The Paper Critic

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #132

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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Title: Dreamstrider
Author: Lindsay Smith
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 6th, 2015

A high-concept, fantastical espionage novel set in a world where dreams are the ultimate form of political intelligence.

Livia is a dreamstrider. She can inhabit a subject's body while they are sleeping and, for a short time, move around in their skin. She uses her talent to work as a spy for the Barstadt Empire. But her partner, Brandt, has lately become distant, and when Marez comes to join their team from a neighboring kingdom, he offers Livia the option of a life she had never dared to imagine. Livia knows of no other dreamstriders who have survived the pull of Nightmare. So only she understands the stakes when a plot against the Empire emerges that threatens to consume both the dreaming world and the waking one with misery and rage.

A richly conceived world full of political intrigue and fantastical dream sequences, at its heart Dreamstrider is about a girl who is struggling to live up to the potential before her.

My Stance:

Dreamstrider sounds like a great book, it's my normal style of book. The idea that this book focuses on dreams as a play for political power, makes me think of Inception. However, the twist in this one is that there's this Marez guy who offers Livia a different way of life. My question is this, what is a Nightmare, and why does that make the deal so important? The best part I think, and the biggest concern, is how the novel is going to distinguish between the waking world and the dream world. If the transition or the difference between the two isn't explicitly stated or very clear, the reader could get confused on where the novel is exactly. However, if done right and well, this aspect alone could very well make this a great start of a series.

I am curious on Brandt, there isn't much about him. Other than growing distant, there needed to be some more on him. I guess I am looking for the spot in which a relationship may be, or might turn up. Maybe I am dreaming, maybe this is going to be something a bit more lackluster. I am curious on it, it has such a beautiful cover and the synopsis sounds so good. I'm just left trying to figure out more and just where the book is heading.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #131

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: A Madness So Discreet
Author: Mindy McGinnis
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 6th, 2015

Grace Mae knows madness.

She keeps it locked away, along with her voice, trapped deep inside a brilliant mind that cannot forget horrific family secrets. Those secrets, along with the bulge in her belly, land her in a Boston insane asylum.

When her voice returns in a burst of violence, Grace is banished to the dark cellars, where her mind is discovered by a visiting doctor who dabbles in the new study of criminal psychology. With her keen eyes and sharp memory, Grace will make the perfect assistant at crime scenes. Escaping from Boston to the safety of an ethical Ohio asylum, Grace finds friendship and hope, hints of a life she should have had. But gruesome nights bring Grace and the doctor into the circle of a killer who stalks young women. Grace, continuing to operate under the cloak of madness, must hunt a murderer while she confronts the demons in her own past.

In this beautifully twisted historical thriller, Mindy McGinnis, acclaimed author of Not a Drop to Drink and In a Handful of Dust, explores the fine line between sanity and insanity, good and evil—and the madness that exists in all of us.

My Stance:

Mindy McGinnis is a work of art, how she writes to the story she creates. I am a huge fan, so when this book hit Goodreads, there was no doubt I would fawn over it. Grace while being a victim, I assume, of some horrid family secret, or something, is kept silent and sent to an insane asylum. What I fear the most is if Grace is pregnant, more for what it could mean to her character and what could have happened to her. I know that most books don't get me this worked up in just a synopsis, but this one is almost twisted and I like the implication and or the idea that's here so far. I just wish there was more information on what nightmares happened to her.

There is just something about how dark McGinnis's books are, and this isn't an exception. I love how her novels are sort of twisted and dark, but they just tend to tell the story as it is. There is no sugar coating the story with her. With Grace, McGinnis isn't an exception at all. This whole thing of being an assistant for crime scenes, sounds like Grace is making her life better. However, whatever is holding her together, is threatened by some of the nightmares in the closet. I like the dark and exploitative way Grace is built, along with the dark past. McGinnis has built a wonderful novel to start a series with.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #130

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
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Title: The Rose Society
Author: Marie Lu
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 6th, 2015

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes the second book in the exhilarating Young Elites series.

Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.

Adelina Amouteru’s heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers that murdered her love, the Crown Prince Enzo Valenciano.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?

My Stance:

The book sounds like a The Dark Knight, and Marie Lu is one of those authors that if she sets her mind to it she can not only just nail a story but set it on fire. I have no doubt this will be one of the best books of the year. So what gets me nervous is the characters insistent need on revenge. It's not your typical novel, and I appreciate how dynamic the story seems. There's enough characters to pull the main character in many different directions. However, Adelina seems bent on one thing and is completely bent on that goal.

What Adelina doesn't realize that her friends are trying to protect her, maybe not so bent on stopping her. The cast sounds great, and while having not read any of the first book yet, Marie Lu's novels are one you can't ignore. Every character makes an impact, and this has the making for something of the ages. I just hope that Adelina isn't building an army for that same simple-minded goal. There are a lot of good books, this week and I'm not sure which one is the highest on my list.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #129

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
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Title: The Rest of Us Just Live Here
Author: Patrick Ness
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 6th, 2015

What if you aren’t the Chosen One?

The one who’s supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death?

What if you’re like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again.

Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week’s end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.

Even if your best friend is worshiped by mountain lions.

Award-winning writer Patrick Ness’s bold and irreverent novel powerfully reminds us that there are many different types of remarkable.

My Stance:

Patrick Ness has always caught my eye, specifically with The Knife of Never Letting Go, and this book just sort of stood out and confused me. You normally get an idea for what a book is by the synopsis, however in The Rest of Us Just Live Here, there's something about the book that leaves nothing disclosed. I absolutely have no idea what this book is even about, and frankly that worries me. I have faith in Patrick Ness. I am curious about where this particular novel is going, and I am looking forward to the book. The novel perplexes me, who is the main character? And what exactly does he or she act like? I am curious to see what Ness puts forth.

Normally, I talk a bit and voice my opinion while just trying to guess what is going to happen or my worries with a book. However, in this case there's not a lot to go off of, so I will go off the deep and and just try to guess. I think the book pertains to a lot of superheroes. There's heroes around in their world, and there are those that just stumble by normally. I think the book is about a normal person who hasn't done the elegant or asked that girl out. I wonder what that person would do, what he needs to do. This is speculation, but the potential on this synopsis is boundless, even if it's completely vague.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #128

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: Carry On
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 6th, 2015

Rainbow Rowell continues to break boundaries with Carry On, an epic fantasy following the triumphs and heartaches of Simon and Baz from her beloved bestseller Fangirl.

Simon Snow just wants to relax and savor his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest, and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he’ll be safe. Simon can’t even enjoy the fact that his roommate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can’t stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you’re the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savor anything.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story — but far, far more monsters.

My Stance:

Rainbow Rowell, is one of the authors that when I started reading her novels, I wasn't sure I would enjoy her. Now she's one of the few that I follow regularly, I want to read everything she puts out. She's a great author, one of the best. So when I heard that she's got a fantasy novel coming out, you can bet I was quick to fall in line. I am more than curious about the novel and how Rainbow Rowell is going to pull it off. What I don't understand though, is the synopsis talks about kissing, however there's no mention of a significant other or a relationship. I don't doubt that Rowell will work it in.

Carry on is a long jog from what Rowell normally does, normally with any other author I would have reservations about venturing out of an author's comfort zone. This is something about Rowel that I have faith in, and Simon just seems like a great character to get to know. Something about how a magician being thrust into a normal world, and like Jim Butcher, I am left wondering if the real world even knows that the underbelly even exists. A magician, while being totally basic and borderline overdone, there is something about how Simon deals with the world. There is a sort of paranoid bit that catches my eye, and I can't wait to read more about him.

[Teaser Tuesday] - #54

Hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Take your Current Read.
Grab 2 Teaser sentences from the book (please be sure to avoid spoilers)
Post it on your blog with the title and author, so other Teasing Tuesday participants can add it to their To Be Read list.
When visiting other Teasing Tuesday participants, leave a link with your current TT in their comments.

Title: Rot and Ruin
Author: Jonathan Maberry
Release Date: September 14th, 2010

Quote: " 'And bright blue pigs might fly out of my ass,' muttered Benny. Stunk shot him a stern look, and Tom turned aside to hide a grin.

'My point is that we shouldn't make make assumptions,' Stunk snapped."

--- Page 226

October Releases

A list of books publishing in the upcoming month. The list grows, and while there's a books there's a series of books that are more anticipated than others. I have a small list of the ones that I find more availing than others.

Oct. 6

Oct. 13

Oct. 20

Oct. 27

[Update] - 9/28/15

Good morning, I hope everyone had a good week. I got a few things done over the weekend that needed addressed. Mainly I did a bit of updating my reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. I got everything updated, minus one review on Amazon, because they believe I am trying to advertise myself. It's odd how they think with my name being Ryan and one of the main characters in Dare You To is also Ryan, that they think I'm trying to scam their system. I have enough reviews it shouldn't matter. Oh well, I will skip it and put it elsewhere. I want to take the time to remind everyone, I am not posting to Amazon to get anything from Amazon, I just think it's another venue for my voice to be heard, and if I can help other people judge a book and give them a bit of insight, the more the merrier.

Most of those that frequent my blog now will notice I did a Movie Monday post. I am going to try to do this whenever I can. Basically I don't want to overload myself again, but I didn't have a Mailbox Monday or a Book Haul this week (I will next week), and I didn't want to leave everyone with nothing. Maybe this will change. I had a debate with myself on seeing the movie featured, and I'm still not sure on my decision. Movie Monday is just about movies or TV series, something I've seen/watched that I find interested, what's new and breaking, and reviews to movies I have seen. This gives me more time to review movies, since I usually go to the theater on Sundays. I have been thinking about doing a second blog devoted to movie reviews, not specifically YA, but this gives me an outlet to do that sort of thing. I hope you all enjoy the addition and let me know if you have any suggestions.

I am thinking about what to do on Friday, I know Flashback Friday is something I do, but it's just something that I find is getting a bit dated. I feature older books that I am interested in and trying to draw some more attention to, maybe I just need more books. However I would like to see if there's any other ideas, for a better segment or just something else I could do on Friday to fill the spot better. I'm looking around, not sure when or if I'll change it yet, I'll let you know before I do change it, and let me know if you have any suggestions.

[Movie Monday] - #1 - Preview: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Movie Monday is a weekly event, hosted over at Me, My Shelf and I, that spotlights what's hot, what's new, what's upcomming and what I've watched.

Title: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl ---- Movie
Author: Jesse Andrews
Format: Movie (Hardcover)
Release Date: June 12th, 2015

High schooler Greg, who spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies with his co-worker Earl, finds his outlook forever altered after befriending a classmate who has just been diagnosed with cancer.

From the Book:

Greg Gaines is the last master of high school espionage, able to disappear at will into any social environment. He has only one friend, Earl, and together they spend their time making movies, their own incomprehensible versions of Coppola and Herzog cult classics.

Until Greg’s mother forces him to rekindle his childhood friendship with Rachel.

Rachel has been diagnosed with leukemia—-cue extreme adolescent awkwardness—-but a parental mandate has been issued and must be obeyed. When Rachel stops treatment, Greg and Earl decide the thing to do is to make a film for her, which turns into the Worst Film Ever Made and becomes a turning point in each of their lives.

And all at once Greg must abandon invisibility and stand in the spotlight.

My Stance:

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl just seems like a complete copy and paste, for the most part, of The Fault in Our Stars. I mean okay the girl is the one who supposedly dies in this movie, but the boy is a bit more enjoyable. That and this movie never got the hype, and it probably deserved a bit more than it got. I know I may have started out rather harsh, and don't get me wrong, the movie may be good. I am more or less going to try to pick this up in redbox sometime or see if a friend of mine manages to pick it up when it comes out on DvD/Blu-ray. I think the movie has potential, and the angle is a bit different than what The Fault in Our Stars did, which I may get into more.

There is a lot of new blood in this movie when it comes to acting. Olivia Cook plays Rachel, and having not read the book, seems like a good fit for the roll. She has this natural grungy look that just seems to fit what the characters outlook is. I am not saying she's ugly, she's far from that, but she's got this side that I think is a bit darker, than a cheery, happy-go-lucky demeanor. Maybe I am reading too much into her persona, but I think there wasn't a better choice of actresses for this role. Than RJ Clyer plays Earl who while not really being in anything of note at all, may end up being someone I tend to relate more to. In the trailer he was the one that managed to stick in my mind, he's got some rather large, moving lines, and some great comical relief. If RJ doesn't land this role and nail it, it'll be a disappointment. I am looking forward to his performance.

Thomas Mann plays Greg and while he's got a few significant roles under his belt there's nothing about him or his past that just stands out. I think most of all when choosing the actor for Greg the studio wanted someone that every guy could relate to. As a teen, maybe he'd be a good choice, but I don't see any reason he stands out. I don't even remember him from Hansel & Gretel, Project X, or Beautiful Creatures. He's just someone I think that sort of blends in with the movies he does and isn't someone that has a lasting impression. Let's hope the performance changes in this novel, because I view his placement as a rather large risk.

There is something about the trailer that has me interested. I am not sure if it's the relatability to The Fault in Our Stars, but there is something about how Greg makes a simple movie for a dying girl and ends up falling for her. I am faced with the dilemma now of do I read the book first, or do I try to find the movie? I think in this case the book will come first, because the cast just has me worried, the ratings aren't all that great, but I find that I am looking and wondering how it slipped past my radar. I am probably missing something, and maybe the directors and the screenplay writers tweaked the movie beyond the trailer to make it better, but I'm on the fence with it still.

[Flashback Friday] - #90

Flashback Friday is a weekly event, hosted here, that highlights a past release that we're dying to get our hands on...

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Title: Sunrise
Author: Mike Mullin
Release Date: April 15th, 2015

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors' constant companions.

When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever — and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.

This epic finale has the heart of Ashfall, the action of Ashen Winter, and a depth all its own, examining questions of responsibility and bravery, civilization and society, illuminated by the story of an unshakable love that transcends a post-apocalyptic world and even life itself.

My Stance:

So the conclusion to the series has made my radar. The main reason I haven't picked it up yet is I have been looking for a signed copy of the book. I have the first two signed, and just need the last one, so I've been hopeful to come across one. This is one of those novels that frankly keeps me dreaming, I love and have always adored volcanoes. I will admit, they are devastating and I feel for anyone who has lost someone or their home because of one, but the power they generate is just awe inspiring. Than we are sitting on one of the largest hot spots in the world, yellowstone. To me it make sense that sometime, in the future, that Yellowstone may pose a threat to everyone. However, this book takes place afterwards.

Afterwards, is far different, is a case of trying to rebuild there is something that pulls me to the book. Most books wouldn't try to take on the whole big government aspect, yet this book seems to dive headfirst into it. I want to see how the group rebuilds, I want to see their idea and what they plan on doing. It's intriguing to see the changes, the rebuild, and how they manage to try to keep themselves together. As well the cannibals and the other harsh realities of their world, I want to know how they managed to deal with those in addition to everything else. Sunrise is one of those books that has so much potential and while it's not perfect, there's something in it that makes it someones favorite or the best book at the moment.

Title: Hunted
Author: Anna Carey
Series: #5 - Eve
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 10th, 2009
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0

Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth's population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school's real purpose and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she's ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust... and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

In this epic new series, Anna Carey imagines a future that is both beautiful and terrifying.

My Review:

I had a friend of mine asking why I hadn't read Eve yet, and why it was still on my wishlist. Which then turned into why is it still on my shelf and not read? And honestly I regret not reading it sooner. The book surprised me more than most of the books I have read in the past. For an apocalyptic world, I didn't buy the whole bit of this is the state of the world, and yet the world building of America after a varus and government fallout was good. Now what I did find good about the novel was how the new government decided to manage and guide its people. That part is what I think sold the book for me, and yea there was some aspects of survival. Overall, I enjoyed the book, I just wish there was some more originality behind it. It started out with such a great gripping beginning, yet nothing was really done with it.

First off, the book starts with Eve and her friends in a little town/camp that's cut off from everything, even the outside, mainly keep the outside out. Everyone in the small camp is more or less taught/trained to behave, do as you're told, not speak out and above all, going outside is forbidden. Which if you have any ounce of a brain, spells trouble at any turn. It surprises me that just one person happened to even think or questioned, but than again maybe there are others who just happen to go unnoticed.

Eve was a character I actually enjoyed. She was smart and questioned the world around her and yet didn't want to leave her friends behind when she finds the truth about her little camp. A reality of the men in charge, the ones who think that that because humanity is running out they have the right to do anything regardless of those they hurt. The truth is plausible I guess, but I don't foresee woman enjoying or even dreaming this world on anyone. Even if it was men that were held captive, it's just cruel. Basically the girls are told they will aspire to great things if they behave and do good. At graduation they are turned to the building on the way out for a test of sorts, however it's a maternity camp. Men come in and do what they will and help prolong the human race, even if the women don't exactly know what they are signing up for.

Who wouldn't run and try to escape that? It's a bit foolish to stay, and I guess if you haven't seen the events/building I could see your doubt. It's all you've grown up with. However Eve has always questioned the camp and the world she lives in. Its almost as if she's saying, "This is too good to be true" or "Why are some other people just disappearing." Even the person, who more or less pointed out and planted the seed of doubt in Eve's head, practically lays it all on the table for Eve.

Than the outside world, with a girl who has been told that Men are evil. Men shouldn't and won't be trusted, all they want to do is touch and rape you. So that's why the book got good for me. When a simple boy, Caleb, finds them and offers them what little help he can provide in showing them the way to a possible safe haven. I love how Eve who as she trusts her world and where she came from, starts to open up to the possibility that all men aren't inherently evil. The interaction of the relationship was very dynamic and great, which helped contrast just how harsh the world was they were walking through.

Now the ending was a bit melodramatic, yet it struck a cord. I hate Caleb's action in the end, and how the story ends. I understand why Eve did what she did, and the end of the book leaves no doubt about the sequel. I just hope that we don't go down this love Triangle road that Crossed with in the Matched trilogy, I like Caleb too much to allow myself to do that.

Eve is one of those books that I think will surprise a bunch of people. So if you have time, pick it up at a local library and give a solid day or two. Its not too overly new or refreshing, but there are parts of the novel that stuck out, and Eve's relationship with Caleb was pretty well balanced. There just wasn't enough to wow me or push me to give this book a higher rating. I wish I could, honestly. I hope to start the next book soon and get the series finished by the end of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #127

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
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Title: Six of Crows
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: September 29th, 2015

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

My Stance:

Six of Crows has been on my radar since the release date was announced, I have been a fan of Leigh Bardugo for a while now and the new series looks better than the last. I know it's probably blasphemy and I'll probably end up regretting it later, but for now it does. This book reminds me so much of Ocean's Eleven, that I am looking forward to it based on this reason alone. Kaz is one of the characters that I am most interested in this coming month and while I am not sure who he is in the list of superheroes, it leaves me hoping he's the thief. I have always found that there is more to the whole planned heist. The syfy take is catching and promising.

I just wish there was something else about the book, who the other characters were and what the heist is actually. Even if you don't explicitly say it's a bank robbery or kidnapping plans/goods, there needs to be some information about what they are getting into. However, the more I think about how much I want to know, maybe that's why Bardugo didn't give us anything. The anticipation, the anxiousness is there, and I am more than happy to say she didn't give me any details, because for that reason alone, I will find out and read the book, as fast as I can.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #126

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
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Title: What We Saw
Author: Scott Westerfeld and Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: September 29th, 2015

Ethan, aka "Scam," has a way with words. When he opens his mouth, whatever he wants you to hear comes out. But Ethan isn't just a smooth talker. He has a unique ability to say things he doesn't consciously even know. Sometimes the voice helps, but sometimes it hurts - like now, when the voice has lied and has landed Ethan in a massive mess. So now Ethan needs help. And he needs to go to the last people who would ever want to help him - his former group of friends, the self-named "zeros" who also all possess similarly double-edged abilities, and who are all angry at Ethan for their own respective reasons. Brought back together by Scam's latest mischief, they find themselves entangled in an epic, whirlwind adventure packed with as much interpersonal drama as mind-bending action.

My Stance:

Scott Westerfeld is back, and with a novel that sounds interesting. I am not completely sure what to make of it. I know that Westerfeld didn't write the whole thing, and that's why I am a bit nervous on this novel in particularly. I have seen duo-author compilations work, but rarely have I seen a trio. The dynamic and getting everyone together and discussing how it should be written, has to be tough. Honestly I hope the trio pull it off, because this book has some great potential.

There is something about how Ethan, "Scam," and how his ability to just make people hear what they want that has me intrigued. Further Ethan pairs that with having work with colleagues that he has managed to make cross in the past. So why the name Zeroes? I mean is it like the whole X-men complex where they are viewed as less than human and are perceived as nothing? That's just rattling in my head for now. Further I would like to know what Ethan has done, what lie he has told that got him into so much trouble that he has to turn to those people. I love the plot and the potential to turn this book into something very much like Unwind. The originality is all there, just needs the follow through.

[Waiting on Wednesday] - #125

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

See something you like here?
Click the book title to add it to your Goodreads TBR List!

Title: What We Saw
Author: Aaron Hartzler
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: September 29th, 2015

Kate Weston can piece together most of the bash at John Doone’s house: shots with Stacey Stallard, Ben Cody taking her keys and getting her home early—the feeling that maybe he’s becoming more than just the guy she’s known since they were kids.

But when a picture of Stacey passed out over Deacon Mills’s shoulder appears online the next morning, Kate suspects she doesn’t have all the details. When Stacey levels charges against four of Kate’s classmates, the whole town erupts into controversy. Facts that can’t be ignored begin to surface, and every answer Kate finds leads back to the same question: Where was Ben when a terrible crime was committed?

This story—inspired by real events—from debut novelist Aaron Hartzler takes an unflinching look at silence as a form of complicity. It’s a book about the high stakes of speaking up, and the razor thin line between guilt and innocence that so often gets blurred, one hundred and forty characters at a time.

My Stance:

This book normally wouldn't cross my radar, but there was just someone who happened to read this book and the review was just too much to ignore. From what I have gathered, the book is about a girl who gets raped at a party and her friend being taken home early is suspecting her boyfriend of taking a step further. However, what she doesn't understand is the complete series of events that have taken place the night before at the party. However the following days she starts to get pieces of what happened at that party. Normally I can only handle so many of these books. The authors just nail it so deep and emotionally that I either can't stand one of the characters (main or supporting), and I tend to be driven away by the reaction, their separate actions, or their perception of the world around them. I just don't seem to buy them and part of the time, I get a little unnerved.

I was looking at this book, and while there is something about it that does unnerve me. However, it's more about how the characters stay silent. I love the thought that even the lines of innocent and guilty are blurred when no one wants to talk. If no one talks about the incident, who do you determine the guilty is and the who the innocent are? That is the reason I am looking forward to this book, and mainly I am looking forward to seeing just how things turn out.

[Update] - 9/22/15

Good evening everyone, I am glad to be back. Again I am thankful to everyone that has continued to show up, or has seen me start posting again and has returned. I want to extend my apologies for being away for so long, I hadn't thought I was going to be away for so long. I went on vacation, which was fun and all. I stayed in Myrtle Beach for a while and while the vacation was nice, I didn't manage to find any good bookshops. I did manage to get a week's worth of reading in and it was worth every moment. However when I got back I had intended to start posting again, I just never got around to posting again. I hope to continue posting for a while.

I am hoping to intrigue other viewers into coming and seeing what I have to offer, and in doing so I am going to restructure again. I am not sure if the layout is going to stay the same, I am playing with a few alternatives. I know I didn't do a Teaser Tuesday this week, and mainly that is due to I am still on the same book, I've been under the weather and haven't had time to read like I used to. I skipped this week simply out of lack of something new to share, but I will try not to make that a habit. I need to set aside more time to read, and I hope to do that.

On a side not, I know that while I was gone there was a few movies that came out, maybe not specifically YA related. I hope to get to those and talk about them, even post a review when I get the chance. I also hope I can keep all of your attention, if there is anything I should be doing different, e-mail me. I greatly appreciate all input and constructive criticism. I will screenshot the blog and maybe do a post on Facebook and Twitter, on my personal one included, to see which layout looks better, or what others are thinking. I hope everyone has a great day, and again Thank you.

[Book Haul] - #14

Book Haul is an event in which Bloggers and Readers alike showcase their weeks/months pickups and purchases. This showcases new books and older books alike. Feel free to share your books with viewers alike by posting in the comment section with your video or blog. Thanks!