The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee | Rating: ★★★★★

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Edelweiss by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

There's something sparkly and new yet oddly undeniably familiar about The Thousandth Floor. Think of it as Gossip Girl set in the not so far future. I need to stress that this novel is one of those stories that the only way to read it wrongly is to expect it to be more than it is. It's a light but entirely vivid and delectable read that keeps you on your toes from start to finish. I liked the theme that 'the more things change, the more they stay the same'--the futuristic New York City that McGee paints us is incredibly different from our own, in terms of appearance, but is still filled with the same social climbing, reckless teens we've come to expect.

In place of the city that we love, stands a tower that goes up and up and up and up. And the tag line THE HIGHER YOU ARE, THE FARTHER YOU FALL, is perhaps one of the best descriptions of what is to come. We start off with a bang right away--a girl has fallen from the very top of the tower. This sets the stage wonderfully for a backdrop of luxury, technology and scandal. Katharine McGee's writing is similar to Cecily von Ziegesar and Sara Shepard except her words feel a bit more polished and eye-catching, which is a huge compliment coming from me considering I've been fans of the other two for the better part of a decade. Indeed, McGee's writing is delicious and fast paced; simple and an incredible ride for fans of the genre.

Homecoming (The 100 #3) by Kass Morgan | Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5)

Endings and beginnings are inseparable, like the moment before dawn and the moment after.

I waited so long to get my hands on this bad boy and now that I have it, and have read it, I can't decide what I'm feeling. On one hand, I am glad to see how the series has improved in terms of... well, everything. 

Kass Morgan's writing is so smooth and fast paced, and remains delightful and action packed with every chapter. Everything that was flawed about the series' first two novels has vastly improved and I have really, quite a lot more than I'd expected, enjoyed watching it grow. While many may argue that the show is better than this series (I disagree--with the exception of the grounder plots, Clarke's sexuality and Commander Lexa, which FYI, I'm still in denial about her death but that's nether here nor there) I think that both are on even footing in terms of good vs. bad. 

That being said, Homecoming was originally intended to be the finale of the trilogy that was the books and I'm glad to say that it isn't. Morgan will be returning with a fourth installment--hooray! It would have been a mistake to end the book series so quickly because in terms of endings and closure, this book was pretty lackluster. Many fans disagree with me heartily on that note, that it was a solid end to the books, but hear me out: I just don't feel it as an ending and think Morgan can, and will, do better. It's been such a joy reading and seeing her work grow and come to life. As I've already said, the growth and improvement has been far more pleasurable than I'd ever anticipated. 

Blest by Blaise Lucey | Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5)

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

There's something utterly intriguing about the premise of Blaise Lucey's novel Blest. I was at first drawn into the promise of something of a unique plot. I do think that fans of Cassandra Clare will enjoy this world--the promise of a truce between Angels and Demons, the entire vibe of the plot is incredibly entertaining. There's romance and action and the tone is haunting and suspenseful at times.

But something about actually reading it fell flat to me. Which is weird because Lucey's writing is great, the characters and the ideas are all intriguing. Yet, it didn't keep my attention long. At. All. I've picked at this book for the longest time--at home, on breaks at work, etc etc. No matter what I did, I just couldn't get into it entirely and found myself not even remotely invested in what happened. I am not sure I would have finished it if it was any longer than what it was.

Blest had a lot of great groundwork and the trope of forbidden love. A lot of other tropes, too, including the rise/fall of consequences and irrationality. In so many ways, it had the makings of the perfect novel. See, it had a lot of promise to it but I just can't remember half of what was said/done and it is just not my cup of tea. I do think that Blaise Lucey is onto something, though, and think that while it may not be something I'd read again, it will find a very strong fanbase in it.

Dark Touch by Aimee L. Slater | Rating: ★★★☆☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Dark Touch is a success in many ways: tackling abuse realistic and holding on to the aftermath it has on the victim, expressing a heart and soul that goes so deeply you almost forget it’s fiction. Aimee L. Slater has a certain sense of honesty in her prose that leads us to a dark and poetic experience and it’s what will ultimately make this release stand out in its genre. Another unique quality to it, is our lead Tully’s ability to transfer what she’s feeling by a simple touch–it adds a supernatural element to it but ultimately it’s not explained enough that you kind of can’t help but wish it had been left out.

That being said, Tully in particular is a great lead. Her voice as a narrator is something that provides us with chills and honesty. She’s easy to relate to and she could very much so be anyone. Although her story–the loss of her mother and then struggles of her home-life with an abusive, alcoholic father–is indeed fictional, it’s an all too real glimpse into many’s life. I physically hurt when I read what she has been subject to go through in the years, and it’s impossible to not want the best for her.

Tully is very broken in a lot of ways due to her upbringing and her past, and seeing all the nods to it and the effects it’s had on her is brutally honest and will surely shatter readers. Especially in the pages leading up to the climax and her own self sabotage. The more we learn about Tully, the more we love and root for her to find some sense of peace and establish a new life for herself.

The Hunt (TSC #5) by Aubrey Clark | Rating: ★★★☆☆

In a surprising turn, The Hunt improves on the mess that was The Divide and almost, almost, almost echos the original trilogy in tone and suspense. Not quite, but at least it’s an improvement. Just not enough to save this hot mess before it falls flat once more because honestly, that’s all it did–it will build readers up only to drop them in a pile of boring mush.

In some ways, Aubrey Clark almost resembles L.J. Smith in heart and prose this time around; far more than she did previously.

So original readers will at least have that to rejoice in, if they should decide to continue the series. But that’s about all it has going for it. We have a few heartbreaking moments in this installment as well as a couple times were it is almost terrifying to see what can happen next.

Especially the ending! If there’s one thing that made my rating go up a bit for this installment, it’s the ending and the spooky tone it took on in one full twist.

But enough of that.

Let’s start with the basics. Cassie Blake is now on the hunt for answers and spells to take her half-sister, Scarlett down a few pegs before she inevitably kills her. Even worse, the witch hunters that moved to town are making it their mission to destroy the circle and mark its members for death.

The Divide (TSC #4) by Aubrey Clark | Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Ah, yes. The Divide.

The first of a planned expansion to the previous trilogy. The Secret Circle came back in a misguided attempt to speak to the groups of newer fans who, perhaps, had watched the television adaptation. We’ve all heard the horrors of what happened to L.J. Smith and her two most prominent works: The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle.

If you haven’t, long story short, Smith’s publisher didn’t like where she was taking the stories and due to their contract, she lost the rights to continue both series in the way that she had hoped. It’s a low blow that is very, very common in contracts like the one Smith signed back in the day and an unsurprisingly tacky move for them.

So it will come as no surprise to anyone that I, a fan of the original series, was skeptical when it came down to the new trilogy; penned by Aubrey Clark. Let me start with one thing. Clark isn’t a terrible writer–she just isn’t L.J. Smith and she certainly doesn’t understand the characters.

Like… at all. My first complaint isn’t that, though. It’s the fact that story felt forced and inconsistent with what we already knew. And yet oddly enough it also felt like we were rehashing different things from the series original run.

Lastland (TWP #4) by A.R. Ivanovich | Rating: ★★★★★

"It's not what comes easiest that makes us valuable, Katelyn. The wealth of our character is determined by what we push ourselves to become."

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Based on the previous three releases in the series, The War of Princes, we know what is set to come about in this fourth book. Action, war, loss, love, adventure, heartbreak and twists at every corner. If there’s one thing that longtime readers will have learned by now, it is that A.R. Ivanovich has many tricks up her sleeve to delight and shock her loyal fanbase.

Lastland is perhaps the best of the series and showcases Ivanovich’s knack for world building. Following her familiar formula of excellence, A.R. is at her finest when weaving together plots, toying with your heart and allowing her characters to grow even further.

After the startling revelation that Prince Varion had died and placed himself elsewhere to recover, Carmine’s betrayal and Rune having been possessed/taken by one of Prince Raserion’s shadow creations, the war is brewing at an all time high. And Lastland is set to shock us once more as Katelyn and Dylan search for Rune and Varion’s memories begin to come back to him fully.

Monarch (TWP #3) by A.R. Ivanovich | Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

"If circumstances in life were always changing, shouldn't that mean people could change, too? Every moment should be a platform for positive growth and new possibilities."

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

This review contains spoilers. Following the startling events of Paperglass, our series The War of Princes continues with a third book, Monarch–nothing can prepare us for the plot twists and revelations revealed in this third installment and I must admit: it is the best boo yet. If you have been following this series, you’ll find that the stakes are higher in Monarch and the adventures keep on coming.

A.R. Ivanovich takes her uniquely fun and dangerous world to a whole new level in Monarch. Katelyn Kestrel and her friends, Dylan, Kyle, Ruby and Rune, and their pilot Carmine and former teacher in Haven Professor Block, are faced with all kinds of new adventures and risks. While the group recovers from the loss of Sterling (I’m still heartbroken!) a new sense of urgency is portrayed within this circle.

In every meaning of the previous events, things could have been torn apart for this group. And yet, in some ways, they are now closer and more determined than ever.

Paperglass (TWP #2) by A.R. Ivanovich | Rating: ★★★★☆

“Love can transform the most sensible person into a blindly brave fool.”

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.  

One year after the events of Haven, A.R. Ivanovich’s The War of Princes series continues with its second installment, Paperglass. It’s time to say hello to familiar faces and expand our knowledge of this world. Buckle up, kiddos, it’s going to be a long and bumpy ride in the best possible way.

With new plots and dangers, Katelyn (who has only just now graduated high school) is forced on a mission to the outside world to use her gift to find a group of missing people from her home. Initially, she doesn’t accept this position, but when she is told her mother is one of the missing–her mother who abandoned her all those years ago–she allows the pull to move her search.

There are a few things that fuel this mission. Her knowledge that she would be the only one able to find them and find their way around the outside world, as she had been there previously, the fact that Sterling betrayed her abilities to his father (his ability being he can sense others powers) and a small fight with one of her best friend’s, Ruby.

And maybe a little bit of desire to see her love, Rune, again.

Haven (TWP #1) by A.R. Ivanovich | Rating: ★★★☆☆

“Forget the crumbled ruins of a broken yesterday.”

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

I have a lot of conflicting emotions about Haven. I enjoyed it and read it quite quickly, though it did have flaws in it, I will say that first. Its flaws aren’t always definite, though, and I do intend on reading the remaining sequels because it’s quite captivating in spite of its weaker point.

Haven is the sort of novel that readers can devour in one or two sittings and it is quite addicting. In a more descriptive way, I have to admit that Haven is dark and luckily it has a cast of characters that are pretty great. When I think of what I’d read in Haven, I think of a mysterious world and darkness and a group of likable characters.

I think that A.R. Ivanovich’s writing is excellent and the world she’s built for readers is unique and very fascinating. A.R.’s genres mix up in the book which keeps things fresh and often interesting; readers staying on their toes for the duration of it.

Plus, her writing is so descriptive that it’s easy to see our settings. It has a lot of potential to continue with the world building and will give readers a taste of what is to come in future installments. I found it to be very easy to envision parts of Katelyn’s home and the world outside of it.

I Will Always Love You (GG #12) created by Cecily von Ziegesar | Rating: ★★★★★

They chose each other.

Just then, the dark sky lit up with fireworks. A cab sailing the street honked in celebration . In the night air, Nate thought he could hear Serena and Blair's laughter, though he knew that was impossible; they were too far away by now.

But as we know, in this city anything is possible.

Flashback to 2008 or 2009: in a surprising move due to the popularity of the then-hit television series, Gossip Girl came back for one final look into our beloved teenagers lives as they explore adulthood and come home for the holidays during breaks in university. Much like the final books and spin-offs of the original series, it is penned a ghost writer and not Cecily herself.

I Will Always Love You, or as I like to call it: the pitiful (but still fun) attempt at drawing in fans of the television series and unnecessarily destroying the characteristics of the books, takes place over the course of four years and is told in the usual rotating narration and blog entries. We’re split up to focus ONLY on the four years of holidays our kids have as breaks from classes.

(I’m being a bit dramatic: the installment wasn’t horrible it just wasn’t Gossip Girl in the way longtime readers wanted it to be. There were some redeeming qualities to it, though, like the endgames. Which is why I've still given it a high review like the rest of the series.)

Revealed by A.C. Arthur | Rating: ★★★★★

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

The time for answers has arrived in the town of Tanner; at last, we will come face to face with Landy’s killer. But just who is he? Just a bit over a decade has passed since Landy’s murder, the marks still heavily visible to everyone who’s life touched hers, and it’s well past the time for some closure for this once-close group of friends. There are some things we can never truly get over, but having the answers spelled out for us can offer peace of mind.

And what we’ve learned thus far is that while it’s too late for Landy to be saved, obviously, the others are skating on thin ice. That’s not an exaggeration, no matter what this group of friends is in massive danger. One foot out of line and they could very well be next on the mysterious killers list–either to be harmed or to be framed.

When Nicole is taken captive–we can’t help but wonder who is next. It seems to me that someone out there really has it in for these guys and that’s heartbreaking as hell. But is the killer the man who took Nicole? Or is these just another twisted player in a delectably evil game?

Even more gets thrown up in the air with the arrival of an old friend, Matt, and a glimpse into his story.

Rumors by A.C. Arthur | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Upon first inspection Rumors, penned by A.C. Arthur, promises to be a delicious murder mystery surrounding the death of one member of a group of friends who were once like family. Like all tragedies, it is a make or break moment for close family or friends; sometimes things cannot be repaired and those people have difficulty picking up the pieces.

And so Landy’s death tore this once close knit group apart and even now, ten years later, things are still tense and unsolved when it comes down to the night that changed everything. All that time has passed but even still, they pick right up where they left off as danger lurks once more. But who killed Landy? And how have they not been caught at this point?

When diving into the story–which is filled with many chills, scandal and intrigue–we notice right away that its promising description is fitting and watch as the events plays before our eyes like a delightful and soapy show. We’re left with the sense that something big is going to happen once more by the novels end; just as we get closer to more answers… we’re thrust back once more.

The Space Between Heartbeats by Melissa Pearl | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Originally released under the title Betwixt, and now repackaged through Alloy Entertainment as The Space Between Heartbeats; Melissa Pearl crafts a comforting, painful and truly beautiful story of a young girl caught between life and death. It is a story about maturing, about loss and about making a positive change in life before it’s too late.

It reminds us that life is beautiful and full of second chances to those who need only ask. The Space Between Heartbeats is a triumph on many levels; capturing raw human emotion and teenage angst perfect, all the while giving off the power to cry and laugh on many occasions.

Melissa is able to tie all the good and bad traits of life together and create a hopeful and mysterious tone that will leave fans of If I Stay, The Lovely Bones and The Lying Game enjoying themselves. The Space Between Heartbeats is oddly similar to all three but ultimately a different story and very uplifting.

We follow teenage party-girl and overall wild child, Nicole Tepper, in her half-ghostly form as she struggles to better herself and find her body with help from the only person who can see/hear her: Dale Finnegan. It’s good old fluff to watch these two try and piece together what happened to Nicole and search for where her broken body lay.

Nothing Can Keep Us Together (GG #8) by Cecily von Ziegesar | Rating: ★★★★★

After the not-so-shocking dramatic end to Nobody Does It Better, Gossip Girl heats up as high school graduation approaches, their futures now closer than ever, new and old romances ignite, long standing friendships fall apart and Jenny looks into various boarding school options.

And word on the street is that a certain filmmaker is looking to remake Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Any guesses as to who is one of the many, beautiful, hopeful young actresses? Breakfast at Fred’s seems to be generating a ton of buzz and this serves as a central plot point along with graduation.

With Nate and Serena as a couple, Blair decides to take her life into her own hands and start fresh. Yale has accepted her and she finally feels as though she’s gotten back into her groove; although it’s clear that she feels the sting of Nate and Serena’s newfound couple status.

Nobody likes to see their two best friends date, especially when one of those best friends is the love of her life. But luckily for B, Nate is just as devastated by this turn of events as she is. He so clearly misses Blair. Surprisingly, the same could be said for Serena. In fact, their so-called romance is built more on the point that both want to prove to Blair that their surprise hookup in the last book was more than just a hookup between two friends.

Queen of Blood by Jill Myles | Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7)

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

I’ve found my newest book love and obsession. That’s the only thing I can start my review with because realistically speaking, that’s my first thought. Queen of Blood (previously released as Betrothed) is consuming me right now and has left me with a massive book hangover.

I'm just -- it was so good.

Initially, my first thought upon seeing Alloy Entertainment’s newest fantasy-romance-paranormal novel was “WOW! This is gonna be excellent!” because the summary alone blew my fucking mind. Excuse my language, but I’m serious: it blew my fucking mind. And unsurprisingly, I was intrigued and ready to dive into this promising novel.

There’s so much intrigue in the summary for Queen of Blood that will make readers wonder if the novel itself can live up to all it promises. And I’m happy to say that yes, it most certainly can, in all its magical and intriguing young adult glory. Alloy has, once again, published an incredibly fun and fast paced story that will leave readers scrambling for an adaption or a sequel.

Like, pronto.

Now, I know what you're thinking: how bored was I to attempt to do this with no artistic ability whatsoever? It was mostly inspired by simplistic redesigns I've been seeing on Tumblr for quite some time and with all the storms we've been getting, I've found myself with some massive free time on my hands. And so I figured, eh, what the hell? If I can't go outside as often as I'd like to, why not give this a go?

Naturally, I started with the first three Gossip Girl books from Cecily von Ziegesar's bestselling series. Gossip Girl has gone on to be something of a pop culture phenomenon by hand of the bestselling books, the spin-off books it then spawned ("The It Girl" and "Gossip Girl: The Carlyles), the one-time immensely popular CW adaption (RIP!) and lastly the adaptions in other languages, most recently the fabulous Gossip Girl: Acapulco which was cancelled far too soon.

Gossip Girl will always have a special place in my life due to the fascination I've held with it since my preteen years and it felt only appropriate to use these as my first few tries. I mostly used photos from promo images, stills and behind the scenes looks at the series' original run on the CW.  One of the things that annoyed me about the repackaging designs the book series was handed during the second season of the adaption was that there wasn't barely any covers which actually fit with what would be happening in the novels.

The Corridor by A.N. Willis | Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

THE CORRIDOR by A.N. Willis has been on my most anticipated list for quite a while now and thankfully, it didn’t disappoint me. Within the first chapters, I knew that it was on the track to becoming one of the best young adult sci-fy releases in 2015 with its engaging plot that centers around one girls ability to travel within various parallel universes.

Readers who aren’t used to sci-fy stories could easily lose themselves in this, it could be the first real experience of the genre for them, because it’s simple and thrilling and has an excellent leading lady in Estele. There’s something undeniably smart and suspenseful about the entire story that makes it engaging in the manner that you don’t want to put it down.

Needless to say, the plot is as fascinating as the description would lead you to believe and it keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It’s easy to imagine the colours of each world passing us by as Estelle explores and reads quite a bit like a movie or television series; which is awesome. I can certainly see this novel being adapted sooner rather than later and frankly, I need it NOW! I just need more of these worlds.

You Just Can’t Get Enough (G.G: The Carlyles #2) created by Cecily von Ziegesar, written by Annabelle Vestry | Rating: ★★★★☆

In You Just Can’t Get Enough, the second book of the Gossip Girl spin off, Gossip Girl: The Carlyles, readers see things heating up once more in the lives of this batch of wealthy teenage Upper East Siders. And it’s oh-so-obvious that the drama that blew into the city with the arrival of The Carlyle triplets is only just getting started. But how much drama can one set of siblings really bring to Manhattan?

We’re greeted once more by the familiar voice of Gossip Girl as she reports to us the scandalous happenings of this next generation of up-to-no-good kids – and things are certainly far more entertaining in this installment than the last one. Back are the same group of teenagers from this generation – Baby, Avery, Owen, Rhys, Jack and a variety of other side characters and as always, this second book picks up right where we left off.

Jack is losing heat – her home life, ballet, her social life and now her boyfriend have all seemingly fallen from her grasp. And she’s on the ultimate war path when it comes down to the Carlyles. What happens when she falls upon a piece of information that will certainly come in handy about Owen Carlyle and what – or who – he did last summer? And how can she use it to her advantage?

More importantly, what happens when it all backfires? And what sassy entries does Gossip Girl have planned for these kids?