Blog Tour: Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan (Spotlight + Giveaway)

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Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers.

While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads * Facebook

Excerpt:

“Don’t move! I’ll get you,” Victor shouted and came around on his Ducati. “Give me your hand.”


I wasn’t panicking at all, though I should have been, considering what had just happened. I lay on my side, hands on the ground in front of me and watched the first sunbeam that reached the tip of the crystal. My mouth opened and my eyes stopped blinking. I breathed slowly and hollowly, feeling the tightness in my chest.

“Come on!” Victor yelled with the deepest, strongest voice I’d ever heard from him.

Though I could hear the words, I didn’t have the power to move my sight away. It was truly hypnotic and I was falling under its affect.

The light moved forward, toward us, and the jutting out part of the crystal was under full sunshine. The sparkling brightness started to spread toward the bottom, lighting up the entire cave. I noticed hundreds of lighteaters standing at the edge of the indentations.

“Now!” Victor shouted again, and crashed the side of the Ducati onto the cliff. For a second my mind cleared and I wondered what was going on. I reached for Victor’s hand and he pulled me up behind him. In a hurry he spun us around and I looked down once more, just in time to see something unforgettable, something that would give me nightmares for the rest of my life.

PRAISE

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews

"I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers

"Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite

"I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga

"Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight

Author A.B. Whelan

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California.

While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

*Blog Tour Giveaway*

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash + a gift bag of one signed copy of Fields of Elysium, a scrabble-tile pendant on a necklace, and a fridge magnet (Ends 5/15/13)

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Click here to enter:

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Top Ten Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

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

1) Dystopian. Duh.

2) YA romance. Sweet ones like The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

3) Time Travel. Because I’m a Whovian, and proud of it.

4) Strong Female Heroine. Everyone likes a Katniss-type girl

5) Foreign Setting/Characters. Especially France, England, and Russia.

6) Road trips (!!!!). Road trip books are the perfect summer reads.

7) Elizabethan time period. Like Shakespeare and Tudors and ruffs.

8) Futuristic. Kind of ties in with dystopian, but more techy. Like space travel rather than oppressive governments.

9) Running from bad guys with a hot boy. No explanation needed. *grin*

10) Chick-lit. It’s always a good idea to stock up on a handful of chick-lits and maybe even some chocolate. Definitely the chocolate, above all else.

Share your Top Ten in the comments below!

Blog Tour: January Black by Wendy S. Russo (Review + Giveaway)

Tour Schedule

Published: January 15^th, 2013 (Crescent Moon Press)

Pages: 305

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Amazon Kindle

Sixteen-year-old genius Matty Ducayn has never fit in on The Hill, an ordered place seriously lacking a sense of humor. After his school’s headmaster expels him for a small act of mischief, Matty’s future looks grim until King Hadrian comes to his rescue with a challenge: answer a question for a master’s diploma.

More than a second chance, this means freedom. Masters can choose where they work, a rarity among Regents, and the question is simple.

What was January Black?

It’s a ship. Everyone knows that. Hadrian rejects that answer, though, and Matty becomes compelled by curiosity and pride to solve the puzzle. When his search for an answer turns up long-buried state secrets, Matty’s journey becomes a collision course with a deadly royal decree. He's been set up to fail, which forces him to choose. Run for his life with the challenge lost...or call the king’s bluff.

I fell in love with this book on the very first page. The story sucks you in and doesn’t release you till the end. Russo did a fantastic job of world-building; there’s so much detail and uniqueness to her setting that it’s probably one of my favorite things about January Black. That, and the mystery that puzzles the reader just as much as it puzzles the characters. Soooo many YA “mysteries” turn out to be bland and predictable, thus I was overjoyed when January Black proved to be something entirely different.

I also enjoyed the romance.  Matty is such a fun character to follow- his intelligence gains him the reader’s respect. His relationship with Iris is relatable, as is his feelings, despite being a male MC. I don’t usually read too many books with male MCs, but after reading January Black, I wish I did.

I definitely enjoyed this one and highly recommend it. I’d say it could be read by middle grade readers, but beware as there are some romantic implications that might not be appropriate. I wasn’t entirely convinced I’d like January Black, but it turned out to be a surprisingly entertaining read.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: Mild (a few minor words throughout)

Violence: None/Mild

Sexual: Mild –Moderate

About the Author…

Wendy S. Russo got her start writing in the sixth grade. That story involved a talisman with crystals that had to be found and assembled before bad things happened, and dialog that read like classroom roll call. Since then, she’s majored in journalism (for one semester), published poetry, taken a course on short novels, and watched most everything ever filmed by Quentin Tarantino. A Wyoming native transplanted in Baton Rouge, Wendy works for Louisiana State University as an IT analyst. She’s a wife, a mom, a Tiger, a Who Dat, and she falls asleep on her couch at 8:30 on weeknights.

FACEBOOK * WEBSITE * TWITTER

GOODREADS * AUTHORGRAPH

More Information:

January Black 100th Amazon Review Giveaway

*Blog Tour Giveaway*

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash (Ends 5/8/13)

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour: Forty Days (Neima’s Ark #1) by Stephanie Parent (Review + Giveaway)

Tour Schedule

Published: February 10^th, 2013 (S/P)

Pages: 123

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

The entire village knows Neima’s grandfather is a madman. For years the old man has prophesied that a great flood is coming, a flood disastrous enough to blot out the entire earth. He’s even built an enormous ark that he claims will allow his family to survive the deluge. But no one believes the ravings of a lunatic…

…until the rain starts. And doesn’t stop. Soon sixteen-year-old Neima finds her entire world transformed, her life and those of the people she loves in peril. Trapped on the ark with her grandfather Noah, the rest of her family, and a noisy, filthy, and hungry assortment of wild animals, will Neima find a way to survive?

With lions, tigers, and bears oh my, elephants and flamingos too, along with rivalries and betrayals, a mysterious stowaway, and perhaps even an unexpected romance, FORTY DAYS is not your grandfather’s Noah’s Ark story.

FORTY DAYS is approximately 45000 words, the length of a shorter novel, and is the first installment in a two-part epic story. It does contain a cliffhanger ending.

Readers looking for a traditional, religiously oriented version of the Noah’s Ark story should be warned that FORTY DAYS may not appeal to them. The novel will, however, appeal to lovers of apocalyptic fiction, historical fiction, and romance, as well as anyone who’s ever dreamed of having a baby elephant as a pet. [Description from Goodreads]

We’ve all heard of the story of Noah’s Ark one way or the other. As children, we’d fantasize about living in close quarters with a bunch of fuzzy animals while it rained and rained and rained outside of the security of the hulking ark. But surely it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Have you ever wondered what it really was like? Forty Days give us a glimpse at just that.

I loved how Stephanie incorporated the realities of living on a huge boat with a bunch of animals. I’ve never really thought of how it might be to have a relative claim that God told him to build an ark in his backyard, and to be shunned by all your neighbors. Or how it might feel to leave all of humanity behind to die in a flood. Or how nourishment might be an issue when you have an ark full of beasts to feed. But those were, more likely than not, the realities of the flood, and it gives you a whole new perspective on the story of Noah’s ark.

The main character, Neima, was rather easy to connect with, maybe because the book is written in first person/present tense, which I enjoyed. Present tense always allows the reader to become more engaged in the story. I feel like Stephanie used plot twists to deceive us, somewhat, into having varying opinions on characters- several times I found myself questioning the true motives of certain characters. Unpredictability is good.

There is a bit of romance in Forty Days, which I enjoyed. It wasn’t overbearing or understated, as it often times can be, but seemed to be just right amount. Brownie points for the author in that regard. There’s an incredible cliffhanger at the end (I think I might have shrieked a little when I realized where the story ended) so, thanks a lot, Stephanie Parent. *wry grin* On that note, I will most definitely be keeping an eye out for book two.

 Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None

Violence: Mild (deaths from flood; mentions of bodies floating in the water)

Sexual: Mild-Moderate (some kissing; an attempted rape, nothing happens)

About the Author…

Stephanie Parent is a graduate of the Master of Professional Writing program at USC and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts as a piano major. She moved to Los Angeles because of Francesca Lia Block's WEETZIE BAT books, which might give you some idea of how much books mean to her. She also loves dogs, books about dogs, and sugary coffee drinks both hot and cold.

Blog│Twitter│Goodreads

*Forty Days is on sale this week only for only $.99!  Go get your copy!*

***GIVEAWAY***

(1) e-book of Forty Days and $10 gift card to Amazon (INT)

(3) e-book copies of Forty Days (INT)

 Click here to enter!

Waiting on Wednesday #15

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

The Program by Suzanne Young

Release date: April 30^th, 2013 (Simon Pulse)

Pages: 416

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

[Description from Goodreads]

Share what you’re waiting on this Wednesday! Leave a comment or link below.

Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like MORE/LESS Than I Did

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

(Most of these are ones I liked less than I thought I would, but that might be because I normally go into books with high expectations. Thus it’s far easier to disappoint me than to dazzle me. J)

1) Timeless by Alexandra Monir. Thought I’d like it because of the time travel aspect, but turned it out to be somewhat of a dud.

2) The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland. Went into it expecting something a little less cliché and predictable than it actually was.

3) The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I cannot get into these books for the life of me. I have tried and failed. I just can’t.

4) Gathering Blue/ The Messenger by Lois Lowry. After reading The Giver, I expected to enjoy the prequel/sequel, but there’s a reason why these two aren’t as popular as the original book.

5) Love’s Pursuit by Siri Mitchell. Absolutely fell in love with the dramatic emotion of this love story. Not a huge fan of Puritan historical fiction, but I ended up liking it.

6) Christy and Todd: College Years by Robin Jones Gunn. Just not as good as the original Christy Miller series.

7) The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. After you’ve seen the magnificence of the 2004 film adoption with Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum, everything else is going to disappoint.

8) The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted. Randomly picked this one up at the library during one of my summers volunteering there (*sigh* Those were the days…) and really enjoyed it.

9) Elixir by Hilary Duff. Didn’t expect to like something that Hilary Duff wrote, but I devoured Elixir. Sadly, the sequel fell short.

10) Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. I believe this one was recommended by a friend, and it’s still probably one of my favorite books ever.

I’d love to see your Top Ten! Leave a comment or link below, please and thank you.

{Review + Giveaway} Exposure: (Twisted Lit #2) by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Published: January 18^th, 2013 (Merit Press)

Pages: 223

Rating: 3/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Double, double, toil and trouble. Sometimes, the quest for high school royalty can be deadly! In this emotionally-charged twist on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a self-conscious shutterbug named Skye Kingston navigates a treacherous school year in Alaska fraught with unspoken secrets and tragic twists of fate. Along the way she encounters three strangely prophetic BFFs; one social-climbing, sociopathic cheerleader; and a heart-stopping hottie named Craig McKenzie: the man who would be Prom King. Can Skye save the boy she loves — and herself — before they get caught in the crosshairs

? [Description from Goodreads]

I’ve never read Macbeth (no, I really haven’t- don’t hurt me) so I can’t say whether Exposure follows the story well or not. As a story, though, Exposure does pretty well. It’s a fun, quick read, with a bit of humor, but nothing that should be taken too seriously. It’s cliché at best, but I was surprised and a little pleased at the ending.

Some of the character’s relationships confused me. Take Craig and Skye, for instance. He gets in with the popular crowd, virtually ignores her for the rest of high school, and yet she’s still completely enthralled with him. Um, back up a second. Girl, if he’s not going to give you the time of day, he’s not worth it. In that respect, Skye seemed overly needy and almost stalker-ish. I was a bit confused at how he’s portrayed. Is he supposed to be a jerk or a hero? I’m guessing that’s for us to decide.

Also, while Exposure has its climactic bits, towards the end I felt like the story was dragging. There were many opportune times for an ending, but it just kept going. Don’t get me wrong- I liked where it ended, but I could have used a little more excitement.   

So, while Exposure was a somewhat entertaining read, it probably won’t be all that memorable for me. The story is similar to the countless other fluffy, overused high school dramas, but can still be a fun read if not overly analyzed.  

 Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: Mild (some minor words scattered throughout)

Violence: Mild- Moderate (a guy is pushed into a frozen lake and dies; a girl confronts another girl with a knife)

Sexual: Mild (some kissing; a girl is suspected of getting pregnant)

Other: A character’s parents get divorced; the same character is somewhat disrespectful to her parents. Underage drinking.

*Giveaway*

Rules: US residents only; must respond to winner email within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday #14

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Once Upon a Prince (Royal Wedding Series #1) by Rachel Hauck

Release date: May 7^th, 2013 (Zondervan)

Pages: 320

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

This sounds kind of like The Princess by Lori Wick (see my review here), with a little “Will and Kate” thrown in. Can’t wait to read it this summer by the pool!

Leave a comment or link with what pre-release you’re waiting on this Wednesday!

Top Ten Characters I Would Crush On If I Were Also A Fictional Character

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

Scratch that. I’m not a fictional character and I’m totally crushing on all of these guys. Psh.

1) Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games. Let’s get the clichés over with- I mean, come on, we all love Peeta the Bread Boy.

2) Adam Kent from Shatter Me. *swoon*

3) Warner from Shatter Me. Ok, ok. I get it. He’s a sociopath. But there’s something about him that appeals to everyone. It’s downright creepy.

4) Oliver from The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. You know I’ve got a thing for British boys… *wink*

5) Peter Pan. I know this sounds weird, and slightly illegal, since he’s supposed to be a kid and all, but I’ve always had a bit of a crush on Peter.

6) Marcello from the River of Time series. Italian guys are the best. Especially when they’re all chivalrous and whatnot.

7) Noah from The Notebook. There’s something about a guy that sends you letters every day for a year.

8) Fang from the Maximum Ride series. No explanation needed.

9) Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars. Because he’s pretty much anything a girl could want in a guy.

10) Four from Divergent. Fearless (almost), dark, and mysterious. Yes please.         

Leave a comment or link with your top ten!

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Published: January 10^th, 2012 (Dutton Books)

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

“…it occurred to me that the voracious ambition of humans if never sated by dreams coming true, because there is always the thought that everything might be done better and again.”

This is probably one of the most profound things I read in TFIOS. And trust me- there are a lot of profound statements in this book. It makes you think. I love books like that. I also sometimes like books that don’t end happily ever after, though the ending might be perfect in itself. This is one of those books.

There is so much symbolism, too, that’s included. John Green is no doubt a fan of symbols (much like Augustus Waters). Though many might not be evident on the first read, if you get a hold of the exclusive collector’s edition, the reader’s guide in the back helps to highlight a great deal of the symbols featured. It’s no wonder it took Green a whole stinking decade to write this book. Everything is a symbol (that’s an exaggeration, obviously, because look who’s talking here, but you get my point). Truly, Green is a genius to have scattered so much symbolism throughout a single volume.

There is no doubt you should read TFIOS. You should read it. Nothing I say would probably convince you either way, since there’s already like thirty thousand reviews on Goodreads (no joke), not to mention the book’s won a handful or two of various awards. So I guess the main purpose of this review is to tell you if I, personally, like the book. It’s not a particularly entertaining read. Green’s hilarious, sarcastic voice shines through this book as it does his vlogs, but still. It’s a book about a girl with cancer. It’s a book about death. It’s a book about falling in love. There is no happy ending. It’s blunt and thought-provoking and deep. But I could and will read it again and again and again.

 Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: Mild- Moderate

Violence: Mild (incidents involving cancer patients/death)

Sexual: Moderate (some kissing, one sex scene; very little description)

Review: Nevermore by James Patterson

Published: August 6^th, 2013 (Little Brown and Company)

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Maximum Ride and her faithful friends stand ready to face the two greatest threats that humankind has ever known--now combining forces in an unbeatable plot to destroy life as we know it once and for all. And this time, the enemy truly can't be stopped.

The danger mounts just as Dylan has finally worked his way into Max's heart--and just as her beloved Fang unexpectedly returns to the flock. An explosive confrontation between the two boys with a claim to Max's heart ensues, and the entire world hangs in the balance.

In this powerful and moving finale to James Patterson's epic fantasy series, fans will finally get the answers they've been waiting for--and an ending full of shock, surprises, and the greatest conclusion you never saw coming. [Description from Goodreads]

My reaction before: Ok, this is the last book. Gotta keep it together, Shelby. *deep breathe*

My reaction during: alkdjlakjsdlfkjaefiodnlkjflajflsjf

My reaction after: I honestly don’t even know what just happened, or how I feel about it. And I can’t believe it’s over! Curse you, Patterson!

What. In the world. I’m not even sure where to begin or what to say or what I feel or if it’s even safe to write a review, because I feel like I might just explode and spoil everything for those of you who haven’t read it.

I felt like there was a lot less world-saving in this last book. Not sure if I’m cool with that or not. One thing I do know: I did not, I repeat, did not, like the tension between Fax. Grrrrr they are supposed to be together. What’s with Max getting all attracted to Dylan (oh my gosh Dylan, who reminds me of Justin Bieber) and Fang getting all attracted to Maya? What drug were you taking when you wrote this, Patterson?!

But none of that bothered me overly much, because it got so much better. Turning-page-after-page-and-I-can’t-stop-reading kind of better. So much heart-wrenching action! It all blurred together after a while, and now I can’t even remember half of it. I just know it was epic.

And the ending…I’m not even going to go there. I can’t decide whether I liked it or not. I know, I know, I’m so indifferent! It was just…weird. Unexpected. Slightly confusing. And not entirely satisfying. But I love this book, the whole series, so much! Thank you for the laughter and the tears, Max. Thanks for everything.

*sniffle*

I can’t believe it’s over.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None (that I can remember)

Violence: Heavy (descriptions of the treatment of kids used as lab experiments)

Sexual: Mild (some passionate kissing)

Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Published: January 8^th, 2013 (HarperCollins)

Pages: 341

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

[Description from Goodreads]

I’m going to be shallow and state that I *love* the cover of this book. Frame-it-and-hang-it-on-the-wall-of-my-bedroom kind of love. Perry is so…gahhhh he’s just so hot. There, I said it. Glad I got that out of my system.

Rossi is some sort of meanie that just wants to ruin our lives. I mean, why give us that cover, and then severely tone down the romance? It’s bookworm torture, I tell you! (And yes, the romance was kind of toned down compared to what it was in Under the Never Sky. Did it bother me a little? Yes. Did it make the story itself better? Yes.) The reason for it was because Perry and Aria were separated for nearly half (if not more) of the book. Thus less romance and more angst and worry and “What if he/she doesn’t love me anymore” kind of thoughts. But like I said, I feel it was good for the story structurally and whatnot, so I had to get over it, as will you. *shrugs*

Aria on the cover
of the 1st book,
Perry on the cover
of the 2nd,
who will be on the
3rd cover?

Perry is now Blood Lord of the Tides, and he’s nearly crushed by the responsibility. His people aren’t happy with him, and some even reject him as they did Aria. He’s got lives protect, but this is more than he’s ever handled. I liked Rossi’s emphasis on Perry’s worry over his new position- weakening strong characters make them stronger. Aria is suffering from the Tides’ rejection, too, as well as desperately trying to save back at the Pods, which are slowly deteriorating due to the Aether storms. We’re introduced to Liv, Perry’s sister and Roar’s lover. I’ll admit I didn’t like her at first (can’t pinpoint why) but she grew on me (probably due to a certain heart-pounding event that I won’t detail here). And Roar…oh my word, sometimes I like him even more than Perry. And that’s saying a lot. Rossi gives us a glimpse of his soft, vulnerable, hurt side, which I kind of loved. I liked that Aria got to spend a lot of time with Roar, because it’s so sweet to see them interact, almost like brother and sister.

I absolutely loved this installment in the trilogy- maybe not as much as the first book, but still. I was swept away in the writing and the action and the romance (the little that there was) and am so excited for the third and last book. I feel like every one of the characters grew in some way through the trials they faced in this book. Through the Ever Night portrayed each character’s own unique mission, but in the next book, they’ll all have one ultimate mission: to find the Still Blue. Together.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: Mild

Violence: Heavy

Sexual: Mild