Matched by Ally Condie

conditioned.
contradictory.
complimentary.

The first 316 pages of the book where the tiniest bit tormenting for me. Its not that the book up to this point was bad, by any means. It was just so "cookie cutter," so "perfect" in its imperfection that it made me sick. Even in Cassia's attempted inner rebellion, she still follows the rules on the outside! I kinda wanted to scream at her.

It wasn't until chapter 29 that everything that I despised about the story finally found its purpose. In that moment, I felt the journey had been worth it. I understood the necessity to feel the emotions I experienced leading up to that point. I am pleased to report that I was happily surprised to realize how much I ended up appreciating this book. And guess what...100% clean read! Wow, now that is a feat.

3.5 out of 5 stars

The next book is slated to be released Nov 1st, 2011...oh, and planned to hit the big screen in the future as well. Enjoy...

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

steampunk.
refreshing.
twisted.

I only recently learned about the steampunk genre, which I find weird because I totally dig it...would've thought I'd stumbled upon it before now. This book IS steampunk. You can tell from the book summary that this is a dark and twisted tale, but Kittredge brings new life to this melancholic dystopian storyline. Maybe I haven't read enough books to sense this plot being reminiscent of similar tales, but I found this story refreshingly ingenious. I honestly couldn't have guessed where the plot line would take me but I was happy to be helplessly and intoxicatingly strung along.

Kittredge used just the right amount of eccentric words masterfully interspersed in the novel. One thing that bugged me initially was the unknown to me pronunciation of the main character's name "Aoife." By the third chapter, I had to look it up online before I could read another word. I found that the name is an Irish name, similar to Eva or Ava in English, and is pronounced "Ee-fa."

I was a teensy bit miffed about the unsatisfying ending. To me, this is defined as more lingering questions than answers at the turn of the last page. To some, this may be an intriguing cliff-hanger, but I was left wanting. Now comes the waiting game until the second novel is released...

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Unique, Captivating, Conspiracies

This book was a very easy read. Although the story itself is dark, Dashner is quite masterful at keeping the story tense and intriguing without weighing it down with unnecessary violence, language or other unpleasantries. The characters have a stylized language and in the cases where they might actually use off color language, they are substituted with their made up words. I often found myself chuckling at the creativity of use and meaning behind some of the words in their "language". The story is original. It reminds me of The Matrix meets Lord of the Flies meets Groundhog Day. It has a sci-fi edge to it, but i wouldn't necessarily label it as sci-fi. Plan to spend the day with this one, as you won't want to put it down. The Maze Runner's plot line starts with nothing but questions, but unfolds nicely along the way. The conclusion will leave you satisfied, but begging for more. What more can you ask for from the first book of a trilogy?

4 out of 5 stars

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

pursuit.
menace.
value.

First off I have to say, the movie based on this book was TERRIBLE. Don't let that keep you from reading this series.

The book is Sci-Fi based, so that's a bonus if you're into that sort of thing. It's a quick and enjoyable read. I'm pretty sure the margins are larger than average so you're under the illusion that the book is longer than it is. The next book in the series is called "The Power of Six." I'm ready to find out what adventures these characters stumble upon next.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

inventive.
abstract.
lingering.

The idea behind the plot in this story is intriguing and creative. Certain points in the story I found moderately predictable, while others I found mystifying. At times it was unclear what was happening because the written words were not forming a relevant picture in my mind which confused me, and not in a good way. However, I liked the overall concept and never found myself bored.. I would have read the book from start to finish in one sitting if time had allowed. The ending was somewhat satisfying, yet left unanswered questions lingering just out of reach, beyond the last page. I will definitely read the next book in the trilogy "Sapphique."

3.5 out of 5 stars

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

marketing ploy.
mysterious.
chilling.

First, I need to get something off my chest. When I saw the previews for the movie of the same title of this book, I was intrigued by the possibility of a new take on a timeless classic. I was disgruntled when I discovered that the "bonus chapter" was not included in the original book published, but would become available online to read once the movie officially released. To say this irked me is an understatement. The book shown at TOP left is actually a different version that is being sold now (lower left), and I have to wonder if the newer version has the "bonus chapter" included in it. If anyone is privy to this info, I'd be curious to hear. It may be too late for me to purchase the book in its entirety because there is something wrong with contributing any more money to this marketing ploy, but that doesn't mean its too late for you.

The book is prefaced with the director of the screenplay telling readers about the author and how she is the perfect person to accurately portray the vision of the storyline. I wish this info came after the story so that I wasn't being so critical of her writing style, since I had recently discovered that this was the author's first novel post-graduation. Because of this, I found certain scenes to be overly descriptive which took away from the story at times.

That all being said, I did enjoy the mystery of the story and am still dying to know what happens in the final chapter. I happened to forget that it is available online (or maybe I blacked it out). Nevertheless, I am at a place where I can sit down and read the last dozen or so pages. I just hope that the wait will be well worth it in the end and that I will find satisfaction in whatever resolution of the story awaits me.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Because I'm still bitter...hey, I'm just being honest (;
Read BONUS CHAPTER here.