Release Day Review: Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike

Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike

Moving to a new high school sucks. Especially a rich-kid private school. With uniforms. But nothing is worse than finding out the first girl you meet is dead. And a klepto.
No one can see or hear Kimberlee except Jeff, so--in hopes of bringing an end to the snarkiest haunting in history--he agrees to help her complete her "unfinished business." But when the enmity between Kimberlee and Jeff's new crush, Sera, manages to continue posthumously, Jeff wonders if he's made the right choice.
Clash meets sass in this uproarious modern-day retelling of Baroness Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Publishes in US: April 30th 2013 by HarperTeen
Genre: paranormal
Source: Harper Teen for review
Series? No.

Buy it: Amazon  IndieBound  BookDepository.com

Find Aprilynne online: site   twitter   facebook  blog

 

    So, the whole only one person can see the ghost book has been done, but I enjoyed the plot then and I enjoyed it this go round as well. This one does have the unique twist that the ghost is a rich girl. Who stole. A lot. And Jeff, our main character, the only one around who can see her, is guilted into helping her and makes a new, if at times annoying, but funny ghostly friend, Kimberlee. 

    I will be honest, I almost didn't read this one because I thought it would be soo much drama and I guess when I first got it, I just dismissed without fully reading the synopsis, but once I got a chapter in, I was hooked. 

    I liked being in Jeff's head. There just aren't as many male POV although they are becoming more popular as a dual narrative, but here it is all boy, all the time. I liked the way that he interacted with her, and that he was skeptical. At first he thought it was all some big joke. But I really appreciated his line of thought, and while he had his flaws, that he was just a good person, and had a desire to do the right thing. 

    I felt for Kimberlee and despised her, sometimes all at once. I understand that it was a compulsion, her stealing, and that she desperately wants to cross over. But just some of her attitudes turn me off. I know that she is covering up pain, but still. But she made such amazing character development and growth, and that left me smiling when the book was over. The inherent goodness of Jeff really changed her and how she looked at (after)life. And I like that it wasn't a romantic thing with them. 

    Khail and Sera are great secondary characters. I really enjoyed the in some instances unexpected roles they play in the book. 

    I liked how everything tied up and the ending was *just* open enough to picture them going on with their lives in a good way. 

Bottom Line: Funny, cute and surprising character development.

Books similar to Life After Theft: (links go to my review) The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade, Angelina's Secret by Lisa Rogers, The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton,

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you think you would feel obligated to help a ghost if only you could see them?

Interview and Tour Giveaway: Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

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Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

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PRAISE

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews

"I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers

"Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite

"I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga

"Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight

Author A.B. Whelan

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California.
While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

A gift bag of one signed copy of Fields of Elysium, a scrabble-tile pendant on a necklace, and a fridge magnet

Ends 5/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Author Interview: --How did you get the idea for the story?
I have always wondered about the vastness of the universe, where we came from from, does God really exist. But it was a perfect summer night in 2010 when my husband and I sat on the roof of our rental home in Crete, drank wine (spritzer in my case), listened the Mediterranean sea washing up on our shore and talked about ideas. I pondered what if God who created us would become upset with the way humans lived their lives and started all over again, far away from us. From that moment the idea started to develop in my head. By now it grew into an epic fantasy with a detailed new world and enough stories for a four volume series.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
If I listened to my heart I’d choose Victor. He’s extremely charming and polite, dangerous and adventurous. I love the old-fashioned way he and the rest of the Arkanian gang talk. But since he’s with Molly and I’m married, I’d pick Ulka de Tino. She is a peculiar old lady, who lives in the Sesmar village and been around long enough to tell me interesting stories and teach me a thing or two.
--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
I have three more books coming in this series in 2013 and 2014. Valley of Darkness, where Molly faces a devastating tragedy and goes through a transformation from a nice high school girl through a lost and confused punk to a Sentinel Apprentice. The third book is City of Shame. Where Molly will sneak into the Terraka City and spy for the Arkanians. And the last one is titled Return to Innocence. I won’t give out any details about the finale book to spoil it for you. I also have several more book ideas waiting for their turn.
--What book(s) is your book’s “cousin”? (Similar set-up or style)
Seems like a good question for a poll. J Kirkus Reviews called the romantic plot in Fields of Elysium similar to Twilight. I felt very honored.
--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
I have a system that works for reading. I keep a book by my bed, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in my bag, on my iPad, in my car. And whenever I have to wait or have some extra time I read. Soccer practice, dancing school, school’s parking lot, with a morning coffee, etc. It really works. I read everything from Greek Mythology, through indie authors till biographies. But If I can’t get into a book after the first hundred pages, I usually give it up. There are too many great books to waste time on the bad ones.



--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
I need dark and silence, so I steal a few hours before sunrise to write. I also enjoy listening to music that fits the mood of the scene I’m working on. My taste has a wild spectrum, from Daft Punk through Pink, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, indie rock to score music.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Let’s see. I already answered this question in another interview, and it wouldn’t be polite to say the same thing again. I guess I’d like to be able to control objects. In that case I could clean up the house, do laundry, tidy up our backyard and so much more in a fast and easy way. Flying would be awesome, too. Anything really. I think it’s so cool to be special. Not seeing the future, though. That superpower would take out all the excitement of my life.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
Anything outdoor. Baking. Reading. Movies. Watching soccer. My family follows the English Premier League. When there is a big game on (Manchester United of course:O)) the whole family goes crazy. Especially my son and I have a special bond analyzing the game. It’s priceless.
--What is one thing you would tell your 15-year-old self?
First, I’d thank her for all the time she spent running in the knee high fresh wheat, riding the bicycle and spending outdoors and eating healthy. Today I’m still living off of that hard work. When you are a mom and wife, there is barely any time to work out. Second, I’d ask her to keep a diary. I’d pay anything to read my teen self’s thoughts. With the passing years more and more memory fades.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
Never stop believing in yourself and dare to dream big, because on the road of reaching your biggest dream you will achieve so many great things.

Lightning round: this or that?
Vanilla or chocolate? CHOCOLATE
Edward or Jacob? EDWARD
Hockey or soccer? SOCCER
Ebook or paper? PAPER
Salty or sweet? SWEET
Beach or mountains? BEACH
Phone call or email? EMAIL
Early bird or night owl? EARLY BIRD
Dog or cat? DOG
Messy or neat? NEAT
Ninjas or pirates? NINJAS

Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Review: The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.
Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Publishes in US: April 30th 2013 by Harlequin Teen
Genre: YA paranormal
Source: Netgalley via Harlequin Teen
Series? Yes 2nd in Blood of Eden. 1st is Immortal Rules and you can read my review here. No info on the 3rd yet.

Buy it: Amazon  Barnes & Noble  IndieBound  BookDepository.com

Find Julie online: site  series site   twitter   facebook  blog 

    It took me a bit to really get into this book, but once I did, I enjoyed it a lot. I couldn't remember a lot from the first besides I loved the world, Allie was a kick butt heroine that I really admired because she fought to keep her humanity and I swooned over Zeke and the forbidden love between the two. Luckily for me, all of these things are present in the 2nd book, but it isn't until about 1/3-1/2 way through that I really felt these things again. 

    There is plenty of action, some new characters as well as appearances from the first book. There are unlikely alliances, high stakes, and hard obstacles that Allie has to face in order to find her mentor and sire and try to figure out a way to cure the red lung that now can effect vampires. 

    There was a lot of action in this one, but I just felt like something was missing. And I think it was real and true development on Allie's part. We see her back and forth over decisions about Zeke, and I understand. This part I love because she doesn't want to hurt him and knows full well how easy it is to lose control. But in regards to another character who shows up. I just feel like there was jumping around in plot timing and it would have done well to at least develop some of the time in between. To go from hating to trusting to wondering if he really will stab you in the back, we have to see proof of that. And while I enjoyed their banter and thought it hinted at the realistic relationship the characters have, I think that much more could have been shown about both Allie's character and giving her room to grow and to get to know the other character. More about their motives, and the whys and whats. 

     And oh the ending, it had been wanting to cry, throw things, and beg Julie for the next book--now. Or tomorrow. But def not having to wait another year which is what I am guessing will really happen. I mean, I suppose the main plot of this book was tied up, but man, I just shouldn't have read the last chapter or something because it left me hanging. But it also gave me hope. Because without that last chapter I think I would have been as desperate and heart broken as Allie. But I suppose it is sometimes the advantage of being a reader, that you know something that the main character doesn't and it helps you hold on. 

Bottom Line: Good 2nd book but didn't blow me away like the first. Bit of sophomore slump?

My question to you, my lovely readers:

Could you be transformed into a vamp or would you rather die a human?

Exclusive Amazon Giveaway and Rewrite Redemption by J.H. Walker

Rewrite Redemption by J.H. Walker

She’s sixteen. He’s seventeen. They don’t know each other…at least not yet.
She has a secret and her whole life revolves around keeping it. Every few months and with little warning, she simply disappears, pulled into the past for hours or even days. She’s terrified it will happen in front of someone, changing her life forever. So far, the only witnesses have been her parents, and that didn’t end well. She has no control over it and no idea why it happens to her.
She wants answers.
He has answers—at least he understands what’s going on. He has a secret, too. He’s part of an organization that goes back in time to rewrite reality. But he also has a problem. He broke the organization’s number-one rule by altering his own timeline. As punishment, he’s been blocked from time travel, which is most unfortunate. Because the changes he made to his timeline, accidentally resulted in disaster for his family. A disaster he’s now prevented from repairing. No one can travel beneath the organization’s radar except a Shadow. But they’re rare, so rare he’s never even met one.
Then he moves to her town.

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

J. H. Walker. I live in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies about 35 minutes from Boulder.

2. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

Rewrite Redemption is a paranormal romance with sci-fi elements that takes place in a contemporary setting. It has a complex plot and in-depth characters.

3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

I do and it is. I’m now hard at work on the sequel.

4. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I’ve always loved books and been a voracious reader. But I’m an artist and for many years, I’ve found incredible creative fulfillment in my art studio. It’s only in the last decade that it even occurred to me that I could pursue both paths. I’ve only been writing for a few years. I think that the emergence of such a rich and wonderful YA market nudged me towards writing my first book. There’s just something about YA literature—the euphoria of a first love, the sorrow of a first heartbreak—things are just so much more intense when you’re young. And besides, I love paranormal and fantasy worlds and YA literature is very accepting of the unusual.

5. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?

I do. Contact me and I’ll arrange it.

6. How did you come up with the title for your book?

It just hit me in the middle of the night.

7. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?

I do. You can see it at my website www.jhwalkerbooks.com  I love trailers.

8. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers, or audiobooks?

I’ve never been an audiobook fan. I’d rather read. I didn’t think that I would like eBooks. I have an extensive library—with a ladder and everything. In fact, our home was designed around my library. I assumed that I would always be a purist and want the feel of a book in my hands. But then I got a Kindle and low and behold, I absolutely love it. Anywhere you go, you have a whole library with you. You can get a book almost instantly. It’s simply amazing.

9. Are you a self-published / Indie author?

I am. I believe that self-publishing is the future. I’m doing it deliberately. I think that if your work is good enough, you can make it happen. Then there are no deadlines and you don’t have to spend years trying to get someone to read your manuscript. And you completely own your brand. You call all the shots.

10. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

Too many times to count.

11. What is your favorite film based on a book?

“To Kill a Mockingbird”

12. What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

At the moment, I’m really enjoying YA paranormal/sci-fi fantasy.

13. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

I’m getting ready to read Scarlet by Marissa Meyer on my Kindle. I loved Cinder.

14. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

I don’t think that I’m anyone to be giving advice. But here’s one thing I’ve learned. When you think you’re done, you’re not done. You can vastly improve your writing by going over it and over it.

15. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?

Yes, I’m an artist and a political junkie.

16. Where can your readers follow you?

Blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6907642.J_H_Walker/blogOr on my website:  http://www.jhwalkerbooks.com/#!blank/c1ztp

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jhwalkerbooks

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6907642.J_H_Walker

Twitter: @jhwalkerbooks 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Redemption-ebook/dp/B00B6GT4H2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360875135&sr=1-1&keywords=rewrite+redemption

- $20 amazon card and ebook of Rewrite Redemption and 1 ebook copy, open internationally
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-Ends on 5/26/2013 11:59 pm EST
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

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Stacking the Shelves, IMMB, Showcase Sunday, The Sunday Post Mailbox Memes

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here

IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. Check it out and sign up here

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea, check it out and sign up here

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

What I got:

Life After Theft source: harper teen currently reading

Pike, Aprilynne

Breathless (Elemental, #2.5) source: netgalley

Kemmerer, Brigid *

Last Week on the blog:

Parallel read my review here

Miller, Lauren *

Through the Ever Night(Under the Never Sky, #2) read my review HERE

Rossi, Veronica *

The Ward read my review HERE

Frankel, Jordana

September Girls read my review HERE

Madison, Bennett *

• Commenting System Poll
• David's Song Tour Stop: Interview and Tour Giveawa...
• Waiting on Wednesday
• Giveaway: Impostor by Susanne Winnacker
• David's Song Book Blast $50 Amazon Gift Card or Pa...
• Exclusive amazon giveaway and Angels of the Knight...
• Giveaway and author interview: Revealing Eden by V...

My week: Headed to the zoo today with the family.

Coming up on the blog:
Exclusive Amazon Giveaway and Rewrite Redemption
Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Interview and Tour Giveaway: Fields of Elysium
Release Day Review: Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike
Book Blast: Newstead Project by Melanie Schulz
Waiting on Wednesday
Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera
Review: Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

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Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.
Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?
In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

Publishes in US: January 8th 2013 by HarperCollins
Genre: YA Dystopia
Source: bought
Series? Yes. 2nd in Under the Never Sky. See my review of the 1st Under the Never Sky here. Roar and Liv (Under the Never Sky, #0.5)  There is a novella 1.5 or 2.5 mid to late 2013. The 3rd book titled Into the Still Blue releases Jan 2014

Buy it:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble  IndieBound  BookDepository.com

Find Veronica online: site   twitter   facebook  blog   book trailer

   So, I couldn't be happy until I bought and started this book. I was going to wait to get it from the library, so I tried to read 3 other books, and wasn't feeling it. So I put myself out of my misery and bought it. 

   Then I read the summary, and I knew that more heartache and trouble were in store for Aria and Perry, but I just had to see more of their romance and find out what happens next. The characters did not let me down, they continued to be amazing and blow me away. I couldn't stop thinking about them and this world. Every time I had to put down the book I was thinking about Aria and Perry and Roar in the back of my mind and this beautiful but dark and treacherous world that Ms. Rossi has created. 

    There were times that I wanted to cry, and I couldn't believe the obstacles and heart ache that happened. There were others that made me smile and still others that made me want to fan myself. Or possibly zap myself into Aria's shoes so I am there with Perry. There were other moments that I wanted to smack some sense into them because of the choices, or almost VERY bad decisions made. But luckily my rage wasn't waranted at the specific moment where I was ready to give up on my book boyfriend. 

    Here is an example of the swoon worthiness:

Perry’s hand settled on her hip, his grip firm. She felt their kiss shift into something deeper as his mouth moved with more urgency over hers. Suddenly there was real heat between them, and she had to force herself to draw away.
When she did, a soft curse slipped through Perry’s lips. His eyes were half-lidded, unfocused. He looked as overcome as she felt.
Aria leaned by his ear. “We’ll pick that up when we’re alone.
He laughed. “That better be soon.”

    Yeah. Hose me down now. But I digress.

    The twists were amazing, and I was shocked that the unlikely alliance that formed, and also very glad to see the return of some of the characters that I liked a lot but wasn't sure I would see again after the end of the first book. 

    The depth of the characters just really amazes me. They are so complex and they really found a way into my heart. I learned so much more about Perry in this one, and it was such a joy to be in his head. It was difficult watching him grow into the position of Blood Lord, but it was worth every minute.

    I just loved the devotion and loyalty in this book. The measures that Aria and Perry would not only take for each other but their friends such as Roar and Cinder, and the people that they are connected to by leadership, family, or place they grew up.  

    And while I loved Roar in the first book, he has gone to a whole other level in this one. He never fails to bring a smile to my face, but knowing he is in so much pain makes my heart hurt too. His friendship with Aria deepens even more in this one, and I really appreciate that. It is not a love thing at all, but shows the depths that you can care for someone without being IN love. 

    This series has worked its way into my top ten and maybe even higher. Aria and Perry's romance is up there with my favorite couples and the cast of secondary characters, esp Roar is there as well. 

     I appreciated the continuing world building in this one, especially a more detailed description of the aether. I can picture this world in my head and feel myself right in the story with the characters. 

     The pacing was great. There was always character development or action to keep things moving, and I almost wanted to press slow motion at times to savor the happy and together moments of Aria and Perry before the next impending disaster. Because you know there will be one. 

     While I of course am still craving more of this world and of Aria and Perry, I think that Through the Ever Night ended at a good spot and it didn't make me want to through my kindle because it felt like it stopped in the middle of a chapter, like some books do with cliffies. It was heart breaking though!!

Bottom Line: Loved it even more than the 1st. Perfection. Lots of character growth, swoon moments and heartache.

Books similar to Through The Ever Night: Under Never Sky, Breathe by Sarah Crossan, The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken,

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you leave if your lover's people didn't accept you?

Commenting System Poll

I have toyed with the idea of using a new commenting system and after seeing Kimberly's post about it today (go check it out, good info and comments).
Just wondering what my readers thought? Would you like a way to know if I respond to your comment? Do you prefer one type of commenting utility? Do you have anything against any of them? Would you comment more less or the same if I switched to Disqus?

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Review: Parallel by Lauren Miller

Parallel by Lauren Miller

Abby Barnes had a plan. The Plan. She'd go to Northwestern, major in journalism, and land a job at a national newspaper, all before she turned twenty-two. But one tiny choice—taking a drama class her senior year of high school—changed all that. Now, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Abby is stuck on a Hollywood movie set, miles from where she wants to be, wishing she could rewind her life. The next morning, she's in a dorm room at Yale, with no memory of how she got there. Overnight, it's as if her past has been rewritten.
With the help of Caitlin, her science-savvy BFF, Abby discovers that this new reality is the result of a cosmic collision of parallel universes that has Abby living an alternate version of her life. And not only that: Abby's life changes every time her parallel self makes a new choice. Meanwhile, her parallel is living out Abby's senior year of high school and falling for someone Abby's never even met.
As she struggles to navigate her ever-shifting existence, forced to live out the consequences of a path she didn't choose, Abby must let go of the Plan and learn to focus on the present, without losing sight of who she is, the boy who might just be her soul mate, and the destiny that's finally within reach.

Publishes in US: May 14th 2013 by HarperTeen
Genre: Paranormal
Source: via Edelweiss

Buy it:  Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound BookDepository.com

Find Lauren online: site   twitter Google+  facebook  blog   book trailer

 

    I just love concepts like these. The idea of parallel lives and how each little decision can effect so much is something that I have though about so much, and in Parallel I get to go through this with Abby. It was executed really well. She would wake up and rely on her friend Caitlyn to fill her in, and it was frustrating for her to have the gaps. She still remembered what she'd learned and the memories come back, but if it was changed by her parallel life then it felt more distant. 

    I was torn over which year I liked better, and it was neat to see the different aspects of her personality come through in different ways in the different realities we get a glimpse of. She has the same characteristics, wanting to be in control, stubborn, strong and smart in all of them it just comes through in different ways. I think it is so interesting how she fights the decisions that have been made and she felt like there was no control. 

    It was hard to see some of the best outcomes, or things that I liked keep changing by past decisions, and the people who get hurt along the way. But it is all what makes Abby develop and grow as a character, the pain and guilt and weight of experience that only she can remember. The hard times are also what makes the novel so deep and rich; the plots all tie together beautifully. 

    The Josh and Michael plot line was especially trying! I couldn't decide which one was the right choice, but I love how it all worked out, and how destiny and fate played out to make the right choice obvious. It added a great element to the story, and while I wouldn't call it a traditional love triangle, it is definitely something that adds a lot of tension and ultimately resolve and closure to the story. It was so romantic though, and I loved every second, and was on the edge of my seat as to what would happen and how destiny would nudge things in the right way. 

    I liked her character and I totally empathized with her as far as her confusion and jumbled feelings while all of this is going on. There are a few plot lines (actress by accident anyone?) that are a little far fetched, but its sci-fi and it's a novel, so I didn't have any issues with it. 

    I also liked the constants, her friend Caitlyn was also fun to read about. I loved the combo of super-smart and nerdy plus fashionista. It made her realistic to me. I loved how she rolled with the punches and was a good friend no matter what choices or what seeming "craziness" Abby came up with or what she'd forgotten or changed. It is a true friendship and I liked watching that play out. 

    There were some elements that went a little over my head like when Caitlyn and the professor were talking about sciences, but luckily I had Abby who didn't quite get all of that either, so it was broken down. I just enjoyed the ride and the time jumps, putting all of the pieces together and Abby as a main character so even if I didn't fully understand the whys, I still had a great time reading it. 

     I had no idea how Ms. Miller was going to tie everything up and fix the wrongs, but the ending was awesome. It left just the right amount of resolve, and while I wouldn't mind going back into Abby's world, I also know that the beautiful ending she wrote for this story would be messed up. But let me just give a shout out for an awesome standalone with a beautifully tied up ending meaning no cliffie. Great resolution, plot, character growth and swoony romance in one book. 

Bottom Line: I cheered for the best possible ending for Abby and loved reading the ways that even the small choices effected her life and those she loved in such a big way.

Books similar to :(links go to my review) Pivot Point by Kasie West, The Locket by Stacey Jay, 

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you want to explore your parallel lives?