Book Spotlight: The 100 (The Hundred #1) by Kass Morgan

In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.

From Goodreads.com

     The 100 was a book I was very interested in reading, ever since I saw the preview for the show. I was one of the people who didn't even know there was a book till later. Let me tell you, the book was great. 
     The book centers on four different characters, all involved in the 100 who are sent to Earth. The space station these teenagers are living in is slowly running out of supplies. The government decides to send the 100 juvenile delinquents to Earth, to find out the conditions of the planet. The teens have been imprisoned for various crimes and this is their way to "give back" to the community. When the group lands on the planet, all kinds of adventures begin. 
     Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect from the book. I was a bit nervous considering it's supposed to be about 100 characters, all at once. Obviously, I knew the story would focus on the predominant characters, but I didn't know who or how many. I liked the number four. I liked the four different personalities, the four different predicaments the characters were in. I don't know that I liked anyone in particular, but I know a few of them drove me a bit nuts at times (which is a good thing). 
    It was also nice to see the back story on the characters. The flashbacks of explanation were in perfect places, and I was very happy to figure out how these characters arrived at the places they were at. I'm excited to see where the story goes from here. 
    Also, yes, I'll be watching the show. Even from the opening pages, you can tell the show will be different. However, I'm super excited to see what happens on screen. I kind of really like the dynamics of the show and the book being released together. Ms Morgan is a wonderful writer and I think this book is a good solid debut. I look forward to seeing what happens next!
     The 100 arrives at bookstores September 3, 2013!

     Happy reading, 

     Valia 

Book Spotlight: Taste Test by Kelly Fiore

     If you can grill it, smoke it, or fry it, Nora Henderson knows all about it. She’s been basting baby back ribs and pulling pork at her father’s barbeque joint since she was tall enough to reach the counter. When she’s accepted to Taste Test, a reality-television teen cooking competition, Nora can’t wait to leave her humble hometown behind, even if it means saying good-bye to her dad and her best friend, Billy. Once she’s on set, run-ins with her high-society roommate and the maddeningly handsome—not to mention talented—son of a famous chef, Christian Van Lorten, mean Nora must work even harder to prove herself. But as mysterious accidents plague the kitchen arena, protecting her heart from one annoyingly charming fellow contestant in particular becomes the least of her concerns. Someone is conducting real-life eliminations, and if Nora doesn’t figure out who, she could be next to get chopped for good. 

With romance and intrigue as delectable as the winning recipes included in the story, this debut novel will be devoured by all.

From Goodreads.com

     Nora is a small town girl with big town dreams. When she's accepted to Taste Test, a reality TV show for teens, she's more than ready to go. Leaving her family and friends behind, she heads to the big city to prove to the world that she's more than just a small town cook. She meets all kinds of interesting- that's a safe word- people, including the rich and handsome Christian. He gets right under her skin. She works hard to prove herself in a world so different from her own. And if that's not hard enough, someone is sabotaging the show. Now, she has more than just who wins to worry about. 
     Guys, I absolutely loved this book. Nora was a really fun character to get to know. I liked seeing her fight her way past the rich and snobby, showing them her true colors. Sure, there were times where I kind of wanted to smack her, just a little. But that is only because I was rooting for her. It's always a sign of a good character when there is emotional reactions from the readers. :)
     Now, Christian was all kinds of swoony. I liked how they were rivals turned acquaintances turned partners. And then some *wink wink* He was a great solid character who made me laugh out loud more than once throughout the book. I really enjoyed his and Nora's relationship. They were adorable together. I also really like that it wasn't love at first sight. There was definite tension, but it was explored throughout the whole book. 
     Overall, this book is a must read. Anyone who enjoys a good story mixed with some delicious recipes will find a win in this book. Not only are the characters engaging, the book is filled with yummy treats for everyone to try. Seriously, I loved this aspect and the fact that I didn't have to guess what goes into any of the dishes. I could just try them myself. Ms Fiore, this book is delectable and I look forward to reading more of your stories. 
     This book hits the shelves August 27th, 2013. Get it, read it, love it!

     Happy reading, 
    
     Valia 

Book Spotlight: The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott

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.

From Goodreads.com

     Dante Walker is a collector and he's pretty amazing at his job. Well, he's pretty amazing at everything and he's not afraid to tell you. Dante has a special assignment and that assignment is Charlie. Never in a million years did Dante expect Charlie and now that he met her, he begins to rethink everything he stands for. That's when the real fun begins. 

     Guys, this book, THIS BOOK, is amazing! I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved it. I could not put it down. And Dante, oh Dante, he is just.....hold on, got to keep it PG. :)

    Dante Walker is a fabulous character. Seriously, I loved reading his story and getting to know him through the pages. He's the cocky, arrogant, hilarious, bad boy type who makes girls everywhere swoon. He grows so much throughout the book and I think that's one of my favorite parts of the story. I mean, guys, he's a bad boy right? The evil himself standing at your doorstep, trying to collect your soul. You don't really get any worse than that. But after meeting Charlie, after getting to see another type of an individual that sees the best in people and wants to make the world a better place, Dante begins to realize there is more to life than his job. 
     Now, Charlie. She is one different type of a heroine. I seriously had no idea what to expect from her, considering all of the promotion and such was on Dante. Yet, I've come to love her to pieces, just like Dante. She is a sweetheart, a golden child, and she teaches Dante how to be a better person but simply being. That's true love ladies and gentlemen. When you look past the outer and see right to the inner. 
     I loved everything about this book. The characters, the setting, the little one liners. Victoria created characters that grab on to your heart stings and don't let go. The only bad thing about this book is that it ended and I have to wait for the next one. The Collector is going to take you by storm. Seriously, read this book. 
     The Collector is out now! Get it, read it, love it!

     Happy reading, 

     Valia 

PS. And here's my review in gifs: 

Alright, I'm done now.

Book Spotlight: The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare.

Literally.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy, is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder.

Then Eli’s dream comes true.

Now Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.

From goodreads.com

   Guys, I've been sitting on this review for two months! I don't even know how I contained my excitement until now, but somehow I did. Well, mostly it's because I talked about the book nonstop anyway. *snickers* But I'm way ahead of myself here. 

   The Nightmare Affair is a story of Dusty Everhart, a real life Nightmare. This is not a technical term, it's a magical one. It's her job to sit on top of unsuspecting victims and drink their dream juice. Then, she is partnered up with Eli Booker, the hot guy from her old school. Not that sitting on a hot guy is all that hard, but then things turn wonky and the real fun begins. 

   I loved everything about this book. The cover? Gorgeous to boot. The characters? Fun, fresh, and all so real. The adventure? Exciting! The hot boy? Swoon worthy. 
Dusty was a great main character. Sure she had her ups and down, but that's what makes any character a real one. I could totally see myself going to school with this girl and becoming her friend. 
   Eli, oh man, Eli. Well, he's all kinds of hot and swoony and I loved his character. I loved seeing him develop as an individual, just like Dusty did. And them together? Oh boy! I think one of the biggest parts of their relationship that I enjoyed is that it wasn't insta-love and bam, they're together. No, they had their ups and downs, their other relationships, but in the end, the chemistry between them was just a little too sizzling. 
   There is so much more I can tell you about this book but really, you just need to read it for yourself. If you are fans of magic and good solid writing, then this is a book for you. 

   The world Mindee created is magical, exciting, and fascinating, with characters who keep you on your toes and tug at your heart strings. 

TOMORROW!!! IT COMES OUT TOMORROW!

   The Nightmare Affair comes out March 5th, 2013. Get it, read it, LOVE it! 

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Road Trip Wednesday: Favorite Read of February 2013

Hello lovelies, 

It's been a while since I've participated in the Road Trip Wednesday, but today, I just couldn't pass it up. 

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question that begs to be answered. In the comments, you can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link - or, if you prefer, you can include your answer in the comments.

This Week's Topic: What's the best book you've read in February?

The best book I've read in February is none other than The Nightmare Affair by 

Mindee Arnett

First of all, look at that cover. I'm a huge fan of the lettering and the shadows and the color. Seriously, Tor Teen did GOOD! 

You know who else did good? Mindee!!! This book is all kinds of AWESOME. Seriously, do you see the caps? Because I'm using caps here. 

I'm seriously in love with this book! Guys, I read it in one big swoop. Couldn't put it down! I love the story, the characters, the EVERYTHING. The story is fun, quirky, and unique. It reminded me a bit of Hex Hall series, which is one of my FAVORITES. I'll be posting a full review in March, but I had to share something about it. It was just that AMAZING ;)

WANT MORE NOW!

Because I'm pretty much feeling like this about this book:

And maybe a bit of this?

And one more for the road.

I'm done for now but there will be a full blown review sometime in March. 

What's the best book you've read in February? 

Much love, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum

Twenty years ago, the robots designed to fight our wars abandoned the battlefields. Then they turned their weapons on us.

Only a few escaped the robot revolution of 2071. Kevin, Nick, and Cass are lucky —they live with their parents in a secret human community in the woods. Then their village is detected and wiped out. Hopeful that other survivors have been captured by bots, the teens risk everything to save the only people they have left in the world—by infiltrating a city controlled by their greatest enemies.

Revolution 19 is a cinematic thriller unlike anything else. With a dynamic cast of characters, this surefire blockbuster has everything teen readers want—action, drama, mystery, and romance. Written by debut novelist Gregg Rosenblum, this gripping story shouldn’t be missed.

From goodreads.com

    Revolution 19 is a story about three siblings who, when their world comes crashing around them, set off on a journey to find their parents. Dodging the robots and their control over the world every step of the way, they have to infiltrate the city and find their family before it's too late. But the city is a place of torment and labor and harsh realities. Or so they thought. When Kevin, Nick, and Cass get inside, they find out that not everything is what they thought it was. They must stand together in order to bring down the machines that were built to save them. 
     I have to be honest and say that this book wasn't what I expected. I was a huge fan of Sarah Connor Chronicles and for some reason when I saw this blurb I thought it's be along the lines of that awesomeness. I guess I just expected a much bigger execution in this book than what I  got. I think one of my biggest concerns was that I didn't seem to connect with any one character in particular. I really enjoyed the brother/sister aspect of the story, but I couldn't focus on just one or two like I usually do. I think if I had to pick one character, I'd go with Nick. Even with his stupid decisions, he worked to help his family in the best way he knew how and I can respect that. 
    Now, the robots? I wasn't particularly terrified of the robots. Is that wrong of me? I seriously kept picturing Short Circuit rolling around with a laser pointers, shooting at people. Well, the frying a person in the spot is a bit scary, but I just wasn't as afraid for the people as I should've been I guess. 
    The thing is, I still enjoyed the book. It wasn't as amazing as I had it in my mind to be, but it wasn't bad. The writing was still good and the story itself was interesting. It just didn't deliver as well as I thought it would. I think my biggest concern was the hype it did get, at least from where I'm sitting, and I expecting this big epic battle for humanity and there was none. In my mind, it just didn't have enough unique elements for it to stand out. However, that said, I will be reading book two when it comes out. I liked the story enough to be intrigued by where the author wants to take the characters next. 
     Revolution 19 is a fast read about a world where robots rule the human and where three siblings will do anything to keep their family together. It's out now. Let me know what you think!

     Happy reading, 

     Valia

PS. Does anyone know whey there's a girl in the front cover?  

Book Spotlight: Dualed by Elsie Chapman

The city of Kersh is a safe haven, but the price of safety is high. Everyone has a genetic Alternate—a twin raised by another family—and citizens must prove their worth by eliminating their Alts before their twentieth birthday. Survival means advanced schooling, a good job, marriage—life.

Fifteen-year-old West Grayer has trained as a fighter, preparing for the day when her assignment arrives and she will have one month to hunt down and kill her Alt. But then a tragic misstep shakes West’s confidence. Stricken with grief and guilt, she’s no longer certain that she’s the best version of herself, the version worthy of a future. If she is to have any chance of winning, she must stop running not only from her Alt, but also from love . . . though both have the power to destroy her.

Elsie Chapman's suspenseful YA debut weaves unexpected romance into a novel full of fast-paced action and thought-provoking philosophy. When the story ends, discussions will begin about this future society where every adult is a murderer and every child knows there is another out there who just might be better.
From goodreads.com

      Dualed is a story about fifteen-year-old West Grayer, a girl who lives in a world where two of the same child are born every time, creating a world of Alts. Alt is a genetic Alternate, a twin that is born to another family in another part of the city. When the time comes, sometime before the twentieth birthday, the kids are activated and are put thru a mission. Kill or be killed. When West’s time comes, after a tragic accident, her whole world is turned upside down and then the adventure begins. 

I didn’t know what to think about this book when I first heard about the premise. I mean this is a story where everyone is a murderer. Think about it, every young adult and adult had to kill someone in order to live. But when I started reading, I was swept into West’s world and her struggle to survive. 

West is definitely not your typical fifteen-year-old. She’s been preparing to take on her Alt for years, with her brother and his best friend by her side. However, her world gets crushed and then instead of facing her Alt, West goes on the run. There were times during the story where I wished I could see a little bit more of West, of how she is feeling, but overall I could understand her struggles. 

While I loved West, I think I loved Chord a little bit more. I just enjoyed him as a character. He was sweet and tough, the perfect combination. The whole book I was just waiting for those part where he stepped back into the pages. The relationship between West and Chord was something sweet and real as well and I loved that. 

However, I have to point out the fact that I wanted the story a little more developed. I felt like the story was so focused on West killing her Alt but at the same time without giving us much of the back story or really any sympathy factor. Also, the whole thing with Chord could’ve been handled better as well, I would’ve loved more development in the characters and the story. 

Overall, this was a good story for anyone who likes science fiction and fight scenes. Dualed comes out February 26th, 2013. Let me know what you think.

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Wasteland by Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan

Welcome to the Wasteland. Where all the adults are long gone, and now no one lives past the age of nineteen. Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan’s post-apocalyptic debut is the first of a trilogy in which everyone is forced to live under the looming threat of rampant disesase and brutal attacks by the Variants—hermaphroditic outcasts that live on the outskirts of Prin. 
Esther thinks there’s more to life than toiling at harvesting, gleaning, and excavating, day after day under the relentless sun, just hoping to make it to the next day. But then Caleb, a mysterious stranger, arrives in town, and Esther begins to question who she can trust. As shady pasts unravel into the present and new romances develop, Caleb and Esther realize that they must team together to fight for their lives and for the freedom of Prin.

From Goodreads.com

Wasteland is a world no one would want to live in. The constant hunt for food or fuel, the acid rain, and the fear of the attacks from the outsiders is not the most ideal place to grow up in. Esther is a rebellious kind of a soul, forgoing the jobs of the city in order to spend time with her variant best friend. Things start to happen in the town of Prin that sets everyone on edge and Esther is right in the middle of it. Then, Caleb shows up in town. This mysterious boy from another world pulls on all of Esther's heartstrings, and soon the two will face the madness of the world they live in, just to survive. 
     For me, this book is one of those books that is a bit hard to review. I liked the story idea, but I didn't have as much fun reading it as I thought I would. I think my biggest deal with this book was the fact that I couldn't really get a grasp on any of the characters. The book is written in a way that makes you sit up and pay attention to every detail or you'll miss something important. While books like that can be amazing, this time around I just wasn't really feeling it. 
     It was really hard for me to grasp the fact that these kids, fourteen and fifteen, were having children to raise. There is a character that we meet that has a drive to save a kid for most of the book and to me, I just couldn't wrap my mind around it. Because I already wasn't sure what was going on at certain parts, that part of me as a reader just didn't feel sympathetic to the character's struggles. Does that make me sound bad or what? 
     I have to mention though, the writing was good. Both Susan and Laurence write well. I read that this is their first YA endeavor and from where I stand I can see that. I think parts of the book were just written too different from the typical YA voice and maybe that's why it threw me off. 
     Wasteland is set in a world that is terrifying and real. Both authors did a wonderful job showing the horrors of a land where water is scares and the land is plagued by too many things too count. I'm very on the fence with this book, however I'm interested to see where the story goes. I'm just too curious for my own good I guess. 
     Wasteland comes out March 26th, 2013. Let me know what you think! 

     Happy reading, 
     Valia 

Book Spotlight: Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza

Mila 2.0 is the first book in an electrifying sci-fi thriller series about a teenage girl who discovers that she is an experiment in artificial intelligence.

Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past —that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.

Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.

Mila 2.0 is Debra Driza’s bold debut and the first book in a Bourne Identity–style trilogy that combines heart-pounding action with a riveting exploration of what it really means to be human. Fans of I Am Number Four will love Mila for who she is and what she longs to be—and a cliffhanger ending will leave them breathlessly awaiting the sequel.
From Goodreads.com

My expectations where very cautious when it came to this book. Sure, I loved the premise and the whole Bourne Identity/I am Number Four pretty much pulled me in. Yet, at the same time it made me very reluctant to read this book. I have sort of a love/hate relationship when it comes to books being compared to other books. Seriously, every time I hear “it’s the next Twilight!” or “it’s the next Hunger Games!” I cringe and really don’t feel like reading the books (even though I do). This time, curiosity won over and I’m glad it did. 

Mila is not your typical girl. Sure, she just moved with her mother to a tiny town in a middle of nowhere, running from the tragedy that struck her family just mere weeks ago. There Mila meets a few people that seem to take her in, trying to welcome her into the fold, and yet, something feels off. When a new boys comes to town, all bets are off. Things start to snowball, and Mila discovers more about herself and her world than she could’ve ever imagined. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Mila as a character. Sure, there were parts where she annoyed me a bit, parts where I wanted to high five her, and parts where I was routing for her with my whole heart. That was what made Mila a solid real character. I think that’s what I loved the most. Being who Mila is she still manages to portray the aspects of what a girl ought to be when faced with situations she faced. 

I loved her relationship with her mom. The ups and downs where something any teenager can relate to and I thought that was great. The romance in this book was minimal and I really have no idea where Debra wants to take Hunter and Lucas’s story, but I’m intrigued enough to want to find out more. 

Overall, this is an excellent debut that will literally keep you turning the pages. Debra created a heroine who’s tough and soft, loving and determined, human and not so much. This book is definitely one great ride. I can’t wait to hear what happens next! Mila 2.0 hits the shelves March 12, 2013. It’s a long wait but you won’t be sorry!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.
Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.
When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.
From goodreads.com

This story is about Vane, a seventeen-year-old orphan who finds out there is more to him than meets the eye. As a child, Vane survives a category five tornado that killed his parents. Ever since that day, he’s been dreaming (and sometimes possibly seeing) a girl. The girl, Audra, is not a figment of his imagination, but a mystical creature who is his guardian. As events take place, Vane and Audra meet face to face. He discovers the truth of his nature, and together they will have to fight in order to save themselves and those depending on them. 

This is pretty much how I feel throughout the book.

Now, let’s talk about this book. No, seriously, I have no idea where to start. Do I begin with the fabulous storyline? Can we talk about swoon-worthy Vane? or kick butt Audra? Or how about the beautiful writing? See my problem here? Too much of good stuff just overwhelming the brain. 

Yes, I needed two swoony pictures here :)

Vane. Oh, Vane *le sigh* I really enjoyed watching this boy grow. I really liked how he really started out as a typical teenage boy, full on with his laziness (I’m a pro at teenage boys, I have brothers). Yet, as the story went on, I really felt like he worked at becoming a better version of himself. I have to say, I’m a sucker for those unlikely heroes. 

Audra. Well, she was just a ball of laughs, that one (feel the sarcasm?) I actually really enjoyed Audra as a character. Her strict, take no nonsense was refreshing. I like me a good heroine and Audra really portrayed that to me. She had to work through some personal issues, make a teenage boy listen to her, and kick butt in the process. It’s a win all around. And together these two are just too freaking adorable! Just saying. 

The writing here was amazing. I’ve stated previously that I really enjoy dual point of view. Especially when it’s done properly. I have to say, Shannon nailed it. Both of the characters were given new depths through her use of interchangeable point of views, taking the story to a whole new level. There are no many things out there (in literature) that haven’t been tried, yet I felt that Shannon introduced a new side to the story. The world she created was realistic, enchanting, and right outside our front doors. 

For you, Shannon

There is one sad thing about this book. It doesn’t release until March of 2013. Yes, that is along time, and even longer for me waiting for that second one. Seriously, I might be in tears over here with the waiting. But I highly recommend everyone to pre-order this book. You won’t be sorry. And go ahead, come back and thank me for sharing the awesome! :)

Happy reading, 

Valia 

A Tiny Book Haul of Huge Happiness

Hey lovelies, 

Sorry to say, no video for you this week. But I did get these two amazing books that I'll be diving into this weekend (even though I work). 

That's right! You see the wonderful beautiful copy of Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi! *SQUEE* I can't wait to see what happens next in that particular series. More Adam! Need. More. Adam. 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13104080-unravel-me

And did you see the puurty copy of Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger? I'm in love! I've been itching to read this book from the moment I heard about it. So far, I'm in awe. Loving the dual points of view (you know I'm a huge fan) and the story! Will be posting a review for sure!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13445306-let-the-sky-fall

Guys, add these two to your TBR list! :-)

What's in your mailbox?

Happy reading, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

In this gripping exploration of a futuristic afterlife, a teen discovers that death is just the beginning.Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow drones, Felicia passes the endless hours reliving memories of her time on Earth and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and Neil, the boy she loved.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber is found dead, and nobody but Felicia recalls that she existed in the first place. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, Felicia learns the truth: If she joins the rebellion to overthrow the Morati, the angel guardians of Level 2, she can be with Neil again.

Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself at the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.
From goodreads.com

Felicia is in the pods. Dead at an early age, she is suspended in a place where memories are a constant companion. She spends hours upon hours plugged in, reliving all of the things that she lost on earth. Then, things start happening. When a friend disappears and a old flame returns, Felicia must chose if she wants to spend eternity plugged into a machine or if she’s ready to fight the battle against the Morati, the angel guardians. Felicia must learn to trust herself, and her unlikely allies, if she is to ever leave Level 2. 

I have to say I have heard a million things about this book. The huge hype this book received is quite the envy of a fellow author. The whole concept of the story, I think, is pretty amazing. The unique world Lenore created is fascinating. It’s the whole purgatory concept taken to a whole new level. I liked the imagery in this book, the way I could see the hive and the pods as if I was looking straight at them. 

However, while I loved the world created, I didn’t love the characters as much as I wanted to. Felicia had a lot of challenges to meet throughout the book. She grew as an individual, finally making decisions for herself in the end. Yet, I didn’t feel connected to her the way I wanted to. She simply wasn’t my favorite heroine and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

Julian was probably my favorite character throughout the book. However, I didn’t feel too connected to him either. I guess I was just looking for a little more depth to the both of them, maybe something to make me want them to survive, if that makes sense? I think I liked Julian the best because he’s the one who had some personality to his actions. I didn’t feel much for Neil, because I didn’t feel like we got to know him through Felicia’s memories. He wasn’t really a driving force behind Felicia’s actions, for me. 

Overall, I think Level 2 is a good book, worthy of reading. The world is beautiful and haunting, and the characters ignite your interest enough for the second book. I’m really intrigued to see where Lenore takes the series next and will be looking forward to reading book two. 

Level 2 comes out January 15th, 2013! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia