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A fast-paced, nerve-fraying contemporary thriller that questions loyalties and twists truths.

Appearances can be deceiving.

In the Community, life seems perfect. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pioneer invited Lyla’s family to join his group and escape the evil in the world. They were happy to be chosen, happy to move away from New York and start over in such an idyllic gated community. Now seventeen, Lyla knows that Pioneer is more than just their charismatic leader, he is their prophet . . . but his visions have grown dark.

Lyla is a loyal member of the Community, but a chance encounter with an outsider boy has her questioning Pioneer, the Community—everything. And if there’s one thing not allowed in the Community, it’s doubt. Her family and friends are certain in their belief. Lyla wishes she could feel the same. As Pioneer begins to manipulate his flock toward disaster, the question remains: Will Lyla follow them over the edge?

From the outside looking in, it’s hard to understand why anyone would join a cult. But Gated tells the story of the Community from the inside looking out, and from behind the gates things are not quite so simple. Amy Christine Parker’s beautiful writing creates a chilling, utterly unique YA story. Perfect for fans of creepy thrillers and contemporary fiction alike.

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published August 6th 2013 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Living behind the gates is not so bad for most of the community. They know what’s expected of them and the adults in particular like the safety that the walls provide. Then the prophet—or Pioneer—tells them that the world is ending and soon it will be their turn to fight for survival. The adults know how bad it is on the outside and only want to provide safety for themselves and their families. Lyla knows that her mother feels safe there; she loves her parents and believes they would do the right thing. But when Lyla is asked to do things she is uncomfortable with, she begins to question the community.

Lyla’s first sign of defiance is in shooting class. They are taught to prepare for the end of the world by learning how to guard their community. Lyla doesn’t disagree with the shooting lessons in principle and she always hits her mark, yet her idea of aiming to maim instead of kill pushes Pioneer’s buttons. She seems to always be pushing Pioneer to his limits and forcing him to take extreme measures to make sure his Flock stays in line.

While Lyla is on guard duty, they receive visitors from town and she’s asked to give a young teen boy a tour. His questions spark ideas in her head and she begins to question things around her and analyse the decisions Pioneer makes.

This story has a relentless build-up of tension and paranoia. Although the whole story is told from Lyla’s perspective, we get to see all sides of the situation. We see the town’s perspective of the community through the teenage boy, and Pioneer’s and most of the adult’s perspectives through his rules and interactions with Lyla.

What I loved about this story, and why I recommend it to others, is the connection I felt to Lyla and her situation. Most people do not have firsthand experiences with cults, and this puts us right in the middle of what appears to be a happy, tight-knit community. But when Pioneer is pushed too far, there are consequences. The writing pulls you into the story, and the great setting and perfect placing of events builds the tension and fear for how this story might end. It transports you into another world and way of seeing different communities. The tension grows and intensifies right up to the last page.

 

 

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‘No good deed ever goes unpunished, Mellea…’

Mellea Wendorn hasn’t exactly had a normal life. Misfortune seems to follow her, and her family, wherever she goes.  However, when Mellea stops to assist a mysterious young man suddenly her prior hardships seem trivial. His name is Leo. He is a Successor, a child of the Guardians of Selestia. He is royalty.  He is handsome.  And he wants Mellea completely to himself.

Unable to escape the Guardian’s laws, Mellea must learn the ways of the royals. She is convinced her life can’t get much worse. But when a timeworn Guardian enemy arises from the shadows, Mellea must make a choice that will change her destiny forever.

Mellea is not rich and she has to work hard to help her parents make ends meet. One day, after leaving her job, she sees a man being chased and shot at. When he’s hit, he falls from his flying board and Mellea cannot help but stop to see if he is ok. It turns out that he is a pompous and rude Guardian who tells her that she is to be his wife. Not only is Mellea shocked, but also trapped. She is going against her father’s wishes by having any contact with the Guardians.

While Mellea is kept at the Guardian Tower, she meets others and begins to form friendships. The family is in turmoil as the political leaders see an uprising of Mech attacks and life outside their house as dangerous. The Mechs are people who’ve had body parts replaced with robotic/android parts to become partially mechanical and use their extra strength to try to bring down the Guardians. Now that Mellea is to be wed to the family, she also has to learn how to fight and protect herself from attack.

The writing style is non-stop action and movement. There is very little downtime and the characters are funny and fit into the story well. It has both science fiction and magic, as well as love, lives, and secrets.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy a feisty female lead, a little romance, and political uprisings. Fans of the Elite Series by Kiera Cass would enjoy this book. My favourite part of the story was the hot and cold relationship between Mellea and Leo, as well as Mellea and her parents. It was an enjoyable and fun read and I really loved it. 

Paperback, First Edition, 360 pages

Published January 21st 2014

ISBN13 9780992407407

 

MDP adds:

You can read more of M. J. Steven’s work on this blog in her cosplay article.

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Bel:

 

Cover

The cover was really what had me buying this book, not borrowing this book, from the library. The dust cover is a gloriously textured paper. The picture of a pretty young brunette with juicy red lips, blindfolded with a red ribbon, who standing on a coastline at dusk, drew me in. The title is embossed and the hard-cover spine has the title in foiled red lettering. Just something a little bit special. Thank you to Better World books for making the price that fits my budget.

Characters

I wasn’t overly fond of the parental/caregiver portrayal, but they needed to be the evil to counteract the teen characters.

Favourite

Nami, she was about the only character that kept true to herself.

Least Favourite

Faye, mainly because the little things she did irritated the heck out of me.

Beginning

Faye’s dad drops her off at Holbrook Academy as a last ditch attempt to get her to conform.

Storyline

Holbrook Academy, which is part mental institution, part juvenile detention centre is every bit of the nightmare that those two descriptions convey.

Ending

The title comes into play in an unexpected way.

I may have missed the point where the ending was justified, so it felt like a twist to me. I had a little trouble following some of the imagery, and some reactions seemed a little off. Not my cup of tea, but I LOVE the cover.

Quote

“Sweet dreams.” She said and shut the door. The lock snapped into place. Fay’s first night at Holbrook Academy

 

 

Krista:

 

 

Cover

I agree with Bel here. I was initially prompted to purchase the book because it was something I wanted for my shelves. It has all the major elements of the story and it’s beautiful.

Characters

I was surprised at the strictness of the Academy, at times wondering how it got to such a state. The caretakers and Dr Mordoch are at an extreme end of the disciplinary line. I also would have liked to get to know more of the students on a deeper level.

Favourite

I was a sucker for the love interest, Kel. He was flirty, dangerous and seemed to care for Faye on a deep level.

Least Favourite

My least favourite characters were the ones in charge of the Academy. Even at the very end, I was unsure about why they had to take a whip to the students and make outrageous rules. Their actions had me more upset than I have ever felt reading a book.

Beginning

When Faye’s parents discover that she has been collecting dead animal bones, they are concerned that she will never outgrow the “weirdness” that began in her as a young child. They return her to the Dr that has been consulting her family about her issues. It just so happens that she now runs Holbrook Academy, so Faye is left in her care.

Storyline

When Faye is dropped off at Holbrook Academy it doesn’t take her long to find out it’s run more like a prison. Each and every action the students make is closely watched; it’s very militaristic and nothing is tolerated. Faye is kept in a “Family” group of 5 other students with whom she grows a deep connection. They even begin to share nightmarish dreams. Faye seems to have a deepest connection to the land the Academy is on, and with Kel. She starts to see her powers as more of a positive thing than a punishment.

Ending

I really did not predict that the story would end up like it did. Though the novel does build on the visions, nightmares and history of the land, I just didn’t catch on quite that the story was going to put such an emphasis on what it did. I really should have seen it coming! I didn’t know it would be as potent as it was.

Thoughts

I do have to say I agree with Bel about the imagery in some parts being hard to visualise. I had to take the book slower than usual to try to really grasp it. It’s full of visions and nightmares and flashbacks that the reader has to picture in their minds in order to grasp the clues in the storyline.  In that way the story reminded me of  Michelle Hodkins’ books. In the end, I found that I enjoyed the imagery. I think this is a book that will stick with me for awhile and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a lot of imagery in stories. (Of course, this novel takes on the darker, nightmarish side.)

Quote

” I wasn’t used to people meeting my eyes. And Kel didn’t just look at me. He looked into me, like he could see every thought in my head. And whatever he saw there now, he must have liked. He gave me a slow smile that made me blush. “

I chose this quote because it not only represents the first real encounter between Kel and Faye, but it holds the core of the story. ‘I wasn’t used to people meeting my eyes.” Faye’s insecurities and how she looks at herself as being damaged.

Book Trailer

http://www.sarawilsonetienne.com/harbinger

Hardcover, 309 pages

Published February 2nd 2012 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons BYR

ISBN

0399256687 (ISBN13: 9780399256684)

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Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City’s two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents’ sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn’t remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can’t conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.  

Hardcover, 416 pages

Published October 9th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

I have read several books on the topic of memory loss. This is the first one that in which I’ve been given a satisfactory explanation as to why only certain memories were lost. Other stories have skimmed over the facts and I find myself questioning why they remember some things but not others.

The story is set in a fantastical New York city in which the lower city has been mostly swallowed by water and is now referred to as “the Depths”, and the upper city has been separated into two major divisions, the leaders of which are enemies and politically divided. This year things are changing. A Mystic is running for election and has a good chance of winning.

The Mystics have magical powers. Each Mystic brings their own unique qualities to their magic and some are stronger than others. When non-Mystics became aware of just how strong the Mystic’s could be, those in power begin changing laws to have the Mystic’s drained of their powers.

Here our main character, Aria Rose, enters. The daughter of one of the most powerful men in the city, she is known to all just because of her status in the society. When she wakes after an overdose, she finds she is engaged to the rival family’s son and cannot remember falling in love. She does discover clues to a very steamy romance but the clues are all cryptic, leaving her very confused. 

Mystic City is a very interesting vision of a futuristic New York, and with the addition of characters with magical powers makes for a very fun, fantastical read. Not only did I enjoy the fact that the reader is actually clued in on the lost memories, but the details and background of the city, environment and political backgrounds adds several layers to the story that I wasn’t expecting. The romantic aspect is cute and the prospect of a revolution is enticing. Recommended.

 

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Bel:

 

Cover

Two faces in profile and an electric-type air between them. Quite telling really.

Characters

Very Twilight-esque with the almost outcast girl being included into the new family to town. However that’s pretty much where it stops being anything like Twilight. Thank bleep.

Favourite

Claire. As with so many best friends of the main character in books I just want her all to myself. Even if she did push her BFF off a roof.

Least Favourite

Is it too clichéd to pick Lucas? Tough. He makes me want to pinch him.

Beginning

There once was a girl from Nantucket… okay I’ll stop there, however this is actually set in Nantucket so it fits. Helen meets the new kids to town and wants to eat their faces on sight.

Storyline

Helen finds out WHY she wanted to eat the faces of the new kids, then discovers everything she has ever known about her life has been a big fat Greek LIE.

Ending

There may or may not be incestuous thoughts.

Thoughts

I screamed through this one in 24 hours. Yep all 514 pages in under a day. So in short I LOOOOVED this book.

Greek mythology, love/hate relationships. Girl having a Rocky Balboa scene and food, lots and lots of food.

Quote

“I’ve known you could fly since we were kids. I even pushed you off your roof once to make sure. Sorry about that by the way,” she said sheepishly. Claire talking to Helen.

 

Krista:

 

 

Cover

The US Cover has a lot of purples and blues. The dress is a nod towards Ancient Greece and the myths this story references. The combination of the stormy air and the ocean waters also ties together the setting. 

Characters

Although Helen is an only child, she has a best friend who’s part of the large Delos family. Although Helen is the main character, we get to learn a lot about each family member individually.

Favourite

This was a hard pick for me but overall I had to choose Claire, Helen’s best friend. She adds a lot of humor to the story, she’s cute, spunky and a good friend.

Least Favourite

Matt. He seemed a little too power hungry and frustrating for me to understand. I forsee his story continuing in depth as the series progresses.

Beginning

Helen is used to her somewhat dull life on Nantucket Island, working for her single father and hanging out with her best friend Claire. When the Delos family moves and transfer to her school, she cannot stop her desire to kill them upon sight.

Storyline

As Helen is just coming to terms with the Delos family and her strange new desires, she discovers that somebody is after her, possibly to kill her. And why she has started seeing visions of three women urging her to commit murder?

Ending

The ending is by far not a conclusion, but at least it’s not a cliffhanger! There are several storylines that are left open and I am personally interested in what happens next.

Thoughts

I really enjoyed the fact that the author was able to incorporate the stories of several different characters without being overwhelming; and how she she used the Greek Myths, Gods and history to tie them all together. There are some complicated family ties brought to the story that helped take some of the pressure off the head over hills romance. It’s very detailed and well researched and adds an interesting perspective on today’s world.

 Quote

“I don’t care how hard being together is, nothing is worse than being apart.”

 

Lisa:

 

 

Cover

One of my favourite covers in the world! I love the way the entire trilogy looks sitting on my white bookshelf. They’re just so shiny and really catch the eye!

Characters

Is it weird that I like, when characters don’t like each other right away? I mean we see insta-love in YA so much. And I always ask myself why do they like each other? How can someone “love” someone else so quickly? In Starcrossed, the two main characters absolutely hate each other, until they are forced to work together, and that’s what brings them so close. Love love love!

Favorite

I think I would have to agree with Bel and Krista when they chose Claire as their favourite character. She’s just funny, and brings a bit of humor to the story. She’s that friend, who is dorky, and goofy, even in the worst situations. But if I wasn’t allowed to copy Krista and Bel, I think I would have to pick Helen. I feel like there is just SO much going on around her, and in her life and she handles it… much better than I would. And even much better than I’ve seen characters handle situations in other books.

Least Favorite

I don’t have a least favourite but I have something to complain about, and it doesn’t really fit in any of our other categorie, so I’m just going to rant right here instead. Helen’s mom! REALLY? I know it’s only the first book, but I feel like we (the readers) deserved to know a little bit more about her mom, and why she left and what happened to her. Hopefully she’ll be mentioned more in the next two books.

Beginning

So there’s this really hot babe named Helen… JUST kidding. But there really is this beautiful girl named Helen who lives on an island called Nantucket. Besides her immense beauty, Helen is also extremely fast and strong. She runs track (beating everyone by minutes) and helps her dad at the general store (lifting heavy boxes). Life’s been good, and Helen has been trying to keep her powers to herself… that is until a new family moves to town, and the life she’s known is gone forever. Whenever she comes near one of its member, she feels anger and the urge to beat them to pulp.

Middle

Throughout the middle of the book, Helen discovers who she is, who her mother is, and that her life isn’t what she always thought it was. The beauty, speed and strength aren’t something that just happened. It’s something that happens to all people who are descendents of the original players in the Trojan War.

End

AHHH! No! That can’t be happening! Please tell me this isn’t true… Josephine Angelini, how can you do this to us? Do you want to break our hearts?!

Overall Thoughts

Okay, where can I begin? Angelini did an amazing job tying the historical and mythological aspect into this story. When reading YA historical fiction, many times the history is mentioned, or brought up, but not really carried along throughout the entire story. Angelini did a great job sticking to it, but also bringing in the future and her own twist to the characters and story. The book never had a slow moment. Once you started with the first page it was extremely hard to put it down. The characters are lovable and I adored Lucas and Helen. The ending broke my heart into a million shards and I’m still picking them up today. I’ll be reading the rest of the trilogy in January hoping Josephine will mend my heart again.

 

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