The Eternity Cure - Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) - Julie Kagawa
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Description taken from Goodreads
~ * ~ * ~ *

It's very rare for me to say I enjoyed the sequel more than the original but I'm going to say it now. The Eternity Cure was such an amazing ride and (in my opinion) more enjoyable than The Immortal Rules.
Crazy Vampires, murderous humans, street rats, mole men, rabids plus a new breed of horror, this book had it all.

I liked the pacing of this book. Things were happening straight off the bat and continued throughout the novel.

It starts where The Immortal Rules ended, with Allie searching for her sire Kanin who has been kidnapped and tortured by the crazy Vampire Sarren. What follows is an awesome ride full of surprise encounters and fast paced action.

I loved Allie in this book. She has really grown into her vampirism and she has become this kickass heroine. She's not afraid anymore. She knows who she is and what she believes in and won't let anyone stand in her way. Which for me is a sign of a great female character.

Now onto the boys... While I'm a huge Kanin fan, Jackal stole the show for me in this book. His constant sarcasm, taunts, threats and smart ass comments were hilarious. I'm not sure how Julie did it but I could almost forget all the horrible things he had done in the first book. It's like he started with a clean slate, and I really liked him. Can't wait to see what he's like in the next book.

Speaking of the next book- can I have it now?! Please! The ending of The Eternity Cure will leave you with your mouth wide open in shock. To end a book like like- Julie, that was just plain mean! Brilliant but mean. It will leave you desperate for the next book.

I loved The Eternity Cure and would definitely recommend it. 5/5 stars!


Below are a couple of links you might be interested in:

The Trailer for The Eternity Cure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgUDAtC9x7Q


The Official Page for Blood of Eden

http://bloodofeden.com.au/


Many thanks to Harlequin Teen for review copy and links

Kerrie

Originally Posted on Goodreads

Sweetly - Jackson Pearce

Sweetly (Fairytale Retellings #2) - Jackson Pearce
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.

Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.

Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.

Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry. (Description from Goodreads)

~ * ~ * ~

Jackson Pearce has captivated me again with her fabulous fairytale retellings! I love that she seems to pick the less obvious tales - not that people have never heard of Hansel and Gretel (or Little Red Riding Hood) - but they're not the first ones people draw from. Sweetly is exactly the sort of story I adore.

For brother and sister, Gretchen and Ansel, life has always been about living in the shadow of tragedy. After losing Gretchen's twin sister in the woods by their house while they were just little kids, nothing in life has seemed stable. When their stepmother throws them out when she's no longer legally required to look after them, it becomes just another twist in their existence...until they stumble upon the little town of Live Oak and their world is turned upside-down. I loved how the beginning was set out, there was the obvious 'witch' talks and a modernised "bread crumb" trail of lollies and a desperate need to stick together - as all Gretchen and Ansel had were each other.

I thought Gretchen was a really nice main character. While she was a tad timid at first, used to hiding from her past, she grew into herself so much. As someone who has always sort of believed in the supernatural, she accepts the twists and turns she comes across almost too well - but it is fiction and it didn't bother me much. I loved that she adopts a take-charge attitude as the story continues. She discovers there's a mystery in Live Oak where teenage girls are going missing each year and Gretchen decides she doesn't want to just sit back and watch it happen again - she doesn't want to be one of the missing. I love the change you see in her.

I know you're all wondering: So where's the witch with the gingerbread house, liquorice windows and chocolate doors? Well she certainly turns up, but not quite in the way I expected. We meet Sophia Kelly soon after Gretchen and Ansel arrive in Live Oak. Sophia's a mysterious young lady who runs a chocolatier out of her house, but it's obvious she's keeping secrets from the rest of the world. Flitting between emotions and desperate to host a chocolate festival for the young girls of Live Oak, Sophia confuses you from start to finish. I'll admit I had no idea what to feel when it came to Sophia. I was convinced she was the evil witch one minute, and worried I was judging her too harshly the next; like I was trying to force her into the role of the witch because I knew the story of Hansel and Gretel demanded the witch with the lollies would be the enemy. I liked that this storyline was unpredictable that way. In Sisters Red there were obvious plot twists that jumped out at me from the start, and while I did pick some of the direction for Sweetly, Sophia remained a mystery to me the whole book.

One of my favourite parts of reading Sweetly was seeing the connections to Sisters Red. We haven't left the Fenris (werewolves) behind, they're still there, still attacking girls and still causing a lot more trouble than you'd like. And even better, there's even a Reynolds boy on the scene: Samuel Reynolds. No actual mention of Silas or Papa Reynolds, but when he says he comes from a family of woodcutters and hunters you're pretty sure he's part of the same bunch. I loved it! Samuel is an incredible love interest (because you know that's what he'll end up being instantly) He doesn't fall immediately in love and he doesn't spend every waking moment trying to convince Gretchen she should stay in the pretty-girl world and let the man look after her. There is no one man who saves the day, this is definitely a Girl-Power book - but with a nice supporting role for Samuel. He was written in a way that let Gretchen shine while he stands by her in everything she does. It was perfect.

I really loved this book and I'm desperate to get my hands on the next one: Fathomless (and not only because it's a Little Mermaid retelling - my favourite fairytale)

5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Drowning Instinct - Ilsa J. Bick

Drowning Instinct - Ilsa J. Bick
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

There are stories where the girl gets her prince, and they live happily ever after. (This is not one of those stories.)

Jenna Lord’s first sixteen years were not exactly a fairytale. Her father is a controlling psycho and her mother is a drunk. She used to count on her older brother—until he shipped off to Afghanistan. And then, of course, there was the time she almost died in a fire.

There are stories where the monster gets the girl, and we all shed tears for his innocent victim. (This is not one of those stories either.)

Mitch Anderson is many things: A dedicated teacher and coach. A caring husband. A man with a certain... magnetism.

And there are stories where it’s hard to be sure who’s a prince and who’s a monster, who is a victim and who should live happily ever after. (These are the most interesting stories of all.)

Drowning Instinct is a novel of pain, deception, desperation, and love against the odds—and the rules.

Description taken from Goodreads
* ~ * ~ * ~ *

If you like books that are a little bit dark, that pull at your emotions and makes you question ‘right’ from ‘wrong’, that isn’t afraid to bring up the big issues such as depression and abuse (just to name a few) then you’ll love Drowning Instincts by Ilsa J. Bick.

I loved the start of this novel. It begins in the ER, where a Detective is trying to question a victim who was rescued from a freezing lake. Unfortunately the “victim” isn’t talking and so the detective leaves her with his recorder “I need the story, Jenna. I need the truth.” From her response I knew I was going to love this novel: “Right. Like the two are the same thing.” The fact that Jenna is in the ER and talking to a Detective automatically means things ended badly, but I had no idea just how bad things would get.

Jenna’s story begins about a year before the ‘incident’, and you instantly learn that this was not Jenna’s first near death experience, or even the first time she’s meet Detective Robert ‘Bob’ Pendleton. To say Jenna has had a shocking childhood is an understatement. Her father is a manipulative, abusive, evil man (I couldn’t see one redeemable quality in him), and her mother only cares for herself. Her brother, whom she loves, enlisted and so she is alone in this terrifying world. It isn’t any wonder that Jenna suffers from depression. Then she starts a new school and meets Mr. Anderson. He’s always there for her when no one else is, he looks after her and protects her. There’s just a few problems. He’s her married, much older, Science teacher.

What I loved about Jenna was that she was trying. She was trying to get her life back on track. She was trying not ‘to cut’ to make herself feel better. She was trying to take control of her life and make decisions. The fact that in her recordings to Bob she would stop the story at different junctions and admits if she had made a different choice at this point in her life things would’ve ended differently- she wouldn’t be in the ER now, she wouldn’t be telling her story to Detective Bob- brings a sense of foreboding to the reader. In fact, that sense stays with you throughout the entire novel.

In other books I’ve read that deal with confronting themes usually end with…..well, if not a happy ending, then one that leaves you with a little hope. Not this one. The ending left me feeling anxious and confused. I still have questions that I want answered, and I found myself turning the back pages thinking ‘this can’t be it’. I guess in a way it had to end like that, but at the same time I feel like I don’t have closure. I find that I can’t stop thinking about Jenna.

Drowning Instincts is a truly dark, gripping, compelling read. It is one that will continue to haunt you long after you finished.

Loved it. 5/5

Kerrie



Originally Posted on Goodreads

Hidden - Marianne Curley

Hidden (Avena #1) - Marianne Curley
Grade: YA
Rating: 4/5 stars

Ebony has always known that she is different. Her violet eyes mark her out, and her protective parents have kept her in a gorgeous valley, home-schooled, safe from everything - almost as if she's being hidden. But she's changing: glowing, getting more and more beautiful, and stronger than anyone knows. Ebony can't stay hidden for ever, and when she meets complicated, intense Jordan, something explodes inside her - something that can be seen from the heavens; something that changes everything. Ebony is a stolen angel, concealed on Earth. Now the heavens have found her, they want her back. (Description from Goodreads)

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I really enjoyed reading Hidden. I’m a fan of angel books, but have a hard time finding new ones to actually pick up, even though I know they’re out there. So when I was given a copy of Hidden I hoped it would be an angel book I’d fall in love with. And it definitely gets double thumbs up in my books.

The moment I opened the pages of Hidden I was intrigued. Main character, Ebony Hawkins, is going through a strange time. She feels like she’s way too different from the people around her, and her parents won’t seem to answer the questions she has about herself. Enhanced hearing, sight and smell, amazing strength and an ability to run a lot faster than anyone else at school makes Ebony determined to not be the focus of attention in any way possible. But after a stumble literally pushes Jordan Blake, a guy from Ebony’s school, into a wall, Ebony finds her life changed in unbelievable ways. I didn’t know what to think about this beginning. Ebony and Jordan are so different both in personality and presence. Ebony is tough and determined. She defies her parents to claim some sort of independence and keeps this need to be in control of her actions throughout the entire book. Where as Jordan came off as the weaker of the two characters. He just never seemed to get it together. Their differences made everything stand out more.

I found the beginning of the book was a bit slow. Ebony and Jordan, despite going to the same school, don’t know each other when they first meet, which makes things a little tricky because a fair bit of the novel involves both characters searching for information about each other. From a reader’s point of view, we pick up on the clues a lot quicker than the characters do – Ebony and Jordan, unfortunately, suffer from cluelessness for a lot of the book, but I sort of enjoyed being in the know before them. It made all the revelations that much more exciting.

I liked the split POV because it meant we got to see more than just Ebony’s story – even though she was the most important character in the book. If we hadn’t been focusing on Jordan too, we wouldn’t have been introduced to most of the angel side of the story. I really liked the mystery that surrounded Ebony and her angel connections. Stolen at birth and hidden on earth, Ebony’s history is unknown. I was desperate to find out why she’d been taken and who from her previous life would save her. The angel and demon storyline (even though it wasn’t completely “demon” like) gave the book an extra danger. Though some aspects of the angel history seemed brushed over, it still made the story very interesting.

The romance in the story was a neat little twist. I went into it thinking the focus would be entirely on Ebony and Jordan, as main characters with shared POV and narration...then Thane entered the scene and I was all: Jordan, who? Thane is amazing. His feelings for Ebony were obvious from the start and I waited impatiently to see what would come of them. Despite Ebony’s apparent connection to Jordan at the start, I couldn’t ignore the attraction that came from Thane, or the way he stood out as a presence in the story. His role was so important. Thane really made me smile.

I loved that the ending was a mix of action, mystery and closure. I’m dying to see Ebony learn to fight a bit more – I want her to join in the action. And I definitely won’t say no to more Thane! Can’t wait for book 2.

4/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Song in the Dark - Christine Howe

Song in the Dark - Christine Howe
Grade: YA
Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Where do you end up when you have nowhere to go, and no one to turn to?

Paul isn't thinking clearly. After destroying a series of relationships – with his friends, his flatmates, his mum – he finally hurts the one person he cares about most of all. And then he runs away.

An extraordinary and heartrending story of love, betrayal, addiction and hope. (Description from Goodreads)
~ * ~ * ~

If you picked up this book thinking it would be a light, contemporary read, you'll be disappointed. Song in the Dark is a gritty and confronting read that details the downward spiral of a troubled Australian boy and it's a bit tricky to deal with at times.

I went into this story thinking I was going to get something a lot different to what I received. The blurb doesn't give you a lot to go off, but I was definitely thinking this would be a story of self discovery and making something better of yourself. The main character, Paul, struggles to be more than he can be. The drug addiction, lack of money, and lack of a strong family and friend support group makes his troubles difficult to overcome; and when he disappoints his only loving family member - his Grandmother - he runs. I had mixed feelings about Paul. I wanted to feel sorry for him for having such a screwed up life, but I had no sympathy with all the drug taking and stealing. I feel like he didn't progress much as a character for the majority of the book: feeling sorry for himself and failing to commit to, and accept, help from anyone. It took a very long time for him to get anywhere in the story, and I don't feel like we really got a conclusion for his eventual efforts.

I liked seeing the flash back scenes we got from Paul, as well as from his grandmother Hetty, who shared the narration perspective for some the novel. I had this strong desire to find something positive in Paul's life and these scenes showed that his Grandmother was that something. It did make it hard to accept the present Paul a bit, because he had someone good in his life, but I enjoyed seeing these scenes.

The novel is very descriptive, but not always for the better. At first I thought Paul's actions, whether the drug taking, violent sicknesses or insane struggles, were powerful to read. To get such a strong reaction from a reader, the disgust at the thought of someone finding maggots in recently cooked food and preparing the next hit of a drug, the writing had to bring out more than just shallow emotions. It so jarring and commanding. But unfortunately it started to get a bit overdone. I wanted something more than the disgust. After seeing it at the start, and understanding that was happening, it needed to be left behind. But we're overloaded with these strong and detailed descriptions of Paul's dark and gritty life, that it became a bit too much for me.

I enjoyed seeing the rehab side of the story, because it brought about a change and progress. I felt that the ending was a bit uncertain, but at least things were looking up after the tough and slow process of the majority of the book.

2.5/5 stars

Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Thank you Penguin Australia for a review copy of this book.

The Indigo Spell - Richelle Mead

This year, we decided it was time to embrace our Two Girls and a Novel name and host a monthly joint review. As best friends, we tend to read the same books anyway. We usually avoid double reviewing, but now we have a way to both discuss out reviews and what better way to start than with the author and world that brought us together 3 years ago  (is it only 3 years? - feels longer) That author was Richelle Mead and her fabulous Vampire Academy world – only this time we're coming together to discuss Bloodlines and The Indigo Spell!

So, without further ado: the first Two Girls and a Novel review :)
(to make it easier to follow, Kerrie's thoughts are in RED, and Kim's are in BLUE)

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) - Richelle Mead
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 stars

I don’t know about Kerrie, but I was nervous, but excited, about going into The Indigo Spell. I love Richelle Mead, but the previous book (The Golden Lily) didn’t quite live up to expectations for me. I was worried about what to expect. I’m so happy to say TIS was more than I was hoping for. 
Overall I loved this instalment. I adored all the romance, and the plot was always interesting- never a dull moment in Sydney's world.

The magic – we all knew it was coming, and this book was definitely all about the magic. I loved that Sydney isn’t avoiding it this time around. I was done with watching her freak out after every little spell and claiming everything was evil. I loved that there was a specific magic plot to the story. It made it more real, not just something Sydney might have a hand in exploring. The “vampire” side of things was of downplayed though. There was only one mention of blood potentially being consumed in the novel, and it wasn’t from anyone in the main Bloodlines group, it was sort of strange – it’s like the vampires were forgotten. 
Yes, I was thinking the same thing! It feels like this novel has moved on from the Vampires and now focuses on the 'human' side of things. I must say I miss the Strigoi. I loved how they made the novels darker. You can be afraid of the Strigoi-they kill with no hesitation (poor Mason). When they're around you worry because things become life or death. I'm not afraid of the humans. The witches could technically kill you but they look unthreatening so your not afraid, and the Alchemist just send people to rehabilitation. After Rose and Victor proved that you can escape maximum security prison, being locked away by the alchemist doesn't worry me at all.

Got to say the romance was one of the highlights for the book, wouldn’t you agree? I think we were all holding out for Sydney and Adrian to finally get together. Adrian said some of the sweetest (and craziest) things when it came to wooing Sydney. I love that guy. 
Yes, I agree. I felt like this was more a romance novel compared to VA (and I know I really shouldn't compare the two- but its hard to do since its the same world). I loved that Sydney and Adrian spend practically all their time together, and when Adrian's not around, Sydney's still thinking about him. It was extremely cute. And I can't believe I'm saying this but.... Adrian made me swoon.

I was surprised at how little Alchemist involvement there was. I know they’re still a big part of the story, but after the Warriors of the Light encounter in the last book, and what with Sydney being on an Alchemist assignment; but they weren’t in it as much as I thought they were going to be. 
I agree. They were still there but not as much as what I was expecting. Perhaps we'll see more of them in the next book.

Can’t go past mentioning Rose and Dimitri – on the same page, at the same time! *insert happy screaming* 
I had the BIGGEST GOOFYEST smile on my face reading about them. We need another short story. Can't get enough of seeing Rose and Dimitri finally together out in public!

Disappointments? A little concerned a few things were forgotten in this one – like Strigoi/Spirit exploration. There was no mention of it this time around and I was hoping we might see a bit more about the potential cure. And the backlash from Jill getting her face in the modelling book – I know there was mention of how she’s still in danger, but not nearly as much focus as in the first two books. 
I do have one little complaint. I was slightly disappointed with the ending. I mean, its the 3rd book in a Richelle Mead series. That usually automatically means one of two things- either my jaw is going to hit the floor or I'm going to need tissues.
Eg: Succubus = cried and wanted to commit murder
Dark Swan = mouth dropped open. Hatred for Kiyo, heart broken for Dorian
VA = cried like a freaking baby!
But in The Indigo Spell neither happened. Yes I was slightly peed off but that was it. Of course after I finished this I got told that its actually the next book that has the dramatic ending, so now I need to prepare myself for that one.



Now onto the favourites!

Favourite Line? 

“I’ve said over and over, I’d do anything for you. I just keep hoping it’ll be something like, ‘Adrian, let’s go hot tubbing’ or ‘Adrian, take me out for fondue.’”“Well, sometimes we have to – did you say fondue,” Sometimes it was impossible to follow Adrian’s train of thought. “Why in the world would I ever say that?”
He shrugged. “I like fondue.”

Do I go for most swoon-worthy:
"I'm going to just go on loving you, even if its hopeless."

"I'm not a warrior or a goddess."
"As far as I'm concerned, you're both".

Or ones that made me smile and laugh:
"Abe used colour to offend the sensibilities."

"You're not as much of a lost cause as she was. I mean, with her, I had to overcome a deep, epic love with a Russian warlord."

'AYE'
"Isn't that what pirates say?"

Favourite Character with most growth?

Ok. Everyone who knows me knows I was never an Adrian fan. From the moment he stepped into the scene in Frostbite I took an immediate dislike to him. It wasn't until recently that I took a step back and asked myself why that was. (And no it wasn't because he was hitting on Rose all the time, when she clearly belonged with Dimitri.) I realised that when I was reading Frostbite, it was the time in my life where I was surrounded by "Adrian" types. The ones who would go out all the time, drinking, smoking, picking up girls, and have no real direction in their lives other than to "have fun". I had enough of those types of guys in real life, I was ready for the strong, dependable man. So I took offense to Adrian. He followed me into my escapism. But here's the thing. These boys eventually change. They grow up, and just like in real life, Adrian grew up too. I noticed it in Bloodlines but it wasn't until now, in The Indigo Spell, where he became this amazing, strong, dependable, romantic man "whatever you need to do, I'll support you." I can officially say after reading The Indigo Spell that I love Adrian! (*whispers* Dimitri's still my main man though).

Sydney...totally Sydney. It’s sad to admit, but I wasn’t a Sydney fan in The Golden Lily. I thought she was way too against everything. I was so happy to see her embrace the magic side of things, to distance herself from Alchemist thoughts, and to finally start acting for herself. She was so fierce in this book. I loved her!


Favourite New Character?

I don’t really know who was my favourite new character. There weren't that many new characters introduced in The Indigo Spell. The obvious one would be the mysterious Marcus Finch, but he didn’t really do it for me. I’m too caught up in all the old characters.

Hopper. I want a Hopper. He was so freaking CUTE!


Favourite existing Character?

I can't decide who my favourite existing character was. I honestly loved them all in this novel, but for the sake of answering this question, I'm going to say Eddie. He's always so strong and dependable. He's just the sweetest guy - the type you only want happiness for.

Without a doubt Adrian stole the show. His crazy lines, dedication to Sydney – his ability to make you swoon like mad – even for non-Adrian Fans from the VA side of things (I’m looking at you Kerrie). He’s got crazy awesome skills. I’ll admit I was a little sad he was on the pages so much – and I know that sounds crazy, but I wanted the chance to miss him so much that when he popped back into the action we’d scream from excitement. But at the same time, I’m so glad he was caught up in all the aspects of the plot; joining Sydney on her dangerous magic tasks, and supporting her through all her decision and making much needed hilarious comments. (I do have to give an honourable mention here to Wolfe for his role in the end of the novel – excellent words of wisdom.)


Favourite Romantic Moment?

For me it has to be the Dream Walking. It’s not always about the kisses, but about what the guy will do to keep the girl safe. And boy did Adrian do a lot to help Sydney in these dreams.

When we first thought up these questions I had no idea just how much romance would be in this novel. I liked it all. Sydney and Adrian spend a lot of time ALONE together and majority of the time it was pretty smoking hot- and that is all I will say on this matter.


Favourite Action Scene?

A certain dream sequence... oh wait- That was meant to be a question about a different kind of "action". My mistake.

Seriously though, The Indigo Spell did have a different style of action. It focussed largely on Sydney's magic abilities and so there were plenty of scenes where she practised defensive and offensive spells. I quite enjoyed reading those scenes, especially the one that produced a little friend. But, I also liked the more dangerous breaking and entering scenes. It was good to see Sydney taking risks. 

Like Kerrie, my favourite action moments were the magic lessons. It’s more of a pre-action scene but I loved them! Sydney throwing around fireballs made me think of Christian and his magic lessons, but Ms Terwilliger does do a really good job of pushing Sydney into Action-Mode.


Most Frustrating Character?

I want to say Ian, because they way he spent most of his scenes falling over himself to please Sydney was just pathetic, but the character that annoyed me the most was Marcus. I really didn’t like him. He bursts onto the scene and instantly signs Sydney up for dangerous tasks and a drastic life change. And then he seems upset when she doesn’t melt at his smile and charm. It just put me off that he was so sure that she’d follow him and his cause without question.

Sydney's youngest sister. She frustrates me. And you just know she's going to be trouble.


Overall rating:
I’d definitely give this one a 5/5 – fantastic book. 
5/5 for me too- loved it!

Kim and Kerrie

Unravel Me - Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) - Tahereh Mafi
Grade: YA
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our lips touch and I know I'm going to split at the seams. He kisses me softly then strongly like he's lost me and he's found me and I'm slipping away and he's never going to let me go.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. A place for people like her - people with gifts - and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from the Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch. Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

Haunted by her past, terrified of her future, Juliette knows that in her present, she will have to make some life-changing choices.
Choices that may include choosing between her heart - and Adam's life. (Description from Goodreads)


~ * ~ * ~

After the incredible success of Shatter Me, the amazing emotions of Destroy Me and the endless talk from my closest book friends, it's not hard to believe that I was desperate to get my hands on Unravel Me. Aussie cover disappointment aside - I really enjoyed this book, even with a few hiccups, it was a good sequel; which was great considering the YA world has had a few sequels that miss the mark a bit.

We start the book two weeks after Juliette, Adam, Kenji and James are accepted into the life of Omega Point. The high of finding other talented people is starting to wear off and Juliette is left wandering how she can begin to control her power - or if she even wants to. I found these moments to be very slow. Not a lot of information was given to Juliette about the Omega Point lifestyle and she spent way too much time hiding and trying to escape the idea of using her gift to help - and hurt - people. I did feel sorry for her. She's been thrown into many different situations and just expected to go along with the bigger plan: Used by the Reestablishment as a weapon or used by Omega Point at the big power that's going to stop the Reestablishment - but either way she's being used. I felt like she hasn't been given the chance to make up her own mind and I kept hoping she'd stand up for herself more.

I was sad at the pace for the first half of the novel. I just kept wanting more. We do get a few twists and turns, but not enough to make the wait for the next step more bearable. I kept wishing for something major to pop up to turn the book around. The biggest save for the novel came in the form of Warner, but he doesn't feature much in the first half. Fortunately, I got my wish through someone else. The person that saved the beginning of the novel was Kenji. He was loud and enjoyable in the first book and even more so in Unravel Me, even if there were a few moments when I wanted to shake him for things he said.

I really enjoyed the potential for destruction in this book, with Omega Point and the Reestablishment preparing to wipe each other out. It was so uncertain, there was no way of knowing which side was going to come out on top. Juliette doesn't really get caught up in the thick of the fighting, but we do get to see the danger through her eyes. I'm looking forward to seeing how it's all resolved in the final book.

Unravel Me is very much a book of weaknesses. Unfortunately that was true of both discovering many characters' vulnerabilities, as well as people just being weak - the main three being Adam, Castle (the leader of Omega Point) and sadly Juliette. I hate when I don't love a main character as much as I want to, but it's hard to enjoy the story when Juliette won't stop feeling sorry for herself. All the crying and st-stuttering was drying me mental. Add to that Adam, who was pretty useless all book and Castle, whose dedication to making Omega Point a refuge sometimes clouded his judgement - I just couldn't stop shaking my head. The exception to this was Warner.

Warner. Warner. Warner. I did go into this book with massive expectations for Warner's role, so my opinions might be swayed, but he brought out so much emotion and so many reactions for me. Oh, I just adore him! He's one of those characters you can't help being intrigued by, and while not everyone might love him, we all want to know more about him. I was crushed, broken and beaten emotionally by Warner's openness and actions. I wanted to hold him and never let him go. We did discover a few of his weaknesses in this book, but that just make me love him more. He's no longer this twisted ruler - he's so much more than that. With a few interesting twists and a mass of secrets being revealed around him, Warner helped raise my opinions of Unravel Me!

Like Shatter Me, the ending leaves you wanting more. Not so much a cliffhanger, but a game changing moment. I have absolutely not idea how this series is going to end, but I'm excited.

4.5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)