Jackie's Top 10 of 2013

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

I read a lot of great books this year, especially YA. I also read a lot of books that were just so-so. Here is a list of my favorites! 

1. Just One Day by Gayle Forman

2. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

3. The Program by Suzanne Young

4. Arcadia Burns  by Kai Meyer

5. Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes

6. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

7.The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey  

8. Sever by Lauren DeStefano

These final two are NA, but I just had to include them in my favorites of 2013:

9. Light in the Shadows by A. Meredith Walters

10. Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

If you haven't read them, you should! There was no competition; these were indisputably my top ten. I'd love to hear whether you agree/disagree or have recommendations for me! 

Happy New year, and happy reading!

When My Boyfriend Read Divergent by Veronica Roth

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

This is going to be a different post from the usual, but I think everyone will get a kick out of it!

My boyfriend, at 23 years old, had never read a full novel cover to cover. A couple of months ago, that changed when I finally got him to read Divergent by Veronica Roth. I secretly took notes of the things he said or asked me while reading his first book. I hope you can all get a laugh at his expense (that's what he gets for waiting so long to join us in the world of books)!

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Me: Where are you at in the book?

BF: Bitch be talkin' at the dinner table when she's not supposed to!

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After reading for a while...

BF: I love that she's all about her freedom now, gettin' tattoos and stuff. Badass. *looking very pleased*

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BF: *looks at me nervously* Do we like Four?

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Me: So how are you liking the book?

BF: I'm kind of scared to see this movie.

Me: Why?

BF: It's intense. Girls are just getting the crap beat out of them and stuff.

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(This comment is my favorite. Possibly made me fall in love with him all over again.)

BF: Eric reminds me of Klaus from Vampire Diaries [the TV show]....because he's a dick...and powerful.

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(After Peter stabs Edward)

BF: Dude just got stabbed in the eye! And he quit!

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(first flirtatious scene)

BF: Four walked her back to her room, and she was inchin' on him.

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BF: *gasps and shuts book* Reading about people making out is way intense.

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(after he picked it up again)

BF:*looks up at me curiously* What exactly is the small of your back?

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These were some of the more colorful things that he said that I was able to write down. I cannot tell you how funny and adorable it was to watch him react to this book. Currently, he's read all 3 in the Divergent series(!), and has officially started reading Harry Potter. I could not be more proud! Let me know if you enjoy this kind of post because I am totally up for doing this to him again!

Rebel Spring - Morgan Rhodes

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: Love, power, and magic collide with war in the second book of the Falling Kingdoms series.
Auranos has fallen and the three kingdoms—Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia—are now united as one country called Mytica. But still, magic beckons, and with it the chance to rule not just Mytica, but the world...
When the evil King Gaius announces that a road is to be built into the Forbidden Mountains, formally linking all of Mytica together, he sets off a chain of events that will forever change the face of this land, forcing Cleo the dethroned princess, Magnus the reluctant heir, Lucia the haunted sorceress, and Jonas the desperate rebel to take steps they never could have imagined.

I'm so excited to report that Rebel Spring definitely lived up to my expectations. Following up from Falling Kingdoms, the second book truly puts everything in a whole new world: Mytica. The three main characters of this series drive me CRAZY! I love them and I hate them. They make me so mad, but I wouldn't change a thing about any of them. I love reading about their lives and the struggles of being heirs, or not, in Jonas' case. 

Cleo rises to the occasion in this book, and I'm freaking out over her situation. My feelings about Magnus and Jonas are so mixed, and I honestly don't know how I want things to turn out. I'm absolutely terrified of Lucia--she might be the only character I've become disenchanted with. Except Magnus' father. I perma-hate him, obviously. It's so nerve-racking that the fate of Paelsia is resting where it does, and in the hands it does (it's so hard to stay spoiler free!).  

Besides the characters themselves, the world that's left/is being created, is so different, and the political unrest is amazingly portrayed. Once again, the world-building is outstanding. I want to visit this world, despite the fact it's in utter dismay...how does that even happen? Morgan Rhodes has truly built up every piece of this plot up to a point that I have no idea what is going to happen. Nothing goes according to plan, magic is growing, people are dying, and fear is all-consuming. She leaves just enough open to drive you mad at the end--I cannot deal with not knowing when the 3rd installment is due out. 

Again, this has been the perfect book to bring me back to my love of the fantasy genre. I just love revisiting this world. If you haven't been introduced yet, get your hands on this series. You won't regret it.

Ask the Passengers - A.S. King

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: Astrid Jones desperately wants to confide in someone, but her mother's pushiness and her father's lack of interest tell her they're the last people she can trust. Instead, Astrid spends hours lying on the backyard picnic table watching airplanes fly overhead. She doesn't know the passengers inside, but they're the only people who won't judge her when she asks them her most personal questions . . . like what it means that she's falling in love with a girl. As her secret relationship becomes more intense and her friends demand answers, Astrid has nowhere left to turn. She can't share the truth with anyone except the people at thirty thousand feet, and they don't even know she's there. But little does Astrid know just how much even the tiniest connection will affect these strangers' lives--and her own--for the better. In this truly original portrayal of a girl struggling to break free of society's definitions, Printz Honor author A.S. King asks readers to question everything--and offers hope to those who will never stop seeking real love.

*Standing, teary-eyed ovation* This is an amazing book. This is an important book.

If I am ever an English teacher, I will have my students read this book. As I sit here, I honestly don't believe my simple words can do A.S. King justice. But if I can get anyone, just one person, to pick this up after reading my review, I will be a happy girl. I would carry this book around with me all day, just to be close to it--but then my bag would be even heavier, and I just know I'd keep giving my copy to someone and having to buy another. I'm just too broke for that.

If you've seen Shrek (if you haven't, please go ahead and do that now), you'll understand when I say this book was an onion. All the layers! Ask The Passengers hits the nail on the head when depicting small-town life better than so many other books that give you the overdone, small town, big dreams scenario. It's the little things in this book that make it so real and so perfect.

My favorite part about this book was Astrid's family dynamic. Her oversensitive, reputation-obsessed mother, her job challenged father, and her athlete sister, and Astrid all trying to live as one unit. At first, when Astrid's secrets start becoming public, her family seems horrible. They are more concerned about how what's being said about Astrid will affect their lives instead of being there for their daughter/sister. I definitely related to this, coming from a town where everyone's families know each other. There are a lot of consequences to living in a small town. People think you're tame, but I bet city slicker teens would have cried their eyes out after a week at my high school.

I also just absolutely love the unique way Astrid looks at stereotypes, and what "fitting in" really means. Nobody fits into one of those predetermined boxes perfectly. What if the jock isn't dumb? What if the geek is coordinated and could school the jock at basketball? What if the plain jane girl likes other girls instead of the boy next door? There is just too much pressure to be a certain way once you develop a hint of a personality, but it's not natural and teens should want to break those molds to be whoever they are and feel good about themselves.

The last thing I want to gush about is the actual passengers in Ask the Passengers. Somehow, this author got me to cry after reading a couple paragraphs to a couple pages about characters not even related to the main story. They were just flying over Astrid's head from time to time. Seriously, these tiny stories within the book were incredibly powerful.

Read this book. This is one of the ones I've read this year that I would recommend to anyone without reservation. Read it, and love it like I did. You'll be so glad you did.

The Ruining - Anna Collomore

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: Annie Phillips is thrilled to leave her past behind and begin a shiny new life on Belvedere Island, as a nanny for the picture-perfect Cohen family. In no time at all, she falls in love with the Cohens, especially with Libby, the beautiful young matriarch of the family. Life is better than she ever imagined. She even finds romance with the boy next door. All too soon cracks appear in Annie's seemingly perfect world. She's blamed for mistakes she doesn't remember making. Her bedroom door comes unhinged, and she feels like she's always being watched. Libby, who once felt like a big sister, is suddenly cold and unforgiving. As she struggles to keep up with the demands of her new life, Annie's fear gives way to frightening hallucinations. Is she tumbling into madness, or is something sinister at play? "The Ruining "is a complex ride through first love, chilling manipulation, and the terrifying depths of insanity.

I was a little all over the place about this book. I was lukewarm in the beginning, and then out of nowhere, I was starting to really get into it. The psychological manipulation and the crazy games Libby plays had me totally freaked out (in a good way!). Anna Collomore does an amazing job at writing these characters. I honestly started wondering whether it was Annie, Libby, or even me that was going completely crazy.

My favorite character in this book was Zoe, the Cohen's little adorable daughter who Annie cares for. She is truly the most trustworthy person throughout the whole book. I also really loved the tie in with The Yellow Wallpaper, which fit so well into this book.

I really like Owen, too. But I started to lose a little faith in him toward the end. He's a little too "knight in shining armor" for me. The damsel in distress scenario was a little overplayed here. I know Annie was probably not mentally stable enough to save herself sometimes, but I just wanted to shake her! I mean she was taking a feminism class for crying out loud. She should have taken the reins into her own hands a few times.

 The last part of this book was actually a bit of a let down for me considering how into it I was up to that point. It became very rushed, and it all tied up a little too neatly with some unanswered questions. I guess I wanted a more believable, paced-out ending that really concluded everything.

I would recommend this book despite my hesitations. It really gets into your head, and the writing is great. It wasn't like anything else I've read lately. I'm not overly excited about it, but it's worth a read. I hope you enjoy it! 

Frozen - Melissa de la Cruz & Michael Johnston

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows.
At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she's heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light.But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson to take her there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all.

I went into this book cold (get it? Frozen-cold? ha!), having heard nothing about it. I didn't know what to expect other than another dystopia, but this book wiggled it's way into my heart. I saw a not too pleasant review of this book, which made me want to post my review even more because this book was great. Maybe I'm just the only person not burned out from dystopias, but I thought this book was original and well-written. The characters were my favorite part of this book, as usual.

I think this book had some great complexities. There were paranormal aspects, which didn't even seem paranormal because the post-apocalyptic world they live in makes it seem so plausible that such things have come to exist. There's adventure, political unrest, creatures, pirates, a fascinating new world, and the dream of something better-a place called "the Blue." It all mixes together and ties in so well, that this book made for a great mental escape for me.

The reason the characters are my favorite part in this book is because it might be the first time I've ever read scenes where characters are flirting and thought, "Oh my God! Someone finally nailed it!" It's absolutely perfect. I feel like that is the exact same way I used to flirt when I was in high school. And for Melissa de la Cruz to have made me relate to a book about a frozen world completely unlike my own, bravo. It's the perfect mix of cocky and shy. Nat and Wes are so wonderful. I want to hug them both. She is selfish and brave and he is a selfless, strong leader.

What makes this book fantastic, I think, is that people suffer, die, and fail. Lovely way for me to think, right? But seriously. I'm sick of books where every escape is a little too convenient. There wasn't just action to fill pages. These characters faced challenges that forced them to change their plans and their strategy, which seemed so much more realistic, and made Wes and Nat stronger and smarter protagonists.

If you are into dystopias, definitely give this one a try. There's a lot going on, but it's all pretty great. And it's going to be a trilogy! So I'm pretty excited to see what comes next, especially after how it ended. So let's give this book tons of love because it is very deserving. 

Gated - Amy Christine Parker

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: Do the gates keep the unchosen out or the chosen in?
In Mandrodage Meadows, life seems perfect. The members of this isolated suburban community have thrived under Pioneer, the charismatic leader who saved them from their sad, damaged lives. Lyla Hamilton and her parents are original members of the flock. They moved here following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking to escape the evil in the world. Now seventeen, Lyla knows certain facts are not to be questioned:
Pioneer is her leader.
Will is her Intended.
The end of the world is near.
Like Noah before him, Pioneer has been told of the imminent destruction of humanity. He says his chosen must arm themselves to fight off the unchosen people, who will surely seek refuge in the compound's underground fortress--the Silo. Lyla loves her family and friends, but given the choice, she prefers painting to target practice. And lately she'd rather think about a certain boy outside the compound than plan for married life in the Silo with Will. But with the end of days drawing near, she will have to pick up a gun, take a side, and let everyone know where she stands.

I did not know how I would feel reading a book about a cult. The topic interested me though, because I wanted to see if the author could get me to understand the thought process of those who would follow a leader like Pioneer. In that sense, this book was a success for me.

I loved that Amy Christine Parker makes you understand how somebody could put all their trust into one person to make all their life decisions, and also the types of people that such psychos prey on. Gated also does a great job at showing how connected you become with a community that has relied on each other and nobody else, and why that could make leaving the group even scarier than staying. 

I really liked Lyla from the beginning. Her lukewarm feelings about her intended, Will are sad for him, but I could totally relate (not that anyone has ever arranged my relationships!). --trust me that's not a spoiler. The feelings she gets for the "outsider" are awesome. It's the forbidden fruit, and she wants a bite! Yet, she is so dedicated to her family and her community that you can literally feel her internal struggle on how to deal with all of those emotions.

My favorite thing about this book, though, was the surprisingly intense action toward the end. There is no holding back. It is brutal, scary, dramatic, and you can see it all play out like a movie in your head while reading it. My heart was pumping through the last 4th of the book. After a few choice scenes I just had no idea how it was going to turn out. It definitely wasn't predictable. 

For some reason I'm not super crazy in love with this book. I hate to add that to the end here. It was a really great read, but I can't say it's one of my favorites. I think I'm starting to get a little pickier. I'm glad I read it, and I would totally be up for another cult-based book after tapping into that subject. I would recommend this book, but I it's not one I want to shove in everyone's hands and gush over. Good book. Not great, for me. Let me know how it makes you feel. I'm dying to get second opinions!

Stay With Me - Paul Griffin

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: An urban romance that will capture your soul, break your heart, and restore your faith in the human spirit.
Fifteen-year-olds Cece and Mack didn't expect to fall in love. She's a sensitive A student; he's a high school dropout. But soon they're spending every moment together, bonding over a rescued dog, telling their secrets, making plans for the future. Everything is perfect. Until. Until. Mack makes a horrible mistake, and in just a few minutes, the future they'd planned becomes impossible. In this stark new reality, both of them must find meaning and hope in the memories of what they had, to survive when the person they love can't stay.
From award-winning writer Paul Griffin, Stay with Me is both heartbreaking and uplifting, filled with characters (both dog and human) that will forever change the way you look at the world.

This book is beautiful. From the very beginning I was hooked into the honesty of Stay With Me. Paul Griffin's writing is just fantastic. The language of the book make the characters so real and authentic, you're just sure this is an actual story about real people. The two kids in the story come from some pretty messed up homes, but they find each other and every seems less bleak. I LOVE Mack and Cece together. Love. Love. Love!

If you are an animal lover (so basically, in my opinion, if you have a soul), you will fall hard for this book. Mack rehabilitates pit bulls that were abused and used for dog fights. Hello, Mr. Amazing. He helps the dogs, but the dogs also help him--I can't say any more, so you'll just have to find out for yourself!

Stay With Me isn't just about dogs, obviously. Cece is such an interesting character to me. She's a tough girl, yet very self conscious and sensitive. The things she is able to get through are unbelievable, and you will adore her family, especially her brother. 

The end of the book was not what I was expecting, and I was so nervous about what was going to happen. I I feared I might not have a heart afterward, depending on how things turned out. Although it wasn't what I expected, I think it was a great ending. It really leaves you thinking about life and growth. A lot of books about teen love are really romanced up and glamorized, so it was refreshing to read about something that seemed more real. My heart felt healthier after reading this book. 

It's not easy to keep spoilers from pouring out, which makes reviewing this book a little difficult, so I'm going to have to avoid some of my favorite parts of the book :( Trust me that there is more too it, though, that will make your heart wrench and your tears fall (both in good ways and sad).

Falling Kingdoms - Morgan Rhodes

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: 

In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:
Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.
Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.
Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.
Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword. . . .
The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

I started reading this book because I wanted to change it up from all the contemporary books I had been reading. I told my roommate, Hannah herself :), that I was in the mood for a good fantasy, and she handed me this book. It was absolutely perfect.

Falling Kingdoms is like an awesome mix of Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone and a YA version of Game of Thrones. If you are familiar with either of those, and enjoy them, you will love this book. The world this story takes place in is just flat out amazing. That is by far my favorite aspect of the book. The world is divided into 3 separate kingdoms, each with their own hierarchy and culture. The detail is incredible, and of course, there are tense relations between the monarchies.

The different perspectives in this book really make it a layered, complex, better read. I swear I changed my mind about whether I liked certain characters or not, and whose side I was on in different confrontations. It messes with your mind like that, but I'm so into that. It will show you a world, get you thinking in terms of black and white, and then *BAM!* Shades of gray! People you thought were bad end up having a heart, and they do terrible things, but you still care about them. It's glorious.

Lastly, I think another great thing about Falling Kingdoms is that Morgan Rhodes does not hold back. Think Game of Thrones-eske gore and barbarianism. It totally works and make the story of clashing kingdoms seem way more accurate and realistic. I was on the edge of my seat (literally, on the subway--not trying to be cliche) worrying if one of my favorite characters was going to be killed. And just when you think maybe it's going to go too far, you're thrown for a loop and remain sucked in.

I'm so excited to see where the series goes from here. This first book ends with a cliff-hanger, obviously, so there is a lot of action and drama I'm dying to see worked out. Stay tuned for my review of book 2, Rebel Spring!

When You Were Mine - Rebecca Serle

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the greatest love story ever told, Romeo’s original intended—Juliet’s cousin Rosaline—tells her side of the tale.What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything.
Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy...and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance.
Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends…

This was my first experience reading a Shakespeare retelling. I thought it sounded really cool that it would be from Rosaline's perspective. I'm sad to say I was more than a little disappointed with this one. I don't think trying to mesh a contemporary romance with one of the most iconic tragedies in history really worked out in this case. 

The first thing that turned me off was the overuse of snark. It was overwhelming to me (and I usually love that kind of voice!), but I didn't want to cast it aside just for that reason. This was about a girl who had a right to be all sorts of bitter. That being said, Rosaline was not at all mad, crazy, vengeful, or anything else you might expect a high school girl to be when they are flat out dumped for their cousin. She was still upset that it seemed like Juliet didn't like her. After all that happened, she wanted to be friends with Juliet. I don't think that is realistic at all. Unless Rosaline is a robot, she should be at least a little ticked off at someone. 

Another thing that actually made me upset over this book was the glorification of real-life mean girls. Rosaline and her friends (who are at times the only interesting people to really read about) were down right horrible. The girl who couldn't be mad at the guy, or her cousin who stole her guy, was surprisingly ok with seriously bashing her classmates who were less than popular. I never want to read another book that promotes, "I'm a stereotypical, pretty, mean girl high school senior, and I rule the school." That's what this one felt like to me.

The only thing I really found interesting in When You Were Mine was the explanation of the family feud. It was an interesting take, again, formatted to be contemporary. 

The end left me more than upset. I can't really get into it without spoiling anything, so I'll leave out the details. I can't say whether or not liking or not liking the original Romeo and Juliet will affect how you feel about this book. I was always a little indifferent about the play, but I found myself getting pretty defensive of Juliet, hating Romeo (whose name is Rob in this book, though all the others are the same), and not being able to stand Rosaline. If you choose to read this book, let me know how it leaves you feeling.  

White Lines - Jennifer Banash

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: 

A gritty, atmospheric coming of age tale set in 1980s New York City.

Seventeen-year-old Cat is living every teenager’s dream: she has her own apartment on the Lower East Side and at night she’s club kid royalty, guarding the velvet rope at some of the hottest clubs in the city. The night with its crazy, frenetic, high-inducing energy—the pulsing beat of the music, the radiant, joyful people and those seductive white lines that can ease all pain—is when Cat truly lives. But her daytime, when real life occurs, is more nightmare than dream. Having spent years suffering her mother’s emotional and physical abuse, and abandoned by her father, Cat is terrified and alone—unable to connect to anyone or anything. But when someone comes along who makes her want to truly live, she’ll need to summon the courage to confront her demons and take control of a life already spinning dangerously out of control.
Both poignant and raw, White Lines is a gripping tale and the reader won’t want to look away.

After reading that this book takes place in the drug-induced, 1980s NYC, I knew I had to give it a chance. I was nervous, though. I have been told numerous times by a few trusted friends to avoid books that take place in the '80s. I am a HUGE fan of the that decade. I was born at the end of it, the music rocks, and the styles were amazing. So, I wanted to give this book an opportunity to prove everyone wrong. I'm pretty glad I did, too, because this book touched my soul a little bit.

Cat is amazing. I love how she changes so much not only from night to day, but throughout the whole book. I can't even express how badly I just wanted to hug her and tell her how awesome she was. When I finished the book, I literally held it to my chest and cuddled it a little bit. Hannah saw it happen. It might seem strange that I wanted to snuggle a book about a girl who does a bunch of cocaine and totally badass things, but it was just perfect. I think it reached me because I've been a little emo the past few weeks, and this book is a little emo (in an awesome way), so we just clicked.

Another thing I really liked, besides the amazing characters who you will adore, was the writing. Jennifer Banash is spectacular! The descriptiveness and the detail that she wrote with were out of the box and totally captivating. I swear, she could find a way to redescribe a clogged drain pipe and make it sound fantastic in a way you never knew possible. 
The relationships in this book were what absolutely made it great for me. Cat and her parents, Cat and each of her friends (who are all SO different), and a certain boy, obviously. It just all really spoke to me as being true and interesting.

Lastly, I felt like this book wasn't trying to be in your face with, "I take place in the 1980s!" It just talked about the clubs, the drugs, and the music, which made it accurate, but not over the top. Plus, I like a book that leaves out cell phones and internet life. Let's stick to reality. But really, this book is awesome, and if you're hesitant to read it, don't be! It's been my favorite among the last few books I've read, and I'll definitely be checking out Banash's other books ASAP.

Requiem - Lauren Oliver

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.
But we are still here.
And there are more of us every day.
Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.
After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.
Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.
Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.
But we have chosen a different road.
And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.
We are even free to choose the wrong thing.
Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

I've got to be honest and admit that I wasn't as smitten with this series as everyone else seems to be. I loved the premise of love being considered a contagious disease. It got me really excited to read Delirium. I think I just had a classic case of extremely high hopes, and they just weren't met. I won't go into detail about the particular things that rubbed me the wrong way, though, since I don't want to turn anyone off from reading these because Lauren Oliver is SO cool. She is awesome on Twitter, and I went to an author panel she was a part of, and she was by far my favorite. She just rocks. I wish I would have liked the Delirium series more.

Due to my loving Lauren Oliver and all the hype surrounding these books, I continued reading even after Delirium didn't rock my socks off. I also love all things dystopia, so I was rooting for Pandemonium to improve my feelings toward the series, which it definitely did. I've heard mixed reactions about book 2, but I liked it a lot. Lena finally grew a pair in my eyes. I liked her a lot more, so I enjoyed reading about her more--plus I have a major crush on Julian. Sorry! 

Requiem started out as my favorite of the trilogy. I'm a sucker for sticking it to "the man," and government vs. the people. Characters who want their freedom are automatically cooler than your average protagonist. I also enjoyed the varying points of view in this one, which was done SO well. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave you with what fell flat for me, just so you are warned. The ending of the book--and the series--leaves a lot open. I feel like I don't know what happened to several characters I was interested in. But by all means, please enjoy these books more than I did.

New Adult Discussion: Why NA is a Relevant Genre

::Post by Jackie Lindert::

I'm going to start this post by saying that I love New Adult (NA). I think it is more than just a marketing strategy, and it deserves to be recognized as separate, important genre.It's not YA. It's not adult fiction. It's NA, and it is awesome.

I think it goes without being said (despite the fact that I'm saying it anyway) that I am a big fan of YA. I read about it, blog about it, and love it. I see people all over the map about YA, both authors and readers. Some think NA is just sexier YA, some think it's straight up erotica (I hate when people generalize all NA as erotica!), and some think it isn't even a real classification--most books falling into either YA or romance/fiction for adults. Well I am here to say that it is about time there is a new, not a revived or pre-existing, genre for these books.

I will say that I believe NA did morph out of the YA genre. I say that having studied sociology and psychology and other fancy -ologies that make me feel qualified to give the following opinion:

It takes longer for "kids" today to grow up. We are the generation that is coddled, over-protected, and get prizes just for participating. I'm not saying whether that is good or bad, but just hear me out. There is an actual term for the parents of our time: Helicopter parents. They hover! College students have their parents scheduling their classes and graduates have moms going with them on interviews (horrifying!). My Dad told me that when he was 18 and moved to college, he phoned his parents once a month and saw them on holidays. Going to college was goodbye parents; hello independence. Blame it on cell phones or parents compensating for the naughty lives they led as teens and young 20-somethings, but times are different.

The point of all that is this: NA for post-high school kids is what YA was for teens of past generations. Think of all the soul searching and self finding that happens in all the classic YA novels:

All these coming-of-age books were helping people deal with serious issues and getting ready for them to become an adult (as in a YOUNG adult! It all makes sense!). But, thanks to society and helicopter parents, it takes people longer to come of age and be independent. NA helps those of us who graduated high school and/or college, and are just now getting our life sorted and figured out. Here are some great examples of NA books where the character comes into their own for the first time even though they are older than 17:

Just like YA, NA is amazing and important to everyone looking to read about someone going through the same things that they are. It's just at a different point in life, and answers different questions. It surprises me how many authors don't want their books affiliated with the NA label. I say to them: Be trailblazers in this great emergence of a new genre! What do you think about this controversial topic?

The 5th Wave - Rick Yancey

::Review by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.
Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

I have to admit, this was the first book I've read about aliens. I hadn't gone out of my way to avoid the subject, but I certainly wasn't searching for a good "alien" book. Having said that, I don't know if I will search for another one because this book set the bar! It was incredible and mind-blowingly real.

From the very beginning, The 5th Wave freaked me out (in a good way!). The details the author comes up with make the possibility of alien invasion not only seem real, but it's so creative. I've seen movies with alien invasions, but I've never thought of the tactics they use in such freaky ways. I kind of want to call everyone I know and come up with a just-in-case-of-an-alien-apocalypse plan.

You never know what's coming in The 5th Wave. Just when you are convinced to trust no one and be skeptical of everything, the book STILL manages to throw a twist or two at you; each which blew my mind.

I love getting the different points of view in this book. At first it threw me for a loop, but it is done so well that I can't picture it any other way. Yancey is a genius. His characters are also kick ass. What I love about Cassie, the main character, is that she starts out as just any shy, high school girl, but toughens up and becomes so brave. Guys and girls are equal in this book. They save each other. There are no damsels in distress left because they have been wiped out. Only the strong are left, and they are teetering on the line between crazy and courageous.

Another great part about the book is that all the characters start to really question what it is to be human. It's pretty trippy reading their thoughts. Like I've said repeatedly, it seems so real. The humanity question goes beyond a philosophical thought...they are literally unsure if they can hold on to what makes them compassionate human beings while trying to stay alive.

The last thing I'll say about The 5th Wave is that the humor and sarcasm balances out a lot of the morbid parts. It keeps you somewhat sane and grounded during your trip through a chilling world, and it's all perfectly timed. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! Seriously though, even if you've never thought about reading a book with aliens, read this book. It will blow your mind.

Light in the Shadows - A. Meredith Walters

*Review by Jackie Joyce
 Synopsis: How do you keep going when you feel like your life is over? Maggie never thought she’d see Clay again. So, she attempts to put her life back together after her heart has been shattered to pieces. Moving on and moving forward, just as Clay wanted her to.
Clay never stopped thinking of Maggie. Even after ripping their lives apart and leaving her behind to get the help he so desperately needed. He is healing...slowly. But his heart still belongs to the girl who tried to save him.
When a sudden tragedy brings Maggie and Clay face to face again, nothing is the same. Yet some things never change. Can the darkness that threatened to consume them be transformed into something else and finally give them what they always wanted? And can two people who fought so hard to be together, finally find their happiness? Or will their demons and fear drive them apart for good?
The thing about love, is even when it destroys you, it has a way of mending what is broken. And in the shadows, you can still see the light.

When I read Find You in the Dark, I was an emotional wreck. Maggie and Clay dug up some painful memories of high school and what it was like to be in love with someone in the unhealthiest of ways. The raw emotion and the insane passion these two share was just as addicting for me to read about as it was for them in the book. Light in the Shadows was an amazing follow up book.

I love that with Maggie and Clay, A. Meredith Walters doesn't fall into the stereotypes of some popular books out today that describe what is clearly an unhealthy relationship, but romanticize it to make it ok. It's SO not ok. And as much as your heart aches at how much these two love each other, it is obvious that they are spiraling. Instead of dancing around these issues, this book takes them head on. It is so refreshing to read a book that points out when you are losing your independence, your friends, and the respect and trust of your family, you are probably involved in something you shouldn't be.

I have also never read about someone in mental health treatment, and I think Clay really stands out as a hero in Light in the Shadows for getting help. I LOVE that as a reader, I got to experience his therapy with him. It didn't shut the door or give a brief summary about the meeting. The conversations made so much sense, and even someone who doesn't suffer from the extremeties of Clay's emotions could probably learn a thing or two about dealing with life's issues.

My favorite part about this book, though, was that I literally could not decide whether or not I wanted Maggie and Clay to be together. That might sound crazy, but Walters does such an incredible job at describing how toxic they can be to each other. In most other books I read, I know what characters are supposed to be together, and I just read patiently until it happens and it all works out happily ever after. In this book, I started getting scared. I love these two together, but I honestly started wondering whether or not they would end up together (in a healthy way or not), or if I even wanted them to...for their own sakes. 

Again, my heart is still recovering from this book. I wanted to hug both Maggie and Clay the whole time I was reading it. The first book takes you right of the edge of the cliff with them, and this one pulls you back up. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes reading about real issues, and real, passionate, messy-but-amazing relationships. You won't be able to put it down.  

In the Best Worlds Has a New Blogger: An Official Introduction

Jackie and Hannah 

My life has changed drastically in the last few months. I got a full-time, grown up job, working in publishing. I also have been splitting my social media time with Riffle where I work as their YA content editor. Plus, there's this pesky social life that has popped up out of no where. Long story short, I've become a very busy person.

ItBW has suffered a little bit because of this. If you've noticed I've been a little light on posting, this is why. I never considered giving up blogging and I really didn't even want to scale back and post less. So....

I have officially taken on a co-blogger! Her name is Jackie and she's pretty much one of the coolest people, ever. She's posted a few times as a guest blogger - you can check out her most recent post - an awesome review of The Program by Suzanne Young.

We're still planning on keeping up with posting 5 days a week, Monday - Friday. Jackie is going to start out posting reviews on Thursday. She's also going to be helping me out with a couple New Adult projects - including organizing a New Adult blogging event which we'll hopefully be able to tell you more about soon. Her role will likely evolve, but this is where we're starting.

I'm just so happy to have someone else on board to lighten the load a little bit and I couldn't have found a better person to share ItBW with.

So give Jackie some love - and find her on Twitter!

--------------------------------------------

A few words from Jackie:

Hi! I'm from Wisconsin and I moved to New York last fall to pursue a career in publishing. I have always loved YA. I read it in high school, I studied and read even more in college, and since becoming close with Hannah, I've found my kindred spirit. We enable each other's YA habit, and it's one I'll never want to kick!

I am so excited to be a part of In the Best Worlds. I hope everyone enjoys my reviews. Hannah has done such an amazing job with this blog, and it's truly a privilege to contribute. Tweet at me if you want to talk books!

The Program - Suzanne Young

::Review by Jackie Lindert::

Synopsis: In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.
Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.
Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

This was the first book I've read by Suzanne Young, but it will not be the last! I had no idea what to expect when I started this book, but it totally blew my mind. Maybe it was just perfect timing. I had just finished reading a book that had been hyped up and completely let me down. This book made up for that big time. By page 5, I was already hooked, forty pages later I was completely invested in this book and every character in it. By the time I hit triple digits, I was doing my best to hold back the flood of emotions I was experiencing. Trying not to let people see you cry on an airplane is not an easy task, people. Seriously.

Who ever thought that a teen suicide epidemic could be so enthralling? Well this book made it happen. I think my favorite thing about The Program right off the bat was that it didn't start with a girl pining for a guy or a guy who likes a girl. Sloane already has a boyfriend, but right away, you just know something is wrong. These kids fear for their lives and their freedom, and every memory they've ever had. This book shook me to my core. I could literally feel their fear and horror as, sometimes, their own parents report them to the governement so the program can "save" them. My parents would totally do that!

I cannot even express how much of a stand-out this book is amongst dystopic books. If you are thinking this is just another *instert pre-jeudged common genre*, you are wrong. This book snaked its way into my mind and threw me for so many loops. Suzanne Young does an amazing job making this book real. I still can't decide how I feel about the program and everything brought up in this book. Both sides are well-intended at times, and horrible (purposefully or not) at others. I like books that confuse my brain by making me argue both sides with myself.

Now that I've gushed about the plot, I can't not mention how much I adore James and Sloane's relationship. There is just the perfect amount of balance/realisticness between them being in love and that love having to take a backseat to the crumbling world around them. It's terrifying how easily the love of your life can become a stranger, not to mention your friends and family. That is what they have to fear...other than suicide, that is.

As soon as I finished this book I scrambled my way to the computer to find out if it was a series, and I am relieved to know it is. It could go so many different ways from here. I am usually good at predicting what is going to happen in the end, but this book's ending FREAKED me out. I've never been so blind-sided or felt so anxious after finishing a book. I can't wait to see what happens, and I'm going crazy that I can't even guess! I loved it. I loved this book.

Arcadia Burns - Kai Meyer (Guest Post)

Synopsis: Following the brutal deaths of her sister and aunt, Rosa Alcantara has become what she never thought possible: the very rich and very powerful head of the Alcantara clan. Saddled with this immense responsibility, Rosa must now conduct all business matters--legitimate and not--while negotiating among the greedy, bloodthirsty members of her own family. Not to mention convincing everyone that her blossoming relationship with enemy Alessandro Carnevare won't put the family business in danger.
But loving Alessandro comes at a price. As Rosa continues to fall for him, she discovers the dark secrets of his family's dealings and how they intersect with her own painful past. She wants to believe she can trust Alessandro, but they're so different: Alcantara and Carnevare, snake and panther. How can she love someone whose family wants her dead?When Rosa and Alessandro uncover an ancient conspiracy intent on destroying both clans, they will do anything to stop it. Racing to put the pieces together, evading their relatives' murderous feud, and learning what it means to control the most influential families in all of Sicily--the two teens must risk everything to love each other and survive. (From Goodreads)

The sequel to Arcadia Awakens was NOT a disappointment. So many revelations and action-packed scenes. I was pretty much on the edge of my seat every time I started reading. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so let me just say that Rosa really comes into her own in this book.

The last book took place in Italy, in case you haven't read it yet (DO IT!). This book takes place in Italy  AND New York City. Having recently moved to the Big Apple, I found this very exciting. It adds a whole new American familiarity where Rosa finally knows best. I will hint at one of my favorite scenes: Central Park craziness. Prepare to gasp in shock and horror.

There are some make or break moments for Alessandro and Rosa, but they never stop fighting. It's so incredible. Vicious attacks, fires, attempted murder, century-old mysteries, and clans more at odds than ever all affect Rosa and Alessandro while they try to piece together what's right for them, their families, and their friends. I know I couldn't stay sane after learning the things Rosa does about her past. I wish I could say more, but you'll just have to read it to know how amazing this book is.

I'll give you this: Sarcasmo is back, ladies and gentlemen. Rest assured.

Arcadia Burns has so many cliff hangers. I'm pretty bummed it will be so long before I can get my hands on the 3rd book. I cannot wait to see how everything gets wrapped up and what twists are still up Kai Meyer's sleeve.

This book was reviewed by Jackie.