Young Adult Fiction | Read. Breathe. Relax. | Best young adult books and best fantasy books review blog

Top Ten Books Dealing With Tough Subjects

May 14 |18:01

So, I don’t typically read a lot of books with tough subjects. Part of it is by accident (most fantasy YA books don’t deal with a lot of major emotional or mental issues) and part of it is that I read books and watch movies to escape and don’t really seek out those tough subjects of my own volition.

I have enjoyed the occasional ugly cry with books and at movies, but it’s not my favorite. For that reason, the books I listed only deal with some tough-ish issues and aren’t really heavy hitters.

Top Ten Tuesdays are hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Join the meme and link up on their site!

Top Ten Books Dealing With Tough Subjects

1Poison Study- Yelena deals with abuse issues from her past, having been held captive by slavers.

2Daughter of the Forest- This book very boldly deals with rape. It’s a tough scene to read, but I thought the author handled it really well.

3Mercy Thompson series- Something pretty crazy happens to Mercy in one of the middle books (maybe #2 or #3). I don’t want to say exactly what because it’s sort of a spoiler.

4The Picture of Dorian Gray- This book has MAJOR issues all up inside its pages. We’re talking greed and murder all the way.

5The Hunger Games- I would say kids killing each other for sport is a tough subject – especially when Collins spares no one.

6The Sweet Far Thing- This book is really interesting in that it deals with sexuality in a Victorian-era setting. It was definitely a different take on the time period

7A Long, Long Sleep- This book also talks about abuse – but more in the sense of emotional abuse and instability. It is a really moving and powerful book.

8Heart’s Blood- The issue of beauty and disfigurement was handled in Heart’s Blood. It’s a topic that isn’t brought up in a lot of books.

9Darker Still— The main character in Darker Still is deaf and is treated like a lower class citizen in early century New York City.

10The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer— A lot of mental disorders are mentioned and brought up in this novel.

Have you read a lot of books that deal with tough issues? What have been your favorites?

Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

May 10 |10:07

I may be alone in feeling this way, but The Elite did not live up to The Selection for me. It didn’t have that magnetic I-literally-cannot-put-this-book-down pull to it, and America wavered between choosing Maxon or Aspen at least 5 times each.

Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

Goodreads | Amazon | Kiera Cass Website

Title & Author: The Elite (Selection) by Kiera Cass

Genre: YA – Historical Fiction, Dragons

Release Date: August 23, 2013

Series: The Selection #2

Publisher: HarperTeen

How I Got the Book: Final Copy via Publisher

Description:

“Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.”

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

For what it’s worth, America could have made a more definitive decision between Maxon and Aspen if she had actually plucked petals from a daisy and let the age-old decision making game decide for her.

Girl, what the heck?! Nevermind that the rebels are hitting harder than ever and girls are dropping like flies in the competition. America’s got her eyes on the well…they’re darting from prize to prize.

I really wanted to LOVE The Elite. I really enjoyed The Selection and didn’t even expect to. Maybe that reverse thinking (having high hopes for the second book) is what sabotaged my experience…? It’s just sad to see that I was literally gushing over the first book, and now I don’t even want to pick a “team.”

Was it just me? What did you think about The Elite?

The things I did like:

Strong friendships prevailing
Mean girl drama (it added some excitement)
Competition challenges shaking things up
Tension of what will happen to Ilea next

Ultimately, this series is definitely entertaining. I mean, it’s a mix of The Bachelor and The Princess Diaries. But, I just didn’t think The Elite lived up to the added hype and thought it wasn’t as great as The Selection.

I hate to bum people out, so here are a few second opinions:

Once Upon a Twilight: “Unlike the Selection, The Elite will bring out your emotions. You will cry, laugh and will have a strong desire to slap someone. LOL”
The Book Belles: “The Elite was a great sequel, although I felt it didn’t quite live up to The Selection.”
Chick Loves Lit: “I am very, very interested to see what happens in the next book. I have high hopes for Cass to pull it all together in a great way!”

OVERALL:

I was definitely disappointed with this second book in The Selection series. I was hoping for more action, adventure and warm fuzzies. Instead, the story was a bit flat with little genuine emotion. Those who wavered on liking The Selection may be pleasantly surprised, though. Although The Elite isn’t my fave, I think this series has real potential, and I know I’ll be sticking it out till the end.

Venom Blog Tour: Venomous by Fiona Paul, Short Story Part 4

Oct 8 |07:30

Venom is one of those stories that sticks with you. The dark setting of Venice in the 1600s where classes don’t mix and mysterious murders are on the rise sets the tone of the whole book and left me chilled.

So, I’m very excited to be a stop on the Venom Blog Tour! I’m got the fourth part of an original short story by Fiona Paul. Check it out!

Venom Blog Tour

Short Story Part 4 by Fiona Paul

Venomous
A Secrets of the Eternal Rose short story
By Fiona Paul

The year is 1600 and the streets of Venice, Italy are ripe with intrigue and danger. In this introduction to the world of Venom, eighteen-year-old Mariabella has recently elevated herself from the rank of common prostitute to the status of courtesan, a respected high-class escort for those men in Venetian society who can afford them. Mariabella steps out to attend a party on the arm of her powerful new patron, certain that the night will be filled with glamour, secrets, and adventure.

If you missed the last part of the story, check it out on The Book Goddess.

–

My heart speeds up, as it always does when I see him. I can smell the scent of grass clippings and sharp sea air on him.

Batista is one of my favorite admirers. He takes my arm and sweeps me into the dance before I can protest. Not that I would have said no. He moves a bit stiffly, but that doesn’t matter. As we dance, he flashes me a shy smile with his dazzling white teeth, and I resist the urge to run my fingers down his jaw. Beneath the flaming chandeliers, his eyes sparkle with hidden colors. He leans in close as we circle around each other.

“How did you get in?” I tease. I was hoping he might be here, but it didn’t seem likely. “I thought this event was only for personal friends of the don.”

“You’re not the only one who knows how to get what you want,” he says with a smile. With one finger, he reaches out and traces the heart-shaped birthmark on my temple.

The way he looks at me is different from the way other men do, as if he sees more than just the pretty plaything for which he is paying. His gaze cuts straight through to my spine and I drop my eyes to his chest.

We split apart, move down the line of dancers, and then come back together in time to the music. “Zago Bonbiolo told me you’d not replied to his messages. Are you really giving up all of your other men, just to be with him?” Batista gestures across the room at Joseph, who is now deep in discussion with a senator, one of the government’s elite Council of Ten.

I don’t know why my Joseph doesn’t want me to see any other men, but he’s paying me handsomely in order to have exclusive use of me. It isn’t that he’s demanding of my time. He has at least two other courtesans and a wife to entertain him. According to the rumors, even a serving girl or two occasionally spends time on her back with him. I think it’s all about appearances. If he can persuade me into being his and his alone, it makes him look all the more powerful to his friends. Not that I ever would.

We have not yet even lain together. He’s been too busy promenading me around on his arm.

“I was planning to explain,” I say. “The next time I saw you.”

“Only you’re no longer allowed to see me,” Batista says. “Convenient.” He freezes mid-step, causing a near-collision on the dance floor.

Casting a wary glance at Joseph, I pull Batista from the dancers, toward the corner of the room. Joseph is still talking to the senator, but eventually he will look for me, and when he does it would inadvisable to be arguing with another man.

“It’s not what you think,” I say.

“You’re letting him own you, like a common servant,” Batista’s eyes search mine.

“No, I’m letting him believe he owns me, for the good of everyone,” I reply. But Batista shakes his head. “Batista.” I stroke his arm through the fabric of his charcoal tunic, noting with satisfaction the way he relaxes beneath my touch. “Of course I’m not going to quit seeing you. We just have to continue to meet privately. It will be our little secret.”

–

For the next part of the story, visit A Glass of Wine on Wednesday 10/10.

About Fiona Paul

Fiona Paul lives in the Midwest but travels a lot since she can’t breathe if she spends too much time away from the ocean. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in psychology and spent a year teaching English in Seoul, Korea while she was deciding what she wanted to be when she grew up. Answer: everything. In addition to being a teacher and a writer, she’s also worked as a sauté cook, sporting goods manager, veterinary assistant, and registered nurse. When she’s not working, you can usually find her kayaking, reading, or helping turtles cross the road. Her future goals include diving with great white sharks and writing more books, not necessarily in that order. Venom is her first novel.

What would you like most about living in Venom’s Venice setting?

Best 2012 Book Sequels & Top Anticipated Reads of 2013

Oct 2 |08:07

I have some strong opinions on book sequels and the right and wrong ways to go about them. But, when done well, the following books in a series can be just as or even more exciting than the first book.

I’ve compiled my top choices for best book sequels of the year and the top continuations I’m dying to read in 2013.

Best Book Sequels of 2012

The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson

the crown of embers rae carson book sequels

Series: Fire and Thorns #2

Wow factor: Full disclosure: I haven’t finished this book yet, but I am fully enraptured it in already. It’s got death threats, mysterious mystical prophecies and some serious romantic tension. All serious wins so far!

Is there more?: Yes – The Bitter Kingdom (listed below) is due out Fall 2013.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Series: Divergent #2

Wow factor: Phew, this book packs a punch. Tris and Four are distant from each other, there’s a wild conspiracy floating around and the ending will make you re-read it over and over.

Is there more?: Yes, Divergent book #3 (currently untitled) should be published September 26, 2013.

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Series: Graceling Realm #3

Wow factor: After waiting for this book for what felt like years (was it years??), I was dying to read little Bitterblue’s story. It was powerful, dark and still so magical.

Is there more?: No – this was the final book in the Graceling series. Write more, Cashore!!

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Series: Delirium #2

Wow factor: There were so many more surprises and twists than I could have imagined. And wow, what a cliffhanger!

Is there more?: Yes, Requiem (listed below) will be out next year.

Black Heart by Holly Black

Series: Curse Workers #3

Wow factor: Holly Black is just a fantastic writer. She could write anything and make it a hit. Black Heart was everything I hoped it would be.

Is there more?: No, this was the final book in the series.

Most Anticipated Sequels of 2013

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Series: Delirium #3

What I’m waiting for: The final crazy conclusion to this emotional roller coaster of a book series!!!

Expect pub date: March 5, 2013

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson

Series: Fire and Thorns #3

What I’m waiting for: All the things! I’ve loved this series and have no idea what Carson is going to do with it in this final book.

Expect pub date: Fall 2013

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Series: The Grisha #2

What I’m waiting for: After having fallen in love with Shadow and Bone, I can’t wait to read anything by Bardugo. I need more ambiguous Russian words!!

Expect pub date: 2013

Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Series: The Chemical Garden #3

What I’m waiting for: I wasn’t the most thrilled with Fever, I’m so excited to see the conclusion of The Chemical Garden series. Here’s hoping it rocks our socks.

Expect pub date: February 12, 2013

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Series: Under the Never Sky #2

What I’m waiting for: Rossi swept me away with Under the Never Sky, so I’m hoping for the same stun effect in this book. Just more Aria and Perry will make me happy!

Expect pub date: January 8, 2013

What book sequels have you read and loved and which ones are you dying to read in 2013?

Book Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Sep 20 |08:09

Maggie Stiefvater’s done it again – The Raven Boys is the first in a stunning new series. Don’t wait to read this book – you won’t regret it.

Book Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

GoodReads | Amazon | Author Website

Title & Author: The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle) by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: YA Fantasy – Psychics, the Occult

Release Date: September 18, 2012

Series: 1st in Raven Cycle Series

Publisher: Scholastic Press

How I Got the Book: ARC via the publisher

Description:

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all— family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.”

A Masterful Writer Returns

Maggie Stiefvater is a masterful writer. She describes things so beautifully and creatively that the picture she paints is one you remember after you’ve finished and closed her book.

The Raven Boys is her best work yet. I’ve read Shiver and The Scorpio Races by her, and I think The Raven Boys beats them all out.

Her characters are so alive. Take Blue for example – she’s a daughter in a family of psychics who dresses in eccentric crocheted outfits and who has messy hair and is short and sassy. She’s so full of life and character that she felt like someone I knew.

Plus, the descriptions in The Raven Boys are just beautiful. Blue’s mom comes in her room to talk about something serious, and it was described as her sitting “soft like a poem on her bed.” Unexpected and whimsical.

Plus the dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny. I don’t say that lightly either. There is some great back and forth between Blue and her Aglionby boys who have a mystery all their own.

Perspective is Everything

The Raven Boys is told from the third-person omniscient perspective. Sometimes I feel like I lose something in that type of storytelling because you don’t really get an in-depth look at one character’s thoughts, but in the novel this really worked.

The third-person perspective gives you a glimpse into all of the characters lives that they each may not know about. It adds to the heavy helping of mystery in the book and kept things very engaging. It almost read like alternating POV’s.

One of my favorite elements of The Raven Boys is the fact that from the very beginning, Blue doesn’t know if she’s going to kill or fall in love with Gansy. Even though she’s conflicted, she somehow manages to treat him normally. I liked how that’s a part of the overall story, but it wasn’t the main point, per say.

OVERALL

I absolutely adored this book. It’s amazingly written with strong personalities and ethereal magic. The Raven Boys is Stiefvater’s best work yet, and everyone should but this novel at the top of their reading lists.

Posts Tagged ‘Young Adult fiction’

Top Ten Books Dealing With Tough Subjects

Top Ten Books Dealing With Tough Subjects

Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass