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adavila97's reviews
341 reviews
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Back to You by Priscilla Glenn
5.0
A touching, lovable read that appeals for both young adults and adults.
“I never stopped loving you. Not for one second.”
This story starts with us meeting Lauren who has recently transferred to a job at a pre-school. On her first day she runs into an old friend and crush, Michael (also referred to as Del) and his adorable three year old daughter. Michael and Lauren were best friends in high school until they had a falling out and everything went to well, crap. Lauren hasn't seen Michael in eight years and is still trying to deal with the repercussions of what happened years ago. After seeing each other again sparks fly and Lauren has to decide if she's willing to give up her heart again to the only person she ever wanted, who also shattered her heart into pieces.
We don't have a ton of characters in this book. The main two are Lauren and Michael. Lauren is pretty headstrong and hesitant to begin any sort of relationship with Michael, even friends. When you see their past and how it played out, you can't really blame her. Michael is also our bad boy in this story. In high school Lauren was the good girl while he was the one always in trouble. Let's just say he also has a lot of baggage from his past that Lauren tries to help him come to terms with. But, nevertheless, you can't help but feel for this tortured hero and pray that he gets the girl of his dreams this time around. I mean what else are second chances for?
“I always knew I would fall in love with you," he said softly, "but you were never supposed to love me back.”
Then we have sweet little Erin (Michael's daughter) who was just sweet to the core. You instantly fall in love with this little girl. There is also another love interest for Lauren but he isn't agitating or anything. He actually is really good for the story and I liked his character as well.
This book is perfection. It has the perfect blend of NA and YA. As for a heads up this book rotates between the present and past. It gets confusing at times but it makes the story as perfect as it is. We also get a happily ever after that is way too cute. All in all, this is an extremely cute read that I recommened to anyone looking for a romance about two best friends who get a second chance. 5/5 stars.
“I never stopped loving you. Not for one second.”
This story starts with us meeting Lauren who has recently transferred to a job at a pre-school. On her first day she runs into an old friend and crush, Michael (also referred to as Del) and his adorable three year old daughter. Michael and Lauren were best friends in high school until they had a falling out and everything went to well, crap. Lauren hasn't seen Michael in eight years and is still trying to deal with the repercussions of what happened years ago. After seeing each other again sparks fly and Lauren has to decide if she's willing to give up her heart again to the only person she ever wanted, who also shattered her heart into pieces.
We don't have a ton of characters in this book. The main two are Lauren and Michael. Lauren is pretty headstrong and hesitant to begin any sort of relationship with Michael, even friends. When you see their past and how it played out, you can't really blame her. Michael is also our bad boy in this story. In high school Lauren was the good girl while he was the one always in trouble. Let's just say he also has a lot of baggage from his past that Lauren tries to help him come to terms with. But, nevertheless, you can't help but feel for this tortured hero and pray that he gets the girl of his dreams this time around. I mean what else are second chances for?
“I always knew I would fall in love with you," he said softly, "but you were never supposed to love me back.”
Then we have sweet little Erin (Michael's daughter) who was just sweet to the core. You instantly fall in love with this little girl. There is also another love interest for Lauren but he isn't agitating or anything. He actually is really good for the story and I liked his character as well.
This book is perfection. It has the perfect blend of NA and YA. As for a heads up this book rotates between the present and past. It gets confusing at times but it makes the story as perfect as it is. We also get a happily ever after that is way too cute. All in all, this is an extremely cute read that I recommened to anyone looking for a romance about two best friends who get a second chance. 5/5 stars.
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
5.0
A beautifully written story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.
"Daylight won't protect you from anything. Bad things happen all the time; they don't wait until after dinner."
Nastya Kashinikov's life was taken away from her when she was 15. After a horrible attack, she is left to pick up the broken pieces of her life. Her left hand is now useless which throws her dream of playing the piano out the window. She also has taken an oath of silence, not speaking to anyone. Her family, frustrated that they can't help her, send Nastya to her aunt to have a fresh start. Josh Bennet can't help but feel that anyone he truly cares for will be gone. After losing his whole family, he is left by himself. No one gets involved with him and he's left alone, just the way he likes it. Everyone except Nastya. She just won't go away. She has secrets, for sure, but does he really want to know them?
"I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight od reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk."
Nastya is our main heroine. She is sarcastic, witty, and all around lovable. My heart literally broke for her once her past is truly revealed. She is an emotional character but doesn't show an ounce of emotion to anyone. The only way the reader knows her complexity is when you're in her head, which is a majority of the book. She believes her life is over and vows to destroy the man who took everything away from her. She was so realistic on so many levels that it felt as though she were actually real. She is raw and never holds back. And even though she believes she isn't strong, the reader realizes just how strong this broken girl is.
"I know at that moment what he's given me and it isn't a chair. It's an invitation, a welcome, the knowledge that I am accepted here. He hasn't given me a place to sit. He's given a place to belong."
Josh is the hero of this book. And what a great character he was as well. He's a loner, plain and simple. He finds comfort in building things like furniture. At the age of eight he lost his mother and sister. After that, it just felt like the world was against him as one by one everyone was taken away from him. He vows to never get close enough to someone due to the fact that he could lose them. He treats Nastya like everyone else, but when she doesn't go away, he realizes that maybe he needed her company all along. Josh is the perfect half to Nastya. Their banter is ridculous but you see how these two characters get closer.
"Good morning, Sunshine."
Then there were some minor characters. Drew was one of them. He's a player and gets any girl he wants. Nastya and him start off with an interesting relationship but end up as friends. In the beginning, it looks like Drew may be a love interest, but Millay does the opposite and makes Drew and Nastya good friends. Other characters are Clay, Tierney, Sarah, Mr.Leighton, and Mrs.Leighton. And I must say that all these characters play crucial roles in this novel. I felt like I could connect with all of them. So, kudos to Millay for creating some wonderful, realistic characters that grow with the book.
"Nothing is perfect. It's not even good yet. But maybe."
This story was breath-taking. I can't even explain or list all of the emotions I felt.
The Sea of Tranquility was raw and incredible. Not anything like I usually read. While the story doesn't have a lot of dialogue, it has enough. It's also slow in the beginning, but this is an advantage. Everything is explained and Millay's writing was captivating and flawless. Millay also makes simple things like pennies, ice cream, and names have so much meaning. I also love how she tied in the sea of tranquility because it made this book perfection. I am definetly going to look out for Katja Millay's next book. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to everyone. 6/5 stars.
"Daylight won't protect you from anything. Bad things happen all the time; they don't wait until after dinner."
Nastya Kashinikov's life was taken away from her when she was 15. After a horrible attack, she is left to pick up the broken pieces of her life. Her left hand is now useless which throws her dream of playing the piano out the window. She also has taken an oath of silence, not speaking to anyone. Her family, frustrated that they can't help her, send Nastya to her aunt to have a fresh start. Josh Bennet can't help but feel that anyone he truly cares for will be gone. After losing his whole family, he is left by himself. No one gets involved with him and he's left alone, just the way he likes it. Everyone except Nastya. She just won't go away. She has secrets, for sure, but does he really want to know them?
"I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight od reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk."
Nastya is our main heroine. She is sarcastic, witty, and all around lovable. My heart literally broke for her once her past is truly revealed. She is an emotional character but doesn't show an ounce of emotion to anyone. The only way the reader knows her complexity is when you're in her head, which is a majority of the book. She believes her life is over and vows to destroy the man who took everything away from her. She was so realistic on so many levels that it felt as though she were actually real. She is raw and never holds back. And even though she believes she isn't strong, the reader realizes just how strong this broken girl is.
"I know at that moment what he's given me and it isn't a chair. It's an invitation, a welcome, the knowledge that I am accepted here. He hasn't given me a place to sit. He's given a place to belong."
Josh is the hero of this book. And what a great character he was as well. He's a loner, plain and simple. He finds comfort in building things like furniture. At the age of eight he lost his mother and sister. After that, it just felt like the world was against him as one by one everyone was taken away from him. He vows to never get close enough to someone due to the fact that he could lose them. He treats Nastya like everyone else, but when she doesn't go away, he realizes that maybe he needed her company all along. Josh is the perfect half to Nastya. Their banter is ridculous but you see how these two characters get closer.
"Good morning, Sunshine."
Then there were some minor characters. Drew was one of them. He's a player and gets any girl he wants. Nastya and him start off with an interesting relationship but end up as friends. In the beginning, it looks like Drew may be a love interest, but Millay does the opposite and makes Drew and Nastya good friends. Other characters are Clay, Tierney, Sarah, Mr.Leighton, and Mrs.Leighton. And I must say that all these characters play crucial roles in this novel. I felt like I could connect with all of them. So, kudos to Millay for creating some wonderful, realistic characters that grow with the book.
"Nothing is perfect. It's not even good yet. But maybe."
This story was breath-taking. I can't even explain or list all of the emotions I felt.
The Sea of Tranquility was raw and incredible. Not anything like I usually read. While the story doesn't have a lot of dialogue, it has enough. It's also slow in the beginning, but this is an advantage. Everything is explained and Millay's writing was captivating and flawless. Millay also makes simple things like pennies, ice cream, and names have so much meaning. I also love how she tied in the sea of tranquility because it made this book perfection. I am definetly going to look out for Katja Millay's next book. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book to everyone. 6/5 stars.
Fragile by M. Leighton
5.0
A heart-wrenching love story about two teens who conquer the biggest roadblocks life can throw at them.
“It's easier to just let it go. It hurts a lot less”
Hardy Bradford is your typical popular football star. He's the quarterback that's dating the head cheerleader and has his football scholarship in the palm of his hand. However, Hardy doesn't want any of it and one day at the park he finds what he does want. The young girl sitting on the bench with captivating eyes and a gorgeous smile.
Miracle St. James has just recovered from her kidney cancer. Now, she is going back to school. The last thing Hardy expects is to see this girl again. He has an urge to get to know her and become friends if not more. This lovely pair faces a lot as everyone and everything seems to threaten to pull them apart. Will love conquer all?
This was a sweet, quick read that captivated me from beginning until end. I do have to say it was a mature YA though. However, when you read this book you won't be disappointed.
“It's easier to just let it go. It hurts a lot less”
Hardy Bradford is your typical popular football star. He's the quarterback that's dating the head cheerleader and has his football scholarship in the palm of his hand. However, Hardy doesn't want any of it and one day at the park he finds what he does want. The young girl sitting on the bench with captivating eyes and a gorgeous smile.
Miracle St. James has just recovered from her kidney cancer. Now, she is going back to school. The last thing Hardy expects is to see this girl again. He has an urge to get to know her and become friends if not more. This lovely pair faces a lot as everyone and everything seems to threaten to pull them apart. Will love conquer all?
This was a sweet, quick read that captivated me from beginning until end. I do have to say it was a mature YA though. However, when you read this book you won't be disappointed.
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
5.0
OMG!!! This, this book right here, has to be one of the best I've read in a long while. It was so amazing.
This book starts with us meeting 10 year old Ruby. On the morning of her birthday her parents go ballistic and send her to Thurmond, a camp made to help "reform" children. This program is for all the children who did not die before the age of ten. Yes, you read that correctly. A disease swept the nation wiping out children before the age of ten, so if you survived, people weren't happy, they were petrified. Anyone who survived the disease is different, they have powers they can control with their minds. Ruby learns this the hard way and realizes she is one of the most dangerous ones. She hides this fact for 6 years but someone finds out and she barely escapes with her life. Now, she's on the run and doesn't know who to trust or believe. That's when she finds a group of kids looking for the safe haven, East River. She joins up with them but East River isn't what it seems and sometimes you just can't outrun your destiny.
The characters in this book are written very well. We watch Ruby struggle to trust and let people in to help her. We watch her grow and make decisions that are just downright heartbreaking, but she has to make them to help everyone. Liam is just the right amount of swoon too. He takes an interest in Ruby early in the book and just wants to get to know her little by little. But, trust me when I say that the ending of this book leaves me heartbroken for Liam. The other characters, Zu and Chubs, make great additions to the team as well. Everyone added something a little different and unique. The villains are written perfectly as well. They are crafted so well and you hate them oh, so much.
This book was flat out phenomenal. The plot, the characters, everything. It was so unique and a great new kind of dystopian. I recommend this for anyone in the mood to read a great dystopian book. Although, I must note that the ending leaves your heart sore. You know what Ruby is going to do but you pray and hope she doesn't. It's just sad and leaves a ginormous cliffhanger. So, maybe read this when Never Fade is already out so you're not anxiously waiting for the continuation.
This book starts with us meeting 10 year old Ruby. On the morning of her birthday her parents go ballistic and send her to Thurmond, a camp made to help "reform" children. This program is for all the children who did not die before the age of ten. Yes, you read that correctly. A disease swept the nation wiping out children before the age of ten, so if you survived, people weren't happy, they were petrified. Anyone who survived the disease is different, they have powers they can control with their minds. Ruby learns this the hard way and realizes she is one of the most dangerous ones. She hides this fact for 6 years but someone finds out and she barely escapes with her life. Now, she's on the run and doesn't know who to trust or believe. That's when she finds a group of kids looking for the safe haven, East River. She joins up with them but East River isn't what it seems and sometimes you just can't outrun your destiny.
The characters in this book are written very well. We watch Ruby struggle to trust and let people in to help her. We watch her grow and make decisions that are just downright heartbreaking, but she has to make them to help everyone. Liam is just the right amount of swoon too. He takes an interest in Ruby early in the book and just wants to get to know her little by little. But, trust me when I say that the ending of this book leaves me heartbroken for Liam. The other characters, Zu and Chubs, make great additions to the team as well. Everyone added something a little different and unique. The villains are written perfectly as well. They are crafted so well and you hate them oh, so much.
This book was flat out phenomenal. The plot, the characters, everything. It was so unique and a great new kind of dystopian. I recommend this for anyone in the mood to read a great dystopian book. Although, I must note that the ending leaves your heart sore. You know what Ruby is going to do but you pray and hope she doesn't. It's just sad and leaves a ginormous cliffhanger. So, maybe read this when Never Fade is already out so you're not anxiously waiting for the continuation.
Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken
5.0
This book was incredible!!!!! See, I had a dilemma when this came out, seeing as Alleigiant came out on the same day. I went with my gut feeling and decided to buy this one. And let me tell you I am glad with my decision (considering the reviews I read about Allegiant). But anyway back to this amazing book.
This book picks up a couple of months after the Darkest Minds. But no need to fear Bracken fills you in on everything Ruby's been up to for the past couple of months. This book immediately throws you into a mission that Ruby is on with the Children's League. But she's not only a part of the mission, she's the leader. When Ruby is told an enormous secret, she most go on a mission that may end up getting her killed. Information about the disease is floating around on a flashdrive; that just so happens to be in, you guessed it, Liam's possession. Ruby then sets off to find Liam, knowing that when she does he won't even recognize her.
*insert tears*
In Never Fade there are some new characters while others we have seen before. Ruby is even more awesome in this book. She is finally grasping her abilities and knows how to use them. She's not the weak girl that we met in the Darkest Minds. She is now brave, courageous, and very different than she was in the Darkest Minds. We also do see Liam again, and I must say Bracken chose the best time for Ruby to find him. It wasn't too quickly but it also didn't take the entire book. Liam hasn't seemed to change other than the fact that he doesn't know who Ruby is. We see a bit of a change in him when he Anyways, we also see Chubs again, and when Ruby and Chubs see each other again, it's a heartfelt meeting.
Never Fade also introduces us to new characters. The two biggest characters we are introduced to are Jude and Vida. I'll start with Vida since she was a great character to add in this book. Advanced warning: she curses like a sailor. While Vida is a rough character she ends up growing on you. Jude is a sweet, young boy that Ruby also encounters at the Children's League. You can't help but love him as the book continues.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions! And. That. Ending. Words can't describe how tragic the ending was. Bracken had to kill off one of my favorite characters. And how they die? It's just heart breaking. Alexandra Bracken ripped my heart out! She made me love this character and decides to just take them away. No. No! You can't do that! Other than the tragic death we are left on an enormous cliffhanger. What. The. Hell. That cliffhanger was so clever yet so evil! I applaud you Alexandra for your writing skills. I would love you even more if the next book didn't release fall of 2014. I may just die waiting for it.
UPDATE: 9/10/13
It's a month and 5 days away, but that's too long. I. Need. This. Book. NOW!
Please, can I have it right now???
I mean, that ending was just too much!
I mean, I knew what she was going to do but I couldn't accept it. It was too sad.
This book picks up a couple of months after the Darkest Minds. But no need to fear Bracken fills you in on everything Ruby's been up to for the past couple of months. This book immediately throws you into a mission that Ruby is on with the Children's League. But she's not only a part of the mission, she's the leader. When Ruby is told an enormous secret, she most go on a mission that may end up getting her killed. Information about the disease is floating around on a flashdrive; that just so happens to be in, you guessed it, Liam's possession. Ruby then sets off to find Liam, knowing that when she does he won't even recognize her.
*insert tears*
In Never Fade there are some new characters while others we have seen before. Ruby is even more awesome in this book. She is finally grasping her abilities and knows how to use them. She's not the weak girl that we met in the Darkest Minds. She is now brave, courageous, and very different than she was in the Darkest Minds. We also do see Liam again, and I must say Bracken chose the best time for Ruby to find him. It wasn't too quickly but it also didn't take the entire book. Liam hasn't seemed to change other than the fact that he doesn't know who Ruby is. We see a bit of a change in him when he
Spoiler
finds out Ruby erased his memories, but don't worry he gets over it. I think.Never Fade also introduces us to new characters. The two biggest characters we are introduced to are Jude and Vida. I'll start with Vida since she was a great character to add in this book. Advanced warning: she curses like a sailor. While Vida is a rough character she ends up growing on you. Jude is a sweet, young boy that Ruby also encounters at the Children's League. You can't help but love him as the book continues.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions! And. That. Ending. Words can't describe how tragic the ending was. Bracken had to kill off one of my favorite characters. And how they die? It's just heart breaking. Alexandra Bracken ripped my heart out! She made me love this character and decides to just take them away. No. No! You can't do that! Other than the tragic death we are left on an enormous cliffhanger. What. The. Hell. That cliffhanger was so clever yet so evil! I applaud you Alexandra for your writing skills. I would love you even more if the next book didn't release fall of 2014. I may just die waiting for it.
UPDATE: 9/10/13
It's a month and 5 days away, but that's too long. I. Need. This. Book. NOW!
Please, can I have it right now???
I mean, that ending was just too much!
I mean, I knew what she was going to do but I couldn't accept it. It was too sad.
A Unique Kind of Love by Jasmine Rose
5.0
6 Uniquely Brilliant Stars!
A Unique Kind of Love follows Lena and Liam, two teens who form an unlikely friendship which develops into something more. These two go through their own tragedies and find comfort in one another. However, life is never smooth-sailing and Lena and Liam have to get through the rough patches to reach the lovely moments.
I highly recommend this book for everyone to read.
6/5 stars.
A Unique Kind of Love follows Lena and Liam, two teens who form an unlikely friendship which develops into something more. These two go through their own tragedies and find comfort in one another. However, life is never smooth-sailing and Lena and Liam have to get through the rough patches to reach the lovely moments.
I highly recommend this book for everyone to read.
6/5 stars.