YA Watch List: March 2013

YA Watch List is a feature on Books Worth Remembering. In order of release date here are my personal picks of new YA releases that you should watch out for and add to your TBR pile (Click on the pictures to be taken to their Goodreads page)

Which new releases are you looking forward to this week? Are any of these on your TBR list?

Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Pages: 327
Series: The Selection #1

Publication Date: April 24^th 2012

Publisher:  HarperTeen

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. 

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.  

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. (Goodreads)

The Selection is one of those books that sneak up and completely surprise you. I know there were a lot of mixed reviews for The Selection so I went into it with low expectation but was extremely and pleasantly surprised.

I loved America, her narration is consistent and her dogged determination stays with her throughout - this desire to stay the same person instead of selling herself out to win this luxurious life was the reason I rooted for her. The historical background of this new society was briefly touched on but was incredibly intriguing and unique because a back story as to how these dystopian societies evolved is often neglected. Another world building aspect I enjoyed was the Caste system, a new take on class hierarchy; this creates the emotive and competitive drive between the girls, giving more substance to their constant bickering because even if they don’t get to marry Maxon they still get a better Caste rating and therefore a better life.

Despite the impending love triangle there is a nice balance between the romance and other plot points, I especially enjoyed looking at the rebels, another unique aspect to YA Dystopian.  All of this creates quite a layered novel which was what thoroughly surprised me. Another highlight for me was America’s family. I loved looking at her family dynamic, from her older and younger siblings to her bickering parents who reminded me of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, with America’s mother driving her dad crazy.  

Overall I would describe The Selection as a guilty pleasure, something light and easy to read that had me smiling all the way through. I speed through The Selection in next to no time, it is incredibly addictive. If you want to read this novel, I would say go in open minded and you will be pleased. 

I cannot wait to see what will happen next in The Elite which is published 23^rd April 2013

Book Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Immortal Rules

Author: Julie Kagawa

Pages: 485

Series: Blood of Eden #1

Publication Date: 24th April 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for. (Goodreads)

The novel starts with a hanging scene – which is not a sentence you get to say every review – that reflected the barbaric society in which this story is set in perfectly. I loved the world building that Julie Kagawa created with the mole men, the sectors, the inner city and, my personal favourite, the rabids, which were more or less zombies. All of it was really dark, gothic and truly terrible which made you connect even more to Allison’s struggle.

Our protagonist, Allison, is everything you want in a heroine, strong yet compassionate and just a general badass and as a human I loved her. But where the story fell down for me was when she was turned into a vampire. I know that that was the main plot of the story, that it was Allison adapting to this new life but I felt like the thing I loved most about Allison was her humanity – the flawed struggle of a girl in need became a confusing journey to discovering life as a vampire and I found that the two halves to this story didn’t connect.

Another main issue I had was there was a lot of info – dumping concerning the mechanics of becoming a vampire and how that worked;  I found myself re-reading many passages because I just couldn’t make sense of it and I felt that all of the information was being told to me, opposed to shown.

Despite this I loved the writing style which made certain scenes, like the hanging and the scenes in which Allison is almost killed and then turned incredibly dramatic and compelling. Another character I liked was Zeke, the ‘love interest’ and how the romance didn’t completely dominate the storyline. I also liked the aspect of travelling outside of the city which showed another aspect of this world, all of which lead up to incredibly fast paced ending.

Overall The Immortal Rules is incredibly well written novel with a promising start and an exciting ending but for me the middle let it down - it wasn't a smooth and easy read and took me quite a while to finish.

My Top 10 Best Books of 2012

As the year ends it comes down to the obligatory 'Best of' lists and I thought I'd join in with mine. I read 80 books this year, some of which were amazing and some... well not so much. By trying to stick to the positive here is my top ten favourite books that I read in 2012 that I highly recommend everyone should read because they are just that awesome.

(These are in chronological order in which I read them not in order of preference. I love them all equally for different reasons!)

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

As a Nerdfighter I had been eagerly awaiting the release of John Green's fourth book and I have to say it didn't disappoint. With a beautiful heartbreaking storyline and writing that is pure perfection I literally cannot understand anyone who would dislike this book. All I can say is that The Fault in Our Stars didn't forget to be awesome and if you haven't read it yet GO NOW! YOU NEED THIS LIKE YOU NEED AIR!




2. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

This book definitely lived up to the hype surrounding its release. I loved Mara's narrative voice and all the twists and turns and creepy happenings made sure you never knew what was going on and whether Mara was sane. 

You can read my review here



3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

This book is the epitome of 'Don't judge a book by its cover' Anna and the French Kiss will surprise in so many ways, not only in how likeable Anna and St. Claire are but just how great their romance is. A thoroughly addictive book - I was so annoyed that I had to go to sleep, I was like 'Sleep stop getting in the way of me reading this book' 

You can read my review here


4. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly 

Revolution was a book I picked up in the library on a whim because of my sister's recommendation. Once again I thank all the deities for my sister, she is the best (See no. 8 of this list) because Revolution is A - freaking - mazing - that's right the expletive infixation is totally necessary. I loved Andi's voice and her humour and want to be her best friend. I loved how clever and witty the writing is and the whole backdrop of the French Revolution all of which make this book a must read.

You can read my review here



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

Despite the redonkulously long title this book was another surprise.  At the recommendation of John Green (his word is like gospel to me) I read this wonderful book and fell in love. It is a quick, easy but fabulous love story that had me smiling and crying and all doing all the things great book should do (such as make you unable to put it down) 

You can read my review here



6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

I read Graceling at the recommendation of Harmony from Harmony's Radiant Reads she is wax lyrical about this book and I took that as a sign. Graceling is the first high fantasy I've read in a while and it was awesome. Katsa was a BAMF of a protagonist, the world was wonderfully complex and the storyline a joy to read.

You can read my review here


7. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

I cannot sum up how much I loved Divergent, it isn't nothing that it was the first book I ever chose to review on this blog (sidenote: can you guess who gave me Divergent? Yup, my sister - see what I mean about her being amazing?) and Insurgent didn't fail to deliver as a sequel. It lived up to my expectations and so much more. I loved looking at the other factions and the paintball scene! I'm just gonna go out there and say it - the best sequel I've ever read. 

8. Wet Moon series by Ross Campbell

This is one of the hardest books for me to write about. Wet Moon was once again a recommendation of my sister (who is completely obsessed with all things Ross Campbell and rightfully so, he is awesome) and it completely blew me away. With beautiful art, the most unique and wonderful characters (all of whom I love and want to be best friends with especially Trilby, Mara and of course Meiko - I'm gonna go out there and say it - best fictional cat ever.) and so much more! I cannot articulate my love for these graphic novels. They picked me up so many times when I was down and made me laugh and cry (Ross is just evil for the ending of Vol. 5 and the whole of Vol. 6) Before Wet Moon I had read about five graphic novels and I can say I've been successfully converted - although I don't think anything could compete with Wet Moon's artwork.

9. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour, Morgan Matson's first novel, is one of my favourite books of all time and going into Second Chance Summer I was prepared for it to pale in comparison. You can guess that it didn't. Second Chance Summer probably ties for first as the saddest book on this list (with The Fault in Our Stars - yup it's that sad) I was a sobbing mess when finishing this book. This book broke my heart and handed back the pieces to me and I said Thank You. That's what kind of book this is. Absolutely amazing yet utterly devastating. 

10. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick


This book caught my unaware just like Anna and the French Kiss. This book will surprise you and blow you away. I loved the story and the characters but probably the best part was Sam and Jase's relationship - reading YA you see a lot of unhealthy abusive relationships that are idolised that make you worry for teenagers *cough* Hush Hush *cough* so this was the greatest thing to find. Something that restored my hope in teenage romances. They had a wonderful, healthy and most importantly realistic relationship.

You can read my review here


So what are you waiting for? Go read all of these! Even if you already have go read them again, they are that amazing. I cannot articulate my love for all these books apart from that they've all been added to 'The Shelf' and that I'd save them from a burning building. 

What were your favourite books of 2012? Are any of them the same as mine?

And I wish all you wonderful readers a happy new year full of brilliant books because what else do you really need in life?

Book Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: My Life Next Door

Author:  Huntley Fitzpatrick

Pages: 396

Publication Date: 14^th June 2012 

Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.” 

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself? 

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over (Goodreads)

I don’t think it is physically possible for me to correctly articulate my love for this book. It is so amazing and fantastic that any praise that I give it will barely scratch the surface of what this book deserves.

You may be thinking that that was a bit much, but it is true. I loved My Life Next Door; on the outside it may appear to be a light, fluffy summer read, and whilst it does have some aspects that are like that, it is so much more. I loved that it had this deeper side to it, focusing on family - what really makes a family - and loyalty and love and so many other topics that all intertwine to make this novel addicting and wonderful.

All of the characters, especially the Garretts, seemed to leap off the page and were so realistic and loveable that I wanted to go and hug them all. My favourite part was Samantha and Jase’s relationship – it had a great development and was so open, the kind of healthy relationship that you’d hope for and I would love to see more of in YA.

Overall this is one of my favourite reads of 2012, it made me laugh, it made me cry and it is definitely in my top 5. I cannot wait to see what Huntley Fitzpatrick comes up with next. If you haven’t already go and read My Life Next Door; you won’t be disappointed.

Book Review: What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

Title: What’s Left of Me

Author: Kat Zhang

Pages: 343

Series: The Hybrid Chronicles #1

Publication Date: 27^th September 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Source: NetGalley

I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything. (Goodreads)

What’s Left of Me is one of those books that pleasantly surprises you by it’s originality and entertainment factor. From the start to the end I was constantly bowled over by how thoroughly entertaining this novel was.

My first thoughts were that the story sounded kind of like The Host but I was pleased that this book was distinctly different. I was impressed by how cleverly Kat Zhang wrote these characters; how difficult it is to create two distinct characters inhabiting one body and for the readers to always know who is in control – this was something I found incredibly impressive and enjoyable to read.

I love that the story is only told from Eva’s perspective, whilst it would have been interesting to hear from Addie I liked how this put you in the mindset of being the recessive soul – the one needing to disappear and what a sad and often guilty place to be that is.  Another interesting aspect was the mystery surrounding Nornand and how that was slowly revealed and how there was a steady stream of twists and turns that kept you guessing.

My only issues were that Addie and Eva’s internal thoughts to one another are inside greater and less than signs <like this> which was extremely difficult for me to get used to but I did eventually. Also the history, which is described by Eva at the beginning when they visit the museum confused me slightly and I would love to hear more about that and have more world building although from the ending of this book I can see that this will probably be addressed in the next instalment.

Overall I loved What’s Left of Me, the writing was brilliant and the story was just incredibly different and enjoyable and, probably the best part, was the pacing of the novel with multiple climaxes throughout which get your heart racing. It is definitely a book I'd recommend!

Thanks to HarperCollins UK for giving me a copy to review

Blog Tour: The Keeper's Curse by Diana Harrison

Welcome to my stop on the The Keeper's Curse Blog Tour which is hosted by Sel at Bookcase to Heaven

Title: The Keeper's Curse

Author: Diana Harrison

Series: The Keeper's Curse #1

Publication Date: 13th November 2012

After fifteen-year-old Emmy Rathers unintentionally summons a strange glowing cloud during a break-in, her mother rips her from her home, her father, and her world, forever. 

When she lands in the rustic, militant land of Methelwood, she is told she's a crafter - a person who can perform magic by conjuring souls of the dead. But starting life over normally in the midst of grieving for the life she has left behind, while at the same time attempting to fit in in her new war-obsessed school, becomes impossible when she begins to hear a voice in her head. Complicating the matter further is the fact that the voice belongs to a boy at school named Breckin, who just also happens to be the most powerful crafter in the world, and the future ruler of Methelwood.

But that's not the worst part - suddenly Breckin's most hostile adversary is coming out of the shadows and trying to kill her. With no other choice, Emmy must travel deeper into this bizarre, dark world she is so unfamiliar with to find out why this is happening to her, and more importantly, how to stay alive (Goodreads)

I had never heard of The Keeper’s Curse before this tour but I am pleased that I now have. After reading the story I was pleasantly surprised by the solid world building and enjoyable story line, which were my two favourite things about this novel.

I loved how quickly the storyline took off, getting straight into the action instead of rambling which happens frequently in books. I enjoyed being thrust into this unfamiliar place, in the same way as Emmy. The Keeper’s Curse had a continued and consistent pace that never stopped being entertaining.

The setting was probably the thing that held this story together for me; with many different, unique parts that made this book stand out – such as the palewraiths, the spirits of the dead which crafters use to perform their magic and the dream downloader which allows you to watch your dreams – I mean who doesn't want to do that? I found that all of these aspects worked well together to create a world I would love to visit.

Another concept of this world that I found interesting was the crafters approach to humans. The crafters live in a series of interconnected orbs and the majority don’t have contact with the human world and have a kind of a weird reserved sort of respect for them, seeing humans are better than themselves. I found this intriguing, as Emmy being introduced as half – human, would be seen as different in a good way instead of most fantasy world where half – humans would be seen as lesser or lacking.

The only thing I would love to have seen more of was Emmy’s friendship with her new acquaintances Jade and Persephone and her relationship with her brother Alex. I feel like this was the one part sacrificed by the pace of the story. All of which I hope is looked at further in the next instalment in this series.

Overall The Keeper’s Curse is an engaging fantasy story with a distinct and wonderful world I know many would enjoy.

Author Spotlight:

Diana Harrison is a proud Canadian, currently studying English Literature at the University of Calgary. With a passion for books, magic, and teens, as well as being a chronic daydreamer, it is only logical that she is a young-adult fantasy writer as well. 

You can find her on Goodreads and at her blog 
Her debut novel, THE KEEPER'S CURSE, was released in November 2012

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Giveaway

Enter to win 1 of 5 ebook copies of THE KEEPER'S CURSE. The giveaway is International.

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The first stop on this tour was over at Immerse in a World of Fiction and will continue tomorrow over at Impressions of a Princess! So be sure to go check them out!