In My Mailbox (8)

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

- Venom by Fiona Paul
- Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini
- Crewel by Gennifer Albin
- Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill
- Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Insurgent by Veronica Roth
- Spark by Brigid Kemmerer
- Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
- ARC of Sirens by Janet Fox

These are all books I bought, won, or received as Christmas presents.  So far I've read Venom, Crewel, Meant to Be, Opal, The Lost Girl, and of course Insurgent, which I read months ago but I had to get the collector's edition. :) Can't wait to read Touching the Surface; it looks so amazing!  I'm really looking forward to Pure and Spark because they're both sequels in two series that I love.  And I won Sirens in a giveaway.  Can't wait to read it either!

- A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Survive by Alex Morel

These are all library books.  I've already read A Fractured Light (it was okay-ish; review coming soon) and Throne of Glass (which I adored and reviewed here), and I'm reading Survive right now!

Have you read or want to read any of the books I've gotten?  Let me know in the comments!  And please leave links to your IMMs!  Happy reading, everyone! :)

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: Crewel

Goodreads summary:

Enter a tangled world of secrets and intrigue where a girl is in charge of other’s destinies, but not her own.

Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has always been special. When her parents discover her gift—the ability to weave the very fabric of reality—they train her to hide it. For good reason, they don’t want her to become a Spinster — one of the elite, beautiful, and deadly women who determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die.

Thrust into the opulent Western Coventry, Adelice will be tried, tested and tempted as she navigates the deadly politics at play behind its walls. Now caught in a web of lies and forbidden romance, she must unravel the sinister truth behind her own unspeakable power. Her world is hanging by a thread, and Adelice, alone, can decide to save it — or destroy it.

My review:

Oh yes, this book was GOOD. 

The YA publishing world needs more dystopians like this.  I honestly thought I was done with the dystopian genre; I haven't been that crazy about some of the dystopians that have released lately.  But Crewel blew all my expectations away.

It's so creative.  It is unlike any dystopian I've ever read.  Sure, there's a couple similarities to other dystopians - for example, at the beginning, the society seems a lot like the standard dystopian society in many young adult books.  But slowly, as we delve deeper into the world, we find out just how stunning, unique, and scary it really is.

One thing I love is that there is absolutely no info-dumping.  Albin doesn't even introduce us to the world at the beginning; we are thrust right into the action and learn more about the way the world is set up as the story continues.  I like this method.  It made the dystopian world seem a lot more realistic and it always left me curious to know more.

The characters all stand out in their own way.  The main character, Adelice, is spunky and a touch rebellious, I couldn't help liking how she never gave up.  Her little sister is so sweet - I liked Adelice's family from the very beginning.  All the other characters that Adelice meets as she trains to be a Spinster are unique and compelling.

There is a love triangle, and while I don't particularly love it, I do like that Albin never lets the romance overshadow the main story.  There's less romance than I expected, but I suspect there will be more in the sequel.  And oh my word...that twist at the very end...let's just say I'm dying for the sequel!

And the world-building - I have to say it again, this book is just SO refreshingly creative!  The concepts and ideas that the author has come up with are so brilliant.  Before I read this, I saw many reviewers saying how creative Crewel was, and I thought, "Surely it can't be that creative and different from all the other dystopians," but I was so wrong.  Even if you're tired of dystopians like me, Crewel is definitely a dystopian worth reading.

My only complaint, besides the fact that I wasn't crazy about the love triangle, is that the pacing seems a bit slow at times.  Not noticeably so, and it's not a huge deal either; it's just that the book has its slower moments and isn't full of action.  Still, it's so creative and full of unexpected twists.  I would definitely recommend Crewel if you're looking for a fresh, unusual read!

My rating:  9 out of 10 (4.5 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: Venom

Goodreads summary:

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

My review:

Venom was one of my most anticipated reads for 2012, and while I definitely enjoyed it a good deal, it didn't quite live up to all my expectations. 

I really liked the cast of characters in Venom.  I didn't always like the main character, Cass, though - she's really naive and makes some thoughtless decisions at times.  Yet despite this, she's a very determined character, and I like the metaphor of how she feels trapped and is trying to find freedom.  I wouldn't go as far as to say I admire Cass, but I found it easy to sympathize with all that she was going through - her hopes, dreams, and struggles to do right. 

A few other characters I really liked were Cass's Aunt Agnese, her friend Madalena, her servant Siena, and her fiance Luca.  At first, I expected her aunt to be one of those cliche, grouchy old women who never lets Cass do anything, is very strict about manners, etc.  But Aunt Agnese was an unexpected surprise - her character has depth and she just wants what's best for Cass.  By the end of the novel she'd become one of my favorite minor characters!

Of course, there's the standard love triangle.  At first, I liked the artist Falco.  He has a few funny lines, he's charming, and he has that "free spirit" kind of personality.  But after a while I got tired of him pressuring Cass to sneak out to solve the mystery.  And I didn't like some of the choices he makes.  I can't decide whether or not I like him.  Luca, on the other hand...I liked him right away.  He's sweet and quiet, and genuinely does his best to care for Cass.  I wish he was in more of the book, instead of just the last 100 pages!  I can't wait to see more of him in the next book.

As for the plot itself, unfortunately I guessed who the murderer is immediately.  It isn't horribly, groan-inducingly obvious, but I suspected him throughout the whole story and ended up being right.  However, there's quite a few other twists and turns in the plot that always kept me turning the pages. 

The setting was one of my favorite parts of the story.  Fiona Paul does a wonderful job paying attention to detail and description of Venice.  I want to visit it so badly now, after reading Venom!  The way she painted the atmosphere and feel of Venice was absolutely stunning. 

While I had a few dislikes about Venom - the obvious murderer, and the naive main character - it was still a very enjoyable read.  (Also, I thought the ending was one of the best endings I've ever read.  It was so satisfying and perfect, but leaves it open for the sequel!)  Definitely a great historical novel.  Fiona Paul is a talented new author and I can't wait to read the sequel, Belladonna!

My rating:  7 out of 10 (3.5 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: Throne of Glass

Goodreads summary:

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

My review:

Oh, this book was so fun!  I adore fantasy books and Throne of Glass was not a disappointment.  I really enjoyed this engrossing read.  Now, I think one's enjoyment of this book depends on two things: whether or not you like the main character, and whether or not the love triangle works for you.  I liked both fairly well.

Ah, Celaena.  She's one of the best characters I've read in a while.  She is not like all the other naive, whiny, helpless girls in YA fiction.  She's full of arrogance and self-confidence, and she doesn't let anyone tell her what to do.  Normally I'd find such arrogance annoying in a character, but I actually loved it in Celaena.  She has some fantastically witty lines too, and I liked her love of books.  My only problem with her is that she has a touch of Mary-Sue-ish-ness: she can fight, loves to read, plays piano well, everyone loves her, etc.  But I still love how she's so different from most characters.

The love triangle was not terrible, but it certainly doesn't have that same level of awesomeness as Cynthia Hand's Unearthly series or Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series.  I like both of the guys who are in love with her - Prince Dorian and Chaol Westfall.  I admit at the beginning, I thought Dorian was charming enough but rather shallow and boring.  I take that back now...as the story progresses, his character has some real depth and I began to like him a good deal.

While Dorian's a good character, I think Chaol is better suited to Celaena.  His dry sense of humor is quite amusing, and he understands her so well.  I really hope Celaena will start liking him more in the sequel.  (And while I'm on the subject of characters, I must mention that Nehemia is one of the best minor characters I've read in a looong time.  I love her!)

And the plot is very entertaining!  A touch predictable at times, but it's so well-written and thrilling that you just don't want to stop reading.  Lots of action.  And oh my word, those last fifty pages or so...I could NOT put the book down.  Those scenes at the end were really intense. 

I have to say that I don't like the cover, though.  The girl looks like she's trying to be tough and is failing.  I like the UK cover so much better.  Go check it out on Goodreads if you haven't seen it, it fits the story perfectly. :)

I really enjoyed Throne of Glass; it's an excellent fantasy.  I can't wait to read more of this author's work.  If you like tough, strong heroines, a couple swoon-worthy guys, and an action-packed adventure full of magic and sword-fighting, then Throne of Glass is for you!

My rating:  8 out of 10 (4 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Waiting on Wednesday: Unravel Me

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 Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi!

Goodreads summary:

tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

My thoughts:

Gah, I want this book so badly!  I read Shatter Me last year and absolutely loved it.  The sequel, Unravel Me, comes out on February 5 and I can't wait.  The only thing I'm worried about is the potential for a love triangle between Juliette, Adam, and Warner.  I'm kind of sick of love triangles, but I do think that Tahereh Mafi could pull it off.  She's created such fascinating characters.

I love the new covers for this series too.  Originally I didn't like them much, but they're growing on me.  The colors are so vivid and pretty!

Oh, and that last sentence in the summary?  Decisions that might involve...Adam's life?  Please no, don't let him die.  Tahereh Mafi, I'm begging you!  Let Adam live!

The next 41 days waiting for this book to come out will be extremely torturous.

As usual, please leave links to your WoW in the comments!  Happy reading, everyone! :)

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: The Unnaturalists

Goodreads summary:

In an alternate London where magical creatures are preserved in a museum, two teens find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger.

Vespa Nyx wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life cataloging Unnatural creatures in her father’s museum, but as she gets older, the requirement to become a lady and find a husband is looming large. Syrus Reed’s Tinker family has always served and revered the Unnaturals from afar, but when his family is captured to be refinery slaves, he finds that his fate may be bound up with Vespa’s—and with the Unnaturals.

As the danger grows, Vespa and Syrus find themselves in a tightening web of deception and intrigue. At stake may be the fate of New London—and the world.

My review:

I was quite excited to read The Unnaturalists - I was able to meet Tiffany Trent at the Baltimore Book Festival back in September, where I bought a signed copy.  The premise sounded sooo good...I mean, an alternate London?  Sign me up!  I'm happy to say that this was an interesting, engrossing read.

The characters are wonderful.  I really like the main character, Vespa Nyx...and not just because she has a cool name.  Vespa is spunky, smart, determined, and easy to relate to.  The other narrator of the story, Syrus, isn't quite as interesting to me.  He never captured my interest as a character, maybe because he is a thirteen-year-old boy.  But I think other readers will probably like him - it is refreshing to have a young main character like him.

The romance is sweet, yet it doesn't overpower the main storyline, which I admire.  I like the love interest too; he has an interesting background and I loved finding out more about him.  The plot itself is so magical and creative.  Tiffany Trent skillfully combines steampunk, sci-fi, alternate history, and even some bits of mythology, and the end result is a fascinating book.

My only complaint is that it was slightly confusing at times.  We are thrust into this alternate London, and many creatures are introduced without much explanation and the reader is left to figure out some things on their own.  Yet at the same time, I do like this method because it feels more realistic and definitely makes you feel involved in the story.  The setting was so atmospheric and thrilling.

And I do have to say that I love the alternate London.  It reminds me a little of Doctor Who, so imagine my excitement when in the acknowledgements, Tiffany Trent mentions Doctor Who as a source of inspiration!  I thought that was awesome. =D

If you're a fan of steampunk, cool sci-fi elements, and exciting historical fiction, then I would definitely recommend giving The Unnaturalists a try!  It's a very unique and fun read!

My rating:  8 out of 10 (4 stars)

~ The Bookworm

Book Review: Flash Point

Goodreads summary:

Reality TV meets a chillingly realistic version of America—and the fame game is on!

Amy had dreams of going to college, until the Collapse destroyed the economy and her future. Now she is desperate for any job that will help support her terminally ill grandmother and rebellious younger sister. When she finds herself in the running for a slot on a new reality TV show, she signs on the dotted line, despite her misgivings. And she’s right to have them. TLN’s Who Knows People, Baby—You? has an irresistible premise: correctly predict what the teenage cast will do in a crisis and win millions. But the network has pulled strings to make it work, using everything from 24/7 hidden cameras to life-threatening technology to flat-out rigging. Worse, every time the ratings slip, TLN ups the ante. Soon Amy is fighting for her life—on and off camera.

My review:

I was so excited when I got an ARC of this in the mail.  It looked absolutely amazing, and I couldn't wait to read it!  But I've been disappointed by many dystopians lately, so I was careful not to let my hopes get up too high - which was a good thing, because Flash Point was very disappointing to me.

The world-building: or rather, lack of.  I knew this was a sort of sci-fi dystopian when I started it.  But spread throughout the story, there's quite a few references to Twitter, Facebook, and e-mail, which really took away the credibility of the dystopian-ish world, at least to me.  And what was the Collapse mentioned in the summary?  That wasn't made very clear until much later on in the story.  And what on earth were the "phantoms" (some kind of vision in her head - I think?) that Amy kept experiencing at random moments in the story?  This book needed some serious world-building.

With the large cast of characters, I was sure I could find at least one or two that I cared about, but...guess what...they are all flat and boring.  The main character Amy drove me nuts, and her little sister is even more annoying.  All the other characters who are on the reality show are boring, as well.  It felt like they are all plot devices.  I couldn't bring myself to care about any of them.

One thing that was a huge let-down is when Amy's grandmother dies about two-third or three-quarters through the story.  (This isn't really a spoiler, because her grandmother is really ill throughout the story and her death is expected.)  Now during the beginning of the story, Amy is constantly worrying over her grandmother and doing everything possible to keep her well.  She really cares for her grandmother.  But when Amy's grandmother dies, only a page or two is spent talking about it, and then Amy moves on with life as if she's perfectly fine.  It's not really mentioned at all during the rest of the book.  What on earth?!  You'd think Amy would've spent more time grieving.

This book was just a huge disappointment to me.  It's a great concept, but it all fell flat.  Not to mention that it's 500 pages long.  I don't mind long books, but this was just way too long.  There were so many times when I wanted to not finish it, and when I was finally done, I was just glad it was over and didn't even care what had happened to the characters.  Not recommended - there are so many better dystopians out there!

*Thanks to Penguin Teen for sending me a copy of this!

My rating:  3 out of 10 (1.5 stars)

~ The Bookworm