Review and Farewell: Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

Title: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent
Book #: 3
Pages: 526
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 3.87
Published: Oct. 22nd, 2013

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Taschima's POV:

After reading Mockingjay, Breaking Dawn, Requiem, Deathly Hallows, and many other endings to massively popular YA series I have come to one conclusion and one conclusion only... You cannot please everybody. This is a reality, a fact. Some people will come to understand and enjoy the ending, some people will rage. In the past I have been part of both groups (enjoyed Mockingjay, raged against Delirium) so I understand how they both feel. In this instance I join the group that understands and enjoys Allegiant for everything that it is, because given the limitations and realities of THIS world the ending was fitting, the words flowed, and my feels were utterly hurt. But like Mockingjay the ending was just right for the series, bittersweet as it was.

Would I have changed some things? You bet your ass I would have. A lot of characters wouldn't have died in my book, and everybody would have gotten a semblance of a happy ending. Then again I am a happy ending for everyone kind of girl. But the conflicts within the story were well handled and every other plot line was resolved. Allegiant introduces even more conflict that might hit too close to home when it ventures into the outside world, where people are prejudiced against based on if they are genetically damaged or not. It answers the sole purpose of the factions system, how it came to be, etc. Allegiant answered all my questions when it came to it's government and it's social system so it left me satisfied in that respect.

Not, my hurt feels. You will probably need a strong drink to handle Allegiant. A lot of people die, and if you are as involved with the characters as I am then you might feel like I did. Completely devastated.

I liked the two POVs, though to be honest at times it was hard to tell who the hell was talking until a certain point in the book, then it became easier. At first Tris and Four sound too much alike, but soon enough you start to tell when each is in control (and not just because of the chapter telling you who exactly is speaking). In this book you get to see another side of Four, a more broken side. He gets to deal with all of his issues, and makes some pretty crappy mistakes along his way. Tris is as strong as ever, though a little hard headed. Her and Four have real honest to god problems that aren't petty or an excuse to drive them apart, they are just things that they need to deal with regarding each other, real things. I liked that Veronica Roth didn't just put stupid obstacles in their path to give us a little drama. I love them together, they complete each other.

"I was so afraid that we would keep colliding over and over again if we stayed together, and that eventually the impact would break me. But now I know I am like the blade and he is like the whetstone—I am too strong to break so easily, and I become better, sharper, every time I touch him."

We also get to see a lot of old faces in this title, like Cristina, Zeke, Cara, Peter, Uriah... They all get their own page time and endings, some more fitting than others. I came to like Cara in this book, with her quiet yet determined way to be. I already liked Cristina, Uriah, and Zeke but it was still good to see where they all end up. Even Peter.

I loved Allegiant, finally an ending that doesn't leave me feeling like I was bamboozled! The ending, though devastating, is a realistic ending and for that I have to give the author props. She made some very hard choices. Not everybody will approve or love it, but this fan over here does if that counts for anything. I still feel like I should be reimbursed for my wet shirt however since it is damped with tears.

Epilogue:

Now to add a little cheerfulness, does anybody else think of this when Tobias' name comes up?

Ugh, there's a reason he shall always be Four to me >.<

*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Quotes subject to change.

So I Started Reading Allegiant by Veronica Roth...

Goodreads

"I fell in love with him. But I don't just stay with him by default as if there's no one else available to me. I stay with him because I choose to, every day that I wake up, every day that we fight or lie to each other or disappoint each other. I choose him over and over again, and he chooses me."

I don't think I've ever read anything so perfect, and so true. I am loving Allegiant's writing, at times it can be so insightful. And Veronica Roth doesn't ever take the easy way out, every relationship and person in the book is written out and looked at closely and examined by our two characters Four and Tris. I love that. We are getting to know Four so much, not only the "oh my god sexy" part of him but more of his broken parts. He is definitely not perfect, but then again who is? And Tris, I think her dark side will maybe start to show.

All I know is a big show down is about to happen, and I have no idea what will happen. NO IDEA. My sole mission this week has been staying away from spoilers, but even so I have seen things like "Allegiant's controversial ending"  popping on my Facebook page... I don't expect a faery tale ending, I know people will die, I just want the ending to make sense and to stay true to the story, for the characters to stay true to themselves. I hope I get a satisfying ending, and to help with that I am staying as far away from spoilers and other people's opinion until I am finished!

Leave comments regarding the ending if you like, or how you felt regarding the book. Just know I will not see them until after I am done reading, and I am trying to savor this one for as long as possible >.<

Review: The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa (Happy birthday!!)

Title: The Iron Traitor
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten
Book #: 2
Pages: 304
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 4.28
Published: Oct. 29th, 2013

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice. 

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

Taschima's POV:

This book was a game changer, for the entire Iron Fey series. It has the basic formula we have come to love from the Iron Fey series, a quest, danger everywhere, lots of action, and complicated decisions, but the ending sets it apart from every other before it. I have no idea what is to happen in the future of the series, I have no idea and I love it.

"...I had plenty of other peoblems to dwell on. How to find Keirran. How to keep Annwyl from Fading. How to keep Mackenzie safe, again, while venturing into a goblin market full of taboo items and shady faeries"

Ethan Chase, Meghan's little brother, is the star of this series, much to his constant misery. He has spent most of his life trying to hide from the faeries, but it seems they find him every single time. SO now instead of hiding he intends to face them head on, by going into the depths of a Goblin market to find his weirdly nephew Keirran who went missing. Kenzie is as sick as ever, but she won't give up an adventure with Ethan, and what seems may be one of her last opportunities ever to embark in an unprecedented adventure. Together her, Ethan, and Annwyl set upon their quest, not even thinking that by the end of it they would quite possibly change the fate of both their worlds forever.

The Iron Traitor didn't feel like a bridge book at all because it stands on it's own, but as every book in a series it sort of is. We get to see a lot of old faces in this book, Ash, much to my delight, makes an appearance or two, as well as Meghan, Puck, and many others. Every time Ash was on the page this was me:

 I liked the constant danger and action, though I am coming to realize I really do dislike Keirran. In one hand I understand him, and if he wasn't such a brat I might even want to help him, but seriously he is such a brat. Plus a serious backstabber, literally The characters are all splendid as always, and they all get plenty of time to grow on us, even the old faces we see.

The ending left me like this:

I like to think The Iron Traitor is the beginning of something bigger. With the ending it had it leaves a lot of possibilities open, a lot of great possibilities. Cliffhangers man, they kill me. I cannot wait for the third book to come out and see what is actually going to happen. Will we have full on war inside the faery realm? Will there be conflict with the outside world? Is Kagawa going to change the world of Fey forever? Dear god I hope so.

*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Quotes subject to change.

The Hunger Games Movie: Catching Fire, Arena Footage! Final Teaser Trailer!!

Catching Fire is a mere 24 days, 15 hours, and 32 minutes away (and counting) so any extra footage we can get right now is a balm to my waiting heat. November 22nd cannot get here any quicker. Here is a little preview on the Arena aspect of the movie, and let me tell you it looks amazing.

The fire costumes look just as I imagined they would look, not to mention the AMAZING Mockingjay bride/rebel dress.THE BIRDS! Birds and monkeys everywhere! Oh this is going to be goood...

So I Started Reading The Iron Traitor... Sneak Peak + Book Trailer.

Goodreads

T-6 days until The Iron Traitor hits the shelves, and we are all very excited. Or at least everybody should be, because let me tell you, this one is going to change the whole game. Honestly I tried to take it slow while reading it but I still finished it pretty quickly. It was a good read, made even better by the fantastic ending (it will blow you away). But while you guys wait here is a sneak peak at one of my favorite parts of The Iron Traitor.

"Heart in my throat, I looked up.
A dark figure stood between me and the ice monster, one hand outstretched, the billow of his long coat settling around him. The line of ice spears had split at the point where the figure stood, slicing off to either side. I blinked, both horrified and relived that he was here, that he had found us."

Mind guessing who this very handsome dark figure might be? ;)

BTW: The Iron Traitor is still $5.99 at amazon. Pre-order it now before the offer ends!

Head over to Julie Kagawa's site for the Iron Traitor BOOK TRAILER. You can also watch it below.

Did You Know? The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3) by Julie Kagawa has a Summary! PLUS, The Iron Traitor for $5.99!!

The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS 

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? 

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer. 

MONSTER 

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie. 

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

I am so excited for this title!! Supposedly it will come out April 2014, but that seems so far away! At least I have The Iron Traitor for now (which as it turns out it is a very entertaining read, and ASH even makes an appearance! SWOON!). Speaking of The Iron Traitor, right now there is sort of a sale going on at Amazon.com where if you pre order The Iron Traitor it is only $5.99, or so it says on the site. This is a bargain! So I recommend you guys pre-order this baby like NOW before the offer ends!

Review: Wait for You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Wait for You
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Series: Wait for You
Book #: 1
Pages: 332
Reading Level: NA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 4.29
Published: Feb. 26th, 2013

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

Taschima's POV:

Wait For You is VERY addicting. I started it on a whim, after buying it on another whim at B&N, and I stayed up ALL night reading. It has good dialogue, and swoon worthy characters, plus some very good drama to keep you glued to the page. The only problem is that it is very predictable, from beginning to end. This may turn some people off, but even though I knew the bis secret of the main character from very early on I still very much enjoyed this book and it's writing. It is well worth a read, and I am sure now to pick up some other books by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Avery moved away from her home town to go to a college in which nobody even knew her name. The secrets of her past weren't supposed to follow her, but is that ever the case? As she starts meeting new people and feeling comfortable strange texts, emails, and calls, start to plague her every day. "Whore", "Liar", this is the gist of the texts. So you can understand why she may be freaking out a bit. On the other hand this gorgeous guy Cam is following her around and asking her to go out with her. And this is the beginning of a marvelously fucked up love story that is ridiculously unprobable, but at the same time it is one of those love stories that makes you want to believe.

Right off the bat I liked Avery, she was really down to Earth and she freaked out over the smallest things (like being late to class). She also keeps to herself and has an uncanny ability to draw the most awesome people to her. Her friends were awesome, Jacob (the straight-forward gay friend) and Brit (the fantastic psych major who liked to eat fried dipped in mayo). I really hope that they get stories of their own because I would love to have some more time to get to know them better. All the sides characters were charming and interesting, which is great if J Armentrout plans to make many books out of all of them. I also loved Ollie, Cam's guy best friend. Which leads me to Cam.

I liked Cam, while at the same time I wanted to strike him upside the head. He is so damn cocky, like you have no idea. He is always saying how awesome and hot he is, he is very full of himself. Though he can also be charming, and he owns his "full of myself" attitude. I guess it helps that he is a sweetie, and he will do anything for his friends. Including Avery.

This book was definitely addicting. And various scenes were very hot, and intense. The only bad thing about the book is that it is very predictable. It seems every other NA book had a main character with a sexually troubled past, and while it makes for great drama and character building it also gives the reader that feeling of "been there done that". By the time the big secret was put out to air and the main character was confronting her said demons I was kind of done with the story and skimmed over the last 10 pages.

It is an entertaining book, and if it's your first NA book it will blow you away. Unfortunately it wasn't my first NA book, so it became very predictable very quick. I still enjoyed it however and would recommend it if you are searching for a sexy quick read.

Books VS. Movies; Which side do you choose?

These days practically every movie coming out seems to be made from a popular Young Adult book. And that is fine. I can see the allure, plus Hollywood seems to have run out of original ideas and must then find their money fans from already established fan bases. Cool, good for you movie people. Whats more is that movie sometimes convert people into reading books (as proven by thousands of converted Harry Potter fans), and this is fantastic! I have nothing against it... but it doesn't mean I support it wholeheartedly.

Secret: I rarely watch the YA movies. This is not to say that I don't report on them. I do posts on these movies because I know people who come here appreciate the news they might now see elsewhere. I like imagining these books turning into movies, not only because I want the author to succeed but also because I hope that these movies at least will turn some film watchers into book lovers. Call me a dreamer. But movies almost never meet my expectations, and so if given to choose between the two camps I will firmly stay in with my books than go out every other day to watch a (maybe) fantastic movie. My imagination is just that sweet.

Previous YA movies I didn't feel the need to watch: I confess I haven't watched Beautiful Creatures, City of Bones, The Lighting Thief (Percy Jackson), or Breaking Dawn (Twilight). And all of these are examples of books I loved (well, maybe except Breaking Dawn-huge letdown) so much that either I didn't feel like it was necessary for me to watch the movie or because the prequels had disappointed me so much I just couldn't give more of a crap about the sequels (looking at you TWILIGHT).

Future YA movies I don't feel the need to watch: Vampire Academy. I don't think I am going to go see this one come theaters, and I don't even know if I'll watch it after it comes out on DVD. Why? I absolutely LOVE Vampire Academy, it's my all time favorite YA series as many of my long time followers can testify to. From all I've gotten so far from previews and photos and the like I don't feel like it's going to live up to my expectations. More than likely it's going to flop, and not only because vampires are now "passé".

This doesn't mean that all YA novels turned movies (or TV shows) suck. I sincerely CANNOT WAIT for Catching Fire, it looks AMAZING and I LOVED The Hunger Games, both books and movies. Same goes for Divergent by Veronica Roth. I loved all the Harry Potter movies (to some extent), never as much as the books but I still waited to see them religiously every November midnight showing. And once Stephenie Meyer gets off her ass and writes the sequel to The Host you bet your ass I am reading that book and buying midnight tickets to the movie.

But in a world where I have to choose between the two? Books will always be my choice.

Review: Inheritance (Adaptation series) by Malinda Lo

Title: Inheratence
Author: Malinda Lo
Series: Adaptation
Book #: 2
Pages: 480
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 3.77
Published: Sept. 24th, 2013

The triangular spaceship hovered motionless in the sky above Reese Holloway’s house, as inscrutable as a black hole. It had seemed like a good idea when they were inside: to tell the truth about what happened to them at Area 51. It didn’t seem like such a good idea now.

Reese and David are not normal teens—not since they were adapted with alien DNA by the Imria, an extraterrestrial race that has been secretly visiting Earth for decades. Now everyone is trying to get to them: the government, the Imria, and a mysterious corporation that would do anything for the upper hand against the aliens.

Beyond the web of conspiracies, Reese can’t reconcile her love for David with her feelings for her ex-girlfriend Amber, an Imrian. But her choice between two worlds will play a critical role in determining the future of humanity, the Imria’s place in it, and the inheritance she and David will bring to the universe.

In this gripping sequel to Adaptation, Malinda Lo brings a thoughtful exploration of adolescence, sexuality, and “the other” to a science fiction thriller that is impossible to put down.

Taschima's POV:

An improvement from Adaptation, Inheritance played with, and made, some very bold choices that not all readers will feel comfortable with, but by pushing the envelope it managed to catch me off guard and carve a permanent spot in my mental library. Not one to miss, most definitely.

This is what should have happened:

Imrians: FUCK YOU U.S., screw your government! Ain't nobody got time for THIS! Let's take over fellas!

Instead they turned out to be peace loving evil geniuses that wanted to give humans psychic abilities and faster healing. Oh no, shoo Imrians, we don't want your kind around these parts. Please don't give me super awesome powers. (take me with you). Kidding aside, I liked the Imrians, this is a different kind of sci fi story, one that may rock your belief system to the core (if you really do believe in aliens and such).

Inheritance picks up right where Adaptation left off. Reese and David are ready to tell the world their story, but it seems they require some hard evidence before the world is ready to believe them. Meanwhile the Imrians are parked right on top of Reese's house, and it doesn't seem like they are planning to go anywhere any time soon. Confused regarding their new abilities Reese and David decide to seek Imrian help in order to learn how to control their "psychic" powers. On one hand the Imrians are welcoming them with open arms, on the other hand secret operatives of the U.S. government are asking for their help in obtaining information on the alien species. Who are David and Reese to trust? Who should they back? And who should Reese choose to be with? Amber or David? Then again, does she have to choose?

Inheritance was a lot of fun. I enjoyed reading about the Imrians and their secret plans for humanity and the secret operations of the U.S. government. The Imrians may not be the saviors they proclaim to be, but I would still let them adapt me in a second. Reese in this book was a hot mess when it came to her relationships, but when it came to managing difficult situations that didn't involve romantic emotions she was spot on and ready to kick both mental and physical butt. David and Amber... Well, I love them both, specially after reading Natural Selection (an Amber novella), and they are both good for Reese. At the end the decision she makes will surprise a lot of people, but it will be a good surprise as in it is an actual surprise. I didn't see it coming, and I doubt many others will. Malinda Lo seems to like keeping us on our toes.

I was actually a little sad that this seems to be the end of the series. I would have enjoyed learning more about the Imrian and their world. How their relationship with the citizens of Earth is going to go, and how everybody adopts to each other. But the ending was befitting of this bizarre, yet interesting, story. I will be okay maybe reading a novella to follow up, but it is not necessary. It is as much of a happily ever after as we are going to get, and these days I really needed some characters to just win.

Review: A Wounded Name by Dot Hutchinson

Title: A Wounded Name
Author: Dot Hutchinson
Series: n/a
Book #: 1
Pages: 320
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
Published: Sept. 01, 2013

Sixteen-year-old Ophelia Castellan will never be just another girl at Elsinore Academy. Seeing ghosts is not a skill prized in future society wives. Even when she takes her pills, the bean sidhe beckon, reminding her of a promise to her dead mother.

Now, in the wake of the Headmaster's sudden death, the whole academy is in turmoil, and Ophelia can no longer ignore the fae. Especially once she starts seeing the Headmaster's ghosts- two of them- on the school grounds.

At the center of her crumbling world is Dane, the Headmaster's grieving son. He, too, understands the power of a promise to a parent- even a dead one. To him, Ophelia is the only person not tainted by deceit and hypocrisy, a mirror of his own broken soul. And to Ophelia, Dane quickly becomes everything. Yet even as she gives more of herself to him, Dane slips away. Consumed by suspicion, rage, and madness, he spirals towards his tragic fate- dragging Ophelia, and the rest of Elsinore, with him.

YOU KNOW HOW THIS STORY ENDS.

Yet even in the face of certain death, Ophelia has a choice to make- and a promise to keep. She is not the girl others want her to be. But in Dot Hutchison's dark and sensuous debut novel, the name "Ophelia" is as deeply, painfully, tragically real as "Hamlet"

Taschima's POV:

A Wounded Name is not for everybody. It is not fast and exhilarating, but it is still quite wonderful. Just prepare yourself and give yourself a little time to sink into the prose, and do not hurry it or expect to be finish with it too soon. Don't rush it, just sink into it. Maybe then Ophelia's madness and frank words, which she only seems to be able to tell herself, will be able to enthrall you. I have never been a big fan of Shakespeare, but after reading A Wounded Name I find myself wondering if I should give the old bard another try.

"There's a girl who could do as he asks, who could take action unfettered by pale thoughts, who could race out into the unknown and trust people to catch her, who could throw herself headfirst into life and forge an unbreakable name, an identity that stands on its own without fathers or brothers or loves who devour and shatter.
I've never been that girl."

This is not a story about redemption. Dot Hutchinson isn't trying to redeem Ophelia's character, make her seem as something more, which she isn't and never has been, to a new contemporary audience. Ophelia isn't strapping on the kick ass boots and leaving behind an antiquated kind of world. Ophelia isn't a kick ass chick, that is not the girl she is and she herself knows it. The point of A Wounded Name is not to transform this character, it is just to tell the story through the characters eyes, and ultimately if not redeem her then show her through a more sympathetic lens. While many will find the story slow moving, I know I did, and a little old fashion (hello! It is Shakespeare!) perhaps they shall also find themselves captured in the soft spoken yet beautiful writing and it's wonderful descriptions.

"What name do we give the pain? The fury? The grief? What name do we give the part that drowns and the part that dies? What do we call the fragments that remain?
Mine."

The story plays out exactly like it does in the original Hamlet, only some minor tweaks are made. It is set in a contemporary world (they use E-MAIL) yet it holds on tightly to antiquated ways of living. Like, for example, the story is set in a school where Hamlet, the headmaster, dies, and so his brother takes his place. In this school the boys are taught everything by the top professors in the world, they grow to be powerful men, but the girls are only taught how to care for their future husbands and be the best trophy wives. There is another school however that wants to take over this school and change the regime in order to teach girls as they should be taught (in a contemporary sense). It is a mix of the old with the new, and it serves the novel's purposes quite well.

The tale is told through Ophelia's eyes in first person POV. So you get to experience the madness that plagues the character. Ophelia is a bit of a push over, she finds it hard to stand up for herself, and who wouldn't with the way she was raised. In the novel she had lost her mother eight years before and she still feels the pain. No matter that her mother tried to drown Ophelia along with herself. This all plays out against a rich background of mystical characters such as morgens, the Hunt, bean sidhes, and ghosts. She is a broken girl who gives into the madness that plagues her. Because she is her mother's girl.

There is also very sensual moments scattered throughout. Moments between Ophelia and Dane, the headmaster's son. He is a puzzle of a character, just as the original character was. He is also a little mad, both as in crazy and sorely pissed. Sometimes, most of the time, I wanted to slap these characters upside the head, but then I remembered that this is their purpose. They are not meant to branch into other directions, forge new destinies. There is no happy ending in these pages, but there is a little bit of happiness sprinkled among them. The romance between Ophelia and Dane, while deranged at times, fit their characters and goes with the original play. It is a bit of light among their dark world.

As a contemporary girl who LOVES it when a kick ass girl takes control of her fate, doesn't give up, and defeats her demons (sometimes quite literately) the ending left a sour taste in my mouth. But with the right mind set it is the right ending Ophelia drowns just as she drowns in Hamlet. The only bad thing is that I felt like I needed to see how the story ended, because even know I KNOW how it ends, because it follows the same plot as the original Hamlet, I still felt like Dot Hutchinson managed to make the characters all her own and I wanted to witness their endings as well. Maybe this will hopefully turned out in a novella at some point.

As I previously stated A Wounded Name is not for everybody. It is slow, it has a lot of description, and sometimes it can be quite a handle (Ophelia can describe the same thing in a numerous of different ways). But at the end I feel like I am better off that I read it. I came to really sink into the novel, drowned in its words. And that is no small feat.

Review: The Program by Suzanne Young (A MUST read!)

Title: The Program
Author: Suzanne Young
Series: Program
Book #: 1
Pages: 405
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 4.00
Published: April 30th, 2013

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

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

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

Taschima's POV:

"I stand there, clutching my arm and feeling helpless. I'm so violated, so angry, that I think I might completely lose it right now."

 

The Program left me in a puddle of my own feels. I read the book for hours without being able to put it down. At first it's a little slow, true, but it starts to pick up real quick once the bodies start dropping. The Program is so heartbreaking, so honest, that every word just cuts into your soul. I was not expecting what I got, but I am glad I took the leap. The cover may not be the best attention getter, and the premise may sound like a downer (Depression! Oppression! The horror!), but it all comes together once you start reading.

Sloane lives in a world where she needs to be constantly vigilant. If she shows the slightest bit of what can be considered negative emotion she would be in danger of being sent to The Program. The Program is the government's answer to the high number of teen suicide, no one knows who is causing it but they are trying to lower the number. Their answer? Get all the teens corralled, and erase everything that make them depressed enough to kill themselves. Erased everything that makes them, them.

Sloane can't trust anybody, not her classmates, not her teachers, and more importantly not her parents. Ever since her brother killed himself, her parents have been more on edge than ever. The slightest hint of depression and she will be shipped out to The Program. The only people she can trust are her closest friends (Miller), and the love of her live, James. Before long however, they are infected too, and Sloane's world will spiral out of control. Nowhere, and no one, is safe from the epidemic, not even Sloane.

In a strange way The Program with its cure for suicide reminded me of Delirium with its cure for love, because in its center both "diseases" have to do with strong emotions that make you fall over the edge. It was fascinating to see the world Suzanne Young creates for us, a world where in order to survive with your memories intact you must act like you are okay 24/7. It is specially fascinating when it comes to teenagers, with the hormonal imbalance and all, because in this raw age you feel so strongly, as if you are experiencing everything for the first and the last time.

The characters in this book are strong as heck. Sloane and James go through so much crap, and come outta the other side a broken mess but strong enough to take it. Sloane is a fighter, but she is of course human. No special abilities to withstand what they do to her. She feels strongly, and sometimes she may feel like she wants to give in, but she never does. It makes you wonder how you would do in her impossible situation.

James as well, though we don't get to see things from his perspective I think we get a very good idea of who he is from Sloane. They are in love, like truly in love. At first it's a downer that they are already together when the book starts, but you get to see how their relationship came to be through flashes. I actually liked it better this way, made more sense when it comes to the story. I loved them together madly, and then they are ripped apart and both of their souls crushed and reshaped...

Let's just say that in various parts of the book I was left feeling like this:

 

At the end I was left with a lot of questions about the Program, and the epidemic on itself. What is causing it? It is mother nature taking it's course? Or is someone, or something, causing the suicide rate to sky rocket? Chemicals perhaps? I don't know, but I am dying to find out. Bring in the next one already! The Program is an enjoyable read, with great characters and an unique (maybe really possible?) premise. Just... be sure to keep some tissues close by when reading. The program is bound to reach into your soul and squeeze tears out in any way it can. Enjoy!

Did You Know? Julie Kagawa does Dragons! New series has been unveiled!

Julie Kagawa may be is one of the best story tellers of our time. It's true, she is amazing. She is able to make vampires relevant again (which I really thank her for seeming as I love vampires, even if they are no longer as relevant as they used to be... They shall return!), and more than that she was able to get me into reading tales about faeries! Before her I didn't like faeries, and even know I am a little iffy about them, but tell me Julie Kagawa is writing it and I will go in blindly.

That is exactly what will happen with this book right here. Talon, the first book in her new YA series, is about Dragons. DRAGONS. I have never been a fan of dragons, ever really, so I was a little hesitant when I first heard this. But just for like a second. If it's Julie Kagawa writing it I am sure she will make it unforgettable, she will surely make us believe in Dragons once more.

Here is the press release from her blog:

INTRODUCING TALON—A NEW DRAGON SERIES FROM

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIE KAGAWA

Dragons and Warriors Face Off in a Modern-Day Battle

New York, NY, October 2, 2013—New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Julie Kagawa today unveiled TALON, her new highly anticipated series from Harlequin TEEN. The Young Adult series, which has already been picked up by Universal Pictures, features dragons battling an ancient order of dragon slayers in a contemporary setting. TALON, the first book in the similarly named series, will be published on October 28, 2014.
The series revolves around dragons with the ability to disguise themselves as humans and an order of warriors sworn to eradicate them. The dragons of TALON and the Order of St. George have been at war with each other for centuries. The fabled creatures, whose existence is unknown by the general public, are determined to rule the world. Their foes, a legendary society of dragon slayers, are equally bent on driving the fabled beasts into extinction. However, when a young dragon and a hardened slayer unknowingly befriend each other, it has severe repercussions for both organizations.

So far so good! It seems Julie has always wanted to write this series, even before the Iron Fey series, and we are just glad that she gets the chance! Harlequin Teen is one of the best publishers ever.

What's even more incredible? The rights for the movie have ALREADY been picked up. These days every other movie is a remake of a YA book, and it's incredible how early on they pick up the rights. Baffled.

Universal Pictures has picked up the film rights to TALON with Chris Morgan attached to produce. Morgan is the writer of the studio’s Fast & Furious franchise and the upcoming Keanu Reeves samurai movie, 47 Ronin, as well as the producer of the recently announced The Legend of Conan film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

My reactions upon reading the news:

I mean, come on, it's Julie Kagawa!! I mean, it's dragons, and I am no fan of Dragons, but if anybody can pull it off it is most definitely her.

As usual this woman is going to write a great story and I'm going to be all like...

And at the end she is going to be bathing in piles of her own money. Because everybody is going to buy this book, EVERYBODY.

Yes I am excited, bring it on!