Review: ACID by Emma Pass

Title: Acid
Author: Emma Pass
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Series: N/A Standalone

Hardcover, 384 pages
Publication: March 11, 2014 by Delacorte Press

Source: I received a review copy (arc) from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Buy|Amazon|Book Depo| 

The year is 2113. In Jenna Strong's world, ACID—the most brutal controlling police force in history—rule supreme. No throwaway comment or whispered dissent goes unnoticed—or unpunished. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a horrendous crime she struggles to remember. But Jenna's violent prison time has taught her how to survive by any means necessary.

When a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed, and skill to stay one step ahead of ACID, and try to uncover the truth about what really happened on that terrible night two years ago. They have taken her life, her freedom, and her true memories away from her. How can she reclaim anything when she doesn't know who to trust?

Even though the Dystopian genre is so over saturated, with every other book becoming similar or identical…I still find myself picking one up anyways. Two things are guaranteed when you read a Young Adult Dystopian; there will be a kick butt protagonist and loads of action. Not surprising I picked up Acid. The cover alone promises what I just said! But what really caught my attention with this book was the synopsis…a seventeen year old girl in an all male prison. What?! I immediately requested this book from the publisher, and was happily obliged when it showed up in the mail.

Acid started off with a bang as readers are introduced to Jenna Strong, a seventeen-year-old, who was charged with the murder of her parents. I love a kick butt heroine as much as the next reader, and was excited to see Jenna take down nasty and perverted inmates 2-3 times her size. She even had all these crazy wicked moves that can drop a person on their butt before they know what hit them! I was pretty impressed but at the same time not totally convince. While I read it in the synopsis and even when I started reading Acid, I had a hard time picturing a girl in an all male prison. It wasn’t believable, because realistically that would never happen. But plausibility aside, it didn’t matter much as Jenna gets broken out of jail a couple chapters in.

After Jenna’s prison break she goes on and gets three different identities. I liked Jenna for the most part, she definitely the epitome of a dystopian female lead and with each new identity she never once lost that strong-dangerous vibe (well maybe except when she was Jess briefly). The only thing that bothered me was Jenna’s recklessness in the last few chapters. She pulled a YA trope. She put not only her life in danger over a single boy who she barely knows (also apparently loves); but also the FREE (A group of activists that want to bring down the corruption and its Acid leader Harvey) team and the hundreds of prisoners. For someone who is so smart, especially when she was able to evade Acid countless of times; she sure isn’t thinking clearly when it comes to Max. The other secondary characters like Max, Jon, Mel, or even Jacob all had about equal amount of page time but I never got a feel for their characters. They weren’t fully developed and were nothing but a back drop to Jenna’s story. They definitely helped move the story along but never made much of an impression.

The world building is the weakest part of the book. Like the secondary characters, I didn’t think the world was fully realized or developed. Things were told but never fully explained, which made the futuristic U.K. and the Acid totalitarian government society far-fetched. For example, people are Life Partnered at a young age (arranged marriages), and are assigned a place to live, a job and whether or not they’re allowed to have a baby or not. There was never a reason given why this is so (well if there was a reason, I definitely don’t recall reading it). The author also never went into detail as to how Acid came into power and how they overthrew IRB (Independent Republic of Britain). Even the NAR terrorists group didn’t make sense. We meet them midway during the book and are told of one of their plans to attack Acid but again no details except they hate Acid and want to overthrow them (just like FREE, but violent).

Overall Acid was a good book, but because of the underdeveloped world building it fell short of becoming what it could have been; an incredible dystopian. The pacing of the novel could have also used some work, the book started out strong but quickly lost momentum midway; picking up sporadically till the end. I mentioned the poor world building, but it isn’t to say that Ms. Pass can’t write because she definitely can. I thought the book was well written and am looking forward to seeing more of her work. This is the author’s first book, so I know everything isn’t going to be perfect. If you enjoy reading Dystopains, and aren’t too burned out I’d say give this book a try…you might like it more than me.

[Blog Tour] Guest Post by Amy Talkington

I'd like to welcome Amy Talkington, author of LIV, FOREVER to Short & Sweet Reviews Blog! On today's LIV, FOREVER blog tour stop Amy is sharing her top ten favorite classic, teen and indie movies!

Don't forget to check out my 5 stars review of Liv, Forever here! 



ABOUT THE BOOK

PUBLICATION: March 11, 2014 by Soho Teen

When Liv Bloom lands an art scholarship at Wickham Hall, it’s her ticket out of the foster system. Liv isn’t sure what to make of the school’s weird traditions and rituals, but she couldn’t be happier. For the first time ever, she has her own studio, her own supply of paints. Everything she could want.

Then she meets Malcolm Astor, a legacy student, a fellow artist, and the one person who’s ever been able to melt her defenses. Liv’s only friend at Wickham, fellow scholarship kid Gabe Nichols, warns her not to get involved, but life is finally going Liv’s way, and all she wants to do is enjoy the ride.

But Liv’s bliss is doomed. Weeks after arriving, she is viciously murdered and, in death, she discovers that she’s the latest victim of a dark conspiracy that has claimed many lives. Cursed with the ability to see the many ghosts on Wickham’s campus, Gabe is now Liv’s only link to the world of the living. To Malcolm.

Together, Liv, Gabe, and Malcolm fight to expose the terrible truth that haunts the halls of Wickham. But Liv must fight alone to come to grips with the ultimate star-crossed love

Buy the book  →|AMAZON|BOOK DEPO|

I’m a screenwriter and filmmaker so I cannot possibly just limit this to ten movies! So, how about three lists?

My 10 favorite all-time favorite classics

*Poster images via IMDB.Com
La Dolce Vita, Network, The Graduate, Chinatown, Tootsie, The Royal Tenenbaums, Lost in Translation, Being There, Trainspotting, and Sunset Boulevard

 

My 10 all-time favorite teen movies

 *Poster images via IMDB.Com

Mean Girls, Little Darlings, Romeo & Juliet (Baz Luhrmann’s version), Valley Girl, Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Pretty In Pink, Easy A and (not exactly a teen movie but I can’t leave it out!) Almost Famous

Plus, a few of my favorite recent indies

  *Poster images via IMDB.Com

Beasts of the Southern Wild, Afternoon Delight, Her, Mud, Fruitvale Station, and of course I have to mention my own feature film: The Night of the White Pants!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Talkington is an award-winning screenwriter and director living in Los Angeles. Before all that she wrote about music for magazines like Spin, Ray Gun, Interview, and Seventeen (mostly just as a way to get to hang out with rock stars). As a teenager in Dallas, Texas, Amy painted lots of angsty self-portraits, listened to The Velvet Underground and was difficult enough that her parents finally let her go to boarding school on the East Coast. Liv, Forever is her first novel.

If you want to know all the latest on Liv, Forever or more about the author follow Amy on Twitter & Tumblr 

Review: Liv, Forever by Amy Talkington

Title: Liv, Forever
Author: Amy Talkington
Genre: Young Adult, Paranromal-Mystery
Series: Standalone but possible sequel?

Hardcover, 280 pages

Publication: March 11, 2014 by Soho Teen

Source: I received a review copy from the publicist in exchange for a honest review/blog tour.

Buy|AMAZON|BOOK DEPO|

When Liv Bloom lands an art scholarship at Wickham Hall, it’s her ticket out of the foster system. Liv isn’t sure what to make of the school’s weird traditions and rituals, but she couldn’t be happier. For the first time ever, she has her own studio, her own supply of paints. Everything she could want.

Then she meets Malcolm Astor, a legacy student, a fellow artist, and the one person who’s ever been able to melt her defenses. Liv’s only friend at Wickham, fellow scholarship kid Gabe Nichols, warns her not to get involved, but life is finally going Liv’s way, and all she wants to do is enjoy the ride.

But Liv’s bliss is doomed. Weeks after arriving, she is viciously murdered and, in death, she discovers that she’s the latest victim of a dark conspiracy that has claimed many lives. Cursed with the ability to see the many ghosts on Wickham’s campus, Gabe is now Liv’s only link to the world of the living. To Malcolm.

Together, Liv, Gabe, and Malcolm fight to expose the terrible truth that haunts the halls of Wickham. But Liv must fight alone to come to grips with the ultimate star-crossed love

Liv, Forever was one of my most anticipated books out this year, and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint! When I first heard of Liv, Forever I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis and excited by the cover. I am a sucker for boarding school novels...and this one is with ghosts! Double win. I thought I knew what to expect when starting Liv, Forever…but there was so much more to the synopsis! Liv, Forever was a beautifully written, haunting, chilling and heartfelt story that enthralled me from the first page.

Olivia ‘Liv’ Bloom, a child of the foster care system just won a two-year scholarship to the most prestigious school in the world, Wickham Hall. Liv can’t wait to see the opportunities that await her and the prospects to strengthen her talents as an artist. But right off the bat Liv knows she won’t fit in. She has always been one to keep to herself and it doesn’t help that 99% of the students are rich; their parents an alumni or a legacy. Regardless of being an outcast, Liv is thrilled to get away from her foster parents and the life she left behind. Things start to look up when Liv catches the eyes of the most popular and handsome boy in school, Malcolm. Over the first few weeks of school Liv is living on a high, enjoying Malcolm’s company and learning what it means to love…but things come to an abrupt end when Liv is murder. And her only hope of finding her murderer is Wickham’s outcast Gabe. Together Gabe and Liv convinces Malcolm that she is still around; and as the three piece clues together they find out Liv’s death is more sinister than they thought and that it ties directly back to the school and its members.

Liv wasn’t the first girl to be murdered at Wickham Hall. The book opens up with a chapter narrated by one of the murdered victim of Wickham; and throughout the book readers get to hear each murdered girl tell her side of the story (there are 7 girls) on how she died which is seamlessly woven with Liv’s chapters narrated before and after her death. Talkington doesn’t waste any time with the story as Liv is murdered early on in the book, creating an eerie suspenseful tone that makes up the entire book till the very end. I’ve read a lot of paranormal and star-crossed lovers’ books but Liv, Forever is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Talkington takes the two overused ideas and breathes new life into it; creating something refreshing and unique. I read many books and seen many movies that either had ghosts in them or featured a ghost and I can say Talkington’s ghosts are very imaginative. Talkington explains in great detail on why the ghosts in her book act a certain way, and like everything in life there are certain rules and boundaries that the ghosts have to abide by. As for the star-cross lover aspects, Malcolm and Liv may be from two different worlds but yet they are implicitly the same…especially for their love and appreciation for art. I was happy to see that the two didn’t fall into the YA love trend (well Malcolm did drop the L-WORD super fast but not Liv). They were both attracted and curious of one another but their relationship didn’t grow and blossom till after Liv’s death. That in itself, the relationship of these two characters is something I’ve never seen/read before. It was strange and beautiful; so well thought out and written that it made me root for their relationship even when I knew how impossible it was.

Liv was a good-okay character. That might sound odd, as she is the main protagonist and narrator of the book but I never felt like I knew her or got to connect with her before or after her death. I mean sure, readers knew she was lonely, a great artist and had a tough childhood but it was all the just basic information.  Readers briefly learn the 5 W’s of Liv’s life in the first couple chapters but the rest of the book was dedicated to finding Liv’s killer and learning about Wickham Hall and its mysterious traditions. I learned and connected with Malcolm and Gabe more than Liv, which probably makes sense since the two are the proactive ones in finding Liv’s murderer. From the start I knew who Malcolm and Gabe were, why they acted the way they do and their history but Liv really stuck to the idea that she was a nobody, and that she was invisible to everyone…and therefore she was (she was killed precisely for that reason, because no one would have cared/noticed she died).

Liv, Forever is Talkington’s debut novel, and it was an amazing first novel. Although, the way Ms. Talkington writes you’d think she’s a seasoned author! I love everything about this book; the charming and sweet romance, Gothic setting, spooky ghosts, wonderful characters and exceptional world building. This is by far the best book I’ve read so far this year! I haven’t read such a memorable and gratifying book in a long time till I read this book. Liv, Forever is a perfect balance of genres; it has romance, suspense/thriller, mystery, paranormal and horror…a little something for everyone. I highly recommend this book to everyone; because I truly believe it can be enjoyed by both teens and adult (maybe some tween but I thought it was pretty creepy at times…I got Goosebumps while reading this book at night lol). The book is fairly short, less than 300 pages but I thought it was the perfect length and pace. Each chapter was packed with action and suspense, so there was never a dull moment. I’m not sure if there will be a sequel or not but if there is, I’d be the first in line to read/buy it! I will be keeping my eyes out for Talkington’s future books, definitely a writer/book not to be missed!

Review: Let the Storm Break by Shannon Messenger

Title: Let the Storm Break
Author: Shannon Messenger
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Sky Fall #2

Hardcover, 400 pages
Publication: March 4, 2014 by Simon Pulse

Source: I received a review copy (arc) from the publicist in exchange for a honest review.

Buy|AMAZON|BOOK DEPO|

Vane Weston is haunted. By the searing pull of his bond to Audra. By the lies he’s told to cover for her disappearance. By the treacherous winds that slip into his mind, trying to trap him in his worst nightmares. And as his enemies grow stronger, Vane doesn’t know how much longer he can last on his own.

But Audra’s still running. From her past. From the Gales. Even from Vane, who she doesn’t believe she deserves. And the farther she flees, the more danger she finds. She possesses the secret power her enemy craves, and protecting it might be more than she can handle—especially when she discovers Raiden’s newest weapon.

With the Gale Force weakened by recent attacks, and the power of four collapsing, Vane and Audra are forced to make a choice: keep trusting the failing winds, or turn to the people who’ve betrayed them before. But even if they survive the storms sent to destroy them, will they have anything left to hold on to?

Let the Storm Break is the second installment in Messenger’s Sky Fall series, following dual narratives of the predestined Sylph King Vane and his guardian Audra. The book takes place approximately a month after the events of the first book. Vane is still adjusting to his role as Sylph King (air elemental, wind-walker) and his new bond with Audra. Audra on the other hand is in shocked that she broke her oath as a Gale Guardian by bonding with Vane, who she was suppose to only watch over and protect; so instead of facing the consequences she runs to put as much distance as possible between herself and Vane. Meanwhile, Raiden (Ex-Gale Guardian gone rouge) is doing whatever is necessary to capture Vane; to possess the powers of the fourth wind language.

The second book in the story did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed Let the Storm Break; it was just as good as the first book if not a tad better. In the first book the story focused mostly on training Vane in the four different wind languages and teaching him the sylph history. With the foundation of the story already laid out in the first book, readers delve deeper into the politics and aspects of the Gale Force, we get a better glimpse and understanding of Raiden, and Vane and Audra’s relationship is tested from all sides.

Audra and Vane were probably a part for the majority of the book, but never once did that affect their love for one another or their relationship. Audra and Vane both go through a self-discovery journey (Audra more so than Vane) this time around, everything that they thought they knew gets turned up on its side and they can’t do anything but take it one step at a time and put the welfare of the people above their own needs. Audra was getting a lot of backlash for leaving Vane, for wanting space and a break after she devoted 10 years of her life protecting him. I didn't think Audra was selfish at all, I mean she deserved a break; especially after she found out her mom lied to her, her entire life.  While on this ‘self discovery/reflection’ Audra was captured by a man long thought dead and she came face-to-face with Raiden. Audra utilized her knowledge of the fourth language to the best of her abilities and was able to get out of both situations alive. I really admired Audra’s determination, courage and strength… it’s everything that I look for in a character. I think this is the type of role model teens should be reading about; not like the whiny, annoying, damsel in distress found in other YAs. But this isn't to say she’s not affected by little things, she is after all still a teenage girl. For example, Audra questioned herself and her relationship to Vane when she returned home and saw Vane with his ex-betroth Solana (No, this isn't a love-triangle…thank goodness). However, the addition of Solana’s character wasn't a strain on their relationship, but instead made it stronger.

Vane’s character in my opinion hasn't really grown much over the course of book two. Vane wasn't any better at mastering the three winds or his own westerly language or as a strategist or fighter.  Audra was able to learn Westerly through their bond and yet she was better at controlling the wind than Vane. For most the book Vane was moping around wondering when Audra would return, and even when he knew Raiden was on his way….all he could think about is if Audra still loves him or not. It wasn't till the last 2-3 chapters that he took his role more seriously but what really made him jump into his role as King wasn't seeing his hometown pulverized or all Gale Force wiped out…it was because Audra was in danger.  I wish he stepped more into a leadership role early on, especially when the Gales and humans depended on him.

Let the Storm Break was a bit slow but it didn't make me enjoy the book any less. I was intrigued by all the new characters and loved learning about Raiden and the scary things he was capable of doing. Let the Storm Break might be lacking in the romance department (the first book was heavy on the romance) but it was full of action, suspense, and had a load of new fascinating characters that I didn't mind at all.  Messenger weaved yet another captivating book and expanded on her already unique world building. Messenger has an incredible way with words, sucking readers into the story right from the first page and had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. I’m a big fan of this series and her MG series. She is definitely another writer to watch! The book ended on a major cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the final book. I know it’s going to be crazy good!

Early Review: Hearts of Chaos by Kira Brady

Title: Heart of Chaos
Author: Kira Brady
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Deadglass #3

Mass Market Paperback,  352 pages
Publication: March 4, 2014 by Zebra

Source: I received a review copy (arc) from the author in exchange for a honest review.

Pre-Order|AMAZON|BOOK DEPO|

To save her world, one woman's fierce quest will put her up against an ancient evil—and a desire too dangerous to deny...

She is betrothed to Seattle's most feared shifter clan leader. Still, the Lady Lucia can never be the dainty aristocratic wife Emory Corbette thinks he needs. And as a malevolent, all-consuming monster plots to take hold of their shattered world, Lucia will risk her untapped powers to defeat it—and challenge the Raven King's seductive rule.

No one in Emory's many lifetimes has ever defied him. Lucia's courage and strength are shaking his iron control to its core...and making him hungry, for all she can give. But their only hope is a wrenching sacrifice that could unite humans and shifters in victory—or destroy everything Lucia and Emory desire most.

Heart of Chaos is the third and final installment in Brady’s Deadglass series following couple, Lucia Crane and Emory Corbette. It’s been a few months since the unraveling, where Demigod Kingu wreck havoc on Seattle and its citizen. The Kivatis (totem animal shifters) and Drekars (dragon shifters) are trying to pick up the pieces but the worst is yet to come as the Tablet of Destiny and Heart of Tiamat finds a new host in Zetain, a ruthless drekar warrior. Tiamat is finally freed from her prison and she plans to birth a new breed of children to create a pantheon she lost.

Emory and Lucia were betrothed from an early age, out of obligation to the Kivati people rather love. I loved seeing their transformation from the beginning of the series to their own book. I didn’t think I would like this couple as much as the previous couple, Grace and Leif but I ended up loving them just as much. I must admit I wasn’t a fan of Lucia from the start when readers first met her in Hearts of Darkness; she came off as snobby and immature. Everyone including the Raven Lord thought Lucia as a dainty fragile girl  and because of the prophecy she must be put on a pedal stool. The prophecy says Lucia will either be the savior or the destruction of the Kivati people, and because they think she's their salvation she's always locked safely behind Kivati hall. However Lucia grew immensely over the course of the series, becoming more than what people thought of her. In the first book she was physically attacked by one of her own people causing her to become even more closed off than normal but in book two she took her life back. She got fighting lessons from Grace and helped lead a group of Kivati into battle against Kingu. In Heart of Chaos she continues to stand-up for herself becoming a major player and fulfilling the prophecy. I admired her strength and determination to live life to the fullest…especially after what happened to her in the first book.

Emory came off as stand-offish and cold when readers first meet him, but yet he intrigued me. He was a man that people looked up to and at the same time a man that people feared. Readers only got to see one side of Emory in the first two books, a man that put his people above himself and an all-around leader. In this final book we glimpse the other side of him; one that is vulnerable and full of passion. It is in knowing that the end is possibly near that he finally realizes to live not only for his people but for himself. He breaks routine and his character and does things he wouldn’t contemplate before Lucia for Lucia.

Hearts of Chaos was an excellent conclusion to a phenomenal series. An exhilarating ride full of myths and magic. As I mentioned in my other reviews, this paranormal romance series is unlike any series I’ve ever read. Mrs. Brady is the only author that I know of that writes a paranormal romance that has different lead couples in a series but the same connecting plot/story arc and that alone makes her standout in a sea of identical paranormal romances. Brady pens a creative and unique world with multifaceted characters that you can’t help but fall in love with…even the baddies. The Deadglass series may have come to an end but the epilogue leaves an open door for a possible story in the world of Deadglass and one I hope Mrs. Brady will write. There are still so many stories to be told within the Deadglass world, so I hope that this isn’t the end end. I highly recommend this series to all PR and UF fans, you will not regret it! Brady is an author to watch. I will buy and read anything she writes!