Sunday, September 30, 2012

Kill Switch by Chris Lynch

Synopsis:

All Daniel wants to do is spend one last summer with his grandfather before he moves away for college and his grandfather’s dementia pulls them apart. But when his dear old Da starts to let things slip about the job he used to hold—people he’s killed, countries he’s overthrown—old work “friends” show up to make sure he stays quiet. Was his grandfather really involved in a world of assassinations and coups, or are the stories just delusions of a crumbling mind? On the run from the police (and possibly something worse) before he has time to find out, Daniel may have to sacrifice everything to protect his grandfather from those who would do him harm.

My Thoughts:


I was so excited by the premise of this book. I love spy stories and thought a teenager trying to protect his Jason-Bourne-gets-Alzheimer's grandfather could be a great read. However... 

This was the most disturbing book, filled with some of the most unlikeable characters, doing the most icky things that I have ever finished. I finished it mostly because it was pretty short, and I was almost all the way through it before I realized it wasn't going to suddenly improve. The ending seemed as though the author realized he was hating it as much as I did and gave himself a page to wrap things up. I'm sure there are people who might enjoy this book. However, I was definitely not one of them.


1/5 stars

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Surrender by Elana Johnson


The Synopsis:
Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control… 
Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.  
All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque....
My Thoughts:

I liked Surrender so much better than the first book (Possession.) Vi, Zenn and Jag are only minor characters in this story, but it doesn't matter, because Raine and Gunner are amazing. The story will mean a lot more to you if you have at least a passing knowledge of what happened in Possession. This is an exciting read with a fun love story.

5/5 stars

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers


Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
I'm still not certain whether I just read a young adult book or a historical romance...If the definition of young adult is any book with a young adult for a protagonist than that's what this book is. The themes were much more in-line with books written for adults. I liked this one, mostly because of Ismae's growth throughout the book. 
4/5 stars

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Legend by Marie Lu



Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country, she is being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. 
Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal... 
From different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother is murdered, and Day becomes the prime suspect. Now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival while June tries desperately to avenge her brother’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together and the sinister lengths their country will go to in order to keep its secrets.
Imagine Hunger Games as a murder mystery, and with a (slightly) faster blooming romance. If you think that might be something you would like, read this right now! Legend is a little less gory than Hunger Games, but is probably appropriate for the same age group.
5/5 stars