Sacred by Elana K. Arnold

Sacred
Author: Elana K. Arnold

Published: November 13th, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Goodreads Summary: "Growing up on Catalina Island, off the California coast, Scarlett Wenderoth has led a fairly isolated life. After her brother dies, her isolation deepens as she withdraws into herself, shutting out her friends and boyfriend. Her parents, shattered by their own sorrow, fail to notice Scarlett's pain and sudden alarming thinness. Scarlett finds pleasure only on her horse, escaping to the heart of the island on long, solitary rides. One day, as she races around a bend, Scarlett is startled by a boy who raises his hand in warning and says one word: "Stop."

The boy—intense, beautiful—is Will Cohen, a newcomer to the island. For reasons he can't or won't explain, he's drawn to Scarlett and feels compelled to keep her safe. To keep her from wasting away. His meddling irritates Scarlett, though she can't deny her attraction to him. As their relationship blossoms into love, Scarlett's body slowly awakens at Will's touch. But just when her grief begins to ebb, she makes a startling discovery about Will, a discovery he's been grappling with himself. A discovery that threatens to force them apart. And if it does, Scarlett fears she will unravel all over again."

 

Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Storyline/Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5

Sacred was a beautiful, heart wrenching, and mysterious read. I really enjoyed Arnold's novel, and I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. The number one thing I loved about this book? The setting. The fact that the novel took place on Catalina island off the coast of California was an intriguing concept, and left for a lot of imagination for this book's scenery and small town feel.

At first, I found the main character to be unlikable. She came across as whiny, and had that whole "boohoo, poor me" attitude. But as the book progressed, I found her to be more and more likable, and she seemed to grow a backbone and improved and flourished as a person. You can feel what Scarlett was going through, and I became extremely sympathetic to her pain. She only got more relatible, stronger, and likeable as the novel goes on (don't judge her on the first half of the book, guys ;) I promise she get's better!).

The characters were all likable too, and I loved that Scarlett's best friend (who for the life of me, I can't remember the name of -- it's been awhile) was always there for her, despite her steretyped personality. She was always right behind her, and helped her to get better throughout the novel. She was what every girl would want in a best friend.

Will wasn't my favorite to say in the least. I found him to be underdeveloped, and didn't have a lot of personality to him. I can understand why he's more on the mysterious side for this book, but hopefully he comes out of his shell more in the next installment. But Will just didn't do it for me in this one. I couldn't see the like.

The pain that is experienced throughout the novel was absolutely heart-breaking. It was something that took up a good chunk of the book, but at the same time, didn't stall the book from having a bigger point to it either. This book was a perfect balance of sadness, joy, excitment, mystery, and I loved it. A reccommended read for sure!

Sirens by Janet Fox

Sirens

Author: Janet Fox

Published: November 8th, 2012

Publisher: Speak

 

Goodreads Summary: "When Jo Winter’s parents send her off to live with her rich cousin on the glittering island of Manhattan, it’s to find a husband and forget about her brother Teddy’s death. But all that glitters is not gold,. Caught up in the swirl of her cousin’s bobbed-hair set—and the men that court them—Jo soon realizes that the talk of marriage never stops, and behind the seemingly boundless gains are illicit business endeavors, gangsters, and their molls. Jo would much rather spend time the handsome but quiet Charles, a waiter at the Algonquin Hotel, than drape herself
over a bootlegger. But when she befriends a moll to one of the most powerful men in town, Jo begins to uncover secrets—secrets that threaten an empire and could secure Jo’s freedom from her family. Can her newfound power buy her love? Or will it to ruin Jo, and everyone around her?"

 

Concept/Ideas: 4.5/5
Storyline/Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing Style: 4.5/5

A murder mystery and the 20s all wrapped up into one...

Sirens was a fantastic read filled with suspense, love, mystery, and an amazing feel for the Roaring 20's! Wow. All I can say is wow. I was blown away at how much I loved this book. Typically, I have tried to read so, so many books that revolve around the 20s, 30s, and flapper life-style, and I have never been able to get into one. I've tried the Vixen series, and I've probably tried to read Bright Young Things five times. I was convinced it was the subject matter that turned me away. I guessed wrong...

Right off the bat, this book through me into an alien world, filled with history and different times. I loved seeing the differences that was the past, and comparing it to today's world. It's pretty amazing when you get down to it, just how much society, and things have changed since the 20s.

This book leaves you begging for more, throughout the whole book, AND during the end. The storyline was extremely fast-paced and interesting. The mystery in this book was amazing, and it was so suspensful at times, I just couldn't put it down. The characters were likeable, and I found them relatable, and deep. The secrets that are revealed about each one is surprising!

For anybody who usually doesn't feel drawn to historical YA, I would defnitely reccommend you give this book a shot. Especially if you like mystery and suspense, this will be a favorite. It's not a typical flapper type of novel with drama, drama, drama... Instead, this book is much deeper, and full on packed with action. 

Stalker Girl by Rosemary Graham

Stalker Girl

Author: Rosemary Graham

Published: August 5th, 2010

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Genres: Suspense, romance

 

Goodreads Summary: "Carly never meant to become a stalker. She just wanted to find out who Brian started dating after he dumped her. But a little harmless online research turns into a quick glance, and that turns into an afternoon of watching. Soon Carly is putting all of her energy into following Brian's new girlfriend--all of the sadness she feels about her mom's recent breakup, all of the anger she feels over being pushed aside by her dad while he prepares for his new wife/s new baby. When Carly's stalking is discovered in the worst possible way by the worst possible person, she is forced to acknowledge her problem and the underlying issues that led to it."

Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Storyline/Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5

I thought the concept for Stalker Girl was an interesting one. That's what originally pulled me into the novel, and tempted me to read it. It seemed like it would be somewhat of a suspenseful, enticing read about a girl who stalks her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a letdown. I was expecting a lot more from the book to be honest. I think it fell short because there just wasn't enough substance to the book. I felt as if Carly was a very flat, bland character, and was not someone who you could easily relate to. She seemed very emotionless in the novel. Because of lack of character development, it just sets the whole book off for a hard time being able to get a feel for the book, and even enjoying it. Throughout the first three quarters of the book, it mainly tells the story of how Carly and her now ex-boyfriend Brian meet. From there on, it basically builds up the storyline to the present day plot. You increasingly start to understand why Carly did what she did, and how it developed. There was some substance and development there, but still, not enough for my tastes. Although, I could really feel for Carly when dealing with her mother, and the divorce. That was probably one of the only parts of the book that affected me or even moved me in the slightest. The 'stalker' part that the title suggests really isn't an appropriate title in my opinion, since most of the book had nothing to do with the actual stalking of the new girlfriend. It was only in the first 10-15 pages at the beginning, and then 15-25 pages in the end that any real action happens. The plot was weak in my opinion, and it could have had a lot more to it. But maybe that's just me. I just expected 'stalking' out of it (as bad as that sounds, haha!).

The writing was alright, but nothing too amazing. I found myself stuck in a lot of slow parts, and had a hard time getting through the novel at times. In the end, it was still worth the read and I reccommend it.

Overall, like I said, the characters and their development was a bit weak, and the plot line was slow at times, but it was still an interesting read with a different concept to it than most YA novels. If you're looking for something different, I'd definitely ask you to check this one out.

No Safety In Numbers (No Safety In Numbers #1) by Dayna Lorentz

No Safety In Numbers

Author: Dayna Lorentz

Published: May 29th, 2012

Publisher: Dial

 

Goodreads Summary: "Life As We Knew It meets Lord of the Flies in a mall that looks just like yours

A biological bomb has just been discovered in the air ducts of a busy suburban mall. At first nobody knows if it's even life threatening, but then the entire complex is quarantined, people start getting sick, supplies start running low, and there's no way out. Among the hundreds of trapped shoppers are four teens.

These four different narrators, each with their own stories, must cope in unique, surprising styles, changing in ways they wouldn't have predicted, trying to find solace, safety, and escape at a time when the adults are behaving badly.

This is a gripping look at people and how they can--and must--change under the most dire of circumstances.

And not always for the better."

 

*I have an author interview up with Dayna Lorentz on my blog! Go check it out!

 

Concept/Ideas: 4/5

Storyline/Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Writing Style: 4/5

An interesting read, none the less. I loved the idea for this book. A bomb in a mall that causes a toxin to make people ill? Whoa.

The mall being shutdown with people locked in it in solitude and sickness for a week? Interesting.

I did enjoy the story very much. The characters alternate between four people. Two boys, and two girls. I found the characters to be relatable and likable, although I wasn't fond of Ryan's POV.

The plotline was good, but perhaps a little slow in parts. I kind of hoped for a little more action in the novel.

Apparently, this is book one... so i'm hoping the next one is coming out soon.
I look forward to reading it. Hopefully though, more will be discovered, and more action and drama will persue.

The Search by Nora Roberts

READ: AUGUST 2011

Book Title: The Search
Author: Nora Roberts
Pages: 488
Published: July 2010
Publisher: Putnam

Goodreads Summary:

"The #1 New York Times-bestselling author presents a riveting novel where a canine search and rescue volunteer fights danger and finds love in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life-a quaint house on an island off Seattle's coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescues. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare...

Several years ago, Fiona was the only survivor of the Red Scarf serial killer, who shot and killed Fiona's cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.

On Orcas Island, Fiona found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. But all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He's the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon's house, and he's at his wit's end.

To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can't handle. Simon, however, is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he's a rugged and in-tensely private artist, known for the exquisite furniture he creates from wood. Simon never wanted a puppy-and he most definitely doesn't want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to his hormones.

As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona's life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands..."

My Review

Ok, so it took a lot of decision, but i'm not going to finish this one. I just don't feel like continuing a book that isn't going anywhere. I expected this book to be a thriller, with a lot of action and excitement.

Sadly, this did not happen.

It definitely was not the story itself, or even the characters or plot that was bad. The idea of the story was great, and I really had a lot of hope for it.

But the storyline was just too slow. I stopped at about 160 pages. After that, I was just ready to put it down and forget about it. From page 1 to 160 (out of 444), nothing exciting had happened whatsoever. It was just the same thing, over and over. The two main characters Sylvia and Simon met, had Simon's dog trained, left, came back, left, came back, etc... Nothing really ever progressed other than a SMALL bit of romance, and it was really starting to get annoying. I have a lot of other books I want to read, and right now I just don't have the patience for this anymore. Almost half way through the book, and nothing.

Oh well. This doesnt alter my view on Nora Roberts as an author that much because I think that her plots and ideas are likeable and somewhat intriguing. But the plot was just not developing enough for me.