A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

A Touch Mortal

Leah Clifford

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Release Date: February 22, 2011

Series or Standalone:  Touch Mortal #1

ISBN: 9780062004994

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 432

Source: Bought

Websites:

Leah Clifford – Website

Leah Clifford – Blog

Leah Clifford – Twitter

Rating: 4 Stars

I’ve been waiting a long time to read this book. For some reason it’s impossible to find it around where I live but this week I drove to Boston for a signing with Leah Clifford, Courtney Allison Moulton and Lisa Desrochers so I finally got a copy! And of course the first thing I did was read it.

I was thoroughly entertained by A Touch Mortal. This book was a dark, sexy and intriguing read. I really loved the world that Leah Clifford created. I loved the Siders. They were a very interesting and new type of paranormal creature. The whole idea of the power of the Touch was awesome. I really felt like Leah Clifford created her own new type of supernatural creatures.

While I did really like the Siders and the power they had, I will admit for the first hundred pages or so I was bit confused by what was going. Like the main character Eden, I was confused by what was going on, but as Eden learn who she was and more about the powers she had, I too was no longer confused. Once I really understand about the Siders and the Touch I started to really get into this book and engrossed in the story and could not put it down. The story just captured my attention and I wanted to see where Leah would take us.

A Touch Mortal is definitely a darker YA read, but I love it! Eden was a very conflicted main character. She has this power stronger then most people, is basically immortal because she herself died and must deal with the boy issues. I loved that all the Siders became Siders if they committed suicide. Imagine wanting to end it all only to wake up after you killed yourself and find that your immortal. God that would suck. But I really liked that darker, more morbid element to the Siders and the book itself.

My one wish in with this book was that the pacing in the beginning was slower. I think part of my confusion in the first hundred pages was that everything happened bam, bam, bam in a row. After those first hundred pages I felt the book slowed down and really found it’s pace.  I really wish that in the relationship between Eden and Az was more developed in the beginning. I felt like as a reader we never saw their relationship grow. One minute they meet and then the next minute they were in love. I just wish I saw more of their relationship so I could understand why Eden loved him so much.

I loved the ending of this book. I loved how the everything in the book slowly built up to the moment in the end. And I feel I should talk a bit about Gabe now. I love Gabe and so much more than I thought rested on him and his actions. Gabe really is one of the best characters in the book. I don’t know why I liked him as much as I did, but I think a lot of it has to do with his actions at the end of the book. The ending really took me by surprise. I really want to read A Touch Morbid to see where Leah Clifford takes these characters next, especially with how she left them at the end of this book.

A Touch Mortal is a dark, stunning, and sexy debut. And while it wasn’t perfect I was just drawn into it and loved it. I highly recommend it, even if you feel like your not really into the darker paranormal or darker YA. It definitely is unique and will leaving you wanting more.

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass

Myra McEntire

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Release Date: June 14, 2011
Series or Standalone: Series
ISBN:1606841440
Format: ARC

Pages: 397

Source: Borrowed

Websites:
Myra McEntire - Blog
Myra McEntire - Twitter

Ratings: 5 Stars

I do not even know where to start with Hourglass. I have been putting off writing this review for months because this book is just filled with win. I have been really stumped as to how to my feelings for this book into words. If I could, I would just write a review that would say “Buy this book it is full of awesome. Everyone must buy it. ADJKAJGKAJGKDL It’s awesome.”, but that would not be super helpful.

In April, I did a post for the ten reasons why you must buy this book. I think that I’m going to use that as a basis for my review so this review is not just BUY THIS BOOK. So let me start off by talking about the characters in this book. I felt that all the characters in this book served a purpose and were all well defined characters. Every character that we met had their own personality and traits. The characters were extremely well written. Let’s start with Emerson Cole, the main character. I loved her. She was snarky, kick-butt and different. She was strong and able to stand up for herself, even when everyone thought she was crazy because of her visions. Also, she can kick-butt. Seriously, she has brown belt to prove it. And I love girls who can kick-butt because I truly wish I was that badass. And she is snarky. I love snark. It makes me laugh and Em did make me laugh. Emerson was one of those characters that got stuck in my head after I finished reading the book. She was just one of those characters with a really strong voice that will stick with you. And then there are the boys in this book. I just have to mention them. So first we have Michael Weaver who is a very mysterious guy. He works for a mysterious agency and knows more about Em than Em herself does. Basically, I was smitten by him the first time we met him and ended up loving him more as the book went out and we learned more about Michael. And then ther was also Kaleb, the other boy in this book who I really loved. Kaleb is Michael’s friend and works with Michael and is just as hot as Michael. But they are too completely different boys. Kaleb was in my opinion adorable. At times I felt really bad for him and just wanted to give him a hug. He was probably one of my favorite characters in this book. He was flawed and dealing with issues but was still able to be strong. I like that. And the romance. Boy. The romance could have gone crazy wrong but it was perfect. The build-up and the sexual tension was all spot on perfect. I was at points literally screaming for them to just kiss already, which I love. I just loved the romance.

Okay, so now I want to talk about how amazing the plot of this book is. Seriously. I did not really know what to expect when I started this book. It sounded like it might be just another paranormal teen book with a girl who sees visions and stuff. But what I got from Hourglass was none of that. I can truly say that this book was something new. Hourglass was seriously a breath of fresh air. I really liked how it blended paranormal elements such as the visions with some more scifi elements such as time travel. It was all mystery, action, paranormal, and wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff wound up into a big ball of awesome. I really really liked the balance between all those elemts. It truly finds a perfect balance between the two and creates this amazing story. And this story kept me on the edge of my seat. I did not know what was going to happen next. I was constantly being blown away by the plot. Twists and turns that took me by surprise. The last quarter of the book, I swear I was just sitting there reading with my mouth wide open because I was literally blown away. I did not expect the story to go in certain ways it did. And I just want to say that Myra McEntire has been added to my list of evil genius authors. There is this huge amazing twist in the book that will literally leave you in shock. I was blown away that she had actually did that. You will know the part I’m talking about when you read the book because you will be sitting there reading the book, dumbfounded that that event just actually happened. Boy, is that an amazing and horribly mean twist.

I really do not know what else to say. This book is just full of win. Myra McEntire has written a beautiful, stunningly awesome debut. It is hard to fathom that this book is her debut novel because it is just so stunning. The writing is beautiful and she has created this whole world were Em and her friends live and do some crazy things. Myra McEntire excuted the plot so brilliantly and is now an evil genius in my book. She literally kept me flipping pages as quickly as possible. Plus, she is also a Whovian. A reference to Doctor Who in your book has me in love with your book forever. Just saying. I am literally blown away by how amazing this book is. Everyone needs to pick up a copy of this book and read it as soon as possible. I mean who would not want a copy of this beautiful book on their shelf? The cover is just as beautiful as the words inside of it. Hourglass is probably one of my favorite books of 2011. Hourglass is an amazing debut that is a must read because it has a little bit of something for everyone.

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

Veronica Roth

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: May 3, 2011

Pages: 496

Source: Borrowed from Danielle B.

Ratings: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Where to start with this book? Seriously. This is probably one of the best books I have read this year. If it was possible for me to marry a book, I would marry this one.

I was extremely hesitant to start this book because there was so much hype surrounding this book. Usually when there is all this hype surrounding a book saying how awesome the book is I’m extremely wary and often times the book does not live up to the hype. That was not the case with Divergent. If anything, Divergent was even better then all the hype makes it out to be. This book is just awesome in a physical form.

So why is this book awesome? Let’s first start with the plot. I loved this plot. This book is dystopian done right. From the first moment you pick up the book until the very last page you will be actively engaged in the plot. I literally was swept up into the plot of this book, not sure were Veronica Roth would take Tris and Four and the other characters next. I was constantly turning the pages, engrossed in the story. I got so swept up in the action of Divergent that I lost track of time reading this book and was actually shocked when I finished because I did not realize I had just spent hours reading the book. I have to say the climax of this book is amazing. This book had one of the best climaxes in a book with a great twist and great action. The last couple chapters had me literally gasping out loud and even yelling at the book. I was very emotional invested in the plot and was just amazed at everything that happened in the book. I don’t want to spoil the plot for anyone but be expected to be blown away.

Another amazing thing about this book was that Veronica Roth was able to create a realistic future dystopian society. A thing that can make or break a book, specifically a dystopian, is the world building. Veronica Roth is able to successfully create a world where people are separated into five different factions based on different personality characteristics to create a perfect society. Veronica Roth immediately immerses you into Tris’s future Chicago world. The differences between each faction in the society was clearly defined, and the five factions made sense in trying to establish a perfect society. I was really fascinated by the differences between each faction and the decision each person must face when they come of age: stay with your family in the same faction or chose a different faction in which you are better suited for. I loved the whole world of the Dauntless faction and how different it was from the Abnegation faction and the other factions. I just loved the contrast between all the factions.

I really loved the main character of Divergent Tris. She is such a strong, fierce character. I loved that Tris was not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and was willing to make choices based on her heart and decisions even if they were unpopular decisions. Tris was everything you want in a strong female character. Not only was she willing to make difficult decisions she could also kick ass, physically. I loved that she was such a strong female character, making decisions based on what she thought was right, not what society deemed right. And then there is Four. I loved Four. He was awesome and just as strong as Tris. I have a lot to say about him but it’s spoilery and I do not like spoilers.

There is so much more I want to say about this book, but I am worried about spoiling the book and this is not a book you want spoiled. You need to experience everything first hand to get the full effect of how awesome this book is. I am amazed at how amazing this book is. One of the amazing things about this book is that it is from a debut author who is still in her 20s. I’m amazed. This is definitely a stunning debut and I cannot wait for the sequel and to see what else this amazingly talented writer will turn out next.

Everyone needs to go out and buy this book since it is on sale today. I would marry this book if possible, because it is that awesome. I realized I have used awesome a lot in this review, but really there are no adjectives to describe my love for this book. Awesome is the only one that comes close. I am willing to force this book upon random people on the streets and bookstores. That is how much I love this book. I have already forced upon one of my college professors because I love it so much. Everyone go buy this book because it is one of the best debuts of the year, and even possibly, one of the best books in general of the year.

And check out my Fragment Friday where I read an excerpt from the beginning of Divergent.


Also check out the trailer for Divergent here. Divergent by Veronica Roth is on sale now.

Review: Angelfire

Angelfire

Courtney Allison Moulton

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: Februrary 15, 2011           

Pages: 464

Source: Borrowed from Danielle B.

Ratings: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

I was intrigued by Angelfire’s premise and was not let down. In this stunning debut, Courtney Allison Moulton a butt kicking novel.

Angelfire was something new and intriguing. Once I started it, I could not put it down. From the first chapter to the last page I was drawn in. What made this book was truly the characters and there interactions with each other. Ellie was a kick ass heroine. Even as she was discovering who she was and what she was Ellie still had a certain spark to her. And Will was a hot bundle of mystery. And there is Cadan who did not have a huge role, but was definitely a bigger mystery then Will and I have a feeling will be seeing a bunch more of him later.

This book had tons of butt kicking, action packed scenes. Ellie and Will get there share of kicking reapers butts. And let me say, I loved these action scenes, they were awesome. While reading them, I felt like I could picture exactly what was going on as if I was watching an action movie. I literally could not get enough of them.

I loved how Courtney Allison Moulton was able to make this story completely unique and her own. Angelfire was truly a story I’ve never read before. The plot was fresh and kept me on the edge of my seat, and the twist at the end, BRILLANT! Angelfire is a must read and I will definitely be waiting on the edge of my seat for its sequel.

2011 Debut Author Challenge

I’ve decided to participate in the Debut Author Challenge of 2011 hosted by the Story Siren. I love reading YA books from debut author’s and feel that this challenge helps expose me to more new authors I have not heard about and allows me to find some new favorite authors. I read a ton of books last year from debut authors but did not participate in the challenge,

The goal of the Debut Author Challenge is to read twelve books from debut YA or MG authors. My personal goal is to read 25 books by debut authors, but we will see how that goes throughout the course of the year.  The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2011.

To learn more about the Debut Author Challenge read about it here.

To participate in the Debut Author Challenge go here.

Right now, I have a preliminarily list of books I will try to read for the challenge. I plan to update the list as the year goes on. There are lot more than 25 books on my preliminary list, I will try to read as many on my preliminary list as possible. I will keep another list on here of books I have read.

Books I’ve Read for the Debut Author Challenge:

1. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
2. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
3. Clarity by Kim Harrington
4. Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
5. The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
6. The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
7. Haven by Kristi Cook
8. Warped by Maurissa Guibord
9. Hourglass by Myra McEntire
10. Divergent by Veronica Roth
11. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Preliminary List of Books I Would Like to Read for Debut Author Challenge:

• Warped by Maurissa Guibord
• Unearthly  by Cynthia Hand
• XVI by Julia Karr
• Timeless by Alexandra Monir
• The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal
• The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
• Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
• Rival by Sara Bennett-Wealer
• A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
• Haven by Kristi Cook
• Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison
• Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
• Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
• The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
• The Demon Trapper’s Daughter by Jana Oliver
• Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
• Wither by Lauren DeStefano
• Entwined by Heather Dixon
• Clarity by Kim Harrington
• Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard
• Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter
• Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O’Roark Dowell
• The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker
• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
• Unlocked by Ryan G. Van Cleave
• Enclave by Ann Aguirra
• Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
• The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
• Bumped by Megan McCafferty
• Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese
• Stargrossed by Josephine Angelini
• Saving June by Hannah Harrington
• Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
• Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin
• Hourglass by Myra McEntire
• Die for Me by Amy Plum
• Divergent by Veronica Roth
• Hereafter by Tara Hudson
• Possession by Elana Johnson
• Luminous by Dawn Metcalf
• Forgotten by Cat Patrick
• Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari
• Wildefire by Karsten Knight
• Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray
• Dark Parties by Sara Grant
• The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
• Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin 
• Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
• The Girl of Fire and Thorns
• A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
• Human .4 by Mike A. Lancaster