"Memento Nora" (a memorable Lexi review)

Our Dear Readers,

Today's novel was one that I read in physical form after my Nook crashed. (I now am using an old one of my mom's, and planning on getting an iPad mini...) It was the only novel that could catch my attention, and I finished it rather quickly. It's Memento Nora by Angie Smibert.

Summary: "On an otherwise glossy day, a blast goes off and a body thuds to the ground at Nora's feet. There are terrorist attacks in the city all the time, but Nora can't forget.

In Nora's world you don't have to put up with nightmares. Nora goes with her mother to TFC--a Therapeutic Forgetting Clinic. There, she can describe her horrible memory and take a pill to erase it so she can go onlike nothing ever happened. But at TFC a chance encounter with a mysterious guy changes Nora's life. She doesn't take the pill. And when Nora learns the memory her mother has chosen to forget, she realizes that someone needs to remember.With newfound friends Micah and Winter, Nora makes a comic book of their memories called Memento. Memento is an instant hit, but it sets off a dangerous chain of events. Will Nora, Micah, and Winter be forced to take the Big Pill that will erase their memories forever?" (Thanks, Goodreads!!!)

This novel was action-packed as well as heartfelt. It was a novel that I picked up at Half Price Books on a whim, and am so glad that I did!!! So the characters are very realistic and complex. I love their back stories and how they were introduced. The TFC was so realistic that I figure that it's a matter of time before it truly happens. I love the storyline, how every character truly develops into their own selves through help from eachother. I also love the ending, and I hope you guys do as well! If you like novels that cross over a few genres and are just good books, read this one!!!

In Conclusion: Read it!!!!! (Especially if you're into realistic dystopian-ish novels.)


Rating:

5/5 comic pages

Till next time!


XOXO,

Lexi

"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

"Parasite" (a squirmish Lexi review)

Dear Readers,

You guys are awesome, reading our blog and sharing us with your friends!!! We really appreciate it!!!

Okay, today's book is Parasite by Mira Grant.

Summary: "A decade in the future, humanity thrives in the absence of sickness and disease.

We owe our good health to a humble parasite - a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the tapeworm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system - even secretes designer drugs. It's been successful beyond the scientists' wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them.

But these parasites are getting restless. They want their own lives...and will do anything to get them." (Toda, Goodreads!)

All I can really say is that this book is very interesting, but it took a little bit to get into. I do like it, and this idea is amazing to think about! I mean, a parasite that helps us??? How cool would that be!?!?! I really liked the medical view of this novel, and how creepy the idea of a tapeworm is, lol. I also like the relationships, and the twists that this novel takes, so I say read it!

In Conclusion: Read if you can take it.

Review:

4/5 parasites

Till next time!!!

XOXO,

Lexi

"Edge of the Falls" (a "tale as old as time" Lexi review)

Readers,

So I'm into "Beauty & the Beast." I made my mother watch it waaaaay too many times as a kid. She always told me I was just like Belle, and she taught me to be all the awesome things Belle was. I now seek out books to read with that theme. Today's is one of them!

It's Edge of the Falls by Nazarea Andrews!

Summary: "In a world torn apart by science and war, an outcast finds love with a beast.

Sabah has lived outside the Commission’s control her entire life. But as she approaches the age of Majority, her guardian pushes her to make a choice: life in the wild with a boy she barely knows, or a place in the nearby City with Berg, the boy she’s known since childhood.
But when Arjun, a monster created by scientists, saves her life, everything Sabah knows begins to change. Hidden away from her life and family, Sabah finds herself trusting the beast when he tells her secrets and more—falling in love with a creature she’s spent a lifetime fearing.

But in a world where control is everything, and life is something you fight for—can a love that defies society survive?" (Spasibo, Goodreads!)

This novel is soooooo good! Taking a dystopian novel and rigging it with a fairytale? That's just awesome. The characters have depth, and they're very relatable. I love the suggestive couples in the story, and the ban wolf den. The rules surrounding the dome seem realistic, which makes the novel even more engaging. I got through it quickly, because this is awesome! I hope you love it like I do!

In Conclusion: Yay! Read it!

Rating:

4.6/5 wolves

Till next time!

XOXO,

Lexi

"Elusion" (a digital Lexi review)

Hey, readers!!!

I've been bleh all day, so to cheer myself up, I wanted to write a post about this awesome book that's been stuck in my head ever since I finished reading it. It moved up the list of novels I've read and need to review on! What book? Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam.

Summary: "Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.
Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions." (Gracias, Goodreads)

This novel is really cool. I loved the setting, and how polluted everything was. I guess it made me feel like it was more realistic. Then came the virtual reality machines that are a big part of this novel. I loved them! I loved how detailed and realistic they were, and how different they made this novel. Sure, there have been others with the same idea of device, but those are nothing compared to this novel's. This could be because of the descriptiveness of this book. The descriptions are amazing in this novel, from the machines to the people to the outside to even inside buildings. The storyline was really cool, and I was just wowed with the book in general. It had (and still has) me hooked!

In Conclusion: Read it!

Rating:

5/5 motherboards


Adios till next time!!!

XOXO,

Lexi

"Uninvited" (a not-guilty Lexi review)

Hey, everybody!

I am in a rush to catch up on a post, so not much chatter up here, except that I hope everybody is doing well and happily reading!!!

Today's book is Uninvited by Sophie Jordan! It comes out today!

Summary: "When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly." (Gratzi, Goodreads!)

This novel looks at issues with science, what it means to be human, human rights no matter what, and where the line should be drawn. It's actually very good, and I enjoyed it big time!

The characters all of depth. Also, the storyline is very interesting and brings you into Davy's life. You see a girl go from a privileged life to a shady, horrible life, all because of a possibility based on her DNA. She's goes from a girl with friends, a boyfriend, a high-end way of living, as well as loving parents, to almost nothing. Then you join her journey into a program for those with the HTS gene. You'll be hooked on the issues, romance, and how somebody can survive such a large change in their lives. The only flaw is some parts can be a bit slow, especially in the beginning, but otherwise, it's great!

In Conclusion: Read it! It'll make you think of big issues, but in a very entertaining way! This author is great!

Rating:

4/5 DNA Swabs

XOXO,

Lexi

"The Forever Contract" (an everlasting Lexi post)

Hello!

Today's book is actually a dystopian novella: The Forever Contract by Avery Sawyer.

Summary: "In the very near future, the country is plunged into drought and unrest. Scare resources and constant heat are making life completely miserable. Casey doesn't think she can stand slugging back another gel pack or working one more shift at the wells. Fortunately, there's a solution: anyone over the age of seventeen can sign the Forever Contract and enter a utopian paradise. While people's minds take a permanent vacation, their bodies get warehoused and hooked up to a complex array of sensors and feeding tubes. As Casey's brother says, "You upload your consciousness to the system and you're free to live as long as you want, however you want. No more pain, no more heat, no more awful dust, no more work. Just pure thought. It's what our species has always been meant for. Suffering is for philosophers. Not for me."

Casey's ready to sign--a permanent vacation is just what she needs. There's only one problem: her boyfriend James doesn't trust it." (Thank you, Goodreads!)

This actually was a great story that makes you think. Plus, it has some awesome twists! The characters and plot were just wonderful! Wish it was a novel instead of a novella, but I'm grateful for it either way!


In Conclusion: It's short and sweet, so go for it!

Rating:

4/5 slimy stuff

"The Predicteds" (a choice Lexi review)

Readers,

This next novel is about genetic testing, questioning nature and nurture. Which one rules?It's always an interesting thing to think and talk about. So, without any more delay, here's The Predicteds by Christine Seifert.

Summary: "Daphne is the new girl in town and is having trouble fitting in. At least she has Jesse… sort of. He wants to be more than “just friends,” but there’s something he’s not telling her about his past. Something dangerous. When a female student is brutally attacked, police turn to PROFILE, a new program that can predict a student’s capacity for violent behavior, to solve the case. As the witch hunt ensues, Daphne is forced to question her feelings for Jesse—and what she will do if her first love turns out to be a killer." (YAAAY for whoever created Goodreads!!!)

Kind of predictable, but a very interesting look at the nature/nurture debate. Can you truly predict who is dangerous and who isn't? What are the repercussions of this, and what if it's not correct? Where does your personality lie? Is it embedded in your DNA, or did it develop thanks to how you were raised?

In Conclusion: It's an interesting look at the nature/nurture debate, so go for it if you're really into that debacle, or have debated about it before. It is very interesting nonetheless!

Rating:

3/5 tests


Hugs,

Lexi

"The Island" (a starry Lexi review)

Readers,

Well, this novel took me by surprise! I thought it would be just another dystopian novel, but it was surprising and kinda funny when you think about it. It's The Island by Jen Minkman.

Summary: "‘I walk toward the sea. The endless surface of the water extends to the horizon, whichever way I look.

Our world is small. We are on our own, and we only have ourselves to depend on. We rely on the Force deep within us, as taught to us by our forefathers. 

If I were to walk westward from here, I would come across a barrier – the Wall. Behind it, there are Fools. At least, that’s what everyone says.

I have never seen one.’

Leia lives on the Island, a world in which children leave their parents to take care of themselves when they are ten years old. Across this Island runs a wall that no one has ever crossed. The Fools living behind it are not amenable to reason – they believe in illusions. That’s what The Book says, the only thing left to the Eastern Islanders by their ancestors.
But when a strange man washes ashore and Leia meets a Fool face to face, her life will never be the same. Is what she and her friends believe about the Island really true?
Or is everyone in their world, in fact, a Fool?"

The novella is basic, but stupid. It's interesting though. That's all I really have to say about this one...

Conclusion: Go for it, but only if you can get it for free.

Rating:

2/5 islands

"The Registry" (An As-Is Review by Lexi)

Readers,

This novel truly had me thinking of how close we could be to this dystopian world becoming reality. Sure, I doubt it will happen, but still creepy to think about... This novel is The Registry by Shannon Stoker.

Summary: (Thank you, Amazon) "Welcome to a safe and secure new world, where beauty is bought and sold, and freedom is the ultimate crime

The Registry saved the country from collapse, but stability has come at a price. In this patriotic new America, girls are raised to be brides, sold at auction to the highest bidder. Boys are raised to be soldiers, trained to fight and never question orders.

Nearly eighteen, beautiful Mia Morrissey excitedly awaits the beginning of her auction year. But a warning from her married older sister raises dangerous questions. Now, instead of going up on the block, Mia is going to escape to Mexico—and the promise of freedom.

All Mia wants is to control her own destiny—a brave and daring choice that will transform her into an enemy of the state, pursued by powerful government agents, ruthless bounty hunters, and a cunning man determined to own her . . . a man who will stop at nothing to get her back."

In today's world, we value looks, and teens are more than willing to wear makeup and seem sexy at young ages. We all watch "Toddlers & Tiaras" where little girls are made up, barely clothed, and dancing in inappropriate clothing. We're taught that intelligence is important, but if you want a man, put on that LBD, heels, and makeup. So how far are we from being put up as a figure for auction? This novel's society feels too close for comfort.

This novel is really fun, and you're wanting to scream and help the characters out, lol. The story is compelling, realistic, and shows what true bravery, friendship, and sacrifice are.

The characters are properly whole, including backgrounds and pasts. They all are realistic, and you can see them in the world today, honestly. The whole world-building was superb and complete. This whole story is just realistic, and the fact that the author shows so much as well as describes, it's not hard to picture this novel as a movie in your head.

The only issue I had was that some true imagination had to be used for Mia's maturity and transformation, and her indifference and apathy when it came to others' feelings or emotions made her seem more sociopathic than a normal and sheltered girl that she was supposed to be. It could get really annoying, and kinda seemed like some of the scenes weren't truly developed as they should have been, and neither was Mia. Maybe the author was in a rush?

In Conclusion: You can read it, but it may frustrate you at some technicalities that I just mentioned above. If you want a better, new dystopian novel, check out previous posts by me, including Stung and Crewel.


Rating:

3/5 auction gavels

"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.