ALTERED by Gennifer Albin

Rating: D
Synopsis:
Life. Possibility. Choice.
All taken from Adelice by the Guild—until she took them back.

But amid the splendid ruins of Earth, Adelice discovers how dangerous freedom can be. Hunted by soulless Remnants sent by Cormac Patton and the Guild, Adelice finds a world that’s far from deserted. Although allies are easy to find on Earth, knowing who to trust isn’t. Because everyone has secrets, especially those Adelice loves most. Secrets they would kill to protect. Secrets that will redefine each of them. Torn between two brothers and two worlds, Adelice must choose what to fight for.

In this thrilling sequel to Crewel, Adelice is about to learn how tangled up her past and future really are. Her parents ran to protect her, but nothing can save her from her destiny, and once she uncovers the truth, it will change everything.

My thoughts on the book:
I'm not sure what I expected from this book, but I know I thought it would be much better than it ended up being. Crewel was a good read. The idea was unique, and the world was intriguing. This post-apocalyptic/perhaps past/alternate reality planet earth was dull and lifeless. The world-building itself was fantastically done, and Albin's writing was top notch, but the setting and characters just fell flat. Things that should have grabbed me didn't, and by the middle of the book, I just didn't care what happened. I kept hoping it'd get better, but it just got worse. I don't think I'll be continuing this series. 

All of the characters got on my nerves really bad in this novel. Adelice needs to grow up. In some parts she shows her strength, but in other parts, she's just a bratty teenager. I feel like she could have been a bit more complex and intelligent, though she did impress me a few times. Erik was okay, but nothing to write home about. Jost was such a whiny brat. I couldn't stand him. Dante wasn't half as mysterious and intriguing as he had the potential of being. Kincaid wasn't as creepy as he could have been, either. The characters were just a big let down. 

Adelice's cavalier attitude made me feel like there was no urgency to the situation. She just frolicked off into every stupid thing she could find, not worrying about the consequences. Because of that, and the fact that her stupidity repeatedly got them out of problems she'd gotten them into in the first place, I didn't feel any suspense while reading this book. Everything would be fine because that's how the author wanted it to work out. I felt that the previous installment had much more dire consequences for Adelice's actions. The pacing of the book was super slow, and for the majority of the novel, Adelice and company are safely locked away in an estate. Scary, huh? The ending was slightly better than the rest of the book, but not enough to make me want to continue the series.

Overall, this book was a let down. It wasn't terrible, and there were some good things about it, but it didn't hold my interest very well. I'd say only read this one if you were absolutely in love with Crewel.

BLACK CITY by Elizabeth Richards

Rating: A-
Synopsis:
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

My thoughts on the book:
I have been wanting to read Black City for awhile, and I just never got around to it. I finally checked it out from the library and was pleasantly surprised. I've read mixed reviews about this novel, so I wasn't sure what I'd think. However, I really enjoyed the tale. I feel that it's an accurate reflection of the direction society is going, with ethnocentric hate and oppression becoming more and more prevalent. Also, the characters are well-developed and easy to relate to. The plot is intriguing, the pacing is perfect, and the world-building is top-notch. I'd recommend this book to anyone.

Natalie is a bit of a weak heroine at first, but she grows as the novel continues. I wasn't her biggest fan in the beginning, with my main thought being, "wow... grow a set, honey." However, after she meets Ash, things start to get interesting. Ash, also is a bit of a weak character in the beginning. He is kind of self-absorbed and only concerned with his own pain and hate. He's not even willing to die for his own rights, but as the novel progresses, he also grows and becomes a strong leading man. The secondary characters aren't fully-developed yet, but they are unique. I would like to know more about them as things continue, and I hope that they remain interesting and don't become simply filler characters.

The plot itself fills the reader with a sense of urgency. The society Richards created is both horrifying and realistic. I could easily see this happening to America, and that scared me. Some of the things the characters do are completely appalling, and how barbaric the society is chilled me to the bone. While I wanted more to happen in terms of a revolution, I still rooted for Natalie and Ash and wanted to know what would happen to them. The world is against them, literally, and I was concerned about whether or not they'd both make it. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it is more satisfying than a lot of first-in-series endings.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes post-apocalyptic and dystopian novels. You're sure to enjoy it.

NOT A DROP TO DRINK by Mindy McGinnis

Not a Drop to Drink
Mindy McGinnis

Rating: D
Release Date: 09/24/13
Synopsis:
Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water. Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.

My thoughts on the book:
I wanted to like this book so much, but I just couldn't. I gave it a try two separate times in order to make sure it was getting a fair shot. I just could not relate to the characters, especially the protagonist, and the spare language made me feel as if certain aspects of the story were under-developed. Those who enjoy minimalist literature will love this book. It will probably fall flat for everyone else.

The characters, in my opinion, were not fully emotionally developed. I just never got the sense of Lynn as a real person. The same went for Mother, Stebbs, Eli, Neva, and Lucy. Lucy was actually the most real. Mother apparently is a sociopath, and whether that was brought about by her experiences or just her nature, I couldn't tell you. Stebbs seemed like a decent guy, but I would have liked to have known more about him. Neva just irked me. Eli was a pansy. Lynn didn't know what to do about anything that involved a feeling. Lucy was cute and entertaining.

The plot itself felt underdeveloped as well. After I finished this book, all I felt was "so what?" Why did I waste hours upon hours forcing myself to get through this? I don't feel that I got anything out of it. It just kind of moseyed along this path that really didn't engage me at all. I never felt a sense of urgency, and if you ask me, all the characters could thirst to death because none of them was particularly likable. The world-building was done pretty well. McGinnis was good at showing instead of telling. The pacing was WAY too slow.

Overall, if you aren't absolutely obsessed with post-apocalyptic tales, Dystopian novels, and minimalist literature, then I'd say pass on this one.

IN THE AFTER by Demitria Lunetta

In the After
Demitria Lunetta

Rating: A-
Synopsis:
They hear the most silent of footsteps.
They are faster than anything you've ever seen.
And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.

Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.

After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more.

Rebellious, courageous, and tender, this unforgettable duo will have you on the edge of your seat as you tear through the pulse-pounding narrow escapes and horrifying twists of fate in this thrilling debut from author Demitria Lunetta.

My thoughts on the book:
In the After was a pleasant surprise for me. I really wasn't expecting to enjoy it. Sometimes I love sci-fi books and sometimes I hate them. I absolutely loved this novel. The pacing is spot on, the writing is wonderful, the world-building is fantastic, and the plot is intriguing and will hook you from the beginning. Lunetta had a unique idea with this story, and I'm so glad that I read it. The only complaint I have is that the secondary characters could have used a bit more development. Amy is well-rounded and easy to relate to, though. You really shouldn't miss this book.

Amy is a strong and likable main character. I really respected her, and could relate to her even though our lives are very different. She is hardened and a bit tough sometimes, but she's a good person underneath, and that's always obvious. While she does a few dumb things randomly, and she refuses to keep her stupid mouth shut sometimes, overall, I liked her a lot. Baby is an interesting character, as is Rice. I hope we get to see more of them in the subsequent novels.

The plot is extremely unique and intriguing. I was hooked from the first page due to Lunetta's writing. Right away, I could picture what Amy was seeing, and I sympathized with her immediately. That doesn't happen for me in many books, and I love when it does. The ending is not a cliffhanger, thankfully, and most of the issues from the first novel are solved. Still, there are enough things left unanswered that I'm looking forward to the next installment. The pacing is perfect, and I didn't get bored or distracted.

Overall, this is one of the best sci-fi books I've ever read. I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for something different and enjoys unique plots and a strong main character.

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DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN by J.A. London

Darkness Before Dawn

J.A. London

Rating: B+

Synopsis from goodreads.com:

Only sunlight can save us.

We built the wall to keep them out, to keep us safe. But it also makes us prisoners, trapped in what's left of our ravaged city, fearing nightfall.

After the death of my parents, it's up to me--as the newest delegate for humanity--to bargain with our vampire overlord. I thought I was ready. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the monsters. Then again, nothing could have prepared me for Lord Valentine . . . or his son. Maybe not all vampires are killers. Maybe it's safe to let one in.

Only one thing is certain: Even the wall is not enough. A war is coming and we cannot hide forever. 

My thoughts on the book:

Darkness Before Dawn is an enjoyable read that didn't want to put down. I liked this book much better than the Immortal Rules. I compare those two books because they're the only two dystopian vampire books I know about. While it's not the most original novel out there, Darkness Before Dawn has complex characters and an intriguing plot. It's a book that vampire and dystopian fans will like.

The main reason for my preferring this book to Immortal Rules is that I like Dawn. The poor girl has been through hell, but she still fights every day to make the world a better place for the people in her town. She's strong without being bratty, and she's complex without being angsty. She also tries to do the right thing, and not just what's right for her. She tries to do right by everyone, and I respect that about her. I enjoyed seeing things from her perspective, and I trusted her as a narrator. She seemed to be fairly self-aware and honest. 

I also adored Victor, of course. Give me a guy with black hair and blue eyes, and I'm sold on the book. Seriously, though, he's an extremely complicated character, but he still comes across as realistic. I would have liked to learn more about him, and I look forward to being able to do that in future installments. He seemed to be torn about his feelings for Dawn, but he wasn't all emo and creepy about it like some vampires I know, *coughEdwardcough*. I think deep down, he's a good guy and a perfect match for Dawn. I'm totally team Victor in this series. 

The supporting characters were hit or miss. I absolutely hated Michael, but he was pretty much a typical teenage guy. I liked Tegan and Rachel quite a bit. I would like to know more about Jeff and Clive, and I, of course, hated Lila. The most fascinating people in this novel were the vampires. They all seemed much more complicated than the humans (other than Dawn). I would like to see more complication with the humans in future novels instead of having all of them but Dawn seem innocent and ignorant. 

The world London created was fascinating, but nothing original. The blood donations idea is already done in Morganville Vampires, but London added a twist to it. The vampires live outside the city, and donating is not required by law. Therefore, there is always a blood shortage. Vampires attacking other vampires has been done as well (VA and Bloodlines), but the way London executed it is a bit different. The world of vampires living outside the city and humans living within, only to be separated by a wall was also done by Kagawa in Immortal Rules, but the way the vampires behave and the treaty between the humans and the ruling vampire families puts a spin on that idea. I know it sounds like nothing in this book is original, but I'm a firm believer that no idea is original anymore. Also, give two people the exact same ideas, and they'll write two completely different books. That's what happened here. London may have been inspired by other novels, but Darkness Before Dawn is a completely different story than any of these other books. 

The plot is intriguing, and a lot is going on. The big reveal was a bit shocking. I didn't see it coming. Also, there was enough suspense and mystery to keep me reading. The pacing is pretty spot-on, and I didn't get bored once. The ending wraps things up nicely while still leaving quite a few things up in the air for the sequel. But since some things were answered, I'm pacified... for now. 

Overall, I'd recommend this novel to anyone who loves paranormal or dystopian novels. The plot is fast-paced and captivating, the characters are well-developed, and the pacing is perfect. I, personally, can't wait for the next installment. 

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ONCE by Anna Carey

Once
Anna Carey

Rating: C-
Release Date: 04/03/12
Synopsis from goodreads.com:
Sixteen years have passed since a deadly virus wiped out most of the Earth’s population. After learning of the terrifying part she and her classmates were fated to play in the rebuilding of New America, eighteen-year-old Eve fled to the wilds and Califia, a haven for women determined to live outside the oppressive rule of the king of New America. However, her freedom came at a price: she was forced to leave Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. Eve quickly learns that Califia may not be as safe as it seems and soon finds herself in the City of Sand and the palace of the king. There she uncovers the real reason he was so intent on her capture, and the unbelievable role he intends her to fill. When she is finally reunited with Caleb, they will enact a plan as daring as it is dangerous. But will Eve once again risk everything—her freedom, her life—for love?

Brimming with danger and star-crossed romance, and featuring a vivid dystopian landscape, this electrifying follow-up to Eve, which bestselling author Lauren Kate called “a gripping, unforgettable adventure—and a fresh look at what it means to love” is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes adventure of The Hunger Games and the irresistible love story of Romeo and Juliet.


My thoughts on the book:
When I pick up a sequel, I expect an improvement over the writing in the first book. That usually is not the case in YA literature, I've noticed. I feel like the author (and the characters) should have learned from the mistakes made in the previous novel. Again, that more often than not, is not the case. Once is one of the many books that falls into the "didn't learn squat" category. This novel picks up a few months after Eve ended. In my opinion, if you loved Eve, then you'll love Once. The books aren't that different as far as what is good versus what is bad. The world-building is still fantastic, and the post-apocalyptic, dystopian world, is extremely dystopian. Also, there was actually one surprise that I did not see coming. The rest of the plot twists were pretty easy to predict, but the one at the beginning actually shocked me. There is a lot going on, plot-wise, in Once, and apparently that leaves no room for character development. Also, the pacing was off, and the plot felt forced at times. Overall, I wasn't blown away by this sequel. 


Didn't mind the fact that Eve was selfish and gullible in the first book? Well, then, you'll like her just fine in this one. She has not grown one bit, and she doesn't grow over the course of this novel either. She still trusts everyone, even though anyone should know by now not to. Also, she still cares more about herself than anyone else. I figured she'd grow out of that in this book, and that's why I gave the series another chance. However, she did not. Therefore, even though Once ended with ANOTHER cliffhanger (I'll go into my irritation with the author's plot devices a bit later), I more than likely won't read the finale of this trilogy. It's hard for me to care what's happening when I want to bash the main character's face in. Additionally, Caleb apparently grew stupid since Eve. He throws caution to the wind in this novel, and I wanted to smack him. The King was about the only interesting character, and he, at least, did not make me want to resort to violence. 


The pacing of this book felt rushed. Not enough time was spent on any one thing for the reader to fully grasp and feel what was happening. Also, a lot of what the characters did made no sense, leading me to believe that Carey had written herself into a bit of a corner and had to use her characters as plot devices. Oh, and speaking of plot devices, Carey uses the biggest one of all... AGAIN... this book ALSO ends on a cliffhanger. I despise cliffhangers. There are ways of resolving some issues and leaving others open that do not anger me, but when nothing is answered at the end of the book, I feel like I wasted hours of my life that I'll never get back. I know, that's a bit dramatic considering it's just a book, but that's how I feel, nonetheless. 


Now, onto the good stuff. I like to put the good stuff at the end so that people remember it better. It makes sense in my mind. Anyway, as I stated, the world-building is fantastic. I could literally picture City of Sand. Every time Eve moved locations, I could see the location in my mind as if I were there. That is good writing, in my opinion. Also, the first plot twist is a doozy. It's rare that an author shocks me, but Carey managed to. So for that, I applaud her. 

Overall, this book was completely different than I expected in some ways, and exactly what I expected in others. As I said earlier in the review, if you loved Eve, then you'll adore Once because it's a bit better than the first installment. If you didn't like Eve, then I'd skip this one because it's similar enough that you won't like it either. If you haven't tried Eve yet, I recommend checking it out from your library. This world is a bit different than the other dystopian worlds out there, and people who love dystopian more than anything are likely to fall in love with the world Carey has created. 

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