Review: Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Published February 5th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.

Review: This book takes place in an alternative, steam-punky Victorian era. It was a bit much for me. We were just thrown into this world with little to no explanation or description of what was going on. Sopronia's family is done dealing with her exploring and curiosity and send her off to finishing school. But this finishing school isn't typical, they also teach espionage. Dun dun dun....

Something that really bothered me about this book is that once Sophronia was at school, she really changed and without much time or effort. Yes, she does break the rules, climbs around and goes into the engine room. But gone is her curiosity, her taking apart things to make them worse. It was almost like 2 different characters, and neither one really got deeply developed. 

I felt so lost throughout this story, like I had missed some background information or skipped portions of the book. But I hadn't. I didn't feel like there was a plot for most of this book.

All in all, a so-so 2.5-3 star read. I will read the sequel because on goodreads, the sequel has higher ratings than this story.

*I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich

Published October 1st 2014 by BQB Publishing

Synopsis: Called to the bedside of their dying mother, three sisters reluctantly return to their childhood home in northern Minnesota. What should be a reunion of love and warmth is tainted by the ghosts of their childhood; their parents' farm is a place of painful memories. With their mother in a coma, Helene leaves behind a shell of a marriage in Atlanta---her country club lifestyle not at all what it seems. Alice has finally fled an abusive husband but is afraid her failing courage will put her children in danger. Waking up beside yet another stranger, Suzanne can no longer deny how an alcohol addiction may destroy everything she's worked for---an addiction that barely masks the terrible wounds on her soul. They may have escaped the farm, but Helene, Alice, and Suzanne find they are still perpetuating a cycle of pain, abuse, alcoholism, anger, fear, and bitterness. Seeing themselves through each other's eyes, the sisters are forced to confront their demons. Will they be able to tread through the wreckage of the past to create lives filled with hope, love, and triumph?

Review: I loved, loved LOVED this book!! I couldn't put it down. The characters and situations were so very real, very raw, and extremely relatable. Three sisters who had a not so great upbringing, who all left home as quickly as possible and never looked back. Who are forced together when their mother falls ill.

Helene looks like she has the perfect life- a rich husband, a smart kid, a big house with a maid. But when you really look at her life, it's not as great as it looks like on the surface. Alice is heavy, in an abusive marriage with 2 kids, who has no job and whose family does not respect her in the least. She is able to leave, but is she able to pull life together to make it for her kids? Suzanne suffers from alcoholism- will it ruin her entire life or can she overcome it and her childhood and make herself a better woman?

The plot is likable, the characters are lovable, the situations are real. The dialogue is funny, thoughtful, and completely sister-like. Not that I would know from experience, but the banter is real and at times comical. They were always trying to one up each other, even when it came to who's life sucked the most. It was so nice to see their relationships changing, evolving, and them figuring out who they were and what they mean to each other.

I highly highly recommend this book to anyone, especially fans of chick lit!!!

*I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Finished one book, onto the next!

Hour 9. One book down. I finished City of Stairs, which I gave 4 stars. Look for my review soon!

Next on my list...

I am currently 39% done with this e-galley from NetGalley. Its getting good and I would love to finish it!!! This book was released September 23, 2014. Here we go...!

Review: A Sudden Light by Garth Stein

Published September 30, 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: In the summer of 1990, fourteen-year-old Trevor Riddell gets his first glimpse of Riddell House. Built from the spoils of a massive timber fortune, the legendary family mansion is constructed of giant, whole trees, and is set on a huge estate overlooking Puget Sound. Trevor’s bankrupt parents have begun a trial separation, and his father, Jones Riddell, has brought Trevor to Riddell House with a goal: to join forces with his sister, Serena, dispatch Grandpa Samuel—who is flickering in and out of dementia—to a graduated living facility, sell off the house and property for development into “tract housing for millionaires,” divide up the profits, and live happily ever after.

But Trevor soon discovers there’s someone else living in Riddell House: a ghost with an agenda of his own. For while the land holds tremendous value, it is also burdened by the final wishes of the family patriarch, Elijah, who mandated it be allowed to return to untamed forestland as a penance for the millions of trees harvested over the decades by the Riddell Timber company. The ghost will not rest until Elijah’s wish is fulfilled, and Trevor’s willingness to face the past holds the key to his family’s future.

Review: How would I describe this book? A family drama, ghost story and historical fiction all rolled into one. The characters are rich and dramatic, the plot line interesting with twists and turns, lies and deception, mystery and emotion. I really liked the flow of this story, there was some repetition of themes and ideas but they were purposeful and helped to build the plot. This story was very different than anything I have read and that's a huge plus for me. 

What a smart 14 year old Trevor is! First off, he starts seeing ghosts and doesn't panic. Um, I am well past 14 and if I saw what he did, I would hid under the bed. Seriously. He pieces together so many different parts of a puzzle and comes to the real conclusion. But will anyone believe him? 

Serena really made me angry throughout this story. She is rude and crazy from the get go. And the way she treats Grandpa Samuel was really what made me the most angry. Probably because I work with the dementia population, but I had to skim over certain sections of her text because I was annoyed. This was all a part of her character that develops and makes more sense as the story goes on. 

All in all, I would recommend this read. This was my first Garth Stein book despite having The Art of Racing in the Rain on my bookshelf for a while now. Looking forward to my next Stein book!

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Meet Me in Barcelona by Mary Carter

Publish Date: July 29, 2014
Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis: A surprise trip to Barcelona with her boyfriend, Jake, seems like the perfect antidote to Grace Sawyer's current woes. The city is dazzling and unpredictable, but the biggest surprise for Grace is discovering who arranged and paid for the vacation.


Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend--until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake--and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it. . .

Mary Carter's intriguing novel delves into the complexities of childhood bonds, the corrosive weight of guilt and blame, and all the ways we try--and often fail--to truly know the ones we love. (from goodreads.com)

Review: This book went a totally different way than I was expecting!! This sounded like it was going to be a fluffy, chick lit but wow....not the case. I finished this book in one day, stayed up way way way too late because I just had to know how it ended! There were so many twists and turns and mysteries here that it was a major page turner. 

I found Grace to be annoying and paranoid throughout this whole book. Does she have good reason to be during some situations? Yes. But other times she just seems very insecure and whiny, frequently jumping to the worst conclusion without any evidence. Carrie Ann was extremely mysterious. It takes a bit to get the whole background story on who she is and why she and Grace are not in touch. And then things get interesting. Each secondary character adds something to the plot.

I don't want to give any of the plot away but what a mystery! I would highly recommend this book!

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Review: When the World Was Young by Elizabeth Gaffney

Publish Date: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Random House

Synopsis: Wally Baker is no ordinary girl. Living in her grandparents’ Brooklyn Heights brownstone, she doesn’t like dresses, needlepoint, or manners. Her love of Wonder Woman comics and ants makes her feel like a misfit—especially in the shadow of her dazzling but unstable mother, Stella.

Acclaimed author Elizabeth Gaffney’s irresistible novel captures postwar Brooklyn through Wally’s eyes, opening on V-J day, as she grows up with the rest of America. Reeling from her own unexpected wartime tragedy and navigating an increasingly fraught landscape, Wally is forced to confront painful truths about the world—its sorrows, its prejudices, its conflicts, its limitations. But Wally also finds hope and strength in the unlikeliest places.

With an unforgettable cast of characters, including the increasingly distant and distracted Stella; Loretta, the family’s black maid and Wally’s second mother; Ham, Loretta’s son, who shares Wally’s enthusiasm for ants and exploration; Rudy, Wally’s father, a naval officer, away serving in the Pacific; and Mr. Niederman, the family’s boarder, who never seems to answer Wally’s questions—and who she suspects may have something to hide—Elizabeth Gaffney crafts an immersive, beautifully realized novel about the truths that divide and the love that keeps us together. (from netgalley)

Review: I had no expectations going into this book- the cover was pretty and the synopsis sounded interesting. Upon completion of the book, I really wished that it had continued a little bit more.

For the first half of the book, I was apathetic. Where is this book going? What is the point? There are a lot of different characters in this book and it took a bit to figure out who everyone was and how they fit together. The protagonist, a young girl named Wally, did have my heart from the beginning. Her spirit and innocence just grabbed me and held on through the novel. During the last half of this story, I felt the plot formation was improved but was still weak. There was also a better connection to more of the characters. I did want to see what happened next, which is where my initial comment comes into play- the book ended too soon. It was wrapped up nicely, I like the events that occurred. I just want to know what happens after!

Wally was from a more privileged family but led a difficult life- so much loss, so much change, so much for a little girl to understand and handle. The only thing that stayed consistent were her ants, so is it any wonder that she turns ants into her life and studies? Her best friend as a child, Ham, was set up to have a difficult life from the get go. It looked like things were looking up however he turns to self-harm which just creates more problems. They are unlikely friends, but I found them to be such a great match!

A lot of big events happen during this book including V-J Day and the Manhattan Project/dropping the Atom bomb. The author does a nice job at weaving these events into the characters' lives. Didn't love, didn't hate this book, so...3 stars!

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre

Publish Date: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Synopsis: Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Edie Kramer has a score to settle with the beautiful people at Blackbriar Academy. Their cruelty drove her to the brink of despair, and four months ago, she couldn’t imagine being strong enough to face her senior year. But thanks to a Faustian compact with the enigmatic Kian, she has the power to make the bullies pay. She’s not supposed to think about Kian once the deal is done, but devastating pain burns behind his unearthly beauty, making him impossible to forget. 

In one short summer, her entire life changes, and she sweeps through Blackbriar, prepped to take the beautiful people down from the inside. A whisper here, a look there, and suddenly . . . bad things are happening. It’s a head rush, seeing her tormentors get what they deserve, but things that seem too good to be true usually are, and soon, the pranks and payback turn from delicious to deadly. Edie is alone in a world teeming with secrets and fiends lurking in the shadows. In this murky morass of devil’s bargains, she isn’t sure who—or what—she can trust. Not even her own mind . . .(from netgalley)

Review: This was my first Ann Aguirre book. I have the Enclave series on my shelf but haven't gotten into them yet. So I had no gauge for her writing style. That being said, this book was just "eh" for me. We start off by meeting Edie in her worst moment- just before taking her own life. But wait, what's that now? A hot guy coming to save her? And he's mysterious? And promising her a better life in exchange for something he cannot yet tell her? What a cliche...and what is an even BIGGER cliche is that they...omg wait for it....fall in love!

I had a big problem with the general theme of this book. Edie was living a rough high school life, being bullied all the time and at the end of her rope. So what does Kian do? He turns her beautiful and she infiltrates the bullies so she can get back at them. The big problem I have- he turned her beautiful. What kind of message does this send?! That she wouldn't have been able to stand up for herself or have any self confidence if she wasn't pretty? Seeing that this is a young adult novel, people reading this book are going to be around Edie's age. As the protagonist, I found her to be a weak and dependent female.

While I wasn't a huge fan of this book, it will not deter me from reading Ann Aguirre again in the future. 

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco

Publish Date: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Synopsis: Okiku wants vengeance...and she gets it. Whenever there's a monster hurting a child-the same way she was hurt 300 years ago in Japan-her spirit is there to deliver punishment. But one American boy draws her like no other. The two are pulled into a world of eerie doll rituals and dark Shinto exorcisms that will take them from the American Midwest to the remote valleys and shrines of Aomori, Japan. The boy is not a monster, but something evil writhes beneath his skin, trapped by a series of intricate tattoos. Can Okiku protect him? Or is her presence only bringing more harm?

Review: So I did watch The Ring many, many years ago and I remember it creeping me the F out. I stayed away from the TV for a while. And now, I request The Girl From the Well. I clearly didn't read the whole description before I hit request. And then when I got to it on my reading list, it was kind of like this: 

I couldn't NOT read the book, so I put my big girl panties on and began to read. And I have to say, I was slightly disappointed. But I did not have to sleep with the lights on. This book was unlike anything I had read before. It had a unique writing style and the characters didn't feel fully developed to me. I was left feeling like I didn't make connections to any of the characters and wanted to know more. Tark, the main character, isn't very warm and fuzzy and does take some warming up to. Callie, his cousin, is a pleasant girl who is focused on fixing family problems and is very supportive of Tark. Okiku is a spirit who goes after murderers in an attempt to avenge her own death 300 years before. There were man secondary characters, including a young girl named Sandra who can see the spirits when no one else can. Can we say creepy?

The story starts with a character described as a man who has "thin bony arms clasped about his neck", which you then find is a girl that he murdered. This is when you first meet Okiku, but you don't learn her name until halfway through the book. It is actually Okiku that is narrating this book, which took a lot of getting used to. You then learn that she is on the "better" end of the spirit spectrum, while a second spirit in the story is on the evil end. That is why Okiku is around in the first place- to stop the evil. Tark has lead a tough life, his mother has tried to kill him multiple times and also gave the boy tattoos all over his arms at a very young age. He doesn't fit in and needs to keep his arms covered at all times so as not to draw attention to this dark marks. Then he begins to get sick, and Callie and Okiku must help his rid himself of the black spirit to save his own life. 

I felt underwhelmed by the plot of this. While I was fearful going into it because I'm not a huge horror fan, I didn't find myself scared by this story. Creeped out, maybe. But I feel that the portions of this book that should have been Earth shattering and exciting just...weren't. The details, the mystery, the suspense, the horror- it all could have and should have been more. It also had a lot of Japanese phrases and folklore that I had trouble keeping straight. I definitely think that this will be a book people either love or hate. Definitely worth reading and finding out for yourself!

Recommended For: fans of horror novels/movies, especially movies like The Ring

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.