Review- Created (Talented #4)

Title: Created
Author: Sophie Davis
Series: Talented book 4
Rating: 4/5






Summary
When Talia runs away from the only life she’s ever known, she could have never fathomed the lengths to which the Agency will go to get her back. But if the Agency Director- the man who raised her, trained her, and made Talia who she is- can’t have her, he wants her eliminated. Now those she once considered friends are bona fide enemies, ruthless in their pursuit of her. 
Talia aligns herself with Ian Crane, the man she’d always believed was responsible for her parents’ murders. With Crane’s forces at her disposal, Talia sets off on her most personal mission yet: rescuing the love of her life from the Agency. But she never imagines that going after him will plunge the nation into chaos. 
Retribution for the lives of her parents is no longer enough for Talia. She wants justice for every innocent affected by the Agency’s greed. But she soon realizes she is actually at the center of two wars- one with them and one with herself. 
Talia can no longer trust the one thing that has never failed her. Her Talents are growing stronger by the day and she’s already losing control. Defeating the Agency will save countless lives, but triumph over the manufactured power within her will preserve her sanity. 
The Agency will stop at nothing to perpetuate their propaganda- that the Coalition is the enemy. 
Crane will do anything to expose the truth- that the Agency has been creating Talents for decades. 
Her world, her life, her future with the only person who remains true… the Agency stole everything. Now, Talia will sacrifice the little she has left to reclaim what’s hers.

My Review
* I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review as part of a facebook review event, so thank you to Sophie Davis for this wonderful event that has given me the opportunity to fall in love with this wonderful series* (on a side note I have to mention how beautiful this cover and all the others in the series are they did a really good job of choosing covers that represent the story and draw you in at the site of them)

Well this book picks up right where book 3 left off and thank god for that because I was ready to know the plan to get Erik back and I really wanted to know how the relationship between Crane and Talia would play out. I was glad to see the truths revealed and the moments I have been waiting for played out. I don't want to spoil to much but I will say that I always knew Mac was  a dirty, no good son of a bitch who put the world in danger for his own selfish power hungry needs, but his helper was a HUGE shock to me, one I never ever saw coming, I'm certain I let out an audible gasp and I may have even clutched at my pearls like a 1950's housewife.
I was glad to see Talia take off her TOXIC blinders and take a good look at the world around her, I'm just sad that it took her so long, but it made more sense to me when she said:

"My loyalty to Mac and TOXIC was so ingrained, and only something so world-altering as meeting Donavon's son could've changed that."

Crane grew on me, unlike Mac he truly did have Talia's best interest in consideration, and he really did just want to make the world a good place for all, but UNITED I am not so sure about, I can tell they mean well but what will happen to all the poor people who were created by Mac for a terrible purpose, a purpose that most of them never understood or asked for, lets just hope a cure is found.
Sometimes I wanted to slap Talia and tell her to get over herself, she was not the only one who suffered yet she acted like the whole world wanted to just hurt her and only her, I felt like she threw one to many pity parties for herself and not just this book but in others before it, but my girl Penny was there to snap her out of it and that's why I will forever be glad for her presence in Talia's life.
I hope I did not spoil anything cause although this was not my favorite book of the series it is still fantastic and a perfect addition to the series, I am so glad I read this book and after that very dark and ominous ending that left a few things open ended I simply can not wait for more. This has quickly become one of my favorite series and I hope that the rest of the world will discover it's greatness and soon!

Review- Captivated (Talented 3.5)

Title: Captivated
Author: Sophie Davis
Series: Talented Novella (3.5)
Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary
Can't get enough of Talia and Erik? Want to know about their first meeting? Interested in what happens between the books? Dying for a peek at what's coming in Created? 

Captivated is a Talented Novella that includes four short stories, two from Talia's point of view, and two from Erik's point of view. The first is a detailed account of what happened the first time Talia and Erik met. The second is all about Erik's trip to visit Talia after she was injured in Talented. The third takes place between Caged & Hunted, and gives you a glimpse at Erik's romantic side. And last, but certainly not least, the fourth story starts off right where Hunted ends. 

Not recommended for anyone who has not read the first three books, unless you don't mind a lot of spoilers!

My Review
I think the dedication says it all:
`For all the Talia and Erik lovers out there`
Well that is exactly what this is, it`s a glimpse into some moments that were not in the books in the complete form they were in this novella; and it was beyond wonderful to get this little extra.
I love this couple and I want them to succeed and seeing how strong they both are gives me hope. I am ready for the next book and I am extra excited now that I`m so pumped by all the love and positive energy, well okay minus the Erik in jail part but at least Talia is on her way and he will be safe soon enough. anyone in love with this series needs to read this book it is so so so worth it and then some!

Review- Hunted (Talented 3)

Title: Hunted 
Author: Sophie Davis
Series: Talented book 3
Rating: 5 out of 5

Summary
In need of a distraction from her best friend's betrayal, Talia jumps at the chance to pack up and head to Washington, D.C., to have a purpose once again. She is tasked with administering the annual Talent Aptitude Tests, analyzing the children of the nation’s capital to identify those with powers. She knows that the Mandatory testing laws are controversial, but is still shocked by the protesters lining the streets of the city, and the curfew imposed upon its residents. These add fuel to her own misgivings about the Agency and its Director, the man who raised her.

As if Talia doesn’t have enough on her plate with that, the Director assigns her a task that will expose his dirtiest secrets. She soon learns that it isn't the children who are tested she needs to be concerned about; it's the ones who aren't. And when she encounters a face from her past, Talia must confront her toughest decision yet. Following her heart will put Talia and those closest to her in mortal danger. But the consequences of doing nothing are inconceivable.

The one bright spot in Talia’s new assignment is having her boyfriend, Erik, by her side. Because not only is Erik a source of comfort, but he is also as determined as she is to uncover the secrets behind the mysterious illness still plaguing her. Day after day, Talia never knows when she might be overcome by one of her unexplained seizures; she must pierce the veils of secrecy covering their origin, before someone decides she knows too much.

Life altering choices will be made. Loyalties will be tested. When the war begins, which side will Talia choose?

My Review
This series just gets better and better, there are so many secrets and layers, but finally I get a lot of answers and then I get a few more questions which is fine cause I am so ready to back into this world and see the magic that is the Talented series unfold.
The lies and betrayal in this story run deep and at this point besides Talia and Erik I don`t know who to trust anymore, good is bad, bad is good, and it seems everything is being turned on it`s head, I feel for Talia her whole world is falling apart, but I am ready to see her come back to her kick ass self, the girl I fell in love with at the beginning I know she has suffered but I miss her, but I know she will come out the other end victorious, she is armed with the truth now and I believe that to be a very powerful weapon. There has been a lot of build up and I can not wait to see where it leads in the next book, I feel some epicness coming my way (No pressure Sophie lol) I am so glad to see Talia and Erik`s relationship grow and stay strong, I know she will save him and I know things will be great for them and if that does not happen I am pretending it did. I am very glad I was right about Penny, I enjoy her a lot and I like what she does for Talia and I hope now that so much is discovered and out in the open she Penny will be more honest with Talia and their friendship will be stronger.
I know I have said it but DAMN I can`t wait to read more, and not just more Talented but more Sophie Davis, I love her writing and I love this series so if you have not got on the Talented wagon then jump on LAMOS cause this series is Amazeballs!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read to Review- Code Human

Title: Code Human
Author: N.J. Paige
Rating: 4/5

Summary
Seventeen-year-old Fenesia Thornbark has it all--love, modest wealth, a family. She'd never imagined that she could lose it all in just minutes. However, that is exactly what happens. She loses her home, her friends, both her parents, all at the hands of her own people.

Follow her journey of love, loss, acceptance, and survival.

My Review
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say first that I loved the world building and the characters, but I gave it a 4 star rating mostly because of the ending and I don't like to spoil things so I wont go into great detail about it but I was very confused and I bring it up now because I want to justify my rating because I really loved so many other things about this book.
The world around these love able few was very well done and I was very affected by the story right away. The authors writing flows so well I immediately drawn in, the narrative was different for me and I found myself really enjoying it. It was wonderful how the book started off with a deep description of the Shiller (an "underkind") and the many reasons Fenesia Battles with her feelings about how the underkind are treated really engaged me and things unfold very quickly, this book was action packed for sure.
Fenesia was really great, the spark of resistance was always there and I believe her unknown past and her parents secrets had a big part to play in that. Like I said things move very quickly and that leaves Fenesia very little time to dwell or feel self pity, she must grow up very fast and she must become a leader and to honor her parents and keep her sister alive, she finds a lot of strength and courage, and yes it seemed fast but it needed to be and I admire her for that. Little Anicy was adorable and I fell in love with her instantly, she also grew a lot it took her a little longer but she is 9 so I think it's understandable, I was really happy to see her get moments of childhood in all the chaos and as simple as it was it was sweet to see.
I don't know if there is another book but I really hope there is, it was a great plot and a great idea, but the ending left me confused and wanting so much more....will there be peace? Will Fenesia and Johnny be together? and my biggest question.....Did someone die? if you have read it you will understand and if you know the answer please fill me in.
I think people you enjoy a great dystopian read will enjoy this one, it is fresh, exciting, and best of all it will make you think about humanity and how we treat others.

Review- The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds 1)

Title: The Darkest Minds

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Series: The Darkest Minds book 1

Rating: 5/5

Summary
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.

My Review
Well I finally did it, I finally read this book and after hearing so many good things I am very glad that it was just as good as everyone said it was, I really enjoyed this book and I am really excited to continue on with this series. I want to share a quote from this book because for me this was the quote that pulled me in and made me hungry for more:
"The Government was never scared of the kids that might die, or the empty spaces they would leave behind. They were afraid of us- the ones who lived."
The plot of this book was fantastic, the idea of a child plague that turns the survivors into powerful beings that scare the adults so bad they send them to camps for "rehabilitation", which of course is nothing more than a concentration camp that turns to genocide. There was so much depth and back story, it was beautifully done, in some post apocalyptic of government torture tales it feels to me like some stuff gets left out or assumed but Bracken found a way to include everything I was wondering about and even more.
*Spoilers Ahead*
This book was full of love able characters and of course the not so love able, but all had a critical role to play in the story and also in why I loved it so much. Ruby started out as a weak young girl carted off to camp, she stayed very quiet and at first I may have thought she was a bit cowardly but she definitely came into her own and became a smart kick ass heroine over the course of her journey from the leguge and back again, and my only issue was her small slip up when she trusted the slip kid too quickly for my liking, I loved how the power she feared so much was the thing that saved them all once she decided to embrace it and then learn more about it. The trio she meets on the road after her escape, Liam, Chubs, and cute little Zu were so complex and well developed I felt like they were my friends, and I wanted to spend more time with them. I was very pleased to see Chubs come around I knew there was a soft center under his prickly exterior. Zu melted my heart instantly and when she left east river I was very sad, but I am also very interested to see if she will pop up in the next books and I am really hoping she will. Liam oh Liam he had climbed to the top of my book boyfriend list, from the moment Ruby met him I was smitten, he is determined, kind, and so full of hope it's contagious and although it is often false hope he shows it for the others which makes it all that much sweeter, but I was NOT happy with Ruby for making him forget, it was bad enough when I thought she did it accidentally but when she did it on purpose and I was so shocked and angry I even angry cried a bit, but I am holding out hope that their connection will be strong enough and he will come back to her.
I had kinda guessed who the slip kid was, but him being an Orange and not just an Orange but a phyco Orange like Martin was a little unexpected, what a terrible creep he is and I hope he gets whats coming to him...What a giant bag of dicks he is!

I can not wait for books 2 and 3 I am so so so so excited to see what will happen next...gotta get my hands of them very soon!!!!!

Blog Tour Review- Engulfed (Book 1: North Wing Trilogy)

Title: Engulfed
Author: Barbara C. Doyle
Series: North Wing Trilogy book 1
Rating: 4/5











Summary
Troubled, abandoned and left for dead in the high society of the North Wing, Ebony Falls continues to live her life haunted by her past. Even living in a mansion with a movie star foster mother, she can only think of the night that changed her life forever. 
And it all started with the boy with golden eyes.
Accepting the task of saving the life of Ebony Falls, Guardian Angel Nicholas descends to the surface to protect the girl from the shadows. Consumed in the desire the Prophecy holds in the Heavens, Nicholas ventures into all new depths that draws his heart to Ebony’s. However, when he can no longer put her at risk of his own selfish desires, he pushes Ebony away and watches as she lands in the arms of his sworn enemy. 
And together, their fates are Engulfed.

My Review
 I got this book free on Kindle and have agreed to do a review for the blog tour, and to be totally honest I was not really to sure what I was gonna think about this one,  I have kinda grown tiered of the Angel vs Demons fight and I was expecting that from this book, but I was mistaken, of course the core idea is there and it is addressed more than once but it was a much different plot idea and I was taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed it. The speed in which I raced through the book proves that it held my attention and I believe that to be due to it getting to the point rather quickly, we know Ebony is different and we don't have to play the guessing game long, from there it was constant discovery and I just wanted more and more. I liked the duel points of view and I really liked the effort that was put in to show Ebony's struggle with dark and light fighting for control inside her, being mixed breed that is her biggest struggle and it was given the attention it needed.
I had a few small issues, one being Cadan I'm sure he is gorgeous but Ebony's instant trust and then continued trust was odd and especially when he was not the only help available, perhaps I am bitter after what he did but I'm not happy that he is the horse she backed right away. The other small thing was the sexual tension, now don't get me wrong I'm all for it, but there were parts that were uncomfortable for me, and that just personal.
All in all I was thrilled with this idea and I am very excited to see what will come in the next books!

Review- John Dreamer (John Dreamer 1)

Title: John Dreamer 
Author: Elise Celine
Series: John Dreamer book 1
Rating: 4/5







Summary
Andy wasn’t usually sure about much, but she was absolutely certain this was the weirdest day of her life as she stood stranded in the middle of a great white room with six strangers. Well, they were mostly strangers. She could have sworn she’d seen the guy with the green eyes before, and maybe that was why he kept staring at her. 
When a man calling himself the Guardian appeared and said they had come to make their deepest dreams come true, they embark on an adventure none of them ever imagined, and the consequences of their actions would change them forever.
"John Dreamer" is the first in a series of books set in the confines of the Great White Room.

My Review
 I got this book courtesy of Netgalley and when I looked at it I thought it sounded really cool, and it was a good read but maybe just not as good as I had hyped it up to be. Now overall I really enjoyed this book and I actually read it rather quickly. The deep underlying message is one we can all relate to, and I was very pleased with how it was written. Also worth a mention is the beautiful cover and the equally beautiful pictures that accompanied each chapter.
Seven strangers pop up in a white room and just when I thought it was gonna be seven strangers talking in a white room (boring right?) well no not boring at all, things happen and change swiftly and I was surious the whole time...who was next? and what would they discover? Sometimes I thought they were a little clueless but then again things always look different from the outside in. It was neat how they were kind of forced onto each other and through their similar misfortune they become closer and learn some very deep buried truths they never knew they needed to know. I very quickly became attached to this rag-tag group and I really wish that things did not end so quickly I got to know more about the great and wonderful things they did outside the white room.
This book is well worth the read and you may even learn some things about yourself along the way.

Review- Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)

Title: Clockwork Princess
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Infernal Devices book 3
Rating: 5/5









Summary
London 1873 shape-shifter Tessa Gray 16 is engaged to Jem Carstairs 17, dying of addiction to demon drug, all bought up by evil Mortmain. The "clockwork prince" controls an army of automatons to abduct Tess, kill the Shadowhunters, and blackmail Charlotte Branwell, head of London Institute. Will and Tessa hide their love, for love of Jem.

My Review
BEWARE THE SPOILERS!!!
Well what can I say about the ending of one of my favorite series, well one thing is for sure I am not very happy to see this end, but on the other hand I was pleased with the way it did. I of course went out right away and bought this when it came out, but I didn't read it right away and I was not sure why until recently and now I know it was because I did not want this series to end. Now I will say something I was afraid to say before I saw others say the same...I liked The Infernal Devices more than The Mortal Instruments, that is not to say I don't like The TMI series I just liked this series better and let me explain my top two reasons why... 1) I was much more invested in these characters and not just Tessa, Will, and Jem but also I fell deep for so many of the others, Gideon, Sophie, Charlette, Henry and Bridget just to name a few, and even the villain's and characters I was on the fence about made me feel for them and yes it was mostly pity but it was feelings none the less and I love when I book pulls you in so deep like that that you feel.  2) The setting made for some beautiful language and interesting parties I love historical fiction I love the beauty of the old world and I don't know if it is because of the time period but the writing in this book is beautiful and in my opinion the best of Cassandra Clare's.
Okay now let's talk about Clockwork Princess, this book made me an emotional wreak, I cried several times, I was happy, I was totally caught of guard a few times, and best of all even in the darkest of times this book and it's fantastic characters found a way to make me laugh and love them that much more. I just really have nothing bad to say about this book.
Now I want to talk about characters, I will start with Tessa who I absolutely love, I feel like she will forever be at the top of my list of great female characters. Tessa was loyal, smart, compassionate, and had the unique ability to notice her flaws and sometimes use them to her advantage or at least be aware of them. The love she felt for Wiil and Jem was so strong for both and yet for such very different reasons, Woolsey says a quote to Tessa when they visit him and Magnus and yes the quote is wrong and Tessa calls him out on it, but it rings true in her case, we can not choose who we love and where our heart may lie but that does not mean it is meant for just one person and Tessa is prof of that.
Jem and Will I have to talk about together because they were two halves of the same whole in each others eyes, and well my eyes too as the series progressed. The bond between these two is more beautiful than any love story I have ever read, now they are not lovers, but the fact they can feel such a sense of family and brotherhood amazes me, if I could be half as close to someone as they are to each other I would be very happy. Will fights so hard for Jem's life and when he was on the road chasing after Tessa and he felt the Parabatai bond being cut, I felt my heart being ripped from my body, I had to put the book down and mourn the loss as much as Will did, and I did not think I or some of these characters would survive it, but Will endures, not perfectly mind you but he endures for Jem and most of all for Tessa because they need each other no one else in the world would understand the love and loss like they would for each other. I felt like this was not a love triangle but a love threesome and not in a sex way, but Tessa's heart belonged to both boys she loved them so much and Jem and Will had such a strong bond they just let themselves love Tessa without the need to fight over her at every turn, they all just wanted everyone to be happy and I think that's the best part of this series, it's not about who is better or who deserves it more, it's about wanting those you love to be happy even if it tears you apart. When Jem was revealed as a silent brother I literally dropped my book, some people said they saw it coming...well good for you cause I sure did not and I was so happy for what that did for Will and Tessa, yes it was hard to watch him go, but they got to watch him go live instead of watch him go to his grave and PLUS I do believe it gave me the perfect ending, one I didn't realize I needed until it was given to me.
Charlotte and dear sweet Henry, well what do you say about a couple who started off as an odd pair and became a great love story, but poor charlotte was always backed into a corner, although she had a great knack for getting things right even when people believed it was impossible, and what the consul told everyone was weakness was really a unique kindness and a trust that people earned and because of the aura she gave off everyone wanted and worked for that trust. When I thought Henry had died I became very emotional and much more so than with Jem because that one was sorta expected, but thank god he was okay and my heart was saved. The Lightwood brothers brought an interesting side story and a lot of humor, drama, tragedy and even some sweet moments, but my one issue was the closeness of the names, every once in a while I would get them mixed up but I loved them anyway and their struggle to find a place in the world where they can truly belong. I have always loved Magnus and I love him even more and I can't wait for more of him. 

This book was just all around awesome, the plot is engaging and so full and I think one day soon I will re-read this series cause I can't get enough of this world, these characters and this amazing journey. The end was beautiful and better than I could have asked for, and since we know Jem is a silent brother I can't wait to see his journey continue in the TMI series. So to end this off I am just going to say amazing job Cassandra Clare just AMAZING!

Review- Reached (Matched #3)

Title: Reached
Author: Ally Condie
Series: book 3 of the Matched series
Rating: 4/5

Summary
After leaving Society to desperately seek The Rising, and each other, Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again. Cassia is assigned undercover in Central city, Ky outside the borders, an airship pilot with Indie. Xander is a medic, with a secret. All too soon, everything shifts again.

My Review
Finally!! I got to finish this series, I of course have had the book on the shelf for a while and I finally made time to get to it. I thought this was a good book but I don't know I can say I loved it, this was not my favorite of the series but I thought it was a great wrap up and a story well done.
Before I started reading I forgot how much I loved Ally Condie's writing but I was very quickly reminded of how beautiful and poetic her style is. That for me is the best part of this book and even this series is the structure and layout and how beautifully it's told.
Like so many times with other series when there is a span of time between books it took me a minute to jog my memory about the other books and as I did I remembered I really liked these characters and I wish them well, but I never really felt a strong connection with them. I loved watching all of them grow so much in this book, I think they were all able to find themselves in the chaos. The idea that a plague would save them always sounded strange to me, but it did open a lot of eyes and it gave people a chance to discover that even though the society tried, creativity will never be killed and we carry it will us always we just need to be courageous enough to share.
I am glad to have read this series and I am a little sad it is over.