Book Review: Toward A Secret Sky by Heather Maclean

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Toward A Secret Sky

Author: Heather Maclean
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Released: April 4 2017
Review Source: Blink

Shortly after 17-year-old Maren Hamilton is orphaned and sent to live with grandparents she’s never met in Scotland, she receives an encrypted journal from her dead mother that makes her and everyone around her a target. It confirms that her parents were employed by a secret, international organization that’s now intent on recruiting her. As Maren works to unravel the clues left behind by her mother, a murderous madness sweeps through the local population, terrorizing her small town. Maren must decide if she’ll continue her parents’ fight or stay behind to save her friends.

With the help of Gavin, an otherworldly mercenary she’s not supposed to fall in love with, and Graham, a charming aristocrat who is entranced with her, Maren races against the clock and around the country from palatial estates with twisted labyrinths to famous cathedrals with booby-trapped subterranean crypts to stay ahead of the enemy and find a cure. Along the way, she discovers the great truth of love: that laying down your life for another isn’t as hard as watching them sacrifice everything for you.

Toward A Secret Sky is about a girl who just lost her mother to only find out that it wasn't because of natural or earthly causes. There's more to the story than she realizes, yet she's still stuck in her grief before she realizes what is taking place.

This book is set in Scotland, which I absolutely loved. I am someone who wants to travel and this book made me feel as though I had traveled to Scotland. Maclean's writing was so descriptive that it really made you feel as though you were in Scotland, and it made you feel as though you were experiencing the whole story as if it were happening to you. While this is great it did make the description of the food a bit disgusting. While I'd love to go to Scotland I've realized that I wouldn't love their food.

This story did not grip me as well as I would've hoped. I had assumed that I would be hooked since page 1, and that I'd be thrown into the story right away. I feel as though the denouement just didn't grip me as well as I would've hoped. The action of the story happened too late into the book. The build up of the characters and the arc of the story was long drawn for me and made me feel as though the book were too long in the long run. I'm also not sure if this was because of my age. Weird thing to say, I know. But I've realized that if the writing is more attuned to a certain age level - like preteen or midteen - then I lose interest fast. Don't get me wrong I love Young Adult novels. But for some reason a certain writing style within YA will make me lose interest quick.

Book Review: The Other F-Word by Natasha Friend

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The Other F-Word
Author: Natasha Friend
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date:  March 7th 2017
Review Source: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

A fresh, humorous, and timely YA novel about two teens conceived via in vitro fertilization who go in search for answers about their donor.

Milo has two great moms, but he's never known what it's like to have a dad. When Milo's doctor suggests asking his biological father to undergo genetic testing to shed some light on Milo's extreme allergies, he realizes this is a golden opportunity to find the man he's always wondered about.

Hollis's mom Leigh hasn't been the same since her other mom, Pam, passed away seven years ago. But suddenly, Leigh seems happy—giddy, even—by the thought of reconnecting with Hollis's half-brother Milo. Hollis and Milo were conceived using the same sperm donor. They met once, years ago, before Pam died.

Now Milo has reached out to Hollis to help him find their donor. Along the way, they locate three other donor siblings, and they discover the true meaning of the other F-word: family. 

The Other F-Word is a story of two sperm donor babies who share the same biological father going on a journey to find him. They learn to grow with one another and they learn that family is really all you need.

This story is such a good concept. I loved it. It was adorable and sweet.The fruition of the concept was what got me. I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped I would. I felt like the writing was too teenage-ish for me. The writing and the language just did not grip me and for that I gave it this low rating.

Book Review: Life Just Got Real by Sadie Robertson

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Life Just Got Real
Author: Sadie Robertson
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genres: Contemporary | Realistic Fiction
Released: June 7th 2016
Review Source: Howard Books

From Dancing with the Stars runner-up and Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson comes a fun novel about two teenage girls from different backgrounds and opposite lifestyles who discover there is more to friendship than meets the eye.

Sixteen-year-old A.J. Smith, born and raised in backwoods Tennessee, loves nothing more than repairing broken cars with her father and hanging out with her brothers and their friends. Not far away in the busy city of Nashville, Kate Kelly is always dressed in the latest fashion, wearing clothes from her mother’s boutique and jetting around the world with her father.

When A.J. starts going to the school Kate attends, they instantly dislike each other. But as the year progresses, Kate’s brother Val is drawn to A.J., and when prom comes around, he asks her to be his date—much to his sister’s displeasure. But Kate has bigger things to think about, including the reality show Real Life. Everyone says the show is her chance to make it big. But then the producers decide to bring A.J. into the show.

As the producers of Real Life try to stir up the drama, Kate’s idea of the perfect prom spins out of control. When Kate’s life goes disastrously wrong, it is A.J. who steps up to help—no questions asked. A friendship between the two girls just might grow—but only if they both live original and stay true to whom God made them to be.

In Life Just Got Real Sadie Robertson inspires teens to find the value God has placed inside us all and to live with confidence and purpose in a very complicated world.

This book follows the stories of AJ and Katie. Both juniors in High school not realizing how close their opposite lives are about to get.

Katie is the daughter of a big-time businessman and a successful boutique owning mother. She’s polished, academically accomplished, and heavily involved in school. She’s had what most people would describe as an easy life, though she puts a lot of stress on herself. Contrasting that, we have AJ. Originally from Louisiana, AJ has grown up covered in car grease from her late father’s mechanics shop and being one of the guys being raised alongside two older brothers.

After her father’s death, AJ, her mother, and brothers move to Tennessee. This is where she meets Katie. At this same time, Katie’s father is sealing a deal with a company to film a reality show in her high school.

Through AJ’s differing character, her blossoming relationship with Katie’s brother, and the new perspective she adds to the community, she is cast to be a member of the reality show. However, this was not without a battle.

It was nice to read about AJ’s romantic relationship with Katie’s brother and how she was so aware of herself and her emotions throughout. It was also interesting to see just how vastly she differed from Katie. This book was set up so each chapter was from the point of view of either Katie or AJ so the reader could get first person dialogue from the main characters.

The book was an easy read, the storyline was just a little young for me. I would recommend this book to a young girl between 11 and 13 years old. The conversations being held and the overall plot wasn’t anything necessarily new or reinvented.

Book Review: Unscripted Joss Byrd by Lygia Day Penaflor

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Unscripted Joss Byrd
Author: Lygia Day Penaflor
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: August 23 2016
Review Source: Roaring Brook Press

Hollywood critics agree. Joss Byrd is "fiercely emotional," a young actress with "complete conviction," and a "powerhouse."

Joss Byrd is America's most celebrated young actress, but on the set of her latest project, a gritty indie film called The Locals, Joss's life is far from glamorous. While struggling with her mother's expectations, a crush on her movie brother, and a secret that could end her career, Joss must pull off a performance worthy of a star. When her renowned, charismatic director demands more than she is ready to deliver, Joss must go off-script to stay true to herself.

Joss is what some people call an average teenager. That is if you can call acting average. Having stared in a few things already she feels as if she's prepared for her role on the indie film The Locals. But times start to get trying, and it only seems as if things aren't easy to handle.

This book was actually very difficult for me to take in. I want to work in this industry that this book sheds a light on. I want to be an editor, so it isn't anything like acting. But the industry is one and the same. I know the hardships and the trials that accompany this field. But to read about it and be in the character's shoes - especially a teenage actor - it makes me cringe.

Showbiz isn't glamorous. Yes Hollywood makes it out to be. But when you get down to the nitty-gritty of it, it's tough work. My first day on a set I worked for almost 24 hours straight. Mind you this was an unpaid gig too. I was just doing it to get my foot in the door. And this was what I did as someone who wants to be an editor...not even an actress. I saw the strain that put on the performers. And I couldn't imagine teenagers doing it.

This then makes you wonder and think about all those Disney child stars...about all the dramatic TV shows we love that are on ABC Family/Freeform or The CW. And it makes you wonder about their performers and stars. What their life is like. What they go through. We see things from green pastures. This book makes you see it from the other side.

It's a great story, and probably one that would interest a lot of readers. But for someone who has goals and inspirations to being in the industry being shown in the story, it's a tough book to read.

Book Review: The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You by Lily Anderson

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The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You
Author: Lily Anderson
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: May 17 2016
Review Source: St. Martin's Griffin

Trixie Watson has two very important goals for senior year: to finally save enough to buy the set of Doctor Who figurines at the local comic books store, and to place third in her class and knock Ben West--and his horrendous new mustache that he spent all summer growing--down to number four.

Trixie will do anything to get her name ranked over Ben's, including give up sleep and comic books--well, maybe not comic books--but definitely sleep. After all, the war of Watson v. West is as vicious as the Doctor v. Daleks and Browncoats v. Alliance combined, and it goes all the way back to the infamous monkey bars incident in the first grade. Over a decade later, it's time to declare a champion once and for all.

The war is Trixie's for the winning, until her best friend starts dating Ben's best friend and the two are unceremoniously dumped together and told to play nice. Finding common ground is odious and tooth-pullingly-painful, but Trixie and Ben's cautious truce slowly transforms into a fandom-based tentative friendship. When Trixie's best friend gets expelled for cheating and Trixie cries foul play, however, they have to choose who to believe and which side they're on--and they might not pick the same side.

A story about finding common ground with anyone. While we're all different, and while we might despise certain people, it's more worth it to find that common ground than to put forth energy towards that hate. Especially since you don't know where that could lead you.

I thought this story was a cute one. I related to Trixie because I consider myself a nerd. I love comic books, super heroes, Dr. Who. Basically anything to fangirl over is something that I tend to gravitate towards. And because of that I could relate to Trixie.

While I found this enjoyable - I also found that this was a story I had just read. This is my fault. I read this book while reading another book with some similar plot points. Such as nerdy girl fighting to be herself. While this one was different, it did feel similar. The writing did take me back to my high school days, I felt as though I was one of the students among Trixie and her friends - which means Anderson did a great job with her words.

Book Review: How It Ends by Catherine Lo

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How It Ends
Author: Catherine Lo
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: June 7, 2016
Review Source: HMH Books for Young Readers

There are two sides to every story.

It’s friends-at-first-sight for Jessie and Annie, proving the old adage that opposites attract. Shy, anxious Jessie would give anything to have Annie’s beauty and confidence. And Annie thinks Jessie has the perfect life, with her close-knit family and killer grades. They're BFFs…until suddenly they're not.

Told through alternating points of view, How It Ends is a wildly fast but deeply moving read about a friendship in crisis. Set against a tumultuous sophomore year of bullying, boys and backstabbing, the novel shows what can happen when friends choose assumptions and fear over each other.

A book that brings to life the realistic ebbs and flows of friendship. Most friends go through tough times, and obviously through happy times, and this book brings that to life. A debut novel that showcases two friends' sophomore year in high school and what happens when they go against their friendship.

Jessie and Annie are two friends, and as everyone in friendships - assume it will last forever. When things start turning south Jessie and Annie start to turn away from one another. This book makes you feel all the emotions that these two characters go through.

Having gone through the ups and downs of friendship myself I felt a real connection to this book. It was heartfelt and endearing. This book puts you in the shoes of the two friends, gives you each side of the story, and lets you feel all the feelings that is wrapped up in this book.

Book Review: Wicked Love by Michelle A. Valentine

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Wicked Love
Wicked White #3
Author: Michelle A. Valentine
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: May 31st 2016
Review Source: Montlake Romance | NetGalley

All Tyler Mercer wanted was to make music—until he met Avery Jenson. The beautiful new girl in town turned his head and struck a chord in his heart. But when their one night of passion results in devastating tragedy, Tyler hits the road, leaving behind his dead-end hometown and the girl he knows he’ll never forget.

After her father was caught embezzling, Avery’s comfortable life in the city was blown to bits. But meeting Tyler helped to pick up the pieces and eased her into country living. She just never expected the handsome musician would add to her heartbreak by walking away without a backward glance.

Now, three years later, rock star Tyler’s come back, hat in hand. He’s found fame and fortune as a member of Wicked White, but it’s all worth nothing without Avery’s love. Can she forgive him for leaving when she needed him most? Or will the ghost of their past keep them apart?

This is the first book I have read in the Wicked White series.  This book can be read as a stand-alone.  I have read Michelle A. Valentine’s books before and have LOVED them, however, I didn’t love this book.

The book starts out strong with Avery finding out her boyfriend has been cheating and her plans to destroy his car, Carrie Underwood “Before he Cheats” style.  She ends up having a change of heart and is stranded by her “friends/sorority sisters” because they didn’t get a dramatic show.  In comes a sexy mysterious stranger, Tyler, to give her a ride home.  When we meet Avery we find out that her whole world is crumbling.  On top of the cheating boyfriend, her dad loses his well-paid job due to getting mixed up in some white collar crimes.  Then, to add salt to the injury, her mother leaves them because she doesn’t want to give up her VERY comfortable, lavish lifestyle.  The final straw for Avery is when she goes to a frat party and is kicked out of her sorority for not “fitting in” with their financial status anymore.  Tyler sees the confrontation because he is a drummer in the band playing at the party.  Due to all of these circumstances Avery and her Dad pack up and move to a “whole in the wall” town to live with her grandma.  Low and behold, Tyler is also from said tiny town.

Tyler makes a promise to his dying dad to basically take a vow of celibacy and to get out of the small town to try and make his dreams as a famous musician become a reality.  Even though Tyler initially seems very adamant that he won’t sleep with Avery, they end up breaking that vow very soon after he explains it to her.  Additional tragedy strikes and takes the couple down different paths for a while.

The good:  I like that it was in dual POVs, mostly speaking from Avery’s POV.  I like the strong start to the story.  I like some of the romantic scenes.

My problems with the story:  It felt very predictable yet unrealistic at the same time.  I did not like the insta love between the main characters, it felt rushed and I didn’t feel fully connected to either of them as a couple.  The spark just wasn’t there for me.  I didn’t feel the writing flowed like Michelle’s other stories.  I realllllllllllly didn’t like how quickly they made amends after so much angst and heart ache.  As a reader, I have to feel the character that messes up, pays for their mistakes adequately.  Tyler got off WAYYYYYY too easy.  I didn’t feel justice was served, so to speak.

In the end, I really wanted to love this story but it fell a little short for me.

Book Review: Heir To The Sky by Amanda Sun

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Heir To The Sky
Author: Amanda Sun
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Released: April 26 2016
Review Source: Harlequin TEEN

As heir to a kingdom of floating continents, Kali has spent her life bound by limits—by her duties as a member of the royal family; by a forced betrothal to the son of a nobleman; and by the edge of the only world she’s ever known—a small island hovering above a monster-ridden earth, long since uninhabited by humans. She is the Eternal Flame of Hope for what’s left of mankind, the wick and the wax burning in service for her people, and for their revered Phoenix, whose magic keeps them aloft.

When Kali falls off the edge of her kingdom and miraculously survives, she is shocked to discover there are still humans on the earth. Determined to get home, Kali entrusts a rugged monster-hunter named Griffin to guide her across a world overrun by chimera, storm dragons, basilisks, and other terrifying beasts. But the more time she spends on earth, the more dark truths she begins to uncover about her home in the sky, and the more resolute she is to start burning for herself.

Kali is a princess who would much rather be like every other person. She wants less responsibilities and she wants to live her life her way. She doesn't want to be forced to married certain people and she would much rather be a young adventurous girl. But her destiny is to be the Eternal Flame of Hope for her kingdom. When she falls off the edge of her world she is amazed at the fact that Earth is still Earth and not at all what she believed it to be.

While this book had me hooked it was a slow read. I enjoyed the story, but it took me forever to actually finish. I'm not completely sure why; I know that Sun described things in great detail so maybe that is what dragged the story for me. But sometimes the descriptions were nice and necessary.

An interesting story, for sure. A part of the world get's ripped away and flown into the air. To then have a kingdom come to be on this little piece of land in the air, where the people are taught that human's and what Earth once was is now extinct. To find out that all of that is a farce.

While the story could've been a good one, it didn't grip me. I wish she had fallen off the edge of her kingdom sooner than she had. Of course I understand why she didn't, but I really wish we had just jumped right into that part of the story.

Book Review: Descent by Tara A. Fuller

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Descent
Kissed by Death #3

Author: Tara A. Fuller
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal | Romance | Fantasy
Released: June 3, 2015
Review Source: Entangled Teen | Netgalley

Easton doesn’t believe in love. He believes in Death. Darkness. Sin. As a reaper for Hell, it’s all he’s known for over four hundred years. When he gets slapped with the job of training the boss’s daughter, an angel who knows nothing but joy, he knows he’s in for a world of trouble.

Though he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with her outside of work, Gwen would do anything to get closer to the dark and wounded reaper—even taint her angelic image and join the ranks of her father’s team of reapers. But in all her planning, she forgot to factor in one thing—how far the demons Easton doomed to hell would go to get revenge.

When the dangers of the Hell threaten Gwen, Easton will do whatever it takes to save her. But as the darkness closes in on them both, will he be able to save himself?

Descent is a story of forbidden love between an angel and a reaper. Easton is a 400-year-old reaper doesn't believe in happiness or love or anything of the sort. Gwen is a 17-year old angel who's naive, sweet and everything Easton isn't. They were an interesting pairing. Easton was a broken man, and despite how much it's sad to see, but I love a broke character. They make things much more interesting, don't you think? And Gwen was just what he needed, someone to light a flame in his heart.

I didn't have the build up of anticipation for Easton's book like most readers did because this is the first book I've read from the series. As always, I prefer reading the whole series because you get the whole background, but it was a great stand alone novel.There wasn't a time where I felt as if I was missing out on anything.

The beautiful cover was there, the gripping storyline was there...but the execution wasn't. Emotionally it was a let down. Descent was very one dimensional, the surface was great but if you wanted anything deeper there wasn't another level. It's frustrating, because it had a great storyline and as I was reading I could see the potential.

It was a short fast-paced novel which made it easy to read in one sitting (which I just love), and I enjoyed very much that we got both sides of the good and bad sides of the scale with Easton and Gwen. If you're partial to fast growing love, angels and reapers and quick reads, then you'll like this one.