Releases: Alice in Zombieland & A Fractured Light

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

She won't rest until she's sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that's all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real.

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn't careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.

A Fractured Light (Beautiful Dark #2) by Jocelyn Davies

When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life.

Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.

Releases: The Crown of Embers, The Raven Boys, & Burn for Burn

The Crown of Embers (Girl of Fire and Thorns #2) by Rae Carson

She does not know what awaits her at the enemy's gate.

Elisa is a hero.

She led her people to victory over a terrifying, sorcerous army. Her place as the country's ruler should be secure. But it isn't.

Her enemies come at her like ghosts in a dream, from foreign realms and even from within her own court. And her destiny as the chosen one has not yet been fulfilled.

To conquer the power she bears, once and for all, Elisa must follow a trail of long-forgotten—and forbidden—clues, from the deep, hidden catacombs of her own city to the treacherous seas. With her go a one-eyed spy, a traitor, and the man whom—despite everything—she is falling in love with.

If she's lucky, she will return from this journey. But there will be a cost.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

 

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Sioban Vivian

Postcard-perfect Jar Island is home to charming tourist shops, pristine beaches, amazing oceanfront homes—and three girls secretly plotting revenge.

KAT is sick and tired of being bullied by her former best friend.

LILLIA has always looked out for her little sister, so when she discovers that one of her guy friends has been secretly hooking up with her, she’s going to put a stop to it.

MARY is perpetually haunted by a traumatic event from years past, and the boy who’s responsible has yet to get what’s coming to him.

None of the girls can act on their revenge fantasies alone without being suspected. But together…anything is possible.

With an unlikely alliance in place, there will be no more “I wish I’d said…” or “If I could go back and do things differently...” These girls will show Jar Island that revenge is a dish best enjoyed together.

Releases: Hidden and Flesh & Bone

Hidden (Firelight Trilogy #3) by Sophie Jordan

A dangerous journey.
Shattered bonds.
Undying passion.

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted her fate long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning. . . .

Flesh & Bone (Rot & Ruin #3) by Jonathan Maberry

Reeling from the devastation of Dust & Decay, Benny Imura and his friends plunge deep into the zombie-infested wastelands of the great Rot & Ruin. Benny, Nix, Lilah, and Chong journey through a fierce wilderness that was once America, searching for the jet they saw in the skies months ago. If that jet exists then humanity itself must have survived…somewhere. Finding it is their best hope for having a future and a life worth living.

But the Ruin is far more dangerous than any of them can imagine. Fierce animals hunt them. They come face to face with a death cult. And then there’s the zombies—swarms of them coming from the east, devouring everything in their paths. And these zoms are different. Faster, smarter, and infinitely more dangerous. Has the zombie plague mutated, or is there something far more sinister behind this new invasion of the living dead?

One thing Benny and his companions can’t afford to forget: In the great Rot & Ruin, everything wants to kill you.

Jane by April Lindner

Genre: unknown
Series and Book #: none
Pages: 365
Summary:

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden deaths of her parents, Jane Moore take a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance.

 

But there’s a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane’s much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?

 

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Excellent adaption. Like the author said in her author's note, you see a lot about Pride and Prejudice, but you don't see much about Jane Eyre, which is another beautiful love story about an independent girl in a time where independence is frowned upon. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out because the time gap is large and customs are different, but April made it work. She stuck to the storyline very well.

Jane's character was so heartbreaking. I hated her family for what they made her think of herself which just made me love Nico and Maddy more because they made her feel wanted and happy. She deserved to be happy. She was unselfish to a tee.

Jane and Nico sitting in a tree.... Delicious romance. I expected Jane to slowly fall for Nico, but only after a few weeks she was head-over-heels in love with the guy. Which was totally fine by me! Their romance was swift but it had been building for awhile. And Nico.... Though he pretended to be this bad boy he was a teddy bear. He was so darling to Maddy and loving to Jane.

Overall, great love story. I think Jane Eyre should be right up there with Pride and Prejudice as one of the greatest love stories of all time. I don't think you have to read Jane Eyre to read Jane, but if you get the chance, I would recommend it. Jane Eyre the character was an strong woman for her time and Jane Moore is no different. I congratulate April on a job well done and for writing and adaption on a story that doesn't get nearly enough spotlight.

The Cover: Really depressing. But it registers the darkness that seems to shadow Nico and Jane's pasts.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Genre: dystopian
Series and Book #: The Selection #1
Pages: 327
Summary:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

 

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a  crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

 

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

 

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All the FEELS! So when I heard it was The Bachelor in book form, I was like "No way in ever". But then I read it. And I was like "WHY WOULD I EVER THINK OF NOT READING THIS BOOK?!" This is going to sound stupid, but it's like a blend of The Hunger Games and The Bachelor. But...better!

Could Kiera have chosen a better name than America Singer? How punny. America is a singer, and she lives in what used to be known as the United States of America (America for short). But enough about her name. America is determined, and she loves her family. She's also very stubborn and I like that she wasn't fawning over Prince Maxon but slowly falls in love with him. I also like that she would put her family before herself, no matter the cost. She stays in the competition because they need the money. She could have been selfish and dropped out but she chose not to because her loyalty to her family came first. That, I think, is the brightest point in her character.

If it's between Maxon and Aspen, I'd choose Maxon. Because Maxon was there for America and he didn't push her unlike Aspen who suddenly drops her after two years together, and then comes back begging forgiveness. You can argue your point in the comments but I'm not changing my opinion on the matter.

Overall, it shouldn't really be called a Hunger Games and Bachelor mash up because it's not. When it comes down to it, Kiera's look on the way the USA turned out after being invaded and stomped on was quite unique. I have never read a dystopian/post-apocalyptic novel about the USA being turned into a kingdom. The whole land was built on democracy, after all. And the Selection is new. I want to see what happens in her second novel. More action? More romance? She really left it open to either option and I can't wait to see which one she goes for.

The Cover: Admittedly, that's what drew me to the book in the first place. I love the mirrors and the tiara over "selection". It's so bright and beautiful. It think it looks too serious for the book, though. The model looks very intense whereas the book is more of a romantic triangle than anything else.

The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life by Tara Altebrando

Genre: social issues
Series and Book #: none
Pages: 239
Summary:

High-school Senior Mary Gilhooley and her friends have spent their entire lives—but especially the last four years—feeling like underdogs and also-rans. Having suffered constant ridicule from Oyster Point’s resident bully king and superjock, Jake Barbone, they are all just dying to go away to college and never come back. But with only a week until graduation, there’s one last thing Mary feels they absolutely must do together: compete against Barbone in the Oyster Point High School Official Unofficial Senior Week Scavenger Hunt—and win.

 

Everyone is racing for the finish line with complicated motives, and Mary’s all-right adventure quickly becomes nonstop drama as shifting alliances, flared tempers, and crushing crushes take over. Though they are racking up points at a rapid clip, it soon becomes clear that she and her friends must reinvent their strategy—and themselves—if they want to even stand a chance at winning.

 

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I loved the idea of this book! An unofficial official scavenger hunt? Sounds fun! The list was weird and the places they went to find these things odd but the overall message wasn't about winning or crushing the competition: It was about growing up and friendship and self-discovery.

Each of the characters were unique and individual. I think Tara did a good job of writing in each of their stories. I also liked how the stories connected with the scavenger hunt. Because while it was Mary's idea in the first place, everyone else had a reason for being there. For some it was revenge and for others it was about proving themselves. Tara did an excellent job of wrapping it all up in the end so that everyone was satisfied.

Mary was such an intense character. Though you're rooting for her team to win, you can't help but want to slap her over the head for how stupid she was being. I thought her wake up call was necessary and afterward, she was a much more likable character. I guess that was the point but it still needs to be said.

Overall, it wasn't absolutely amazing, but it was funny, mind-bending, and pretty cool. Where originally it might have just been for fun I think Tara changed the story into something a bit more serious. You have to be honest with yourself before you can really see how things truly are.

The Cover: Cute! I like the cut-out words that show some of the items on the list

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Genre: fantasy
Series and Book #: none
Pages: 539
Summary:

Welcome to a glorious realm of mystery, magic, heroism and danger.

 

In a world where a small percentage of the people have an extreme skill called a Grace, King Leck’s Grace allowed him to tell lies that everyone believed.

 

When Bitterblue became queen at ten years old, she thought her father’s murder meant the end of his violent, sociopathic influence.

 

She was wrong.

 

The intensely anticipated companion to the New York Times bestsellers Graceling and Fire is even more “rageful, exhilarating, wistful,” and romantic. Now eighteen and believing her advisers are overprotecting her, Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle at night to walk the streets of her own city, disguised and alone—risking her life as well as her heart.

 

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Just for warning: wasn't as romantic as Graceling or Fire. Thankfully, there was some romance, but it wasn't as intense as Katsa's relationship with Po or Fire's. But the lack of romance wasn't the focus of this book. It was about a girl who suddenly realizes that she's not a child anymore and she breaks out of the shell her advisers have placed her in. She takes charge of her life and matures into an intelligent, sensible queen.

Bitterblue is an intricate character who has a unique view of things. Since she was raised by King Leck and witnessed terrible things as far back as she remembers, she's more hesitant to trust. Especially with mind readers. She was also a fiercely loyal friend and relative who wouldn't ever think of hurting anyone close to her. Though she's now the queen, she still has a childish naivete that causes her to cling to the people who've practically raised her because she believes them to be good. When they betray her, they hurt her, but she never stops loving them. Because that's who she is. She's a beautiful, wonderful character, and she belongs right alongside Kristin's other strong heroines.

Overall, this novel was as heartbreaking as it was powerful. A story of growing up and being yourself even when everyone around you seems to be changing. Again, Kristin captivated me with the beautiful scenery of Monsea. Her descriptions of the castle and the city were lovely. She also has a knack for using just the right language so that it sounds authentic but also is readable. I must also mention the lovely (and helpful) drawings in the book. They livened the book up and offered even more visual into Bitterblue's world. I hope Kristin doesn't stop writing because her characters are powerful and her stories are magnificent.

The Cover: I like how the blue refelects her name, and I also like the three separate keys. She's unlocking her past, but she's also literally unlocking all her father's gruesome secrets.