Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Words/Topics that Instantly Make Me Pick Up a Book

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Broke and Bookish.  Each week, a new list topic is posted, and book bloggers fill in their choices.  This week's topic is "Top Ten Words/Topics that Instantly Make Me Pick Up a Book."

My Top Ten:

1. Fairytales.  *squeal* I'm obsessed with fairytales, and there are no words to express the amount of love I have for fairytale retellings.

2. Mythology.  Be it Greek, Norse, or Celtic mythology, I'm a sucker for anything that even mentions mythology.  Definitely one of my favorite things to read about.

3. Time travel.  Thanks to my obsession with Doctor Who, I'm crazy about time travel.  We totally need more time travel YA books out there.

4. Alternate realities/parallel worlds.  I find alternate worlds (like in Kasie West's Pivot Point) to be completely fascinating.

5. Steampunk.  I'm crazy about all things steampunk.  It's so different from anything I've ever read.

6. Historical fantasy.  This is probably my all-time favorite sub-genre.  I love it when the story is set in historical times and has a dash of magic in it.

7. Adorkable.  This may sound strange, but whenever I hear the word "adorkable" in a book summary, I know I have to read it.  A great example is Leah Rae Miller's The Summer I Became a Nerd - so can't wait to read it!

8. Unreliable narrator.  I love psychological stories that have an unreliable narrator.  A couple that I loved are The Evolution of Mara Dyer and 17 & Gone.

9. Aliens.  I have an insane love for aliens, probably because of Jennifer L. Armentrout's fabulous Lux series.  I haven't read many other alien books that I've enjoyed, but I love the idea!

10. Snarky.  So I looove books that have snarky main characters.  Whenever I read a summary that says the story is full of snark, humor, sarcasm, etc., I KNOW I have to read it!

What's on your TTT?  Comment with a link to your blog!

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Goodreads summary:

When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List:
1. Run for pep club secretary
2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree
3. Sew a dress for Homecoming
4. Find a steady
5. Do something dangerous
But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club president–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far.

My review:

I adored Going Vintage!  It was a cute read, and I like that there's also some real depth and substance to the characters - it's not all light and fluffy.  This is definitely a great contemporary novel, and I found it refreshing to read such a fun story, especially since I'd been reading lots of paranormal novels recently.

Oh, the characters.  I loved Mallory, and what's great is that she really has lots of character growth in the story.  The "going vintage" part helps her learn more about herself and who she is.  And Oliver! *squeal* He was so sweet and funny, and I love how he "gets" Mallory and is there for her.  It was nice that their romance developed at a slower pace; it made it much more realistic.  I also enjoyed minor characters like Ginnie, Mallory's little sister.  The relationship between the two sisters is done so well.  And Mallory's grandmother and parents added to the story too.

I love books that make me laugh, and Going Vintage definitely did.  Mallory has a wry sense of humor, and some of the situations in this book are funny and had me cracking up.  Like I said above, the story also has substance to it, so it was a great blend of serious/funny.  Overall, Going Vintage is an adorable, heartfelt novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I'll have to check out more of this author's books!

My rating:  8 out of 10 (4 stars)

~ The Bookworm

ARC Review: Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Goodreads summary:

Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed.

The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle.

My review:

While I enjoyed the first book in this series, Black City, I still had some issues with it - specifically, the insta-love.  I still didn't care for the romance in Phoenix, but this sequel makes up for it with plenty of action, some amazing twists, and lots more world-building.

I'm impressed with the way Elizabeth Richards has written the villain, Purian Rose.  He's so twisted and will stop at nothing to get rid of Ash and Natalie.  He's a deliciously creepy villain.  And I love the way Richards holds nothing back - Natalie and Ash both suffer a lot in this sequel.  They lose people who are dear to them, and are betrayed by people they thought they could trust.

The plot is full of twists and turns.  I was excited to find that there's lots of action in Phoenix, probably even more so than in Black City.  Natalie and Ash spend lots of time fighting for their lives and on the run.  When there's not action, there's plenty of political intrigue.  I enjoyed this aspect of the story; it really added to the world-building.  There's also an excellent twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all.

What ruined the story for me was the romance.  It's not exactly a love triangle, per se...but there is another guy who complicates the relationship between Natalie and Ash.  I got frustrated with Natalie and Ash because they kept acting so jealous and immature.  If they're really as desperately in love with each other as they claim to be, why don't they actually be honest with each other?

But despite not liking the romance, I really did enjoy Phoenix.  It's a strong sequel plot-wise, and I think fans of the first book will love the tense action and surprising twists.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the story ends in the final book.

* Thanks to Steph at Cuddlebuggery for sending me her ARC!

My rating:  7 out of 10 (3.5 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like More/Less Than I Did

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Broke and Bookish.  Each week, a new list topic is posted, and book bloggers fill in their choices.  This week's topic is "Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like More/Less Than I Did."

Thought I'd Like More:

1. Glitch by Heather Anastasiu.  The idea for this one sounded awesome.  But I didn't like it one bit - the insta-love and unhealthy relationships ruined it for me.

2. Pulse by Patrick Carman.  This one was okay.  Creative idea for a dystopian, which had given me high hopes for it, but the unlikeable characters and a stalker-ish romance made me want to gag.

3. Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton.  Still enjoyed this, but I didn't think it was as good as the first book (Angelfire).  I was disappointed after liking the first one a lot; I thought the main character made some really stupid choices.

4. Black City by Elizabeth Richards.  After all the hype for this, I was ready to be blown away.  And it was a decent read, I just wasn't crazy about it.

5. Venom by Fiona Paul.  I really enjoyed Venom - but didn't quite love it.  Probably because I had enormous expectations for it, and it just wasn't everything I'd hoped for.

Thought I'd Like Less:

6. The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg.  After reading the summary and some reviews, I thought this would be a cute, light read.  What I didn't expect was to fall completely in love with it and have it end up being one of my top ten books of 2012.

7. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.  I love fantasy, but I wasn't prepared to love Shadow and Bone as much as I did.  It's everything a fantasy book should be.  Perfection.

8. Crewel by Gennifer Albin.  Talk about awesomeness.  Before I read this, everyone raved about how creative it was.  But after reading so many dystopians, I was like "Yeah, right, we'll see how creative this is." I so take that back.  Crewel is mindblowing-ly creative and unique.

9. Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson.  I'd read some so-so reviews, so I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not.  Thank goodness, I loved it.  The Norse mythology was epic and awesome, and the romance was just swoon-worthy.

10. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks.  I have trouble finding mermaid books I enjoy, so I'd simply been hoping for a fun summer read.  Of Poseidon was way more than that - it was laugh-out-loud hysterical, heartwarming, and adorable.  Loved it.

What books are on your TTT today?  Comment with a link to your TTT!

~ The Bookworm

ARC Review: The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

Goodreads summary:

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has....

My review:

The Girl with the Iron Touch is a charming book that continues the story of Finley, Griffin, Sam, and Emily.  I loved it!  I've really enjoyed the mixture of steampunk and historical aspects in this series.  Kady Cross is so talented at creating imaginative stories with a great cast of characters.

I was so excited that this story focuses on Emily a lot.  She's been one of my favorite characters in this series - she's sweet and sassy at the same time, and I like how clever she is with machinery.  I loved her in this one; especially the way she's always caring and levelheaded.  And the romance between her and Sam is adorable!

Besides Emily, we also get lots of Finley and Griffin.  In this book, they finally start forming a stronger relationship and commit to each other.  It is so refreshing that their romance, which begins in the first book, takes a realistic amount of time to develop.  I did get a little annoyed at times with the slight hints of a love triangle between Finley, Griffin, and Jack, but thankfully it doesn't take up too much of the story.

The plot is exciting and held my interest.  I was fascinated by the steampunk/sci-fi elements of the story, it's just flat-out fun to read about.  The storyline does lag a bit in some parts, but other than that it's mostly a quick read.  I also like how the author handles all the different POVs; it never feels thrown together.  I like that all the different characters are easy to keep track of.

If you haven't started this series yet, I'd recommend it for fans of steampunk and/or historical fiction looking for a quick, fun read!  I've enjoyed reading about these characters and their exciting adventures.  Great series!

* I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thanks!

My rating:  7 out of 10 (3.5 stars)

~ The Bookworm

In My Mailbox (17)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

- Shadows in the Silence by Courtney Allison Moulton
- Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
- Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
- The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
- Unremembered by Jessica Brody

These are all library books - yay for my library getting lots of new releases!  I am SO excited about all of these.  I haven't started any yet, and I can't decide which ones to read first.  They all sound great!

What'd you get this week?  Leave a link to your IMM in the comments!

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Goodreads summary:

Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

My review:

I swear, somehow each book in this series keeps getting better than the last.  I can't believe the last book, Sentinel, comes out in December.  I'm going to go through major post-series depression when the Covenant series is over.

Basically...I love everything about this book.  And I mean everything.  It's perfect in every way: the mythology, the dialogue, the characters, the plot, the writing.  Jennifer L. Armentrout is a freakin' genius!  All of her books are so addicting, and Apollyon is no exception.

Oh, Alex.  You guys, I love this girl.  She's such a great heroine and I love how much character growth she has in the Covenant series, especially Apollyon.  Alex really starts trying to control her temper and make wiser choices, and man, I love her character.

Of course, then we have Aiden.  I don't think my heart can take it anymore - I love him more and more with each book!  In Apollyon, we learn more about him and realize just how complex and layered his character really is.  And through it all, he's always such a support to Alex.  Love him.

The plot is amazing!  I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and, even though I was sick at the time I was reading this, had a terrible headache, and really needed more sleep, I stayed up late to finish this.  It was SO worth it.  Oh, and the snappy dialogue had me laughing my head off the whole time.

What more can I say?  Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again.  I'm beyond excited for Sentinel to come out!

My rating: 10 out of 10 (5 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we can't wait to read.

My pick is Of Triton by Anna Banks!

Goodreads summary:

In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

My thoughts:

*swoon* Now THAT is one adorable cover.  I've already preordered this and I am super excited for it to come out!  The first book certainly ended on a cliffhanger. 

If you're looking for a fun summer read, this series is a must-read.  I can't wait for this to come out!!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

~ The Bookworm

ARC Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Goodreads summary:

The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

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.

My review:

The 5th Wave totally blew me away.  This book is, in a word, epic.  It's a thrilling mix of sci-fi/post-apocalyptic/dystopian wonderfulness.  From the very first page, I adored it.  After less than 50 pages, I was positive I'd give it five stars - that's how amazing it is.

This book is definitely one I'd recommend to fans of hardcore sci-fi.  It's not strictly YA, either.  It'll easily appeal to adult readers as well as teens.  It's also great if you enjoy dystopian, survivalist stories, aliens, post-apocalyptic, thrillers, action...you get the idea.  Basically, The 5th Wave is impossible to put down. 

There is so much action and plot development.  I love, love, love the idea of aliens taking over.  The aliens in this book are so very creepy and scary.  And oh, the characters.  They're so varied and unique and real.  These characters become changed by the alien invasion and end up doing dark, twisted things, and yet you still love them anyway.  That's excellent character development right there.

And wow.  Talk about unpredictable!  There were some fantastic plot twists - the kind that make you sit there with your jaw hanging open.  This story is absolutely brilliant.  Oh, and although the summary kind of makes it sound like there's a lot of romance, don't worry.  The romance takes a backseat, and instead, we get lots more awesome twists and action scenes.  I love how for once, the romance doesn't become the main point of the plot.

So in case you can't tell, I loved this book.  One of my favorite sci-fi books of the year.  If you're looking for a brilliant, unpredictable sci-fi story that will leave you thinking for days after you finish it, then read The 5th Wave.  Needless to say, I am dying for the next book in this series to come out!

My rating:  10 out of 10 (5 stars)

~ The Bookworm

In My Mailbox (16)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

- The Collector by Victoria Scott
- Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards
- Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (I won a signed copy!! YAY)
- Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

I've already read all of these except for Phoenix and Wings of the Wicked, but I'm really excited about those two and hope to be starting them this week.

What did you get this week?  I'd love it if you comment and leave a link to your IMM so I can check it out!

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: The Collector by Victoria Scott

Goodreads summary:

He makes good girls...bad.
Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried.

My review:

I was so excited about this book, and it's definitely a fun read.  If you're looking for a unique paranormal story that will make you laugh, then The Collector is a must-read.  I can't wait to read the sequel!

Of course, I didn't like Dante at first.  He is completely full of himself and so quick to judge others.  And yet, his cocky attitude is also funny, and I cracked up numerous times.  I really loved his character arc; he changes and grows SO much by the end of the book, and I loved him by then!  Dante is such a fun, different narrator than in most YA books.

I liked Charlie's character a good deal as well.  It's sooo nice that she's not a stereotypical, gorgeous girl with amazing looks.  It made her character much more real, and she's so very sweet and easy to relate to.  The only thing that bothered me about her is that the way she acts sometimes seemed just a little too naive to me.

There are also some fantastic minor characters that I adored.  I loved Charlie's hilarious grandmother and her loyal best friends.  The plot is really inventive and interesting too, though the story's definitely more character-oriented.

While I liked the romance, I didn't love it.  Maybe it's the way that Dante makes fun of and pities Charlie so much at first - it just didn't make sense for him to change his mind about her so quickly.  But at the same time, the romance really is adorable and I love the interactions between Dante and Charlie.

It was so refreshing to read a paranormal story that isn't littered with cliches.  Filled with a great cast of characters, a cute romance, and an exciting plot, The Collector is truly unique.  I'm so glad I got the chance to read this!

My rating:  8 out of 10 (4 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: Prophecy Girl by Cecily White

Goodreads summary:

Amelie Bennett. . . . Ending the world, one prophecy at a time.

I was born to slay Crossworld demons.
Big black flappy ones, little green squirmy ones. Unfortunately, the only thing getting slain these days is my social life. With my high school under attack, combat classes intensifying, and Academy instructors dropping right and left, I can barely get my homework done, let alone score a bondmate before prom.
Then he shows up.
Jackson Smith-Hailey. Unspeakably hot, hopelessly unattainable, and dangerous in all the right ways. Sure, he’s my trainer. And okay, maybe he hates me. Doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the wicked Guardian chemistry between us. It’s crazy! Every time I’m with him, my powers explode. Awesome, right?
Wrong.
Now my teachers think I’m the murderous Graymason destined to bring down our whole race of angelbloods. Everyone in New Orleans is hunting me. The people I trusted want me dead. Jack and I have five days to solve the murders, prevent a vampire uprising, and thwart the pesky prophecy foretelling his death by my hand. Shouldn’t be too difficult.

Getting it done without falling in love. . . that might take a miracle.

My review:

Although I enjoyed Prophecy Girl, it felt like there was something missing at times.  I wasn't totally crazy about the romance, and the plot did feel a bit like your typical paranormal story.  Still, I really enjoyed the main character Amelie's voice and some of the side characters.

What I didn't like: Okay, I couldn't stand the romance at first.  That's because it's insta-love, and while there are a few cases where insta-love can work, I didn't buy it.  To me, it seemed like Amelie was making a fool of herself.  But, later on in the story, as the plot begins to develop and we find out more about Jack, I was able to enjoy it more.

Also, the plot is a bit predictable at times.  Sometimes, it seemed like there should've been less romance and more action.  There's a nice twist at the end that I enjoyed, though.

What I liked: Amelie!  What an awesome main character.  She's snarky and hilarious.  I hate paranormal stories that have melodramatic, wimpy heroines, so it was a great change to read about Amelie!  I love her sense of humor, and I love how she won't stop at anything to do protect those she loves.

I think the wide range of side characters really add to the story, too.  I still can't decide whether I like Jack or not.  He's okay to me, but I'm sure there will be a lot of readers who end up loving him.  I loved the other characters though - Amelie's dad, and her many friends.  They were great additions to the story.

So, while Prophecy Girl isn't my favorite paranormal story ever, it's definitely worth a read.  I'm glad I got the chance to read it.  Fans of the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare or the Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout will especially want to check out this fun book!

* I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thanks!

My rating:  6 out of 10 (3 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Waiting on Wednesday: Crown of Midnight

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we can't wait to read.

My pick is Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas!

Goodreads summary:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.


After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

My thoughts:

What an awesome cover!  It was just revealed yesterday, so I'm thrilled that it's in time for my WoW. :D What do you guys think of the cover?  I love it; I think it represents the stories very well and really gives off a fantasy-ish vibe.

Basically, I just can't wait for this book.  I need more of Chaol and Dorian!  And I'm excited about reading more of Celaena's sparkling wit and sarcasm, of course. ;) She's an amazing heroine.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: Money Run by Jack Heath

Goodreads summary:

Take two child geniuses (thieves in their spare time), one obsessed assassin, and the richest man in the world to create a compelling, completely unpredictable young adult thriller. Fifteen-year-olds Ashley and Benjamin have concocted a daring master plan: to steal billionaire Hammond Buckland's most precious belonging, hidden in the depths of his conspicuous corporate building. But Hammond Buckland has a most elaborate plan of his own - and none of them have counted on Peachey, the hit man with a determination to finish the job - at any cost!The beginning of a dazzling new series from Jack Heath, author of The Lab and Remote Control.

My review:

Money Run is such a fun read.  The cover was the first thing that caught my attention - it reminded me of the latest Mission Impossible movie.  And after reading the summary, I was hooked.  Thankfully, the book turned out to be just as exciting and suspenseful as I'd hoped.  Money Run is perfect for fans of movies like Mission Impossible or The Italian Job.

I really enjoyed all the different point of views in the story.  At first I was worried that would make the story more dull, but actually, being inside the different characters' heads made everything more suspenseful - for example, sometimes one scene will end with one of the characters in danger, then jump to another scene with a different character. 

I enjoyed the characters as well.  Ashley is smart and levelheaded, and I loved reading about her.  I also liked her friend Benjamin - the banter back and forth between them had me smiling.  Add in a handful of compelling minor characters, and this book was pretty much impossible to put down.

I loved the action in Money Run, too.  There were quite a few scenes that I could just picture happening in an action movie.  So many thrilling moments and tense chase scenes filled the book, like Ashley running down a staircase to escape an assassin, or Ashley trying to hide to escape being found by a detective.  I also loved this one scene involving a car and a roof.  I won't say what happens so the story isn't spoiled, but let's just say it was a pretty awesome scene!

Of course, while reading this, you do have to suspend your belief somewhat - some of the things Ashley does really couldn't happen in real life.  But, Money Run still offers up great entertainment, plenty of action, unpredictable twists, and great characters.  If you're a fan of action thrillers, you definitely won't want to miss this exciting book!

* I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thanks!

My rating:  8 out of 10 (4 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: 17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma

Goodreads summary:

Seventeen-year-old Lauren is having visions of girls who have gone missing. And all these girls have just one thing in common—they are 17 and gone without a trace. As Lauren struggles to shake these waking nightmares, impossible questions demand urgent answers: Why are the girls speaking to Lauren? How can she help them? And… is she next? As Lauren searches for clues, everything begins to unravel, and when a brush with death lands her in the hospital, a shocking truth emerges, changing everything.

With complexity and richness, Nova Ren Suma serves up a beautiful, visual, fresh interpretation of what it means to be lost.

My review:

I adored 17 & Gone.  Nova Ren Suma truly has a talent for writing, and this book is no exception.  With a dreamlike atmosphere, haunting writing, and unforgettable characters, 17 & Gone will, without a doubt, draw you in.

I love Nova Ren Suma's writing.  There's just something about it.  The prose is gorgeous and lovely.  And the setting is so well-done - there's a sense of creepiness as we constantly wonder what has happened to all these girls who disappeared, and why Lauren has these visions.

Also, it's clear that the author has done her research.  It's quite heartbreaking to read about how many girls go missing and realize how often it happens in real life, and I loved Lauren and the way she tries to help the girls in this story.  Lauren is definitely a heroine who's easy to root for.

The plot was amazing.  It's not action-packed, but it's very character-driven, which I loved.  And it's still full of suspense.  The whole time I was reading this, I was dying to find out the answers for all the questions I had!  Add an unreliable narrator to the mix, and the story was perfect.  I was hooked from the first page to the very last.

17 & Gone is a powerful, thrilling story that you don't want to miss.  I can't wait to read more of Nova Ren Suma's future work!

My rating:  8 out of 10 (4 stars)

~ The Bookworm

ARC Review: Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton

Goodreads summary:

I can’t weep. I can’t fear. I’ve grown talented at pretending.

Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions . . . she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one—Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.

Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?

My review:

There are some books where, just by reading the summary, you can tell you're going to love it.  Some Quiet Place was one of those books for me.  It's gorgeous, haunting, and unlike anything I've ever read.

Elizabeth is not only one of the most intriguing main characters I've read in a while, but she's also different from all the other narrators out there in YA fiction.  If you're tired of angsty, whiny "heroines," then read this book.  Elizabeth literally can't feel emotions, and I ended up loving that about her.  She may be unfeeling and tough, but I just love how her character transforms throughout the story.

And Fear?  I love him so much, you guys - he's my latest book boyfriend. ;) He sticks up for Elizabeth no matter what.  I love how, despite his unfailing devotion to her, he also pushes her to find out more about her past and why she can't feel emotions.  He's an amazing guy and I also love how cool it is that he's an Emotion!

Which brings me to my next point...the story.  Kelsey Sutton has come up with this great concept of Emotions being actual beings that only Elizabeth can see.  It's insanely unique, and I thought the world-building was incredible - it brings a sort of fantasy-ish element to the story. 

Other things I loved: The setting was amazing.  The atmosphere and mood of the story is done so well.  I also liked how the villain in this was genuinely creepy; I felt so bad for Elizabeth and what she has to go through!  And although there is kind-of a love triangle, the author pulls it off well and the romance actually adds to the plot, rather than detracting from it.

I thoroughly enjoyed Some Quiet Place and I was thrilled to see on Goodreads that there's a sequel coming out next year.  Definitely recommended - if you're looking for a unique and thought-provoking story, then this is a must-read!

* I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thanks!

My rating:  10 out of 10 (5 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Characters I Would Crush On if I Were Also a Fictional Character

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Broke and Bookish.  Each week, a new list topic is posted, and book bloggers fill in their choices.  This week's topic is "Top Ten Characters I Would Crush On if I Were Also a Fictional Character."

My Top Ten:

1. Daemon from the Lux series.  *sigh* How can you not love Daemon?  He's hilarious, sarcastic, and sweet all at the same time.

2. Etienne St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss.  Okay, I don't think it's possible to read this book and not fall in love with Etienne.  He is the very definition of swoon-worthy.  (And he's short!  Like me!  Short people for the win! ;)

3. Tucker from the Unearthly series.  He's a cowboy.  Need I say more? :)

4. Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars.  *swoon* This is one of my all-time favorite books, and I simply adore Augustus. 

5. Four from the Divergent series.  I don't care if his name is Tobias, he's always going to be "Four" to me.  Ya'll know his famous line in Divergent, "I might be in love with you, but I'm waiting until I'm sure to tell you"?  That's what made me fall in love with him!

6. Aiden from the Covenant series.  I love how protective and sweet he is!

7. Will/Jem from the Infernal Devices series.  So what if I'm including both of them on the list, lol.  While reading this series, I couldn't decide who I loved better - they're both so swoon-worthy!

8. Hector from the Girl of Fire and Thorns series.  I looove Hector so much.  And can I just say, after that cliffhanger ending in Crown of Embers...my heart simply cannot handle the feels. *sniffle*

9. Warner from the Shatter Me series.  Okay, okay, so I was Team Adam in book one, but after reading Destroy Me and Unravel Me...yeah, I'm Team Warner.  He may be kind-of-sort-of be a villain, but once you find out more about him, you can't help loving him!

10. Patrick from The Catastrophic History of You and Me.  I loved Patrick so, so much.  He has so many funny lines and is just geniunely sweet and caring. 

What fictional guys are your book boyfriends?! :) Leave a comment with a link to your TTT!

~ The Bookworm

My Top 5 Favorite Books of March 2013

At the beginning of each month, I post a list of the books I read in the previous month and what my favorites were!

Here's the books I read in March:

- The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter
- Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate
- The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell
- Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
- Immortal by Gillian Shields
- Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger
- Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
- Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
- Boundless by Cynthia Hand
- Elemental: The First by Alexandra May
- Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama
- The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
- Requiem by Lauren Oliver
- A Touch of Scarlet by Eve Marie Mont
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Surrender by Rhiannon Paille
- Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
- Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
- The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe
- Dare You To by Katie McGarry
- The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
- The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson
- Dear Cassie by Lisa Burstein
- The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
- 17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma
- Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton
- Unbreak My Heart by Melissa C. Walker

Wow, that's way more books than I thought I'd get to this month!  But I had lots of library books, books to read for school, and books to read/review for Netgalley, so I guess I somehow squeezed it all in. :) My top 5 favorites of the month:

1. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare.  So far, this is my favorite book of 2013.  It's heartbreaking and perfect.  There are no words to describe the amazingness of this series.  I cried so hard during the epilogue!

2. Dare You To by Katie McGarry.  Gorgeous and sweet, this sequel to Pushing the Limits totally captured my heart.  I adore Ryan and Beth, and this is one of those wonderfully addicting books that I know I'll be rereading over and over again.

3. Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger.  I love the idea behind this book: it's about sylphs!  So cool.  And the book was every bit as good as I'd hoped.  I loved the characters, the plot, the writing, everything.

4. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.  The plot is absolutely brilliant, and all the different characters are so wonderful and interesting.  I love how this author has intertwined fairytales and sci-fi.  Amazing.

5. Boundless by Cynthia Hand.  A lovely conclusion to the Unearthly series.  I love the way the story finished and I'm going to miss all the characters in this series so much!

Honorable mentions go to Some Quiet Place (which I adored, and I'll have my review for it up tomorrow!), The Evolution of Mara Dyer, and 17 & Gone.

What are some of your favorite reads from this past month?

~ The Bookworm