The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Genre: paranormal
Series and Book #: none
Pages: 343
Synopsis:

Mackie Doyle is the Replacement.

Mackie is not one of us. Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, he comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess.

He is a Replacement—left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is slowly dying in the human world.

Mackie would give anything to live among us. He just wants to play bass guitar and find out more about an oddly intriguing girl named Tate.

But when Tate’s baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem.

He must face the dark creatures of the slag heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.

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This is definitely one of those novels you can read after dark and jump at the slightest sounds. Trust me. It happens.

Mackie was a wonderfully unique character. He wasn't particularly brave and he wasn't incredibly strong. Really, he was very weak and very quiet. He tried to keep his head down and avoid blood, iron, and churches. I thought this was great because you don't see a lot of weaker characters in novels. Mostly they're very strong and they're very curious. But Mackie knows what happens, and he doesn't feel he can change it, so he doesn't. And despite his otherness, he acts like a regular human boy. Which might be provocative to some, but it's true, and I like how Brenna doesn't fuzz up the reality of him being a high school boy.

Gentry was a character in itself. The town's fascination with the creatures that ruled them was beautifully written. Mackie always points out that the townspeople could change what happens to them, but they never do because things are the way they are and that's how it should be. Hopelessness overshadows this book immensely.

Overall, this is a beautifully written novel that touches base with scary, dark things. Though the Morrigan was sweet, she was dangerous when she had to be, and the Lady was wonderfully horrific. Brenna also added just the right amount of humor and wit in the story, and though it was a depressing novel, Tate spiced  things up by implying that things could be different. Mackie was a very real character and he wasn't made out to be a super heroic boy. Great first novel!

The Cover: Quoted from my best friend, "Are they trying to kill the kid?" It catches your eye and it speaks that this book isn't going to be about pleasant things.

Releases: The Pledge, Shatter Me, Wherever You Go, and The Space Between

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom…. 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

"You can't touch me," I whisper.

I'm lying, is what I don't tell him.

He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him.

But things happen when people touch me.

Strange things.

Bad things.

No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.

But Juliette has plans on her own.

After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. But she has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, trying to get close to Holly—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. As their uncertain new relationship progresses, the past comes back to haunt Holly and Jason. Her Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side? 

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

Everything is made of steel, even the flowers. How can you love anything in a place like this?

Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith. Life for her is an endless expanse of time, until her brother Obie is kidnapped - and Daphne realizes she may be partially responsible. Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying. With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie's whereabouts. As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way. But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be.

Cover Reveal: Rapture by Lauren Kate

So this is Rapture, the final novel in the Fallen Series by Lauren Kate. If you remember, I had a post back in January about Passion, the third book, and it's cover. There, I mentioned that I really didn't like the cover because it was just so bright compared to the others. But this got right back on track. I love the darkness that reflects Fallen and Torment. Such a great finish for this series!

This is all from Midnight Bloom Reads at midnightbloomreads.blogspot.com. Check out her blog!

Release: Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

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Finally, one of the most anticipated novels of a long time. Inheritance, the fourth novel in the Inheritance Cycle (you know, Eragon, Eldest, and Brisingr), came out. Yay for all you fans out there!

The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner #2) by James Dashner

Genre: action, science fiction
Series and Book #: Maze Runner Trilogy #2
Pages: 360
Synopsis:

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety…until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim…and meal.

The Gladers are far from done running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

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The Maze Runner was very action-packed and creepy, playing with peoples fears of things unseen and monsters. But The Scorch Trials focused on different fears--sickness and betrayal. This was more psycological than anything else. Thomas has to figure out who wants him dead, who to trust, and what kind of dangers are lurking in dark corners in the Crank town of the Scorch.

James did another amazing job of describing everything with detail. From the Cranks, to the dilapidated buildings and the concotions of WICKED, he didn't waste words. Thomas's expieriences (some good, some not so good) were told in depth. I loved that. It made the novel very 3D.

Overall, this was a great sequel to The Maze Runner. I wish there had been more action than there really was. The Gladers were mostly trying to survive obstacles that weren't as scary as a huge, unsolvable Maze crawling with Grievers. I also felt as if WICKED wasn't made out to be the bad guy in this novel as much as it was in The Maze Runner. There really was nothing that suggested their presence in the Scorch. But the trip it took my mind on...wow. James definetly upped the ante, and I am intrigued to see what he comes up with in The Death Cure.

The Cover: Again it connects to the book really well. It combines everything that happens in the novel.

Cover Reveal: Endlessly by Kiersten White

Thursday on her blog, Kiersten White (the hilarious author of Paranormalcy and Supernaturally) revealed the cover of the third and final book in the Paranormalcy Trilogy. Here it is:

How gorgeously gorgeous is this? Gosh, I'd buy these books just for the covers! They're so darn pretty! But you shouldn't just buy them for the covers. They're amazing and funny, so go and get them!

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner #1) by James Dashner

Genre: action, science fiction
Series and Book #: Maze Runner Trilogy #1
Pages: 374
Synopsis:

Everything is going to change….

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is empty.

But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as anyone can remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, for just as long, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the Maze after dark.

The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might find their way home…wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the Maze is unsolvable.

And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

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This was such an amazing, creepy, mysterious book. James was able to make the mysteries behind the Maze come to light just as a different revelation had become tired. Thomas was a great character, with a mix of courage, leadership, and insanity. He took risks that others didn't, leading him to unusual circumstances. He also thought out-of-the-box, which I always appreciate in MCs.

The Maze was a perfectly described place. I caught on to the ways of the Glade fast, and it was a very vivid place in my imagination. James described the scenery, Grievers, and living conditions with detail. I liked that most about this book. James didn't leave a scene with more questions than answers; instead he had balance.

I especially liked all the chaos when Teresa came into the Maze and triggered the end. That's when most of the action took place, because she was unconscious and unable to answer questions while life in the Maze fell apart.

Overall, this is definitely a trilogy not worth missing, especially if you're looking for a perfect creepy, post-apocalyptic read. I was amazed by all the connections made. Usually in novels like this, I put the pieces together before the MC, which always bothers me because I feel like then the author's been making too many questions and providing too many answers. But James took my attention off of one question long enough for me to focusing on answering that question while he continues to answer the previous question (if that made any sense). Just an amazing, colorful read.

The Cover: LOVE THE CONNECTION TO THE STORY! The visual of the Doors is great.

Cover Reveal: Underworld by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot, the author of Abandon, revealed the cover of the sequel as a treat to her fans last night:

I haven't read this book yet but everyone (literally, like every reading fanatic I know) is telling me to read it! I'll get right on it, you guys!

I love these covers. They really grab your attention, and I know that Meg is a great author since I've read previous books of hers. Can't wait to read these as well!

Source: Midnight Bloom Reads (midnightbloomreads.blogspot.com) Total credit to her and her great blog!

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore

Genre: adventure and science fiction
Series and Book #: Lorien Legacies #2
Pages: 406
Synopsis:

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

 Number Two in England.

 And Number Three in Kenya.

 They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

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*Squee!* Gosh, I loved I Am Number Four, both the movie and the book. I was anxiously awaiting The Power of Six, and it delivered big time. Huge battle scenes in greater number than before, more of the Garde, and of course Four. This was told from the point of view of Number Four and Number Seven.

Pittacus describes Spain and Number Seven's (or Marina's) predicament. Unlike Henri and Four, Seven and her Cepan were cast out of tons of homes before they were sheltered in a convent/orphanage in Santa Teresa, Spain. Seven's Cepan doesn't help her like Henri did Four, and so she's grown up discovering her Legacies by herself. She was a very independent, very curious character and I liked her. But I thought she was weak by her lack of training and skill when battling Mogadorians.

Four's just as amazing as ever. On the run with Sam, Six, and Bernie Kosar, Four gets into more battles than in I Am Number Four because the Mogs track and catch up to him, and the police are out looking for him. There's so much more we discover in this novel as Four starts to explore different things that Henri kept from him--like his Chest. He finds more and more things in his Chest that lead them to finding the other Garde, like Number Nine!

Overall, a great installment to the series. Action, adventure, and great character building really made this a wonderful novel. I can't wait to read the next!

The Cover: Less dramatic than the first, but it reflects Number Seven's Legacy.

Release: Crossed by Ally Condie and Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

I preordered this from Amazon, and I CANNOT wait to read it! Matched was delectable and I'm anxiously waiting to find out what happens to Cassia!


Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?

Interesting, and with my having just read The Maze Runner, it sounds totally intriguing.