Review: Harken, by Kaleb Nation

Title: Harken (Harken, #1)

Author: Kaleb Nation

Publication Date: January 9th, 2013

Genre: YA Fantasy (Supernatural)

After surviving an assassination attempt, teenager Michael Asher discovers that he is at the center of a worldwide conspiracy reaching higher than any earthly power. A supernatural organization desperately wants him dead. He doesn't know why. Everyone who might have the answers has already been killed.

Tumbling into a web of international secrets, Michael is forced to fight back and dig up the truth. He begins to question how much of the world is truly as people are led to believe it is. Are there things that humanity is not being told? Who is the puppet master? And how far into the maze can he venture before he is lost forever? - Goodreads

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

For those of you who have still not read this, and/or are a bit hesitant about reading it, READ it. Now. *commanding voice* You will not regret it.

Kaleb, let me just say, you are a genius. Your writing is spectacular, and the plot was, to say the least, heart-stopping and packed with action. This book had an air of suspense and mystery that really kept my interest intact as I was reading Harken. And when an author manages to make me shed a tear or two from the immense connection I feel towards the characters of said book, that is a huge factor in my opinion as to whether I liked, loved, or disliked a book. Which is why I say this with utmost certainty, I loved this book.

Now, there are only a handful of YA action books out there that can be classified as "good" action books. Harken is one of those select few. Well, that and Alex Rider, but that's a whole different topic.

Here is my brilliantly constructed equation for what I believes makes an undeniably amazing action book:

Conspiracy theories + Heart-stopping action scenes + Supernatural beings + Supernatural abilities= PURE AMAZING-NESS

The pacing in this novel was impeccably crafted. The beginning sucks you into the world of Michael Asher. Then, BOOM. Nonstop action thrown at you for the rest of the book. I love, love, loved how all the pieces fit together in a satisfying way by the end of the book.

What really stood out for me in this book is Michael Asher's character. He felt so real. I could feel his emotions, understand his actions and why he chose to do them. Although I didn't always agree with his choices -which is not necessarily a bad thing- I still understood his rationale, why he did so-and-so. That is what made him such a great character -the author made it easy for us, as readers, to connect with him.

Also, the protectiveness he displayed toward his family was a very admirable trait. It felt very genuine. I knew he loved his family, since the author did a good job of showing this. This trait made me respect Michael, and really made him that much easier to relate to.

Usually, in the Young Adult genre, the main character has these faithful companions. These particular companions do not have any notable qualities that set them apart from the main character. I guess the right way to say this is that they don't have individuality. The supporting characters in Harken -Callista and Thad- do not suffer from this quality that makes the characters themselves seem insignificant and flat in comparison to the protagonist. They don't follow and agree with every single thing their leader says or does like two loyal puppies. Of course, they support him, but they do not unquestionably follow him.

The author provides us with background information on Thad and Callista, and this really makes these characters easier to understand, and sets them apart.

Lately, I have come across countless villains that are pathetically lame. There was not anything that made them seem evil to me. For the villains in Harken, that was not the case. They had qualities that were terrifying, and they were twisted, evil people with malicious intents. I also understood their motives. Not that they were good motives, but they explained a load about the plot-line. We were told the reasons why they were doing something, and that they didn't do things just for the heck of it.

I cannot fathom how I am supposed to wait for the next book. I truly feel this uncontrollable need to know what occurs next. I'm hoping that I don't die of excitement when I get my hands on that book.

Review: Across the Universe, by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)
Author: Beth Revis
Publication Date: January 11, 2011
Genre: YA science fiction

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

My Rating: 5/5 stars

I have been searching for an awesome science fiction that is mind-blowingly cool. My search is over.

Everything about this book was brilliant. I think I adored this so much because it is about a subject in science that is so interesting.

I have read few sci-fi books in the past, but I don't think any of them would be on my favorites list. I don't know; they were missing something, and fell short in my opinion. Because of my past with science fiction books, I was rather reluctant to pick this one up. I am so glad I did. Across the Universe is right on the mark, having every component necessary to make it the best of science fiction books.

It did take me a few attempts to actually get engaged into the novel, as the beginning didn't exactly pull me in. But, as the story progressed, I started to feel more connected to the characters and their story.

I just want to make something clear, but this is not is a romance novel. I am unsure as to why the synopsis makes it seem to be about "love" and "romance", but in all reality, it is a largely dystopian/ science fiction book. There is a hint of romance, but to say that it is a full-on romance book is inaccurate.

Some may complain about the relationship between Elder and Amy in this book, and claim that Elder fell head-over-heels for Amy before he even got to know her. I don't believe that Elder had so much interest for Amy because he had romantic feelings for her, but because he felt curiosity. He had never seen anyone like her in his life, so naturally, it is to be expected that he would feel curious about her.

I am not sure if the author intended to write a romance book, or she just wanted Elder and Amy to be friends, so I will just give my opinion on both scenarios:

1. The author sucks at writing romance.
OR
2. There isn't supposed to be that type of connection between the two main characters.

If it was number 1, then the author did horrible at executing it. That was the awkwardest, most forced relationship I have ever read about. Or, if it was number 2, then I would have no problem with how the author made their friendship. I, personally, believe that the author meant for it to be number 2, and that she wanted them to gradually grow fond of each other through the series.

Now, as individual characters, Amy and Elder were very realistic and three-dimensional. Truthfully, I thought Eldest was the most well-written character in the book. He wasn't likable, but he was a very strong character.

At first, I was completely against Elder for what he did, which was revealed to us at the end. After much thought, I began to understand why he did what he chose to do.

Some people might steer clear of this book, worried that they will get a lesson on science-related stuff instead of an enjoyable read. Before I began this book, I was reluctant about it. I will assure you, however, that this book did not have an information overload at all. Rather, the author gradually revealed to us this information, giving the book a suspenseful feel.

That being said, this book was packed with details and descriptions. Normally, I would have given up on this book if there was way too many details and not enough action, but the author managed to make a balance between the two.

When I read this book, it was clear that the plot was very well thought out. It was complex, and probably took the author a while to actually get the general idea of the plot together. In all honesty, I wish that all books in the YA genre were like this.

If you are a geek like me, and enjoy science-related things, then you will, more likely than not, love this book.

Waiting on Wednesday #4: And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: And the Mountains Echoed
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Publication Date: May 21, 2013
Genre: Historical Fiction

An unforgettable novel about finding a lost piece of yourself in someone else.

Khaled Hosseini, the #1 New York Times –bestselling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, has written a new novel about how we love, how we take care of one another, and how the choices we make resonate through generations. In this tale revolving around not just parents and children but brothers and sisters, cousins and caretakers, Hosseini explores the many ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honor, and sacrifice for one another; and how often we are surprised by the actions of those closest to us, at the times that matter most. Following its characters and the ramifications of their lives and choices and loves around the globe—from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek island of Tinos—the story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and powerful with each turning page. -Barnes & Noble

I have heard nothing but great things about all of Khaled Hosseini's works. Although I haven't yet read any of his books, I do plan on reading them, and am enthusiastic to start this one as soon as it comes out (in almost two months!).

Top Ten Tuesday #3: Top Ten Books At The Top Of My Spring 2013 TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Oh, gosh. I have, like, a bajillion books on my spring 2013 TBR list. For the next month or so, I will probably be concentrating on books that have been on my to-read list for a while, which is why I haven't included any books in this list that actually come out in spring. 

1. The Mark of Athena, by Rick Riordan

 2. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You, by Ally Carter

 3. Delirium, by Lauren Oliver

 4. The Selection, by Kiera Cass

 5. Unearthly, by Cynthia Hand

 6. Nightshade, by Andrea Cremer

 7. The Immortal Rules, by Julie Kagawa

8. Anna Dressed in Blood, by Kendare Blake

 9. Cinder, by Marissa Meyer

10. Wither, by Lauren DeStefano 

***Book banners were obtained from I'm Loving Books***

Review: Everbound, by Brodi Ashton

Title: Everbound (Everneath, #2)

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publication Date: January 22, 2013

Genre: YA Mythology

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

My Rating: 3/5 stars

I was so close to giving this book 2 stars, but just because Cole is awesome, I shall give it 3.

No. Just, no. I did not like this book. Period. I think its because I despised Nikki, but I just wasn't feeling it for this book.

You know what? Honestly, I don't know how Cole dealt with Nikki. Her memories of Jack integrated into the story were cute at first, but then it turned into plain corny. Corny to the point where it got really agitating.

Her obsession with Jack was a little creepy. Ya, he got sucked into the Underworld or wherever the hell he went, but come on. I get so angry when a female protagonist is unable to function without her boyfriend. They don't care about their family or their friends, they just become detached from everything. The only "friend" she had was that lady that was a part of the Daughters of Persephone thing (I forgot her name), and that was only out of her selfishness and desperation to find Jack.

And that "Hands" scene at the end. That was unbelievably stupid. Was that supposed to be the "climax"? Because all it did was make me yawn from boredom and its lame-ness.

That ending just baffled me. You know how an author usually drops little hints throughout the story, otherwise known as foreshadowing? Well, this author basically shoved the information at us at the last minute. Which, naturally, angered me and confused me at the same time.

I don't like the way Nikki views Cole. She didn't seem grateful at all that he was going with her to the Everneath on a dangerous journey. She acted like he was obligated to do so. I mean, at least have the manners to say "Thanks" for all the crap she put him through. And another thing. She never considers things from his perspective. She automatically assumes he is a "bad guy". Have some empathy, girl.

I feel like there wasn't enough dialogue between the charcters. Yes, there was dialogue between Cole and Nikki and Nikki and Will, but that's about it. She did not interact with anyone else, and if she did, it was very minimal. As a result of this, we learned very little about the secondary characters- that I thought were pretty important. Like Ashe and Max, for example.

The fact that I finished this book in a day and that the author managed to keep me reading is a good sign, which is why I gave this book 3 stars. But, Nikki was just way too annoying and selfish, and everything about her was unlikable.

Cole is a different story- I am almost positive that he is the reason why I kept reading.

Excuse me while I continuously ponder why Cole wants to spend all eternity with this unbearable character. Cole, you can do better than that.

Review: Incarnate, by Jodi Meadows (Newsoul #1)

Title: Incarnate (Newsoul #1)

Author: Jodi Meadows

Publication Date: January 31, 2012

Genre: YA fantansy/dystopia

New soul

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul

Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart

Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

My Rating: 4/5 stars

This story is a refreshing tale about reincarnation, and the author handled the topic very well. 

Everything was flawless in this book. The plot was intriguing without being too complicated, and Jodi Meadow's writing style is lovely. And that gorgeous cover!

The only problem I had with this book was Ana. What a confusing character. One second she would be a fearless fighter, and the next second she would go cower in a corner and start whining. I understand that the author was trying to make this out as a character flaw, and give her room to develop throughout the span of this series, but still. No one is like that; the way she acted one second contradicted what she did the next second. I guess I should call them mood swings, but I don't think that is the correct phrase to use to describe how she acted. 

I can't get over how beautiful the author's writing is. Her lyrical prose and the way she phrases things is so brilliant. It's definitely one of the shining points of this novel. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

“He held on to me like I was a rock, the only thing keeping him from drifting out with the tide of dark memories."

“My heart wasn't big enough to hold everything I felt, but I couldn't bear the thought of asking him to wait while I caught up.”

“I was an afterthought, five thousand years later. A mistake, because Ciana was gone. I was the dissonant note on the end of a masterpiece symphony. I was the brushstroke that ruined the painting.”

“I closed my eyes during a flute solo, wishing I could wrap the silvery sound around me like armor.”

Sam was, hands down, my absolute favorite character in this book. Being the sweet and shy guy he was, I liked him from the start.

Something that I wish the author did was give us more information on Menehem. He was a very important character, and I, for one, wanted more background info to get to know him better.

If you want a spell-binding, compelling read, you need to read this book. Incarnation is a very interesting concept, and if the author improves on Ana's character a bit more in the books to come, this series would be a spectacular  read.

Waiting On Wednesday: Dark Triumph, by Robin LaFevers

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine

Title: Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2)
Author: Robin LaFevers
Publication Date: April 2nd, 2012

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.

The first book, Grave Mercy, was so breathtakingly heart-stopping that it made me need this second book! I'm hoping it will be as good as the first. *crosses fingers*