Blackout by Robison Wells

Goodreads Blurb

Laura and Alec are trained terrorists.
Jack and Aubrey are high school students.
There was no reason for them to ever meet.
But now, a mysterious virus is spreading throughout America, infecting teenagers with impossible powers. And these four are about to find their lives intertwined in a complex web of deception, loyalty, and catastrophic danger—where one wrong choice could trigger an explosion that ends it all.

Blackout was a bit disappointing, I'll admit, but it was still a good read! 

A couple of chapters into the book, all teens are being collected by the army and tested for the Erebus virus, a virus that seems to alter a teen's brain growth and give them supernatural powers, some useless, some dangerous, but each with the risk of other disease-like symptoms such as fatigue, kidney failure, brittle bones, etc. And...that's really all we learn about the virus. The basics. As a person who holds worldbuilding above pretty much anything else, I was disappointed by the fact that we don't learn much more about this virus. I suspect we'll learn more in the sequel, but this first book felt more like an introduction most of the book until the halfway point.

Because that's where things get kickass. This book made me think "Crap" way too many times and there were so many times I wanted to crush something. And I mean that in a good way. Wells definitely built the suspense, but the subplots were so quickly resolved that it got a bit annoying and there were definitely a lot of filler chapters that didn't seem to add anything, though that may just be because this book seemed to flash by in 2 seconds! It was definitely an intriguing plot, though, that neatly sets the scene for the sequel which is definitely going to be amazing. I can just feel it.

I'm not a giant fan of the 2+ switching POV kind of books, and I'm afraid this was no exception. While each character clearly had a distinct personality, but we never really got to know the characters that well because of the switching POV and the third person view. It was one of the better 2+ POV books I've read, though, and I loved to read from Aubrey's view the best! Plus? Her power was super cool.

The romance was also a bit..quick considering Aubrey had "betrayed" Jack before and the fact that they fell back into their old rhythm in only a day wasn't very...believable. 

But Blackout sounds perfect for people who've read and loved Robison Wells's Variant series! It wasn't a favorite of mine, but it was definitely an entertaining read that was a fun adventure! 

Pages: 352

Genre: Apocalyptic/Sci-fi

Series: Blackout #1

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: Oct. 1, 2013

Rating: 3.5 

The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney

Goodreads Blurb

Prima ballerina Anthem Fleet is closely guarded by her parents in their penthouse apartment. But when she meets the handsome Gavin at a party on the wrong side of town, she is immediately drawn into his dangerous world. Then, in a tragic accident, Anthem falls to her death. She awakes in an underground lab, with a bionic heart ticking in her chest. As she navigates her new life, she uncovers the sinister truth behind those she trusted the most, and the chilling secret of her family lineage…and her duty to uphold it.
The Dark Knight meets Cinder in this gripping and cinematic story of heartbreak and revenge. From Alloy Entertainment, this inventive new superhero story is sure to captivate any reader.

The Brokenhearted isn't one I would really recommend and, quite honestly. Which really disappoints me since The Brokenhearted was one of my most anticipated books of 2013. And the cover was gorgeous, not to mention--superhero ballerina? Yes please! Unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations at all.

Anthem was a very...irritating character. She was naive, impulsive, and didn't really think about the consequences of her actions. I couldn't relate to her at all and couldn't get over the fact that she was so...gah. I wanted to smack her around pretty much the entire book. She was a weak character who basically cried, whined, and screwed up for about 3/4 of the book.

And this was pure insta love at its finest. After exactly one meeting, Anthem couldn't stop thinking about Gavin. And when they meet for the second time, Anthem basically spills everything about her life to him, despite the fact that she's never told anyone else about them. I basically pulled my hair out at that point, and it was pretty early on. The rest of the book, she's pining for Gavin despite knowing him for only maybe...a week? Two?
Also, there was a love triangle.

There was absolutely, or at least, barely, any worldbuilding. I was confused over exactly where we were or when we were. Was it steampunk? Dystopian? A completely different world? And what exactly caused the South Side to become so desperate with such a (admittedly brilliant) gritty atmosphere? We don't know and we don't learn.
On the subject of worldbuilding, I'm confused as to how a bionic heart would change her appearance and make her gorgeous. Or give her super speed/strength and healing. It was never explained why she got all these powers, but it obviously had something to do with her heart--but...how?

As for the plot, I really don't think much else happens besides Anthem crying and whining until 3/4 into the book where she finally decides to do something about the criminals. Then it got pretty kickass and I loved seeing her in action. The twist was rather predictable, if not unique, but I guessed it maybe a quarter in. But the end? It was absolutely cliffhanging and I think I may end up reading the sequel anyways!

Disappointing, I honestly cant' say I enjoyed this book, though it does have a decent setup for a sequel so I may read that just to find out what happens. Who knows? Maybe my questions will be answered then!

Pages: 336

Genre: Steampunk (?)

Series: Brokenhearted #1 

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: Oct 8, 2013

Rating: 1.5

Week of a Fiction Freak

HEY GUYS! Sorry I didn't do a book haul last week, but I was super busy with 8th grade which is actually quite a lot more work than 7th. And? There is so much drama going around in my little circle (not so little circle) of friends. SO MUCH. It's quite interesting. 

ALSO I GOT AUTOAPPROVED FOR HARPER ON EDELWEISS! Unfortunately, I don't have much time for eARCs besides the ones I already requested, so I can't go on an Edelweiss binge. TOO BAD

AND?! I GOT QUOTED IN A BOOK Y'ALL

Anyways I couldn't find time to do a blog, so here are all the books I've gotten in the last 5 weeks:

Bought/Preordered

Deception by C.J. Redwine

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (SIGNED)

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Leap of Faith by Jamie Blair

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

Review

Crash Into You by Katie McGarry (ARC)

Antigoddess by Kendare Blake (Hardback)

Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray (ARC)

Deception by C.J. Redwine (ARC)

Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White (x2 ARC)

Radiant Sky by Jocelyn Davies (ARC)

Hideous Love by Stephanie Hemppill (ARC)

Blackout by Robison Wells (ARC)

Twinmaker by Sean Williams (ARC)

Unhinged by A.G. Howard (ARC)

Death and the Girl He Loves by Darynda Jones (Paperback)

Parasite by Mira Grant (x2 hardback)

Afterparty by Ann Stampler (x2 ARC)

Desert Tales by Melissa Marr

Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney (Hardback)

eARCs

Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

Perfect Lies by Kiersten White 

The Last Forever by Deb Caletti

Broken by CJ Lyons

Gifted/Won

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

Nil by Lynne Matson

Blog Tour: Find Me by Romily Bernard

Hey guys! Super excited to be interviewing Romily (who's such a sweetheart!) I loved Find Me so you guys should definitely get your hands on a copy ASAP! 

Fiction Freak: On a scale of 1-10 what are the chances of you being investigated by the FBI because of Google searches? (Or for any other reason. I'd LOVE to know.)

RB: Oh geez, I worry about this one for reals because I Google the most inappropriate stuff. Things like, how many months does it take a body to decompose? Or, how do you make a bomb at home? That one was the best because I also learned how to make homemade napalm. Is this useful information to have when you’re doing spreadsheets at work? No. Is it useful to drop into casual conversations with coworkers? Absolutely. Their expressions are priceless. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yeah, I totally worry about being investigated, but, on a scale of 1-10, I’m probably a 3 on their radar.

FF: How did the idea of FIND ME come to you? Was it the plot first, was it the character, or the situation? 

RB: Man, I have the worst inspiration story ever. FIND ME was written as agent bait. In fact, I think I even titled it, Agent Bait, for a while. You see, the literary agent I wanted expressed interest in YA thrillers so I decided I would write one. Makes it sound easy, no? I probably spent a week staggering around trying to think of interesting ideas. For people who know me that mostly looks like muttering, staring into space, and eating frosting directly from the tub. Anywho, I finally got this idea for a hacker who’s trying to get some work done while a cop sits outside her house. People who read the first chapter were like, “So why’s he there?” I had no idea. Thinking I had a clue, readers would press on, “So who’s the bad guy?” I didn’t know, but I kept writing until I did.

FF: First thought when you saw the cover?

I squealed like a three-year-old hopped up on red drink.

FF: What is the worst question you've ever been asked when you said "I'm a YA writer"

RB: Haha! No one knows what a YA writer is so I usually say I write techie thrillers and, almost always, people give me the stink eye and say, “So are you, like, a hacker or something?” I am not a hacker. I will never be a hacker. I’m not even qualified to type the word “hacker” because until a year ago I thought my television was powered by hamsters running reeeeaaaalllly hard on a wheel behind the screen. Okay, that’s not true either. I know it involves electricity and the hamsters have to plug stuff in. I just like talking about hamster wheels because it makes the blood vessel on Boy Genius’s forehead pop up when I tell people we’re rodent powered.

FF: Would you freak out like me if you were in Wick's situation or would you be badass like your fabulous main character? 

RB: I’m not sure I would be bad-ass, but I’m pretty sure I would get myself killed. For someone who’s only 5’3” on a good day, I run my mouth like I’m as big as anyone. Case in point? I was hit by a car once and, technically, it was kinda sorta possibly my fault. Okay, it was totally my fault, but I was still furious as I went skidding across the guy’s hood and I loudly mentioned the driver’s mother and another rude verb…or two. He came out of that sedan like someone launched him from a cannon and, to my utter surprise, he had to be pushing 6’6”. Part of my brain thought: “Gee, you really can fit a lot in a Fiat.” The rest of me thought: “I don’t know the Spanish words I’m going to need to describe this to the paramedic.” So I ran and Big Foot ran after me. Luckily, he got tired of chasing me way before I got tired of running. You’d think I’d exercise some restraint after that. Yeah, you’d think.

FF: Whats a weird thing about Wick that isn't mentioned in FIND ME?

RB: If Wick were a real person, I don’t think she’d have any use for me. I’m not sure what that says about me as a writer if I create characters that would never, ever hang out with me on a Saturday night. Actually, I’m pretty sure I know exactly what that says about me and I’m refusing to think about it.

FF: Speaking of upcoming books, can you give us a little teaser of the sequel?

RB: Hmmm, a teaser for REMEMBER ME…how about explosions, dead bodies, more hacking, and the truth behind Wick’s mother’s suicide?

FF: If you could do a spinoff of ANY book or series, what book/series and which character?

RB: Definitely R.L. LaFevers’s HIS FAIR ASSASSIN series. Ismae was so wounded and yet so incredibly strong. She’s someone I’d love to see a great deal more of.

FF: What's one book you can't wait to get your hands on? 

RB: I can only pick one?! HER DARK CURIOSITY…wait, no, THE DREAM THIEVES…or ANTIGODDESS. Um, can I just say ‘yes?’

FF: What is your absolute favorite suspense/thriller? 

RB: Gillian Flynn’s GONE GIRL. You want to talk about an author who’s so amazing she gives me shame spirals? Flynn is just…yeah, there are no words.

Huge thank you to Nikki at Fiction Freak for having me. Hope you enjoyed the interview and I hope you enjoy FIND ME!

Find Me Blurb
"Find Me." These are the words written on Tessa Waye's diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa's just been found...dead.
Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target. Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick.
Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick's deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step?
Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare.
But she's going to find this killer no matter what.
Because it just got personal.

Author Bio

I graduated from Georgia State University with a Literature degree. Since then, I’ve worked as a riding instructor, cell phone salesgirl, personal assistant, groom, exercise rider, accounting assistant, and, during a very dark time, customer service rep.So don’t let anyone tell you a BA degree will keep you unemployed.

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Mini Freak Out: Find Me by Romily Bernard

Mini Freak Out

Goodreads Blurb

“Find Me.”
These are the words written on Tessa Waye’s diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa’s just been found . . . dead.
Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target.
Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick. Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick’s deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step?
Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare.
But she’s going to find this killer no matter what.
Because it just got personal.

8: I never knew a cop could be so terrifying.
14: Holy crap.
17: SHIVERS.
22: Oh my God
30: Books teach me things that a 13 year old should not know. >:)
39: My heart hurts
42: O_O
63: CRAPSTICKS
68: THIS HAS TO BE THE WORST COP IN HISTORY. WHO EVEN.
73: Do I hate or love Lily.
78: I don't know about Lily, BUT I LOVE GRIFF
80: O_______O
98: Carson. Creepiest guy on Earth
105: OH GOD. UH OH. CRAP.
124: HOLY CRAP. JUST HOLY CRAP.
134: I love Griff
140: SQUEALS
146: My squeals of joy have become squeals of terror.
150: I love Lauren!
154: SO MANY REASONABLE SUSPECTS
167: TEEHEE
171: CRAP. CRAP. CRAP.
175: EERCTFHJKLPMNXAAWFHMLITEAJJLHEEKBSO
194: Yeah I love Griff
205: AHAHAHAHAHA *wipes away tears* I LOVE THEM
206: OMG I JUST.  <3
219: Oh God. Oh God oh God oh God.
223: I AM CRYING. CRYING.
230: OH GOD WHAT IS HAPPENING
237: GRIFF I LOVE YOU
238: OH MY CRAP. CRAP
241: WHAT
242: FYI.IUMEGBFNRYIULJRMTEGNTEHIEEDDWGRYJTYETHMYTEBERGTEH
271: OH MY FUCKIN GOD I CAN'T SOMEHOW OMG I CAN'T EVEN. LOCK THE DOORS AND SHUTTER THE WINDOWS AND RUN WICK RUN
274: YOU SICK PSYCHO
275: OMG I AM SO UNBELIEVABLY FREAKED OUT. IHBOUNOMPLKJBVTXESESCGHVBINKNK
280: Oh. My. Fuck.
282: OH FUCK. FUCK. SHIT. NO. OMFG. I CAN'T EVEN. BRB DYING.
303: I just can't.
End: THERE'S A SEQUEL?! I HOPE SO.

Romily Bernard is a genius with suspense. I can't even tell you how many times my heart pounded throughout this entire thing and how many times I was nervous for Wick. (Okay maybe I can. Hint: It was all the time.) There were several twists I couldn't see coming, that just smacked me in the face, and while the major plot twist was sort of predictable...it still absolutely killed me. And, of course, shocked me so much I ended up gaping at the pages for a good bit. 
But the mystery of "Find Me", of Tessa Waye, wasn't the only plot line that catches your interest, as thrilling as it is. Wick just happens to be the daughter of a drug lord on the run, and she has to deal with that as well as trying to ward off Carson, a certain cop who can't seem to stay away. So, of course, nothing's easy for our poor characters. 

Oh, our characters. How I absolutely love them! Wick was a fierce character, broken and hardened by years under the thumb of her father and the ghost of her mother's suicide haunting her. She's independent, but has a vulnerable side, one that she rarely shows. She's a fascinating character, a realistically portrayed one, and her voice was amazing! 
We also have Lily, the little sister. I...didn't love her so much. I never felt like she understood what her sister had gone through or what her sister feels and I couldn't help but resent her. Just a little! She was still awfully adorable.

Do I get to talk about Griff now? Because oh my freaking God, I loved him! He was sweet and a little rough around the edges. And absolutely swoony. He was hilarious too and cared so much for Wick. I loved their romance which wasn't really insta-love, but you can immediately feel their chemistry. Which made me giggle happily so many times.

Thrilling and unpredictable, Find Me is possibly my favorite suspense I've read in ever and I absolutely have to recommend! It's unforgettable and gripping, not letting you go until the end.

Pages: 307

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Series: Find Me #1

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: Sep 24, 2013

Rating: 4.5

Waiting on Wednesday

Control by Lydia Kang

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

ANYWAYS. The mutated genes was really the part that caught my attention sinceMUTATION. YES. MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. Ok, so not that mutated. But it definitely sounds action packed and full of fun! And I'm hoping a bad boy love interest. Or a sweet romance. I love my so-not-insta-lovey-romances, you know.And seriously, do you understand how epic this sounds? AND OMG THE COVER. THE COVER GUYS, THE COVER.