The One by John Marrs

4 Stars!!  “To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.” —Victor Hugo, Les Misérables”  How far would you go to find The One?  A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you’ll be matched with your perfect partner—the one you’re genetically made for. That’s the promise made by Match Your DNA. 10 years ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. Since then, millions of people around the world have been matched. But the discovery has its downsides: test results have led to the breakup of countless relationships and upended the traditional ideas of dating, romance and love. Now five very different people have received the notification that they’ve been “Matched.” They’re each about to meet their one true love. But “happily ever after” isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Because even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking than others… This is my second John Marrs book. I just recently read The Good Samaritan by him and if you haven't read it - what are you doing?!?! GO READ IT- anyways I now want to read all his books!! I came across this one and ... The premise was so intriguing - I couldn't help but get my hands on it and I was not disappointed!!  This is one of the most unique books that I have read in a while. It is told from multiple POVs - but dont let that get you down because it worked! It flowed nicely and keeps you on the edge of your seat!! You become completely addicted to the drama that is unfolding in each characters life and its all consuming. I could not imagine this happening in real life. I see the benefits of it but I feel like this would be more of a disaster than anything. It sounds nice until it starts screwing with peoples lives and families. It is a crazy concept and I absolutely loved all the twists and turns!!  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence

4 Stars!! 
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In 1986, 15 yr old- boy-genius Nick Hayes discovers he’s dying. And it isn’t even the strangest thing to happen to him that week.

Nick and his Dungeons & Dragons-friends are used to living in their imaginations. But when Mia, joins the group reality becomes weirder than the fantasy world they visit in their weekly games. A strange—yet familiar—man is following Nick, with abilities that just shouldn’t exist. And this man claims: Mia’s in grave danger, though she doesn’t know it yet. She needs Nick’s help—now.

He finds himself in a race against time to unravel an impossible mystery and save the girl. And all that stands in his way is cancer, and the laws of physics.

I know absolutely nothing about physics- nor do I really care. I dont really like sci-fi either.. while this book had a sci-fi stranger things type feel to it- it wasn't. The characters talk about things that went over my head- but again, I didn't care because something about these characters cling to you while reading. 

Lawrence has a way of writing characters that you love and you do not even care what the big picture is. The depth of them keeps you moving. I found this book to be character driven but also had a great plot and beginning. I felt it was interesting without being boring- even with subject matter I could care less about. There was so much more happening in this story!! I absolutely loved MC Nick, Mia and Demis :P And look forward to seeing what else this series has to offer!

THe Delphi Effect by Rysa Walker

4 Stars!! 

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Anna Morgan has no choice. Resting on a park bench, touching the turnstile at the Metro station—she never knows where she’ll encounter a ghost. She doesn't have a choice. The ghosts are the reason that Anna is thrown from one foster home to the next and in and out of psych wards. 

When a touch of the hand leads her to pick up the ghost of a girl who was murdered- things start to get real serious for Anna. Shes thrown into a government conspiracy, which causes Anna to throw up every wall she has ever built around her mind. But they really cross the line when they kidnap her friend, causing her to be pushed to the limits. 



This was a really cool YA book!! It reminded me of the show The Gifted- and X-Men. It has a paranormal vibe to it more than anything.



I felt immediately drawn to Anna and really enjoyed being in her head. Although- I could not imagine having to live with her ability, it was neat to read it. The book starts out with this girl Molly getting in her head. She was murdered and wants Anna to help her solve it before others can get hurt or killed. 

What starts out as a murder mystery, quickly morphs into a paranormal thriller. I loved that aspect of it. There were more characters than the synopsis provides. The story is about more than just Anna. I really enjoyed a few of the side characters. There is a love interest in this installment and I am totally rooting for my ship to sail!!



I cant wait to see what happen in the next couple books!

The First City by Joe Hart

4 Stars! 
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Zoey is not the girl she once was. She’s watched too many of her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she is on a journey to find the truth about who she is.

In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records in another facility. Zoey and her new friends travel to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to a new foe: the Fae Trade, a carnival of slavery and pain.

Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of a humans mind- brings her close to the line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity. 

This second book was so much better than book 1! There was action and a steady moving pace. There were a few twists, and it was a lot of fun to read. Zoey still jumps the gun on most decisions and shes always finding trouble. 

This time Zoey finds the Fae Trade. A gruesome carnival where men fight to the death to claim one of the remaining women that have been collected. There are new characters introduced. Some you love and some you love to hate. 

Overall I think everything I had issues with in the first book, were redeemed in this one! This is a pretty good series so far and looking forward to The Last City!

The Final Trade by Joe Hart

4 Stars! 
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Zoey is not the girl she once was. She’s watched too many of her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she is on a journey to find the truth about who she is.

In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records in another facility. Zoey and her new friends travel to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to a new foe: the Fae Trade, a carnival of slavery and pain.

Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of a humans mind- brings her close to the line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity. 

This second book was so much better than book 1! There was action and a steady moving pace. There were a few twists, and it was a lot of fun to read. Zoey still jumps the gun on most decisions and shes always finding trouble. 

This time Zoey finds the Fae Trade. A gruesome carnival where men fight to the death to claim one of the remaining women that have been collected. There are new characters introduced. Some you love and some you love to hate. 

Overall I think everything I had issues with in the first book, were redeemed in this one! This is a pretty good series so far and looking forward to The Last City!

The Last Girl (The Dominion Trilogy) by Joe Hart

3 Stars  🌟🌟🌟 Fear feeds the worst in all of us. It drives the most despicable of our natures to the surface.  A mysterious epidemic happens worldwide that causes the reduction in the births of baby girls. Scientists and Governments scramble to find the reason for this. Fast Forward 25 years and there is still no answer and an entire generation grows up with a population of fewer than a thousand women. Zoey and 6 other women are housed in a scientific compound that claims to be doing research on the girls. For 20 years, she’s been removed from her family, treated as a test subject, and locked away—told only that the virus has wiped out the rest of the world’s population. Captivity is the only life Zoey has ever known, and escaping her heavily armed captors is no easy task, but she’s determined to leave before she is subjected to the next round of tests…a program that no other woman has ever returned from. Even if she’s successful, Zoey has no idea what she’ll encounter in the strange new world beyond the facility’s walls. Winning her freedom will take brutality she never imagined she possessed, as well as all her strength and cunning—but Zoey is ready for war. I really love a good dystopian novel. I enjoy reading about how people become survivors and learn to live without all the spoils that we have in reality. This book had a great plot but a lot of holes. It had parts that were really good and others that moved pretty slow. The last 100 pages or so got really exciting and thats what gives me hope for the rest of the series.  I did enjoy this book for the most part. I did not like the fact that these 6 women could not all get along. The more I read it didn't bother me much but initially it sorta didn't make sense for them to fight, rather- maybe have them ban together and team up?? I dont know... but that was my main issue. The characters also lacked something Im not sure what maybe a little depth? It took most of the book for me to care a whole lot for these characters.  I think this was a decent enough start to what could be a great series. I am looking forward to trying the next book and see where it goes!

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

4.5 Stars!! 

"Demonstrate your value to those in attendance by showing how appealing a beautiful, obedient girl can be. Hold your tongue. Bat your eyes. Smile. Be best."

Just imagine for a minute if.... the dark and sadistic world of West World....


AND Handmaid's Tale....


HAD A BABY..... it would be something like- Girls With Sharp Sticks!! 

In Girls With Sharp Sticks, we are thrown into a world that seems to be on the edge of a New Wave of Dystopia. While the normal world still goes on outside the gates of Innovations Academy.. Something unworldly is happening in the Academy. 

The Academy, a prestigious reforming school for girls are taught the “essentials” to become obedient submissive wives, homemakers, etc. The girls are not allowed to question the men or "guardians." Report cards measure beauty, compliance, poise, decorum and an attitude of obedience. 

A sudden departure from one of the girls, puts Philomena and the rest of the girls on edge. Lennon Rose left without a goodbye or shoes. This starts a search for answers they didn't even know they needed! As the search begins, Mena starts to see things a little bit clearer. 

She starts to see the lingering touches, the possessiveness, hears the crude comments, and notices how the girls are being basically brainwashed and programmed to do as these men say.



This really pushes the girls closer together, even more than before, to get to the bottom of what is happening. 

The girls are treated so terrible, and its really sad bc at first none of them realize that the way they are treated is wrong. They are physically and emotionally abused and looked upon like cattle. They are limited to learning only certain things, and have no free will or freedom. 



“They’ve trained you not to believe what you’re told by others. You have to come to it on your own. I can’t wake you, Philomena.” 



TIME TO WAKE UP GIRLS!!!

I absolutely ate this little nugget up!!! There is a little something in this for everyone! Its a little mix of dystopian, sci-fi, action, mystery, and a very small bit of romance- if that's even what you would call it! The only thing that I had issues with was- I thought it could have been executed a little better - and if there would have been some heavy action scenes that would have been fab- but I guess we cant always get what we want :P Other than that, I adored it and cant wait for the next book!

Book Review - Vicious by, V.E.Schwab

3 Stars!! “Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.” I'm going to be a minority …. I liked this well enough, I just didn't love it. The writing was amazing - there is no doubt Schwab can write and come up with amazing plots. This just wasn't a favorite of mine. This book does raise an interesting question...what makes a hero and what makes a villain? As we read through the book, that's the main thing you will keep asking yourself. I didn't like really any of the characters in this book. Victor an Elli were both psycho.. but I'm pretty sure that's the point. Can you choose the better of two evils? Most people have already read this book, but if you haven't, I would still recommend this one! Just because it wasn't my favorite doesn't mean it wont be yours!

Come Fine Me by Megan Miranda

4 Stars!!

This was crazy different and a lot of fun to read. 


In Come Find Me, we follow MC's Kennedy and Nolan. Two teenagers-both whom which have experienced great tragedy, find themselves drawn together by a strange signal. Together, they try to find the source of the mysterious signal. 


The more they try to find it, the more clues they find things that seem to connect their pasts. The signal seems to be for them alone, something only they both can understand. Who is out there? Is something coming for them? Or is the frequency warning them about something that's already here? 


I was totally not expecting something with a Stranger things vibe to it, but it has that vibe- in a small way which added so much more to the story. 


I really liked Kennedy, she was brave and strong willed. She has dealt with a lot of pain in her life but that wont stop her from getting answers. Nolan is dealing with the same thing. Both characters, as they work together- experience a good bit of growth. Each one was there for one another and only made the other stronger. 

I had no idea where this book was headed and I spent half the book scratching my head. I like when a mystery/thriller ends up stumping me. I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome and totally recommend it!

Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

4 Stars!! 


“It was the first time I'd really realized I'd lost my soul and that the beauty of not having a soul was that you couldn't seem to care that you no longer had one.” 

Another series in the books! I love Maggie Stiefvater :P Her writing is so simple, yet complex and the depth expressed in this book was excellent!!

Sinner, is the last book in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series. Its all about my two favorite characters- Isabel and Cole. I could relate to them so much more than Grace and Sam. They are just more my cup of tea. You know, the dark characters with hella messed up past, YEAH- I feel that! This one was not really like the rest of the series. Its not a stand alone but its just different and I loved it. 

I like that we get to really see into what makes these characters tick and what they are really struggling with. I really appreciate the way the author wrote about addiction and how it really can grip a person and the struggles that they face- even when sober. It was done extremely well, especially for it being a YA book. I recommend this series as a whole- mainly for these two characters. They brought a realness to the series. Something raw and not fairy-tale perfect. This was an excellent ending!! 

Nice Dragons Finish Last by, Rachel Aaron

3 stars !! “Why are mortals always so eager to declare things impossible, anyway? It’s not like things do or don’t exist just because you say so.”  Julius likes to sit in his room and play video games. His mother thinks that his a failure at being a dragon, so she puts a curse on him that keeps him in his human form. She has also banished him to the DFZ- a place where dragons are killed on the spot. His mother wants him to prove himself as a dragon, or else she will kill him. He is swept away on an assignment, which includes some very hot headed, and colorful siblings. Before he goes on his little quest, he meets Marcy who is a powerful Mage. She thinks Julius just has a curse and no clue that he is a dragon. Somehow, she gets drawn into this adventure along side Julius.  I picked this up because - DUH DRAGONS This book was FUN! It was like a tiny little geek fest too - full of gamer references and tech talk. I don't usually enjoy urban fantasy, but this one, I must admit -was so much fun. The characters were so different with distinct personalities. Julius has some brothers who are involved in his quest- and they are absolutely hilarious. I loved the family aspect and their banter with one another.  Nice Dragons Finish Last was action packed from the start. The pace was perfect and there weren't really any dull moments. It moves fast, and goes by pretty quickly at right under 300 pages. If you're looking for an urban fantasy that is silly and fun a little different from the norm- Id totally recommend this one!

Saga Volume 7 by, Brian K Vaughan

3.5 stars!!  WHAT WAS THAT ENDING???? This volume wasn't as good as the others to me for some reason. I still enjoyed it though, for the most part. This series is so weirdly addicting. I cant believe I have held on for this long because it really is low key disturbing. LOL- I'm so glad the Robot dude is changing because I was SOOO done with him.. Hopefully he will continue to do so. But volume 7 almost made me cry and I don't like all these feels. Everything is about to come to an end! Only a few left...

Saga Volume 6 by, Brian K Vaughan

4 Stars!!!  “I mean I know diversity is an overused word these days, but without it, what would we be?”  Another one in the books! Still highly addictive and amazing. It’s so good even the details of the characters over the course of the books, and timeline- you can notice their older features and weight difference. It’s bloody brilliant! It wouldn’t matter if you followed the story.. the illustrations are so unique and detailed enough that it holds its own in this series. Few more to go! Not looking forward to this wild ride ending :(

Saga Volume 5 by, Brian K Vaughan

4 Stars!!!  And the “saga”, that is Saga... continues!!! Another great installment to this crazy addictive graphic novel series! Action packed, you have no time to be bored- with twists and turns after every flip of the page. I can’t help but be invested at this point!! Volume 5 is in the books! Bring on # 6.

Saga Volume 3 by Brian K Vaughan

4 Stars!!!  The craziness continues in volume 3. With tremendous character growth, and more of a look into our character backgrounds, the plot only continues to thicken. This installment will have you shedding a couple tears, and wanting to scream a little. I’m impressed at the authors ability to continue to keep my attention with this series. It gives me all the feels and satisfies my illustrations thirst! Not sure I want this to end.

Mortal Engines by, Philip Reeve

                          

3 stars!!  🌟🌟🌟 I loved the idea of this book so much and wanted to love it. It was very creative and unique, but I found it hard to stay engaged. I had trouble connecting with the characters and an even harder time imagining this world as a whole. There were certain things I really liked about it and other things that fell flat for me. I'm not sure I will continue with the series, but I am glad it was made into a movie. Maybe once I see it come to life, I will want to continue with it at a later time.

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

                            

5 Stars!!!  🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Every story needs its hero. And its villain. And its monster.” Well Chums.. what a fantastic end to an amazing ⬛️ing series! The illuminae files have been one of the most unique and fun series I have ever read. I am not usually a fan of sci-fi but with the style being so different, and with so much going on with the characters, I hardly had time to worry with the sci-fi aspect of it. I really enjoyed seeing all the OG's work together as a team in this one. Marie Lu did a phenomenal job on the illustrations used in the book. They were ⬛️ing amazing and such an added bonus. My absolute favorite part of this series is the format. They are the coolest physical books in the whole ⬛️ verse' :)

The Library at Mount Char by, Scott Hawkins

5 WTF did I just read?? Stars!!! 

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“It’s the notion that the universe is structured in such a way that no matter how many mysteries you solve, there is always a deeper mystery behind it.”

Crickets... Literally hearing crickets as I stare off into the void of nothingness trying to collect what fragments of my brain still exists after this Cluster-Fuq of a book.



Lets play a game...



NEVER have I EVER read a book like this. Im not sure there are words to describe how Weird - ODD and confusing this gem was. I'm a little perplexed to say the least. It is the most thought provoking book I probably have ever read. It is also one of those types of books you basically never stop thinking about.

The Library at Mount Char is exceptionally dark, twisted and philosophical. WARNING- Your brain may actually hurt a little and maybe even turn into MUSH as you read it (mine did)!



I'm not even sure I can review or explain this book its just something you'll have to read on your own. I guess Hawkins says it best when he describes it as exploring the dysfunctional family aspect of the Greek Gods with a little modern age and horror mixed in. Its dysfunctional for SURE. The characters are brilliant and very unique. Carolyn the MC of the book, was FABULOUS, intriguing and one thousand percent Psycho. She has quickly become an all time favorite character of mine. (not sure what that says about me but...yeah) OH AND LIONS- I have such a desire to go to the zoo and just talk to the lions...maybe even kidnap one... I think they may be my new favorite animal.



The storyline is absolutely creative and the pace moves consistently and captivates the reader even while you're scratching head. I will say, I am usually a very fast reader-but I had to take breaks while reading this one. I had to take time to think and collect my thoughts. There are also some very graphic scenes that are pretty disturbing, which left me feeling like I needed a minute to digest.



Overall- I loved it... it was confusing as hell and I feel like I fell into a world that made no sense. Kind of like this review... Sadly- I just couldn't stop. It was insanity I tell you....Even the ending had me like....



But honestly- Just do me a favor... read it. Its just one of those books... you just gotta do it - you'll either roll your eyes, flip me off- think I'm crazy or... HOPEFULLY, read it, go insane and then thank me later.

The Dazzling Heights (The Thousandth Floor Book 2) By, Katherin McGee

                        

5 Dazzling Stars!! An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The phrase kept echoing in her mind like cymbals. A fall for a fall, a voice inside her added. Just as twisted and dark as the first book!! I felt every emotion possible reading this one and it was fabulous!! There are a couple new characters this go round and they brought something totally new to the atmosphere of this world. The author did an amazing job of keeping this story just as manipulating and conniving as the first. Some of the characters from the first book that I wanted to see get a heavy dose of HELL... I somehow ended up sympathizing and liking in this one... Crazy right?!?! Kudos to McGee for keeping the drama going!! I am so excited and sad to read the last of the trilogy! I feel a book hangover in the near future :(

The Thousandth Floor (Book 1) by, Katherine McGee

                       

5 **Binge Worthy** Stars!!!  🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “They say that before death, people’s lives flash before their eyes. But as the ground rushed ever faster toward her, the girl could think only of the past few hours, the path she’d taken that ended here." Well I don't know what I was expecting when I picked this up but... I certainly didn't expect what I got either. From the very first page I was in for the long haul. The prologue got me... HOOK LINE AND SINKER. This book was FUN and 100% book crack for me... others may call it a guilty pleasure. Regardless.. It was addicting. It was dramatic and dark and absolutely delicious. It was futuristic and FULL (and I mean FULLLL) of extremely interesting concepts. I feel like the author did an excellent job of coming up with the futuristic tech that is used in the story. The story follows a group of characters each with their own POV. They were … well I cant even tell you if I liked any of them to be honest. There were maybe 2 that I actually cared about. Each of them had their own issues, but we get to look inside them and see all their thoughts and the darkness that lies beneath. The pace was perfection- It moved so quickly that I was shocked how fast I got to the half way point and then to the end. The writing was pretty good but that's not what this one was about for me. It was the consistent pace and the way that I just couldn't put it down. The twists and turns the OMG AND WTFRAPPPP moments. Also the shock factor- If I read a mystery I don't want to be figuring it out at the half way point and this one, I didn't get until about 5 minutes before the reveal which was awesome. There is so much to be said but honestly, I feel like everyone should really go into this one blind. You will either love or hate it. Don't judge me :P Three words. Eight letters. I LOVED IT!