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Lisa:

Cover

I was asked to review the audio book of The Sea of Tranquility, so I haven’t seen the cover in person. I don’t think it’s far to judge something I haven’t seen with my own eyes.

Characters

The characters in The Sea of Tranquility were real. When I say that I mean they had depth. Both of the main characters have things in their lives that they are dealing with, just like every one of us does. If you’ve gone through something similar, these two characters are easy to relate to. And I liked that.

I didn’t connect with the secondary characters as much but I do have friends and know people from school who were very comparable.

Favorite

I can easily say my favorite characters were Josh and Nastya. Both seem broken, and both seem to be what the other one needs to fix themselves. While the reader doesn’t really know what happened to Nastya throughout most of the book, Josh is dealing with death. The death of his mother and sister, losing his father with them, and even his grandfather during the story.

 

Least Favorite

At first I thought that my least favorite character would be Josh’s best friend (if you can even call him that), Drew. He seemed like a douche bag, who sleeps with every girl. But throughout the story the reader gets to learn much more about him and that completely changed my mind.

Now that Drew is out of the way, my new least favorite would have to be Nastya’s mom. She just doesn’t seem understanding or supportive of her at all. That’s what being a mom is, and she isn’t doing a very good job at it.

Beginning

Nastya is the new girl, but she isn’t just any new girl. She dresses in short, tight and all black clothes. She doesn’t speak, and no one really knows why. She is now living with her aunt, and trying to start over.

Josh is living on his own now, and would rather be alone than be surround by others or loved ones.

Josh has never had a real conversation with Nastya (not just because she doesn’t speak) because he hasn’t been around her for very long. That is, until Drew drops herat his house intoxicated in the middle of night. Josh is pissed, and has no idea what to do with her.

Middle

Josh is dealing with his feelings for Nastya, he doesn’t really know what to do, or say to her, because he’s never felt this way before.

Nastya is completely embarrassed that Josh had to see and take care of her that night. Things are awkward, and she doesn’t know what to do.

End

Throughout the home stretch of the book, the reader gets to experience Josh and Nastya’s “relationship” grow closer. Just like Josh, we don’t know anything about her past and what event happened that seems to have changed her forever. But the reader does get to see small glimpses of visions Nastya has, reminding her of one of the worst nights in her life. The ending is heart wrenching, and had me in tears! Absolutely lovely and beautiful!

Overall Thoughts

The Sea of Tranquility was given to me for an honest review and that’s exactly what I’m here to give. I’m sad to say that the synopsis for this book does the story absolutely no justice. I fell in love with the characters and all the crap they were dealing with right away. I enjoyed the way both seemed down to earth, didn’t care what others had to say, and didn’t make snap decisions like most teenagers would. The synopsis captures none of this. The synopsis almost makes it seems like a boy who likes to be by himself is bugged by a weird girl, until he falls in love with her. But it’s not like that at all.

Josh is quiet but sweet, and really cares for her. Nastya is silent, calm, and cares a lot for Josh as well. I felt that there were so many great aspects in this story that the synopsis just didn’t explain.

 

Krista:

Cover

I think that the cover is pretty basic. As the story really focuses on the main characters of Josh and Nastya it does fit the story. I did enjoy the fact that they included the ice cream on the cover.

Characters

Told from two perspectives, Josh and Nastya, both who have experienced different kinds of loss and their emotional reactions to them. When they find each other it becomes a very powerful and emotional story.

Favourite

Josh. He has so much knowledge and for the most part control of his emotions, and extends courtesy to others that is eye opening. I suppose there will be some that consider him boring in comparison to Nastya but I found him comforting.

Least Favourite

Some random characters from her new school that tease her. Not any of the major characters.

Beginning

Nastya has selective mutism. After a life changing experience in her life she has chosen to no longer speak. We learn that she used to have a love for the piano. She hides behind heavy black makeup and skimpy clothes to avoid the other kids at school who find her creepy.

Josh is also quiet, although he does speak aloud, unlike Nastya. But like Nastya he has also experienced the loss of all of his family members and resides alone. He has very few friends and immerses himself in wood-working projects in his garage to pass the time.

Storyline

When Nastya beings to attend the same school as Josh she is immediately noticed by all because of her look.  When she comes across Josh in his garage, she is drawn to his quiet concentration and his place soon becomes a sanctuary for her to escape to. They find a comfort in the fact they just accept each other and don’t ask to many personal questions.

Ending

That comfort eventually becomes stress, the closer they get to each other and as questions do begin to get asked. But Nastya is just not ready to share yet. This will cause several conflicts in the relationships, building into a very powerful and emotional ending.

Thoughts

What I took away from this story was much more than a complicated relationship between Josh and Nastya. They are both very much emotionally broken in their own ways, but they go through a healing process with each other. Each and every character in this book is shown to be broken in some way. Even side characters will eventually have their stories told and will experience growth just by being associated with Josh and Nastya’s story.  I found this a very powerful and emotional story that will stick with me.  A caution for those who may be shocked; there is some sex, drugs, alcohol and strong language.

Quote

“Daylight won’t protect you from anything. Bad things happen all the time; they don’t wait until after dinner”

“There are so many things that can break you if there’s nothing to hold you together.”

 

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After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Hardcover, 457 pages

Published May 7th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile (first published April 7th 2013)

Krista

Cover 

The cover is perfect fitting for the book. It describes a scene in which we are solo wanderers if we want to live, hiding in the forest, travelling at dusk and night is our best chance of survival.

Characters

The story is told from 3 different perspectives and sometimes a 4th. As the characters all get separated into different groups the varied perspectives allows the reader to see what is happening at the same time in different places.

Favourite

Evan is my favorite character. Throughout the novel he had me wondering about what he was hiding. I had a soft spot for him.

Least Favourite

I both liked and disliked Cassie. But she does show growth throughout the novel and I really liked her more in the ending. She is a fighter when it comes down to the people she cares for and her own survival.

Beginning

We jump into the story at the present time and get back story through memories of each of the characters as their POV’s are introduced.

Storyline

After the Aliens have decimated the Earth, humans for the most part are just solo survivors as forming groups is dangerous. When Cassie’s little brother Sammie is taken away by a government group, she decides that she cannot let him go and must rescue him from the camp.

Ending

The story is a build up for the ending. We get to know the characters throughout the story but at the end they all come together. There is a final battle scene that leaves you needing more.

Thoughts

A survival story that when you think about it, is really creepy.When the enemy looks just like you, how do you fight them? It could be a person you’ve known your whole life, your neighbour, your teachers, your family. That is the real backbone to this story and the different perspectives range from younger to teen. I would have loved to see one adult perspective but enjoyed the story as is – romance and danger rolled into one.

Quote

“How do you rid the Earth of humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.”

 

Lisa:

 

 

Cover 

One of the prettiest covers on my bookshelf! There are so many different elements, that truly represent the story inside, and that are just beautiful. What a piece of eye candy! If you tilt the book to the side, you can actually see the rays of sun shine through the branches of the trees.

Characters

There were many interesting characters featured in The 5^Th Wave, and it was compelling to see how these different personalities dealt with what was going on!

Favorite

Cassie and Ben were definitely my favorite characters! Cassie was that butt kicking girl I crave for in books like The 5^th Wave. She matured and grew strong quickly when things started to fall apart. She handled situations much better than I think I would have been able to. When the reader was first introduced to Ben, Cassie was day dreaming about her crush on him. After being in a child military academy Ben was used to hiding his feelings and following orders. But when Cassie’s little brother, Sam who was only five arrived, Ben really opened up to him and took him under his wing. I also thought Sam was tough in his cute baby brother way.

Least Favorite

I didn’t really hate or was even bothered by any of the characters. I felt that each, big or small, personality really made the story. Evan, was kind of mysterious, but also very sweet to Cassie. The Others, that you don’t know who or what they are, but are always there and watching somehow. Each was a component to an amazing story!

Beginning

Millions of people have died, and things are just getting worse and worse. Since the Others have arrived and the first four waves have come, the world seems to be ending. After losing her mother, Cassie is lucky enough to still have her dad and baby brother alive, until they are separated in hopes that they’ll be safer once the fifth wave strikes.

Middle

Cassie is on her search for Sam, but is shot and on the verge of dying. When she finally wakes up, she finds herself in someone else’s bedroom and in bandages. Cassie meets Evan, her saviour, who seems…almost too good to be true.

End

Evan isn’t exactly who he says he is, but decides to help Cassie get her brother back anyways. Cassie sneaks into the child military academy and bumps into Sam. But she also bumps into her high school crush, that I mentioned earlier, who seems to know her brother. Cassie and Sammy are reunited, but things aren’t over yet; the fifth wave hasn’t come!

Overall Thoughts

The 5^th Wave had so much hype when it was first released and I was excited to see what everyone was talking about. And I know I’m going to sound like everyone else, who was screaming on the top of their lungs, but I LOVED THIS BOOK – from the characters, to the actual storyline, and especially the ending! I felt that there was always something around the corner and I’m so excited to see what the next book will be about and how things will go for Cassie and the group!

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Bel:

 

Cover

The cover art is edgy and gritty, but is not my cup of tea. If it’s not yours either, don’t be fooled, give the book a chance!

Characters

I enjoy spending time in the shades of grey in a battle against good and evil.

Favourite

Maggie. Best friends should be made of this. She’s no flake and stands tall even in the face of the scary crap.

Least Favourite

Easy mark this one… Malachi. There just aren’t words for the epicness of his nastiness.

Beginning

Gaby is followed by a strange guy after putting the contents of her dreams on a website.

Storyline

The strange things just keep coming for Gaby, but she still can not remember her past.

Ending

The possibilities for part two are endless.

Thoughts

After reading this fabulous, book I am seriously kicking myself for not remembering to bring my copy of Shadows to the Brisbane Writer’s Festival at the start of the month. I seriously stood right next to Paula and had nothing for her to sign. UGH! Pity I hadn’t read the book by then or I also would have picked up part two and had that signed too.

Well and truly worth picking up Shadows even if it’s just for curiosity’s sake. You’ll be impressed.

Quote

Rusty Shrugs. ‘Simon’s all right.’ He points the fencepost at him at him. ‘You wouldn’t go out with wankers, would you, mate?’

‘Not if I could help it.’

Not quite a resounding endorsement.

‘Present company excepted, of course.’ I say, gesturing to the brothers.

 

 Lisa:

 

 

 

Cover: If you’ve stuck around for a while, and have been keeping up with a few of my reviews, you know just how important covers are to me. I know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but does anyone actually do that?

The cover of a book is the first thing the consumer sees. It’s the books first impression on a possible buyer. The cover should pull people in, should giveaway a little bit about the story inside, and should be what makes a person pick up the book to see what it’s about.

The cover of Shadows tells the reader right away that it has something to do with angels. Also the cover is kind of mysterious looking. It makes me wonder what else is going on in this story, and I would mostly likely pick it up to see what the synopsis has to say.

The cover does its job! Love it!

Characters: When it comes to Shadows I can easily say that all of the elements are what made this book for me; not just the story, or the characters, or the ending, but everything. However, the characters were what made the story different from other YA angel books. I felt that the characters had so much density and felt so real that it pushed the book up to the next level.

Favorite: I liked a lot of the characters! Gaby for being so strong, not only is she dealing with the loss of her twin brother, but also with the whole “angel” thing. And Maggie for being such a good friend to Gaby, and absorbing all the crazy information that’s been thrown at her.

Least Favorite: I can’t really say I disliked any character.

Beginning: Gaby doesn’t know how to grieve for the loss of her twin brother after they were caught in a horrible car accident over a year ago. Gaby is now living in Pan Beach with her best friend Maggie, hoping to be able to deal with her loss, and move forward in her life.

Middle: Gaby and Maggie run into a mysterious guy named Rafa at a bar one night, who claims to be one of Jude’s (Gaby’s twin brother) best friend. He even proves himself, when he shows Gaby pictures of him and Jude together. Rafa informs Gaby that her brother didn’t die the way she thinks he did. And that Gaby isn’t who she thinks she is, instead she’s an angel. Within only a few chapters Gaby is thrown into the world of Rephaim!

Ending: MY LIPS ARE SEALED! *Throws away key*

Overall Thoughts:  Before picking this book up, I had no idea what it was about. I had never heard of it before, and decided to do a bit of research. After just one google search, I found tons of reviews, claiming amazing things and rating it with four or more stars (out of five). After finally reading Shadows, I can tell you first hand that everything, everyone is raving about in their reviews is correct!

I can say that I fell in love with this book. While many seem to be getting tired of angels, I’m just now discovering them. Shadows filled my angel craving! There are twists and turns in this story, that made me feel like I was on a roller coaster, and wasn’t getting off any time soon. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store!

 

Krista:

 

 

Cover

My favourite aspect of the US cover is the subtle shading of the wings. The art combined with the title represents the book well. And I love the red colour with the sunset background.

Characters

There are a handful of characters in this one. Gaby is the main focus of the storyline but we get different character’s point of view as the story unravels.

Favourite

My favorite character is Maggie, Gaby’s best friend. I really liked her personality. If I chose one of the main characters it would be Rafa, he’s got this protective side that I was attracted to.

Least Favourite

This was a hard question for this book. I couldn’t really pin point a character I didn’t think filled out the story well. Although there were a lot of details and characters to remember, I think they all meshed well.

Beginning

Gaby has been having dreams about fighting hell-beasts with a boy she refers to as  Matt. But when “Matt” shows up at the local bar, she’s determined to find answers. When he tells her that he was her dead brother’s best friend, Gaby has a hard time believing him because she cannot remember him. It turns out that the car accident that killed her brother and wiped her memory might have been something else all together.

Storyline

Gaby is still mourning the loss of her twin brother Jude, when Rafa appears. A real life embodiment of the man from her dreams. He tells her a story that blows her mind, and only upsets her more. As the proof starts rolling in that what Rafa has been telling her could possibly be true, it changes her life. It’s a story with constant movement and action scenes as the characters have to rescue and help each other.

Ending

Everything begins to come together nicely with a very powerful fight and revelations.

Thoughts

We get a lot of information for a first book in a series. It has a lot of Fallen Angel, Nephilim and Rephilim stories. Even though I did not connect with Gaby personally, her attitude makes sense with her story. She also has the physical fight to back up her mouth, so she’s a pretty bad arse character!

Quote

‘Why did you call me Matt?’
‘It seemed like a good idea at the time. Now that I know you, I realize I should have called that character Dick.’
He laughs, and then the couch shakes. ‘Honestly, Gabe, I forgot you could be this much fun.”

 

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Bel:

 

Cover

I adore the cover art. Black, white and almost cerulean blue. Feathers, scrolling and embossing wrap their way from front to back. Then there is my weakness at the moment, foiling. This all comes together to make a charming and understated, yet relevant cover design.

Characters

It never ceases to amaze me that teens the world over all tend to do the same things. The characters in Hidden are Aussie, but you wouldn’t really pick it.

Favourite

Amber is someone I’d love as a friend of my very own. Fiercely protective, constantly loyal and sweet as pie.

Least Favourite

Adam. Ugh!

Beginning

Ebony knows she’s extremely strong and begins looking for answers.

Storyline

She meets Jordan and all hell breaks lose.

Ending

A great ending that screams for a second book.

Thoughts

I’m proud to say this beautiful story was written by an Aussie about Australia, though you wouldn’t pick it due to the lack of stereotypical markers – shrimp on the barbie, etc. What we do have is a subtle yet moving story about stolen angels in the land down under.

As an added note. Go check out Marianne Curley’s biography. This woman is a true fighter. I’m grateful she’s able to bless us with her beautiful storytelling.

Quote

“Well, Nathaneal Whoever-you-are, I don’t believe you’re telling me the truth because firstly, my name is not Ebrielle. You seem to have trouble remembering that. You won’t tell me your name, and the things you say are creepy.” Ebony.

 

Krista:

 

 

Cover

I love the smooth feel of the US cover, along with the pretty whirly designs. But I thought it weird that they cover her eyes, as it’s explained in the book that she has violet eyes that stand out. I think it would have made the cover pop. But by covering her eyes, it goes along with the “hidden” theme of the book.

Characters

I noticed that all of the characters have something in common. They all have protection as their main goal. The story is told from both Ebony and Jordan’s perspectives, which I enjoyed.

Favourite

Amber, she is Ebony’s best friend. I admired the way Amber was so dedicated and was able to help Ebony through her troubles, whether she agreed with what she was doing or not. Their friendship was one that everybody wishes they had.

Least Favourite

Adam, which is kind of predictable answer because he’s the bad guy. But there was something about his demeanor when we are first introduced to him that just got under my skin. Pretty sure we are meant to hate him from page 1.

Beginning

Ebony and Jordan meet outside a dance club. Ebony comes off as being klutzy and Jordan a bad boy. But as we get to know them, we learn that Ebony she is a very protected girl who loves to ride horses with her best friend and she sticks to her own group at school. Jordan has been through a lot,  moving from house to house. When he goes to live with the Skinner family, a very unfortunate accident happens. His best friend dies and he gains an enemy in the brother, Adam.

Storyline

During a near death experience, Jordan is visited by angels who promise him a better life if he helps them find Ebrielle, an Angel who was kidnapped at birth.

Ending

A couple of things come to a head at the ending to help lead into the next book in the series. It has great action and suspenseful.

Thoughts

Angel stories have become quite popular in Young Adult books recently and I read through this one in one weekend. It was gripping and had a fun twist to it. I was surprised at some of the events that happen and liked the direction the romance took.

Quote

“Do you believe me, Amber?”

She looks straight into my eyes, ‘Every Word.’

 

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Krista:

 

 

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

 Characters

Mackenzie is our main character, having taken over the responsibilities of Keeper at the Archive after her grandfather’s passing.  Wesley is the funny side-kick living in the same apartment building and soon to be love interest as well. Owen, a lost History, wandering the halls of the Archive. He helps Mackenzie as she searches to solve the mystery behind why there were so many deaths in the new apartment building they have just moved into.

Favourite

Wesley- he is funny and adds balance to Mackenzie’s character who is going through a lot changes and learning a new job. Wesley adds the humour and caring.

Least Favourite

Patrick- he works in the Archives and is just a really rude character. He is mean, grumpy and shows no effort at all to make others feel welcome at work.

Beginning

With the recent loss of her brother,Ben,  Mackenzie’s job as a Keeper in The  Archive is harder than she imagined. She knows that visiting Ben is not healthy but she finds it comforting, as her parents decided it was best to get rid of all his possessions for them to heal. Mackenzie feels his History is the only way to remember him and keep him close to her.  When they move into a new apartment complex she is feeling bitter towards her parents and finds it a release when a job comes her way, so she can escape to the Archives.

Storyline

The pacing of the story really begins to pick up when she has a vision in her new room of the aftermath of a girl being murdered. Also the introduction of Wesley into the book coincides with larger amounts of Histories escaping, keeping her very busy. Here is the real beginning of the murder mystery and why so many people have died in the apartment complex.

Ending

Very action packed ending with everything coming to a head at the same time. Mackenzie proves how strong and selfless of a character she really is.

Thoughts

A very unique and enjoyable story. The only thing I felt missing was more of a connection with her parents. Thoroughly enjoyed the mixture of characters (especially Wesley) and the world building was amazing with beautifully descriptive writing.

Quote

“The Archive makes us monsters. And then it breaks the ones who get too strong, and buries the ones who know too much.”

“An omission is not the same thing as a lie, Miss Bishop. It’s a manipulation.”

 

Bel:

 

Cover

Tyler Nevins has done a beautiful job of this hauntingly accurate cover. It is simplistic and yet it speaks volumes, helping set up the world built by Schwab within the pages.

Characters

The main focus of almost all the characters is surviving. This can bring out the best and worst in us all.

Favourite

I have a feeling we’re all going to pick Wesley. He’s making the most of his life, and his ‘job’ as a keeper. Very cool, calm and collected. He has a neat stick too.

Least Favourite

Mac’s Mum. UGH!!! Can that woman be more insensitive?

Beginning

Mac has inherited her Grandfather’s ability to enter hidden places with the purpose of putting Histories (read dead people), back in their correct places within the archives.

Storyline

Mac and her folks move after the unthinkable happens and it’s up to Mac to control the influx of Histories escaping into the Narrows.

Ending

I’m pleased with how it ended. I did guess who was to blame, but seeing Victoria craft the story made the journey worth every minute of reading.

Thoughts

Overall, this is quite a different take on the “helping the dead cross over” scenario. It covered new ground, flew in from left field and blindsided me with it’s intriguing premise.

Quote

“Have you at least got tenants who look like they belong in a Hitchcock film?”

“Well, so far I’ve met a morbidly obese antiques hoarder and a boy who wears eyeliner.”

“They call that guyliner,” she says.

Conversation between Mac and her friend Lyndsey.

 

Lisa:

 

 

Cover

I usually know right away if I like a cover or not, but with The Archived I’m not sure how I feel. Even after reading the story and looking at the cover for months, I’m still unsure of what I think. Nothing bad sticks out, but nothing really stands out either. The cover does its job.

Characters

Overall, I found a lot of the characters in The Archived to be interesting. Mackenzie is a Keeper, Histories are souls of the dead, and Librarians are those who organize these histories.

Favorite

Bel guessed correct, Wesley would have to be my favourite character in this story. He just seems content with himself and being a Keeper; he’s sweet and happy. If I didn’t pick Wesley, I would have to go with Da, Mac’s grandpa. He is just old, interesting, wise and really cool.

Least Favorite

Uhh, this is an easy one, Mac’s parents. Both seem to be in their own little world, never realizing that something is going on with Mac, or never wondering where she spends her time.

Beginning

The reader learns everything about Mac’s history as to how and why she became a Keeper – inheritance through her grandpa. We also learn everything there is to know about the Archived, the Narrows, Keepers, Histories, and the Librarians. There’s a lot to learn!

Middle

Mac and her parents just moved into a new apartment, and Mac’s list of Histories seems to be growing longer and longer. She realizes she can influence the Histories when Mac gives one of them another day.

End

Just like Bel said, I really enjoyed the ending; Schwab’s writing was interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I liked the entire idea of the Archived and Keepers, and the way Histories are dealt with.

Overall

I do plan on reading the second book; I can’t wait to see what Victoria Schwab has in store!

Hardcover, 328 pages  Published January 22nd 2013 by Hyperion

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