Landry Park by Bethany Hagen

Landry Park by Bethany Hagen
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Dial
Pages: 384
Series: Landry Park #1
Review Source: ARC from Razorbill Canada

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Downton Abbey meets The Selection in this dystopian tale of love and betrayal.

In a fragmented future United States ruled by the lavish gentry, seventeen-year-old Madeline Landry dreams of going to the university. Unfortunately, gentry decorum and her domineering father won't allow that. Madeline must marry, like a good Landry woman, and run the family estate. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers the devastating consequences her lifestyle is having on those less fortunate. As Madeline begins to question everything she has ever learned, she finds herself increasingly drawn to handsome, beguiling David Dana. Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to spread, and Madeline finds herself and David at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must make a choice between duty - her family and the estate she loves dearly - and desire.

My Thoughts:
Landry Park is a book that gets compared to Downton Abbey and The Selection (just see the synopsis above), and I’ve also seen it compared to For Darkness Shows the Stars. After reading the book I’d definitely agree that those are apt comparisons.

The book starts with a "here’s what happened before the story" type of world building snippet. I’m not sure how well that worked for me, having the back story piled on right at the beginning -- however I don’t think it really hurt either. I went into the book not entirely sure I understood the concept, but I didn’t really feel like a complete understanding was necessary to enjoy Madeline’s story. As I kept reading I understood more and more of the world and its current state, and that was fine for me.

Probably my favourite thing about this book is that every character is quite complex and has things to hide. I actually loved that none of them are 100% likeable. Madeline, our main character, is definitely a good person deep down, but she's been raised with elitist ideals. Madeline feels bad for those who are enslaved, but she doesn't know what she can realistically do about it. She hates the situation, but she doesn't really want to endanger her position in society. I loved this reaction from her: it just felt completely natural for her to hang back a bit and wonder if she really wants to upheave her whole world, when she isn’t sure if she can really make a difference.

There’s definitely a romantic aspect to the story, though it’s more of a yearning and unrequited love situation, at least from Madeline’s perspective. David Dana is a mysterious character who we get to know very slowly. It’s an interesting relationship because you can tell that he likes Madeline, but he’s very hot and cold. There’s also a love triangle aspect, with Cara, though it’s definitely an unconventional one. David is a character who I didn’t really like, mostly because we rarely get to see the “real” him, but for Madeline’s sake I kept hoping something would work out between the two of them.

Overall I found this to be a very interesting start to a new series. I liked the future setting with a historical feel to it (a la For Darkness...), and I liked the complex characters. The book ends off in a very interesting place, and I can definitely see myself reading on to the second book when it releases.

The Cover:
Really like!

Rating:
[3.5/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Chapters-Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Three by Kristen Simmons

Three by Kristen Simmons
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 384
Series: Article 5 #3
Review Source: eARC from publisher through Raincoast Books

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Ember Miller and Chase Jennings are ready to stop running. After weeks spent in hiding as two of the Bureau of Reformation’s most wanted criminals, they have finally arrived at the safe house, where they hope to live a safe and quiet existence.

And all that’s left is smoking ruins.

Devastated by the demolition of their last hope, Ember and Chase follow the only thing left to them—tracks leading away from the wreckage. The only sign that there may have been survivors.

With their high profile, they know they can’t stay out in the open for long. They take shelter in the wilderness and amidst the ruins of abandoned cities as they follow the tracks down the coast, eventually finding refugees from the destroyed safe house. Among them is someone from Chase’s past—someone he never thought he’d see again.

Banding together, they search for a place to hide, aiming for a settlement a few of them have heard about…a settlement that is rumored to house the nebulous organization known as Three. The very group that has provided Ember with a tiny ray of hope ever since she was first forced on the run.

Three is responsible for the huge network of underground safe houses and resistance groups across the country. And they may offer Ember her only chance at telling the world her story.

At fighting back.

My Thoughts:
Kristen Simmons concludes her fabulous Article 5 trilogy with a book full of incredibly high stakes. It seems like there’s danger and risk for the main characters at every turn, which made for an awesome, but nerve wracking, read.

Ember has come so far from the first book. There’s a real transformation in her character that is documented throughout the series. She’s brave and strong, but she also questions who she is: the person she was versus who she's become. Ember struggles a bit, not feeling entirely comfortable with the things that she's done personally and the things that she's accepted because of the situations they’ve been in.

I absolutely loved the interactions between Ember and Chase, the fact that they stayed strong and recognized how they're so much better together, but that there were still moments of tension between them. Chase is such an interesting character, and I adore him as a love interest. He’s a great guy, but he’s not that “perfect” character. Chase struggles sometimes, and he doesn’t always like sharing about his problems. Chase is this completely tough macho soldier type, but he’s also so much more than that. He has panic attacks, and he doesn’t like fighting, even though that’s what he’s good at. He’s strong and desirable, but he has a tough time dealing emotionally with the things that he’s done.

The beginning of Three is a teensy bit slow. It’s not that I found it boring at all, but I wanted more action and less sitting around and talking about what to do. Very quickly this changed and the book became extremely exciting, with crazy reveals and hold your breath type of action. Overall I thought this was a completely perfect end to the trilogy. It didn’t wrap everything in a bow with a magical solution, but neither did it leave you hanging with some far off hope like how another certain dystopian trilogy did. The end of Three leaves off with the main characters in a good place, giving the reader even more hope for the greater political situation. This was such a great book, and I really can’t recommend this trilogy highly enough.

The Cover:
Not my favourite, but I like how the three books look together.

Rating:
[5/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Chapters-Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau

Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 310
Series: The Testing #2
Review Source: Edelweiss

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

In the series debut The Testing, sixteen-year-old Cia Vale was chosen by the United Commonwealth government as one of the best and brightest graduates of all the colonies . . . a promising leader in the effort to revitalize postwar civilization.

In Independent Study, Cia is a freshman at the University in Tosu City with her hometown sweetheart, Tomas—and though the government has tried to erase her memory of the brutal horrors of The Testing, Cia remembers. Her attempts to expose the ugly truth behind the government’s murderous programs put her—and her loved ones—in a world of danger. But the future of the Commonwealth depends on her.

My Thoughts:
Note: This review contains some spoilers for Book 1, The Testing.

I very much enjoyed The Testing, so I was anxious to see what would happen in Independent Study. Thankfully this book was just as exciting as the first.

I love how these books are so action packed and yet they’re very internal. You really get inside Cia’s head and see how she thinks, what her process is, and what she feels. Not every book is like that, and I really appreciate it here, where you’re never sure exactly who to trust.

While the first book focused on the tests to get into the university, now Cia and her classmates are at the uni, but that doesn’t mean that The Testing has ended. Instead there’s a new type of initiation in order to be placed in an assigned field of study. The book features new obstacles and new potential enemies, while Cia still continues to deal with the old ones.

A large part of this book is Cia adapting to her new reality. As we saw at the end of The Testing, she doesn’t have full memories of what happened during The Testing, and has to rely on her own recorded memories to tell her what happened. She doesn’t want to believe that all those bad things happened, but increasing evidence and some recovered memories show her just how corrupt The Testing administrators are, and how the university runs much the same way.

I enjoyed watching Cia support the rebels by doing her own investigations. She’s a very logical and intelligent person, so having her trust her instincts and both fail and succeed in certain areas was interesting. I enjoyed the scavenger hunt type of induction that Cia and her classmates had to endure to enter their faculty, as well as the look at what the uni classes and internships were like. While there was definitely less of a romance in this book compared to the first, I didn’t feel like it was lacking in any way. I liked what we saw of Toma and Cia interacting, and how their relationship evolved under the circumstances.

As I said, this was such an exciting book, just as enthralling as the first. I love how Hunger Games-esque this series is in terms of theme, while still bringing completely unique things to the table, with the characters and the circumstances. I’m quite excited to see where things end up in Book 3, Graduation Day.

The Cover:
Like! (Though once again I think the UK cover is way more kick ass)

Rating:
[5/5]

Purchase Links:
Kobo | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Chapters-Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 512
Series: The Darkest Minds #2
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster.

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her.

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved The Darkest Minds, and I loved Never Fade just as much, if not more than the first book. In this second volume, Alexandra Bracken gives readers deeper world building: an even more in depth look at what things are like now and how they came to be this way. There’s a broader perspective shown as we’re introduced to a new group of people. While I very quickly grew to love this group, I was relieved and happy to keep track of the characters from the first book as well.

There are so many different reasons why this book worked for me. I love the way “super powers” are portrayed, the good and the bad. I love the journey of Ruby learning to hone and increase her abilities, and how she feels about them. I love the road trip element to these books, the journey and the action that takes place at every step. These books are long, but they don’t feel like it at all. They never drag, in fact they fly by. Mostly I love the relationships between characters, especially the friendship of two characters in particular. I love how the characters relate to one another, and the central story of Ruby’s personal journey.

Never Fade feels larger in scope than The Darkest Minds, as it takes on big issues. The characters want to fight back against the camps, and they’re trying to accomplish this while dealing with the outside world, but equally trying to avoid it. There’s just so much going on, and so much is set up for the third book, but it never feels too busy. The book is full of action and excitement, while still reeling you in with the characters and their individual emotions. I’m not often outwardly emotional with books, but Never Fade made me laugh and cry, almost equally. I can’t get enough of this series or its characters, and I’m so excited to see where Alexandra Bracken will take things next.

The Cover:
So gorgeous!

Rating:
[5/5]

Purchase Links:
Book Depository | Chapters-Indigo | Amazon.ca | Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 356
Series: The Internment Chronicles #1
Review Source: ARC from S&S Canada

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil.

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

My Thoughts:
This book has a very slow start. I was intrigued by the world and what was happening, and I was definitely curious where things would go, but I wasn't fully involved with the characters for the longest time. I think this is because the majority of the book is very internalized to what Morgan is thinking and feeling. Much of the book is her musings about Internment, the edge, below, and how she feels about her brother and the others in her life. There's a bit of a mystery as things are happening and we're wondering who is committing crimes and why. This added a bit of action to the book, and made me keep reading.

While I never grew to love Perfect Ruin, it became more and more engaging as it went on. I don't want to spoil where the story leads, because it is such a journey to get there, but toward the end there's a lot more action and things happening, rather than just ruminating about them. It’s a bit frustrating, actually, that the book ends right when things were getting incredibly interesting, even though it was a logical stopping point for the book. While the beginning was a bit rough, I did like the characters enough that I’ll be continuing on to Book 2 to see where things go, and to get some explanations.

The Cover:
I don't care for the photograph, but the illustrated design (which continues inside the book) is gorgeous!

Rating:
[3.5/5]

Find Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano on Goodreads, Book Depository, Chapters Indigo, Amazon.ca, & Amazon.com.

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill (Review + Giveaway)

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 368
Series: All Our Yesterdays #1
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
"You have to kill him." Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was.

All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.

My Thoughts:
This book is SO GOOD! Seriously, I’m finding it difficult to remember a comparable book where I found it so engaging right from the very beginning. I empathized immediately with the characters, and I was so curious to try and figure out their situation.

This book is full of twisty turny time travel, where the main characters are trying to prevent a horrible future from occurring. After trying so many other options, someone they know needs to be killed in the past, to save the future of the world (not a spoiler, as the synopsis tells you all about it). To kill someone before they’ve committed evil acts brings up all kinds of issues, both ethical and scientific.

‘All Our Yesterdays’ features a lot of gasp-worthy moments and tons of action. It’s also heartbreaking as you see the Marina, James, and Finn from the past and compare them with their future selves. You see what they're trying to prevent, but like Em you can't help but want to believe the best about people and hope for something better.

This book is incredibly emotional as you become tangled up in the well being of the characters. It’s a book where you’re never sure exactly how it will all turn out, as there are super high stakes and so many different options as to what might occur. I really loved this book! It was exciting, interesting, and intricately plotted. ‘All Our Yesterdays’ features an ending that is perfectly bittersweet, but still happy to a degree. This book works so well as a standalone that I didn’t even know when I read it that there would be a sequel. I love how the story is wrapped up, but I’m also really excited to see where things go in the second book. Highly recommended.

The Cover:
Love!

Rating:
[5/5]

Find All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

About Cristin:
Cristin Terrill is a young adult author and aspiring grown-up. She grew up semi-nomadic and graduated from Vassar College with a degree in drama. After getting her masters in Shakespeare Studies from the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon, she lived in London, Austin, Boston, and Washington, DC while working as a theatrical stage manager. Now she writes and leads creative writing workshops for DC-area kids and teens. All Our Yesterdays is her first novel.

Where to find Cristin:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

1 copy of All Our Yesterdays, US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE
Running August 20 - September 20, featuring reviews,
guest posts, interviews, and giveaways.

Cristin will also be participating in a Twitter Chat on September 17 (next Tuesday) at 6 pm EDT. Also taking part in the chat are YA authors Amalie Howard, Cheryl Rainfield, and Brian D. Anderson. All details can be found HERE.

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Pages: 336
Series: The Testing #1
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust

My Thoughts:
You know how every book involving any aspect or trace of dystopia or competition or post-apocalyptic gets compared to ‘The Hunger Games’? Well, ‘The Testing’ is the first read-alike to ‘The Hunger Games’ where I feel like it deserves that recognition: where the comparison actually makes sense. The set-up to ‘The Testing’ feels Hunger Games-esque, especially with a central government in charge of the different colonies. That being said, ‘The Testing’ definitely has a unique feel of its own, and it was different enough from ‘The Hunger Games’ to feel fresh and interesting.

The eponymous Testing is for students trying to get into the university in the capital city. These tests are very mysterious, but what they actually are becomes very real and quite horrifying very quickly. I was completely immersed in the book, reading the descriptions of the tests and the changes in the characters. I loved how smart and tough Cia, our main character, is. While romance isn't a huge part of this book, I still loved the slow burning relationship between Cia and Tomas. These characters had a past; they come from the same place, and even so their feelings were slow to come to the surface.

While I can see some people feeling like ‘The Testing’ is too Hunger Games-esque, for me it was perfect. I felt like it had the feel and spirit of ‘The Hunger Games’ without being a copy. Plus, let’s face it: ‘The Hunger Games’ wasn’t exactly original. The genius of the book was the characters and how the story was told, and I feel like Joelle Charbonneau accomplished the same thing here. I loved how this first book tells a whole story, and yet also ends with some major revelations and information to set up book 2. I, for one, cannot wait.

The Cover:
I like it, and I think it would be better in person, but I really love this UK cover.

Rating:
[5/5]

Find The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau on Goodreads, Book Depository (this is the UK version), & Amazon.