Unremembered by Jessica Brody

                                                🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Synopsis:

When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.
Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn't on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can't be found in a single database in the world.
Crippled by a world she doesn't know, plagued by abilities she doesn't understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can't remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she's running out of time to answer them.
Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?

The book was pretty predictable but interesting. I thought that the mystery behind the main character's back story was intriguing enough that I had to read the entire story to find out more about her. 

It seemed like the majority of the book was spent on a time before Sera figured anything out which was frustrating.  I wanted to know more than the author was giving  me and I didn't get any of that till about 70'80% of the way through.

It felt like a fragmented story because it seemed like pieces were missing even at the end of the book. I attribute this to not knowing anything about Sera until much later in the book and that the information that the author gives us at that point still doesn't tell us much. I did find out after reading this book that there is a sequel to it wherein more information and answers may be given. I don't believe that I will be reading it because I didn't like this one enough to warrant reading it.

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

                                                 🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟




 Synopsis:
 Signed, sealed, delivered...

While spacing out in Chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk, and added a message to her. Intrigue!

Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters -- sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she's kind of falling for this letter writer. Only who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery, and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can't always be spelled out...

Kasie West brings irresistible wit, warmth, and sparkle to this swoon-worthy story of love showing up when you least expect it.

I loved the interactions between the two main characters in their letters. They spoke about deep topics rather than just spouting off about clothing, teachers, or boy bands. I also loved the dialogue between the other characters in this book. The conversations were witty and refreshing. They made me want to be friends with Lily because although she had her flaws she was so real. While the dialogue was refreshing, the story line was not. I feel like I have watched or read this story line so many times. It was easy to predict what would happen throughout this story.

I enjoyed the fact that the two main characters were not exactly alike but were similar in the areas that counted. They had certain interests in common combined with the things that were important to them in their daily lives. I think that on some things it helps to be similar but what is at the heart of the relationship in this book is that the characters help each other to deal with their issues. They are able to hear from someone that has different life experiences that provides them with a different perspectives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if it is any indication of the author I will look forward to reading more from her. While she didn't break any new ground with this book, I thought it was a heart felt, cute love story.

Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout

                                                   🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟  

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

                                                🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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

                                             🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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

                                              🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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

                                                 🌟🌟🌟 out of 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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.