Exquisite Captive ( Dark Caravan Cycle #1) by Heather Demetrios

Publisher: Balzer+Bray 

Publication date: October 7th 2014

Forced to obey her master.
Compelled to help her enemy.
Determined to free herself. 

Nalia is a jinni of tremendous ancient power, the only survivor of a coup that killed nearly everyone she loved. Stuffed into a bottle and sold by a slave trader, she’s now in hiding on the dark caravan, the lucrative jinni slave trade between Arjinna and Earth, where jinn are forced to grant wishes and obey their human masters’ every command. She’d give almost anything to be free of the golden shackles that bind her to Malek, her handsome, cruel master, and his lavish Hollywood lifestyle.

Enter Raif, the enigmatic leader of Arjinna’s revolution and Nalia’s sworn enemy. He promises to free Nalia from her master so that she can return to her ravaged homeland and free her imprisoned brother—all for an unbearably high price. Nalia’s not sure she can trust him, but Raif’s her only hope of escape. With her enemies on the hunt, Earth has become more perilous than ever for Nalia. There’s just one catch: for Raif’s unbinding magic to work, Nalia must gain possession of her bottle…and convince the dangerously persuasive Malek that she truly loves him. Battling a dark past and harboring a terrible secret, Nalia soon realizes her freedom may come at a price too terrible to pay: but how far is she willing to go for it?

Inspired by Arabian Nights, EXQUISITE CAPTIVE brings to life a deliciously seductive world where a wish can be a curse and shadows are sometimes safer than the light.

-Goodreads description

Ahhh...where to start? Truly, I enjoyed this book a lot. I think that it isn't often when you come across a jinni-inspired book in YA, even in high fantasy which is partly why I decided to pick this one up on my recent trip to B&N. Having read some iffy reviews on goodreads, I had hoped for the best; the best being mediocre to acceptable. I am happy to report that it far exceeded my expectations. As I began reading, I couldn't help but feel as if the style and tone of the book mirrored something I had read before but I just couldn't... quite put my finger on it. After reading some other reviews, I came upon a reviewer who had compared it to Laini Taylor's books....YES, THIS IS EXACTLY LIKE THAT. Now, while I don't see myself rating Exquisite Captive as highly as the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series, it still lands pretty high on my list of favorite YA fantasy's of the year.

The book is written in third person and follows the story of Nalia, who is a Jinni slave on the Dark Caravan, and the only surviving Ghan Aisouri after her caste was massacred by the Ifrit. Having escaped her near death, she is brought through the portal leading to Earth where another dreadful future awaits her. She is sold as a slave to grant wishes for her master, the undeniably handsome and mysterious Malek who has some secrets of his own hiding in the dark. Nalia wants nothing else but to be free of her master so that she can return to Arjinna and save her brother, who has been imprisoned by the Ifrit. However, without her master demanding his third wish, she is bound to him for eternity. Unable to bear the thought of leaving her brother for dead, she strikes a deal with the enigmatic Raif who promises freedom in exchange for an object which could supply the revolution with an undeniable advantage and change the world for all Jinni.

*First of all, I just quickly want to say that I love that this was written in third person. Personally, I think more writers should employ this as it build suspense for the readers and keeps them more engaged *

Nalia is our strong and brave protagonist who is a Ghan Aisouri, a Jinni with access to all four of the elements. Its needless to say that she is a badass, able to hold her own against her master as well as other Jinni. However, at the same time, the reader is able to experience a vulnerability to her character as she feels like she belongs nowhere, not on Earth or in Arjinna. This softness made her all the more likable as it really helped her character develop in between her tough and harsh exterior. 

In terms of romance, I'm sad to tell you that there is a love triangle..... yep, a love triangle. The first is Malek, her cruel yet irresistible master whilst the other is Raif, the leader of the revolution. Now, while I might get some heat for this, I totally ship Malek and Nalia. Although I am aware that Malek was callous and brutal and ruthless, he never really crossed the line for me. Whilst he might have pushed her against a wall to hard and held her wrists too tight, it was never without reason as you'll discover in the book. I just can't come to hate him when I know that he is trying to make amends for behavior which isn't really his fault. Despite that, he still takes ownership of his mistakes all the while being positively charming and downright charming.  Knowing my feeling on the romance, I'm just gonna skip out on Raif. He's nice and everything but I just wasn't able to make a connection to him like I did to Malek. 

Overall, I'd give this a double thumbs up for its unique concept and romance. Definitely recommend.
                                                                          -Alana,xxx
                 

Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication date: September 9th 2014

Sam McKenna’s never turned down a dare. And she's not going to start with the last one her brother gave her before he died.

So Sam joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s expecting push-ups and long runs, rope climbing and mud-crawling. As a military brat, she can handle an obstacle course just as well as the boys. She's even expecting the hostility she gets from some of the cadets who don’t think girls belong there. What she’s not expecting is her fiery attraction to her drill sergeant. But dating is strictly forbidden and Sam won't risk her future, or the dare, on something so petty...no matter how much she wants him.

As Sam struggles to prove herself, she discovers that some of the boys don’t just want her gone—they will stop at nothing to drive her out. When their petty threats turn to brutal hazing, bleeding into every corner of her life, she realizes they are not acting alone. A decades-old secret society is alive and active… and determined to force her out.

At any cost.

Now time's running short. Sam must decide who she can trust...and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences.

-Goodreads desciption 

First of all, I wanted to say sorry for being MIA for almost two weeks...Ahhh! I've had so much on my plate lately and haven't been able to read AT ALL. I know, torture, right? What was even more agonizing was that I had started this book which I had been waiting ageeeeeees to read and then I had to just...leave it. But let me just say, it was well worth the wait. This book grabbed my attention way before it was even published and only continued to shock and please me as I kept reading. Rites of Passage is one of those books that will make you realize just how easy you've got it compared to those working to serve and protect. 

The book is set at the DMA, a military academy, typically with an all male enrollment; that is until McKenna enrolls. Sam McKenna is not only one of the first girls to attend the Denmark Military Academy but she also follows in the footsteps of her military father and brothers who have upheld an esteemed family legacy. I'd have had my ass kicked the first hour, seeing how the DMA rolled. 

Coming to the DMA, she is accused, abused, yelled at, beaten, pushed beyond ANYONE'S boundaries and pretty much anything else you could think of. Despite these roadblocks, she meets every challenge heads on, without a single complaint. Frustration? sure, who wouldn't? Doubts? yes. But, not once did she back down and even take into consideration quitting. Me? I would have been out of there after the first smoke show. Hell, I would have hit the road having to wake up at 0500. Yep, I'm that lazy. So, I was really able to appreciate our heroine's strong character, sense of motivation and fierce attitude. 

Another aspect I was totally digging was the romance. Although it started off as a love triangle, it quickly became clear who was the main love interest. And, boy, did he succeed at that. Drill was dreamy and sweet but still had that tough, protective shell that was super intriguing. I won't lie, the forbidden aspect of the romance also played a part in choosing this book. However, it ended up being so much more. Rites of passage became a book that didn't need to have a very big physical side to the relationship because it already drew me in with its emotional intensity and that's not something I can say often. This attests perfectly to Hensley's writing as while her style was simple, it brought with it a torrent of feelings that were inescapable. 

Definitely recommended for ANY reader of YA! Happy Reading!

                                                                   - Alana xxx

The Fine Art of Pretending (The Fine Art of Pretending #1) by Rachel Harris

Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary

Publication date: September 30th 2014

According to the guys at Fairfield Academy, there are two types of girls: the kind you hook up with, and the kind you're friends with. Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Reed is the second type. And she hates it. With just one year left to change her rank, she devises a plan to become the first type by homecoming, and she sets her sights on the perfect date—Justin Carter, Fairfield Academy’s biggest hottie and most notorious player.

With 57 days until the dance, Aly launches Operation Sex Appeal and sheds her tomboy image. The only thing left is for Justin actually to notice her. Enter best friend Brandon Taylor, the school’s second biggest hottie, and now Aly’s pretend boyfriend. With his help, elevating from “funny friend” to “tempting vixen” is only a matter of time.

But when everything goes according to plan, the inevitable “break up” leaves their friendship in shambles, and Aly and Brandon with feelings they can’t explain. And the fake couple discovers pretending can sometimes cost you the one thing you never expected to want. 

-Goodreads Description 

First of all, I want to start off by saying that I went into this book with pretty high expectations. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been looking forward to reading 'The Fine Art of Pretending' since I first read the summary on goodreads. So, although it is well-written and enjoyable, I was still disappointed and felt like the story was underdeveloped. Now don't get me wrong, there were a lot of intricacies within the plot and a lot of stuff took place in its 256 pages but I felt like none of them were handled with maturity which made it lacking in emotional response. I know you're probably thinking, 'Why would a 16 year old want a to read a soul-wrenching, heartbreakingly moving book?', well the answer is A LOT OF THEM. The best contemporary writers are able to adapt their writing to development changes in society and I felt like this particular book fell a few feet short on that account. Not only were some of the characters childish at times, their concerns over petty issues were annoying and short-sighted. 

Another 'ugh' point was the dreaded love triangle. Sigh. Why, Miss.Harris, Why, oh why, must you have included a love triangle? Haven't we experienced enough of this over-used and over-rated convention? Honestly, it was going so well until Aly decided to physically involve another love interest, Justin. While I am 100% against the concept, I liked Justin and thought the he brought a little extra something to the table. 

What I did like, however, was the dual POV's which were used to alternate between the two main characters, Aly and Brandon. Every time I read a book with varying viewpoints, I gain more and more respect for the author and appreciate the look into the minds of different characters. To me, there is nothing more frustrating than having to read a book in which you are either unaware of another person's feelings or are unclear on their intentions. For that reason, I felt satisfied with my understanding of how Aly and Brandon's relationship worked and was hooked on their easy and appealing banter.

Overall, an entertaining read but not recommended for those looking for a truly immersive novel.

        - Alana, xxx

Dare You To (Pushing the limits #2) by Katie McGarry 

Publisher: Harlequin teen

Publication date: May 28th 2013

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...

-Goodreads description

Oh, my. Don't I just love little ole Katie McGarry.

Today, I’m gonna share with you one of my favorite reads in YA contemporary. ‘Dare you to’ is the second book of McGarry’s pushing the limits series and for me, it is by far the best. If you are hesitant to start up a new series, don't worry, the book can be read without reading the accompanying texts. It tells the story of Beth, whom we meet in the previous book, and Ryan, a baseball phenomenon at Bullit County High School. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the immediate chemistry felt between Beth and Ryan and their easy transition between humor and intimacy.  

Having said this, Beth and Ryan are both hard to like in the beginning, but I almost immediately warmed up to Ryan. Beth, on the other hand, is another story. I tried, I really did, but her personality just never appealed to me in the way that it should have. Don’t let this be the deciding factor though, as it still remains one of the best books I have read in the past year. Another thing that surprised me was I am someone who tends to stay dedicated towards the first love interest introduced. So, you could say I was confused when I found myself shipping Ryan and Beth instead of Isaiah. Uggghhhh....What are you doing to me, Katie?!

Evidence of McGarry’s expertise is clear in the interlinking of her story lines. I loved that I was able to still be part of Noah and Echo’s story from book one, even though we changed POV’s in ‘Dare you to’. Many authors finish a book and then just leave us hanging which can just get you pulling your hair in rage! You spend all that time developing a character's story line and then we don't even get to figure out what happens to them...no, that's just not right. And Miss. McGarry certainly seems to agree with me! Honestly, I have to admit that I think she is one of the best contemporary authors within the domain of Young Adult Contemporary to date. 
'Dare you to' has a definite thumbs up from me and is recommended for any fans of Katie McGarry and Simone Elkeles. Happy Reading!                                                
                                                     - Alana, xxx