Follow Friday (29)

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

Q. What is the best cover of a book you read and didn't like?

A. I looove the cover of League of Strays by LB Schluman. It's why I requested the book from Netgalley in the first place. After reading it, I wish I had. It's one of the worst book I've ever read. Ever. This is one time where my cover lust failed me.

What is your favorite cover for a book you didn't like?

Blog Tour: Book Review: Shift (Firstborn #2) by Raine Thomas

Today, Edwin and Emily are happy to be a part of the Shift Blog Tour

hosted by YA Bound.

Find the other tour stops here.

Shift (Firstborn #2) by Raine Thomas

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: August 24, 2012
Publisher: Iambe Books

Having the ability to shapeshift, Sophia is familiar with change. But even she feels the rising tension in her homeland.

A shadowy male and deadly beast reside in their midst. The births of the newest Kynzesti loom. Hostile Mercesti continue to hunt for the Elder Scroll, and a traumatized female is too afraid to use her abilities to stop them.

Topping off Sophia’s stress is Quincy, the male she’s convinced can’t stand her. She rues the loss of their friendship, but can’t figure out how to move past it. She’ll soon learn, however, that mending that rift bears more significance than she ever imagined.

The search for the Elder Scroll takes on unexpected urgency, and Sophia finds herself in a race across the mainland. To stop the Mercesti led by Eirik, she and her companions must get past their differences and unite against them. If they don’t, Eirik will acquire the immense power he seeks, and two of the beings Sophia loves most will die.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

So, I was really hoping that there would be a blog tour for Shift, the second book in the Firstborn series by Raine Thomas. After reading the first book, Defy back in May for a previous blog tour, I was almost desperate to read the next book! Lucky me, right? As soon as I got an email from YA Bound Tours, I signed up! This series has completely captured my interest and I've found it to be unforgettable!

Shift is all about Sophia and Quincy - romance wise. Honestly, the romance is not the only part of this novel that really keeps your interest. (It's shocking that I've actually said this, I know. I'm quite surprised, too!) The conflict, minor characters, a prose will hook you from the very beginning. You'll have no choice but to follow Quincy and Sophia's story in utter fascination. The best part of that is that you won't have a problem, either! It's addicting!

I adore these characters! Especially the cameo of the couple that Defy revolved around, Tate and Zachariah. Tate is hilarious and awesome! Just reading her first appearance in this novel made me remember why I loved book one so much! She's witty and light-hearted with a flare for being rebellious. And Zachariah has that sexy alpha male thing going on. He and Tate are great for each other. My favorite character in this novel though, is definitely Quincy. He's such a sweetheart and has the best intentions at heart. Plus, he love for Sophia makes me sigh happily. Sophia got on my nerves some times. She has a tendency to overreact and not fully thinking things through. So basically, she's your everyday teenage girl. What I loved most about these characters is that none of them seemed forced or fake, each one had a role in the story and they carried it out perfectly. Plus, they all mesh together very well!

The plot line is as intriguing in this book as it was in the book before it. I couldn't help but be sucked in until the very end. There is so much to grasp that you really have to read carefully to make sure you caught all the information! I seriously enjoyed it and found myself, for the most part, unable to put it down because the conflicts and adventure had me on the edge of my seat. It should be noted that I did have to stop a few times to do some laundry and cook dinner, it was not of my own free will.

I would honestly recommend reading the prequel series before starting Defy and Shift. The world that Ms. Thomas beings to life can hard to keep up with if you don't learn everything about it with the original characters. It's a great series, so definitely get a copies of the previous books. I can't wait to see what the author gives us in the next book! I'm sure it will be a phenomenal addition to a great series!

I received a free e-copy of this novel from the author  for a blog tour in exchange for my honest review.

Top Ten Tuesday (25)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!

This week's theme is: 

Top Ten Bookish Confessions

1. If I don't like a book, I return it.
- I go to bookstores a lot. I mean... A lot. A lot. And I've got a problem, where I can't walk in without buying a book. SO, the solution is, if I don't like the book... I return it. I may be a horrible person for that, but I can't help it!
2. In high school, I refused to tell anyone about my favorite books because I didn't want anyone else to know about them and think that they loved them more.
- ... That one speaks for itself. I don't share well.
3. I am a grammar/spelling nazi.
- Literally, that is what I was referred to as in high school. More often than not, my classmates would ask me to edit their work. To this day, my friends are still asking for my help. That being said, I miss errors in my own work all the time. WHERE IS THE SENSE IN THIS?
4. I don't like the library.
- Okay, it's not that I don't like the library... I really, really do. But I don't like people. The trouble with going to the library is everyone borrows those books. There have been several times when I've found food, bugs and boogers in the books. So when it comes down to it, unless I'm desperate, I try to avoid the library.
5. I buy bookmarks and don't use them.
- I have the largest collection of bookmarks... ever. And I use tissues and random papers instead. That doesn't stop me from buying more, though!
6. I read the ends of books first.
- Suspense is not my style. Unless I'm reading on my kindle, I usually take a peak in the back to see where the story is going and how it will end.
7. I hate unhappy endings.
- This can also apply to real life. Books without happy endings are worth reading, IN MY OPINION. It may sound stupid, but for the most part, I read to escape reality. I like angst, but I do not like when the story ends without a satisfying, happy ending.
8. I judge books based on their covers.
- I've said this before and I should be ashamed, but I'm not.
9. I skim.
- Not in every book, only in ones I find dull. I can't help it, my eyes just wander!
10. I love books more than people.
- Besides my family and my friends, I would pick a book over talking to actual people any day. And sometimes, even over my family and friends... but don't tell them that!

What are your confessions?

Teaser Tuesday: Shift (Firstborn #2) by Raine Thomas

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!

To participate all you have to do is:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!) 

 Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

-------------------------------

"Quincy knew the polite thing to do would be to offer the elders something to eat or drink, but he didn't want to encourage an extended visitation. Instead, he took one of the two chairs adjacent to the couch."
Chapter 6, 15%
Shift (Firstorn #2) by Raine Thomas

-------------------------------

Book Review: Every Day by David Levithan

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
336 Pages

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

I've been told before that I just shouldn't read popular/hyped books a few times. Since I found this… lacking, I'd have to say that I really should stop. I looked at the ratings for this novel and was surprised to find only a handful of one/two star ratings. I want to give it three, because I liked it, but the real rating for me is probably more of a two stars. I gave it a boost for originality.

As I read the beginning of Every Day, I really enjoyed it, but during the progression of the story, I found myself bored and able to put it down for long periods of time. That's never a good sign. The concept was super interesting. So creative and unique! David Levithan is a brilliant writer. He writes in a way that will tug at your heartstrings. He's utterly magnificent. And he always gives us the most magnificent quotes. 

So why then didn't I like this book?

I think the main reason I didn't really enjoy this is because of the characters. The characters. Goodness me, the characters drove me nuts. A is a sweetheart, but I found him very selfish. Then again, you can understand why he's being selfish. He wants to take advantage of life, which is hard when you live through another person every single day. My feelings towards him made my head spin. At some points in the novel, it is hard to like him, but at other parts, I found myself wanting to hug him. A is overall very likable, but his situation is sad and definitely hard to relate to. Plus the girl he's in love with? …No, thank you! I don't get the attraction. I thought she was super annoying and rude. 

It was really interesting to see the lives of all of these different people, though. That was what I really liked. You never saw the same kind of person twice. The author is very good at giving his audience realistic characters that come from different backgrounds, that have different emotions and different tastes. Because really, no two people are exactly the same. David Levithan writes diversity phenomenally. 

It's just one of those things where I feel like I'm reading a different book than everyone else. The entire world loved this and I'm like… "Did I pick up the wrong book?" That's not to say this was bad. I guess I just wasn't in the mood for it? I'd like to give it another try soon. And just because I didn't like this book, doesn't mean that I won't read the author again. His writing is quite enjoyable! This novel just wasn't for me.

I received and e-copy of this novel from the publisher through Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.

Book Review: A Mutiny in Time (Infinity Ring #1) by James Dashner

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
192 Pages

Scholastic's next multi-platform mega-event begins here! History is broken, and three kids must travel back in time to set it right! 

When best friends Dak Smyth and Sera Froste stumble upon the secret of time travel -- a hand-held device known as the Infinity Ring -- they're swept up in a centuries-long secret war for the fate of mankind. Recruited by the Hystorians, a secret society that dates back to Aristotle, the kids learn that history has gone disastrously off course.Now it's up to Dak, Sera, and teenage Hystorian-in-training Riq to travel back in time to fix the Great Breaks . . . and to save Dak's missing parents while they're at it. First stop: Spain, 1492, where a sailor named Christopher Columbus is about to be thrown overboard in a deadly mutiny!

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

This book was adorable! Okay, adorable is the wrong word to describe the book, but it fits perfectly for one of the main characters, Dak.

Dak and his best friend, Sera, live in a futuristic society that is basically controlled by a group called the SQ. The two young children are geniuses. Dak is obsessed with history, while Sera loves science. They are so nerdy and adorkable. (You see what I did there?) When they find their way into Dak's parents' lab, they end up making a discovery that could save the world, or if let into the wrong hands, worsen it further. With the help of the Hystorians and a boy named Riq, the Dak and Sera must righten history and find Dak's missing parents.

This is story is the perfect length for the age group it was written for. Not only is this a great read for middle grade children, but A Mutiny in Time is perfect for the family because it has something for all ages. I was greatly entertained by the plot and characters and I'm an adult. I will be buying this novel for my youngest cousin as soon as it's released. As a middle school science geek, I know he will adore this series.

The adventures the three main characters went on were so interesting to read about! My jealousy was overwhelming. How neat would it be to go back in time and meet some of the greatest influences of modern society, the men and women who made our world what it is today? I would love to be in their shoes - except when they are narrowly escaping death, of course!

Yes, there were a few times when I was confused, but I really enjoyed it, overall. I don't really understand what the SQ was or what they really were after, I mean, I don't understand why they wanted to change history. I'm sure as I continue with the series, more and more will be revealed. It's something to really look forward to!

A Mutiny in Time was a super fun read. It's probably sad that even though it's a middle grade novel, I learned a lot. This series is going to be an epic one! The author line-up alone is enough to make me want to read it!

I received and e-copy of this novel from the publisher through Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.

Follow Friday (28)

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

Q. What is the worst cover of a book you read and loved?

A. Hmm, I usually judge books by there covers, so I don't often pick up a book with a cover that I don't like. Color me shameful. But I have read a few! I think the cover of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare is horrendous. I don't really like any of the covers in that series, but I'll admit that they do get better as the series continues. I also think that Defy by Raine Thomas has an ugly cover, but it's a phenomenal book!

Are there books where you loved the content and hated the cover?

Book Review: The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: September 4, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
240 Pages

From the author who's inspired millions worldwide with books like "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" comes his most imaginative novel yet, "The Time Keeper"--a compelling fable about the first man on earth to count the hours. The man who became Father Time.

In Mitch Albom's newest work of fiction, the inventor of the world's first clock is punished for trying to measure God's greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time.

He returns to our world--now dominated by the hour-counting he so innocently began--and commences a journey with two unlikely partners: one a teenage girl who is about to give up on life, the other a wealthy old businessman who wants to live forever. To save himself, he must save them both. And stop the world to do so.

Told in Albom's signature spare, evocative prose, this remarkably original tale will inspire readers everywhere to reconsider their own notions of time, how they spend it and how precious it truly is.

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

The Time Keeper is Mitch Albom's latest work of fiction. It's sad, heartwreching and leaves you with a great message. (But don't all of his novels?)

When I saw this novel on Netgalley, I couldn't request it fast enough. I was stunned that an author whom I consider to be extremely popular had a book up on a public galley site and didn't even think before pressing that tiny "Request!" button. I'm so, so glad I did. This is one of the best novels released in 2012. At least, in my opinion.

Mr. Albom writes a lesson that we hear almost every day in the most imaginative way. That message is: "You only have the time you are given, so don't spend time wishing you had more or less, spend your time using it." I didn't think there was much that an author could do that I hadn't already heard before. Boy, was I wrong! This was not only captivating, but extremely unique. 

This story is about Father Time. It's not just about Father Time though, it's also about two people who want to change the time in their lives. One wants her life to end sooner. One wants his life to last forever. Father Time, or Dor as he was once called, learns with these two characters what it really means to count time and the consequences that come with it. Mitch Albom takes you on a journey of loss, fear and in the end, strength.

I loved the characters. Loved them. Their stories were real and inspiring. This novel may have been more paranormal than realistic, but the lives of two people that Father Time works to save are relatable and make your heart ache. I really connected with Sarah, a girl wishing for her time to come faster. We didn't have extremely similar lives, but I remember what it was like to be a teenage girl and the author really captures a common experience. On the other hand, we had Victor. Victor is an dying old man, who would give anything to live forever. His story is just as sad, but I felt worse for his wife. Her strength and love for him tugged at my heart strings. 

Mitch Albom is definitely an insta-buy author for me. He hasn't written a book that I haven't fallen in love with. His words evoke the strongest emotions and then remain with you long after you finish the story. The emotions part is what draws me to his books. Whenever I need a good cry, Mitch Albom is the author I go to. Honestly, I don't think that he will ever write a book that doesn't make me cry. I finished The Time Keeper and bawled my eyes out for close to an hour after I was done. His writing style is imaginative and breathtaking. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

I received and e-copy of this novel from the publisher through Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.

Desperately Wanting Wednesday (10)

Desperately Wanting Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee's View. Unlike "Waiting On Wednesday" the meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, you can talk about books that you want that have already been released, but you haven't had a chance to read.

This week's theme is:

Authors I Have Already Read

Our Released Pick:

Foretold: 14 Tales of Prophecy and Prediction Anthology
The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Adults
368 Pages

Richelle Mead, Lisa McMann, Michael Grant, Meg Cabot, Laini Taylor, and nine more of the hottest YA authors to hit the shelves explore the concepts of prophecy and prediction in this story collection edited byNYT bestselling author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan. 

Have you ever been tempted to look into the future? To challenge predictions? To question fate? It's human nature to wonder about life's twists and turns. But is the future already written—or do you have the power to alter it?

From fantastical prophecies to predictions of how the future will transpire, Foretold is a collection of stories about our universal fascination with life's unknowns and of what is yet to come as interpreted by 14 of young adult fiction's brightest stars.

This collection includes works from:
Malinda Lo (Ash)
Lisa McMann (Wake)
Kami Garcia (Beautiful Creatures)
Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures)
Laini Taylor (The Daughter of Smoke and Bone)
Michael Grant (Gone)
Saundra Mitchell (The Vespertine)
Richelle Mead (the Vampire Academy)
Matt de la Pena (I Will Save You)
Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries)
Heather Brewer (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod)
Diana Peterfreund (Rampant)
Simone Elkeles (Perfect Chemistry)
Carrie Ryan (The Forest of Hands and Teeth)

I haven't read all of these authors, but the ones I have, I've loved (with an exception or two). I can't wait to read this one! It's sure to meet my expectations and how awesome is it that we get some more insight into the lives of some of our favorite characters!

Our To-Be-Released Pick:

The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:

Release Date: March 2013

Publisher: Angry Robot

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter is the heartbreaking story of the journey from childhood to adulthood, with an intriguing science fictional twist.

There’s never been anyone - or anything - quite like Finn.

He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is to tutor Cat.

When the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.

So, I'm not one hundred percent sure about this one, but I adored the author's other book, The Assassin's Curse, which is the first book in her ongoing series with the same title. The Mad Scientist's Daughter sounds interesting, and I'm really hoping that Ms. Clarke can pull it off!

Top Ten Tuesday (24)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!

This week's theme is: 

Top Ten Favorite Books Read Since The Start of Ed and Em's Reviews

These don't have a specific order. They are just typed out as they came to mind.

1. Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer
- This is the first five star book that I read and reviewed on my blog. I need to reread it before I meet Marissa next month, but I know that I freaking loved it. I'm dying to read book two, BUT NO ONE WILL GIVE IT TO ME. :'(
2. Bonds of Earth by GN Chevalier
- I was asked to review this by the author. I am so glad she contacted me because it was honestly one of the best gay romance novels that I've ever, ever, ever read.
3. Drowning Instinct by Isla J. Bick
- All I remember is tears. A lot of tears. And a dull ache after finishing. I know this is one of the best emotional taboo issue books that I've read.
4. Unspoken (Lynburn Legacy #1) by Sarah Rees Brennan
- This book was brilliant. I don't know what else to say about it.
5. The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry
- I've seen that a lot of people weren't impressed by this novel, but it was fascinating in my opinion. This is one of the best books that I've read since I started blogging, albeit I can understand why they didn't enjoy it (because it has a slow plot and build up).
6. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
- This book was so inspiring. For months after finishing it, I wanted to travel the world and meet sexy men who could show me interesting places. ...And now that I think about it, I want that again.
7. Confessions of an Angry Girl (Confessions #1) by Louise Rozett
- Holy crap, this book was awesome. The second book can not be released fast enough!
8. Stormdancer (The Lotus War #1) by Jay Kristoff
- I'm still drooling over this cover. The book was phenomenal and I can't wait to see what Jay does with the rest of the series!
9. This is Not A Test by Courtney Summers
- Zombies. Drama. Need I say more?
10. Blackout (Newflesh Trilogy #3) by Mira Grant
- The end to the great zombies series written to date. My heart still aches of this series. I need moreeeee!

What are the best books you've read since you started blogging? If you aren't a blogger, what are the best books you've read this year?

Teaser Tuesday: A Mutiny in Time (Infinity Ring #1) by James Dashner

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!

To participate all you have to do is:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!) 

 Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

------------------------

"Dak found himself standing on a flattened patch of grass under a sunny blue sky. His parents and Sera were right next to him, all three of them looking at him with fire in their eyes."
Chapter 10, 27% ARC
A Mutiny in Time (Infinity Ring #1) by James Dashner

------------------------

Book Review: Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy #1) by Sarah Rees Brennan

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
340 Pages

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

Goodreads.Twitter.Website.Facebook

FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads.Amazon.Barnes & Noble

Review:

WARNING: FAN GIRL RAMBLINGS AHEAD

This won't all make sense, I assure you, because I can't put into words how much I loved this book.

What is this writing? What is the beautiful, beautiful writing and why have I never read it before?

Sarah Rees Brennan is on my "author to hug if I ever meet them" list.

ETA: I did hug her on August 4, 2012. FOR THE FREAKING WIN! She's one of the funniest people that I've ever met. I wish she lived closer so I could be her friend and make her let me read the drafts, give me ARCs and free final copies of the next two books in the Lynburn Legacy series. I'm a greedy moocher, what can I say?

How did I come across this book? It started with a cover… I'm a cover luster. Book covers are what draw me in and as "bad" as it is, they are what push me to choose a book. In this case, I was right to choose Unspoken. It's as fascinating inside as it is on the outside.

Our lead is Kami Glass, a young high school reporter in the small town of Sorry-in-the-Vale, England. Kami is desperate for a great story. When the Lynburn family moves back to her town, she thinks she has finally found it. When she begins to investigate the family and interact with the her new classmates, Jared and Ash, someone decides to get rid of her. 

Let's talk about how much I love the main character's name. My old neighbor's name was Kami and I adored her. My feelings toward this Kami are no different. I was riveted by her perspective and her small town life. Honestly, the more I read, the more I wished I could be a part of the story. It's not often that I feel that way, but something about Sorry-in-the-Vale and the people who reside there made me desperate to be in the book. Kami's adventure and investigation drew me in like a moth to a flame. I wish I could've be in the story to help her solve the mystery! 

It was very neat to read about Kami's heritage. She is of Japanese decent, on her father's side. I love that this book has some diversity to it. There is a lot of reference to her looks and family. Japanese phrases and beliefs are also incorporated into the story. It helped make Unspoken and its characters stand out.

I was literally trapped by the mystery of this story. I couldn't put the book down after I picked it up because I just had to know what was going to happen next. Everything that Unspoken is eery! Definitely a gothic novel and so enjoyable! I cannot stress enough how much I loved this book. The writing grabs at your attention and keeps you sucked in. The events, the mysteries, the characters, everything about this book pulled together to create a novel that everyone can love! I'm included in that everyone, if you couldn't already tell.

There is a minor love-triangle like romance. Jared, who is a definite "bad boy." He's scarred physically and emotionally, but there is something familiar (to an obvious degree for the reader) about him that Kami just can't put her finger on for a while. The other boy is Jared's cousin, Ash. Ash is Jared's polar opposite. His edges smooth where Jared's are ragged. And I'm just gonna say it now: TEAM JARED FOREVER. Be team Jared or don't be my friend because he gives me the swoony swoonz.

Other minor characters include Angela and Holly. Angela was definitely not my favorite character. I think Ms. Brennan wrote her that way on purpose. She was crass, loud and not always the best friend to Kami. Ten and Tomo are Kami's younger brothers. Their interactions were so funny to read and it's very obvious that Kami loves them very much, and her parents, too. For once we have a character comes from a happy, loving household (even if it is filled with secrets)!

The characters in Ms. Brennan's story are so fun. I enjoyed reading the book from the very beginning. As soon as it is released, there will be a copy for my shelves. I definitely recommend this for fans of YA paranormal mystery. It's a cute book that will leave you beginning for more and screaming at the ending. BECAUSE A CLIFFHANGER? REALLY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME. *coughs* Erm… Right. Well. Go read it.

Also - when I talked to Sarah, she said book two is going to be called Untold and will be released in September of 2013. OVER A YEAR AWAY. I'm going to go cry in a corner and eat my feelings now.

ETA: Sarah made Untold its own Goodreads page. SEE HERE. And the publication date is June 6, 2013. BOO-YAH.

I received and e-copy of this novel from the publisher through Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.