Review: Ask Me How I Got Here by Christine Heppermann

Title: Ask Me How I Got Here

Author: Christine Heppermann

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Release Date: May 3rd, 2016

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 4/5

Addie has always known what she was running toward. In cross-country, in life, in love. Until she and her boyfriend—her sensitive, good-guy boyfriend—are careless one night and she ends up pregnant. Addie makes the difficult choice to have an abortion. And after that—even though she knows it was the right decision for her—nothing is the same anymore. She doesn’t want anyone besides her parents and her boyfriend to know what happened; she doesn’t want to run cross-country; she can’t bring herself to be excited about anything. Until she reconnects with Juliana, a former teammate who’s going through her own dark places.

Once again, Christine Heppermann writes with an unflinching honesty and a deep sensitivity about the complexities of being a teenager, being a woman. Her free-verse poems are moving, provocative, and often full of wry humor and a sharp wit. Like Laurie Halse Anderson and Ellen Hopkins, Christine Heppermann is a voice to turn to for the truth of difficult subjects. Ask Me How I Got Here is a literary exploration of sexuality, religion, and self-discovery.

Verse novels are always a hit-or-miss for me. They can either completely immerse me in the story, or leave me feeling jarred and disjointed. For me, using verse in a novel needs to have purpose and be impacting. The words need to flow easily, lest they become choppy and distorted. Christine Heppermann's Ask Me How I Got Here is everything I hope for in a verse novel. It is touching, poignant, and moving, a must read for any young girl navigating this messy thing called life.

As most verse novels are for me, Ask Me How I Got Here was a very quick read. I flew through this story, barely glancing away from the page until I was done. There were a couple of poems that were real gems. Even though a part of the overall narrative, they stood out on their own. The writing work for me in so many ways. It was lyrical and powerful. I could feel the words seeping into my heart. It's one of those books I can see myself going back to, reading over again to feel the weight of those words.

As for the characters, Addie was really the focal point. None of the side characters I really connected with and that's okay. It wasn't their story. I appreciated how supportive Nick was of Addie, as well as how supportive her parents were. None of them knew exactly how to handle the situation, but they tried as best they could to be there for her. But, it wasn't always what Addie needed. Ask Me How I Got Here was her story, her journey, a snapshot into this moment in time and how it changed many aspects of her life. 

I appreciated how sex-positive the novel was. And how it wasn't a tragedy. Addie's abortion was something that affected her life, but didn't derail it. She was able to move forward from it, which I think is such an important thing to show in YA. She struggled to find her place in her religion, her relationships, and her future. Addie's journey is something I think many young women can relate to and a really important narrative. There is so much to unpack in this slender book. You need to read to read it for yourself to feel how impacting it is.

From a completely aesthetic point of view, this book is the whole package. The font on the cover is eye-catching and the color scheme is gorgeous. I love how representative of the book it is. Honestly, I keep staring at it! Combine that with the incredible story on the pages, I think Ask Me How I Got Here is definitely worth the buy.

A slim novel that delivers quite the punch, Ask Me How I Got Here is a powerful look at one young girl's journey through new relationships and choosing a life for herself. It wasn't a easy, light read but an important, thoughtful one I think every young woman can appreciate. I know I did. Heppermann is an author I will be keeping my eye on.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Harper Collins | Christine Heppermann 

Review: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Title: Everything, Everything

Author: Nicola Yoon

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September, 1st 2015

Source: ARC Received from Publisher in Exchange for an Honest Review
  My Rating: 4/5

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster. (Summary from Goodreads)

I have this really weird tendency to put off reading books I know I'm going to love. It's like I'm prepping myself to fall in love with them. It's the reason I haven't read some of my most anticipated books and the reason it took me forever to pick up Everything, Everything. I wish I had picked it up sooner though, because this book was just wonderful.

I definitely haven't read anything like this book before. Maddie's stark, colourless world was so jarring. Even though I knew the basic plot, for some reason I didn't expect how intense it would be. Maddie's harsh reality never seemed to deter her, and it was so interesting getting to read about her life.

Sometimes, I really questioned Maddie's choices. I was so worried for her and didn't understand why she was taking these risks. But, I reminded myself to take a step back. Because there is no way I could ever understand. I couldn't imagine living my life inside the same four walls everyday, never venturing outside or meeting new people. It made perfect sense that Maddie would be willing to take risks after living that way for so long. I loved watching her grow, and ached thinking off all the things she was missing out on. But I was also so blown away by the incredible person she was. Optimistic and caring, smart and hopeful, Maddie was everything I could have hoped for in a protagonist.

And then there was Ollie. What a thoughtful, loving, sweetheart. There was so much going on with him, and I enjoyed getting to know him. I loved watching their relationship develop online, watching them share and learn and grow together the only way they could.  Ollie didn't always agree with Maddie's choices, but he always let her make them.  The fact that he supported her and her right to live her own life, to make her own decisions was so incredibly important. Honestly, it made me so happy I wanted to hug the book.

I wish I had savored this book just a little bit more. I have a tendency to rush through books with short chapters and/or pictures etc. and don't take enough time to read every word on the page. Near the end though, I told myself to slow down and soak up every last word. And they were beautiful, inspiring words. This book reminded me how precious life is, and encouraged me to really live it. It made me want to run outside and experience the world. It reminded me how much their is to life, and how colorful and beautiful it can be. That's really what I love about books like Everything, Everything. They offer a glimpse into a world outside your own and fill you with inspiration.

The only reason this isn't a five star book for me is that I'm still unsure about the ending. I don't talk about spoilers on the blog, so I'll just say it was both exactly what I expected and nothing at all like I expected. Take that however you like!

Everything, Everything was just as wonderful as everyone said it was. I really think this is a book I will read again and again. It was beautifully written, wonderfully crafted, and filled to the brim with life. Read this book. You won't regret it.

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Nicola Yoon's Website 

Review: The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine

Title: The Impostor Queen

Series: The Impostor Queen (#1)

Author: Sarah Fine

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Release Date: January 5th 2016

Source: ARC Received from Publisher in Exchange for an Honest Review

My Rating: 4/5

Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by magical priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule.

But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found.

Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed. (Summary from Goodreads)

I'm not a big fantasy reader, I should say that up front. I'm usually drawn to contemporary books or more urban fantasy settings. But, when I read the description for The Impostor Queen, it really stood out for me. The hero of this story, the future queen, is an impostor? She's not really the 'chosen one'? Definitely not something you read everyday. Even with the unique concept, I kept expecting this book to fall into a typical fantasy plot line but it never did. It surpassed all my expectations and reminded me just how rich and wonderful high fantasy books can be.  

The pacing of the novel was a little back and forth. It started off slow, then really picked up and then slowed back down again. But, I didn't mind. I was invested in this story and was happy to be tugged along at whatever pace it went. I know this might be an issue for some people but seriously, it's worth the back and forth. This book is just so interesting. As I don't like to talk about any spoilers on the blog, I won't go into details about the plot. But I will say that I loved it. The magic and mystery, the folklore and fantasy all tied together into this intricate plot line that had me entranced. 

As I said earlier, I don't read high fantasy very often and I forgot just how long it takes me to read. It has nothing to do with the book itself, but the world-building as a whole always takes my brain so long to digest. But, once I was immersed in this world I didn't want to leave it. I kept thinking about the plot and the characters and couldn't wait to dive back in. I named this blog after those reads that keep you up past midnight, and this was definitely one of them. I kept telling myself "just one more chapter!" until I looked at the clock and realized I should have been in bed hours ago. 

It took me a little while to warm up to Elli, I won't lie. Although I adored how inquisitive and curious she was, I wasn't really sure what to make of her. She was so sheltered at first and it was intriguing to watch her grow into this powerful woman. She was determined and strong, always wanting her earn her place and fit herself into this new world. By the end of the novel, I wanted to reach in and give her a high-five. She was just such a great character.

Then, there's Oskar. Strong, quiet, courageous Oskar. I knew as soon as he appeared on the page I was going to love him. There are so many incredible things about Oskar, and about his relationship with both Elli and his family. But, the biggest reason I adored Oskar is because of his belief in Elli. He supported her, trusted her, and encouraged her. He believed in her even when she doubted herself. And THAT is something I love to see in a relationship. Seriously, I cannot wait to see where Oskar and Elli go in the next installment!

The other character I'll touch on is Sig. I found Sig to be such a fascinating character. I never knew what he was going to do, or whose side he was truly on. He was charismatic, but also villainous and I was glued to the page whenever he was on it. Characters who straddle the line between good and bad are always my favourites. And, as much as the things Sig did made me angry, he was definitely a stand out character to me.

I'm going to be anxiously awaiting the sequel to this one. Seriously, I would like to have the book in my hands as soon as humanly possible because I'm not ready to be out of this world. It's been a long time that I was THIS excited about a series and I really hope we get more soon. Check out The Impostor Queen! It's a fantasy not to be missed!

- Ciara (at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Sarah Fine's Website 

Review: The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi

Title: The Night We Said Yes

Author: Lauren Gibaldi

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: June 16th, 2015

Source: ARC Received from Publisher in Exchange for an Honest Review

My Rating: 4/5

A fun, romantic read, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Susane Colasanti!

Before Matt, Ella had a plan. Get over a no-good ex-boyfriend. Graduate from high school without any more distractions. Move away from Orlando, Florida, where she’s lived her entire life.

But Matt—the cute, shy, bespectacled bass player who just moved to town—was never part of that plan.

And neither was attending a party that was crashed by the cops just minutes after they arrived. Or spending an entire night saying “yes” to every crazy, fun thing they could think of.

Then Matt abruptly left town, and he broke not only Ella’s heart but those of their best friends, too. So when he shows up a year later with a plan of his own—to relive the night that brought them together—Ella isn’t sure whether Matt’s worth a second chance. Or if re-creating the past can help them create a different future.

In alternating then and now chapters, debut author Lauren Gibaldi crafts a charming, romantic story of first loves, lifelong friendships, uncovered secrets, and, ultimately, finding out how to be brave. (Summary from Goodreads)

I knew as soon as I read the synopsis for this book that it was one I was going to really like. It's all about friendship and second chances and hometowns and summer, which are some of my favourite things to read about. The Night We Said Yes was a touching novel that had me recalling some of those incredible summer days.

I got committed to this book very quickly. I sat out in the sunshine (got a sunburn) and read all afternoon. The story captivated me, and the characters were stellar. Ella was a wonderful protagonist that I could totally relate to, and her best friend Meg was caring and lovable. Jake frustrated me sometimes, but he had a good heart. Matt was the kind of guy I would've crushed on in high school, and he sure won my heart in this book. I shipped Ella and Matt pretty dang quickly, even though I wasn't sure what happened between them. They just had such chemistry, it was great to read about.   

The time-hopping set up of this novel worked really well. I feel like each chapter complimented the next and kept the story moving forward. In many books with this format, I find myself committed to one timeline over the other, but that was not the case with The Night We Said Yes. I loved getting both stories and seeing what things had changed and all the things that had stayed the same. There was only one moment in the book (which I talk about later) that was off for me, but the rest worked seamlessly. 

Reading this book was really nostalgic for me. It felt like going back to the end of high school and how hopeful and scary and joyous it was. This book captured that feeling so well. On a personal level, this book reminded me so much of my friends and some of the ridiculous things we did: going to see our friends play a gig, yelling in cars about boys, going on adventures through the town we knew so well, and feeling like we were on the cusp of something new and exciting. Although I've moved on from that (and sadly, from many of those friends) reading The Night We Said Yes reminded me of all those happy times and how incredible it can feel. I got a little teary at the end because it was a bit like moving on all over again.

Matt's explanation about why he left didn't sit well with me, for some reason. Maybe it was because it was unexpected, but something about it just kind of didn't work for me. It took me out of the story for a few pages, but I quickly found myself drawn back in. Because this story, for me at least, wasn't about why Matt left but about these friends and their story and how scary and amazing it can be to take a chance.  

After I finished The Night We Said Yes, I immediately went out and pre-ordered Matt's Story, the upcoming companion e-novella. I just wasn't ready to let go of these characters. I'm still not. I'm writing this review (well, the end of it) weeks after I finished the book and I'm STILL feel nostalgic about the whole thing. I can't wait to go back and read this one all over again.

Overall, The Night We Said Yes was a heart-warming, nostalgic, and just plain great debut. I am so excited to see what other awesome books Lauren Gibaldi has in store for us.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Lauren Gibaldi's Website 

Review: Last Year's Mistake by Gina Ciocca

Title: Last Year's Mistake

Author: Gina Ciocca

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: June 9th, 2015

My Source: ARC Received from Publisher in Exchange for an Honest Review

My Rating: 4/5

Before:
Kelsey and David became best friends the summer before freshman year and were inseparable ever after. Until the night a misunderstanding turned Kelsey into the school joke, and everything around her crumbled—including her friendship with David. So when Kelsey's parents decided to move away, she couldn't wait to start over and leave the past behind. Except, David wasn't ready to let her go...

After:
Now it's senior year and Kelsey has a new group of friends, genuine popularity, and a hot boyfriend. Her life is perfect. That is, until David's family moves to town and he shakes up everything. Soon old feelings bubble to the surface and threaten to destroy Kelsey's second chance at happiness. The more time she spends with David, the more she realizes she never truly let him go. And maybe she never wants to.

Told in alternating sections, LAST YEAR'S MISTAKE is a charming and romantic debut about loving, leaving, and letting go. (Summary from Goodreads)

Last Year's Mistake was 320 pages of emotions. From both the characters and from me. Because it didn't take long at all for me to become invested in Kelsey and David's story, to be so committed to it I ignored everything else until I was done. This was a great book, and a perfect one to take to the beach with you this summer. 

I've become a bit of a YA romance fan in the last couple of years (something I did not expect to happen!) and Last Year's Mistake was the perfect edition to my awesome-romances list. It was heart-wrenching at points, but also so sweet. I loved the alternating chapters that switched between the past and the present. The dichotomy of watching Kelsey and David's relationship develop and reading about why it was broken really intrigued me. The chapters complimented each other well, and kept me absorbed for the whole novel.

I think one of the things I loved about this book was that it wasn't easy. Kelsey and David's relationship was messy and complicated. There were other people involved, misunderstandings, and miscommunications. You kind of wanted to yell at them to just talk it out, but being in that situation versus looking in on that situation are two very different things. The way the story played out felt authentic to me. And it stayed messy. Because life is messy, and I really appreciated that Last Year's Mistake didn't shy away from that.

Of course, Last Year's Mistake had it's fair share of cliched moments, but that didn't really take away from the story for me. Once I hit about the 100 page mark, there was no going back for me. I wanted to see how this story would turn out, and I wasn't putting the book down until that happened. I just needed to see what was going to happen with this story and these wonderful characters.

Speaking of characters, I loved David from the start. It was pretty hard not too! He was sweet and funny and the chemistry between him and Kelsey was undeniable. I loved every scene they had together, even when it was heartbreaking. In some respects, I could really identify with Kelsey. She was pushed out and bullied by people she considered to be her friends, something I experience when I was in school. I could empathize with her need for change, as scary as that can be. She didn't always make the best choices (neither did David!) but she learned and grew. I was really glad we were able to see the story from her perspective!

Although I was pretty focused on Kelsey and David, I did have some feelings about the side characters. Candy, in particular, stood out for me. She was a really solid friend, lots of fun, and had a strong backbone. Just the kind of person Kelsey needed in her life. Vi was a pretty cardboard character to me. I didn't really get much from her, until the very end and even then it wasn't enough to make me feel for her. And then, there's Ryan.

At first, I was solidly Not A Fan of Kelsey's current boyfriend Ryan. He just seemed like your typical egotistical jock, and I was counting down the pages until he was out of the picture. And although I really disapproved of some of his actions, I started to feel for him at the end. He grew as the story progressed, and I could see where a lot of his actions were coming from. He was a really interesting character, despite my first impression.

Overall, I seriously enjoyed Last Year's Mistake. It had some fabulous characters and a complex and honest storyline that will definitely have me reading it again. Add this one to your summer TBRs, guys. You won't regret it!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Simon & Schuster's Website

Review: Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Title: Sisters

Series: Smile (#2)

Author: Raina Telgemeier

Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic

Release Date: September 1st, 2014

Source: ARC received for an honest review

My Rating: 4/5

Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and later, something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.

Raina uses her signature humor and charm in both present-day narrative and perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her sister, which unfolds during the course of a road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado. (Summary from Goodreads)

I first heard about Raina Telgemeier when I started working for Chapters almost two years ago. My coworkers mentioned Smile and Drama, highlighting them as one of the top graphic novels in middle grade. I was very curious! So, when I spotted a copy of Smile at the thrift store, I snatched it up immediately. I actually read it that day (in one sitting!) and loved every little bit of it. Fast-forward almost a year and I'm back at work. I noticed that my manager had an ARC of Sisters sitting on her desk. Oh so casually, I asked her if she was liking it. She said yes and asked if I wanted it, citing her busy schedule as a reason she couldn't finish it in time. I practically leaped on her to take it and read it the very next day. Sisters was the perfect follow up to Telgemeier's fabulous Smile and I loved every panel of it!

I've mentioned it before, but my only child status makes me constantly curious about sibling relationships. It was really interesting to get to dive right into the ups and downs of these two siblings. Raina and Amara bickered and fought and teased and yelled but they clearly cared about each other so much. Even when they were fighting, there was this connection between the two of them that was so easy to see. I loved the flashbacks of their life growing up, the little anecdotes that gave snapshots of their relationship. It really added an extra layer to the story and gave that overall look at how these two girls got to grow up together.

Although I don't have any siblings, I definitely can relate to the stress and insanity of a long distance family road trip, and wondering where you fit in within your extended family. Just like Raina, I felt out of place within my own family. I have a lot of older cousins (I'm the youngest by five/six years) and that age gap really affected me when I was a young teen. That age is just so rough in general, and I totally sympathized with Raina and how lost she felt. I think a lot of people, young and old, will be able to read Sisters and see bits of their own childhood in it.

Sisters was just such fun. I couldn't wait to read it and didn't want to stop once I'd started. Raina Telgemeier weaves such an enjoyable story with lovable characters; the illustrations are so well done and the dialogue is realistic, combining to create a great graphic novel. Sisters explores family dynamics, growing up, and those painful-but-hilarious childhood road trips with humor and heart and ugh, I can't wait for more from her.

Sisters is a quick read, lots of fun, and book I recommend you read. Get ready to laugh aloud and have your heart warmed, because Raina Telgemeier has crafted one great story.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Review: The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

Title: The Art of Lainey

Author: Paula Stokes

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: May 20th 2014

Source: ARC received from publisher for honest review

My Rating: 4/5

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be? (Summary from Goodreads)

Just like the relationships in this novel, my relationship with The Art of Lainey started off a bit rocky. I was even considering breaking up with the book at one point because things didn't seem to be working out. I stuck it out though, and I am so dang glad I did. Because The Art of Lainey was adorable, sweet, funny, and swoony and just the kind of summer book I love to fall in love with. 

We didn't always have such a solid connection, though. The opening chapter had me doubting if I was going to even be able to finish. Lainey started off as egotistical and shallow, two characteristics I cannot stand in a person (or character). I knew she was going to progress, but I wasn't sure I cared enough to read on. Slowly but surely though, I started to see her change, and found myself excitedly flipping the pages to see the ultimate outcome. It is enchanting to be able to watch a character grow and change throughout a novel, and I loved getting to watch that in Lainey. She became a character I truly cared for. She grew on me, page by page, until I loved every little bit of her.

The other thing that had me unsure about the book was the initial writing style. The first hundred pages I found to be a bit forced. I could see the effort to connect to the reader and that made me unable to immerse myself in the story. I just couldn't quite get into the writing. But, just like Lainey, the writing improved and I was soon staring at every word just to soak it all in. This progression, both in writing and character, made the book that much more interesting. I could see the changes happening, and couldn't wait to get to the end to see how it would all come together.

And, then there's this kid. His name is Micah and he is twenty shades of awesome. Don't you just love those guys that are genuinely good? And, he may not look like a sweet guy on the outside, but Micah's heart is pure gold. He was witty, and fun, caring, and intriguing. He was a bad boy but one that you can root for (and one you hundred percent ship the girl with)! His scenes with Lainey were delightful and heart-warming. They were both characters I would love to be friends with.

Once I got past the initial rockiness, I had so much fun with The Art of Lainey. I was laughing and smiling and loving it. I think this is going to be one of those books I reread because I just had such a good time reading it! AND, something I absolutely loved was that Lainey was a soccer star! I was a massive tomboy as a child, and soccer was my sport of choice. I played for years and still get a rush anytime I get to be on a soccer field, so I adored reading about Lainey's love of the game. It was really refreshing!

The Art of Lainey was just the kind of book I love to read on those beautiful summer afternoon. The characters were just adorable, and the story was capitvating and fun, full of growth, self-discovery, love, and just a dash of hope. Simply put, a perfect combination.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight) 

Find This Book: Chapters/Indigo | The Book Depository | Goodreads | Paula Stokes' Website

P.S. I was also lucky enough to be a part of The Art of Lainey blog tour! Check out my post! 

Review: Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

Title: Nantucket Blue

Author: Leila Howland

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: May 7th 2013

Source: Borrowed ARC

My Rating: 4/5

For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams.

Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t.

When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer.

But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality.

A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue. (Summary from Goodreads)

I went into Nantucket Blue knowing nothing about it. Seriously, nothing. From the title I got that it was set in Nantucket, and the cover looked exactly like the beach read I was craving. I went into it hoping I would get a light book, filled with fun, heart, and some romance and that's exactly what I got. Nantucket Blue was the perfect beach read.

I have put "spend a summer on Nantucket" on my list of things I need to do after reading this book. It simply sounds like such a stunning place. One full of possibility, opportunity, and lots of beaches. It was the perfect backdrop to this story all about growth and change. Cricket (besides being owner of an awesome name) was cute. There wasn't anything ultra memorable about her, but she was a fun character to narrate the book. I wanted things to work out for her, and she was a good person. Cricket was someone to root for and I really wanted to see how her story would play out.

Nantucket Blue had a lot of different plot points, and Cricket had to deal with some emotional and difficult issues. She had a very strained relationship with her mother, and found solace in Jules' family. But when they suffered their own crisis, and rejected Cricket in the process, she really had to learn to stand on her own two feet. Her friendship with Jules had me all over the place! I was sad and angry, then happy and laughing. They both dealt with their grief in very different ways and it was hard watching their friendship fissure because of it. There was a point in the book where I paused and thought "um, what plot am I supposed to follow?" There were so many different things going on and I could not figure out how they were all going to come together. Thankfully, I had an aha! moment and by the end, the plot had tied up in a neat little bow. And it was great! I really liked how everything came full circle and there weren't a lot of plot points left dangling.


Speaking of plot points, the romance itself was a bit unexpected. At first, I thought it was going to be with her school boy crush Jay. Then, when that seemed to not be the route, I thought maybe it would be an illicit romance with her boss. But no. The romance was, in fact, with the person I least expected. When we first meet Zach, he's that adorable quirky younger brother of Jules. I thought he was cute, the kind of guy that would grow up to be a heart-breaker. But, as the story progressed, I saw that my initial judgement of him was wrong. He already was pretty mature, and well on his way to being a heartthrob. The relationship he had with Cricket was sweet, and caring. They were a well-matched duo, that had me smiling throughout. It was a surprising romance, but one I really enjoyed.

Nantucket Blue was a fun, heart-warming novel about family, friends, and learning to stand on your own. Definitely a book to read this summer!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Review: Nameless by Lili St. Crow

Title: Nameless (Tales of Beauty & Madness #1)

Author: Lili St. Crow

Publisher: Razorbill

Release Date: April 9th (Canadian)

Source: ARC received from Razorbill for an honest review

My Rating: 4/5

When Camille was six years old, she was discovered alone in the snow by Enrico Vultusino, godfather of the Seven—the powerful Families that rule magic-ridden New Haven. Papa Vultusino adopted the mute, scarred child, naming her after his dead wife and raising her in luxury on Haven Hill alongside his own son, Nico.

Now Cami is turning sixteen. She’s no longer mute, though she keeps her faded scars hidden under her school uniform, and though she opens up only to her two best friends, Ruby and Ellie, and to Nico, who has become more than a brother to her. But even though Cami is a pampered Vultusino heiress, she knows that she is not really Family. Unlike them, she is a mortal with a past that lies buried in trauma. And it’s not until she meets the mysterious Tor, who reveals scars of his own, that Cami begins to uncover the secrets of her birth…to find out where she comes from and why her past is threatening her now.

New York Times bestselling author Lili St. Crow thrilled legions of fans with her dark paranormal series Strange Angels. Now she has crafted an evocative update of Snow White, set in a vividly imagined world and populated by unforgettable new characters. (Summary from Goodreads)

When I read a Lili St. Crow book, I expect a few things. Things like a new and original concept, interesting and complex characters, and a story that is going to have me desperate to know what happens next. Nameless had all of that in spades.

There have been a lot of re-tellings in the YA genre recently, but Nameless surpasses most in pure creativity. There are jacks and Twists and charms and Potential, and a whole number of other things in this crazy world. At first, it was a bit overwhelming. The reader is thrown head first into this brand new world with no explanation. For the first few chapters I was trying to figure out just what the heck was going on. After some much needed back story though, I found myself immersed in this world and able to follow along with the lingo. And my goodness, was I into this book. I could not wait to figure out what was happening and found myself flipping pages like a madwoman. This world was so intriguing and complex, I wanted to unravel all the different layers. I was also so invested in the characters, I just wanted to make sure they got their happy ending!
 
Cami, though, I went back and forth with. At the beginning, I adored her. She was quiet, but strong, a girl not really in her element but trying hard to make it her own. Her relationship with Nico, which I'll gush about later, was both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. As the novel progressed though, I found her to be a bit lacking. I expected a lot from her, and I wasn't entirely sold on how she handled the last half of the book. The last few scenes had me smiling again, and I have hope that she'll be awesome in the next books. Tor, on the other hand, I could not stand. I know, he's supposed to be mysterious and likable. But, to me, he was simply irritating and irrational. Eventually, he came around, but I still could not shake my initial dislike of him.

And now onto the love interest. Oh, dear Nico. Now HERE is a couple that was giving me feels left and right. They were so compatible, so caring of one another. They just seemed to match. Cami with her quiet perseverance was the perfect balance for Nico's quick temper. They knew how to help each other, calm each other, and work together. Every time they had a scene together, my heart was give off these little squeezes. I cannot wait for more of them!

Although Lili St. Crow re-imagined this classic tale and made it all her own, it was still really cool to notice all those subtle hints of Snow White in Nameless. And Snow White wasn't the only fairy tale represented in this novel. There are hints of many others woven into the story, and I'm very excited to see if they're explored more in detail in the next two books!

Nameless was exactly what I was hoping it would be: imaginative, consuming, and heart-pounding. I am desperately awaiting the next installment in this brilliant new trilogy!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Lili St. Crow's Website

Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian (Lux #1)

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Release Date: November 23rd 2011

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 4/5

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Oh, man. I resisted this book for so long but I was no match for it. I was sucked in from the start and soon found myself frantically flipping pages to get to the end. I was told this book would be addicting but I didn't get it until I was at work wonder what Daemon and Katy were up to and decided to sneak in a few pages during the downtime. Obsidian pulled me under and I don't think I'll ever find my way out.

I have to give Jennifer L. Armentrout her kudos. She wrote not only a highly addicting book but created a ridiculously creative concept. You don't see a lot of alien books in YA, but I would totally love lots more! I was hooked for page one and I couldn't wait to figure everything out. I was completely immersed in the story line and nothing could get it out of my head. I adored the idea, was falling pretty hard for the characters, and found the dialogue to be superb.

Katy was such an awesome protagonist. I loved her quick wit, and that she never backed down. She wasn't going to let people walk all over her, and she always had something to say. Her little quips had me in stitches and wanting to give her a high-five. She was the perfect person for this story and narrator I couldn't get enough of. And then there was Daemon. My emotions for this boy were all over the place. On one hand, I was ready to punch him clear across the face for being such a mean guy. But, there were moments when I was practically melting from his swoon-worthy-ness. I knew that all the jabs and barbs he threw out had reason behind them. I wanted to find out more and to see what was behind the egotistical, angry Daemon Black. The tension and banter between him and Katy was captivating and adorable. I loved that they were able to just trade hilarious insults back and forth. As much as they both tried to deny it, their chemistry was undeniable.

And this is the part of the review in which I confuse you. Because there were a bunch of things I didn't like. Katy's narration was awesome. She is a firecracker with tons of sarcasm and hilarity. As I said, the dialogue was awesome but I had a lot of issues with the description and the writing as a whole. It needed some work, and brought me out of the story at parts. There were also a few minor plot holes that had me going "wait a second" and messed with the flow of the book. Another part that had me head-desking was Katy constantly calling Daemon some variation of "jerk". I get it. He's a jerk. I'm reading the dialogue too. I get that you two don't get along but is it necessary for you to tell me every other page? No, it really isn't. It was getting very repetitive and frustrating. I know it's a part of the story and character development but it was overdone. I also felt parts of Katy's personality were forced. There would be little bits of it thrown in randomly, then never mentioned again. I felt like there were just thrown in there to appeal to the audience when, really, they had nothing to do with her. Just like her "progression". Katy kept talking about become this "new" person, but she was the same the entire book. Her apparently change in personality was simply talked about, never really shown, which didn't make it believable. It was just another part thrown in there to appeal to the audience. Also, the end scene had me thrown for a loop. It felt like everything got turned on it's head for no apparent reason.

Overall, Obsidian was exactly what everyone said it would be: insanely addicting. I literally went out an bought Oynx midway through reading and have already devoured it. Although the series had some low points for me, I really enjoyed it. These characters are so great, and this concept is awesome. You can't go wrong with aliens!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Jennifer L. Armentrout's Website 

Review: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Release Date: May 8th, 2012

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 4/5

What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

I will say this up front: I didn't really want to read this book. If you know me, you'll know I'm an absolutely huge Mortal Instruments fan (been reading them for five years, have lines memorized, recommended it to everyone I know, am obsessed). You'll also know that my love of the series dimmed after City of Fallen Angels. I didn't like it. I hate saying that. It actually feels like a stab when I say it but it's true. I didn't like City of Fallen Angels. And I didn't want to read City of Lost Souls because I didn't want to be disappointed again. And at first, I wasn't a fan. The storyline wasn't my favorite, and I was getting annoyed with my favorite characters. But, slowly and surely, Cassandra Clare won me over and now has me desperate for the finale.

The plot was constantly moving and involving in this book, but not always for the better. For a portion of this book I wanted to change the name from City of Lost Souls to Clary Fray Needs to Make Better Life Choices. Seriously, this girl was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome while wearing rose-coloured glasses. It was getting a bit ridiculous, and I wasn't such a happy camper. But, Clary Fray lived up to my high expectation of her in the end, and I went back to loving her with abandon. I understand that what happen had to happen, but it took a bit of getting used to. I loved the plot of the first three, so it's a bit hard to completely love this one. I can tell that this one is going to build and build and will end with a bang though, which is keeping me on edge.

I have an honest investment in these characters. I've loved them for years and truly CARE what happens to them! So, my emotions were running on high throughout the novel. Clary and Jace were just ripping my heart to shreds both in anger and in love.They've been through so much and I adore them as a couple. I get all warm and fuzzy whenever they have scenes together. They're fantastic characters with real depth and beautiful strength and I've loved watching them grow throughout the series. Then there was Simon and Izzy. I've always liked both of them, but this book made me want to sing there praises from the rooftop! They were absolutely fabulous. I couldn't get enough of the hilarious banter, undeniable chemistry, and those little glimpses of their uncertain sides of them. Isabelle is so fierce yet she has a soft fragile core that's been hurt over and over again. But she keeps fighting and I admire her for it. Simon makes me laugh out loud constantly but it was great to see the more serious and lost side of him. Magnus will forever be one of my favorite characters and he didn't disappoint in City of Lost Souls. Alec, on the other hand, caused my already iffy opinion of him to plummet. He just made poor decision after poor decision and I can't even feel bad for him. Finally (cause really, I could go on about the characters in this novel for days) there's Sebastian. You have to understand: I was a HUGE Valentine fan. Not in a "Woo Valentine! Destroy the Shadowhunters!" way but in a "Wow you are a brilliant entrancing villain and such a fantastic character" way. So, although I think Sebastian is much more sinister than Valentine (like, my skin crawls whenever he's in a scene) he isn't a character I am as interested in. That said, he's a great villain in general and I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of havoc he brings to the story.

The things I will always bow down to Cassandra Clare for are her boundless imagination and perfect dialogue. Creativity she has in spades and she never fails to bowl me over with it. City of Lost Souls was very well thought out, interesting, and imaginative. Her dialogue was superb. Each character has their own unique voice and I feel like I can visualize them perfectly. Cassandra Clare is a skilled, skilled writer and she did fantastically with City of Lost Souls. She made me committed to the story. I was addicted at one point, staying up until the wee hours of the morning because I had to know what was going to happen. Even in the slower moments the story flowed well and I was always interested in reading it (even if I was angry at it).

City of Lost Souls restored my faith in this series, and I really did enjoy it. It made me feel all the emotions across the board which I think is an accomplishment. I'm happy I read it...although the wait for City of Heavenly Fire might just break me.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

P.S. If you haven't seen the City of Bones trailer yet....you should do that....like NOW.

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters-Indigo | Goodreads | Cassandra Clare's Website 

Women of the Otherworld Challenge (2): Stolen

Title: Stolen (Women of the Otherworld #2)

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Random House Canada

Release Date: December 24th, 2002

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 4/5

Even though she's the world's only female werewolf, Elena Michaels is just a regular girl at heart -- with larger than normal appetites. She sticks to three feasts a day, loves long runs in the moonlight, and has a lover who is unbelievable frustrating yet all the more sexy for his dark side. Like every regular girl, she certainly doesn't believe in witches. Then again, when two small, ridiculously feminine women manage to hurl her against a wall, and then save her from the hunters on her tail, Elena realizes that maybe there are more things in heaven and earth than she's dreamt of.

Vampires, demons, shamans, witches -- in Stolen they all exist, and they're all under attack. An obsessed tycoon with a sick curiosity is well on his way to amassing a private collection of supernaturals, and plans to harness their powers for himself -- even if it means killing them. For Elena, kidnapped and imprisoned deep underground, separated from her Pack, unable to tell her friends from her enemies, choosing the right allies is a matter of life and death. (Summary from Goodreads)

(Note: This is an ADULT book. I don't usually review adult books on the blog, but I'm making an exception solely for the Women of the Otherworld Challenge)

Man, these books are addicting. I know that I read them each in a day the first time around, but what I forgot was the pull these books have! Every time I put Stolen down I was drawn to pick it right back up again! I may have known what would happen next, but I was captivated nonetheless. Kelley Armstrong, you are one amazing author.

Stolen introduces readers to the real Otherworld, which is populated with much more than just werewolves. Witches, necromancers, half-demons, sorcerers, shamans, and even vampires all exist in this story, and it throws Elena and the Pack for a bit of a loop. I really liked that Armstrong added all these supernatural races to the mix, and enjoyed learning about them in this novel. 

I remember being a bit disappointed with Stolen the first time I read it because there wasn't enough Clay (hey, what can I say, I love that Southern drawl!). This time, I really loved being able to learn more about Elena, and see her develop as a character. I enjoyed watching her stand up for herself, and keep her head together (for the most part) when in such an intense situation. I loved that she was calculating and strong, always looking for a way out of her peridcament instead of just accepting her fate. I felt myself being more passionately angry over what Elena was subjected through at the hands of these twisted scientists, and warped mogul. I just kept waiting for the tables to be turned on them, and hoped Elena would be the one to do it. 

As I said earlier, I loved that Kelley Armstrong added in a whole range of other supernaturals, but I wasn't a huge fan of Paige the first time around. I found her to be very bossy and irritating and she just generally rubbed me the wrong way. My, how my view of her has changed because this time reading it, I adored her. Yes, she was still over-bearing and haughty but at the same time she was fierce and rebellious. I could see how strong and passionate she was about being a witch and doing the right thing, which made me really love her. I also happened to adore small and defiant Savannah, who despite being twelve, never seemed to back down.

Stolen was the amazing, action-packed follow-up that I had been hoping for and much more. I loved the new characters, passionately hated the villains, and had an awesome protagonist to root for. Another amazing installment in one of my all-time favorite series!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads | Kelley Armstrong's Website

Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Title: Masque of the Red Death

Author: Bethany Griffin

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Release Date: April 24th, 2012

Source: Borrowed ARC from friend

My Rating: 4/5

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her. (Summary from Goodreads)

Gothic horror is not a genre I usually dabble in. There isn't too much out there, that I know of at least, and the horror genre in general makes me wary. When I first heard about Masque of the Red Death I was intrigued. It had a very interesting concept, some Gothic elements thrown in, and a stunningly gorgeous cover. I knew I had to read it. And I'm very glad I did. 

To start off, I love broken characters. I might even love them more than kick-ass heroines. Broken characters are utterly complex and interesting. They have things to overcome, which makes their (hopefully) eventual triumph that much sweeter. And broken characters are so real. They have heart, they have weakness, but they also manage to find hope in the darkest places. So, I loved Araby from the start. A guilt-stricken girl seeking oblivion through drugs and dress-up, Araby grabbed me from her first words. My heart broke for her and I wanted desperately for her to simply forgive. But she wasn't the only distraught character. It seemed that every person in this novel had a secret or two, many of which defined their whole lives. This wasn't a very happy novel, but desperate and dreary, each character barely clinging to life and knowing that every moment could mean their death. A horrific situation that made one heck of a plot. And some very interesting relationships.

Normally, when love triangles are involved, I can choose a guy. Very easily no less. And, although I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, this one kept me intrigued for the simple fact that I couldn't choose. At first, the tattooed and surprisingly sweet Will was a clear favorite. He was the kind of character I just instantly fall for. But then Elliot came along and surprised me. At first, I was not a huge fan. He was arrogant and forceful, which I absolutely can't stand. But soon, he started growing on me. The arrogance turned to pain and the forceful attitude turned loving. And by the end, choosing between them was impossible. They were both great characters, and swoon-worthy crushes.

The story was really bleak. But also so interesting. The setting was kind of a mix of all different places and periods, and the steampunk element was so well done. I totally wish I got to walk around in a crazy ripped corset dress all day. Although, if I had to wear a mask and deal with an awful plague, I would pass. Because wow, what a terrible and disturbing disease these characters had to face. I was sickened and disturbed about how terrible the world, and the people, had become in Masque of Red Death. The Weeping Illness, and the Red Death, killing so many, the terrible dictatorship the city was under, and the hope that everyone had lost in living. But not all hope was gone, and that's something I loved. The novel could pull you down, but there was always just that little niggling of hope. The fight that still hadn't gone out of some characters, despite the situation they faced. Up-lifting, and something I couldn't help but cheer for.

The author seemed to use a minimalist style when it came to the writing. Which isn't an negative, since I've often found myself loving those kinds of books. The problem I had was the minimalist writing led to some disjointed scenes. I found myself confused about how one scene bleed into the other, and how characters came to certain choices and conclusions. Araby was well developed because of the internal monologue in the novel, and the boys Elliot and Will as well because of their interactions with her. But I found other side characters, especially April, to be confusing. I liked her, but I couldn't put my finger down on what time of personality she really was. I have a feeling though that the kinks I wasn't such a fan of will all be cleared up in the second book.

Overall, I really enjoyed Masque of the Red Death, and I cannot wait for the sequel. I also absolutely adore the cover. I mean, talk about gorgeous! If you're looking for some Gothic horror, complex characters, and lots of steampunk, look towards Masque of the Red Death.

- Ciara who is lost at midnight

Find this book: Amazon | Goodreads | Bethany Griffin's Website