"Graduation Day" by Joelle Charbonneau--Both Liked This One! (Updated)

Graduation Day is the third and last book in this series.  In this one, Cia has been asked to do something she would find unthinkiable to do, but will she do it?  You will have to read the book to find out what that is.  There is pretty good action in this book and liked some of the twists that I did not see coming.  Overall, it is a very good series!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau is a book that was hard for me to put down. It is a YA Dystopian quick read, the third book of The Testing series. In order to put a stop to The Testing, Cia has to make some tough decisions that include murder for the good of the country. Will she go through with it? Who can she trust? Can she be the leader she wants to be? Does she have what it takes? I liked the action, the bit of romance and the fact that the author shares Cia’s thought process with the reader throughout the book. I liked it a lot, but was a bit disappointed in the ending. I’d love to hear what others thought of this series.
(Karen's review 6/28/14, 5 stars)

See my first two reviews for this series:  The Testing and Independent Study.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Fire and Flood" by Victoria Scott is Great!

Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott is about a young teen girl named Tella.  Her brother is dying and one day Tella gets a package that offers a cure for her brother, but she has to win a race.  This is a great book with plenty of good action and "wow" moments.  I liked Tella right off.  This one is a "must read."  I look forward to book two of this series!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Independent Study" by Joelle Charbonneau (Updated)

Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau is the second book in this Dystopian series about revitalizing the United States after it became devastated by wars.  It is now called the Commonwealth and a University is set up for training leaders.  Cia, at 17, is very smart and is eager to continue on with her studies after passing the initial testing because she wants to make a difference.  She has a good heart and helps others even though it puts herself in greater danger.

I really liked this book a lot because it's about leadership and what qualities make good leaders.  It was a page turner for me and I like that Cia, the main character, has so much integrity.  I'm hoping she can keep it intact throughout the next book titled Graduation Day.  I highly recommend this but only after you read The Testing.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau picks up where The Testing left off.  We continue to follow Cia who has moved on to the University.  The first part of this book sets the stage for the second half which I found much more interesting.  I'll have to read the third book (Graduation Day) to see how this all plays out. 
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Testing" by Joelle Charbonneau is all About Choices

The Testing is the first of a series of three books by Joelle Charbonneau and a young girl, Cia.  By orders of her government, she must go through a testing to move on to the University.  I thought the lead character was made to be a bit too smart compared to the other people, but near the end, an unexpected twist got my interest.  The last 100 pages or so were really good and it ended with a promise of a surprise in book two--Independent Study. 
(Gerard's review, 4 stars) 

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau is a Dystopian teen thriller that starts slow but gets better and better as it goes on.  About half way through, things really pick up.  Cia, age 17, is chosen for "The Testing" to see if she can attend the University and become one of the leaders of the United Commonwealth to restore the country.  However, she soon finds out that the tests are not easy and have dire consequences if she fails.  It has been years since anyone has been chose from her Five Lakes Colony, but several others from her colony are also going with her to Tosu City to be tested, including her childhood friend, Tomas.  Cia is pretty smart, mechanically inclined, compassionate and very knowledgeable about plants. 

I enjoyed this first book of a series and had trouble putting it down when Cia and her friend, Tomas were struggling to survive the fourth test.  The relationship between Cia and Tomas was interesting to me as well.  This book is all about choices and consequences and the pressure of getting into college.  Basically, Cia's father's advice about trusting no one serves her well during the testing, but unfortunately, she didn't always follow it.  I look forward to reading the sequel:  The Testing:  Independent Study coming out this fall.
(Karen's review of June 23, 2013, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

WOOL by Hugh Howey

WOOL by Hugh Howey is a science fiction novel.  The earth has been ravaged and people must live below ground in silos.  To go outside means certain death, or does it?  All is not well in the silos as good and bad people clash.  It took me a while to get into this, but once I did, I loved it!  There is plenty of action and well worth your time.  I plan on reading the sequel and hear there will be a movie too!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Brilliance" by Marcus Sakey

In Brilliance by Marcus Sakey, people who have superior intelligence want to take over the country and it is up to Agent Cooper to put a stop to it.  There are good "wow" factors with good action and the book moves along quick.  Great novel!  I look forward to the next book of this series. 
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Returned" by Jason Mott Fell Flat

The Returned by Jason Mott has a very interesting concept:  dead people come back to life with loved ones being reunited, but how does the government handle this?  The book really fell flat for me.  It had some good parts, but I never really was into it.  I hear it is going to be a TV series so hoping it works better on TV. 
(Gerard's review, 3 stars) 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Champion" by Marie Lu - Legend Series Book 3 is a Winner!

We both liked Champion by Marie Lu is the last of three in the Legend series about Day and June and did not disappoint!  I hated to see this end.  All the books were so good, but this last one just might be the best!  It is action packed and full of twists and turns with a good ending!  Day and June are the best!  LOVED IT!  Can't wait for more from Marie Lu!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Champion by Marie Lu is the third book in the LEGEND series and for once, the last book in a series does not disappoint.  It was fun reading about June and Day again!  This book is complete with action, suspense, adventure and some touching moments.  I really liked the part when June went to Ross City in Antarctica--what a cool place that would be to live with controlled temperatures, lots of color, and a point system to motivate people to do good.  This is really a good book involving making choices and dealing with tough situations.  I wish though that June's dog, Ollie, had a bigger part.  Both my husband and I loved this series and highly recommend it if you enjoy YA futuristic novels.
(Karen's review) 

See our reviews of her first two books in this series:  Legend and Prodigy. 

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Allegiant" by Veronica Roth Is Disappointing

Allegiant by Veronica Roth is the third book in the Divergent trilogy.   It is about friendship, forgiveness and doing the right thing and family bonds.  

 I was anxious to read this one but it was so confusing at the beginning.  Perhaps because it was so long since I read Insurgent.  This one was disappointing.  It moved slow, not much action until the last quarter of the book when things picked up, but then I didn’t like the ending.  There were some good parts but most of it was just strange and confusing.  I liked the first two in the series much better--Divergent and Insurgent.

I enjoyed reading the author's explanation of why she chose the gutsy ending she did.  It is full of spoilers though so I suggest you read the book first and then check out "About The End of Allegiant."
(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Once We Were" by Kat Zhang

Once We Were by Kat Zhang is the sequel to "What's Left of Me," the story of Addie and Eva who share the same body.  The government wants to put a stop to this so they continue to try to escape from the law.  I got into this pretty quick because there is good action which held my attention throughout.  I look forward to reading the third book in this "Hybrid Chronicles" series.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Testing" by Joelle Charbonneau is All About Choices

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau is a Dystopian teen thriller that starts slow but gets better and better as it goes on.  About half way through, things really pick up.  Cia, age 17, is chosen for "The Testing" to see if she can attend the University and become one of the leaders of the United Commonwealth to restore the country.  However, she soon finds out that the tests are not easy and have dire consequences if she fails.  It has been years since anyone has been chose from her Five Lakes Colony, but several others from her colony are also going with her to Tosu City to be tested, including her childhood friend, Tomas.  Cia is pretty smart, mechanically inclined, compassionate and very knowledgeable about plants. 

I enjoyed this first book of a series and had trouble putting it down when Cia and her friend, Tomas were struggling to survive the fourth test.  The relationship between Cia and Tomas was interesting to me as well.  This book is all about choices and consequences.  Basically, Cia's father's advice about trusting no one serves her well during the testing, but unfortunately, she didn't always follow it.  I look forward to reading the sequel:  The Testing:  Independent Study coming out this fall.(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Revolution 19" by Gregg Rosenblum

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Robots have taken over in Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum. When a family gets separated, the children enter the city to rescue their parents. I enjoyed this book very much! There is lots of action and I found myself cheering on the kids. It goes fast and there is almost certain to be a sequel which I will definitely want to read.
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken (Updated)

If you enjoyed "Hunger Games", "Divergent" and "Starters," then I'm pretty sure you would like The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken. The story is about young teens on the run from the U.S. government. It moves along really well and the lead character, a young teen girl is FANTASTIC! There are lots of "wow" factors for me in this book and the last 100 pages or so were page turners to the max! I hope there will be a sequel! LOVED IT! Do yourself a favor and read this one!
(Gerard's review, rating 5++ stars)

On Gerard's recommendation, I read this one too (Updated 1/30/13):

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken is a page turner that is about loyalty, friendship, isolation, survival and manipulation. This book is about Ruby, Liam, Chubbs and Zu, four friends who try to keep their freedom and remain true to themselves but who have “special” powers of different kinds. The plot was a bit confusing to me at times, but I liked this book because of the characters. Ruby is able to see into people’s minds to not only see their memories but also is able to erase memories and plant thoughts into people’s heads. The only problem is that she can’t control it until she gets lessons from another kid with the same abilities whose practiced his whole life! If you like YA fiction with adventure and fantasy, this is a great book for you! “The darkest minds tend to hide behind the most unlikely faces.” Pg. 456.
(Karen's Review)

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ne of Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop prompts this week is "What are you reading?" so I linked up. You can too!

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"What's Left of Me" by Kat Zhang (teen)

What's Left of Me--The Hybrid Chronicles by Kat Zhang is a pretty good YA novel about two souls (girls) in one body.  In this society, one soul is supposed to fade away after a time but it didn't happen to this girl (Eva and Addie). I enjoyed the struggle and the conversations between the two girl souls.  I especially liked the ending.  If there is a book two, I'll be getting it!
(Gerard's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Amped" by Daniel H. Wilson

Amped by Daniel H. Wilson is about people who get implanted with an amp. This amp gives them more power than the average human and a conflict grows. I thought this was pretty good but it took me awhile to get into it. The last 100 pages really saved it and makes it one I recommend!
(Gerard's review, rating 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The White Horse" by Alex Adams

The White Horse by Alex Adams is the first of a series with incredible twists and turns! Zoe works at Pope Pharmaceuticals. When she finds out that people are dying from White Horse and the mice are dying too at her company, she knows it is trouble. Zoe wants to save herself and her loved ones so heads to do just that. This book goes back before White Horse overtook the land and afterward with a Ultra Fantastic Ending!! What exactly is White Horse you ask? You will have to read the book to find out. Can’t wait for book 2! I’m not sure this book is for everyone, but I enjoyed it a lot!
(Gerard's review, rating: 5+)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Must Read but read Divergent first!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth is the second book in the Divergent series. It took me a few pages to get back up to speed with the story line and characters, but once I did, WOW! This book is awesome, as good as the first, if not better. There is action galore, we find out more about Tris and Tobias. It's another page turner that I didn't want to put down—finished it in two days. Book three comes out in October and a movie is in the works--can't wait! 
(Gerard's review)

Karen's review:
"Insurgent" by Veronica Roth is the second book in the Divergent series.  Tris a/k/a Beatrice and Four a/k/a Tobias deepen their relationship and we get to see inside the headquarters of Amity, Candor, and Erudite, visit the home of Four’s parents in Abnegation and Four’s mother in the factionless area.  I really liked when the Dauntless were staying at Candor headquarters and Tris and Four were given the truth serum.  Life in Amity was pretty funny but when the Dauntless decided to return to their own headquarters, I felt things get more interesting.  From that point on I was into it and had a hard time putting it down.  This book has lots of action and intense moments which kept my interest as well as some funny parts.  I was glad to see Tris and Four’s relationship develop too and how they both struggle to trust each other.

I liked the first book better but this one was good too.  However, was confused by some things such as (1) why there were so many dauntless traitors everywhere.  It didn’t seem as though they were still controlled by a simulation and if they were, why then were there any dauntless left normal that were not divergent?  (2)  for Tris to forget to bring the gadget that paralyzes people with her when entering Erudite headquarters through the window was hard to swallow.  (3) Why would dauntless want to completely destroy everything in Erudite—including the hospital?  (4) Why would the dauntless just give their guns over to the factionless during the attack at Erudite headquarters?  The ending with the video, I really didn’t understand at all.  I look forward to reading the next book in this series and finding out more how everything will change.     

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs during May to Joni and Friends for Camp Scholarships for families with special needs children.

"Under the Never Sky" by Veronica Rossi

In Under the Never Sky  by Veronica Rossi, Aria and Perry come from two different worlds but when circumstances have them both come together, the fireworks develop!  I loved the interaction between the two main characters.  There are more books in this series to come that I will be reading too!  This is going to be made into a movie when it's all done so you know it must be pretty good; in my opinion, it is!
(Gerard's review)

Karen plans on reading this one too and will add her review later.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs during March to the American Cancer Society.

"Shatter Me" by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is a fast-paced teen science fiction romance that kept my interest. I thought it was sort of a strange book because Juliette, a teen, has some super power of being able to kill people she touches although the book never explained why her power is only effective with certain people but not others. I didn't understand that part. I liked the adventure parts where Adam and Juliette ran away together from the asylum but didn't care for all the strikeouts throughout the book. I found them to be distracting. Maybe that was the idea of them, I'm not sure.

Overall, I think the theme is to realize you are unique and accept yourself. At the beginning, Juliette has been confined for a long time in solitary and is feeling very depressed. Then gets a cell mate who she recognizes from her past and is nice to her because he's always liked her but pretends he doesn't know her. Eventually she becomes hopeful for a future and a happy life ever after.

If you like teen romance with a twist, I recommend this one.  I saw a lot of teasers from this that got my attention but was a bit disappointed in this book.  I liked Legend by Marie Lu much better!

(Karen's review:  My rating: 3 of 5 stars)

Gerard's review:
If you like science fiction books with romance, this is it.  A young boy and a young girl fight against an evil government that wants to use them, especially the girl whose touch is lethal.  I liked this book a whole lot!  It kept my interest throughout with lots of good action.  I look forward to the sequel if there is one.  This is the author's first book--very well done!

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

We are donating 50 cents to KIVA this month to help the

poor change their lives for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs.