The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova

Posted on by lynndellwatson

31549513

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Keymaster Press for the opportunity to read and review The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova! This steampunk science fiction story begins in the middle of a mission. The mysterious White Wraith, Arianna, is a renowned thief and organ trader. She becomes drawn into helping a dragon, Cvareh, reach the Alchemists of Loom and the rebellion against the king that resides there. Along their way, they meet with old acquaintances, family members, help prisoner allies escape and surprise each other with the friendship and trust that grows between the two of them. Once they reach Loom, their eyes are opened to secrets and the resistance to the king that is actually occurring. The story ends on an intriguing cliff hanger. I rate this book 4 stars for the beautiful prose and intelligent and concise world building!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Posted on by lynndellwatson

perksofbeingwallflower1

I have finally gotten around to reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. This book is monumental and legendary in how it faces life head on. The story contains everything from adolescence that defines us – teen angst, popularity or lack thereof, family struggles, dysfunctional families and the relationships that we form during this impressionable time that will help shape our futures. Empowering and overwhelming, this contemporary classic bears its soul for the world to see, learn from and to grow with- 5 stars!

Valkyrie: The Runaway by Kate O’Hearn

Posted on by lynndellwatson

1481447408

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read and review The Runaway by Kate O’Hearn, the second book in the Valkyrie series based on Norse mythology. Freya, Archie and Maya are still being punished for leaving Asgard and, while the challenge games are taking place, they are only allowed to watch one each day. But then Odin sends them on a mission back to earth and Freya learns much about her family and their secrets. The adventure and action are nonstop in this sequel and the intertwined characters make it even more interesting! I rate this book 5 stars for a fun, clean fantasy read!

Distant Horizon by Stephanie and Isaac Flint

Posted on by lynndellwatson

32813397

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Distant Horizon by Stephanie and Isaac Flint. Distant Horizon is a science fiction dystopian story with the twist of elemental powers, such as speed, electricity, persuasion and plant manipulation. The community has been told that they need to take a pill daily to prevent a plague that causes delusions of grandeur and volatile tendencies. If you are found to not be taking your daily dose, you will be sent away to reform. The community is hiding a horrific secret and Jenna and her friends get neck deep into the danger. Interesting characters that you can’t be sure are trustworthy or not and the clever problematic society and conspiracy theory angle bring intrigue and suspense to the story – 4 stars!

Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels

Posted on by lynndellwatson

32060797

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels! A mystery is surrounding a set of twins. The story begins with their injuries and the brother sacrificing his life to save his twin sister so she can heal and live. This fantastically written story uses beautiful prose to bring “a pocket realm” alive in a forest full of mysterious creatures and their unknown tales. The twins have lived a tragic life and they just want happiness and what’s best for each other and they will sacrifice everything to help the other twin. This heartbreaking, enchanting tale of what it truly means to be family and share unconditional love brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. I give this book 5 stars for dynamic characters and a beautiful setting!

But Then I Came Back by Estelle Laure

Posted on by lynndellwatson

27202450

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the opportunity to read and review But Then I Came Back by Estelle Laure! Edna Jones almost drowned and was in a coma for over a month. Now she’s trying to regroup, regain strength and weight and get rid of the confusion that surrounds her. When Edna is released from the hospital, she doesn’t feel like she belongs back in reality and she’s completely exhausted. Joe brings flowers to Edna’s house and she feels the first sparkling of life again. Joe’s friend, Jasmine, is in a coma after a motorcycle accident and he’s her closest friend. So close that she made Joe her legal next of kin. Now, it’s on his shoulders to decide whether to keep Jasmine on life support or not. For some reason, Edna is still connected to the limbo she was in during her coma and supposedly that’s where Jasmine currently is. Joe is hoping Edna can talk to Jasmine and wake her up. A mix of strong personalities, a bit of psychic help, supernatural mystery and some romance brings the story together and I feel that I have learned from and have been inspired by this realistic fiction book. I rate But Then I Came Back 5 stars because I didn’t want the story to end!

Frost by Kaitlyn Davis

Posted on by lynndellwatson

frost20cover_zpsgb7ebfrn

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review Frost by Kaitlyn Davis! Pandora chose being a vampire instead of a Titan that protects humans from supernatural beings. Titans have all the strengths of paranormal creatures without all the bad that goes along with it. Flowing storytelling and concise, but beautifully written, background building pulled me into the story and the mystery, romance and suspense kept me there. Jax and Penelope have a past relationship that either they have to put their all into or completely give up on; all or nothing. The main characters are strong willed and I was rooting for both Penelope and Jax. Even more comes to light and the ending left me wanting to know more about Penelope’s story and the prophecy- 5 stars for this very enjoyable supernatural read!

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Posted on by lynndellwatson

21469136-_uy200_

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski begins with Kestrel enjoying the city with her appointed escort and they are both doing things that they know are not allowed for them, such as gambling with the locals. They wander into the slave auction and a slave with blacksmith skills and singing talent comes up for bid. The slave is told to sing for the audience, but he refuses. Kestrel admires him for his pride and bids on him. She outbids everyone else at the steep price of fifty keystones and she’s told this is the Winner’s Curse. Kestrel spends time with Arin, her slave, and she’s not sure what to think about him or his background because he is strong like a slave with manners and knowledge like an aristocrat. Strange events began to happen and Kestrel is trying to figure out why. This story has espionage, intrigue and suspense and the romance is kind of a mystery all its own. The Winner’s Curse is an enjoyable read and it left me anxious to read the sequel – 4 stars!

The You I’ve Never Known by Ellen

Posted on by lynndellwatson

the-you-ive-never-known-9781481442909_hr

The You I’ve Never Known by Ellen Hopkins confronts many difficult and possibly controversial circumstances. A young woman lives with her father, but they never stay in one place very long. Ariel loves her father when he isn’t drinking or being too overprotective. Other times he is abusive and angry. Ariel and her father finally stay in one place for an entire school year and she makes friends that she feels comfortable with. She is struggling with her sexuality because her father has always claimed that her mother is a lesbian. Ariel isn’t sure about what she wants or who she wants it with. Another story is being told alternately with Ariel’s. Maya also struggles with family situations and friendships. The stories of these two young women hold a strong, emotional mystery that knocked my socks off! In Ellen Hopkins standard writing, the mystery unfolds. 4 stars for an emotional book full of growth!

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Posted on by lynndellwatson

8835379

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier opens as Gwyneth helps her cousin Charlotte get home after her first dizzy spell. The first sign of reaching the age and ability to time travel is feeling dizzy. The time travel ability runs in the family and begins around the age of sixteen. Gwyneth ends up traveling through time first, but soon after she lands back in time, she returns to the present. Gwyneth’s friend, Lesley, helps her with research and keeping her confidences. Before she gets the chance to tell her mother that she traveled back in time, Gwyneth takes another journey during the night. She time travels three times before she confides in her mother and her mother stresses and immediately takes Gwyneth to the time travel authorities. The chronograph controls time traveling if it has a record or sample of your blood. Otherwise, time traveling comes at random times and in spurts. Gwyneth learns of the history, chronology and ancestry of time travel and the prophecy/philosophy of the twelve. The Guardians take care of the chronograph and the time travelers. I give this book 4 stars because of the adventure and fun character dynamics!