi
Subjects: Survival, zombies, cannibals
Length: 465 pgs.
HC/PB: Hardcover
Summary/ product description:
"Alex has run away and is hiking through the wilderness with her dead parents' ashes, about to say goodbye to the life she no longer wants to live. But then the world suddenly changes. An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky zapping every electronic device and killing the vast majority of adults. For those spared, it's a question of who can be trusted and who has changed.
Everyone still alive has turned, some for the better (those who acquired a superhuman sense) while others for the worse (those who acquired a taste for human flesh). Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the zombies that are on the hunt, Alex meets up with Tom, an Army veteran who escaped one war only to find something worse at home and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse. This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to find food, shelter, while fighting off the 'Changed' and those desperate to stay alive. A tense and involving adventure with shocks and sudden plot twists that will keep teen and adult readers gripped"
My Rating:
ê ê ê ê
My Review: If you were expecting that this book would have the walking dead kind of zombies, then you though wrong. These a teens gone cannibal zombies. Very different than the Carrie Ryan or Resident Evil zombies. No slow, shambling dead things. It was very interesting.
There was also a lot of survival info and information in this book. I felt like I learned a lot. The story was also fast paced, especially in the first two thirds of the book. It only slowed down slightly once Alex got to Rule and had to deal with more people and their cult like behavior.
A note about the setting: The Waucamaw is not a real state natural area. I looked it up. In the book it’s supposed to be on the upper peninsula of Michigan. I tried to find it on google earth, and it wasn’t there. I’m a bit of a Michigan enthusiast, so I wanted to find out. And Rule is made up too. I assume the author made these places up to create an interesting setting that she could control, rather than use real places that needed too much research.
As for the characters. Alex wasn’t too exciting. Her ability was interesting, but I couldn’t connect to her. Ellie reminded me of a lot of whiney little girls, and that made her a great supporting character. Tom was an interesting guy for a young soldier on leave. Each character seemed to bring something to the table. They helped each other survive.
I really liked this book and want to know what happens next (because the dang cliff hanger!). Give this book a shot. It’s a really cool dystopian book. If you like the Gone series, The Hunger Games, or The Forest of Hand and Teeth, this could be the next series you’ll love.

Cover Art Review: This cover wasn’t very interesting to me. It just didn’t scream YA. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover because it was a really good book. The title and the weird puffy lines with the face zombie looking thing….not the kind of book cover I would want to by the book because. That is why I got it from the library. I like good design, and this cover just wasn’t it.
~Haley G