Waiting on Wednesday #27
“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by the fantastic people over at Breaking The Spine that highlights upcoming releases that we are excited about.
For this week my pre-publication selection that I can’t wait for is:
The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
Set For Release On: February 10th, 2015
Summary From Goodreads:
The Handmaid’s Tale meets Blood Red Road in Glass Arrow, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder.
In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains.
But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning.
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I absolutely loved the Article 5 trilogy by Kristen Simmons, and this sounds like it could be just as good, and possible even a bit more powerful. There are so many ways that Simmons could address the issues for women here that it makes me all the more excited to see what direction she will go. Will they be strong and resilient, will they fight with brawn or brains (or both?), and what will the journey for Aya be like?
Also of note is that she got a pretty amazing cover for The Glass Arrow, so congrats on that! I’m sure this book has made the rounds of Waiting on Wednesday already, as I’m usually late to the party on this, but I can’t help but want to share another Kristen Simmons series in the works!
Had you heard of this one before, and if you hadn’t does the summary intrigue you? What book are you “Waiting On”? Let me know in the comments and/or leave a link to your own WoW post! Thanks for checking out my Waiting On Wednesday! ^.^
Official Blog Tour Review of Three by Kristen Simmons + Giveaway!
Click the banner to follow the tour!
I really enjoyed Three, in my belief the best in the trilogy, and one of the better series finishes that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. A big thank you to Book Nerd Tours, Kristen Simmons, and Tor Teen for giving me an ARC to enjoy, and for letting me be a part of this fabulous blog tour! My stop on the tour is a review and spotlight of the book, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post for your chance to win all sorts of wonderful prizes! ^.^
Synopsis
Kristen Simmons’ fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series continues in Three.
Ember Miller and Chase Jennings are ready to stop running. After weeks spent in hiding as two of the Bureau of Reformation’s most wanted criminals, they have finally arrived at the safe house, where they hope to live a safe and quiet existence.
And all that’s left is smoking ruins.
Devastated by the demolition of their last hope, Ember and Chase follow the only thing left to them—tracks leading away from the wreckage. The only sign that there may have been survivors.
With their high profile, they know they can’t stay out in the open for long. They take shelter in the wilderness and amidst the ruins of abandoned cities as they follow the tracks down the coast, eventually finding refugees from the destroyed safe house. Among them is someone from Chase’s past—someone he never thought he’d see again.
Banding together, they search for a place to hide, aiming for a settlement a few of them have heard about…a settlement that is rumored to house the nebulous organization known as Three. The very group that has provided Ember with a tiny ray of hope ever since she was first forced on the run.
Three is responsible for the huge network of underground safe houses and resistance groups across the country. And they may offer Ember her only chance at telling the world her story.
At fighting back.
Kristen Simmons
Kristen Simmons has a master’s degree in social work and is an advocate for mental health. She loves Jazzercise, her husband, and her precious greyhound, Rudy. Also chocolate. She currently lives in Tampa, Florida.
Links
Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads
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My Review
As I said when I started this post, Three is one of the best endings to a series that I have ever come across. The action is unceasing, the brief moments of rest for the characters are a chance for you to catch your breath before they dive back into the fray, and the hope of a better tomorrow keeps the reader going on just as much as those within the story.
In Three we see the main character, Ember, really grow up. In the previous two books, while she did some impressive things and started to prove her worth, she was somewhat of a tagalong, following Chase nearly blindly. Here, however, Ember starts to take control, coming up with a way to spread a message to those who might join the resistance with a little prodding. She constantly fights for what she believes is right, but without sounding high and mighty or appearing arrogant. I was so impressed with the growth that she showcased in Three, turning her from a good MC, to a fabulous one, a role model.
Then there is the romance. Ember and Chase have had great chemistry throughout the series, but in Three it is taken to a different level. It’s more passionate, more intense, deeper and tender, but also fierce. Their relationship solidified for me, it felt like not only could it last, but that there was no way it wouldn’t. Normally I’m not that into relationships taking up such a large portion of a book, particularly in dystopian, but with this series, and Three in particular, it felt natural and right. I can’t imagine the series, or this book without that bond.
Romance isn’t the only type of relationship that is strengthened in Three. Familial bonds, of blood and from a closeness and sense of trust, are represented. Friendships are made, some grow, and others wither, but for the most part the group really starts to rely on each other. They don’t just need each other to watch their backs or for protection, it is a matter of emotional support and strength, and Simmons has a way of making those ties seem natural and powerful.
This review, in case you haven’t noticed, is very character based, and that’s intentional. The characters and their relationships are what makes this book for me. Sure, I really enjoyed the action and the plot was very well done, with a whirlwind ending that left me speechless. However, as incredible as the world, the story, and the action were, it was the focus on those people that I grew to really care about that sold Three, and the series, for me.
As much as I love series, and the characters within them, I don’t tend to miss those people, or actively think about how I’ll never get to join them again for another adventure. Ember, Chase, and the rest of this cast is an exception. I already wish there was a book four, a companion novel, a novella of sorts, anything to stay connected with them, the feeling of loss is already here, and I know I’ll be re-reading this series for years to come. So thank you Kristen Simmons for writing these amazing books, thank you to Tor Teen for publishing them and sharing with us these wondrous creations, and thanks as always for anyone reading this.
Enter the giveaway by clicking the link to the rafflecopter below!
Sunday Post #17
Sunday Post
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It is a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.
I love participating in Sunday Post because I can provide a recap of books I read, talk about what is coming up next week, and discuss any books I received in the past week!
This week I bought a bunch of books, ones from Book Outlet, a few from Target, and some via NetGalley! Here we go!
Books From Book Outlet
Partials by Dan Wells
Easy by Tammara Webber
If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Books From Target
The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Books From NetGalley
Far From You by Tess Sharpe
Stolen Songbird by Danielle L. Jensen
Pre-Order
Cress by Marissa Meyer
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Last Week on the Blog
Monday – Mini Review Monday: Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons
Tuesday – Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Will Give You All the Feels
Wednesday – Waiting on Wednesday: Gilded by Christina L. Farley
Thursday – Killing My Kindle: Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover
Friday – Frodo’s Frisky Friday: The Wicked Dragon by Kelly Apple
Saturday – Wicked Valentine’s Read-a-Thon Vol. 2: Update/Goal Post
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Books Read Last Week
Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons – 4/5 (Review above)
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales – 3/5 (Review to come)
Complicit by Stephanie Kuehn – 4/5 (Pretty good, review near release)
Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover – 5/5 (Review above)
Taken By the Fairies by Celestia Dew – 4/5 – (Review to come)
This Star Won’t Go Out by Esther Earl – 5/5 – (Review next week)
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein – 2/5 – (Not for me)
Prep School Confidential by Kara Taylor – 3/5 – (Wanted to stab MC, but great writing)
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This Week on the Blog
Monday – Cover Reveal!
Tuesday: Blog Tour Post for Three by Kristen Simmons!
Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday #19
Thursday: Killing my Kindle
Friday: Frodo’s Frisky Friday
Saturday: Book of the Week
Sunday: Sunday Post #18
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This was another decent reading week, with 8 books in total. Ideally I will be stepping that up this coming week with it being the WWReadathon and all, but I can’t make any promises with school/work in mind. As for all the books…well I binged a little. I had a 25$ GC for Target I hadn’t used since Christmas so that’s why I bought those this week. Book Outlet ones were books I had considered buying multiple times in the past, but they were at good enough bargains to “justify” me giving them a try now. The NG books well… that’s just me wanting to read ALL THE BOOKS. o_o
I have a pretty big post coming up on Tuesday where I’ll be on the blog tour for Three by Kristen Simmons, so I hope you stop by for that if nothing else this coming week! Hopefully I can do the book justice. ^.^ Book of the Week WILL be returning this coming Saturday, so if you are enjoying that feature fear not! Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a link to your Sunday Post or whatever other bookish meme you partake in over the weekend and I will be sure to check it out! Enjoy your Sunday and the Olympics if you are watching them!
Wicked Valentine’s Read-a-Thon Vol. 2
Wicked Valentine’s Read-a-Thon Vol. 2
The Wicked Valentine’s Read-A-Thon is a time when we all get together to dedicate the days of February 7-17 to as much reading as possible. You read as much as you can in order to get yourself a little further through that huge to-read pile! We know real life gets in the way and even if you can’t participate more than one day, you’re welcome to join in on the fun!
In the meanwhile, we will be hosting book-related challenges where you can win some awesome prizes and have a Twitter party at the hashtag #WWReadathon! You can posts updates on your blog, Twitter, Goodreads or Facebook — as long as the profile is public and we all can enjoy your reading progress!
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I’m a huge fan of the WWReadathons and even though I know this post is going up a day late I’m still excited to participate. Unfortunately this particular readathon is during a time I’m semi-busy (I’m working the day this is posted & Monday, plus college stuff is due this coming week), but I will try to read as much as possible (as always) all the same!
I don’t really have a set list of books for this readathon simply because I wasn’t aware it was happening until the day of! So I’ll just put ten books I’m considering reading during it and update as I read. Sound good? Off we go!
Prep School Confidential by Kara Taylor
Rogue by Gina Damico
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
Three by Kristen Simmons
Elemental by Antony John
If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch
Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier
Horde by Ann Aguirre
The Future of Us by Jay Asher
The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant by Joanna Wiebe
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Currently Reading: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Books Finished: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, Prep School Confidential by Kara Taylor, Three by Kristen Simmons, Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen, Split Second by Kasie West, Tommy Nightmare by JL Bryan, If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Future of Us by Jay Asher
Pages Read: 2,804
Snacks: Yogurt, Animal crackers (RIP Shirley Temple), Dr. Pepper, way too much pizza
Mini Review Monday: Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons
Breaking Point
Summary From Goodreads:
The second installment in Kristen Simmons’s fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series.
After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.
Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….
Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.
Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.
With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?
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It’s time for another edition of Frodo’s Hobbit Sized Reviews on Mini Review Monday! Short and sweet just like 2nd breakfast!
Breaking Point is a whirlwind of action. The book takes hold of you, thrusts you into the lives of Ember and Chase as they try to stay alive and find some source of hope, and refuses to let you go until you are just as much of an emotional wreck as the characters within.
Despite the supposed decision Ember must make that the summary for the book implies, it seems like she ended up doing a bit of both. At times her and Chase, as well as a few others (which changed throughout the book, though there was a core for a lot of it), were giving it everything they had to fight against their oppressors, but quickly resorting to hiding at others for fear of getting caught. With how fast the pace is in Breaking Point the true feelings of the characters gets a bit muddled, seemingly changing just as fast as their environment, and while it didn’t ruin the story it did make the book a bit disjointed at times.
Simmons does a lot of things well in the sequel to Article 5. She made me really feel the heartbreak and sense of loss and hopelessness that Ember and her friends often had. The relationship between Ember and Chase also was very well done, having rough patches and miscommunication just like real couples do, and never feeling forced or too perfect. Finally, no matter how many different areas the group was moving around in I could always get a clear idea of what they looked like, her descriptions were excellent and detailed, the imagery vivid and quite powerful.
Overall I felt that Breaking Point was an improvement over its predecessor. Ember is still a tad clingy when it comes to Chase, but she is starting to carve out her own identity, moving out of the “overly attached girlfriend” territory. The book was a bit jumpy at times, and I felt that a couple of scenes might have been rushed just a little, but for the most part the breakneck pace worked to the story’s advantage. Breaking Point will bring out the feels in bunches and it refuses to sugar coat any of them, which I loved. Thanks as always for reading! ^.^
Goodreads 2014 Reading Challenge #37/365; Mount TBR Challenge #28/200; 2014 TBR Pile #28/50; Seriously Series Reading Challenge #15/75
Sunday Post #16
Sunday Post
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It is a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.
I love participating in Sunday Post because I can provide a recap of books I read, talk about what is coming up next week, and discuss any books I received in the past week!
This was a very exciting week of pre-order goodness! I didn’t get a crazy amount of books, but it was definitely quantity (and excitement level) over quantity!
Pre-orders
The Unbound by Victoria Schwab
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Secret by Brigid Kemmerer
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Last Week on the Blog
Monday – Mini Review Monday: Roomies by Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrando
Tuesday – Release Day Review: The Unbound by Victoria Schwab
Wednesday – Waiting on Wednesday #17
Thursday – Killing My Kindle: Irregular Creatures by Chuck Wendig
Friday – Frodo’s Frisky Friday: The Goblin Market by Leigh Wilder
Saturday – “If I Were a Book” Tag
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Books Read Last Week
Roomies by Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrando – 4/5
The Unbound by Victoria Schwab – 5/5
Irregular Creatures by Chuck Wendig – 5/5
The Goblin Market by Leigh Wilder – 4/5
The Wicked Dragon by Kelly Apple – 5/5
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis – 4/5
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This Week on the Blog
Monday – Mini Review Monday
Tuesday – Totally Random Tuesday
Wednesday – Waiting on Wednesday #18
Thursday – Killing my Kindle
Friday – Frodo’s Frisky Friday – The Wicked Dragon by Kelly Apple
Saturday – Book of the Week
Sunday – Sunday Post #17
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This was an admittedly slow reading week. I only read 6 books and two of those were novellas. I ended up working Friday because I got called in and that took up one of my designated reading days where I likely would have read Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons. That is the book I am currently working on, so if I have time today (working around the Super Bowl which I LOVE) that’s what I’ll be reading and likely posting for tomorrow’s Mini Review Monday.
Next week I know I’ll be reading the previously mentioned Breaking Point, and my ARC of Three, which is scheduled to be reviewed on the 11th for the Three Blog Tour, so look for both of those coming up soon. Other then that not too much to report except the return of Book of the Week! Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a link to your Sunday Post or whatever other bookish meme you partake in over the weekend and I will be sure to check it out! Enjoy your Sunday and football madness! ^.^
Sunday Post #14
Sunday Post
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It is a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.
I love participating in Sunday Post because I can provide a recap of books I read, talk about what is coming up next week, and discuss any books I received in the past week!
Books I Bought
I went a bit crazy this week, but it was a needed pick-me-up because I’ve been sick for ~2wks and it’s getting to me. Here we go!
Pigments of My Imagination by Angela Kulig – I’ve read and reviewed this already (loved it), but I needed a physical copy.
Roomies by Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrando – Heard mixed things about this one but I’m a sucker for school settings.
Winger by Andrew Smith – School settings again, also a lot of people have been raving about it lately.
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis – Too much hype from Epic Reads during Tea Time, had to.
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker – This is all Kat from Katytastic, check her channel out!
Vitro by Jessica Khoury – Saw it highlighted in new releases somewhere.
The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant by Joanna Wiebe – Same as Vitro & awesome premise!
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Last Week on the Blog
Monday – Bout of Books 9.0 Recap
Tuesday – Top Ten 2014 Debuts I’m Excited For
Wednesday – Waiting on Wednesday #15
Thursday – Killing My Kindle: Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan
Friday – Frodo’s Frisky Friday: The Wicked Woods by Kelly Apple
Saturday – Book of the Week: Pivot Point by Kasie West
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Books Read Last Week
The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney – 4/5 – MC was mildly frustrating at times but beautifully written.
The Wicked Wolf by Kelly Apple – 3/5 – Fun at times but during “happy time” it felt off, weird.
Fungus of the Heart by Jeremy C. Shipp – 5/5 – Review on Monday!
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons – 4/5 – MC whined/obsessed over love interest a bit much, but great story.
Pivot Point by Kasie West – 5/5 – (Review above)
Coffin Nails and Other Beasts by Angela Kulig – 4/5 – Enjoyed it quite a bit, definitely worth checking out.
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This Week on the Blog
Monday – Mini Review Monday – Fungus of the Heart by Jeremy C. Shipp!
Tuesday – Top Ten Tuesday – Reading Wishlist!
Wednesday – Waiting on Wednesday #16
Thursday – Killing My Kindle
Friday – Frodo’s Frisky Friday
Saturday – Book of the Week
Sunday – Sunday Post #15
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This was a tough week as it was my second battling sickness, but book-wise it was another excellent one. I am still a tiny bit ahead on my challenges, this was the first week of the spring semester for college (I got ahead and did my homework for the month), and I enjoyed all of the books I read. Pivot Point made the week by itself, so freaking good!
Stop by tomorrow for Mini Review Monday to read about one of the best anthologies you’ve probably never heard of! Thanks for stopping by, feel free to leave a link to your Sunday Post or whatever other bookish meme you partake in over the weekend and I will be sure to check it out! Enjoy your Sunday! ^.^