Fiktshun's Soul Screamers Reading Challenge: Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Pages:  339
Publisher: MIRA Ink
Published: 6th of July 2012 (UK)
  
I died on a Thursday-killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school...  Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend. But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life...

What I Have to Say 

Rachel Vincent is so cruel to her characters. She hurts them viciously and makes me cry. This is why I love her books so much! I don't know what it is about me as a reader, but I love books that make me really upset for the characters. 

This series, it's just so good. I cannot wait for the next book, but it's going to be a whole year!! How can I wait so long? 


As I said in my review of If I Die, I was really interested to see how Kaylee developed after the end of If I Die and Vincent didn't disappoint! It's brought a whole new level to the character with the new powers she has and the new challenges she faces. And a whole new level of emotion :'( 


Her relationship with Tod is moving really fast too. I can see why, and the whole situation that she's in completely explains it. I like that it's moving fast, I think. It feels right. And I'm coming to terms with the whole Kaylee and Tod thing. I mean, I still think Tod and Emma would be wonderful together, but I've accepted him with Kaylee. 


All in all, I think that If I Die is still my favourite book in the Soul Screamers series. But Before I Wake is a brilliant follow up book and I can't wait for the next book. Though that will be the last in the series! :'( I don't want this series to be over!!!

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Synopsis (From Goodreads)

Pages: 448
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: 1st of October 2009

Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way…taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever.

What I Have to Say

It took me a while to get into this one. I found it a bit overly detailed, especially towards the start, but once I got the fact that it was a parallel of World War One, I managed to get into it. The fact is though, I get put off by too much political stuff in books. I appreciate that for some books it's needed, but if I have to process too much information in order to understand the book, then it just puts me off. 


I really do recommend this book though. Politics aside, the world he's created is just as creative and interesting as the Uglies universe. 


I especially like the Darwinists. It was a really interesting take on steampunk, to have the traditional steam powered walkers and then to have a different branch of technology running alongside it where they have used animals and evolution to create their tech. I haven't read much steampunk, but I have never heard of this idea before. Westerfeld is a genius. 


In all, I would recommend this book to steampunk fans especially. Also, people who are interested in History, especially the First World War. But anyone who likes sci fi can find a lot of enjoyment from this book really.

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Pages: 293
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: 19th of April 2011

EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED.

NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerising. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.

IF SHE FAILS...

What I Have to Say 

This was a really, really good book. It had a great storyline and the characters were interesting and engaging. It was so addictive and especially considering how much the was being kept from Kate, it was really not to keep reading until we found out everything!

Since I came to it with some knowledge of Greek gods, I found it quite hard not to try and work out who was who and look into things that weren't actually there. So I would advise you guys not to think too hard about what you know of Greek gods xD


So I would recommend this book to anyone who like a good YA dark romance. Also people who have an interest in Greek mythology.

Tomo: Friendship through Fiction: An Anthology of Japan Teen Stories by Holly Thomson

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Pages: 384
Publisher: Stone Bridge Press
Published: 6th of March 2012

This aptly named fiction anthology—tomo means “friend” in Japanese—is a true labor of friendship to benefit teens in Japan whose lives were upended by the violent earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011. Authors from Japan and around the world have contributed works of fiction set in or related to Japan. Young adult English-language readers will be able to connect with their Japanese counterparts through stories of contemporary Japanese teens, ninja and yokai teens, folklore teens, mixed-heritage teens, and non-Japanese teens who call Japan home. Tales of friendship, mystery, love, ghosts, magic, science fiction, and history will propel readers to Japan past and present and to Japanese universes abroad.

What I Have to Say 

As an anthology, it's obviously  quite hard to pull together a lot of stories that are really good, but on the most part the stories in this book are very good. Some are absolutely amazing. 


There are some lovely bits of Japanese folk lore in here. Which I always find really interesting. But there are other things if that's not your thing. Whether you would be interested in exploring how people recover from disaster, or just how teenagers cope with exploring identity. There'll be something in here to interest you. 


Also, I wouldn't normally be promoting something this strongly, but if you buy this book, a percentage of the profit goes to Hope For Tomorrow, a non-profit organisation in Japan that supports the ongoing relief efforts for Teens in Japan. So buying it would be giving money to a really good cause. And you get a great book out of it!

Fiktshun's Soul Screamers Reading Challenge: If I Die by Rachel Vincent

 

 There will be spoilers in this post from My Soul to Take, My Soul to Save, My Soul to Keep and my Soul to Steal! If you want to know more about the Soul Screamers books then check out my review of the first book in the series, My Soul to Take here! 

 Alternatively if you've already some of the books 

My Soul to Save is here!

My Soul to Keep is here!

And My Soul to Steal is here!

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Pages: 342
Publisher: MIRA Ink
Published: 27th of September 2011

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

Anything.

 What I Have to Say

...


Just give me a moment. I can't even think how to put into words the epic-ness of this book. 


It was just so sad and funny and shocking! And it made me look mental for reading it on the train! I kept gasping at the book and trying not to cry xD No one said anything but I'm pretty sure they were backing away slowly. 


Trying not to give away too many spoilers, but I have to say that I still think that Todd and Emma should have gotten together. They would have been amazing together! 


Todd is still my favourite character, but I really like Sabine too. She's so sarky and bitchy. I love it! :P 


I can not wait for the next book to come out! I need it now! 


Slightly cryptic note for those who haven't read it, but I can't wait to see how it all develops after everything that's happened. Vincent has really shaken things up! 


Never read this book on a train. Ever. Just trust me. I'm pretty sure I screamed out "No!" at one point...

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Synopsis (from Goodreads) 

Pages: 236
Publisher: Headline Book Publishing
Published: the 1st of January 2012

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan’s life. She’s stuck at JFK, late to her father’s second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley’s never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport’s cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he’s British, and he’s in seat 18C. Hadley’s in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver’s story will make you believe that true love finds you when you’re least expecting it.

What I Have to Say

I really loved this book. It was such a lighthearted read. Especially since so many of the books I read leave me crying, which is why I like them, this one was a welcome change. I could just read it and not have my emotions toyed with by a sadistic author.

I loved the characters and the humour. It made me smile.

There's not really much more I can say about it though! Just that it's really sweet and nice to read >< I would recommend it if you're looking for a comfort read. Maybe something to read on holiday (especially for the plane ride!!!) especially since it's so short, so easy to read in one sitting.

It's perfect for comfort reading!

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

Synopsis (From Goodreads)

Pages: 417
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Realised on: 2nd of October 2007
Other Books in this Series:
     Uglies
     Pretties
     Specials

It's a few years after rebel Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. "Tech-heads" flaunt their latest gadgets, "kickers" spread gossip and trends, and "surge monkeys" are hooked on extreme plastic surgery. And it's all monitored on a bazillion different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of "American Idol." Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules.

As if being fifteen doesn't suck enough, Aya Fuse's rank of 451,369 is so low, she's a total nobody. An extra. But Aya doesn't care; she just wants to lie low with her drone, Moggle. And maybe kick a good story for herself.

Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. Aya wants desperately to kick their story, to show everyone how intensely cool the Sly Girls are. But doing so would propel her out of extra-land and into the world of fame, celebrity...and extreme danger. A world she's not prepared for.

What I Have to Say

 

Extras was amazing! I loved it so much! Probably in part because it's set in Japan, but it was also really cleverly written. The change in culture was really smoothly done. I think it was partly because Westerfeld only changed it slightly. 

It's not too inaccurate, because especially in the future, the cultures will be very similar, because they're growing more and more similar as time goes on.  But at the same time, he's made it so obviously Japan. As well as also fitting in the fact that the society has developed quiet a bit since we last saw it with Tally. I envy Westerfeld's way of creating such unique and intricate worlds. 


I think it was also really clever to separate this book from the previous three. It was nice to have a few of the loose ends left from Specials tied up, and also from a different view point that Tally. It was great to see where the society went after the mind-rain. 


In my opinion though, this is the best book of the series, though that might just be because it's Japan ^^

This is the last book in the series, so I won't have a chance to say this again, if you haven't read this series then you are seriously missing out!