Review: Hereafter by Tara Hudson

 Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Can there truly be love after death?
Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.
Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.
Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.

Published in US: June 2011

1st in series

Source: Netgalley

My review:

 I really enjoyed the love story and main idea behind Hereafter. I was drawn in with Amelia's battle with the aftermath of dying, her nightmares, and then waking up to a world around her. Josh is great, and I love the idea of a sweet and hot guy that is one of the few who can see her. Unfortunately another "person" that can see her isn't so sweet--in fact, he's evil.    The additions of Grandma Ruth and Josh's sister are interesting. I would have liked to see a little more resolution with Ruth, because it seems like she goes from hating Amelia, as she should as a "ghost hunter/exorcist" to pretty much out of the picture.
  I think that the main plot line was wrapped up fairly well, although I'd liked more of my questions answered. I know it's a first in a series, but to me, the ending felt rushed.
  Though with the great story idea and the sweet romance, I still recommend this one!

Winner of Across the Galaxy

Congrats to AndyE.1989@yahoo.com

I've already emailed Heather and she should be emailing your copy soon. Thanks to all who entered.

Review: Black Box by Julie Schumacher

 

Black Box by Julie Schumacher

WHEN DORA, ELENA’S older sister, is diagnosed with depression and has to be admitted to the hospital, Elena can’t seem to make sense of their lives anymore. At school, the only people who acknowledge Elena are Dora’s friends and Jimmy Zenk—who failed at least one grade and wears blackevery day of the week. And at home, Elena’s parents keep arguing with each other. Elena will do anything to help her sister get better and get their lives back to normal—even when the responsibility becomes too much to bear.

Published in US: Sept. 2008
Source: Pub for review


My review:

   This is a powerful read, and a true peek into the world of depression and how it effects other people. 
   Elena is strong, and it is hard to experience her sister's depression and the fallout, but it is such an important topic. She makes some mistakes, and it shows good things to do and not to... As relating to her sister, her family, and keeping her life outside of Dora going. It is such a hard balance.
   Jimmy is a great addition, and even though I began to suspect his big secret, I really loved how he stepped up and was there for Elena. 
   This is a quick and poignant read that I def recommend. 

Review: Birthmarked by Caraugh O'Brien

Birthmarked by Caraugh O'Brien

After climate change, on the north shore of Unlake Superior, a dystopian world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who live outside. It’s Gaia’s job to “advance” a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave, until the night one agonized mother objects, and Gaia’s parents are arrested.
Badly scarred since childhood, Gaia is a strong, resourceful loner who begins to question her society. As Gaia’s efforts to save her parents take her within the wall, she herself is arrested and imprisoned.
Fraught with difficult moral choices and rich with intricate layers of codes, Birthmarked explores a colorful, cruel, eerily familiar world where one girl can make all the difference, and a real hero makes her own moral code.

Published in US: March 2010
Source: Friend :) Thanks Pep!

1st in series, next "Prized" is out Nov 2011


My Review:

   Birthmarked is packed with action, and I didn't want to stop. Even though the world is kinda scary because I could see society evolving into what the Enclave has created in Gaia's world, I didn't want to leave their adventure when I reached the last page.
   It starts with a bang, and gets me intrigued right from the start. Why would she deliver this baby and then take it away? Why is she so torn over it? Then when her parents have been arrested and a strange but handsome guard is there to question *her* I am pretty entranced with her story and wanted to find out what was next.
   Gaia's bravery and determination are admirable, and I never expect what happens next, or who will surprise me and step up to be an ally.
   There is just a hint of love story in Birthmarked, but it left me satisfied, but at the same time wanting more, if that makes any sense.
   I can't wait for the sequel, and to see what takes me by surprise next.

Review: Kane Richards Must Die by Shanice Williams

Kane Richards Must Die by Shanice Williams

After an unexpected transfer to the States for her senior year, Suranne's new friends give her just one instruction: stay away from Kane Richards. According to everyone, he's a heartless playboy concerned only for himself. With one glance, it's easy to see why he gets away with it. But things aren't always what they seem- especially when he sets his sights on her and whispers that she's different.
Despite all the red flags, Suranne considers whether or not his intentions are genuine or if she's simply another name on his list. In the process, she may just uncover the real Kane Richards. But, when it comes down to it, the real Kane Richards may not want to be found.
Filled with raw emotion, Kane Richards Must Die explores relationships, trust, love, and what can happen when life takes an unexpected turn.

Published in US May 2011

Source: publisher for review

My Review:

  This is an easy read and I finished in less than 24 hours. The characters were entertaining, with voices that drew me in.
  Certain scenes made me laugh (flowers remin. from wide awake) and others made me want to cry.
  My only complaints: the title didn't seem to fit, and initially turned me off, the cover, and the repeated use of whilst. It just bothered me a bit. I also must say that the intimate scenes are a bit graphic, but I read fanfic so it was nothing to me.
  Otherwise, loved this story. It was neat to have the British voice from Suranne, and a guy's POV from Kane--which seemed authentic to me. Suranne's descriptions of Kane made my mouth water, and when they were kissing in the book I could almost feel my lips tingling.
  Although well wrapped up, I wanted more from the ending... which is not always a bad thing.
  If you like a bad boy turned to one good girl, I'd say to give this one a chance, you might be pleasantly surprised, just like me, because I really enjoyed this one.