Diva Booknerd

4.5 Stars
http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/fallen-tears-blood-crave-novella-by.html
The mean streets were no place for orphaned, twelve year old Rowan Miller. For the past three months, Rowan has lived on the streets since her alcoholic father's passing, having never known her mother, who passed when Rowan was an infant.

Seeking shelter under a bridge in the dead of night, Rowan is approached by a tall, almost brooding man in his twenties, and although startled, she immediately feel that this man means her no harm. His presence a warm comfort, a kindred spirit. Kaji can feel Rowan's heart crying out for help.

Kaji is a Lamia, or vampire, as determined by today's pop culture references, and offers Rowan the opportunity and safety of food and shelter, in exchange for the talkative and boisterous girl to teach Kaji what it is like to be human again. Kaji quickly becomes the only person that Rowan can rely upon, with the two now finding what they both needed most... Family.

As the years pass, Kaji and the mysterious Lamia Adam train Rowan, teaching her weaponry and defense, but nothing could prepare Rowan for her first encounter with the Lapsus, or fallen angel, as she was brutally stabbed taking out the trash during her first shift as a waitress at a local cafe. Kaji, hearing her silent plea for help, rushes to her aid, only to find Rowan's life draining from her bleeding body. Kaji has no other choice, she is his reason for existing and the only way to bring her back, is to turn her. But is he too late?

He flees with Rowan's body to the Cross household. The family being derived from the fallen, but a family Kaji's trusts with his life... And Rowan's. Remy is instantly taken with the still, lifeless Rowan, her beauty mesmerising. But after seven years of caring for Rowan, Kaji needs to leave. He cannot endanger her life any further, whether she is human or not. As Rowan adjusts to her new life as a Lamia, Remy now becomes her anchor, her tie to her humanity.

But it seems that Kaji leaving doesn't guarantee her safety.

Fallen Tears is a short novella as part of the Blood Crave series, which tells the heart wrenching story of Rowan, the orphaned girl who finds her savior in the form of Kaji, a vampire. It was beautifully written and emotionally charged and fills in the blanks between Dahlia and Rowan, books one and two. Fallen Tears has left me eager to start Rowan, and I cannot wait to continue the series.

The concept of Entanglement was unique and unlike anything that I've read before, black magic transferring the essence of a deceased sister, to share the body of the remaining evil twin, alternating time spent within the human vessel. The two girls are polar opposites, so the reader will have no trouble determining which personality belongs to which girl. But sadly, it felt incomplete. I struggled with the fact that Charlene was not only suicidal, but her family feared that she was more than capable to hurting another girl. It felt not only skimmed over, but rather than address the girl's violent mental state, the mother awards her with a new outfit to win back her boyfriend, excusing that it'll distract her.

If Charlene was created to be less dangerous, it would have been far more feasible. Apart from the mentally unstable, murderous girl, I really enjoyed it. It left far more questions than answers, and that may be the incentive you need to continue with the series.

I really enjoyed You Are Mine, and it pleasantly exceeded my expectations. It's well written and thrusts you in a cruel and unjust world for women, where they are treated like a possession, something to be used and abused. Serena is the main protagonist, and we see the world through her rebellious eyes. She doesn't want to be anyone's wife, she's not ready to bare children, and she certainly does not want to be owned. But in her world, women don't have choices, just Master's.

The Councilmen will bring out the feminist in most readers, especially that of Serena's father. My only complaint is that Serena seemed more competent than Zade, and I was hoping that his character would have been more rebellious, but I'm assuming that You Are Mine was only an introduction to his heroics.

A mix of fantasy, paranormal, dystopian and romance. It will appeal to a wide variety of young adult readers. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

2.5 Stars
http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/dead-silence-by-kimberly-derting.html
Dead Silence is the final novel in The Body Finder series, but sadly it was far from completion. The storyline left far too many questions unanswered and was difficult to read, as it provided little back story to the previous novels in the series. Throughout, we see snippets from the satanic killer's point of view, which is only known through the italic text. It's gruesome, sickening, and portrays the mind of a serial killer.

But what most fans will be asking, will she choose Rafe or Jay, is answered, as it is the only satisfying part of this finale. It does leave room for a spin off series, which hopefully, may tie up loose ends.

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/the-bane-chronicles-what-really.html
I loved Magnus Bane in Cassandra Clare's The Moral Instruments series, but unfortunately What Really Happened In Peru was not only incredibly dull, but borderline atrocious. The storyline spanned centuries, but delved into what he was wearing so often, that the actual memories were barely skimmed over. Fans of Magnus may enjoy his fleeting adventures, but it'll probably leave the general reading populous irritated at the few hours of their life that they've invested in this.

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/darker-days-by-jus-accardo-arc-review.html
I loved Darker Days, it had the wit, cheek and pure entertainment that young adult readers have come to expect from Ms Accardo. Jessie Darker is a sassy, bold and likeable heroine. She jumps into every situation with both feet, in a shoot first, ask questions later mentality. But it isn't until she crosses path with Lukas, is when she truly learns what 'Monster Mashing' is.

Being born over a century ago, Lukas has the charm and grace of a southern gentlemen. In what seems as a mild annoyance at being thrown together, develops into a witty, sarcastic and loving relationship, slowly over the course of the book.

I loved the inclusion of Mister Winkie, the demonically possessed Corgi that follows Jessie home from a pet possession case. He'll morph in and out during intense situations with a cloud of black smoke, only to fall asleep, drool or wag his tail.

It was brilliant, funny and original. I loved it! Kudos Ms Accardo.

Aberrant was good, only as it felt as though it should have been longer. It had the core dystopian components, without the instant love or relationship with the added third wheel, but it left me waiting and wanting the typical anarchy, the feisty uprising and the tension, that sadly never came. It's ideal for teen young adult readers, especially those who enjoyed Ally Condie's Matched series.

The reader will wonder who is the lesser of two evils. The government treats everyone equally, with individuality discouraged. They claim to base choices on what is in each citizen's best interests, who to marry, which couple are to be allowed a child through means of lottery, and their role within the community. The Alliance within Haven aren't the rebellious revolutionaries they claim to be. Forceful and unjust in punishment, implanting tracker chips on those who don't comply, and incarceration for those who dare to ask questions. They also take away Olivia's basic human rights, but Haven was too fleeting to allow for the development of it's residents and characters, one being Joshua's mother. She seemed too pivotal to be skimmed over.

I loved the twist that the Shadow settlement provided, late within the Alliance training. I would have loved to have seen Haven eradicated altogether, with Olivia and Joshua having found the town through other means, perhaps back in Genesis.

I really enjoyed the overall concept and storyline, but it felt as though it was hurriedly streaming towards nothing in particular. If it had been drawn out, allowing for character development, more exploration of the actual role of the Rebel Alliance without blurring the lines between different Rebel camps and making them one entire organisation, no doubt I would have given Aberrant a far higher rating.

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/taken-by-erin-bowman.html
Taken wasn't at all what I was expecting, and the unexpected is what kept the storyline interesting. It's more or less the typical young adult dystopian, starting as what seems to be survival in a post apocalyptic world, but quickly morphs into a science fiction twist. It has all the elements that readers will expect, harsh regime type government, tyrant leader, a rebellion, war ravaged history and freedom fighters, the plot twists will keep you wanting more.

But sadly it delivered too much more. There were far too many elements to the storyline, with the inclusion of what can only be described as cloning. It didn't seem to serve any purpose in Taken, so I'm assuming that it may be pivotal to the upcoming series releases instead. It left me skimming over those particular dialogues, and unfortunately that's where my interest started to stray. I'll continue with the series, eventually.

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/birthmarked-by-caragh-m-obrian.html

Birthmarked is the story of Gaia, who lives within a society that is rebuilding under the watchful eye of the Protectorat, who rules with an iron fist. She lives in the sector slums, due to being scarred as a child, when only the perfect children are taken to live within the prestigious walls of the Enclave. Growing up with only one friend, her parents are both loving and doting on the child that they were allowed to keep, having previously been forced to give two boys to the advanced society. Gaia is training as a midwife, having achieved her first unassisted delivery when she arrives home to find her parents missing... And her fight begins.

Fans of heavy dystopian novels will thoroughly enjoy the Birthmarked series, Gaia isn't an instant heroine, but it's afraid to stand for what she believes in. She isn't the perfect, doe eyed beauty that we find in so many young adult books of the same genre, but she's likeable, she's emotional and she's tough. There isn't instant love between Gaia and Leon, but a genuine attraction to one another. It's isn't quite suitable for some young teens, as the birthing scenes are a touch too graphic.

Really enjoyed it and will be continuing with the series.

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/article-5-by-kirsten-simmon.html
Article 5 was entertaining, but somewhat predictable. An authoritative and cruel government creating a well behaved society where no one is granted individuality, a common theme with Dystopian novels, but the storyline seemed to lose it's way.

What begun as a false imprisonment, a cruel detention center for girls where they are beaten and tortured if they step out of line, morphs into a road trip once Ember has been freed. The action them settles into a strange lull through the bulk of the second half, only to explode once again with only a chapter or two to go. It was good, not great though.

I did enjoy the characters, even the villains, which were difficult to identify. I've noticed with my focus on Dystopian novels this month, reading them back to back, that the majority either fall into the category of being incredible and blow your socks off, or they're safe, predictable and boring.

Sadly, this didn't blow my socks off, but overall, still somewhat entertaining.

3.5 Stars.
http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/monument-14-by-emmy-laybourne.html
Monument 14 was entertaining for the most part, a little dull at times, but good nonetheless. Dean is our main character who is generally the voice of reason, apart when it comes to fellow trapped teen, Astrid. He's quite boring, quiet and reserved, but the department store group has enough personalities, from child prodigy and Dean's brother Alex, the football stars, the artistic girl, the bossy little miss, the non English speaking child, and the beauty queen. Similar to a post apocalyptic The Breakfast Club.

It's well written, but light on the action. Once the children are safely locked inside, it becomes the story of the democratic community formed within the confines of the store, and the individuality of each character. I would love there to have been potentially more disaster strikes, more clashes and more dire circumstances, rather than everyone seemingly finding their place. I just needed more.

2.5 Stars
The concept is brilliant, the elderly living forever and children are a drain on society, they cannot earn their keep and should be eradicated, when in reality, the roles can be argued that the reverse is true. People now forgo having children, either needing to decide at only sixteen years old whether or not to sign the Declaration. Sign, and you'll live forever, trading that of potential children in the process.

But the execution felt amiss. Anna's character was not only brainwashed, but utterly annoying. She will do anything to please, including berating those younger than her at Grange Hall. Her only rebellious thought is of that of a journal she keeps, hiding it within a nook in a bathroom. When Peter allows his capture to rescue her, he refuses to leave, defending Grange Hall, Mrs Pincent and that she wants nothing to do with her parents who were selfish for bringing her into the world. But when Peter's life is in danger, she then decides to flee, no more questions asked and she's willing to sacrifice her life that she staunchly defended, branding Peter a liar.

Actual young adults will enjoy the storyline, but as an adult, I was craving action and the revolution that it barely touched upon. Anna was just too indecisive, too eager to please and far too accepting of life without questioning, and her about face just left me deflated.

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/all-our-yesterdays-by-cristin-terill.html
All Our Yesterdays was difficult to review, without giving away the stunning and shocking plot twists. It's young adult, but the intelligence behind the storyline will leave even adults breathless. More science fiction than fantasy, the time travel aspect is well thought out and like most that dabble with the subject, it isn't confusing and won't leave you with boring and lengthy descriptions either.

I really enjoyed it. It's an emotional ride, but more often than not, will leave you on the edge of your seat. The characters are brilliant and it blurs the lines between heroes and villains. Prepare yourself for a gut wrenching ending that you won't see coming. You'll be left utterly exhausted.

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/the-world-we-live-in-by-susan-beth.html
This World We Live In combines both families from books one and two in the series, Alex and Miranda's. The world is still in ruin, but as long as they're alive, hope is alive. I was disappointed at the inclusion of new character Syl, as the book wore on, I begun to despise her character and prayed for her demise. I love Miranda's character and her journal entries, she's far more engaging than Alex, who thankfully didn't share his point of view in The World We Live In.

There is certainly instant love involved, in at least two cases, but it's virtually the end of the world and it seems more as though it's an act of compassion and companionship. Regardless, I just couldn't relate to Syl, or even Alex for that matter. Miranda is the hero of the series, she's emotional, honest and realistic. It does have an open ending to blend into The Shade of the Moon, the next and what I believe to be final book in the series, as told from Jon, Miranda's younger brother. Set two years into the not too distant future.

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/the-dead-and-gone-by-susan-beth-pfeffer.html
The Dead And The Gone tells the story of the the moon meteorite, from Alex's point of view, living in New York. It doesn't retrace the natural disasters from the first in the series, Life As We Knew It, but rather how survival is measured through the eyes of Alex, the intelligent Puerto Rican New Yorker. Alex and his siblings turn to religion in the face of loss and devastation, and attend Catholic school's within the area. Alex struggles with now being the caregiver and provider to two younger siblings, and his ideals can be awry in some instances, if not delusional.

Not as terrifying or strangely captivating as Life As We Knew It, but it's somewhat entertaining. The characters just weren't engaging and their scenario was more over dramatised than dire at times. I'm hoping the third book offers redemption.

4.5 Stars.
http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/life-as-we-know-it-by-susan-beth-pfeffer.html
The concept is terrifying. A natural and reoccurring phenomenon such as an asteroid hitting the moon is enough to bring the world to it's knees. The story of death, courage and survival is told from the pages of Miranda's journal, from the few days prior, to the asteroid knocking the moon off orbit, to the horrifying and deadly hell that unleashed over our dying planet. You'll feel every high and low that'll make you appreciate what you have now.

And don't be surprised if next shopping trip, you include a few more non perishable cans to stockpile.

It's simplistic, frightening and unbelievably good.