Hey guys! Sorry I haven't been updating the blog for a while; I just came back from vacationing in the caribbean where I had no Wifi - first world problems :/ But not to fear because I was able to jam in a couple of books that I am excited to get back to you on! I have three books to review today so I'm gonna keep them relatively short. I know I always say that and then they end up being like a whole page long but today, it's gonna be real. I also want to see if you guys enjoy the shorter reviews better than the longer ones so just leave your thoughts in the comment section below :) Anyway, here we go.

Book 1: Steel Lily (Periodic #1) by Megan Curd 

Publisher: Self-published

Publication date: August 12th 2013

AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs.

She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Four: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life.

Or so she thinks.

That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Four. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued. But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better.

…Which means digging deeper.

When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, she learns that while some secrets are better left concealed, humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.

-Goodreads Description 

As you can tell, it took me a while to get my hands on this book and after spending a short time deliberating, I came to this conclusion - I like it but I wanted more. This, to me, is the worst kind of reaction. You can almost feel the awesomeness in your grasp...just a little bit further..but it just.. never quite gets there. The plot was intriguing and the characters were a bunch of fun but I just couldn't develop a connection to either the book as a whole nor the main character, Avery. It's one of those where everyone seems to like the protagonist in some way or the other and you're just sitting there thinking 'really? this bitch got nothing special'. Perhaps that seems a little harsh but that's just what I got out of her character. She also lets most things get to her on a highly emotional level which just didn't click with me because I have a pretty tough, macho exterior and feelings like that just...no. Don't even go there. Despite finding the book mediocre at best, there are still a few parts I liked. Jaxon, for example, was H to the O to the T, HOT. It didn't hurt that he was also sarcastic which me likey! I also really enjoyed the ending where I feel like Miss.Curd was finally getting into the zone. Unfortunately, just a little to late. Whilst I would recommend it as an enjoyable read, I am in no rush to read the sequel Iron Pendulum anytime soon. 
P.s. this is only get three stars because of Jaxon *swoon*

Book 2: The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy #1) by Sherry Thomas

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Publication date: September 17th 2013

It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.

Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

The Burning Sky—the first book in the Elemental Trilogy—is an electrifying and unforgettable novel of intrigue and adventure. -Goodreads Description What's with all these books from 2013? I guess I must have spaced out a little to miss this many new releases which I guess now came out two years ago (anyone else having problems remembering that 2014 was last year?). Anyway, on to the actual review. It was refreshing to read onto this book after a rather dull start to my reading adventure of the month with Steel Lily. Burning Sky definitely raises the standards in almost every aspect. The characters, Iolanthe and Titus, are so well developed that you can really engage in the story. They aren't a flat surface with nothing desirable underneath. What I liked most however was that there were things that even they didn't know about themselves which when discovered, brought along a new barrage of emotions, actions and ultimately, development of the character and the plot. Additionally, it wasn't a case of either protagonist wanting pity as they were very open and mature about details that perhaps Avery from Steel Lily would have found shameful or too personal to share.

 It is also evident that Thomas has had a lot of experience with forging bonds between her characters and doing so subtly yet effectively. Iolanthe and Titus shared a chemistry and an understanding that is just very hard to deliver smoothly yet the author did so perfectly. What I would have like to have seen more of was world-building and expansion of the plot itself as half the time, I felt like I wasn't exactly sure what the hell was going on. I swear, at one point, I was just thinking to myself ' Does my copy have pages missing or what?'. There is quite some action in this book but without the necessary means to decipher them, you might find yourself in the same predicament that I found myself in numerous times throughout this book. While I do think that it is better than Steel Lily, I still do not think it contends with some of the other 4-star rated book I have read. 

   

Book 3: The Perilous Sea (The Elemental Trilogy#2) by Sherry Thomas

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication date: September 16th 2014

After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.

Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.      

-Goodreads Descirption

Yay! Finally, a book that has come out semi-recently that doesn't make me feel like I've been living in a cave for the last couple years. As you can see, this is the sequel of The Burning Sky which I didn't give the most amazing rating to. However, I'm not someone who gives up that easily on a series that I can see not only being salvaged but actually having a really good run. So, here I am with the next book in review. If you haven't read The Burning Sky, this review will be mostly spoiler free so feel free to read this one as well before you decide to start the series.  To begin, I really want to say that whilst the array of characters and their progression were on point as always (thank you, Miss.Thomas), this book seemed to focus a lot more on the strategic aspects of the plot rather than the action adventure side that it tried (but failed) to do in the first book. I found that it really excelled in this prospect as all details were well calculated and clever. In truth, half of the things that you discover in this book, I had literally NO idea would come up. Yet after, when I truly thought about it, it made complete sense that that would be the outcome. In this way, Sherry Thomas has really shown her craft by impressively shaping these events. Nevertheless, the world-building is something that still needs a lot of work and although it was practical for the author to stray towards her forte, it was still in dire need of some action. Definitely a good read for any time of year!

The Book of Ivy (The Book of Ivy #1) by Amy Engel

Publisher: Entangled:Teen

Publication date: November 11th 2014 

After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual. 

This year, it is my turn. 

My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and restore the Westfall family to power. 

But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy

Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…

-Goodreads description

I reaaallly liked this book. A lot more than I thought I would which is always a nice thing to say after spending about 8 hours of your life reading while you could be doing more productive things......but that's what books do to you. Sigh...Anyway, before I go off on a tangent, I wanna keep this nice and short and say that it's definitely the kind of book that deserves it's place on the TBR list and it perfectly represents the outsider of the Dystopian novels that have come out recently.

The characterization was totally on point and no character was left underdeveloped, and if so, it was for clear and intentional reasons. Ivy, the protagonist, was definitely an intriguing character who had depth to her personality and questioned the principles of her society and the beliefs she had been told. What I enjoyed most though was that I was able to feel her slow transition throughout the book which was greatly paced so that the readers could really indulge in her emotions and actions. However, by far, my favorite character was Bishop. I mean, there are not really that many characters in this book at all, but still, Bishop is my man <3 When Ivy first meets him, he seems detached and indifferent but quickly, you start to see him for the lovable, amazing, honest, sweet, cute and humble guy he really is... I really need to give two thumbs up to Engel for the depiction of her characters. Truly well done! 

Whilst I loved the characters, the setting for me and some of the details were kind of iffy. Like if this is a dystopian world, there really shouldn't be so many things available..like jeans and bikini's and stuff like that. I get that a lot of resources were left behind but they say no one ever goes beyond the fence because it is likely they die..so did they bring all those jeans with them when they first arrived decades ago? I don't know..maybe, it's something I missed but this was something that really stood out to me and not in a good way. 

Despite these mistakes, I still believe that this book is a great read and encourage you to try it!

                                                                   - Alana xxx

The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's sons

Publication date: October 7th 2014

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all. 

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. 

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

-Goodreads description 

I really loved this book! I knew before I even started it that I would love it seeing as I loved the Legend trilogy by Marie Lu. I will say that I put off reading it because the premise just didn't seem that intriguing to me AT FIRST. But boy was I wrong. If I had to have any regrets, it would be not having started it earlier! The characters and narrative are just so intriguing and real that I couldn't put if down.

The main character, Adeline Amouteru, is a malfetto; one of the few survivors scarred by the fever that swept through the country. In a country drowning in corruption, hunger and fear, Malfetto's are condemned for their strange abilities which have been blamed for the nation's downfall with rumors stating that they are cursed. Adelina comes from a wealthy family, a humiliation to her once successful; father. With no eye and bringing a handful of dishonor upon her family, she is hated by her father, his love solely reserved for her younger sister. Driven by his misfortune, her father agrees to sell her off to a bidder.

Adelina, though, will have none of that and attempts to run away. The big word to look our for is attempt. Yep, she's gone for about a 15 minutes and dear old dad shows up. Busted. Until that is, she kills him..total bad-assery intact. Unfortunately, not soon after, she is caught by Inquisition Axis, a group that means to hunt down the Malfettos. Immediately, she is sentenced to an execution by fire. At the last moment, she is saved. When she awakes, she finds herself with a group of malfettos called The Young Elites, her saviors, run by Enzo, the group's leader, Adelina's love interest and the rightful heir to the throne. In order to see if she can truly control her powers, she is tested. If she passes, she will become a Young Elite.

Definitely a favorite of mine is the characters. There is not one character that is badly developed or unappealing. In fact, I can't think of one character I really disliked. Crazy,right? But, it's true. Gahhhh, I just can't. They were all so perfect! Adelina was a bad-ass. Enzo was sexy...dark..mysterious... and RAFFAELE - A hottie with a body but that has a completely...platonic relationship with our protagonist. And let's not forget evil but misunderstood Teren.

Other plus points are the setting which is perfectly integrated into the story and just fits right in. The magical element is also very mature in its portrayal- no faerie dust or pixies here, guys. And you know what? The dark stuff is exactly where it's at.

I feel like I don't even need to write any more. All I need to say is that you should definitely read it! Like..now...right now.
                                                                   - Alana xxx

The Retribution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #3) by Michelle Hodkin 

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 

Publication date: November 4th 2014

Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told.

There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.

She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.

She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.

Retribution has arrived. 

-Goodreads description 

It's finally freakin' here. After months of anxious waiting, Michelle Hodkin has finally blessed us with the last installment in her best-selling series. I can unquestionably say that I have never read a series like this within the Young Adult book realm and this book is definitely an attestation to her unforgettably suspenseful writing style. Whilst it is a love story that puts quite an emphasis on romance, it doesn't feel like you're reading a romance novel. It feels authentic in its approach, combining fantasy, mystery and thrilling plot twists to keep the reader on their feet till the end.

Having read the previous book - The Evolution of Mara Dyer - quite a long time ago, I was scared that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the plot. It starts off right where the 2nd book finished off and in truth, it can be pretty confusing and disorienting to place just what is happening as you begin the book. However, if you have read the 2nd book recently, you should definitely have no problem as even I was able to get back on track after the first few chapters of this 470 thrilling page turner. 

I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book as it was really different to anything I have read not only recently but in a veeeery long time. Within YA, I feel like there is an unwritten taboo about mental instability and insanity when combined with what is seen as a romance story. However, Hodkins is not afraid to dip her toe in the water, giving the reader a sense of the darkness the lurks within Mara's mind. I also love the fact she addressed real life issues within what is really a fantasy series. Rape amongst other controversial topics were delved into which is is a very risqué move on her part. So bravo to you Hodkins. 

The second half of the book was a bit of a let down for me compared to the fast-paced action and ominous atmosphere within the first part. This was a shocker for me as the initial half was not romance-filled and lets be honest, I'm a total romance chick at heart. However, it does not impact my overall thoughts of the book being an undeniably amazing ending to the series. Once again, I really enjoyed the secondary characters within the book such as Jamie and Stella as they brought comic relief to what were the most gruesome situations. Their contribution to the story is undoubtedly evident and a big reason why I was not as mentally scarred as I was. 

One thing I have to mention though is despite the usefulness of the Mara's flashbacks throughout the book, I did NOT enjoy them as they simply did not intrigue me. Nevertheless, this is due to my personal preference and subjectivity.

To conclude, a heart-stopping finale that lives up to Hodkin's reputation.

BTW, Linked below is an awesome free excerpt of Chapter 8 from the audiobook which I received from my friends over at Audible. Thanks!
                                                              - Alana xxx