INFINITYGLASS by Myra McEntire

Rating: B
Synopsis:
The stakes have risen even higher in this third book in the Hourglass series.

The Hourglass is a secret organization focused on the study of manipulating time, and its members — many of them teenagers -­have uncanny abilities to make time work for them in mysterious ways. Inherent in these powers is a responsibility to take great care, because altering one small moment can have devastating consequences for the past, present, and future. But some time trav­elers are not exactly honorable, and sometimes unsavory deals must be struck to maintain order.

With the Infinityglass (central to understanding and harnessing the time gene) at large, the hunt is on to find it before someone else does.

But the Hourglass has an advantage. Lily, who has the ability to locate anything lost, has determined that the Infinityglass isn't an object. It's a person. And the Hourglass must find him or her first. But where do you start searching for the very key to time when every second could be the last?

My thoughts on the book:
Infinityglass is a surprisingly good ending to this trilogy. I loved Hourglass, but I did not like Timepiece. This novel redeemed McEntire, in my opinion, by showing that she can still create likeable, strong characters, good relationships, and a strong storyline. While this book is not perfect (some aspects just weren't messy enough for me), it is a huge improvement over the second installment. I really enjoyed getting to know Dune and Hallie, and I rooted for them the entire time. The story is tightly plotted, and the pacing is perfect. The resolution is satisfying. Fans of the series thus far will simply adore this book. 

Hallie is a strong leading lady, and I really liked getting to know her. She is flawed, but likeable. I enjoyed reading from her perspective, and she is a realistic character. She's tough, intelligent, and adaptable. Dune really surprised me. I thought he'd be a boring guy to get to know, but there's a lot more depth to him than I would have imagined. I loved how he was with Hallie, and I adored their relationship. It seemed natural (unlike Lily and Kaleb), and they brought out the best in each other. I would have liked to have gotten to know more about Lily's dad. I felt that most secondary characters were not fully developed, and I didn't like that. Poe stood out, though, and I enjoyed learning about him. He's extremely complex, and he surprised me a few times. 

The plot, for the most part, is extremely intriguing. Nothing is too convenient this time around, but some things still happened a bit too easily. I didn't feel as if McEntire was controlling her world as much as I did with Timepiece, though. The relationships develop organically, as do the plot twists. The pacing is perfect, and I didn't get bored once. I still felt as if McEntire was trying to force me to ship Lily and Kaleb, though. She kept having Hallie talk about how "sexy" they were. Whatever. They suck as a couple and no amount of forcing by the author is going to change my mind about that. The ending is a little too tidy, in my opinion, but it's satisfying. All of the questions and problems were addressed and taken care of, and I feel that this group's story has found its resolution. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who loves good time travel stories. 

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MY LADY QUICKSILVER by Bec McMaster Review+Interview+Giveaway!

Rating: A+
Synopsis:
“I WILL COME FOR YOU…”

He will find her no matter what. As a blue-blooded captain of the Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he’s indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do with her? 

It’s his duty to turn her in—she’s a notorious spy and traitor. But after one stolen moment, he can’t forget the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his touch…

My thoughts on the book:

My Lady Quicksilver is, by far, my favorite book in this series. This novel is full of heart, romance, action, humor, and heartbreak. I couldn't put this one down, and I was attached to Rosalind/Mercury and Lynch almost immediately. McMaster does not disappoint in the third installment of her series, and this book will have readers coming back for more. 

Rosalind is a terrific leading lady. She's strong, yet vulnerable (even though she doesn't want to be). She is a complex character with a good heart, and one can't help but sympathize with her. She's tougher than most of the heroines we see in literature today, and I really admired her fortitude and willingness to risk everything for those she cares about. 

Lynch is one of the most swoon-worthy male leads I've read all year. I'll admit, I was hesitant to read a book about Lynch after how he was represented in the previous novels, but he's so much more complicated than McMaster let on! I really fell in love with his character throughout the course of the novel. 

We also get to meet an entire new cast of secondary characters, which opens up this world quite a bit. Each one seems extremely real and clearly has his or her own story to tell. I can't wait to see who McMaster writes about next. 

The plot, along with the characters, is quite different from the first two novels. This book could be read as a standalone or as part of the series since we don't hear much about any of the previous characters. Lena makes a small appearance, and Barrons is there (when is he getting his own story?! He's so interesting). Other than that, we get to know all new characters and learn about all new circumstances. Yes, we are still dealing with the bombing, but now we get to explore how these acts of revolution affect the Nighthawks who aren't really accepted in Blue Blood society, and they aren't accepted in human society either. McMaster almost created an entire new world within the world she already built, and I really enjoyed that. The plot itself is full of mystery, intrigue, steamy romance, humor, and action. I was hooked from the first page and read this entire novel all in one sitting. This is the best book I've read in awhile. The ending ties up their story nicely and leaves room for more sequels to take place.

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys good Steampunk literature. With the addition of vampires into the mix, McMaster has created a unique and addicting world that is sure to captivate readers. 

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About the author:

Award-winning author Bec McMaster lives in a small town in Australia and grew up with her nose in a book. A member of RWA, she writes sexy, dark paranormals and steampunk romance. When not writing, reading, or poring over travel brochures, she loves spending time with her very own hero or daydreaming about new worlds. Read more about her at www.becmcmaster.com or follow her on Twitter, @BecMcMaster.

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OF TRITON by Anna Banks

Rating: A-
Synopsis:
In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?

My thoughts on the book:
Of Triton is an excellent follow-up to one of my favorite books of last year, Of Poseidon. The characters continue to evolve, the plot is intriguing and full of suspense, and the writing is top-notch. This novel starts right where its predecessor left off, and right in the middle of the action. From the first page forward, it's non-stop suspense as Emma tries to navigate the turbulent waters of life as a half-breed Syrena. Full of romance and intrigue, this is one sequel that shouldn't be missed. 

Emma really grows into her own in this installment. She learns to stand on her own and make her own decisions. Things are difficult for her, and Banks keeps throwing challenges at her, which forces her to grow. She quickly becomes a strong character. Galen evolves as well, and his views on what it means to be Syrena change throughout the course of this novel, which was surprising for me. Emma's mother really disappointed me. She acts more like a teenager than a mother. I'm not sure if that's a Syrena thing or if she just needs to grow up. Either way, I didn't really like her. 

Of Triton will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I rooted for Galen and Emma, felt hopeful for their future, and was saddened by loss this time around. This book is fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending is intense and sad, but it ties things up nicely. I feel like this is the last book in the series as the epilogue leaves no room for a sequel. If it is the ending, then it's a good one. I'm happy with it. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys mermaid tales. Banks has a strong voice, and her novels are intriguing. I can't wait to see what else this author can do. 

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ANYWHERE BUT HERE by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

Rating: F
Release Date: 10/15/13
Synopsis:
Cole’s small town is a trap he’s determined to escape in this fresh and moving debut novel that balances loss with humor.

Ever since his mom died, Cole just feels stuck. His dad acts like a stranger, and Lauren, his picture-perfect girlfriend of two years, doesn’t understand him anymore. He can’t ditch his dad, so Cole breaks up with Lauren. She doesn’t take the news very well, and Cole’s best friend won’t get off his case about it.

Now more than ever, Cole wants to graduate and leave his small, suffocating town. And everything is going according to plan—until Cole discovers the one secret that could keep him there…forever.

My thoughts on the book:
Anywhere But Here had the capacity to be something great, but instead ended up bordering on misogynism. The main character is an emotionally abusive male who is self-absorbed and immature. His father is even worse. Women are nothing more than sex toys in this book, and that disgusted me. Cole could have grown, left home, and really become something, but instead he decides his hometown isn't so bad (please). I thought I'd be able to relate to this book because I absolutely loathe where I grew up. I got out of there as soon as I was old enough and haven't looked back once, and you know what? I'm a better person because of it. It's okay to hate where you live and to better your situation. Authors need to learn that. Instead of making some big social statement, this book simply states that women are only good for sex and it's okay that men are self-absorbed wrecks because they can't help it. This is not a book that I'd recommend to anyone. 

Cole is obnoxious, self-absorbed, and useless. I really did not like him at all. All he does is run around feeling sorry for himself. When he's not doing that, he's treating the people around him like crap. It's pretty terrible. His new girlfriend reduces herself to a doormat to please him, and still all he can do is feel sorry for himself. It's pathetic. He's pathetic, and he demeans those around him until they are pathetic. His father is even worse. Instead of mourning his wife like an adult would, he starts drinking and screwing a stripper. Great influence for his piece of crap son, huh? None of the characters in this book is likable, which make the novel a chore to get through. 

This novel brings up some important social issues such as teen pregnancy, depression, and alcoholism, but none of the characters become strong through these situations. Nope. They all continue down their pathetic path to misery and don't really seem to grow at all. Of course Cole changes some, but not enough to make him a decent human. His father's alcoholism could have really meant something, too, but Kyi didn't let it. The writing is decent and the pacing is fine, but the characters ruin this story. 

Overall, I'd say avoid this book unless you want to get really, really angry at the characters and spend hours yelling at your novel/e-reader. It's just not worth it. The representation of women alone is enough to turn anyone off. 

THE BROKENHEARTED by Amelia Kahaney

Rating: F
Release Date: 10/08/13
Synopsis:
A teenage girl is transformed into a reluctant superhero and must balance her old life with the dark secret of who she has become.

Prima ballerina Anthem Fleet is closely guarded by her parents in their penthouse apartment. But when she meets the handsome Gavin at a party on the wrong side of town, she is immediately drawn into his dangerous world. Then, in a tragic accident, Anthem falls to her death. She awakes in an underground lab, with a bionic heart ticking in her chest. As she navigates her new life, she uncovers the sinister truth behind those she trusted the most, and the chilling secret of her family lineage…and her duty to uphold it.

The Dark Knight meets Cinder in this gripping and cinematic story of heartbreak and revenge. From Alloy Entertainment, this inventive new superhero story is sure to captivate any reader.

My thoughts on the book:
The Brokenhearted is one of the biggest literary disappointments I've had this year. I had high expectations for this novel. I mean look at that cover! Read that synopsis! After this book, I've decided to stop reading any stories that have to do with ballerinas since I seem to hate every single one of them (this is the third of fourth ballerina story I absolutely loathed). The characters are under-developed and annoying. The world-building is non-existent, the pacing is off, and the plot is scattered. I'd say avoid this one at all costs. 

Anthem obviously has a stupid name, but more than that, she has a stupid personality. She is so annoying. I just could not stand reading about her, and I kept hoping she'd die. She falls in love instantly, she's a brat, and she's kind of self-absorbed. She's over-dramatic, too. Oh, and she gives away her v-card like it doesn't even matter. That's a great message from a "superhero" to the teenage population. Gavin is also annoying and quite weak, in my opinion. Anthem's obsession with getting him back is overboard, and I just didn't buy it. The whole thing is just stupid, stupid, stupid. 

World-building. It's important. I have no idea where this is set or how the mechanical heart really works. I couldn't picture the place because the author GIVES NO EXPLANATIONS FOR ANYTHING. It was so annoying, I almost threw my Kindle across the room several times, and I love my Kindle. Ugh. And the pacing is terrible. Slow. as. molasses. And the plot is so freaking stupid. I just can't. I need to stop talking now before I become super insulting. That's not my goal. I just really hated this book. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book to my worst enemies and that's about it. Avoid it. 

THE ENCHANTER HEIR by Cinda Williams Chima

Rating: A
Synopsis:
They called it the Thorn Hill Massacre—the brutal attack on a once-thriving Weir community. Though Jonah Kinlock lived through it, he did not emerge unscathed: like the other survivors, Jonah possesses unique magical gifts that set him apart from members of the mainline guilds. At seventeen, Jonah has become the deadliest assassin in Nightshade, a global network that hunts the undead. He is being groomed to succeed Gabriel Mandrake, the sorcerer, philanthropist, and ruthless music promoter who established the Thorn Hill Foundation, the public face of Nightshade. More and more, Jonah’s at odds with Gabriel’s tactics and choice of targets. Desperate to help his dying brother Kenzie, Jonah opens doors that Gabriel prefers to keep closed.

Emma Claire Greenwood grew up worlds away, raised by a grandfather who taught her music rather than magic. An unschooled wild child, she runs the streets until the night she finds her grandfather dying, gripping a note warning Emma that she might be in danger. The clue he leaves behind leads Emma into Jonah’s life—and a shared legacy of secrets and lingering questions.

Was Thorn Hill really a peaceful commune? Or was it, as the Wizard Guild claims, a hotbed of underguild terrorists? The Wizards’ suspicions grow when members of the mainline guilds start turning up dead. They blame Madison Moss and the Interguild Council, threatening the fragile peace brokered at Trinity.

Racing against time, Jonah and Emma work to uncover the truth about Thorn Hill, amid growing suspicion that whoever planned the Thorn Hill Massacre might strike again.

My thoughts on the book:
The Enchanter Heir is by far the best book in this series. I loved the previous three books, but this novel just blew me out of the water. This installment is full of action and adventure, betrayals and alliances. The character-development is top-notch, and the world continues to grow. Chima is a fantastic author, and the writing is spectacular. This is one book you don't want to miss. 

I really love Emma. She's a great character. Sometimes she comes across as a little bratty and brash, but overall, she's very likable. She is real, flawed, and full of heart. You couldn't ask for a better leading lady. Jonah is a terrific leading man, too. He's brave and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences he may suffer after he learns it. I really respected him. Both Emma and Jonah grew throughout the novel at a believable pace. The characterization is extremely well done. 

The plot is action-packed and full of adventure. I couldn't believe some of the stuff that happened! The mystery is intense and will keep you guessing until the very end. I didn't figure out a lot before I was supposed to, and I enjoyed that. The world-building is well-done, and even though Chima has already established this world, she doesn't let the reader forget where they are. The pacing is perfect, and the ending is fantastic. I can't wait for the next installment. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel. Give this series a try. You won't be sorry. 

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RESIST by Sarah Crossan

Rating: C-
Release Date: 10/08/13
Synopsis:
The sequel—and conclusion—to Sarah Crossan's Breathe. Three teen outlaws must survive on their own in a world without air, exiled outside the glass dome that protects what's left of human civilization. Gripping action, provocative ideas, and shocking revelations in a dystopian novel that fans of Patrick Ness and Veronica Roth will devour.

Bea, Alina, and Quinn are on the run. They started a rebellion and were thrown out of the pod, the only place where there's enough oxygen to breathe. Bea has lost her family. Alina has lost her home. And Quinn has lost his privileged life. Can they survive in the perilous Outlands? Can they finish the revolution they began? Especially when a young operative from the pod's Special Forces is sent after them. Their only chance is to stand together, even when terrible circumstances force them apart. When the future of human society is in danger, these four teens must decide where their allegiances lie. Sarah Crossan has created a dangerous, and shattered society in this wrenching, thought-provoking, and unforgettable post-apocalyptic novel.

My thoughts on the book:
Resist was a huge letdown for me. I didn't have the highest hopes for it, but I thought I'd at least enjoy it as much as Breathe, if not more. However, the ending was so awful that it ruined the entire book and series for me. Also, there's not enough character development, there are too many points of view to keep up with, and only Alina and Ronan are remotely likable. This book, and series, was a big disappointment. 

I really wanted to see Alina grow and change in this novel, but Crossan insisted on focusing on Bea and her obnoxious insecurities more than letting us get to know the other characters. Bea supposedly grew, but I couldn't tell. Bea and the other characters kept talking about how wonderful Bea was, but I never agreed with them. Basically it felt like Crossan was trying to force readers to like her completely obnoxious leading character. Bea remained weak, annoying, and stupid. And she ruined Quinn's character. He was interesting before he hooked up with Bea in the last novel, but he turned into a total loser. I couldn't stand him in this book either. I really liked Ronan, but unfortunately, I didn't get to learn a lot about him. Also, Alina's sections didn't focus on her at all and simply served to advance the plot. 

The plot itself was action-packed and intriguing, and I enjoyed it... until the ending. Not only did I hate the ending itself, but it felt rushed and not fully developed. The epilogue section, which was actually part 4 of this book, was much too short and didn't explain how things changed at all, or if they changed. Therefore, I ended this series feeling like I wasted my time reading two books and getting no resolution. Also, the way certain characters' fates were handled really disappointed me. Things could have been handled much better. 

Overall, there are much better dystopian series out there with much more likable characters. I'd only recommend this series to you if you're completely obsessed with the genre. The concept was unique and interesting, the plots (other than the ending) were intriguing and action-packed, but the characters were extremely lacking, and the ending just flat out sucks. I wish I hadn't wasted my time on this series.