Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Synopsis:
It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.

But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.

I thought that the first couple of pages of this book were good because the author shows exactly how much Sasha has changed as person due to what had happened to her ten years earlier.  It is clear that she is still affected by what happened because she is afraid of what could be lurking behind bushes or in shadowed areas around her family's inn. 

As I read further into the story, my appreciation of it went downhill. I didn't need to hear about old flames or friends that she left behind because of her run in with a serial killer. That was already established in the beginning of the book. I began to get frustrated fairly quickly but I thought that maybe I was being too picky and read more.

The book wasn't terrible but I had hopes that weren't met. I thought that the identity of the serial killer was obvious which made the story less tense. This book focused too much on the romance and not enough on what the book was supposed to be about....the serial killer coming for Sasha! I wanted to read a thriller but instead I got to read a romance that was suspenseful with a serial killer on the side. Not to mention the main character being in some weird for of denial which made her seem dense. I mean who doesn't put 2 and 2 together and think there is a serial killer that might be hinting that he wants to kill me! 

Perfect Lies (Mind Games #2) by Kirsten White

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Synopsis:

This explosive sequel to Mind Games, which New York Times bestselling author Holly Black called "a brutal, exciting gem of a book," is a lightning-fast, wickedly smart tale of two sisters trapped in a web of deceit—perfect for fans of Sara Shepard's Lying Game series.
For years, Annie and Fia have been in an endless battle for survival against the Keane Foundation. Now the sisters have found allies who can help them escape. But Annie's visions of the future and Fia's flawless instincts can't always tell them who to trust. The sisters can only rely on each other—and even their extraordinary gifts may not be enough to save them.

I didn't think that this book was as good as the first. I felt like the author should have just written one book considering this one was only a little over 200 pages. It felt like the author wanted to torture Fia. I really felt for her in this book. I wanted other characters to pick up the slack so everything didn't fall to her to get done. It was easy to tell she couldn't handle the weight of it all and was beginning to buckle under the pressure.Things were resolved in this book but I'm not sure I cared for how things ended.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

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Synopsis:
Two teens must learn the “art of killing” in this Printz Honor–winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times bestselling Unwind dystology.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.


I tend to not like books that have received awards because like with movies that get awards I feel that they are over-hyped and loved for their pretentiousness. I wanted to like this book not only because the plot was so unique but because I've read another book by this author that I really enjoyed. While I wouldn't describe this book as being action packed or a thrill ride I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It was different not only from other books in the same genre but it also made me think about important concepts. Concepts that include life, death, pain, and joy. What becomes of people that don't have to age or get sick? Is there less emphasis put of the importance of life and making every moment count? I pondered these and many other questions as I read Scythe and it made me it enjoy it more.

I started off thinking that maybe the main characters would be whiny teenagers like I have read in other books recently but was proved wrong quickly. While the author maintains realistic teenage tendencies, they appear to be very mature for their age and are able to ask the hard questions of their superiors throughout the story. Citra and Rowan don't fully comprehend or appreciate the role of the scythe and are constantly questioning the motives of those that take up the mantle of the role.

I thought that I had the whole story figured out but Neal Shusterman managed to surprise me many times throughout the book. I appreciated the thought that went into this book. It was not trying too hard to be unique and managed to have balance between making the reader think and not be preachy about it.

Acid by Emma Pass

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Synopsis:
The year is 2113. In Jenna Strong’s world, ACID—the most brutal controlling police force in history—rule supreme. No throwaway comment or whispered dissent goes unnoticed—or unpunished. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a horrendous crime she struggles to remember. But Jenna’s violent prison time has taught her how to survive by any means necessary. When a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed, and skill to stay one step ahead of ACID and try to uncover the truth about what really happened on that terrible night two years ago. They’ve taken her life, her freedom, and her memories away from her. How can she reclaim anything when she doesn’t know who to trust?


This book reminded me of Legend...a corrupt government that tortures people and doesn't allow them the freedom of making their own choices.

I enjoyed this book a lot! Jenna was a no nonsense, strong, female character who wasn't perfect but knew who she was and would not compromise that. I loved the tense scenes throughout the book when I wasn't sure what was going to happen to Jenna. Although, I feel like I might have expected a bit too much from this book. I wanted more confrontations between Jenna and Acid agents. It was a bit lackluster for me. 

It was interesting to see her interact with the different groups of people that had their own beliefs about how the government should be run. I found myself understanding all of the groups points of view even though some of their methods were drastic and alarming.

The villain of the story had goals that were a bit too shallow for my taste. I need an antagonist in a book to be motivated by more than just power in order to be interested in him/her.  For example, Valentine (Mortal Instruments Series) wants not only power but for all downworlders to be eliminated because they are tainted by demon blood in one form or another. It makes him and the story more interesting whereas in Acid I was looking for more.

The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury

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Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she's engaged to the prince, Twylla isn't exactly a member of the court.

She's the executioner.

As the Goddess embodied, Twylla instantly kills anyone she touches. Each month, she's taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love a girl with murder in her veins. Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to Twylla's fatal touch, avoids her company.

But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose easy smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he's able to look past Twylla's executioner robes and see the girl, not the Goddess. Yet Twylla's been promised to the prince, and knows what happens to people who cross the queen.

However, a treasonous secret is the least of Twylla's problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies, a plan that requires a stomach-churning, unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?

After I read the synopsis of this book, I immediately thought of Shatter Me but set in a different place and time. I was nervous about this because I don't like historical fiction at all but after reading the first page I decided to give it a chance.
The first page of the book immediately pulled me in from the first sentence which spoke about hearing the screams of people throughout the castle. This book managed to hold my attention because it was interesting but I didn't like the direction the author took it in. It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. It reminded me of movies I've seen where I think I know where the director is taking the story and then there is some twist where everything is taken in  a different direction. I will give the author credit for shocking me but it wasn't a good shock. 
I thought that the characters were just ok. There weren't really any standouts in that area. They were all just blah for me. 
I'm not sure if I will read the next book considering I didn't like how this one ended. I may change my mind but I don't think that is likely.

The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom

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Synopsis:
When Gwendolyn Bloom’s father vanishes, she sets off on a journey she never bargained for. Traveling under a new identity in a world of assassins, spies, and criminal masterminds, she uncovers a disturbing truth. To bring her father back alive, she must become every bit as cruel as the men holding him captive.

The main character was naive for someone who had been around violence and seen so much of the world. It annoyed me at times because I felt she should have known better. She kept this naivety throughout the book and did not grow much as a character with the exception of becoming tougher over the course of the book.

I thought that the pacing was well done and there was just enough action and mystery in the story. I thought that it was interesting how the book was divided into sections depending on where the main character found herself at the moment. I believe that this helped with the pacing as well because it wouldn't have been as good if she stayed in the same place the whole book. She encountered different trials in each place and had to adapt to them.

I also loved that the author made Gwendolyn vulnerable even after her training because it wouldn't be realistic if she was suddenly a master in fighting/ going undercover after three weeks. It made it easier to immerse myself in the story. She was a very strong character and I have a weakness for strong, kick-butt heroines!

This book reminds me a lot of the movie Taken 2 with the exception of the daughter going after the father and her not having a background in spy tactics. If you liked Taken 2, you will probably enjoy this book.

Insomnia by J. R. Johansson

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Synopsis:
Her eyes saved his life.
Her dreams released his darkness.

After four years of sleeplessness, high school junior Parker Chipp can't take much more. Every night, instead of sleeping, he enters the dreams of the last person he's made eye contact with. If he doesn't sleep soon, Parker will die.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. But what starts out as a chance meeting turns into an obsession; Parker's furious desire for what he needs pushes him to extremes he never thought he'd go. And when someone begins to terrorizing Mia with twisted death threats, Parker's memory blackouts leave him doubting his own innocence. 

I thought that this book was interesting because Parker's ability to experience other peoples' dreams is the very thing that is killing him. Think about how much power you could have being able to do that. He is able to see memories, fears, etc. and he could use that to his advantage. I believe that is why I enjoyed the fact that Parker was so vulnerable. He is dying and doesn't know what is going on with his own mind throughout the book. He is missing periods of time and feels as if he is going crazy. I think that this gives the book a good balance of power so to speak. 

I appreciated the author's writing style because I think that it aided me as the reader to understand the motives behind Parker's actions. He was so desperate to save himself that he became someone that he didn't recognize. Parker's emotions leapt off the page as did the emotions of others. I'm not sure that I loved who ended up being the one that was stalking Mia. It made sense but something about it didn't feel right to me... Maybe it was too obvious or I didn't like the reasoning behind the stalking. I can't quite put my finger on the exact reason why. The book was still really good and I'm intrigued by it enough that I may read the next one in the series.