Lindsay's Waiting On Wednesday: Resist by Sarah Crossan

Resist by Sarah Crossan
Series: Breathe #2
Genre: Dystopia, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 400
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 8th, 2013

The sequel—and conclusion—to Sarah Crossan's Breathe. Three teen outlaws must survive on their own in a world without air, exiled outside the glass dome that protects what's left of human civilization. Gripping action, provocative ideas, and shocking revelations in a dystopian novel that fans of Patrick Ness and Veronica Roth will devour.
Bea, Alina, and Quinn are on the run. They started a rebellion and were thrown out of the pod, the only place where there's enough oxygen to breathe. Bea has lost her family. Alina has lost her home. And Quinn has lost his privileged life. Can they survive in the perilous Outlands? Can they finish the revolution they began? Especially when a young operative from the pod's Special Forces is sent after them. Their only chance is to stand together, even when terrible circumstances force them apart. When the future of human society is in danger, these four teens must decide where their allegiances lie. Sarah Crossan has created a dangerous, and shattered society in this wrenching, thought-provoking, and unforgettable post-apocalyptic novel.

Lindsay's Review: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins
Series: School Spirits #1
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy
Rating: ★★★
Pages: 297
Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 14th, 2013
Date Finished: August 5th, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.
Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.
Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt? 
Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as the New York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!

Lindsay's Top Ten Books She Wishes Had Sequels (4)

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly event created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week is books that I wish had sequels.

1. The Host by Stephanie Meyer

I know, it's a long book. Super long. But once it ends, it always, and I do mean always, leaves me wanting more. Oh so much more. I mean, come on, Meyer! You end it with the survivors finding another group that also includes an alien?

2. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

One of the main characters dies, two of them (one who was supposed to be gay but isn't) get together and then they find the note that threw the character over the edge. The End. WHY ISN'T THERE MORE?

3. This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers

They finally make it out of the city and towards the quarantine where the entire novel they wanted to go to. Then it ends. Need I say why isn't there any more?

4. Plain Kate by Erin Bow

It's been about a year since I read this novel and I still think of it time to time. There's something about it that just leaves me wanting more even though all the loose ends are tied. It's one of those feelings of what happens next? that I just can't shake.

5. Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mylnowski

April goes off to live with her mother. What happens then? Why isn't her story told? There are so many ends that were attempted to be tied up but in the end were hanging by threads. I want more. I NEED more.

6. I Heart You, You Haunt Me

I don't necessarily want a sequel, but even a novella of what happens to Ava after she gets rid of her boyfriend's ghost would be nice. I feel like the problem ended, but the recovery just started.

7. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

DOES HAZEL GRACE LIVE OR NOT? HOW DOES SHE DEAL WITH AUGUSTUS BEING DEAD? HELL, DOES SHE LIVE? YES? NO? TELL ME, PLEASE.

8. All You Get Is Me by Yvonne Prinz

Though the end was tied up, I feel like the finality to it leaves me feeling empty inside. I want more of Roar's story and how her and Forest's relationship works. I want to know what happens next summer. I'll read about her sleeping - I don't care. I just need more of this.

9. Identical by Ellen Hopkins

If you've read the book, then you were probably telling everyone you knew how shocking the ending was and how you scream what at the page a million times.

10. Reality Check by Jen Calonita

I don't know why there isn't a sequel being written. Obviously the ex-TV stars and the new two ones could fight and everything. There would be drama. Hell, I could write it without even planning. It was an easy book, why isn't there a real version?!

Do you agree? Disagree? Let Tori and I know in the comments! :)

Tori's Top Ten Books She Wishes Had Sequels (3)

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly event created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week is books that I wish had sequels.

I love standalone books, but these books are just books that I feel need a sequel. Or maybe I'm just not okay with the ending, hahaha.
This was hard though. Mostly everything I've read is part of a series.

1. Stolen by Lucy Christopher -- Okay, I have to admit that the ending to this was brilliant, but it's just not okay. I'm just okay with how this ending. What happens to Ty? What happens to Gemma? Do they live happily ever after? Does it end like Forbidden does?

2. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma -- I was no okay with this ending either. Seriously though. Who ends their book like this? Who tortures their readers with incest, forces them to fall in love with the brother and sister that fall in love, and then end their book the way Suzuma did? I don't know. I just don't know. But this book needs a sequel. Or an ending novella. Something.

3. The Death Cure by James Dashner -- Nope. I just wouldn't have it with this ending. No. No. No. No. No. No. The movie is coming out, right? When they premiere The Death Cure Part 2 (because, yes, everyone wants to split book three in half these days even if the book is only 300 pages), I hope they change the ending. They can do that right? Yeah, I hope they change the ending. I WAS NOT OKAY WITH IT. NOT OKAY.

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green -- I can't help myself. I had to add this. I have to admit that, yes, I was highly satisfied with the ending of this standalone, but still. I want to know what happens to Hazel after the ending. Will she be okay after that heartbreaking, heart wrenching, heart shattering ending? We will never know.

5. This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers -- This ending was barely an ending. Sure, they accomplished one of their goals, but literally 70% of the group died. Oh and don't forget the fact that they picked up a child at the end! OH AND DON'T FORGET THAT THEIR LONGTERM GOAL IS STILL WAY AHEAD OF THEM. Anything could happen on the way to a quarantined area. Just because you made it out of the school doesn't mean that you're A-Okay until the military base. Seriously though. There needs to be a sequel. Some type of closure. I just...that ending...it wouldn't do. It wouldn't do.

6. Every Day by David Levithan -- Alright now let's just take a moment to talk about how this book's ending was very open ended. A could've gone and learned new tricks about being a whatever the hell he is or he could've been killed by the evil priest dude. Hell, zombies could've taken over and A could've been trapped in a human-turned-zombie's body. Seriously. Sequel, please, Levithan.

7. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell -- What happens to Eleanor? What happens to Park? We don't know. All we're left with are four damned words. FOUR DAMNED WORDS. Just sayin'. I loved this book still.

8. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead -- More Rose and Dimitri. I don't care if I liked the ending. More Rose and ore Dimitri.

9. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare -- I was NOT OKAY WITH THIS ENDING. I WAS NOT OKAY. I demand a book about Tessa and Will to satisfy by Will withdrawals.

10. Through to You by Emily Hainsworth -- The ending was glorious, but I want to know what becomes of Camden and Nina! They're adorable together, and I just want to know how things turn out for them.

Well, that's my Top Ten Tuesday list for today! Let me know what books you wish had sequels in the comments (:

Tori's Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Series: The 5th Wave #1
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Rating: ★★★
Pages: 457
Published by Putnam Juvenile on May 7, 2013
Date Finished: August 5, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up

Lindsay's Review: Born At Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Series: Shadow Falls #1
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Vampires, Werewolves
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 398
Published by St. Martin's Griffin on March 29th, 2011
Date Finished: August 3, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams, Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…
One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.
Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

Tori's Review: Through to You by Emily Hainsworth

Through to You by Emily Hainsworth
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 272
Published by Balzer + Bray on October 2, 2012
Date Finished: August 2, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Camden Pike has been grief-stricken since his girlfriend, Viv, died. He’d give anything to have just one more glimpse of her. But when Cam visits the site of Viv’s deadly car accident, he sees an apparition. Her name is Nina, and she’s a girl from a parallel world. When Cam follows her there and makes an unbelievable discovery, it’s as if all his wildest dreams have come true. But things are very different in this other world. Nina is hiding a secret, and the window between the worlds is shrinking every day. As Cam comes to terms with the truth, he’s forced to make a choice that will change his life forever.

Tori's Review: Losing It by Cora Carmack

Losing It by Cora Carmack

Series: Losing It #1

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: ★★½
Pages: 204

Published by William Morrow Paperbacks on February 26, 2013

Date Finished: August 1, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Virginity.
Bliss Edwards is about to graduate from college and still has hers. Sick of being the only virgin among her friends, she decides the best way to deal with the problem is to lose it as quickly and simply as possible-- a one-night stand. But her plan turns out to be anything but simple when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy alone and naked in her bed with an excuse that no one with half-a-brain would ever believe. And as if that weren't embarrassing enough, when she arrives for her first class of her last college semester, she recognizes her new theatre professor. She'd left him naked in her bed about 8 hours earlier.

Lindsay's July Wrap Up / August TBR

 

Lindsay's Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay #1

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: ★★★½
Pages: 201

Published by Dutton Juvenile on April 6th, 2010

Date Finished: July 30th, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

On a day that started like any other,Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, admiring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. In an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the only decision she has left. It is the most important decision she'll ever make.
Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting, and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.

Tori's July Wrap-Up / August TBR

Tori's Review: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Series: Shatter Me #1.5

Genre: Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance

Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 103

Published by Harper on October 2, 2012

Date Finished: July 31, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Perfect for the fans of Shatter Me who are desperately awaiting the release of Unravel Me, this novella-length digital original will bridge the gap between these two novels from the perspective of the villain we all love to hate, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.
In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .
Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.
Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Series: Mara Dyer #3
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 464
Published by Simon & Schuster on June 3, 2014

The Retribution of Mara Dyer is the last book in the Mara Dyer Trilogy.

Lindsay's Top Ten Favorite Beginnings and Endings of Books (2)

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly event created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week is favorite beginnings and endings of books.

Beginnings:

1. Between by Jessica Warman

"Wet. It's the first word that comes to mind before I scream."  I absolutely love the beginning of this book. Not only is it suspenseful and creepy, but what happens is shocking. I knew what was coming and it still shocked me.

2. Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

I think it's more of the preface than the first chapter that gets me. Something about it is so intriguing that even though I've already read the book, each time I think about it  I just want to continue. But even the first chapter is fantastic. It hints around mystery that keeps you turning the pages.

3. Shadowlands by Kate Brian

I think the start of this book is amazing. Normally I hate when the start is in a different perspective than the rest of the book, however in this case I absolutely loved it. I was reading in the bad guy's perspective and rooting for the main character, whom I did not know was her just yet. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat, and to this day I'm still afraid of walking through a forest and this happening to me.

4. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

"Felicia Miller was crying in the bathroom. Again." The whole first chapter is just as quirky and entertaining as the first line. I could list of tons of quotes that made me laugh and kept me turning the pages, but to save you from spoilers, I'll direct you to read the first few pages. You won't regret it.

5. All You Get Is Me by Yvonne Prinz

"My mom always promised me she would keep me safe, and then she disappeared. My dad made no such promise." I don't know what it is about the start of this book that I love so much, but regardless, I do. I think it's the simplicity of it.

Endings

1. Between by Jessica Warman

I know, I already listed it as the beginning. However, the ending was so shocking, so jaw dropping that my brain could not process it as I read the last words. I was not expecting what happened to have happened. The person who caused the problem was never a thought in my mind.

2. Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

"...a perfect paper airplane." If you've read the book, you would understand the meaning in those few words. Each time I get to the end (which has been quite a handful of times) I sob like a baby.

3. The Host by Stephanie Meyer

The book ended with a lot of closure but so much more, "but what will happen next?" As soon as I read the last line I was almost in tears because I wanted more. One of my favorite books of all time, and no matter how many times I make it to the end, I'm still sad it's over.

4. This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers

I felt like this book ended with the ultimate goal achieved, however with great loss. Things were laid to rest, but more questions were raised. And the part when Sloane put her hand to the glass window with the zombies is such an amazing scene. I wish I could create such beauty in something so horrible.

5. The Fault in our Stars by John Green

I think the only thing I need to say is a sobbed like I just lost my entire family at the end of this book.

Tori's Top Ten Favorite Beginnings and Endings of Books (1)

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly event created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week is favorite beginnings and endings of books. No spoilers, I promise.

1. Beginning — Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much." This line is just so hilarious. The thank you very much part made me laugh out loud when I read this book.

2. Ending — The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. I can't exactly say what this ending was because it would be a major spoiler, but oh my god, this ending got me so bad. This ending. I swear. My feels. This ending. Only people who have read this book would understand my pain after I finished the last chapter.

3. Beginning — I Will Save You by Matt de la Pena. "I kept picturing it over and over in the pitch black of solidary confinement. With my arms and legs strapped down and my head taped in place so I can't move or barely even breathe." Just by reading this first line, I think to myself, why the hell is this kid (named Kidd) in solidary confinement? It's just intriguing, and I like that.

4. Ending — Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. If you've read this book, you will understand why I love the ending so much. I never knew that four words could make me so sad and happy and angry and relieved all at the same time.

5. Beginning — Stolen by Lucy Christopher. "You saw me before I saw you." 'Nuff said. Can you just sit there and admire at how amazing this first line is? It automatically drags me in, and makes me want to read this book for a second time. I'm lovin' it.

6. Ending — Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. I just have this obsession with Rainbow Rowell novels because she ends her book so beautifully, and the ending of this book was just so amazing, and I can't even.

7. Beginning — Saving June by Hannah Harington. "According to the puppy-of-the-month calendar hanging next to the phone in the kitchen, my sister June died on a Thursday, exactly nine days before her high school graduation." I don't know. The puppy-of-the-month calendar gets me every time, because it's just so hilarious that in a book that begins with death also begins with cute little puppies. I dig that.

8. Ending — The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. The last few chapters of this book were the most heart wrenching, that most heartbreaking, and most tear jerking chapters I've ever read.

9. Beginning — Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. "I'd always welcomed war, but in battle my passion rose unbidden." Okay this is just amazing, isn't it? War. War is always good in a book. So is violence (in my opinion, anyway). This book just begins with such a bang, you know? A good action scene to start off the plot is always good.

10. Ending — Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. Let's just be clear that I am not talking about the epilogue. The epilogue made me want to cry and rip my book in half (I am a diehard Will Herondale fangirl, bish). I loved the last chapter though. So amazing. And the ending? So beautiful. But just...understand that I wish I never read the epilogue. Just saying.

Tori's Review: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Series: None

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary

Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 323

Published by Dutton Adult on April 14, 2011

Date Finished: July 29, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Beth and Jennifer know their company monitors their office e-mail. But the women still spend all day sending each other messages, gossiping about their coworkers at the newspaper and baring their personal lives like an open book. Jennifer tells Beth everything she can't seem to tell her husband about her anxieties over starting a family. And Beth tells Jennifer everything, period.
When Lincoln applied to be an Internet security officer, he hardly imagined he'd be sifting through other people's inboxes like some sort of electronic Peeping Tom. Lincoln is supposed to turn people in for misusing company e-mail, but he can't quite bring himself to crack down on Beth and Jennifer. He can't help but be entertained-and captivated- by their stories.
But by the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late for him to ever introduce himself. What would he say to her? "Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you." After a series of close encounters and missed connections, Lincoln decides it's time to muster the courage to follow his heart . . . even if he can't see exactly where it's leading him.
Written with whip-smart precision and charm, Attachments is a strikingly clever and deeply romantic debut about falling in love with the person who makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Even if it's someone you've never met.

Tori's Book Haul | #1

I am so sorry that I haven't posted a review since last Tuesday! I've just been so busy lately, and I decided to make this post to make up for it. And so since I've somehow acquired 11--yes, eleven--books since last Wednesday, I will make a book haul. I feel as though it is my duty as a book blogger to post book hauls.

Yeah, I know book hauls mostly appear on YouTube, but I thought that I'd give it a whirl.

Lindsay's Review: I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
Series: None, however there is a companion novel called Chasing Brooklyn
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal, Poetry
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 227
Published by Simon Pulse on January 8th, 2008
Date Finished: July 24, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Girl meets boy. Girl loses boy.  Girl gets boy back.....sort of. Ava can't see him or touch him,
unless she's dreaming.
She can't hear his voice,
except for the faint whispers in her mind.
Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here.
Jackson.
The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with.
He's back from the dead,
as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

Lindsay's Review: Ten Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski

Then Things We Did by Sarah Mlynowski
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: ★★★★
Pages: 368
Published by HarperTeen on June 7, 2011
Date Finished: July 24, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house - parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

In this hilarious and bittersweet tale, Sarah Mlynowski mines the heart and mind of a girl on her own for the first time. To get through the year, April will have to juggle a love triangle, learn to do her own laundry, and accept that her carefully constructed world just might be falling apart . . . one thing-she-shouldn't-have-done at a time.

Tori's Review: The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkins

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Series: Mara Dyer #2
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: ★★★★★
Pages: 544
Published by Simon & Schuster on October 23, 2012
Date Finished: July 23, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.She can’t.
She used to think her problems were all in her head.They aren’t.
She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.She’s wrong.
In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?