Review: All Fall Down

Grace's mom was murdered and nobody believes her.

Adding to the tragedy, she must now move back to Embassy Row, where she shared so many memories with her mom. She's seen as a rebel and mentally unstable. But Grace has no time to worry about fitting in, because the killer's still on the loose, and seems to have his eyes on her. Will someone believe her before she becomes the next target?

Ally Carter filled her story with a great supporting cast. We've got the charming and protective Russian, the hacker, the spy and the wingman -- all from different countries bringing their own spice to the story. The background is an amazing plus, allowing for lavish parties and powerful antagonists.But what makes All Fall Down particular is Grace's mental instability. Is there actually a killer or does Grace just need someone to blame?

Piece after piece, the puzzle revealed at the end is anything but what was expected.

Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest

Once up a time, there was a horned boy sleeping in a glass coffin. He was beautiful. And two siblings fell in love with him... 

Fairfolk's not a town like any other. The Fae have their own hidden community and expect the humans to keep out while they roam about kidnapping children. But now that the horned boy is free, the Fae vow to cause greater havoc until he is returned.

Siblings Fae hunters, Hazel and Ben, have their own plans on how to put an end to this mess. But deep down both of them carry secrets that could hinder their quest. Together with the help of part/fae- part/human Jack, they embark on a mission to end the Fae's control over the town once and for all.

Although Holly Black put in a huge effort to include romance into the story, none of the characters really felt worthy of such love. They were selfish, particularly Hazel, who's major sacrifice served mostly for her benefit than anyone else. For this reason I was glad that romance took second place in the story, which focused the attention on sword fights and understating the complete world of the Fae. Too bad the ending felt rushed.

Review: Hit

The Crush and the Crash

Sarah's in love with her poetry teacher, Mr. Haddings, in ways that would be considered unethical. Still, she decides to pour her heart out and writes him a letter. Unfortunately, on her way to deliver said letter, Haddings, who inadvertently looked at his cellphone, runs her over with his car. The story takes us through the following two days post accident. And how both  Sarah and Haddings, must come to terms with what happened. 

Hit seems like the kind of story that would have benefit immensely from having more than two point-of-views. Sarah's parents were uncomfortable being around each other, her brother was too preoccupied with looks while her best friend found solace being near him. But Mr. Haddings wasn't allowed to approach the family and Sarah was... injured. So the untold stories lingered int he air. If only the flashbacks would have gone deeper than poetry and claim that five star rating.

Grover based Hit on a true story, and encourages us to follow The Red Thumb Reminder and paint our nail red as a warning not to text and drive. Let's make a difference.

Feature and Follow Friday: Casse-Noisette

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Do you have any fun collections (other than books) ?


Nutcrakers!! I don't know what that says about my relationship with men or nuts (I only eat almonds). But they look so adorable.

It also explains why I wasn't scared of Jigsaw from the Saw movies. I mean look at him, he is a nutcraker.

What do you collect?

Review: The Chosen One

Life is full of choices we don't get to make...

Kyra belongs to the Chosen Ones, a sect religion that places the prophet's needs above the rest of the community. Together with her siblings, mothers and father, Kyra lives within the community hidden in the forest. She even has a crush named Joshua who is hinting at marriage. But then the prophet has a vision that she is meant to be married right away-- not to Joshua - but to her sixty-year-old uncle Hyrum. Can Kyra defy her religion even if it means placing everyone she loves at risk?

Lynch Williams made this book impossible to put down. Once the marriage announcement to uncle Hyrum is set, the deadline seems imminent and the pages just kept turning themselves. The topic of obedience vs punishment gets quite tense as Kyra's situation forces other members of the community to ponder on their beliefs.

Lots of action, stolen kisses and thought provoking plotlines.