When the World Was Flat (and we were in love) by Ingrid Jonach

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

I requested this title from Netgalley because the title (and cover) intrigued me. The title is brilliant and fits the book and story perfectly. I'm a little bit torn about this book. I liked the writing, the whole concept and symbolism throughout the story, and all the references to Einstein. But to be completely honest although Jonach's love story was lovely and sweet it was rather simple and straightforward in itself.

Unfortunately I couldn't connect with the main character, mainly because she has a rather insulting nature. She called everyone names behind their back, called her best friend 'fat', 'slut', etc. I got the feeling that she is the kind of person you never want to be around because you know she is silently judging you behind the smile on her face. But putting that aside, I mostly liked the side characters and even Tom. Although the ever-broody and mysterious new boy remained a bit too broody and mysterious.

In the end, there were a lot of threads still dangling that I was thinking, “Wait, what about that?!”. This book isn’t a bad read, in fact it’s engrossing and mysterious and a bit frustrating, but the story at its core is unique. I just wish I had been able to wrap my brain around it a little easier and that there were even more explanation to the major scientific themes.

"I remember when I first heard his name - Tom. I was sitting in the Cafeteria with my best friends, Jo and Sylv, in the last week of our sophomore year at Green Grove Central High School, scraping Wite-Out off my nails and wondering whether I could stomach the burger on the tray in front of me, when the News broke about the "new guy".

“'I hate him. He hates me. End of Story.'

'Sounds like a love Story to me.'

'Or a Porno.'"

"Einstein once said that God does not play dice. He believed the universe was ordered, the world predictable. But his contemporary, Nils Bohr, famously asked Einstein to "stop telling God what to do with his dice.""

"They say Einstein had a bad Memory. He had once forgotten where he lived and had to phone Princeton University for hid address."

"'You would think we had tried to assassinate the queen,' I grumbled in Algebra. 'Well, she is Green Grove royalty,' Sylv said. 'Yeah,' I agreed. 'A royal pain in my ass.'

3 of 5 stars

Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

Ok, so I guess somehow everyone can relate to this book, no matter where he or she attended college/university. For me, I connected with BOTH girls. First year I attended University in my hometown while still living with my parents and siblings, next two years I lived abroad and oh my gosh, I could totally relate to all those e-mail related things, not the who-brings-the-microwave things but omg-please-let-us-be-bff things haha and I registered for a SINGLE too in the beginning haha and then I got the letter that told me I would be living together with two other girls (from England and Czech Republic) and ... it was the best time of my life! So yeah, this book brought all the good (and bad haha) memories back!

I liked that the book's ending was left open. Whilst this would annoy certain readers, I think this ending was the best. So, there might be hope that these authors will return to this story? I definitely hope so!

"Sometimes there are signs. Or things I can't help but interpret as signs. Maybe from fate or the universe or God, if there is one. Or maybe from the grandmother I barely knew but who I've always been told is in heaven. Watching and judging. Like Santa."

“Life is one of those experiments meant to be conducted in a stimulating, messy environment.”

4 of 5 stars

Sia by Josh Grayson

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

So the start was pretty good: one day Sia wakes up on a bench in the middle of the day and she has no clue where or who she is. Only her iPod says her name Sia and that's it. A really promising start, but somehow it went downhill from there. I really liked the first chapters, but after Sia meets her parents again, the story becomes so unrealistic and ridiculous. Everything felt like "happily ever after" and I couldn't buy the whole amnesia plot twist, sorry. Solving your mum's drinking problem (which she had for a year) in two weeks? Check. Getting the boy, although he hated you nuts before? Check. Sorting out your father's money by attending the Oscar's afterparty? Check.

The story was nice, but definitely a light, unrealistic read.

"Wake up! A tiny, annoying tickle on my face. No, no, no, ... Need sleep. Go away. It comes again - Wake up!- and this time it's a definite touch on my cheek."

"True friendship is when two friends can walk in opposite directions, yet remain side by side.”

2 of 5 stars

Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

This book was quite ok but didn't really blow me away. I was addicted to Amy's secret and that's the main reason why I kept reading. I wasn't a huge fan of Amy herself, because who in their right mind would trust a complete stranger while being on the run? Just because he is attractive and obviously rich she spills her secrets...that's just stupid and unrealistic. Amy doesn't act like a woman with a single shred of self-preservation (and that's so odd considering she's running for her life!). Liam was a possessive and domineering jerk, I absolutely hated him.

I just couldn't get into this book and the cliffhanger is quite unnecessary as nothing really happens throughout the book. Overall, the book was okay, but honestly I wouldn't recommend it.

2/5 stars

Fractured by Sarah Fine

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

To be honest, I had a really hard time reading this book. I loved the first book Sanctum and I was beyond excited to get an ARC of Fractured. So I came up with 4 stars, mainly because of the great and unexptected ending and cliffhanger. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this book but it somehow suffered from the "2nd book syndrome", e.g. the introduction of a love triangle (whyyyy?). The romance between Malachi and Lela was perfect in the first book, why distroying it with a meaningless lovetriangle. The plot was quite slow especially after the beginning, it was all about hunting the Mazikin, nothing really happens despite patroling the area. The new characters were nicely introduced, though.

 

So overall it was a nice read with some unenjoyable elements BUT Fractured did end on such an interesting/crazy/intense/... note that I'm really eager for the third book!

 

4/5 stars

Shadowhunters and Downworlders: A Mortal Instruments Reader edited by C. Clare

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

It's hard to review this lovely insider guide of the Mortal Instruments Series by C.Clare because it contains several essays from known YA authors that analyse different aspects of TMI. Cassandra Clare edited this collection as well does the introduction. The essays were easy to read and really informative. My favourite one is definetely from Michelle Hodkins but I liked the others too!

 

Shadowhunters and Downworlders is a must-read for all fans of TMI! You won't regret it! This book made me even more excited for the City of Bones movie. I wouldn't recommend reading it if you haven't finished City of Fallen Angels, because this reader definetely isn't spoiler-free!

 

5/5 stars

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest Review.

 

The Edge of Never is an inspiring story about love and loss that revolves around Camryn and Andrew. So, I started reading and first I thought: what's all the fuss about? But after I hit the 45% mark I got hooked and I thought 'nooww I know'! First the plot was a little bit slow, some characters cliché and there were some typical stereotypes. I nearly gave up reading it but I'm really glad I didn't!

 

Although it started out way too slow, I highly suggest to keep reading! One extra star just for the Walmart scene (I laughed out loud while reading! haha). Then again the ending was beautiful, emotional and so touching! It really inspires you not to sweat the small stuff and appreciate life!

 

4/5 stars

MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest Review.

 

My first thought: androids, hell yeah!! I just read C. Clarke's The Mad Scientist's Daughter and needless to say I loved it and I got hooked with anything robots and androids, so I thought I'm in the perfect mood for MILA 2.0.

The plot was simple and straightforward: Mila recently lost her father and is about to discover a life-changing secret: she is an android owned by the government. The story is enjoyable, fastpacing and action packed. Mila struggles to come to terms with this new realisation of being an android and keeping her humanity. She sees her humanity in a boy, Hunter. Hunter, who represents a sleeping pill and is boring as hell. All we know is that Hunter is cute and Mila's BFF (who really is the most annoying character out there!) wants him and oh, of course he's attracted to Mila (I secretly hoped that he was part of a secret organization, the government or ANYTHING, but no, he really is just an ordinary boy!). She only knows him a couple days, they went on one date and almost kissed. Yet while on the run she thinks about him 24/7 and all you read is Hunter this and Hunter that. So frustrating!

The book wasn't bad, but it wasnt' that good either. If you are searching for a light read with lots of action, then you definetely should give it a try!

2/5 stars



Review: Outcast by Adrienne Kress

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

Let's start with the obvious, the cover: it's gorgeous! I really like it and I think it catches the main element of the book perfectly! After reading the synopsis I thought it would be similiar to Angelfall by Susan Ee (which I absolutely loved), but it's not. Outcast is way different, not in a bad way, but don't expect anything like Angelfall. Yes, there are Angels (and Thralls, Nephilim, etc.) and girls who shoot them in the face. That's exactly what Riley does when she meets one of them in her backyard.

The thing I enjoyed most about this read was the relationship between Riley and Gabe. Their relationship felt real (thank God no insta-love for once!),and I loved them together! The book was hilarious and contains a lot of humor. I nearly giggled through the whole book!

The craziness and religious fanaticism that gets a hold of Hartwich was amusing to observe, if a bit unrealistic. That's the only reason why I can't rate this book more than 3.5 stars...the whole setting was quite unbelievable and the ending a little bit dissappointing. I don't want to give too much away, but Kress did a fantastic job in building up Riley's and Gabe's relationship, so I wasn't expecting the story to end like this. Also, I felt like some major explanation were left out, e.g. the whole backstory about the "other world" and why couldn't Gabe remember anything?

The story itself was interesting and unique, I certainly haven't read anything alike, although the whole setting wasn't really my cup of tea.  The book was well written, humorous, and there were plenty of mysteries and twists. Anyway, I’d definitely recommend it, it's a good read with lots of hilarious dialogues and a sweet lovestory.

3,5/5 stars

Review: A Shimmer of Angels by Lissa M. Basso

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

I love a good angel story, I really do. And this book was really unique because the plot is not unlike other angel stories. Of course it has good and bad (fallen) angels, but the most intriguing part is that our main character, Ray, is being considered schizophrenic (because she has the ability to see angels) and she actually spent many years institutionalized. I liked reading about Ray's struggle, her fears and hopes.  

The beginning was a little bit slow, but after every character is introduced (especially after Ray meets Kade) the story is quite fast-pacing. Although the ending felt way too rushed!

I also didn't like Cam. He is supposed to be the good one, but he abandons Ray twice and the romance between Ray and Cam felt off. There was no connection at all.  {SPOILER} After Ray got institutionalized again, Cam doesn't show up until the very end. So that was kind of strange.

Kade on the other hand is a Fallen and supposed to be the evil one. I wasn't really expecting this character, but I'm so glad he got introduced (after reading 40% of Ray's struggles and Cam's boring and stoic attitude it was quite refreshing to meet the bad-boy of the story)! After Kade's appearance the story picked up nicely and kept me on my toes. The ONLY disturbing thing is {SPOILER} that Kade had a romantic relationship with Ray's mother...WTF? I ignored that little shocking statement throughout the book...because if I had taken it serious I would have stopped reading...it felt really awkward and wrong on so many levels.  

I didn't mind the love triangle between Cam, Kade and Ray, but I think the story would have been waaay better if Cam was never introduced. Kade and Ray had way more chemistry, they cared about each other and Kade never let her down. Cam on the other hand was like a sleeping pill: stoic, boring and calm. The way Ray fell for Cam in the beginning was rather quick and out of nowhere. I think their relationship should have been build up a bit better (or left out completely :D ).

One thing I also loved about the book is the whole concept about the Fallen. I don't want to give too much away, but it's really unique and creative!

Overall, I liked reading A Shimmer of Angels, although it didn't really stand out. For me, it's a good solid story, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading angel-themed books.

3/5 stars

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com (Thank you!) and in exchange I will do an honest review.

I loved The Selection, so I was really excited to receive an ARC of the second book. The Elite picks up pretty much where the first one left off. Since I read The Selection last summer I was worried that I would feel lost in the beginning (e.g. I couldn't remember that only six girls were left), but I was able to get into the story very quickly without remembering every detail from the first book. 

Although I get easily annoyed when the female protagonist constantly flips back and forth between two boys, America and her relationship with Maxon/Aspen played out nicely. Like America, I was unable to choose between Maxon/Aspen, and everytime America changed her mind, so did I.

Beside America's love interest, so much happened in this book! The story was fastpacing and kept me on my toes! I really enjoyed this book. I loved America, her maids and Aspen and although I still feel a little creeped out about this whole harem-wedding-living-thing, I really liked the storyline and I am eager to read the next book! If you liked The Selection you'll love The Elite.

4/5 stars

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid

I received this e-ARC for free on netgalley.com and in exchange I will do an honest review.

 

Initially the beautiful cover drew me to Pretty Dark Nothing. The plot doesn't reveal much, so I started reading it with an open mind and I had no expectations at all. I liked the idea of demons haunting Quinn's dreams and the book started off great. The demons and nightmares were depicted really scary and realistic.

Unfortunately I couldn't connect with Quinn at all...in fact I absolutely loathed her. She is self-centered, annoying and boring. Her ex-boyfriend dumps her with no explanation or what so ever, cheats on her, etc. and she is actually considering taking him back?! WTH? Who in their right mind would take back a cheating bastard? Right, no one! There were so many scenes where Quinn's thoughts bounce back and forth between her taking Jeff (the ex-boyfriend) back or being with Aaron. It became really annoying!

The only characters I somehow liked were Aaron, Marcus and Jenna.

While reading Pretty Dark Nothing, I was thinking that there were waaaaay too many ideas into one story. Some things were hastily introduced and never mentioned again. If a few were dropped, maybe the story would make more sense and the ending wouldn't be so...weird.

To sum it up, this book wasn't really my cup of tea. But don't understand me wrong, the book has some great elements, so I would encourage everyone to give it a try!

 

2/5 stars