Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield

Title: Hunted 

Author: Cheryl Rainfield

Publisher: WestSide Books
Release Date: December 15, 2011

Source: ARC from Publicist

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository / Indigo

Caitlyn, 15, a Paranormal, is on the run with her mom, trying to stay one step ahead of the ParaTroopers who would enslave her just like anyone who has powerful psychic abilities. Attempting to have somewhat of a normal life, Caitlyn and her mom hide in plain sight, living in a seedy hotel in a big city, where Caitlyn hopes to blend in by enrolling at the local high school. She secretly fights back against government oppression by blogging about equal rights for all Paras, protecting herself by signing them Teen Para. When she discovers her long ago kidnapped brother Daniel at school, she's elated, but is saddened to find he's controlled by the government ParaTroopers as a Para-slave. As Para Cleansing Day nears, increasing numbers of Paras are turned in to the authorities and things grow tenser and more dangerous, especially at school. When a group robs a bank and threatens Normals, the shadow of guilt is cast on Teen Para. A killer, the Para Reaper, secretly goes hunting for Paras to drain the life out of them. Despite everything, Caitlyn befriends a Normal girl, Rachel, who is a Para sympathizer, and falls for a cute classmate, Alex, also a Normal, who always makes her feel so good whenever he's around. But it's not safe for Paras to date Normals, and it would put Caitlyn in grave danger of being discovered. When ParaTroopers crack down at school after several Paras are discovered, Caitlyn finds herself under increasing scrutiny. Fearing for Caitlyn, her mom is anxious to pack up and bolt, but Caitlyn s growing attachments make her reluctant to leave. Will she evade capture, or will she be caught and turned into a Para Slave? And just who is trying to frame her? A tautly written, suspenseful thrill ride, Hunted will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

When I was first approached to review Hunted by author Cheryl Rainfield, I hadn't actually heard a single thing about the book. But the summary made it sound really interesting. And after a bit of a slow start I found myself having difficulty putting it down and really enjoying the story.

Caitlyn and her mom have been on the run pretty much her whole life. Both of them are paranormals trying to escape the government and the ParaTroopers who believe paranormals are a threat. But it wasn't always that way for Caitlyn and her mom. There was a time when they were a family living a relatively normal life. That is until the day her dad was killed by the government and her brother, Daniel, was kidnapped by a woman in the crowd. Now in a new town and at a new school, things seem to be changing in Caitlyn's life. She makes new friends and even starts to fall for Alex, a normal boy. But one day Caitlyn comes face to face with Daniel. Except he's not the same Daniel that Caitlyn remembers. And the threatens everything that Caitlyn believes in. 

I hadn't really heard all that much about Cheryl Rainfield or her books until she approached me to review Hunted. I decided to give it a shot and didn't go in with too many expectations. And I came out on the other side having really loved the story. Though I'll admit that at first I thought the story was a little slow to start. I even worried that it wouldn't pick up. But when the story did get moving I found myself getting hooked. Soon enough I had trouble putting the book down, and I wanted nothing more than to find out what would happen next. And from the way it ended I'm hoping there might just be a sequel.

The concept of paranormals simply as people who have different abilities. I especially liked that everyone's power was different and it wasn't necessarily obvious that they had a psychic ability. As for the actual characters in the story, I really liked Caitlyn. You could tell that she didn't exactly have an easy life and I wanted nothing more than for things to work out for her. And every time things seemed to be turning around something bad happened in her life. All this to say that I was rooting for Caitlyn the whole way through. The other characters provided an interesting mix of personalities. Rachel and Alex were definitely great friends to Caitlyn. You couldn't have asked for more loyal people considering the circumstances. And Daniel almost seemed like he had a split personality at times. Either that, or he was a really good actor. But that still doesn't mean I liked him very much.

Hunted was a surprising read. I enjoyed it a lot more than I originally thought I would. If the opportunity arrises, I definitely recommend that you pick it up and give it a chance, it might just surprise you.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Source: ARC from Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository

Even in the future, the story begins with once upon a time…

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl…

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

In this thrilled young adult debut novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer's rebooted fairy tale introduces readers to a heroine and a masterfully rafted world that isn't the Cinderella you remember--but it's the one you won't forget.

I remember when I first heard about Cinder I was a little hesitant to read it, but then I heard from trusted sources that it was actually really good. And then I received a copy for review and when I started reading the book, I was drawn in right away. Who knew re-imagining Cinderella in futuristic world with humans, cyborgs and androids would work so well? I certainly didn't but I ended up enjoying every single page.

When she was 11 years old, Cinder was in a terrible hover craft accident which killed both her parents and caused her to undergo surgery that made her a cyborg. Now she works as a mechanic in the market in the city of New Beijing, all her earnings going to her stepmother. Not only does she have nothing to her name, but she gets blamed for everything including her little sister getting sick. But one day, none other than Prince Kai walks up to her mechanic stand to ask for her services. After that day, everything in Cinder's life changes and she finds herself being dragged into affairs she never even knew existed before. And she starts falling for Prince Kai, and against all odds, he seems to be falling for her too.

I am a big lover of fairy tales, so whenever I read a retelling I always go in with pretty high expectations. With Cinder, those expectations were beyond surpassed. It wasn't long before I forgot I was reading a retelling of Cinderella. The story definitely stood on its own and felt like it was a story that hadn't actually been told before. I loved the world that Marissa Meyer created, wehre humans, androids and cyborgs all live together and it felt really real. And her writing was also absolutely great. I was immediately drawn in, and when I finished reading the book, I just wanted more.

Cinder was a whole new kind of Cinderella. Right from page one I loved her and she pretty much made me forget all about the original Cinderella. Granted there were many aspects of her life that were very Cinderella-esque, Cinder was her own character and her own person. She wasn't afraid of standing her ground and doing what she wanted to do. And that was something I really loved about her. Prince Kai was definitely the dreamy kind of prince. My main issue with him was his occasional communication problems. I mean, why couldn't he just say what he meant when it was so obvious how he felt? But other than that he really was Prince Charming. Other than these two, one of the characters that really made the book for me was Iko. Basically she was the android equivalent of the mice in the original story. She was a great character and also a great source of humor and really added to the story.

Overall, Cinder was a really great read. This new take on the classic story of Cinderella will not let you down. If anything, you will forget the old story all together in favor of this new one. It will definitely stay with you once you have finished reading the book. 

In My Mailbox (23)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. It's a post where book bloggers talk about the books they received for review, bought, were gifted or borrowed from the library each week. 

This is my first IMM post of 2012 and it's kind of exciting. Basically, this post will cover books that I have gotten since Christmas up until now. I didn't actually get too many books over the holidays which is kind of a good thing considering just how many books I have sitting on my shelf that I haven't read. I have to admit it's getting kind of ridiculous. So here's what I got over the past few weeks.

Won/Gifted:

- Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson - This is a British title but I have heard nothing but absolutely great things about it. So I'm really looking forward to reading it and finding out for myself if it's as good as everyone says it is. Thank you to Kathy from A Glass of Wine for this book.

- Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan - Despite all the attention that this book has gotten, I don't really know that much about it beyond what it says in the summary. I've also seen mixed reviews about this book so I'm looking forward to finding out what I will think about it.

- Across the Universe by Beth Revis - I'm currently reading this one and I have to admit that so far it's been kind of slow but things appear to be picking up. Hopefully it will become as good as everyone has told me it is. The good thing is that once I finish I'll be able to pick up the sequel soon after.

- Crossed by Ally Condie - I've already read this one (expect a review soon). When I read Matched last year I enjoyed it but didn't think it was exceptional. With Crossed my opinion changed. I really enjoyed reading it and now I look forward to the final book in the series.

Bought:

- Vesper by Jeff Sampson - This book came out around this time last year and I've been eyeing it ever since but never picked it up. So when I saw it in the Bargain section I couldn't resist picking it up. Hopefully it's as good as everyone says it is.

- Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse by Lucas Klauss - I first heard about this book through the 2012 Debut Author Challenge and immediately thought I had to read it. It just sounds like a great read so I'm really excited to start reading it.

So those are all the books I got in the last couple of weeks. I'm really excited to read the ones I haven't read yet, and you should look forward to seeing a review of Crossed pop up on the blog in the very near future. Leave me comment and I'll come see what you got in your mailbox.

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Title: Bloodrose (Nightshade #3)

Author: Andrea Cremer

Publisher: Philomel

Release Date: January 3, 2012

Source: ARC from Publisher

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository / Indigo

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes out alive, that is. 

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to a breathtaking trilogy.

When I finished Wolfsbane, I was definitely left wanting more and I was way more than happy to have a copy of Bloodrose on hand to start reading right away. And it was incredible. This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster and I did not want to get off. Andrea Cremer definitely wrote a great conclusion to this trilogy.

Now allied with the Searchers and reunited with most of her pack, Calla is preparing for the battle of her life against the Keepers and the rest of the Guardians. But even before doing that, Calla and the pack have to help Shay and the Searchers get the final pieces of the Elemental Cross, the only weapon that can stop the Keepers and their magic. And then she has to prove to her pack once again that she's their legitimate alpha, but she also has to pick who will be alpha alongside her. Will it be Ren, the boy she's been destined to be with since birth? Or will it be Shay, the boy who stole her heart when he showed up in her life? Calla must find a way to keep her pack safe through all of this, but to what lengths is she willing to go to keep those she loves safe? But more importantly, what will happen when the battle is over? Will Calla and her pack even be alive to see the world without Keepers?

I loved this book. I tried as hard as I could to make it last longer, but I just couldn't put it down in order to do something else. It was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to this trilogy. Andrea Cremer really brought everything full circle, though in the process she caused my heart to break over and over again. This book is a crazy emotional roller-coaster. I would go from laughing out loud one page to crying like a baby the next. Whatever you do, if you read this book make sure you have a box of tissues close. To say the very least, there was never a dull moment in this book. When the pack wasn't on some crazy adventure, they were just hanging out with the Searchers doing who knows what. It was just an amazing end to a really incredible trilogy.

Since the beginning of this series, I have loved Calla. She's strong, she's kind and she will do anything to protect the people she loves. In Bloodrose she is definitely put through a lot and how she survives it all is a mystery to me. In her position, I would be a complete mess. But she somehow manages it all. While I love Shay, I've been Team Ren from the start and I was very happy to see that he had a much bigger role in this book. He was back and he was ready to take up his position as alpha with Calla, if only she would let him. As for Shay, I still loved him but I found that in some parts of the book he would become someone I didn't particularly like, though I was able to overlook that for the most part. Like I mentioned in my review of Wolfsbane, I loved the Searcher characters and I was glad that they were even more present in Bloodrose. I can only hope that I will be able to see more of them in the future in some way or another.

Bloodrose was a thrilling read, and a fantastic conclusion to a fabulous trilogy. While reading this book, you will be taken on a crazy emotional ride and, if you are anything like me, you will be begging for it not to end. While it was an incredible read, I was still very sad to see this series come to an end.

Hello 2012

Today is the first day of 2012 and, at least in my opinion, it promises to be a good year. If only by looking at all the books coming out, it will most definitely be a great year. I'm really excited to see all that it will bring, the expected and the unexpected. 

I already mentioned there are a lot of wonderful books coming out this year, many of which I am really looking forward to reading. So here is my Top 12 Anticipated books of 2012, in no particular order.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Divergent was among my favorite books of 2011 and with the way it ended I can't wait to be able to read Insurgent come May 2012. And, you know, getting to see more of Four won't hurt either.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly was also one of my favorite books of 2011. I really loved the way the angel story worked. I can't wait to find out more about it all in Hallowed, and maybe get to see Tucker and Christian again. How Clara ever picks one is a mystery to me.

Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

Many of the books I read in 2011 were the start of a series and now the sequels are coming out. Wing of the Wicked is one of those sequels I absolutely cannot wait to read it to find out what happens to Ellie and Will in the world filled with reapers.

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess is the conclusion to The Infernal Devices series and I can't wait for it. Especially with the way Clockwork Prince finished. It wasn't really so much that it was a cliffhanger but that it was a sort of emotional cliffhanger.

Black Heart by Holly Black

I absolutely love Cassel Sharpe and this series. Holly Black created an incredible world and I can't wait to see how she brings it all together in Black Heart. The only thing that bugs me is that they changed the covers so now it won't match the rest of my books.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Lauren Oliver has become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for Pandemonium. The ending to Delirium completely broke my heart and I can't wait to see how it will all work out.

Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I only just read the first two books in this series this year but I fell completely in love with it. I love the idea of a teenage girl leading a pack of wolves and I can't wait to see what happens next in Taken by Storm.

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines was a great start to a new series from Richelle Mead and I can't wait to see where she's going to take the story next. Plus from the last line of the first book, I can tell that things are going to get really interesting in The Golden Lily.

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

I love Greek mythology and Josephine Angelini brought it to life in a really interesting way in this series. I absolutely loved the first book and I can't wait to find out what happens next to Helen and Lucas.

Underworld by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot is one of my favorite authors and I love pretty much everything she writes. I'll pick up one of her books without even knowing what it's about. I can't wait to see where she's going to take the story that started in Abandon next in Underworld.

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Like I said in my post yesterday, I am a huge Cassandra Clare fan. I'll read just about everything she writes and her Shadowhunter series are absolutely fantastic. So basically I cannot wait to read City of Lost Souls.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

This is the only book on this list that isn't actually part of a series. This story just sounds adorable and everyone who has already read it has said that it is just as awesome as it sounds. In my books, that makes it a book I just need to read.

So these are the Top 12 books I'm anticipating the most in 2012. Of course there are A LOT more that I am looking forward to, but these happen to top the list. Hopefully I will get the chance to read all of these books and many more in the coming year.