Friday, April 28, 2017

Review: Skitter by Ezekiel Boone

Title: Skitter
Author: Ezekiel Boone
Series: Book Two in the Hatching Series
Published By: Atria Books (May 2, 2017)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Apocalyptic/Dystopian
My Rating: 5 Stars!


Book Description:
Tens of millions of people around the world are dead. Half of China is a nuclear wasteland. Mysterious flesh-eating spiders are marching through Los Angeles, Oslo, Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, and countless other cities. According to scientist Melanie Gruyer, however, the spider situation seems to be looking up. Yet in Japan, a giant, truck-sized, glowing egg sack gives a shocking preview of what is to come, even as survivors in Los Angeles panic and break the quarantine zone. Out in the desert, survivalists Gordo and Shotgun are trying to invent a spider super weapon, but it’s not clear if it’s too late, because President Stephanie Pilgrim has been forced to enact the plan of last resort: The Spanish Protocol. America, you are on your own.









I've read a lot of post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels in my time because quite honestly, they fascinate me. They fascinate me with the what ifs and oh my gosh I can see that happenings and while those things, those ideas have freaked me out at times, none of them have horrified me the way this series has.

This series is captivating, engaging and completely terrifying. 

I've never read a book that has had me both enthralled with the horribleness of it and also jumping and itching at every little flash of light I see out of the corner of my eye. Nor has one ever made me afraid to enter a dark room at night with the possibility of what if there is a spider on the floor or what if one falls from the shower wall onto me when I least expect it. I swear I have looked into every dark crook and cranky, on the lookout for the little buggers because oh my heck, this book is one of my very worst nightmares re imagined and brought to life. 

I've always been squeamish of spiders, I mean the suckers have eight legs and move super fast and can pretty much squeeze into impossibly tight spaces but even though I didn't like them, even though I kill them on sight most days, I've never been terrified of them...until now, thank you very much. 

I can't even begin to tell you how hooked I am on this series. How real it could very well be. I mean come on people, spiders are unassuming and clever and in some cases deadly. I mean, why not?

This series truly is in my top ten not just reads of the year, but all time series, it was that well written, imagined, and plotted out. 

Told in multiple point of views, all throughout the world, this truly was mesmerizing, addictive, and like a train wreck all rolled into one. It was hard to resist, hard to put down, and one of those reads you both don't want to read further because you are so bloody scared but also can't even begin to have enough will power to resist.  I am forever both happy I read this and more than likely scared for life because of it.

I will never look at a simple house spider, or any spider, the same way again and I can't wait for more!





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

My Top Five Reads So Far This Year

I thought it might be fun with the year flying by and already almost half over (okay not quite but seriously isn't it crazy that it is almost May?) to see what my top five reads have been so far.

Let me tell you, I've had more than five great reads, in fact, this year seems to be the year for me where I've already had a handful of five star reads, so this list was hard to narrow down to only five but after a lot of deliberation, these are the ones I choose that have stayed with me the most. And to make matters better, they are in a mix of genres so maybe you will see something that you will like as well. 

These aren't in any particular order but have all been so good. 




This was a series ender and I couldn't of been happier with the way it all came together and while I would have liked more, because who doesn't want more from their favorites, it really was just fabulous and I can't wait for the spin off series the author plans on writing next. 



I'm jumping in kind of late on the The Hatching train but oh goodness am I glad that I jumped. This series. *shudders* It is so good and so horrific at the same time. I can't wait to start the sequel. If you haven't tried it yet, do it. So. Worth. It. And right now on Amazon in honor of the second being released soon, it's only $2.99 which is a steal! 



This book. I can't even describe why it impacted me so much but it did and I love the author for it. I read very little in this genre anymore but I'm so glad I choose to take a chance on this, it was so good. 


I can't even begin to stress how amazing this series is. It is so funny and creepy at times and the romance is mind blowing. This has a little bit of it all and I can't get enough of it. It is one of the few series I've been able to read the books back to back and not needed a break from it. The author better hurry up and get to writing more!



And last but not least, this guy. Actually, this whole series and the prequel series has been fantastic and still going strong. I love all the twists and turns it takes along with the darker edgier tone to it. It's a nice change in the genre for sure.


So there you have it, my top five reads so far. What about you? Any mind blowing reads so far this year?

Monday, April 24, 2017

Review: Avenged by Amy Tintera

Title: Avenged
Author: Amy Tintera
Series: Book Two in the Ruined Series
Published By: HarperTeen (May 2, 2017)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
In the sequel to Ruined, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory. 

But their fight has only begun. Olivia is determined to destroy everyone who acts against Ruina, but Em isn’t as sure. Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. And now that Cas has taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement.


Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty. 








Once again Tintera takes us on a brutal, bloody, devious ride in this breathtaking sequel to Ruined. 
Em and friends are on the run after having finally revealing all their secrets and getting revenge for those that harmed them in the past but if they think their adventure is over then they are so wrong.

We once again see how corrupt Em's world and those in it have become and at the very heart of that corruption, lies those that Em thought she could trust and love.

This was such an unexpected ride. Truly there is so much deception and deceit around every corner, in all kingdoms. It is hard to know who to trust, who you can count on, and who is your friend and worst of all in Em's case, even who to love. 

This was a thrilling heart pounding ride and while I thought this series was going to be a duology for some reason, it turns out there is yet another book out there and I couldn't be more excited about it. This truly is a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat and rapidly turning the pages.





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Summer Reads I Can't Wait To Get My Hands On!

First before I go into what fantastic reads I can't wait to read, I have to admit, I've become one of those bloggers. 

You know, the ones that post sporadically and sometimes with no rhyme or reason at all, yep that's me lately but hey, at least I'm still here right? Right? *sigh* At least that is something.

So while I'm trying to get my act together and in light of the fact that other than yesterday, it's been awhile since I've done a WoW post,  it might be fun to see what upcoming releases you guys are excited for and of course to show you the ones I can't wait to read either. 


Top of my summer reading list is this guy, I adored the first one and all it's uniqueness blended into fact. It was so much fun and it was dark and and bit dangerous and serious so good. I want more!




This seriously surprisingly has quickly become addicting and I can't wait for the latest installment. This UF has a little bit of it all and even a whole lot of fae, which honestly, hasn't appealed to me much before in the adult genre but I seem to love this one. Thankfully I got an early copy and I can't wait to start it!



West will always be an author for me YA contemporary slump and all. I'm actually looking forward to this one and hope it is as cute as all her others.




It is going to be so hard to say goodbye to this trilogy, I've loved it from the very beginning and Caine's writing is just exceptional. I both want to devour this one and make it last forever.



I admit, this one is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. I hardly ever read these type of reads anymore but there is just something about this trilogy and I have to see how it ends.



Reisz has quickly become an author I can count on for a unique storyline full of shocking revelations and mystery. I can't wait for her newest book. 



This book is probably my most anticipated one yet. It is also (sadly) the last book in the series and I'm already sad about it but excited at the same time to read it. This will be another one that will be both hard not to fly through it and want to make it last.



So how about you, what books are you excited for this summer? And series enders or just ones that ended on a cliffy and you can't wait to get to to see what happens next?

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

WoW Pick of the Week!



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.


I absolutely loved the first book in this series and I'm so eager to get my hands on the sequel. I'm hoping like heck that it will be just as good and the romance will be even more so.







Book Description:

In this hotly anticipated sequel to the haunting #1 bestseller Stalking Jack the Ripper, bizarre murders are discovered in the castle of Prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. Could it be a copycat killer...or has the depraved prince been brought back to life?

Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.

But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again. 




Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Review: The Adjustment by Suzanne Young

Title: The Adjustment
Author: Suzanne Young
Series: Book Three in The Program series
Published By: Simon Pulse (April 18, 2017)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Dystopian
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!


Book Description:
How do you go back to a life you can’t remember? Find out in this follow up to the New York Times bestselling The Program and The Treatment.

Tatum Masterson never went through The Program. She never had her memory stripped, never had to fight to remain herself. But when Weston, her longtime boyfriend and love of her life, was taken by handlers, she hoped he’d remember her somehow—that their love would be strong enough.

It wasn’t.

Like all returners, Weston came back a blank canvas. The years he and Tatum spent together were forgotten, as well as the week when he mysteriously disappeared before The Program came for him.

Regardless of his memory loss, Tatum fights to get Weston to remember her. And just as they start to build a new love, they hear about the Adjustment—a new therapy that implants memories from a donor. Despite the risks, Tatum and Weston agree to go through the process. Tatum donates her memories from their time together.

But the problem with memories is that they are all a matter of perspective. So although Weston can now remember dating Tatum, his emotions don’t match the experiences. And this discrepancy is slowly starting to unravel him, worse than anything The Program could have done.

And as the truth of their life together becomes clear, Tatum will have to decide if she loves Weston enough to let him go, or to continue to live the lie they’d build together.


Prepare for your Adjustment. 









The Program is one of those rare series, that not only gets better as it goes, but one that will capture your interest from the very first page.

It is unique, horrifying, and completely believable in almost all aspects of design. It is one that can be felt and imagined and that is what makes it so darn good and so addicting.

It is a series that captured my love for it after the first book and one that has only grown as the series has progressed and evolved. It truly is one of a kind and this latest installment might very well be my favorite yet.

For fans of the series, we know that the stakes have never been higher and the danger more real. Even though so much has happened and so much has changed for the better, there is still so much more bad out there. There are still conspiracies and dangers lurking around every corner and The Adjustment just proves that just when you think it is safe to go back into the waters, a shark jumps out and grabs you. 

This was an action packed adventure that pulled at the heart strings and left me reeling and wanting more. It amazes me how far Young has come with this series and with the ending the way it was, how much is still left to reveal and tell. 

I can't not wait for more. This series continues to stun and leave me breathless and most of all, leaves me craving more. 





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Monday, April 3, 2017

Review: Harmful Rush by Debra Doxer

Title: Harmful Rush
Author: Debra Doxer
Series: Book Three in the Remedy Series (can be read as a stand alone)
Published: April 2017
Source: Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Paranormal
My Rating: 3.5-4 Stars!


Book Description:
Harmful Rush is a standalone, full-length novel set in the Remedy world. You do not have to read the first two books to read this book.

Skylark Samuels has a secret. 

She’s not a normal teenager, although she plays one in real life. Pretending to be something you’re not isn’t easy, especially in high school where gossip is gold. For years, Sky manages to hide her uniqueness, until one fateful day when she exposes her gift, her curse, and all her fears come to pass. Now instead of going to college near home like she planned, she has to leave town and go someplace where the rumors can’t follow. The plan when she gets there: keep to herself and stay under the radar. 

But blending into the background is impossible when local heartthrob Dylan Parks notices her. Even though Sky keeps her distance and doesn’t act like one of Dylan’s adoring fans, he goes out of his way to talk to her. Her. The girl who wants to be invisible. 

Sky isn’t immune to Dylan’s charm, but getting close to him is a bad idea. It goes against the promise she made to herself. Besides, if Dylan knew the truth, he wouldn’t want her. If he discovered her secret, he’d treat her differently and possibly fear her. It’s happened before. But the more Sky gets to know Dylan, the harder it is to resist him, until fate intervenes.


A tragic event forces Sky to reveal herself to the one person she’s come to care for, and his reaction is unexpected. For the first time, she doesn’t feel so alone. But what she doesn’t realize is that she’s never been alone. When she finally lets her guard down, someone comes along who threatens to unravel everything, because being normal was never Sky’s destiny.









Debra Doxer has become an author I can count on to deliver something different in the YA genre, something that sadly can't be said too much lately in this genre as it has become saturated with the same old same old. 

Her series Remedy series is the series that started that love for me and when I saw that she was publishing a third book in the series, that also acts as a stand alone, I was all over it.

It was so much fun getting back into this world. And while this story does stand all on it's own with new characters, new adventures and new loves, it was so nice to see some old familiar faces too and to get that glimpse into what was happening in there lives after the ending of To Have and To Harm. 


I really enjoyed this story! It had just enough of a little of everything to keep it interesting. A dash of mystery, a hint of the paranormal and of course enough romance to keep your heart pumping and you turning the pages. It truly was a great addiction to the series and one that I am so happy we got. This series has been so much fun and I would love to see even more from it in the future. 





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by an outside source. I was not compensated for this review.*