Book Review: Vanish by Sophie Jordan

SUMMARY:
An Impossible Romance.
Bitter Rivalries.
Deadly Choices.

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?


OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Kicking up the overall emotional intensity, Vanish picks up quickly after the close of Firelight and doesn’t bother recapping previous events. With the same strong writing and bold storytelling, but building both the world and characters in surprising ways, this one raises the bar from the first book while still playing on the great elements of Firelight. Tying things up with a great plot and stunning writing, Vanish will lure the reader in and not let go.

The Extended Version:
Jacinda goes through an immense array of emotions in this one, suffering some major setbacks and heartaches but seeming to always be able to find a way to push through. Her motivations are very clearly defined and presented while still leaving plenty of things for readers to get subtly and between the lines. Though she is caught up on Will quite a bit at the start, it’s understandable why and Jordan doesn’t only rely on this element to propel things. Jacinda’s internal strength grows in this one, and her drive to find the good at the end of a hard road is endearing and refreshing.

Cassian has a stronger role in this book, and a presence that is hard to describe but completely appreciated. Intricate in nature and intense in personality, there are some very key and poignant scenes between Cassian and Jacinda that truly speak to not only the characters but Jordan’s innate writing ability. Tied by what he wants and what he’s expected to do, the full nature of Cassian’s life and personality comes through in fantastic ways that really build him to be something great.

The plot of this one is certainly filled with plenty of unexpected twists, and is, in whole, unpredictable. Readers will get a great look into not only the day to day of the pride, but see the ways being part of it has impacted Jacinda, even if she can't fully see all of them. With bursts of action interspersed between periods of bold character development, and never coming off as a data dump, there is an engaging and smooth flow that grabs the reader and doesn’t let them go.

This isn’t one that has a love triangle just for the sake of it, nor does it rely solely on that triangle to make up the bulk of the plot. Jordan has put clear thought into the full scope of things, and even each scene is smoothly inserted but has a notable purpose. From cute and sweet to gritty and rough, the full range of emotions and reactions is covered, and handled expertly throughout.

Jordan’s writing is practiced and unyielding, holding tremendous word economy while still being rapt with gorgeous descriptions. Not to mention, this is one author who certainly knows how to ramp up the tension yet bring even the sweetest of moments to life. From passionate kisses to heartbreak, Jordan makes the reader feel what Jacinda does and never breaks stride in the process.

From the enhancement of the world to the great strides in character development, Vanish not only brings in new elements but keeps readers guessing. Though the ending definitely qualifies as a cliffhanger, Jordan still ties up much of this book’s biggest plot points but opens up numerous doors for what is guaranteed to be a stellar third book.

Details:

Source: ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review 

Reading level: Young Adult 

Hardcover: 304 pages 

Publisher: HarperCollins (September 6, 2011)

Book Review: Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

SUMMARY:  When Alex Bradshaw's unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb after 20 faithful years as an executive with the world's largest shipping company, he sets out to reclaim his dignity and his pension. Assembling a team of fellow corporate castoffs, he sails to the Caribbean to intercept an illegal diamond shipment. None of them counted on quirky blonde stowaway Juli Flynn, who has a perplexing array of talents, a few big secrets, and an intoxicating romantic chemistry with Alex...


OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Quirky, sexy and funny, Making Waves is definitely a book to escape in. Some of the best sexual tension around drives this book, but there is also plenty of plot and great characters to keep readers engaged. Juli is an easy character to like, her idiosyncrasies making her relatable and her seemingly dry sense of humor sparks some of the most hilarious moments of the book. Coupled with a sexy guy who has his own emotional depth, Making Waves definitely will be a hit with romance readers all over.

The Extended Version:
Juli has a very interesting view on the world, the reasons for which are revealed at the perfect moments throughout the book. Harboring secrets of her own, yet still very open about many things, Juli makes for a great heroine and someone readers will root for. Ignited in all the best ways by Alex, and completely able to taunt him and play his games, Juli is unique enough to be memorable while still having enough qualities that female readers can picture themselves in the book.

Alex is charming yet seemingly moody, but his own reasons are laid on the table pretty early. A temporary pirate, and tempted by Juli almost to his detriment, Alex is a fantastically well done character with plenty about him to swoon over. Perceptive and intelligent, Alex is far more than just a love interest, and his own role in the book has a great impact and his characterization has a smooth progression.

The remaining cast consists mostly of Alex’s three friends on the mission with him, and the way each reacts not only to Juli’s unexpected presence but her personality and everything else goes far to build their own personalities. With plenty of banter between them, and numerous moments that amp up the already potent sexual tension, this is a cast that is well designed and works beautifully together.

The plot has a great pace, allowing for plenty of lust-driven moments that will make readers drool, without letting the story itself be stalled or washed out. Intricate in a lot of ways, there is a certain element of mystery that helps drive the plot while still keeping things quirky and funny. Having a great mix of internal and external motivations, and throwing several twists at the reader that come seemingly out of nowhere, Fenske’s raw talent shines through strongly.

As with any good romance, Fenske does a remarkable job of writing the sexual tension and giving readers just enough pay out to really just make them want more. Hysterical throughout, but unafraid to let in emotions both rough and fun, this one definitely doesn’t rely only on a few well timed kisses and roving hands to drive it or make it something to be pulled off the shelf repeatedly. Engaging in more ways than one, and about as lust-inducing as any standard foreplay, Making Waves definitely can run up against even the best of the romance genre.

Details:

Source: ARC received from publisher in exchange for an honest review 

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages 

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: August 1, 2011

In My Mailbox + Kiersten White's Signing

Kiersten White was in Dallas this week to celebrate Supernaturally's release, so of course I went. I love those books, and that woman, and seeing as to how there is a character named after me in the book then I HAD to have Kiersten Sign my page. And yes. She did sign it. With a heart. Yep. Awesome.

So with that, I bring you guys what books I got this week, and some photos from the signing. Yay!

 

For Review:

Prized (Birthmarked #2) by Caragh M. O'Brien

Kane Richards Must Die by Shanice Williams

Death Sentence (Escape from Furnace #3) by Alexander Gordon Smith

Boy vs Girl by Na'ima B. Robert

(Huge thanks to Roaring Book Press, Shanice Williams + Lands Atlantic Publishing, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and Frances Lincoln Childrens Books)

Won From Mindi Scott:

Totally marked up copy of Freefall with notes from her on EVERY page. It. Is. Amazing. 

Bought: 

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

Kiss of Death (Scarlett Wakefield #4) by Lauren Henderson

Sometimes it Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

So that was what I got this week! IMM is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Now for the pics from Kiersten's signing! And let me say, this woman is seriously hysterical. I cannot even describe how great it is to listen to her talk, and all the tangents she takes, and the natural humor that pretty much finds its way into every sentence she says. If you ever have the chance to go to one of her signings or events, GO. No excuses.

She looks so innocent. I suspect she's not. I also can't tell you what she was actually talking about here, but at one point she said how awesome Texas is so we'll go with that. Because she's right.

About to read her favorite passage in the book! It's a good one too...

Signing! But not my book, because I kind of forgot to take the picture while she signed mine, so this is for my best friend. Which is kind of like me by proxy so it works.

And obligatory photo time! I feel so tall... 

So there you have it! My wee in books and authorly stuff. Yay!

Mini Reviews: Fracture, Catching Jordan and My Beating Teenage Heart

Oh  yes, it's that time again. Mini reviews: Books which don't come out for awhile, but I already ready them and loved them so now I have to talk about them and who else to talk about it to but you guys? So this week we have some grief, some mystery, and some hot romance. Yep. It's a good week for mini reviews!

Fracture by Megan Miranda: Brilliant. Amazing. Engaging. Emotional. Painful. I could probably keep going, but you get the idea. This book seriously blew my mind. I read it in one sitting, straight through, completely gripped from page one. The writing is stellar, and so absolutely real and emotional... I physically ached. Page count wise, this isn't a long book, but WOW does Megan pack so much into those pages. And I'm just going to say it. The comparison to If I Stay and Where She Went that is on the Goodreads summary? Absolutely true and well deserved. You know how those two books exhaust you emotionally, tear your heart out, but you can't let it go? And how your mind is boggled by how much story you actually just read in not so many pages? That's exactly what this one does. The story is original and well developed and the characters are AMAZING. I loved everything about Delaney's character, from her reactions to her motivations to just... her. I love Decker, too, so perfectly broken without being shattered, a guy who can keep going even when he's hurting but who also doesn't completely hide the pain. There's romance, with plenty of bends in the road, but there's so much more too. I can't even explain this plot in just a sentence or two because there is just. So. Much. And I love it. And its amazing. And everyone needs to make sure they read this book.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally: Hot. Sexy. Lust driven. And okay, there's a good story too. But seriously, Miranda knows how to write the hormones and the desire and the unadulterated want. I really liked Jordan's character, too- a girl who can hold her own, run with the boys, but who has kinks in her armor and isn't just a totally stereotypical tomboy. Then there's her three closest guy friends, each similar in some big ways but different in bigger ones. The relationship between those four, the interactions, and just the overall humor and spunk really makes this book stand out. But let's not forget Ty, about as hot as a guy can be with a good personality to go with it. Sure, he wasn't as fleshed out as I'd like, but he was still a good character and I could definitely see Jordan's intense attraction to him. This is another one that I read pretty much straight through, able to predict some things but wanting the confirmation and enjoying it more with every turn of the page.

My Beating Teenage Heart by CK Kelly Martin: This one is a book that is centered on grief, and it's as emotional and painful as you'd expect, but done oh so well. CK's writing is beyond words, so talented and flowy. I loved Breckon, and he was so tormented, so broken, so far past hope that it was near impossible to turn away from him and his story. His mentality and voice were spot on, both as a male character and as someone shattered by grief and ready to give up. It tore me apart to watch him push every one away from him, but I loved his girlfriend, Jules, who refused to turn her back. With a few much needed spots of laughs and even lust, there's some relief in an otherwise gripping and exhausting book. Then there's Ashlyn, who is trying to figure out her own story and what's happened to her, tied to Breckon and forced to watch him suffer while feeling completely unable to help him. The way she changes as a result is just as strong as Breckon's own development, and the near lack of interaction between the two narrators adds a very fresh element to this book.

Character Interview: Matt from And Then Things Fall Apart

It's character interview time again, and yep, I've pilfered another YA hottie to entertain you guys! So without further ado, I bring you Matt from Arlaina Tabinsky's debut And Then Things Fall Apart!

Describe yourself in 4 words.

Sure. 132-138 pounds (depending on the weight division I’m wrestling in- and I’m counting that as one word, OK?) Open-Minded. Athletic. Culinary.

What was the very first thing about Keek that drew you in?

Have you met her? She’s just… This sounds stupid but I think it was her laugh. She laughs a lot and then her eyes. Her eyes laughing are the best thing.

What's it like to kiss Keek?

Um. It’s not really “like” anything else. Sometimes when I kiss her I feel like just, crawling inside her, or I feel like I’m floating in outer space. And then sometimes I feel like I’m nuzzling a bunny, and then other times I just want to smash our faces together and crash our teeth. I sound like a serial killer. I just mean that I love kissing her and never really thought about it before. That girl drives me crazy.

Boxers or Briefs?

I wear a kind of hybrid. It keeps me all together. I like Hanes, if you’re looking for a recommendation.

What kind of pen would you describe yourself as?

There’s different kinds? I’m more of a mechanical pencil kind of guy. I always thought mechanical pens were the coolest things when I was a kids and so, yeah, when I grow up, I want to be a mechanical pencil.

What's the craziest thing you and Earl have done together?

Wait- give me a minute because we have done some straight up insane crap together. Well, there was the lunchtime whatever-got-mixed-in-a-glass-I-had-to-drink-for-money stunt. That was a good one. We did this thing with fake bloody noses with ketchup packets in Spanish class that one time. That was pretty hilarious. But I think the craziest thing we did was drive around naked at midnight. We took turns. The Squirrel called it “casual driving” and we dared ourselves to like, drive around naked for as long as we could stand it. It was insane and kind of fun but a little like, weird. I drove and was laughing so hard I could barely steer. I lasted about ten minutes. Earl? He could have driven to the Wisconsin Dells and back naked. That dude is wild, like some kind of crazy undomesticated animal.


Thank you, Matt, for stopping in and congrats Arlaina on the release!

And Then Things Fall Apart is out now, so be sure you guys pick it up and meet Matt, Keek, and the rest of the characters!

Author Interview + Contest Alert: Jennifer Ziegler

And dropping in today is Sass & Serendipity author Jennifer Ziegler to answer a few questions! And I have to say, one of these answers is my favorite so far to that question...


Daphne and Gabby make the front page! What does the headline say?

Sisters Get Through Entire Day Without Arguing!


Or …


Girl Discovers Her Sister Might Not Be As Annoying As Previously Thought!


Or …


Local Girls Make Guinness Book of Records for Repeated Eye-Rolling!

Which character would you make friends with more easily, Daphne or Gabby?

I would have to say Daphne. I sympathize with Gabby, but she’s so hard on people. Plus, she’s built up several protective layers, making it difficult to truly get close to her. Daphne, on the other hand, is wide open – to friendship and joy (and therefore pain). She’s willing to take emotional risks.


Of course Daphne would also show up late to our get-togethers and possibly blow me off if a cute guy asked her out for the same evening. We’d be close, but I’d probably find her exasperating at times.

If you could pair Daphne, Gabby and Mule with any character from any book, who would you pick for each?

Chapter Two of Sass & Serendipity reveals that Gabby, as a young girl, wanted to marry Harry Potter, and I do think they would make a good match. They are both loyal, selfless, and have a well-honed sense of honor.


I have to say that I think Daphne’s love life turns out the way it should in my book. However, if I had to pair her with a famous fictional character, I would choose sweet, loyal, and handsome Stephen Colley from Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle – because he would adore her and be devoted to her, but he would also pull her back down to earth whenever she got carried away.


I'd be curious to see Mule paired with Jane Austen's Emma. I believe he would admire her spirit. He'd find her foibles charming and yet gently point out her errors of judgment. She, in turn, would benefit from his steadfast nature and boundless patience.

What god/goddess would be your nemesis?

Whoever is god or goddess of gizmos and gadgets is my nemesis. I don’t know what I did to fall out of his/her good graces, but I have obviously been cursed in that arena. Computers, printers, cell phones, recording devices … they all seem to go on strike when I come near. Even those automatic paper towel dispensers snub me. I’ll do all kinds of tai chi movements in front of the sensors to no avail. It’s like having a really useless super power – a reverse Midas touch. Maybe they should send me into enemy territory.

What kind of dinosaur would you describe yourself as?

I am what’s known as a queso-saurus. This creature lives off enchiladas and other spicy, saucy, cheesy fare, but it will also hunt down and devour anything chocolate. It is gentle by nature – goofy even – but can turn fierce to protect its young (and its chocolate stash). Its call is that of a high-pitched laugh, and its den can be recognized by the teetering stacks of books and abundance of empty coffee cups. The natural enemy of a queso-saurus is the alarm clock.


Thank you, Jennifer, for those fantastic answers, especially the dinosaur one. You pretty much win major points for that answer.

And I mentioned a contest, didn't I? No, I didn't lie, although I'm not hosting this one. Rather, the wonderful people who set me up with Jennifer for this interview are, and here's your details:

A Sassy Giveaway! Three lucky winners will each receive one copy of Jennifer Ziegler's SASS & SERENDIPITY along with Jane Austen's classic, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY. To enter, send an e-mail to SassandSerendipity@gmail.com. In the body of the e-mail, include your name, mailing address, and e-mail address (if you're under 13, submit a parent's name and e-mail address). One entry per person; prizes will only be shipped to US or Canadian addresses. Entries must be received by midnight (PDT) on 8/5/11. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on 8/6/11 and notified via email.

How cool is that?? Fire off those emails, then be sure to check out Jennifer's website and blog to find out more about her, her books, and the inner workings of a queso-saurus. And also be sure to stop by Mother-Daughter Book Club tomorrow for more fun from Jennifer!