"Possess" by Gretchen McNeil

August 23rd, 2011

"Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.
Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king."-goodreads

The genre that is paranormal YA is normally dominated by vampires, faeries, witches, angels, and ghosts, so Possess is a refreshing book. Its paranormal element is possessions by demons. As in people being possessed, and a lead character who goes to catholic school and has special exorcism talents. (That part sounded lame. But trust me-- Possess is anything other than lame!) 

Suffice to say, Possess is not your average paranormal book. But what else is awesome about it? Bridget is a really likeable and easy-to-relate-to character; not overly sarcastic or smart or anything, she just seems normal. She's an outcast at her catholic school as she's never been very popular or very good at making friends-- but that doesn't matter, she's okay with the friends she has. She has faced the tragedy of her father's death and will only find more as the book progresses, but the book was emotional without being overly heavy and Bridget wasn't a completely depressed character all the time. I'm a big fan of Matt, and Bridget's younger brother Sammy as well, he was cute.

Possess was a perfect combination of a good characters, quickly progressing and mysterious plot, extreme creepiness, and suspense. It was SO creepy. I read most of it late at night and that was kind of a mistake-- much jumping at every small noise ensued. I felt the voice held a lot of Bridget's personality for being in third person, with little quips of her sarcasm inserted after some situations; simple things like 'awesome' near the end of a scary situation, which occasionally added light and necessary humor. If you like creepy books and don't want your average paranormal book, I highly suggest you pick up Possess when it comes out; it's all kinds of awesome!
ARC received through review program at my awesome library. Thank you!

"Ashes, Ashes" by Jo Treggiari

June 1st, 2011
"Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her."-goodreads

There is a difference between Post-Apocalyptic fiction and Dystopian fiction. While they run together frequently, dystopias often being the result of an apocalypse, and apocalypses normally creating at least slight dystopias in the way the world is run. Ashes, Ashes has elements of dystopia but is a post-apocalyptic book for the most part (to me, anyway!) and I liked that a lot. I also believe it's a stand-alone, although it could easily be a series, which is always refreshing (I can't stress that enough, can I?).


Ashes, Ashes is horrifyingly realistic seeming. All of the situations, the survival, the way the plague took over the world-- they're all very vivid, very real situations. The main character, Lucy, often reflects on how at first, when the plague originally started, the news would show happy people, nurses and doctors calmly working at the hospital. She then adds that when her parents died, they were nothing like that. Just dying people, failing medicine. The news reverted to pre-recorded footage. I think that's a really important part of the book, or any post-apocalyptic book for me, contrasting the difference between then and before. It really puts the book into perspective. 


I just mentioned Lucy. Lucy is very cool. She was a very strong and developed character, and she was also likeable. One of my favorite parts of the book is that Lucy is a strong female character. There is no Bella syndrome, and I think that's important. Even books like The Hunger Games, in which Katniss is also a strong female character, along the way, she tended to kind of lose herself in her feelings toward Peeta and Gale. Lucy does no such thing. The book has romance, but it's not like, hey I was really awesome before and defending myself and now there's a guy so he'll be my knight and shining armor. Ha! Oh, and no love triangle. Thank goodness.

Aiden and all of the other characters were great as well. The book was fabulously written, all vivid and detailed. It was really easy to picture the post-apocalyptic New York. It was interesting, filled with action, and just a good book. Also, I'd like to add that I liked the cover before I read the book, and after reading the book I think it's absolutely perfect, a great reflection of the book. (Feel free to judge this one by it's cover, I'd say.)


If you'd like a good book that's interesting, realistic seeming, vividly written, and filled with survival, try out Ashes, Ashes in two weeks when it comes out! Also, this is definitely on my list of 'things to recommend to people that liked the Hunger Games'. 
Thank you Scholastic for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

"The Dark City" (Relic Master #1) by Catherine Fisher

May 17, 2011
"Enter the world of RELIC MASTER.
Dark, dangerous and deadly-welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are revered by the people but hunted by the governing Watch, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. A master and his scholar, searching for a relic to save the world, will be tested beyond their limits, for there are monsters-some human, some not- that also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it."- the back of the ARC (Won in Early contest on LibraryThing)

I had very high expectations for "Relic Master: The Dark City" and I can honestly say that they were met! I held these expectations because after reading the amazing "Incarceron" and "Sapphique" by Catherine Fisher, I realized that she had this really whimsical, kind of poetic writing style that I absolutely adore. When I picked up this book, I realized it could be very different, I've read books by authors when they have separate books and you can't even tell they're by the same author, the writing is so different.

No, no. If part of the reason you loved "Incarceron" was the writing, then that's one reason you'll like this book. It's very similar! One of my other favorite parts of those books was the poems/excerpts before each chapter, and those are here too!

The story itself was really cool, a classic sort of YA/mid-grade fantasy, that fans of "Inkheart" and "Eragon" will probably enjoy. I liked the characters, my favorite was probably Carys, because I liked how she started out thinking one thing as she was taught to but throughout the story her mind opened to the new ideas, those ideas that the Keepers weren't as the Watch told her. I also liked Galen because the way it turned out how in the know he was the whole time even though you never expected it.

The idea of the 'relics' was interesting, and so was the rest of the world, with the Watch and the Order, it was an interesting book! I liked the occasional journal entries from Carys because that's how we saw how she was changing throughout the story.

Also: In a note that isn't entirely related to the books themselves; the cover. The cover is very cool as it's an element from the book AND IT'S SHINY!!! The next three are supposed to be that way to. Shiny books are just nice, they catch your eye, it's good marketing, it's nice on the shelf, they're fun to look at. The plan with the map pieces on the inside of each book is really great too.

Anyway, to end, I really liked this book and very much look forward to the other three. (and their shiny covers, of course..)

To learn more about the series, go here. Look for it in May and the other three each following month!

"Divergent" by Veronica Roth

May 3rd, 2011
"In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her." -goodreads


Divergent was epic! Another thrilling dystopia (you must think I'm getting out of hand with this, but I promise, no more dystopia reviews for... a week or so!). It was exciting, surprising, suspenseful, filled with action and adventure and even romantic. Sounds cool, right? Not only was the story itself cool (and told EXTREMELY WELL), the characters were great. Triss (Beatrice) was awesome, a strong heroine to lead the story, kind of like Katniss in The Hunger Games (except I found Triss a lot more likable) or Max in Maximum Ride. Four was great too, quite the complex character. Divergent ended with a rather good cliffhanger. 


The part of the story I found most fascinating was probably the factions. Not only were they rather unique and thus interesting, they were also really cool because I kept wondering to myself, which one would I choose? I think that question comes up with most readers though. And then the whole Divergent thing... That was the best. This book was filled with twists and turns that will make you want to do nothing but read it until it ends. If you want an exciting YA read that helps you cope with your Hunger Games deficiency and get more great dystopias, Divergent is a must-read! Yay Divergent!


If you'd like to learn more about Divergent, check out author Veronica Roth's blog.


Note: Thank you HarperCollins/Katherine Tegan Books for sending me a copy to review. 
Reader's Notice: This does not in any way effect my review, it is unbiased! (As always!)

"Those That Wake" by Jesse Karp

March 21st, 2011
"New York City’s spirit has been crushed. People walk the streets with their heads down, withdrawing from one another and into the cold comfort of technology. Teenagers Mal and Laura have grown up in this reality. They’ve never met. Seemingly, they never will. But on the same day Mal learns his brother has disappeared, Laura discovers her parents have forgotten her. Both begin a search for their families that leads them to the same truth: someone or something has wiped the teens from the memories of every person they have ever known. Thrown together, Mal and Laura must find common ground as they attempt to reclaim their pasts." -goodreads

This book was another interesting dystopia (can you tell that Dystopias are definitely the next vampire craze? and also that I kind of love them?). This one, rather then being directly dictated what to do by a force like The Capitol in The Hunger Games or the society in Matched, the residents of New York are kind of letting themselves be controlled by their technology. That concept was a bit frightening, probably because people really can be like that- absorbed by their smartphones or the television when the people and interactions you should be involved with are right in front of you. I've experienced people doing things like that, just as I probably have before. So some of the elements in Those That Wake really weren't that far off.

What else? The book is rather dark and grim, the tone especially, all the way through (almost gothic!). I've read reviews from people that didn't like this and thought it took away from the book and while I agree that it was a bit of a tedious tone, the entire time, I also realize that's how the story was. It wasn't happy and exciting, it was suspenseful and grim. I liked the main characters (Mal and Laura). I enjoyed the story over all. 

ARC through program at my awesome library. Thank you!

"Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

Release: March 22nd
"Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.
Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously—and at great risk—documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart." -from Goodreads

This book was amazing. It was touchingly emotional and beautifully written; as well as painfully realistic and with terrifying circumstances, situations, and other details. The characters were as deep as the story. The characters in this book go through so many terrible and awe-inspiring things that it's incredible, as well as terribly upsetting and heart breaking because the situation under Stalin happened. Author Ruta Sepetys even says that a lot of the things that happened in the story are based on real survivors' accounts. It was scary at times, depressing, encouraging, depressing, and all of those elements just made it so authentic. This beautiful book is not an easy book to read, at times I wanted to cry or put the book down or something when I read more about the journey Lina was on, because it was just that emotional, but all of those things that made the book are just so important I think because so much of it is true. A must-read if you're into historical fiction, finding out more about history, or just a dramatically amazing story, you'll adore Between Shades of Gray!

If you would like to find out more about Between Shades of Gray go to the website here or Ruta Sepetys's website here.

ARC through program at my library! Thanks! 

Interview: Emily Howse, Author of "Zitface"

Hello Everyone! I'm back with the latest (and probably last for a while) interruption in the normal routine of book reviews! A few days ago author of "Zitface" (which I just reviewed here) contacted me, and offered to do an interview with me for the blog. Thank you so much to Mrs. Emily Howse!
Here's the interview: (Bold Italics are Questions, plain text is her answers).

What inspired you to write Zitface? Did you have a problem with acne growing up that made you want to write Zitface to help tweens and teens deal with it?

I was inspired to write ZITFACE, based on my personal experience. I didn’t have acne when I was a teenager—but I broke out big-time after college. I had ‘adult acne’ off-and-on throughout my twenties…and I STILL get occasional zits (and use Proactiv). I saw various dermatologists, and used just about every antibiotic (including Accutane). When I had a breakout, I felt self-conscious going on dates and being around people. It’s hard to be confident when you feel ugly. That’s why I’m sympathetic toward teens who suffer from acne—they have to face people at school every day.  

Who was your favorite character to write about- or just your favorite character in general- from Zitface?

Good question. I relate most to Olivia (I had a talent agent and went on auditions when I was 13, too) and I think she’s very likeable, but I probably had the most fun writing about Wendy. She can be self-absorbed and annoying, yet interesting…maybe even misunderstood. Wendy’s overly honest in some ways, yet tries to hide her deeper, insecure feelings. I wanted to explore this, so I’m writing a sequel now with Wendy as the main character.   

Zitface is your debut novel. Are you very excited for it to come out in April?

It’s been a long coming…so yes! Writing a book is all about delayed gratification. I wrote the first draft several years ago, and it took much time to rework the story, find a literary agent, and sell the manuscript (in 2009). Then I had to rewrite parts of the story again! But I enjoyed the editing process, and received excellent guidance from Robin, my editor at Marshall Cavendish. I had no idea how many steps were involved in completing and publishing a book…but I’d do it all (and certainly hope to) again.

Speaking of Zitface being your debut novel, what made you want to write a book for young people? Have you always wanted to publish a book?

Ever since reading Judy Blume books as a kid, I wanted to be a writer. When I was ten, I cranked out short stories on my blue typewriter (okay, now I sound really old) for my friends. During my twenties, I had several fiction stories featured in (the now-defunct) ’TEEN magazine. Along the way, I became interested in working with teens, so I went to grad school and then worked as a school counselor. Writing was on the backburner for many years. It took me a long time to focus on writing a book, but I’ve had much fun along the way.

Do you have any advice for young authors who dream to eventually want to get their works published?

Mainly, to write regularly. Sounds simple, but it’s true. Life gets busy and it’s easy to procrastinate and do a million things besides write (I should know). Carve out daily quiet writing time, even if it’s just 30 minutes. Consider it a gift to yourself. Maintain your writing habit, and you’ll have something to show for it. If writing a book sounds daunting, try penning a poem, article, or short story—then research publications to submit them to. Seeing my stories in ’TEEN gave me needed confidence to write a book. Know that it’ll take a long time, and that’s okay. Just get started!

Look for Zitface in April! 

"Crystal Bones" by C. Aubrey Hall (The Faelin Chronicles, #1)

April 2011

"Diello and Cynthe have always believed their parents' rules are too cautious. The twins expect things to be different on their thirteenth birthday. Their mysterious Fae mother has promised them that today they'll be given magical gifts, and they're planning to sneak off to the village fair. But nothing goes right. The magic isn't what they hoped. Their human father won't let them out of their chores. They're forbidden to attend the fair and sent on an errand instead. Then the day turns deadly as Diello and Cynthe are plunged into a lethal game of cat and mouse with old enemies of their parents. Suddenly, there are secrets upon secrets to unwind. Who is friend and who is foe? And what have their parents been hiding?

   This is the exciting first novel in The Faelin Chronicles trilogy." -the back of the ARC

This book was great! I loved the way it was written. I thought the whole thing flowed really well and was written just kind of... mystically and mysteriously, to fit the story perfectly. I liked the characters, especially Diello (I'm sure you're supposed to like him best though). I thoroughly enjoyed the odd twists and turns the story took as it unfolded, and the whole thing really wasn't what you'd expect it to be by reading the first few chapters or the back of the book. I think this book could easily be the next middle-grade/YA/anyone fantasy story, (ex: "Magyk", "Eragon", "Harry Potter", "Spiderwick" fans will love this one). I can't wait for the sequel! The downside of getting to read it this early is I suppose I'll have to wait even longer haha! I'm really glad I got the opportunity to read this though. I liked the setting, and Diello and Cynthe's world. I'm guessing it's supposed to take place in a more medieval time, and different country. The Faelin thing is really cool to :) I give this one 4 and 1/2 stars. Really excellent. Random: I also liked the cover :) Can't wait to read the next one and anything else by C. Aubrey Hall! Look for "Crystal Bones" in April!

Thank you Marshall Cavendish publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this and sending me a copy of it. 

Reader's Note: UNBIASED REVIEW. Always :) 

CONTEST: For Girls (ZITFACE, GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLS ROOM)

 Hi Everyone, Cat again. Another COOL break from regularly scheduled programming.
I just reviewed "Zitface" by Emily Howse and "Gossip from the Girls Room" by Rose Cooper. These are both middle-grade/YA girl lit. titles. "Zitface" comes out in April, and "Gossip from the Girls Room" came out in mid-January! Thank you Random House and Marshall Cavendish for sending me both of these.

These both kind of go with the for girls theme, and I was thinking someone else should enjoy them now- so CONTEST TIME.

Here's the deal. One winner will get both of these books to enjoy, and have a cute, fun, pink, fluffy, reading experience! USA only. I'm really sorry, but shipping everywhere else=ridiculously expensive. You must be at least 12. Now, how to enter?

Comment on this post. Just comment and say you want the books. Get an extra entry by becoming a fan/following and posting about it (Mentioning @Books4Hearts) on Twitter, or posting it on facebook and tagging the Books4Hearts page in your post. Get another extra entry by following the blog if you're not already. So, that's a total of 4 possible chances, and it's a random drawing.

This contest ends in one week on Saturday, February 26th. Entries must be in by 12pm, CST. I would also like to have at least 15 different people entered in this contest before I do the drawing- I think that will be easy, but I'm just saying that in case.

When you comment, just say:
You want the Books
If you posted it and fan/follow us on Twitter or Facebook, post your names from there so I can count your entry.
And last but not least, your preferred method of contact for if you win. Either I can contact you by message of Facebook or Twitter if your settings allow, or if you'd rather be contacted by email, send your email address (I'm sure you don't want it public) to books4heartsblog(at)gmail(dot)com

So. GO! 

INTERVIEW: Angie Smibert (Author of "Memento Nora")

Hi everyone, it's Cat here, for a break from the regularly scheduled programming (REVIEWS!). Remember how I reviewed the amazing "Memento Nora" just a few days ago? Well, I contacted author Angie Smibert asking if she'd like to do an interview and she was very nice and willing to do an interview, so here it is!!! (As if it's not obvious, the questions in italic are my words, the regular print is her answers!)

What inspired you to write "Memento Nora"? Were their any specific ideas from the real world that gave you the idea for the TCF, etc...?
The idea for the story came from current research in the area of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  In PTSD, the patient has gone through a traumatic event (or events)—such as a car accident or combat—that haunts them. They experience a variety of symptoms, such as anxiety, flashbacks, night terrors, and depression.  Researchers are exploring drugs that can “unstick” the memories and help the patient get on with his or her life.  These drugs wouldn't erase memories but just decrease their intensity.

I just took it a step further. I had this image in my mind of a Starbucks-like place on every corner that dispensed pills that could erase select memories. And you could earn reward points with every visit. 

Did you study Latin, or did something else inspire you to use "Memento" as a major plot word and"Memento Mori"?

I did take Latin in high school (and I love all things ancient Rome).  In classical times, the phrase "Memento Mori" was thought to have been used  to remind a victorious general that he was still just a man. (Kind of like telling someone he's gonna die just like the rest of us mortals.)  Later Memento Mori came to refer to a kind of art that reminds you of your mortality. (The phrase translates as "remember, you must die.")  The English word, memento, comes directly from the Latin. And a memento is a keepsake or reminder of past events.  So I was playing around with the many meanings of the word. 

Do you have a favorite character to write about, or just a general favorite character from "Memento Nora"?

Although they were all fun to write, my favorite character from Memento Nora is probably Winter Nomura. She's smart, manic, and artistic. She definitely sees the world a little differently. 

Would you believe someone if they told you a whole story that you forgot because of a pill, like if you'd done everything Nora had done?

 Maybe not. I can't say anymore because I might giveaway something about book 2. ;)

Do you like to read any other books that involve a Dystopian Society?

Yes, I do. I've read most of the classics: 1984, Brave New World, Handmaid's Tale, etc. My favorite YA/MG ones are Lois Lowry's The Giver, Hunger Games, Feed by MT Anderson, and The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

BTW, I blog about dystopian and science fiction at the League of Extraordinary Writers (leaguewriters.blogspot.com), a group blog for debut YA dystopian writers.  Our members include Beth Revis, Julia Karr, Elana Johnson, and Jeff Hirsch. Beth's and Julia's books came out in January--and they are both excellent!

Do you have any advice for young writers, who might want to publish their own book some day?

Be persistent. If you don't keep writing and keep sending it out into the world, you'll won't get published. And while you're writing and sending out, you're work will be getting better and better.
 ____________________________

Thanks so much to Angie Smibert for doing the interview for the blog! I encourage all of you to pick her book up when it comes out in April- it was awesome! Hope you guys enjoyed it! -Cat

"Zitface" by Emily Howse

"Thirteen-year-old Olivia Hughes has always considered herself a lucky girl. She knows what she wants to do with her life - be an actress. And she's already on her way. She just landed a national ad campaign that should get her noticed.
    But then her luck runs out. A little pimple turns into a full-blown case of acne, with serious side effects for her career, her relationships, and her self-esteem. Now all she wants to do is hide, but she can't. She goes from being the girl at school who everyone wants to be... to Zitface, a girl who is teased, dumped, and even fired.
    What do you do when you've lost control of everything in your life? Olivia has to find out the hard way. And maybe, what she finds isn't so bad, after all." -the back of the ARC

This was good, just because it was a middle-grade girly kind of book that could teach younger girls a lesson, the lesson that can't be taught enough- that looks aren't everything, no matter how much it can seem like they are. You are not what everyone see's on the purpose. I also liked it, because it dealt with a difficult problem for many pre-teens and teenagers: Acne. It's an unfortunate thing; that can happen to everyone (and in varying severity) usually does. I liked that it was written so you could really understand Olivia and her emotions, and you could feel sympathetic with her. There are lots of books out there similar to this, but this one's still good! I give it 3 and 1/2 stars! A solid rating. I'd recommend this to 12 year olds because I think they (if they haven't already) might end up facing this soon, therefore it might be good for them to see how Olivia eventually deals with it. :) Check it out in April!

If you'd like to find out more about "Zitface" go to the goodreads page for it here.

Thank you Marshall Cavendish publishing for sending me an ARC of this book and giving me the opportunity to review it.
To Readers: Receiving Review Copies does not cause me to bias my reviews in any way. These are my REAL OPINIONS.

"Memento Nora" by Angie Smibert

Release Date: April 1st, 2011

"On an otherwise glossy day, a blast goes off and a body thuds to the ground at Nora's feet. There are terrorist attacks in the city all the time, but Nora can't forget. So Nora goes with her mother to the TFC-a Therapeutic Forgetting Clinic. There, she can describe her horrible memory and take the pill that will erase it. But at TFC, a chance encounter with a mysterious guy changes Nora's life. She doesn't take that pill. And when Nora learns the memory her mother has chosen to forget, she realizes that someone needs to REMEMBER.

With newfound friends Micah and Winter, Nora makes a comic book of their memories called Memento. Memento is an instant hit, but it sets off a dangerous chain of events. Will Nora, Micah, and Winter be forced to take the Big Pill that will erase their memories forever?" -the back of "Memento Nora" 

Readers: You've probably all figured out that I immensely enjoy the new Dystopia stuff that has been coming out. Everyone else seems to like it too -I think it's probably the new vampire. That being said, this is another great one!! I think anyone that liked "Matched" or "The Hunger Games" will adore this. "Memento Nora" is a fast-paced, thrilling novel by debut author Angie Smibert. The book is only 184 (ARC) pages long, which at first kind of surprised/worried me, because I was worried that a story in a book that short simply couldn't be that well developed. I WAS SO WRONG. The characters were pretty well-developed to me, and so was the setting and the story itself. The comic strip was brilliant. Not taking the pill. A rebellion. Using Memento, latin for "remember", and the whole Memento Mori, remember you'll die... AHHH. This book was exciting. The storyline and characters were memorable. I also really liked the original language kind of like that of "Uglies", like the word "glossy".  FOUR AND A HALF STARS!!!

This book was even a bit SCARY. In the way that, alright, the Hunger Games and the capitol seem so far away. Living in Cassia's world (Matched) (by the way, the red pill!!!!), seems lightyears away. The TFC, and the situations that follow, that seems pretty realistic. In a sad, scary, kind of way.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL. This is one I really recommend you go out an get when it is released APRIL 1ST! If you want to find out more about "Memento Nora" go to Angie Smibert's website (where you can read the 1st chapter) and the official website for "Memento Nora".

Thank you very much Marshall Cavendish publishing company for sending me an ARC of "Memento Nora", and giving me the opportunity to read and review this awesome book. 
readers: I can't stress enough that receiving a review copy in NO WAY alters my review or opinion! 

Books to look forward too in 2011 - Cat

Yesterday, on Twitter I posted some titles of book releases coming later this year that I'm looking forward too- whether they're part of a series, or simply because they look interesting. I also know that a lot of book blogs post books they're waiting for to come out every Wednesday, but I like keeping this site to (mainly) reviews- and I'm not sure if I'd have enough books to cover every Wednesday- so I think one post here will be sufficient.

The Book Releases for 2011 (The ones I'm looking forward too)
This list is by no means all inclusive, as the year goes by and as I think about it I'll surely have more :)
(In order of Release Date)


"Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys
Release: March 22nd, 2011, Pre-Order on Amazon
Lina's your average 15-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941, until the Soviet officers barge into her home one night and take her dad away. Lina and her family thus embark on a journey to the coldest parts of Siberia to work in under cruel conditions in a work-camp under Stalin's order. She finds hope in art and hopes that the message of her art can reach her father in prison camp- letting him know that she and her family are still alive.
This one looks good! I'm not even completely sure why I'm drawn to it- I like historical YA stuff, but it's not my top genre or anything. It just sounds like a good book!

"Scorpia Rising: An Alex Rider Novel" by Anthony Horowitz 
Release: March  22nd, 2011, Pre-Order on Amazon
Scorpia has been after Alex his whole life, from killing his parents, to trying to make him a traitor. Now they're back- trying to mess with the middle-east."
I've been reading the Alex Rider series, starting with "Stormbreaker" since... a while ago. I think I was probably nine when I started, haha. I really like this series, and look forward to what's going to be the 9th in the series. Honestly, I didn't like "Crocodile Tears" much, however, I really think this series has time to recover (unlike, say, Maximum Ride. Favorite series, turning to fail-whale-ness :( )

"Divergent" by Veronica Roth
Release: May 3rd, 2011, Pre-Order on Amazon
In a dystopian society set in Chicago, people are divided into five factions: Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Abnegation (the self-less), Erudite (the intelligent), and Amity (the peaceful). All sixteen-year-olds are to chose their factions, that they will follow for the rest of their lives, on a certain day. Beatrice makes a decision that surprises everyone. She also harbors a secret, one that might save the one's she loves, or everyone else, while society begins to seemingly unravel- or it could destroy her.
I'm starting to really enjoy Dystopias. It's kind of alarming that it's becoming such a big trend in YA Fiction, but still, I really enjoy Dystopias. (Example: "Matched" by Ally Condie, "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins) This book also looks impressive, the cover's cool, it sounds really exciting. There's also loads of reviews on the internet already for it from people that got their hands on ARCs of it and they all seem to think it's amazing. The author sounds really cool to- this is her first published book and she's only 23. She managed to write this almost 500-page book, in college people!!!

 
"CROSSED" by Ally Condie (sequel to "Matched")
Release: November 1st, 2011, Pre-Order on Amazon
No official summary for me to paraphrase yet, and the cover isn't final, but I can't wait for this book! I really loved "Matched" and can't wait to read more about Cassia and if she finds... well actually, I shouldn't say, because if you haven't read the amazing book that is "Matched" then I don't want to spoil it for you!

Anyway, can't wait for these books to come out, and as soon as I can, I'll read and review them for you guys, our readers!