Bruised by Sarah Skilton 

Publisher: Amulet/Abrams 

Publication date: March 5th 2013

Imogen has always believed that her black belt in Tae Kwon Do made her stronger than everyone else--more responsible, more capable. But when she witnesses a holdup in a diner, she freezes. The gunman is shot and killed by the police. And it's all her fault.

Now she's got to rebuild her life without the talent that made her special and the beliefs that made her strong. If only she could prove herself in a fight--a real fight--she might be able to let go of the guilt and shock. She's drawn to Ricky, another witness to the holdup, both romantically and because she believes he might be able to give her the fight she’s been waiting for.

But when it comes down to it, a fight won’t answer Imogen's big questions: What does it really mean to be stronger than other people? Is there such a thing as a fair fight? And can someone who's beaten and bruised fall in love?

- Goodreads description 

After having skimmed by the cover of Bruised for the last 2 years on my TBR list, I finally decided to give it a try. I had read mostly glowing reviews about its brutally in depth journey through the side affects of PTSD and decided, hey , why not? Maybe I'll just give it a try. 

Sadly, although I enjoyed the book, for me, it's not a read that will stick for long. Whilst Imogen coped with the traumatic situation in an entirely reasonable way, her attitude was off-putting and overall dampened any sort of emotional connection I could have made with her character. I also struggled to understand some of her more "justifiable" actions and to be frank, I think so did the other characters. The main concept of the story is that Ricky is the only one who seems to understand her. But really, I don't even think HE understands what the hell is going on. And that's saying something. 

So far, I might have made it seem like a completely futile novel but the authors' writing style is a bright beacon of light to this otherwise average read. Despite our disappointing protagonist, Skiltons' technical ability can not be denied. Bruised was well-written and certain ideas were well developed within the story line. However, I did get the feel that the author was juggling with too many ideas at once. While I think we can all appreciate a complex storyline, in this case, it was unaccounted for and unnecessary. Why include them if they can't be developed to their full potential anyway (unless of course your planning a sequel)?  When PTSD is already such a gripping and potent issue, there is really no need to intertwine high school drama or childhood memories. 

A good read for any contemporary YA fans with an itch for an intense story line! 

                                                               - Alana, xxx

    Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martin's press

Publication date: February 26th 2013

Two misfits.

One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

-Good reads description 

I really, really liked this book. Everything from the unique storyline to the intriguing characters captivated me from start to finish. I honestly don't think that I have read any book quite like this. Although the Fault in Our Stars comes close, the situation is so completely different that it can't possibly be compared. 

In the book, Eleanor and Park's relationship really blossomed. In the beginning, the bus rides were just plain awkward and cringe-worthy - neither of them really knew how to approach the situation- which by the way, is a totally normal response, although the 21st century seems to think that it is completely natural to become best friends after, like, 5 freaking seconds... like, no.That just doesn't happen. It doesn't. Anyway rant over, their relationship really was special in so many ways. Eleanor wasn't afraid to be herself and soon Park was allowing his individuality to shine through too. Together not only were they incredibly funny but shared a passion and intimacy that was unreal. 

A definite read for all YA book lovers! 

                                                                      -Alana,xxx

And today is.......

Just wanted to create a quick post and remind everyone that today is International Literacy Day. Not only is it awesome because duh, books :p, but it is also a time to encourage other people, friends or family, that reading is as important as any other daily activity. Really, it should be THE most important but hey, baby steps...baby steps....

Anyway, I wanted to share with you some cool pics that I thought would perfectly correspond with 

this special day. :D

Enjoy!

so true

*tingly* 

- Alana, xxx

Isla and the Happily Ever After

Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3)

by Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: Dutton 

Publication date: August 14th 2014

Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last? 

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. 

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series.

-Goodreads description

So, I'm gonna keep this nice and short because really, that is all this books needs.  Having read Anna and the French Kiss, I had high expectations for this book. I had been putting it off for waaaaay too long for fear that my unrealistic illusions for this book would be devastatingly shattered. 

Boy, was I wrong. 

Although I will admit, I didn't always feel that way. In the beginning, I felt like Isla was a pretty arrogant character whose obsession with Josh was kind of creepy, not to mention border-line stalkerish. As I was writing my notes, the excessive amount of stalker-like tendencies were disturbing yet strangely, impressive too.  But even I drew the line when she googled his address as an attempt to find him......yeah, no.

Besides that though, I really did enjoy this third and final installment of the series. I think that it added perfectly to the existing two books, adding a certain intensity that was missing and lacking in the previous novels. AND BOY, DID IT GET INTENSE. Josh and Isla had a chemistry that I don't think a lot of couples have anymore. Not only was it a powerful relationship but it also remained believable throughout. There were awkward silences, uncomfortable throat clearing and that's exactly the way it's supposed to be. By doing this, Perkins is able to create such a realistic connection between them that even the reader can feel it in the pit of their stomach. As a bonus too, I don't think I can think of one ass-holish thing that Josh did (at least, on purpose) which in my book, makes him a part of a select few. If only he existed in real life. Sigh.

In terms of other minor characters, Kurt was definitely one of my favorites. Having a mentally disabled character featured in a dominate role is quite uncommon and I was thrilled to be able to observe his interactions with the other characters! 

A wonderful book deserving of its praise. One of my favorite YA contemporaries of the Year!

-Alana,xxx

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5) by Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: July 29th 2014

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.

Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive. 

For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .

Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.

- Goodreads description 

Any fan of Richelle Mead knows that you can never read too much of Adrian Ivashknov and this book is no exception to that. Not only did it have an abundance of swoon-worthy romance but also epic action scenes that will glue you to your seat until you finish the book. Yes, its that good. The book begins with Sydney who is being kept in a "re-education" center for Alchemists because of her romantic involvement with Adrian as well as her association with Jill and the gang. Sydney's mental and physical boundaries are tested as gas amongst other oppressive methods are used in order to keep the residents under control, leaving Adrian to find other ways to contact Sydney. These scenes are insanely well-written, detailing the torture to such an extent, that even the reader's skin crawls with the gruesome sensations. 

One of the things that I loved most about this book was the fact that the reader is really able to see Sydney shine as a character. In the beginning of the Bloodlines series, Sydney was still very much an insecure girl who had doubts about her body type and the way she looked which made her instantly relatable to many girls in this day and age. With Adrian's help, she was finally able to overcome her irrational fears and become self-confident. In this book, the reader is really able to see the full scope of her progress throughout the series and see her newly-improved, bad ass self. High five to girl power! 

Whilst woman dominated this book, Adrian was a little disappointing to me. Don't get me wrong, he is still as charming and magnetizing as ever but for the majority of the book, he wallowed in his self-pity and didn't actually do much to save Sydney. For a character who has shown so much potential, it was scream-at-your-book frustrating that he sank into the same depression well known to the series loyal readers. 

Although I didn't quite enjoy Adrian's individual scenes as much as I predicted I would, the chemistry between Sydney and Adrian more than made up for it. Ah, the romance is just the most delicious and engrossing part of the book! Like always, Mead was able to stir the pot so that it was mixed to tempting perfection. When added to the heart-pounding action and humorous dialogue, well let's just say, Read made a home run once again! 

                                                                             -Alana xxx