Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Release Date: May 3, 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 496

Summary: 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.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series--dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

My Thoughts: Wow, I can’t believe I waited this long to read this one! I really enjoyed it!

We are introduced to Beatrice who lives in Chicago. Everyone is divided up into factions. On each person’s 16th birthday, they either stay with their family (choosing their own) or choose a new one and change to that way of living. On Beatrice’s birthday, her whole life changes. She ends up in a faction known as Dauntless. Basically, the Dauntless protect the city and are the brave ones.

Beatrice aka Tris meets a lot of new people. The person the most intriguing was of course, Four. Four had his own little story and I loved it. I loved his background, I loved finding out more about him.

Tris was brave and thoughtful and she always had something on her mind. I liked how she cared about people but she also knew she had to take care of herself.

I loved the plot of this one. I loved learning more about how things really were, and not everything is what it seems. I also loved all the Chicago references, because I visited Chicago last summer and it was like a jolt down memory lane and I actually knew some of the places that were talked about. How fun!

I loved Four so much! I know I already mentioned him, but I couldn’t get enough of him! He was sweet but also very rough around the edges.

I can’t believe I waited so long to read this one! I read it in just a few days. Once I started, I was hooked!

I can’t recommend this series enough! I loved it!  And, now I can’t wait to read the next one!

Overall: Awesome, Awesome story! Why didn’t I read this one sooner? I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, everything! A must read for everyone. If you haven’t read this one yet, pick it up now!!

Cover: It’s neat! It would draw me to the novel in the bookstore! Appealing!!! 

What I'd Give It:

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Release Date: March 11. 2014

Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336

Summary:  Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when her brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be?

Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests--even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all.

My Thoughts: This one was cute but I was hoping for a more in depth story. It was a really light and a fast read for me.

We are introduced to Heart (yes that is her name) and she’s a high schooler. And its prom night. She has gotten asked by two different boys. Her brother’s best friend Troy and another guy named Ryan. And then of course there is a boy named Chase involved in all this. And he wasn’t very likable either. I wasn’t thrilled with any of the three boys.

Well, Heart needs to decide which boy to go with it. But, this story basically takes place as if both dates happen and it shows what would happen on both dates. It goes back and forth with Heart with one guy, and Heart with another. At times, it was confusing for me and I had to realize which scenario I was in. It kind of takes a look at what would happen if she went with each guy and the events that played out.

I did enjoy reading about the different events and what would go down on each prom night if she had chosen each guy. It was interesting but I just didn’t get sucked into this one like I have other debuts.

Ask Again Later is a promising novel and some may like it more than I did. I haven’t read any other novels yet that go back and forth on what if, so I don’t have many others to compare this one too.

I did like Heart, even if she did have some pretty high standards and morals. She was funny and at times I could picture her in my head.

Overall: Cute novel. I liked some of the characters more than others. A very quick read for me. I am happy how the novel turned out though. I’m pleased with the ending.

Even though this isn’t my favorite novel ever, it was still worth a read!

Cover: Its cute. I like the crown and the colors.

What I’d Give It:

Phoenix Overture (Newsoul #2.5) by Jodi Meadows

Phoenix Overture (Newsoul #2.5) by Jodi Meadows

Release Date:  September 3, 2013

Publisher:Katherine Tegen Books

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages:  150

Summary: This breathtaking and lyrical novella captures a thrilling and momentous decision for a young man and the people he loves. Told from the perspective of Sam, the sensitive musician from Jodi Meadows’s Incarnate series, lifetimes before he meets Ana, Phoenix Overture is a story of love and loss, strength and courage, and facing the consequences of the hardest of decisions.

Phoenix Overture offers existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the intriguing history of Heart, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the romantic, captivating fantasy of the Incarnate series.

In the wilds around the Community where Sam and his family have taken shelter, life is dangerous. Dragons, trolls, centaurs, and other monsters fill the world. The word comes from the council that everyone must leave and journey to rescue their leader, Janan, who has been abducted by a mysterious new enemy in the north. Faced with overwhelming threats that bring death and destruction, Sam and the others reach the northern Range and, reunited with Janan, are given an unimaginable opportunity. Although it would give them the privilege to live and learn and love without fear, the choice is not without its own dire consequences. And lives—though not theirs—are sure to be lost. Just how much are they willing to give up to save themselves?

HarperTeen Impulse is a digital imprint focused on young adult short stories and novellas, with new releases the first Tuesday of each month.

My Thoughts: Wow, I think this is a nice look into Sam’s life before he knew Ana. We got a glimpse of his family and what happened to him. We also got to meet Stef for the first time. Its amazing because I think I may have liked this one a bit more than the actual books.

I think Sam is a great character and he’s so nice and sweet but this also explains why he is the way he is. Even before everything happened Sam seemed like a nice guy.

I really did like this one but I still feel like I don’t love this series. Hopefully the last book makes me feel this series was super great. I like them, I just don’t love them.. yet.

Overall: I really liked getting to know Sam and get into his mind. I also liked knowing what happens to his family and how his relationship with Stef came about. I also liked seeing things before they are the way they are now.

Cover:  It’s kind of plain but I could see Sam looking like that.

What I’d Give It:

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Publisher: Balzer And Bray

Age Group:  Young Adult

Pages: 352

Summary: Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

My Thoughts: I have heard so many good and bad things about Cruel Beauty. It seems like people either love it or hate it. So, I was a little hesitant to read it.  The beginning of it starts off a bit slow. Its hard to get into it. But once it livens up, it sure does liven up.

We are introduced to Nyx who has spend most of her life preparing to kill Lord Ignifex and avenge her mother and her people.

But Nyx meets him, and she is drawn to him. There is another character named Shade. Shade was a bit confusing for me at first. I wasn’t sure what he was or what he was up too. I took a liking to him as well.

Honestly, this one is so hard to describe I’m not even sure where to start. It was a bit confusing but I ended up really liking it. I liked the characters and the plot. It was weird in places but I liked that. I also liked how Nyx went around exploring the castle. Loved that part.

I thought Nyx was brave but she was also kind of naive at times.

Even though this one kind of felt weird, I’m glad I read it and enjoyed it. It was a bit slow but that is ok.

Overall:  I don’t have too much to really say about this one. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It was an interesting tale. I felt a little disjointed at times but it easily cleared up and I understood things more.  I can understand why some people will really like it while others won’t.

Cover:  Like it! I didn’t realize she was on a staircase until I really looked. Kind of a complicated cover but at the same time not. haha.

What I’d Give It:

The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry

The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry

Release Date: March 1, 2014

Publisher: Albert Whitman Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 256

Summary:Kate's dream boyfriend has just broken up with her and she's still reeling from her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

Aidan planned on being a 'lifer' in the army and went to Iraq straight out of high school. Now he's a disabled young veteran struggling to embrace his new life.

When Kate and Aidan find each other neither one wants to get attached. But could they be right for each other after all?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one a lot. We are introduced to Kate who is in high school. She will be graduating soon and will be off to college with her best friend. Right before prom, her boyfriend Sheldon dumps her and this is basically where the story starts.

She’s pretty upset and sad. She had been dating him for a year now. She also recently found out she has diabetes and its really hard on her life. She doesn’t take it very seriously and is constantly getting too high or too low. She doesn't control it like she is supposed too.

When she gets roped into going out with her best friend Jen’s cousin Aiden she isn’t really sure what she thinks. He seems nice enough and he’s a bit older as well. He also has his own set of problems. He lost an arm in Afghanistan. But he also doesn’t know about her diabetes and she feels like he doesn't need to know, so he won’t be like everyone else and look at her all funny and watch her all the time.

Kate really enjoys spending time with Aiden and as they get to know one another, I loved it! I loved seeing Aiden’s thoughts and his point of view. He was going through his own stuff and he had a list he was working on.

I really liked Kate and Aiden together. I liked seeing them interact and I liked that there was romance in this one but also a bit of drama. Enough to keep it interesting.

I really liked this one a lot. I thought it was a cute novel but also dealt with very important issues. Both characters were on such a rollercoaster ride of feelings and things they had to deal with.  I also loved reading from both of their perspectives!

Overall: I really liked this one. I found myself staying up until 3 in the morning reading, wanting to finish to see what happened. Also finished it within a few days. Very inspirational and romantic story!

Cover: I really love this cover! Love the colors and the way everything fits together.

What I’d Give It: