"Pills and Starships" (a medicated Lexi review, lol)

Dear Readers,

Today's book is a dystopian novel! This one sounds a bit more realistic than others I've read, so check it out! It's Pills and Starships by Lydia Millet. In fact, I was sucked in by this cover! Look:

Summary: "In this richly imagined dystopic future brought by global warming, seventeen-year-old Nat and her hacker brother Sam have come by ship to the Big Island of Hawaii for their parents' Final Week. The few Americans who still live well also live long—so long that older adults bow out not by natural means but by buying death contracts from the corporates who now run the disintegrating society by keeping the people happy through a constant diet of "pharma." Nat's family is spending their pharma-guided last week at a luxury resort complex called the Twilight Island Acropolis.

Deeply conflicted about her parents' decision, Nat spends her time keeping a record of everything her family does in the company-supplied diary that came in the hotel's care package..." (Thanks, Goodreads!)

This novel delve into what life would truly be like for a normal person in a dystopian world. Nat is an everyday teen that is coping with her parents' death, except it hasn't happened yet and there are pills to subdue those feelings. She doesn't want her parents to die, but is more passive, just writing her true feelings in a journal provided to her from the hotel to help her heal. However, her little brother is taking more of an active stance on their society in general. When Nat starts seeing society at work, she questions everything, and when she finds out what's really going on in the world, she has to choose to go along with everything or make a stand. You'll be able to relate to Nat and her brother a lot, and may start looking at our world now in a whole new light.

The plot is thorough, and there's plenty of humor. However, there are dark things as well (obviously). If you want to think, and you want to know what it truly would be like living in a realistic dystopian society, read this novel. See both the ruin and the hope for our future.

In Conclusion: If you don't mind it being a bit slow at parts, I do recommend reading this novel.

Rating:

4/5 pills


Till next time!!!

XOXO,

Lexi

"Pawn" (a bourgeois Lexi review)

Hello, Readers!

Happy Saturday!!! Hope your day is awesome!!!

Okay, so today's book is a new one called Pawn by Aimee Carter!

Summary: "YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand." (Thank you for this, Goodreads!)

I was unsure about this novel at first. It sounded cool, but I was ready for the book to suck. I have no clue why. However, this novel ended up being amazing! I loved this idea, the story, the characters, everything! The story is so interesting that you can't help but just fall into it. In every way, this novel is really good. It's very unpredictable; it'll keep you guessing till literally the very end!

In Conclusion: READ THIS NOVEL!!!!!

Rating:

5/5 chess pieces

Till next time!

XOXO,
Lexi

"Stung" (A Bee-autiful Review by Lexi) (Bad pun, I know, lol)

Our lovely readers,

I'm doing this and perhaps next weeks' reviews early. So let us begin, shall we?

Stung by Bethany Wiggins!

Summary (Yay, Goodreads!): "There is no cure for being stung.

Fiona doesn’t remember going to sleep. But when she opens her eyes, she discovers her entire world has been altered—her house is abandoned and broken, and the entire neighborhood is barren and dead. Even stranger is the tattoo on her right hand—a black oval with five marks on either side—that she doesn’t remember getting but somehow knows she must cover at any cost. She’s right.

Those bearing the tattoo have turned into mindless, violent beasts that roam the streets and sewers, preying upon the unbranded while a select few live protected inside a fortress-like wall, their lives devoted to rebuilding society and killing all who bear the mark.
Now Fiona has awakened branded, alone—and on the wrong side of the wall."

Can ya tell I've been on a dystopian kick as of late? I've loved the genre since I was ten and reader The Giver (by Louis Lowry), and as soon as I get into it again, it was the beginning of this genre blowing up (lucky me!). Now, I know some feel like they're almost identical, or facing the same crap, but I will never lead you astray to a crappy book, my lovely readers, so no worries with this one!

Imagine waking up at thirteen to an abandoned household; one that's been abandoned for a very long time. Then, you look in the mirror and see that your reflection isn't that of a thirteen-year-old, instead having a woman's curves. And the last memories you have is chocked full of your vanished family, but nothing since you turned thirteen. How bizarre would that be??? Then you notice a tattoo on your hand that you don't remember getting. The next thing you know, you're running and protecting yourself and you don't know what from or why or what the heck happened. Think you could go through all of that emotional turmoil? I know I'd be a bit crazy after that. But our lucky Fiona only knows to cover her tattoo on her hand, and that's it. She sets off on her own, and then gets rallied into the biggest, most dangerous game of cat-and-mouse where there are dozens of cats, and she's the only mouse.

You'll love the quips, the way things are shown and not told, and how vividly you can see this story unfolding in a crumbling town. The story takes all these twists and turns, and you cannot believe any of what happens or why!!! I love surprising books, ones that capture your imagination and lets it run as freely as possible. This book is actually genius, and comes from a whole new perspective of a decaying world that's suffering not because of a shortage of water, or a war. It's awesome and unique!


In Conclusion: Read away, my friends! If you want a fresh dystopian novel that involves a strong female lead, a handsome helper, and a tale that seems so close, so far, and so imaginative all at once, read Stung. You won't be sorry!


Rating:

5/5 lavender bunches (plus 1 bee)!



Alrighty! More is coming this week, y'all, and Ash has a surprise for you guys!!!



XOXO,

Lexi

"Awaken" (A Lexi Review)

Hey, loves!!!

Okay, so have you ever been somewhere where everything is tech? Are you addicted to the phone, tv, Bluerays, and ebooks all at once, swiping a basic card to take care of everything you need? Tech is all around us, all the time, and it's difficult to escape it, or escape the need for it. For today's blog, I'm doing Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky.

This is a book where tech has replaced the need for bus passes, school, meeting people, etc. in this dystopian novel. What happens when a the teen daughter of the man who made this so meets a guy that denies tech? One that knows how to do things old style? One that actually wants to meet face-to-face, not via avatars?

The characters and story are well-written. The world creation is very far developed, and it's extremely realistic. I love the imagination that it took to come up with not only this story, but the entire background behind it that comes in increments throughout the novel.

That's all I'm giving you. It's an awesome book that makes you look at technology differently, and I say to read it. :)

Rating: 

5/5 computer screens

"The Hallowed Ones" (A Lexi Review from Under the Covers, lol)

Hello, all!

Okay, so today's blog was going to be about The Sugar Queen, but I decided to postpone my view on it and go for The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle. The cover alone is creepy all by itself, and you know there's something eerie about to go down...

Now, if you're anything like me, and are interested in the Amish world (but not ever wanting to be Amish, lol), this book shows many different aspects of the culture. Of course, this is while you're being terrified out of your wits with the gore and creatures.

Book Summary: "Katie is on the verge of her Rumspringa, the time in Amish life when teenagers can get a taste of the real world. But the real world comes to her in this dystopian tale with a philosophical bent. Rumors of massive unrest on the “Outside” abound. Something murderous is out there. Amish elders make a rule: No one goes outside, and no outsiders come in. But when Katie finds a gravely injured young man, she can’t leave him to die. She smuggles him into her family’s barn—at what cost to her community? The suspense of this vividly told, truly horrific thriller will keep the pages turning." (Huzzah for Goodreads!)

Katie is a character who, like Belle, wants "much more than this provincial life" that she's leading/stuck in. Amish are quite strict with the way their people live their lives, in every respect there is. For example, one's hat brim being a millimeter bigger than your neighbor's means that you are proud (a bad quality to them). Now, know that there are communities that are more lax, but Katie doesn't live in a community like that; her life is very determinedly chosen for her.

When this terrifying and new disease goes around, there are vampires/zombies that are more than happy to attack others and murder them. However, they stay out of her community. So bringing in a foreigner? Heck no! Not allowed! Verboten! But Katie saves a man from the other side of the fence.

While the world collapses around them, it makes you wonder if one is supposed to feel an obligation to one's neighbor in this sort of time, or is it truly every man for himself, even in an Amish community?

The characters are great, and the plot is addictive-ly scary. The development of the plot is perfectly paced, making you practically become a zombie-like creature as you try to read "just one more chapter" with the words getting fuzzy at night. It's unpredictable and fun to read. If you like strong characters that you can relate to, or feel like you "know" them, these characters won't let you down.

Summary of Review: Read this fun book! The potential nightmares are quite worth it!

Five monsters out of five! lol


Until next time!



Love,

Lexi

"Crewel" (an Alexis review)

Lexi again!

So today's book is one I almost didn't read because it just didn't seem like I was going to like it much, you know? But one day, I decided I had to give it a chance, and I'm thrilled that I did!

There are two covers now, but this is the one I have. Here's the newer one:

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

This book is awesome. Here's the summary from Goodreads:

"Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has always been special. When her parents discover her gift—the ability to weave the very fabric of reality—they train her to hide it. For good reason, they don’t want her to become a Spinster — one of the elite, beautiful, and deadly women who determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die.

 Thrust into the opulent Western Coventry, Adelice will be tried, tested and tempted as she navigates the deadly politics at play behind its walls.  Now caught in a web of lies and forbidden romance, she must unravel the sinister truth behind her own unspeakable power.  Her world is hanging by a thread, and Adelice, alone, can decide to save it — or destroy it."

Sounds cool, right? The idea may seem odd, but it is beautifully portrayed. You honestly can imagine the threads and tapestries of time and life in this novel. Being a Crewel is seen as an amazing thing, but Adelice soon finds out that the life sucks.

The imagery, characters, and scenes are all wonderful. The thought that this could happen seems so interesting and realistic when you're reading this.

Since I can't really describe it like I want to without going back and describing, let's just say that this novel rocks, and you should give it a chance!

Rating:

Suggestions: Go for it! Take time to read it! Anytime, anywhere! You may get sad at some parts, but overall, you'll be intrigued.

"Gravity" by Melissa West (A Lexi Review)

Well, I'm on vacation again. My mom and I decided to have a mom/daughter trip on a cruise while my brother and his best friend run around the ship as well. Since there is no wi-fi readily available on this cruise either -- and I'll be wanting to lay out and enjoy life without electronics anyways -- I am scheduling these next few to post while I'm away, so don't think I'm ignoring if you contact us or comment. When I'm back, I'm hoping I see lots of comments and such!


On to this novel, Gravity by Melissa West.

Summary: In the future, only one rule will matter:

Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn't just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war. (source: Goodreads)

"So what's a girl to do?" you may be thinking. "And why do I want to read about aliens?" Well, I tried a chapter of this before committing to the novel myself. See, I'm not into the whole "aliens" craze... or so I thought. Then I read this book. And the story and details have been staying with me ever since. Even the last novel I read I could barely focus on or remember the details of because I was too busy thinking about the characters of this novel!

Let's start with Ari. She is already being forced into a marriage with her friend by their parents. No love is there, but she knows it's for the best... or is it? Then she meets Jackson. Sexy, sexy Jackson. His eyes look like a lake that you can happily swim in forever, and he is nothing like what Ari had ever been told about his kind. Your heart will struggle this entire book, wondering where the truth of everything lies, and whether everything will end on a positive note.

Now, on to dynamics... The prologue of this novel will have you hooked right away, no questions asked. Your heart will be pounding with the feelings of Ari as a little girl. You'll be swept up into this novel immediately, and you'll start to feel as if you are Ari, complete with all of the emotions and the . The language of the novel is beautiful. I kept highlighting all of these descriptions of places as well as wise words spoken by the characters. If you keep a quote book like I do, you'll be able to get plenty out of here. One of my faves is this one, from page 30: "'Pride?' He gives me a mock grin. 'You define what makes you proud, not someone else, and certainly not rules that would have your friends get beaten. There's no pride in that.'"

In Conclusion: This book is really good, even if sci-fi and/or aliens aren't your things. You'll love the romantic side of things as well as the war aspects. You'll catch yourself holding your breath without meaning to, and having your heart just as torn as Ari. You may get trapped in the novel and find you've lost time, but in a good way.

Rating: 

Suggestions: Read when you're okay to knock out a few chapters at a time. The novel is 215 pages. This novel is not for the faint-of-heart though, so if you are easily disgusted by blood or such, stay away from this novel. If you can brave your way through it, it's worth it.

Go to a comfy chair and read away. If warm enough, go outside and read under the stars at night. (Stay safe though, please.) Or just get snuggled under your blankets and look out a window at stars while you daydream away with this novel. Enjoy, y'all!

P.S. There's a sequel coming out August 2013, but thankfully this novel doesn't leave you with an unbearable cliffhanger, so no worries!

In Comments: Do you believe in aliens and flying saucers? Why or why not? What would you do or how would you react  if you ever met one?

Cruises and a review of "World of Shell and Bone"!!! (A Lexi Review)

Oh, readers, Ash and I haven't posted in awhile because we went on a Disney cruise together (AMAZING!!!), and then life took over once we got back. I'm actually leaving on Tuesday for another one, this one on Carnival, but this time as a mother-daughter trip.

Okay, so let's get on to my review!!!

World of Shell and Bone by Adriana Ryan

First off, look at the stunning cover!

Totally gorgeous, right?

Summary: In a world ravaged by a nuclear holocaust, Vika Cannon knows there are no guarantees: no guarantees of safety, no guarantees that your neighbor is not actually a spy for the government, and no guarantees you'll be allowed to emigrate to a new life in China.

New Amana is dying. Food and water are scarce, and people suffering from radiation-caused mutations--the Nukeheads--are the new class of homeless.

Vika has just one purpose: to produce healthy progeny using a Husband assigned by the Match Clinic. Unhealthy children are carted away to Asylums to be experimented on, just as Vika's little sister Ceres was, eight years ago. Parents incapable of producing healthy progeny are put to death in gas chambers.


When she's assigned a Husband shortly after her twentieth birthday, Vika expects him to be complacent and obedient. But Shale Underwood has a secret. He is a member of the Radicals, the terrorist group intent on overthrowing the government. And Shale has information about Ceres.

As she learns more about the Rads's plan, Vika finds herself drawn to Shale in ways she'd never imagined. When freedom calls in the way of a healthy pregnancy, will she betray her government and risk death for Shale and Ceres? (from Amazon)


Okay, so if you've read Flawless Ruins by Kiera Nicolas, you'll think that this book is like it by the summary, but it's definitely not. This is a wonderful book that stands on it's own uniqueness. (I'm not saying that Flawless is a bad one; it's actually amazing as well.)

This novel is a great one for the "New Adult" section, which means you're an older "Young Adult." The characters are very believable, and you start to wonder whether this could happen.

Amana is an overcrowded place that was destroyed in a nuclear war. It's an unsettling place where the air is so filled with chemicals that it burns to breathe. It's where you have to watch what you say and do, because you have to treat everybody like they're going to turn you in for one reason or another, and nobody will believe that you're innocent. As a woman, you better be able to pass a ridiculous fitness or be extremely fertile, or you're "discarded." Any unhealthy or physically impaired children will be taken away, so you must also hope that that doesn't happen. But, then again, the citizens say "it's for the best." Oh, and love? Well, that's not what marriages are based upon. Men are solely called "Husbands," and are assigned to you. They should be obedient, cook, and clean. (That doesn't sound too bad, actually... loljk.) If you were lucky, you got to go to China, where there was plenty of room.

Vika never really questioned these things. And, looking from her point of view, it's understandable. Each new surprise in the novel will make sense to you. Also, the novel will explain everything, answering any questions you have while reading it, so no worries there. The characters are whole and convincing. The storyline and secrets will have you in their grasps for the entire novel. I honestly experienced no slow parts, and couldn't guess what was going to happen in the novel by the first few chapters. It was like an adventure; one that I am more than happy to have gotten to go on. This book had me emotionally involved and invested, wondering how everything was going to turn out.

In all honesty, what Vika is facing seems like what women our age (twenties) are facing: too many decisions and expectations to have everything together, your life all planned out. Everything seems fine until you hit that point, and wonder why you never thought to question your future or why nothing is going as planned anymore. (This is now coined as a "quarter-life crisis.") The novel will have you relating to Vika and the world around her, including her mother.

In Conclusion: In the end, I honestly am trying to review without giving any other little surprises away (like the names... you'll get it...), so I'm just going to say that this  novel is wonderfully written, and it had me reading it nonstop. You'll realize how far one can go to right some wrongs, no matter how long it's been, and that maybe following everybody else's schedule and expectations aren't what is right for you.

I hope that you guys enjoy this novel even just a quarter of how much I did!


Rating:

5/5 quasars

Recommendation: Just read it. Wherever and whenever. But, like, RIGHT NOW.