(ARC) YA Book Review: Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

Release Date: 30 August 2011
Publisher: Atheneum
Source: S&S Galley Grab

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Goodreads description:

High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.

It’s all a fake.

At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?

But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must confront the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned—

Are about him.

My Thoughts...

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. It is probably the first real fantasy novel that I've read that I've truly enjoyed and I'm still trying to figure out why that is.  I've tried other fantasy books before and I've found the worlds cumbersome and difficult to immerse myself in.  This was not at all the case with Witchlanders. Lena Coakley's descriptions of the world, including its people and its history, flowed from the pages and completely drew me in.  The beginning was a bit of a slow burn and I admit that I almost gave up. Thankfully, I gave the book at least 100 pages to draw me in.  Once it did, I never looked back--I can't believe I almost gave up on reading this book!

Now, first off, don't let the pretty girl on the cover fool you. This story is fabulous and one of the elements that drew me to this book in the first place was the presence of not one, but two, male POVs.  The YA novels that I read tend to be inundated with female MCs, many of whom tend to suffer from the swoon-prone klutzy girl syndrome (although I'll concede that I have read a lot of kick-butt girls lately). It was a fabulous change of pace to read from male POVs and I must say that Coakley pulled it off well. I always wonder how easy it can be to get into the head of a character of the opposite sex.  Obviously, for Lena Coakley, not problem whatsoever as she has done a brilliant job.

Both of the MCs drew me in with their stories.  Each must deal with the loss of a loved one, whether well in the past or more recently, and each seems to be a on significant journey of self-discovery. Coakley uses brilliant foreshadowing to hint at the boys' connection but watching them discover it for themselves is quite an experience. Their views of each other and the pre-conceptions that they must overcome throughout their journey seem like a constant uphill battle with no end in sight.  Each must make decisions that will sacrifice the other and the reader is in constant conflict as to which side is right and which will prevail in the end. The characters also quickly become people that you can relate to. Their heartache is intense and each clearly has strong loyalties to family.

The ending leaves a lot for the reader to ponder and I know that I was particularly mystified. I honestly kept trying to turn the page on my Nook only to look up and discover that I had come to the end! I need to know if there will be more Witchlanders because I'm ready to read more!

(ARC) YA Book Review: Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Release Date: 26 July 2011
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

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Goodreads description:

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school, Ash discovers a chilling secret about the school--one that affects her. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

My Thoughts...

Wildefire was an intense ride of a book that brought into play so many things that I like in a YA novel - a kick-butt heroine, action, suspense, mystery, monsters, and, oh yeah, a little romance.

From the very beginning, action runs this story.  You start with a bang: Ashline beating up a girl in the school parking lot over a boy. It was the kind of beginning that makes you stop and say "What in the world is up with this chick?!"  From that point on, the story takes off and leads you in directions that you didn't even imagine it was going.  After a couple of intense encounters with her sister, Eve, Ashline takes off for a secluded boarding school where she meets an interesting cast of characters.  The story continues to zip along, exploding with action, romance, and some super creepy and intriguing dreams. I found myself desperate to know more about those dreams!

Each and every character in this book felt vibrant and well-developed.  Their personalities take on lives of their own in each and every scene.  And beyond the characters, their origins and the mythology that Knight uses is unique and intriguing.  I loved that this story explores mythology beyond the more heavily explored "traditional" mythology (i.e. the Greek mythology).

There were a few plot developments that I wish had been fleshed out a bit more (like Serena with Jack...?) but overall I really enjoyed this read. I will be waiting on pins and needles to read books 2 and 3 because the holes that were left open have got me jumping to find out what happens next.

(ARC) YA Book Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

© 19 July 2011 by MTV Books

Goodreads description:

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

My Thoughts...

While I don't read a lot of contemporary novels, this one caught my eye on Galley Grab because it had something I think the YA crowd doesn't get a lot of--college age MCs.  It's nice every once in awhile to read about characters who are a bit older. I know that I bring it upon myself by reading almost exclusively YA novels, but I firmly believe that 18-24 year olds are really young adults, too! I've never felt that label applied solely to 12-18 year olds...but maybe that's just me. Enough ranting...on to the review!

This was my first read from Jennifer Echols and I can definitely say that it will not be my last!  The writing moved the story along almost effortlessly and the story-line seemed well-developed with just a few curve balls to keep you reading.

Erin was a character I felt like I could relate to. She made poor decisions, as many college freshmen do, and she showed over and over again that she had a lot of growing up to.  Yes, she was a tad whiny at times, but I don't know, somehow that worked with the person she is/was supposed to be (for me at least).

Hunter was fabulous, as so many male love interests are.  His undying love for Erin in the face of her stupidity is downright sweet.  He had a very stabilizing effect on the story overall as the very grounded character.

Overall, for someone who is not generally a contemporary reader/fan, this book was a good read.  It was definitely a breath of fresh air to see COLLEGE students as the main characters.  I think that in some ways it may be a slightly under-served portion of the population (literature wise) [although I definitely welcome some suggestions for great books with college-age MCs!!!]

**Disclaimer: Book recieved from publisher via Simon and Schuster Galley Grab for my honest review.**

YA Book Review: Forbidden by Tabith Suzuma

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
© 28 June 2011 by HarperTeen

Goodreads description:

Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As de facto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be.

My Thoughts...

*I've purposefully edited part of the description here. This book is probably honestly best if you try to avoid reading too many reviews or descriptions and just let it unfold as you read (and fall in love with the characters).  So, if you're interested, here's my suggestion: stop reading this and go find a copy of this book...and then come back and comment and tell me how much to also LOVED this book (or not). It's almost impossible not to give things away in reviewing this so read on at your own risk! I've tried my best censor myself...but it's not always 100% successful! If you want the full description, click on the Goodreads link above.

This is one of those books that is difficult to describe and review.  The description lets you know from the beginning that this book isn't going to make you comfortable--it's not a "butterflies and bubblegum" kind of story with a fluffy happy ending.  When I picked this one up from Galley Grab, I wasn't sure what to expect from the story.  I mean, my preconceptions of the subject matter of this story had me thinking "Eww! Really? No way can that be anything but disturbing." However, I was WRONG. Suzuma's writing is beautiful.  There were moments when I was disturbed by the situations in the book--but never, NEVER by the love that Lochan and Maya experienced.

Forbidden opens your eyes in a painful way.  It touches your heart.  It makes you think. It makes you cry. There is so much I would like to say here, but I'm going to have to reign myself in so I don't spoil anything for you.  I will say this--go in with an open mind.  I think that Lochan and Maya will surprise you.  I found myself wanting to cheer for their love despite the obstacles (and illegality).  I screamed and cried when they were discovered (and thankfully I was home alone at that point) because it was the most painfully real sex scene and it was incredibly heartbreaking.

Like any book, this one had its minor flaws.  Sometimes I wished Suzuma would show me more than tell me what was going on.  This is a consequence of spending most of the time in the characters' heads with very little active dialogue. However, this didn't stop me from loving this book.  I felt like I knew these two characters inside and out by the time the book was over--their inner thoughts, struggles, desires.

This book obviously isn't for everyone.  If you honestly can't even stomach the idea of the topic of this book, don't read it.  If you're willing to be open-minded and immerse yourself in their world, then you must read this.

*Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab*

YA Book Review: Possession by Elana Johnson

POSSESSION by Elana Johnson

© 7 June 2011 by Simon & Schuster

Buy It!

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound

Goodreads description:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play...

My Thoughts...

Have you ever read a book that you just couldn’t stop thinking about?  I mean, seriously, days go by and you read other books, but this one book just sticks in your head and won’t leave you alone? Yeah, POSSESSION has been that book for me ever since I finished it last week.Well, actually, started and finished it last week…in maybe 2 sittings…and while at work…(*shhhh*)

In the current YA landscape, there are a lot of books that seem the same when you read them.I think “Wow, this reminds me a lot of _______,except for this one difference, __________.” When I started Possession, I thought it was going to be like that.  I mean, doesn’t the description remind you a little of something else you’ve  probably read recently? (*cough* MATCHED*cough*)  However, it’s not. Take it from me—it’s not like anything else I’ve read recently.

Elana Johnson took a storyline that many of us have become relatively familiar with in the past year plus and gave it a new spin and voice that pulled me in like…WOW.When the book starts, there are some bumps in the road that I had to get over. I found myself getting confused at times and wondering where it was going and if I could really stick with it.  However, about 100 or so pages in, I found myself hooked on this world where the Thinkers dictate your actions and its “good” to follow what they say and “bad” not to.

The biggest “hook” for me with this book was the blurring of good and bad. This is definitely the type of story where the line isn’t drawn for you. The “good” guys do some “bad” things and the “bad” guys do some “good” things. You are tossed around emotionally and never sure which way to turn. Vi, the main character, is along for this ride with you—never quite sure which decision is the “good” decision and forced to reconsider former beliefs and even new beliefs as they come along.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the ending of this book will leave you….speechless. Seriously. This book was stellar. Now, I will also admit at this point that there were definitely some confusing moments throughout.  You almost just have to keep reading and get through it because things will make sense later (as much sense as they can/are meant to make). I cannot wait for the companion novel to come out in 2012 because I just need to be immersed in this world again.

Other reviews and things to check out!

• Elana’s blog
• Possession Launch Week events
• The Bookish Brunette’s review
• I Read Banned Books review

[Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab]