Book Review: The Selection

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection, #1
Pages: 327
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

  *****

 My Thoughts (If you have not read the book there may be spoilers!):

I know I’m super late on The Selection Series train, I’ve been focusing more on college than reading books the last couple years, so I’ve been reading older books and series that I never started! Starting this year, I hope to read more of the older books that I have been meaning to get to that have been sitting on my bookshelves for a while now.

            Let’s start with the main character, America Singer! I really enjoyed reading about her character, I liked that she wasn’t one of those girls who sees a handsome guy and then falls head over heels for him within the first 5 minutes of meeting. She had realistic attitudes about being heartbroken and being put into a whole new environment where she had to figure out what she wanted for herself before she can decide what guy she wants to be with. With that being said, yes there is a start of a love triangle in this book between America, Aspen (the guy that broke her heart but was also America’s first love), and Maxon (the crowned prince). I felt that the love triangle was mehhh…. I was more on Team Maxon the whole time so for me it was more of a simple budding romance story between America and Prince Maxon with Aspen on the side trying to see if he still had a chance.

            Speaking of Aspen…I didn’t really like his character as much. He had America at his fingertips ready to marry him before the Selection even started and he pushed her away due to his own insecurities and pride. I feel that if you find “true love” you should try to make it work regardless of your thoughts or worry about the future. I feel that he was too concerned with the future instead of the present and that cost him.

            I did like the competition aspect of the story, I felt that the Selection was an interesting take on the Bachelor meets Royalty spin. I liked that this book also brought in the little parts about Queen Amberly and her family and how the Selection affected her as well. It was good to see that they didn’t portray her as some mean and bitter queen that let power get to her head and strip her of some of her compassionate qualities. I’ve been seeing a lot of books that focus on the Queen being mean and evil rather than nice, regal, and caring like Queen Amberly.

            I’m interesting to see how the remaining 6 contestants in the Elite will fair in the next rounds of the competition for the guy and the crown. I’m curious as to what Marlee is going to decide, being that she is the people’s favorite and if that will alone give her an edge because the majority of the country seems to be pulling for her in particular. It is always nice to have a country that likes their princess and eventually their queen. Celeste also is one of those characters that I am interested in seeing more of her schemes and deceptive tricks to keep herself in the competition and inch closer and closer to getting that crown. 

            America definitely has some competition and some personal choices to make between Aspen and Prince Maxon. The next installment in the series, The Elite, will surely answer many more of my questions about how the story will continue to unfold and I am definitely interested in continuing on with this series! 

4/5 I would recommendJ

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)

 

Author: Josephine Angelini
Series: Starcrossed, #1
Pages: 487
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2015, Fairytale Retelling Challenge 2015
Genre: Paranormal, Retelling
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Starcrossed tells the story of a sixteen year old Helen Hamiliton who finds out she is destined to reenact an age old Greek tragedy. Can Helen break the curse before she loses those she loves most or will the destiny of the Fates be too strong to overcome?

I found Helen to be an okay character throughout this book. She was annoying at some (most) points. I wanted more from her, more determination and less "I can't do this" attitude. I definitely liked the overall plot and dare I say it.... literally every other character 10x more than I liked Helen. Ehhh... she was really a piece of work!

Speaking of other characters, I loved Lucas and his family! <3 His personality and protectiveness over those that he loves made him even more amazing for me! Also Creon and his connection to everybody was interesting as well as Daphne and her story definitely made the plot more intriquing towards the middle/end of the novel. Their stories gave the story that extra jolt of action and mystery to add interest that kept me entertained!

I really liked the retelling aspect of this story, but with a twist. I liked that even though I knew the most basic points of the retelling, the book wasn't predictable for me, which is great!

Liked Most: the magical powers the characters had from the Gods
Liked Least: Helen's personality/ let's just say her whiny attitude wasn't my favorite
Favorite Scene(s): Learning more about Lucas and his family's history, they were all so interestingly connected and different. Loved how despite their differences they all meshed well together and complemented each other.

Problems?:.... in some parts the story suffered from info dumping also the overall pacing of the story was slower than I was expecting.

Ending: was OK, it ended in a good place for the next book to pick up and continue. I obviously still have questions and confusion, but that's expected and should be answered in the next books.
Cover: 6/10... I love that it fits the storyline and its mood well
Rating: 4/5.... Overall I really enjoyed this book's plot and characters, it was a really good book!
Recommend: I would recommend to those who like retellings and mythology, paranormal romance, and magic/powers!

I hope to continue on with this trilogy and someday know how everything wraps up and ultimately ends!

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

The Vincent Brothers (The Vincent Boys, #2)

 

 Author:Abbi Glines
Series: The Vincent Boys, #2
Pages: 279
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014, 2014 Book Bingo Challenge
Genre: New Adult
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Hot romance is the cure for heartbreak in this sequel to The Vincent Boys.

Getting a boy to fall head-over-heels in love with you isn't easy. Especially when he's been in love with your cousin for as long as you can remember.

Lana has lived her life in her cousin's shadow. Ashton always made perfect grades, had tons of friends, and looks model-perfect. And she's always had Sawyer Vincent, the only boy Lana's ever wanted wrapped around her finger. But now things are different. Lana has a chance to make Sawyer see her, and she's taking it. If only he'd get over Ashton because Lana is sick of second-best.

Sawyer's heart is broken. He's lost his best girl to his best friend. And then Lana comes to town. Ashton's cousin has always been sweet and soft-spoken, but now she's drop-dead gorgeous as well. Sawyer doesn't know if Lana can heal his broken heart, but spending time with her might at least make Ashton jealous.

What starts as a carefree fling becomes a lusty game of seduction. Sawyer and Lana may have different motives, but their scintillating hookups are the same kind of steamy. . . .

  *****

 My Thoughts:

BTW: I actually read this book first despite it being the 2nd in the duology. Story of My Life: I would read the books out of order on accident! Anyway: for those curious, I have know read both books and I don't think the order matters, in case any want to read the 2nd first!

When Lana McDaniel decides to spend the summer with her cousin Ashton, it's not because she misses her cousin terribly, it's all because of one Vincent brother in particular. Sawyer Vincent. When Ashton and Sawyer break up, Lana sees this as her chance to finally get noticed. Little does Lana know, winning the heart of this Vincent brother isn't as easy as she may think.

Told in the main POVs of Lana and Sawyer, we as readers get to see both sides of their story. I really liked Lana's character, her personality, humor, and intelligence were all great aspects. My only dislike with Lana would be that she decided to change her entire appearance to get a guy to notice her.... This really rubbed me the wrong way. I would have much preferred if that choice was more personal and for herself.

Now on to some of the other characters, I also obviously loved Sawyer. He was the perfect guy in literally just about every way! Always polite, humble, and considerate, he was my favorite. Although he had his own issues and slip-ups, I still found myself rooting for him and wishing for his happiness.

With this being my first New Adult novel, I think it was a good start! I didn't know what to expect from trying out this new genre, but I wasn't disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My favorite scenes were when Sawyer and Lana were just warming up to each other again and also the boat scene and field party scenes were among my favorites. I liked most the scene with Beau, Sawyer, and their dad. I waited on that scene ever since it was first mentioned in the book, and I was pleased with it! Heart- warming and great! :)

I liked least how their friend Ethan ended up in all of this. I feel like he didn't win at anything in this book and it wasn't his fault. He definitely deserves to win! I rooting for you Ethan!! <3

This was a light read, and I felt that it was a the perfect book to get my first taste of New Adult! I am definitely looking forward to reading Beau and Ashton's story in The Vincent Boys (Book 1).

Cover: 6/10
Rating: 4/5 I really enjoyed it! Plan to read more Abbi Glines soon!

I would recommend this to those who want to try New Adult and are not sure where to start!

Book 1: The Vincent Boys

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Easy (Contours of the Heart, #1)

 

Author: Tammara Webber
Series: Contours of the Heart, #1
Pages: 310
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: New Adult
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★½

*****

Goodreads Summary:

When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she's single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.

Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex's frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night - but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.

When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he's hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Easy is centered around a young teenage Jacqueline, who after she and her boyfriend decide to call it quits, gets thrown into a terrible encounter after she leaves a party one night. When an unlikely guy saves her, Jacqueline is forever grateful. As the attraction between Jacqueline and her rescuer grows stronger, both are aware that their secrets could possibly ruin it all and tear them apart.

I really liked Jackie's character! She's a smart, talented musician with an innocent personality. On the other hand another character, Lucas is definitely your typical bad boy that defends the girl.... BUT.... his past is so shocking, it allows you to understand why he acts like he does.

I liked how believable the story was and how the events in the novel unfold the way that they do. It provided for a more enjoyable read for me because I could see those things unfortunately easily happening to anyone in real life. I also loved that you could see how the individual characters dealt with their own past demons separately as well as seeing that dealing with certain traumatic past experiences takes time to heal from. It's a long, hard process but with the support from the people closest to you, they can help you continue to move forward and I think that this concept shows in the novel.

This was my second new adult book, and I can say that I enjoy this genre so far! One of the things I like most would have to be reading about college- aged characters. With me being in college, I like getting a chance to read about characters closer to my age than say someone around sixteen or seventeen.

My favorite scenes would have to be learning about Lucas's interesting past, as well as the different relationships and friendships throughout the book. I liked most the realistic elements in the book. It was different from the young adult contemporary I had previously read. I definitely gravitate towards New Adult more so than Young Adult contemporary I have noticed recently..... (For some reason, contemporary books bore me.... lol with exception of a few..... granted I have not read very many due to this, but based on what I've read I just find that I have a hard time getting into Contemporary.).....
I liked least Kennedy's character, Jacqueline's previous boyfriend. Overall, one word to describe him... ANNOYING...

Ending: I liked how the story wrapped up, I felt that all the points I needed answered were taken care of so I was content with how the story ended.

Rating: 4.5/5: I thought it was really good, and I would recommend it to new adult lovers or those who would like to try new adult, but don't know where to start.
Cover: 3/10 ... yeah not a big fan of this one.

Book 2: Breakable
Book 3: Sweet  (Expected Release: April 27, 2015)

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

White Cat (Curse Workers, #1)

 

 Author: Holly Black
Series: Curse Workers, #1
Pages: 310
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: Paranormal
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★½

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Cassel comes from a shady, magical family of con artists and grifters. He doesn't fit in at home or at school, so he's used to feeling like an outsider. He's also used to feeling guilty; he killed his best friend, Lila, years ago.

But when Cassel begins to have strange dreams about a white cat, and people around him are losing their memories, he starts to wonder what really happened to Lila. In his search for answers, he discovers a wicked plot for power that seems certain to succeed. But Cassel has other ideas and a plan to con the conmen.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Cassel Sharpe is the black sheep in his family of curse workers. His family can influence people's emotions, luck, dreams, and more just by the touch of a bare hand. To top it all off, Cassel killed his best friend, Lila. Now he must uncover the secrets behind her death as well as secrets within his own mysterious family.

Overall I liked Cassel's character well enough. I didn't really connect with any of the characters or their stories and backgrounds. I did like the mystery surrounding Lila's character and Cassel's brothers.

My favorite scenes were when I was able to learn more about curse work and its different types. I liked  finding out why Cassel was the black sheep of his family as well as the secrets behind why he felt this way the most. I disliked the incorporation of Cassel's friends from school and their roles in the story. I felt that they weren't necessary enough to the plot to really be woven into the story like they were. I also disliked that some scenes in the book were over-explained/ or explained too thoroughly, and then some other scenes that required more detail were short and brushed over too quickly.

I really wanted to like this story more than I did because of how interesting I found the overall concept of this book.... but unfortunately we win some and we lose some. :( I did like the story, but I wasn't excited or blown away by the events in the book. I was an overall Meh read for me.

The ending was interesting, but I'm definitely not itching to get my hands on the next book right away.

Cover: 4/10. It does go with the story line, but its not amazing.
Rating: 3.5/5. It was an okay read.
I would recommend to those looking for a quick, mysterious paranormal novel with a little over 300 pages. So if you are looking for a shorter read to read in-between 2 big books this could work for you!

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Immortal Beloved (Immortal Beloved, #1)

 

Author: Cate Tiernan
Series: Immortal Beloved, #1
Pages: 407
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: Paranormal
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

Cate Tiernan, author of the popular Sweep series, returns with an engaging story of a timeless struggle and inescapable romance, the first book in a stunning new fantasy trilogy.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

When you're immortal change is common and frequent, having to reinvent yourself, literally, is a must to keep suspicions at bay. When Nastasya is out partying with her friends one night, she sees something that knocks her back into reality. In seeking help, Nastasya remembers River's Edge and it soon becomes her safe haven. There, she meets the sexy, mysterious Reyn, who has secrets of his own and whose past partnered with Nastasya's could end in disaster. Can they both unlock the secrets of their pasts to move on with their future?

Nastasya is an interesting character with an interesting past. I liked her spunk and personality; she is definitely strong-willed, independent, clever, and funny at times. I liked that she wasn't all-knowing and perfect; she had big problems and issues that made her story more believable and exciting to read.

River, Incy, Reyn, and Nell were all very intriguing characters as well. They all either had interestingly disturbing pasts ( River, Nastasya, and Reyn) or had weird, mysterious quirks (Incy and Nell) that helped add to the story and make it even more complex. I also like how vague some of the stories of the characters were. It made you think, come to conclusions, and make up assumptions to find out later if you were right or wrong.

This was different from what I expected, I had put off reading it for a long while after I bought it because I didn't feel that the blurb was interesting enough. But.... I can say that after I picked it up I flew through it quickly because it was SO good! I liked the magical element most in the novel. I disliked how vague Incy and Boz and Nastasya's other friends from before River's Edge were. I really wanted to know their roles in the storyline, why she kept having flashbacks of them, and their significance. Hopefully all will be explained in the next books in the trilogy. My favorite scenes were the memories of Nastasya's past with her family! Really mysterious, brutal, and interesting.

Some of the twists in the storyline were annoying and delayed the inevitable. It took Nastasya and Reyn too long after the reader found out to realize what was going on. I thought the twist was obvious after hearing both their stories, but it took them almost 3/4 of the book to figure it out themselves. Other than that the story was executed well and I liked the writing. It was easy to follow and quick to read.

The ending ended "calmly"....meaning at the end you aren't left with a crazy cliffhanger making you die slowly from Book 2 withdrawal.... :) But a couple of questions were still left unanswered obviously with it being the first book, so this next book in the trilogy should be very interesting since I am betting a LOT of stuff is about to go down!

Cover: Old cover 3/10. New cover (the one above) 7/10 especially with the other covers now matching.
World Building: 6/10. It was okay, it's set in the real world so not so much to explain there, but the 8 original powerful family houses story could have been explained wayyyy better or could have been more detailed and elaborate to provide the reader with a better understanding of their significance.
Rating: 4/5. Really enjoyable read, mainly fast-paced throughout.

I would recommend this to urban fantasy lovers as well as paranormal book lovers ( I think it's paranormal.... I think.... I mean if you are immortal you're paranormal right?... I'm sticking with that for now. :) )

As always if you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Ruby Red (The Ruby Red Trilogy, #1)

 

 Author: Kerstin Gier
Series: The Ruby Red Trilogy, #1
Pages: 336
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: Sci-Fi
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Gwyneth Shepherd has always known that there was a time traveling gene in her family. She has also always known that her cousin, Charlotte, who has been preparing since birth to travel time, would inherit that gene. That is until one day Gwyneth slips back through time. Now she must come to terms with her new ability as well as help unravel the mystery surrounding her family and time travel.

Gwen is an interesting character. She has always accepted Charlotte as having the gene thankfully and willingly. I enjoyed her funny and strong-willed personality; I am curious as to how her character evolves in the next books in the trilogy. Another character that I am beginning to like in Gideon, Gwen's time traveling partner. He is an arrogant boy who I grew to love once he stop being such an enormous ass-whole!.... I mean that's how almost all boys start out right? Haha Soooo it wasn't hard to warm up to him and enjoy reading about him. :)

With this book I didn't really have any big problems with the plot that couldn't be fixed and addressed in the next books. All of my questions were more based on vagueness or understanding of the act of time travel.... which should be easily explained more in the rest of the trilogy. Also I would like to point out that this book reminded me of All Our Yesterdays, but seeing as I never finished that book I can't really compare the two. So if you enjoyed this book, All Our Yesterdays would be a recommendation. :)

I liked the mystery of literally EVERYONE in the book... I honestly didn't and still don't know which characters to trust or believe or whose side to be on. I disliked the explanation and details of the chronograph. Still COMPLETELY confused as to its purpose or how it worked but... it could just be me....

My favorite scene was the ending scene with Gwen's cousin. Although it made me even more confused as to who to trust and believe, I liked the placement of that scene in the novel. It makes you think and come to your own conclusions about what you think will happen until you read the next book. Also not a hug problem... but I felt that not much happened in this book. It was like a teaser to what the story could become in the later books. But of course it is what to be expected with this being Book 1.

Cover: 5/10. Not amazing, but the covers match so that's a plus!
World Building: 5/10. Still confused, but it's Book 1
Cliffhanger? Not really. It ended calmly and I wasn't fretting over having Book 2 immediately.

The ending was okay: it satisfied me well enough for me to want to read the next book soon-ish.
I would recommend this to someone who wants a light book with time travel and mystery!

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Prophecy of the Sisters

 

 Author: Michelle Zink
Series: Prophecy of the Sisters, #1
Pages: 343
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014
Genre: Paranormal
Acquired: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters--one good, one evil.
Who will prevail?
Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, they find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Within an ancient prophecy twin sisters, Lia and Alice are pitted on the opposite sides of good and evil. Soon after both sisters and their younger brother are orphaned, Lia finds a strange tattooed marking on her wrist. Soon after they are all launched into a world of secret texts, symbols, witchcraft, and angels and demons. While one sister is tasked with saving the world from evil, the other is destined to destroy it and let evil prevail.

Told in Lia's POV, she is a sweet, young girl who tries to unravel the secrets of her past as well as the mystery of the age old prophecy that she and her sister are now involved in. I really liked Lia's character and personality. She was the more cool, calm, and collected sister; she took everything in stride (which was a bit weird because I would have definitely driven myself mad if a bomb like having to potentially try to save the world had been dropped on me!).

Other characters like Sonia and Luise were very different while being similar at the same time. I like their connection to the prophecy (which I figured out before hand so go me :D) as well as Aunt Virginia. I will say though I am still wary about James and his potential involvement (Lia's boyfriend) I just get the suspicion that there is more to him buuuuuttttt I could be reading way to much into it. Also the vague and mysterious beast demon trying to escape the Void or Plane.... I really want to know more about him too. (Even the bad guys need stories and attention too haha)

Back to Lia..... I liked that she developed throughout the book into a stronger, more capable character to rival her sister. I like that she knew that she had a goal and purpose to accomplish and that she was clever enough to find clues and try to connect the dots with the help of Luisa and Sonia.

I was pleased that this book was different from what I expected. Originally bought the book because I had seen it around and heard about it a while ago, but I didn't have high hopes or expectations in the storyline or being engrossed with the characters and their involvement in the plot.... Let's just say that I am happy I decided to randomly pick it up and give it a try!

My favorite scenes were when Lia understood and discovered more about her mother. Also finding out the significance of the keys was another favorite scene(s). What did I like most? The mystery of everything and the truth about Lia and Alice. What did I like least? The Henry scene. :((((((( the feellllllssss!

I was kept guessing throughout the majority of the book while occasionally being hit with clues to figure out the mystery along with the characters. The plot was cool with the different take on angels and demons and good and evil and how they coexist or are connected to the regular world in the book. Also the traveling the plane aspect was interesting as well. Ending? I was satisfied; it set up the next book with no cliffhanger, but the reader is still left (or at least I was) with an interest to read the next book to see what happens.

Cover: 6/10
Rating: 4/5
Recommend to: Those who like mystery, angels/demons, twin sisters with two different fates and prophecies.

If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts below!!

*****

Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)

 

Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me
Pages: 338
Challenge: Goodreads Challenge 2014, 2014 Book Bingo Challenge
Genre: Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
Acquired: Own
Rating: ★★★★★

*****

Goodreads Summary:

I have a curse
I have a gift

I am a monster
I'm more than human

My touch is lethal
My touch is power

I am their weapon
I will fight back

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

  *****

 My Thoughts:

Shatter Me follows a girl named Julliette whose world completely fell apart when she found out that her touch kills whoever she comes in contact with. Soon the government finds out about her and plans to use her lethal powers to put down the resistance and intimidate anyone who tries to interfere with their plans. But things go awry when Julliette doesn't plan to cooperate.

I really like Julliette's character and her spunk and will to not comply with the plans of Warner, a young male who is charge of a brutal army of soldiers. I liked that she remained true to herself and grew into herself as a character throughout the novel. Written in Julliette's POV, the novel takes you through her struggle with accepting herself and her abilities as well as her struggle with trying to escape from those that want to use her for power and destruction.

The characters and their problems were definitely believable in the regard that they dealt with real life issues including war and how it affects families and dealing with family issues because of war. All the while, the story stayed action packed and full of interesting plot twists through it all.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book as well as T. Mafi's writing especially the mark outs, they were new and interesting. I can definitely say that this book lived up to all the hype it rightfully deserved. My favorite scene was definitely Julliette's escape and her realization of that moment afterwards. What I liked most was Julliette's determination to escape and leave her prison and also even though it was disturbing and twisted, Warner's persistence. I think he made the story scary in the sense of what he was willing to do and did do, it made the story even more interesting.

What I liked least was one of the last scenes at Adam's house. The ending was very action packed and full of  chair-gripping suspense...that is all I will say so that I do not spoil anything for anyone, but I loved it! Now on to my ratings. Cover appeal for the copy that I have, which is the original cover gets a 5/10. I prefer the "eye" covers SO much more since most importantly they all MATCH! But I got my copy for only $4 so I'm not complaining but will more than likely buy it again with the new covers so that when I buy the rest of the trilogy they will all match beautifully. New covers definitely get 8/10 from me. Also my actual rating of the book was a 5/5 of course! I loved it and really hope to continue the series very soon when I purchase the others.

*****