Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound

by Brodi Ashton 

 

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Loved it! This is a great second book. A journey, a progressed plot, I still like Nikki and liked where the story took her. I like Greek myths and this Persephone based series is unique and fascinating. I love the premise and how Ashton presents and backs up the myth. I look forward to seeing where it goes from here!

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderately mild; Profanity: none; Sex: just kissing

 

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park

by Rainbow Rowell 

“Eleanor & Park reminded me not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book.”—John Green, The New York Times Book Review

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.
So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be, she says, we’re 16.
What about Romeo and Juliet?
Shallow, confused, then dead.
I love you, Park says.
Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be.

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love—and just how hard it pulled you under.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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This book. It was heart wrenching and beautiful and such a sweet story. I loved both characters immensely - loved them. Imperfect misfits finding their way through their teenage years. There were some difficult subject matters - bullying, poverty, abusive parents - that were dealt with really well. It was a beautiful and gripping story. However - the language was terrible. And there was a lot of it. So just a warning ... 

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: minor; Profanity: YES! Lots and lots; Sex: innuendos, heavy making out, very PG-13

Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

The Darkest Minds

by Alexandra Bracken 

 

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Bring on the dystopia! Misunderstood and persecuted teens against the world! It was a unique premise and an interesting story. I didn't love it as much as my 15 year old son did, but it was still a fascinating world with great characters. I wanted Clancy to be a little less helpless but hopefully she's got all of that out of her system and is ready to be a little more kickass in the next book.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderate; Profanity: yes; Sex: none, one scene of forced kissing

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Requiem

by Lauren Oliver  

 

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.

Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.

But we have chosen a different road.

And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.

We are even free to choose the wrong thing.

Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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I didn't love the 2nd book in this series - at least the romance aspect of it. Lena was too quick to love Julian and get over Alex. This book has its fair share of heartache because of this, which was annoying though expected. I just like the romance to be a little stronger by the 3rd book in a trilogy. But obviously this won't turn out to be a trilogy, so I guess my expectations were way too high. I loved Hana's story, it brought a lot of fresh perspective to the story, but Lena kind of annoys me. I still liked the book and will probably read the next one, but my interest is waning.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderate; Profanity: none; Sex: nothing explicit

Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

The Crimson Crown

by Cinda Williams Chima  

 

A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed-Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.

Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana'Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells' inner turmoil, Raisa's best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she's falling in love.

Through a complicated web of lies and unholy alliances, former streetlord Han Alister has become a member of the Wizard Council of the Fells. Navigating the cut-throat world of blue blood politics has never been more dangerous, and Han seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it?

A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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An excellent end to a great series! I should have reread the previous three books, since I had read and enjoyed them almost too long ago, but decided to just plow through instead of investing the time to read another almost 2000 pages. I eventually caught up to what was going on, though there were a few "Hmm, that happened? Good to know! Let's assume I already knew that!" moments. 

 

This was probably my favorite book in the series. Stuff finally happens! I know, tons of stuff happens previously. Lots and lots of pages of stuff. But this was a fairly slow paced series, and this book seemed to happen at a faster pace - things were accomplished, mysteries were solved, characters continued being awesome ... the end was perfect, tying all the important ends in a beautifully satisfying bow. Thanks Cinda Williams Chima for yet another fabulous book!

 

So, now that they are all out, everyone go read them because you don't have to wait anymore for the next one and you won't forget minorish details from book to book. I will definitely reread them all again at some point, they are epic and glorious.

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: some pretty brutal deaths; Profanity: none; Sex: innuendos, a prelude to a rape, no sex until after a wedding

Mind Games by Kiersten White

Mind Games

by Kiersten White  

 

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

 

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Gripping! Fabulous! Heart rending! I loved White's last series and was fascinated to discover how different this one was. I think I prefer the lightness of Paranormalcy, etc., this one was much grittier but still a speed-through-to-the-end kind of book. Fia is a completely different person than Evie - much darker and damaged by her past. The ending was superb and I look forward to the next one.

fairly violent, the kind of book that has some but skimming through later I didn't see any - so maybe? I know, so helpful. Pretty racy but no sex

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderately heavy; Profanity: I wouldn't be surprised, but I didn't notice any and a later skim through didn't find any. So, maybe not? I know, so helpful. dont' think so? Sex: pretty racy but no sex

 

Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Asunder

by Jodi Meadows 

 

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

(summary from goodreads.com)

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Hooray! This is one of those rare instances when a 2nd book doesn't decide to twist things up by estranging the couple that finally got together in the 1st book. Yippee for breaking the cliche! Meadows did a great job at keeping the story going, answering several questions, and making me excited for the next one. Sam and Ana's age difference didn't bother me as much this time around. I liked Ana's growth throughout the series from a sheltered, humiliated second class citizen into someone who likes who she is and knows she deserves to be happy and loved. Great book, I look forward to the next one!

Mom note: As a mother of readers, I also want to make a note to myself (and others if they care) why I would or would not have my children read this book, because honestly, sometimes I forget. This is a YA book, so everything is within YA strictures. Violence: moderately mild; Profanity: no?; Sex: heavy cuddling, innuendo