New Books On My Shelf #62

I noticed that I haven't done a New Books post in ages and thought I should share what I received in the past two months. Here's what I got:

She's So Dead To Us by Kieran Scott (Bought - Read)
This Is So Not Happening by Kieran Scott (Bought - Read)
The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (Netgalley)
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (Bought)
Reboot by Amy Tintera (Edelweiss - Currently reading)
Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger (Pulseit)

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith (Publisher - Read)
Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally (Bought - Read)
Requiem by Lauren Oliver (Bought - Read)
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Bought - Read)

Book Review: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: This Is What Happy Looks Like
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Headline
Publishing Date: April 4th 2013
Length: 416 pages
Keywords: YA, fiction, contemporary romance, happiness, small town, Hollywood
Source: Publisher

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

In This is What Happy Looks Like, Jennifer E. Smith's new YA novel, perfect strangers Graham Larkin and Ellie O'Neill meet—albeit virtually—when Graham accidentally sends Ellie an email about his pet pig, Wilbur. In the tradition of romantic movies like "You've Got Mail" and "Sleepless in Seattle," the two 17-year-olds strike up an email relationship, even though they live on opposite sides of the country and don't even know each other's first names.

Through a series of funny and poignant messages, Graham and Ellie make a true connection, sharing intimate details about their lives, hopes and fears. But they don't tell each other everything; Graham doesn't know the major secret hidden in Ellie's family tree, and Ellie is innocently unaware that Graham is actually a world-famous teen actor living in Los Angeles.

When the location for the shoot of Graham's new film falls through, he sees an opportunity to take their relationship from online to in-person, managing to get the production relocated to picturesque Henley, Maine, where Ellie lives. But can a star as famous as Graham have a real relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie's mom want her to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

Summary by Goodreads

  

 

First I have to say that I can't guarantee the absence of imaginary smiley faces in this review (sorry, Ellie)! 

Jennifer E. Smith's books are mostly about the things in life we cannot grasp. In THE STATISTICAL PROBABLITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, she booked a flight for two teens to explore the ways of fate. And now with THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE, readers all around the world are invited to join the search for true happiness.

Finding answers to the question of happiness wasn't always easy for Ellie. She's living a quite and very guarded life with her mother in a coast small town until one day she gets an e-mail by a stranger.

That stranger would be Hollywood beau Graham Larkin. And Graham, too, doesn't feel like his life is on perfect course. Always on the move, making movies, pretending to be someone he will never be and missing his parents. When he comes to  Ellie's town to make a new movie, things start to look brighter than before. Both characters complement each other in the best ways possible. Thankfully Graham isn't, as some might assume, a spoiled or arrogant brat. He is very down-to-earth and receptive for other people's sentiments or problems. Just as Ellie is a very honest person who cares very much for the people she loves.

Jennifer E. Smith explores the chances of a relationship between an ordinary girl with a secret and a big actor, the differences between Hollywood versus small-town life and the difficulties in drawing a line between public and private interests.

And all along she gives Ellie and Graham a lot of time to get to know each other in a setting that felt very cozy and atmospheric.

The chapters alternate between Ellie and Graham and that was just perfect! I had feared they would  stay in e-mail contact for a long time wondering who the other person might be and was relieved and happy to see that they met very early in the story so that there was enough room to develop their non-online relationship. But I also loved that their actual conversations were still supplemented with their e-mail contact even after they had met. And the e-mails in general, receiving an e-mail by a stranger and falling for him? Totally loved that!

The story as a whole didn’t meet all of my expectations. It's hard to explain what was lacking, because I did like THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE very much. I might have imagined the romance to be more intense and conflict-laden and the pace to be a bit more explosive. The story wasn't as over the top as some YA contemporary novels feel the need to be today, which was totally okay with me, but some tiny spark was just missing.

So I only had to read the e-mail teaser on the back of my proof copy to know that this book would be a keeper! Ice cream, sunrises and flip flops, swimming, dogs and pyjama pants are things meaning happiness for me, too. After reading Jennifer's book I will hopefully learn to pay more attention to the things that make me happy every day. Happiness is keeping the best memories and most beloved people close to you. THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE is cuddly and sweet, but despite its high cuteness factor, it should still be taken as a seriously good and meaningful read.

1) of Wilbur, the match-maker

2) every quote deserves its very own frame

3) of its fuzzy feeling of happiness

4) of fun e-mail snippets

5) of a cute, down-to-earth and not over the top love story

4/5 **** THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE – Uplifting, heartfelt and charming! 

This book is like all sunrises, sunsets and puppies combined, really cute. Jennifer E. Smith is a safe bet should you ever be in need of YA books that raise your spirits, provide you with lovely romance and put you in a summery cheerful mood. 

 
* Enjoyed THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE? Don't forget to read THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT! 

* Read an excerpt of THIS IS WHAT HAPPY LOOKS LIKE! 
* Want to meet Jennifer E. Smith? Check out her event calendar!

* For further information about Jennifer E. Smith and her books, visit www.jenniferesmith.com 

* Thanks to Sam Eades and Headline for sending me a copy for review!

Book Review: Shades of Earth (Across the Universe #3) by Beth Revis

Title: Shades of Earth (Across the Universe #3)
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Publishing Date: 369 pages
Length: January 15th 2013
Keywords: YA, science fiction, romance, adventures, new planet, death
Source: Bought

Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing.

FUELED BY LIES.
RULED BY CHAOS.
ALMOST HOME.

Summary by Goodreads 

please note that this review contains spoilers for people who haven't read A MILLION SUNS!

You haven't yet recovered from the adrenaline rush named A MILLION SUNS and you need a break? That's something the thrilling last book in the ACROSS THE UNIVERSE series can't serve with. SHADES OF EARTH continues the strong and action-packed storyline you've surely come to love in the previous books. 

Here's a short reminder how the second book ended: 

'"It's worth it." I move to touch him, but he grabs my hand first, squeezes my fingers, then let's me go.
"What was it you said to Doc?" Elder asks. "About faith?"
"I don't remember," I say with a dry laugh. "I was too busy trying not to get killed."
"Well, whatever it was - you were right." His hands rests over the auto-pilot launch button.

"Ready?" he asks.
"Ready."'

And I was SO ready for the next book then! Fine, you know that Amy and Elder are alive, but what about the fact that the new planet has been there all along? I wante to scream! And then they didn't push that launch button in the end of book two? That was just mean, because anything would be possible after that. So, you can imagine my outburst of joy when I finally held my copy of SHADES OF EARTH in my hands.

With the new planet within reach, Beth Revis' possibilities to continue the story seemed endless. Isn't the idea of a new world scary and exciting all at once? Amy, Elder and their group could build an entire new world or be attacked any time. Beth made sure that this planet wouldn't be a snooze.

After the landing, our group is surrounded by unknown land and after only a few hours on their new planet, they know that they are not alone. Always knowing about the dangers out there, but  never being entirely sure about their origins or how to protect yourself from them. There are hostile animal-like creatures, unpredictable plants, abandoned ruins looking like houses built for humans. It is not 100 % alien-free either. The tension was tangible! There are scary things happening in SHADES OF EARTH and you should definitly be prepared for DEATH (yes, capital letters. Beth Revis is THAT evil).

And the mystery behind the beings responsible for all that misery and harm, is an entirely different category. It is as brilliant as it is disgusting and contemptible. Beth Revis never reveals too much at a time, she keeps the reader constantly charged up, always athirst for answers, to learn more about the intrigues and complots sourrounding Godspeed.

With all the new-found land, animals and dangers one could think that there wouldn't be time for love. But Beth was kind enough to guarantee us some quality time with our lovely Godspeed couple Amy and Elder. I was so relieved the new planet didn't have a no-kiss policy. These scenes of affection and care gave hope and lightened up the dark mood the consequent uncertainty caused.  

Amy and Elder continue to be awesome and well-rounded characters. Amy grows stronger every day and I've always seen the leader potential in her that she's showing in SHADES OF EARTH. I'm glad they both are critical in nature, and ask questions first before they follow any commands. And that is even more important in this very difficult situation caused by the differences between ship-born and earth-born people in the colony. The clash of beliefs and attitudes between sol-earth military and Godspeed inhabitants is a very prominant issue in this part of the story.

Advanced technologies and highly interesting scientific research make SHADES OF EARTH a diversified and intelligent read, presenting us with numerous inventive ideas that could affect our future at some point, too.

SHADES OF EARTH is a science-fiction book through and through. Spaceships, new plants, aliens and the task to master life in an entirely foreign and new environment. It is the conclusion to a thourougly well-written trilogy.

1) of its dual narrative
2) of an unforgettable character cast
3) of its extremely adventurous nature
4) of all the countless mysteries surrounding Godspeed
5) of a perfect ending

5/5 ***** SHADES OF EARTH - The beauty lies in the stars. Beth Revis caught them and spun them into a powerfully written and adventurous space mission tale.

When I started with this series I was very reluctant to give a story with a space adventure a chance to sweep me off my feet. Right now I can't imagine not reading more science-fiction and set in space YA books! I'm counting on many more books by talented author Beth Revis! SHADES OF EARTH is the last book in the ACROSS THE UNIVERSE trilogy, that's how it's advertised, but I really do hope that there is still room for more books in the series. And so I'm having my fingers crossed for a spin-off series, who doesn't?!

* Want to read more about the AtU books? Beth Revis wrote a novella, titled AS THEY SLIP AWAY which offers background information about some characters. You can read it here.

* Read an excerpt of SHADES OF EARTH here.

* Watch the ACROSS THE UNIVERSE book trailer!

* Explore Godspeed on the official ACROSS THE UNIVERSE book page.

* For further information about Beth Revis and her books, visit www.bethrevis.com

Mini Reviews # 6

This mini review collection stands under the banner of the dystopian novel. Representatives are THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting, EVE by Anna Carrey and STRUCK by Jennifer Bosworth.

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

THE PLEDGE pairs dystopian setting with a classical form of government, the monarchy. Kimberly Derting takes us to a future world ruled by Queen Sabara. To the land of Ludania, where people are divided by their language. They could be executed if they ever try to speak or understand another than their own language. Those numerous languages were occasionally mentioned, unfortunately we don’t get a sample of their sounds.
It’s an interesting concept that Kimberly Derting gave a woman the power to rule the kingdom and decide over life and death. We are fast introduced to all the rules and restrictions determining daily life of citizens and our heroine Charlaina. She understands every language and that mystery really got me. How come she can do that? I was so eager to find out what was behind that special ability of hers.

The story is told from two point of views. Our main character is Charlie who tells the story in the perspective of 1^st person narrator. Then we got a third person POV of the Queen which creates a great contrast between protagonist and antagonist.

It took some time for the story to lure me in. Since that one point where a few secrets and a growing romance start becoming a more dominant part of the story, I got more involved in Charlie's story. Unfortunately sometimes the love story between Charlie and that guy, Max, felt a bit too vague.

Kimberly Derting captures the moment of Charlie being on the fence about her growing feelings for Max, but at some point Charlie’s struggles were just too much for me to take any longer. It was not that turbulent and cute love story that I’m a fan of, but effortlessly fit the overall style of THE PLEDGE.

THE PLEDGE shows that the same author can write books that couldn’t be more different. I’m a huge fan of Kimberly Derting’s THE BODY FINDER series and am a bit spoiled when it comes to mystery-action factor and super sweet romance. THE PLEDGE is much slower in pace and even Kimberly’s writing, which I know is really really good, didn’t feel that impressive in her first book in the THE PLEDGE series.

3,5/5 ***/* THE PLEDGE- A dystopian read, highlighted by historical character!

THE PLEDGE is definitely no comparison to Kimberly Derting’s THE BODY FINDER series, which is one of my favourites. Several moments of surprise, a well developed course of actions and the general good intuition for an interesting world though, make THE PLEDGE a book worth giving a try.  

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Publishing Date: November 15^th 2011

Length: 323 pages

Keywords: YA, fantasy, dystopia, romance, monarchy

Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Goodreads Summary

The Pledge Excerpt

Author's Homepage

Eve by Anna Carey

„The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.“

You see, EVE is yet another novel with dystopian setting. We follow Eve, who breaks out of her protected school where she’s lived since her mother’s death and escapes into the wild, headed to promised safe place Califia together with Caleb, a boy she meets on her way there.

The contrast between EVE’s sheltered life in the girls school and her life outside the protecting walls offers many options for the story to proceed. But everything in the story felt rushed and it was like I only got a glimpse of school, the wilderness or Eve’s love life. In the end, I fear, the story didn't really left an impression on me that would last much longer than the actual reading process. The story wasn’t as thrilling as I’d expected Eve’s fight in the wilderness to be and, I hate to say it... a bit plain.

Even I was surprised when I noticed in the end that Eve and Caleb’s relationship didn’t really interest me. They were both rather lacklustre characters. It were other characters like tough Arden that I wanted to know more about. I would like to recommend EVE to people who enjoyed GRACELING by Kristin Cashore (a book that ironically I didn't enjoy either).

The writing style wasn't my thing either. Some parts of the story were described in vast expansion and the most action-packed and shocking felt like they fell flat in their impact. The devastating plague had great potential. It didn't seem it was used best.

2/5 ** EVE - Not exactly a read that leaves you breathless.

Eve wasn't a heroine to me, she mostly appeared to be a helpless little girl without any knowledge about the real world. I have to give her credit for her courage to let go of the known and flee into a world that's foreign to her. Her character reflects on the story as a whole which doesn't serve in  turning up the action-factor of EVE.

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publishing Date: October 4^th 2011

Length: 336 pages

Keywords: YA, fantasy, dystopia, romance, killer virus, escape

Source: Netgalley

Goodreads Summary

Eve Excerpt

Author's Homepage

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

STRUCK is set in future LA. A city destroyed by a terrible earthquake. Imagining Los Angeles like that was pretty scary. Although it could have been an ace dytopian story, STRUCK wasn't primarily about a disaster scenario and the impacts natural catastrophes could have on people's lives. It was mostly about Mia dealing with her lightning addiction. Yes, you've read correctly. She is like a life-size lightning rod. She has the power to absorb lightning but also to destroy with its energy. She has the predisposition to be an attractive character protagonist-wise, but surprisingly she just didn't grow on me.

Grave disappointment struck me after only the first few chapters of Jennifer Bosworth's debut novel. A huge amount of the story felt just wrong to me and I didn't find a way to connect with our protagonist or unterstand the love story. Don't get me wrong, her love interest, Jeremy was a pretty decent guy. Just not that sexy and incredibly defiant guy I wanted him to be.

There's also a religious, or better cult-like, aspect that felt kind of like a foreign substance to the story itself. And it really started to bother me after some time, because it became too dominant and held to much of the story's attention. A Prophet gathering people around him and trying to control an entire city with his nonsense, even involving parts of Mia's family. The cult component struck me as really odd and that's what turned the story into something that just couldn't work for me.

I was rather sceptical about reading STRUCK in the first place, but somehow found myself reading it after a few weeks anyways. Should've listened to my intuition from the beginning. I'm not happy to say that I didn't enjoy this read, but that's how it is. And for that I hope even more readers find a favourite in it and will give it the love any story deserves.

2/5 ** STRUCK - Promising premise, no electrifying content in the end!

This story could have been big, but there was never any tension at all and the action simply fell flat for me. Weak characters and a trivial romance and I was desperate to finish STRUCK to just be done with it.

 

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Publishing Date: May 8^th 2012

Length: 373 pages

Keywords: YA, fantasy, dystopia, romance, Los Angeles, lightning, earthquake, cult

Source: Netgalley

Goodreads Summary

Struck Excerpt

Author's Homepage