Book Review: The Memory Of After aka Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

*2013 Debut Author*

The Memory of After (The Memory Chronicles #1)

Lemore Appelhans

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication: January 2013 from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 304
Format: online
Acquisition: PulseIt.com

Synopsis:

In this gripping exploration of a futuristic afterlife, a teen discovers that death is just the beginning.

Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow drones, Felicia passes the endless hours reliving memories of her time on Earth and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and Neil, the boy she loved.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber is found dead, and nobody but Felicia recalls that she existed in the first place. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, Felicia learns the truth: If she joins the rebellion to overthrow the Morati, the angel guardians of Level 2, she can be with Neil again.

Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself at the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Although it was rather compelling, unfortunately I can't say that I enjoyed this book very much. I read it all in one day as I just couldn't seem to put it down. Wanting to know what exactly was happening to Felicia and what had happened to her pushed me forward. However, once I did find out I was very underwhelmed.

Felicia is dead but she 'lives' in this sort of hive where she does nothing but access memories, hers and other dead people like her. At first, nothing is really explained - the few 'rules' to her world we are given don't make a lot of sense and as time passes, things just get more muddled. Also, the memories we do see her access are perfect for moving the story forward and giving us insight BUT they don't always fit into Felicia's story. We see what we need to see in order to understand but there isn't always a good reason for Felicia to be reliving these memories so in the end, everything feels very contrived.

I really did love the premise and I loved Neil as a character. The other aspects of Felicia's romantic encounters were...lacking to say the least. I never actually warmed up to Felicia and overall, the plot felt weak and a little boring at times. The climax was downright disappointing as everything is summed up nice and neat, no satisfying details to speak of and then proof, all done!

I know that others have really enjoyed The Memory of After so I'm going to put this in my 'not for me but maybe for you' category. I would recommend it to those who like stories with different takes on death and the afterlife.

Will I continue the series?
At this point, I can't see myself reading book 2. With everything ending so perfectly I'm not at all excited to find out what more happens to Felicia and her friends. You however, may feel otherwise.

Rating

3 / 5 Stars

The Memory Chronicles
#1 The Memory of After
#2 Chasing Before (2014)

***Published in hardcover in January 2013 as Level 2 - title changed to The Memory of After for paperback release in September 2013***

Book Review: The Catastrophic History Of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

***2012 Debut Author***
Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: February 2012
Publisher: Penguin / Dial
Pages: 400
Series: no
Acquisition: received for review

Summary:

Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I have to say, it took me a little while to warm up to this one. Probably because it took me a while before I began to feel anything for the MC, Brie. I really didn't think it was going to like her at all but I was wrong. It might have taken me a while to get into the rhythm of this book but I'm glad I stuck with it because by the end I was captivated.

Stories that start off with our main character dying can sometimes either be too traumatic to be really enjoyable for me or too silly to be appreciated. Fortunately, The Catastrophic History of You and Me failed to fit the norm! Surprisingly deep and light hearted at the same time - a rare find in my opinion.

This is one of the those, all the pieces fit together in the end, type of stories - which really are a favorite of mine.

Final verdict:
So...I'm a bit torn by this one. I really liked the 'heaven' of this book but in some ways it really creeped me out. I love a good ghost story but I don't love seeing a young MC die. Overall? I would have to say I'm a fan of this book but I don't think it's one I would pick up to read again.

What I do know is that I would most defiantly read another book by Jess Rothenberg in the future. The Catastrophic History of You and Me is her debut and although I didn't love it to pieces, I really think others will and I very much enjoyed Jess's storytelling and word building.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Author's website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

***2012 Debut Author***
Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: January 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury / Walker
Pages: 262
Series: no
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
It's been hard for me to classify this book. It's not purely devoid of the paranormal but at it's core it's more a story of love, friendship and hope then it is a freaky tale of things unknown. Delaney should be dead. Her doctors are stumped, her family is on edge and her best friend is a mess. Everyone is treating her differently. She feels different and soon she begins to fear that dying actual did change her. There is something wrong. Very very wrong. And the only one who seems to be ale to help is the mysterious Troy. A boy that in all good conscience, Delaney should stay far away from. But she can't. He's the only one who knows her secret and the only one she thinks can help. That is as least until Troy's true colors are revealed and then things start to get really interesting.

A bit of a roller-coaster of a ride at times, I found myself unable to put Fracture down. This unexplained 'gift' that Delaney finds herself with is just that - unexplained. We never really get a full explanation as to why it is these things are happening to her. I don't think this lack of closure, however, took anything away from the story.

My absolutely favorite thing about this book is the character Decker, Delaney's best friend. OMG I love him! His loyalty and his love for Delaney and the way his heart almost breaks in two because of everything that happened and is happening - OMG I love him! Did I say that already? Needs to be said twice ;)

Final verdict:
Fans of paranormal YA will love this one, fans of YA romance will love this one but I also think that readers who don't usually read paranormal stories would really love this one as well. The weird and unexplained elements are subtle and at the core of Fracture is a story of friendship and love, not of strange and unusual happenings. It's both these elements, the abnormal and the realistic that drew me in.

A fantastic debut! Megan Miranda is on my watch list and I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Author's website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: On A Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: December 2011
Pages: 384
Series: no
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

"The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over. I would learn a lesson I wasn’t prepared for.

And Death would be my willing teacher."

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets. (from Goodreads)

I was: Captivated by the exploration of the human capacity for love and it's effect on Death himself.

My thoughts:
On A Dark Wing plays out pretty much the way it's synopsis reads however, I suspect, that like me, you'll be surprised and fascinated with the depth and emotion of this story. I wasn't sure what to think going into it. Stories around Death as a main character are usually really great or really bad for me. I guess I have my own notions on how Death should be portrayed. I was more then happy to realize that Jordan must have gotten into my head at some point because her Death? Pretty much spot on.

Loved Tanner! He is sweet and genuine and he really would do anything for Abby and sure, he might be a tad unrealistic but that's what I love about him. More boys (in books and real life) should act like him!

It took me a little while to warm up to Abby. I couldn't believe some of the things she did, or thought. I guess some of it could be classified as typical teenage behavior but sometimes I really wanted to yell at her. She does figure it all out though - and I don't know if I would have been able to do that.

Final verdict:
On A Dark Wing was a unique read for me. I love paranormal tales but sometimes they can be a bit heavy. The elements of the fantastic in this book were realistic to me. No complicated 'you aren't what you think you are' revelations. Death is a constant in everyone's life and whether you view it has a concept or as conscience being, it isn't too far fetched to believe that depth of human emotion could have an effect on 'him'.

My second Jordan Dane book, and defiantly not my last.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Harlequin Teen
Author's Website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

***2011 Debut Author***

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: September 2011
Pages: 278
Series: no
Acquisition: BEA 2011

Summary:

In an America devastated by war and plague, the only way to survive is to keep moving.
In the aftermath of a war, America’s landscape has been ravaged and two thirds of the population left dead from a vicious strain of influenza. Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn and his family were among the few that survived and became salvagers, roaming the country in search of material to trade for food and other items essential for
But when Stephen’s grandfather dies and his father falls into a coma after an accident, Stephen finds his way to Settler’s Landing, a community that seems too good to be true, where there are real houses, barbecues, a school, and even baseball games. Then Stephen meets strong, defiant, mischievous Jenny, who refuses to accept things as they are. And when they play a prank that goes horribly wrong, chaos erupts, and they find themselves in the midst of a battle that will change Settler’s Landing forever. (From Goodreads)

My thoughts:
A great read for me. The post-apocalyptic world Jeff has created both thrilled and terrified. It's harsh and there are so many unknowns it's amazing that anyone can survive. Society hasn't yet reformed itself, and it's questionably if it ever will. There is no known governing forces, the landscape is bare and desolate and the people who inhabit it aren't quite old enough to have forgotten how it use to be. It's a world trying to reform and still so very close to imploding.

This world in which Stephen lives is also very real. The remnants of the way things were are still fresh - I could see our world in Stephen's and this was not comforting at all. But, it was this realism that added a thrill to the story for me.

Alongside this scary, untamed world there is a cast of characters that I really enjoyed. Some really got to me and others didn't make much of an impression but it was a good mix.

Overall, I pretty much enjoyed every aspect of The Eleventh Plague and I'm very excited for whatever Jeff has planned next!

The Eleventh Plague is a great read for anyone but I really think younger boys will really be engaged by this story. The bleakness of the society combined with characters that are easy to relate to, in my opinion, makes this a perfect read for reluctant and avid readers alike.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Scholastic
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: Sally's Bones by MacKenzie Cadenhead

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: September 2011
Pages: 192
Series: no
Acquisition: received for review

Summary:

Sally is a quirky character who loves Death Rock and faded blue jeans. She fits in better with the Addams Family than with a clique of catty sixth grade girls. After her mother's death, grief-stricken Sally begs for death...and death is exactly what she gets: a tail-wagging skeleton dog called Bones. A gift from beyond the grave, Bones is a dreadfully delicious girl's best friend.—In this cleverly written, alliterative tale the neighborhood's dog treats go missing and everyone blames Bones. Sally must solve the mystery to save her cadaverous canine from puppy prison. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Overall, I thought Sally's Bones was a very sweet story. Sally is a young girl who is understandably very upset and sad after the death of her mother. She asks for help and she seems to get it - in the form of a skeleton puppy she names Bones. Bones would do anything for her and the two become inseparable. And of course, trouble soon follows.

Have to say, for a middle grade (ages 9+) book, I found the beginning of Sally's Bones a little harsh and dark. I know a few young readers who do not enjoy books involving death in any form and I wouldn't be able to recommend this one to them for that reason. However, at the heart of the story is a very sweet girl with a wonderful family who learns about the power of love.

Even as a skeleton, it was hard not to see Bones as the supper cute puppy he is. Nothing creepy about him at all. Sally loves him so much and when the town and even Sally's father turn against him, Sally stops at nothing to clear his name.

The villains in this story were pretty spot on - the rich, pretty, mean girl Viola and her jealous mother were perfect and I loved how things played out in the end. Not giving it away - read it for yourself!

Sally's Bones, although perhaps a bit macabre, holds a loving message about family and I think young readers will really enjoy. As with most books for the younger crowd, I encourage you to read this one for yourself before passing it on but I think you'll enjoy it as much as the children in your life will.

I know I'll be keeping my copy to pass on to my little one in a few years. MacKenzie has done an excellent job creating mystery and suspense with characters I dare you not to fall in love with. As a debut, Sally's Bones is wonderful and I'm sure to be on the lookout for more from MacKenzie in the future.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Jabberwocky / Sourcebooks
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

***2011 Debut Author***

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Pages: 208
Series: no
Acquisition: received an ARC for review

Summary:

While Nick Gardner’s family is falling apart, his best friend, Scooter, is dying from a freak disease. The Scoot’s final wish is that Nick and their quirky classmate, Jaycee Amato, deliver a prized first-edition copy of Of Mice and Men to the Scoot’s father. There’s just one problem: the Scoot’s father walked out years ago and hasn’t been heard from since. So, guided by Steinbeck’s life lessons, and with only the vaguest of plans, Nick and Jaycee set off to find him.

Characters you’ll want to become friends with and a narrative voice that sparkles with wit make this a truly original coming-of-age story. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I went through so many emotions while reading The Pull of Gravity.  I was sad and angry and happy (sometimes all at once). It was wonderful!

I absolutely loved the interconnectedness of this story. So many great little pieces all fitting together in just the right way. Family love and loss, unfaltering friendship, first loves, dying wishes, Star Wars and Steinbeck. Everything fit perfectly!

It was very easy for me to fall in love with Nick. He was very much a real character to me. He could have been my next door neighbor growing up or the boy I had a crush in math class. He was so very present. So very there in the moment that I couldn't help but be drawn to him and his story.

Nick's friendship with Scooter was another aspect that I really loved. Scooter is a character that you don't often come across in young adult novels or really any type of book. He was so very genuine. So very much himself and even though I knew what was coming, I was still in tears when it happened.

Final verdict:
Again I say, truly heartwarming.  I haven't read a contemporary novel that got to me the way The Pull of Gravity did. It's a book that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

The characters were very much breathing, living people for me and the romance was sweet and special and just about perfect. And if I haven't already convinced you that you need to read this book - Star Wars. Lots of Star Wars references. Love!!

Gae is an author to keep your eye on. I can't wait for what she has planned next!

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

***2011 Debut Author***

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Pages: 242
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: won author marked up copy

Summary:

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I was about 12 pages into this book and I knew I was going to love it. And I was so right! Yeah! Go me! I mean, go Clarity because it's freaken awesome!

I love love love Clarity 'Clare' Fern - sassy, no nonsense, kick ass Clare. I wish she was real and I wish she was my best friend.

There really is a lot of this book to love. The setting - summer time on Cape Cod for a family of locals with unusual talents. The characters - a lot of people to find connections with, which wasn't hard since each one was so well fleshed out.  The mystery - not overly complex but not totally predictable either.

Also, for me at least, a pleasant surprise. I'm not a big fan of love triangles. I always identify and root for one guy (or girl) over the other - I guess that's the whole point. But, it's annoying sometimes. Especially when my pick doesn't 'win'. Now Clare has two very different guys vying for her attention.  And you know what? I kind of liked both of them ;)

Final verdict:
A big win for me! I pretty much liked everything about this book. The paranormal elements - Clare and her family's abilities - didn't need to be discovered or worked through. They were there from the start and they were what made Clare so unique and interesting. I loved how the mystery moved the plot along and I loved how all the pieces fit together in the end.

So very excited to see where Clare's talents and her crazy family will take her next!

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Clarity Series:
Clarity
Perception - March 2012

Linkage Love:
Scholastic
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: Hold Me Closer Necromancer by Lish McBride

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: October 12, 2010
Pages: 352
Series: no
Acquisition: BEA10

Summary:

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
A bit more mature than other YA paranormal books out there. The characters were older - college age. I've heard some YA authors say that it's almost impossible to get a book published as YA if the characters aren't in high school or younger. I don't know how true this is but in the case of Hold Me Closer Necromancer, I think the older age of the characters worked to the book's advantage. There was less teenage angst and more real world problem solving which was kind of refreshing

Lots of kick ass paranormal characters - werewolves, necromancers, witches, ghosts, fey -- and NO vampires ;) The human characters were pretty cool too. Sam has some true friends. Friends who would do just about anything for him. They added a level of depth to the story that really appealed to me.

Most of the book is from Sam's first person, point of view. But chapters that he wasn't involved in were in third person. It wasn't as confusing as it may sound. I actually really enjoyed it because I got, not only Sam's perspective, but also those of the supporting cast.

Final verdict:
I'm glad it is a YA book because otherwise I might not have read it. I could also see this book working for an older audience.  There was one sex scene but it wasn't at all graphic or detailed. Some drinking, but nothing over the top. Like I said, it totally worked for me. Might not for others but I really enjoyed it.

A YA paranormal tale with a little something different. I'm a fan!

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Henry Holt
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: Beautiful Dead: Summer by Eden Maguire

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: March 1, 2011 (reprint)
Pages: 288
Series: 3rd in the Beautiful Dead series
Acquisition: received ARC for review

Summary:

Six months have passed since the last Ellerton teenager died, but Darina is still traumatized by the stabbing of her own beloved Phoenix. But there's work to be done as Darina must now turn her attention to the shooting of Summer Madison - the beautiful and gifted, singer-song-writer with a heart of gold. It's been nearly a year since the random shooting in a shopping mall caused Summer's meaningless death.

Summer left behind recordings of her wonderful songs and a deep sadness amongst high school friends. Now Darina must act as Summerās agent to track down the psychotic killer in a clear search for justice. With the sound of Summer's music constantly playing inside Darina's head, recalling the wonderful months when she was alive and performing her first gigs, Darina, Phoenix and the Beautiful Dead are determined to catch the crazed killer. And all the while Darinaās love for Phoenix continues to beat ... (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
The third Ellerton teen to die was Summer Madison. Beautiful, talent Summer who everyone loves. Darina is once again partnered with the Beautiful Dead. She does it willingly. Anything to be with Pheonix for just a little longer.

The silence she is forced to keep is tearing her apart. She barely goes to school. Hardly ever sleeps or eats and yet she can never give up. Giving up means eternal damnation for those that she loves. Those that she lost.

Darina is a wreck. Nothing - and I mean NOTHING good ever happens to this girl. She literally has no reason to smile.

What a freaken roller coaster ride this book was!  Some very shocking things happen. Heart wrenchingly socking. As if loosing Pheonix wasn't bad enough! As if being at the mercy of Hunter wasn't more then any person, living or dead, should ever be forced to deal with.

Final verdict:
Oh man, I couldn't stop reading. Tragic and sad but also full of mystery and intrigue. Eden Maguire has sucked me into the world of the Beautiful Dead and like Darina, I can't and don't want to fight back.

Happy endings in this series? Some. But if you're looking for something edgier the Beautiful Dead are for you.

One more book in the series? I can't imagine a happy ending for Darina but like her, I still have hope.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

The Beautiful Dead Series:
Jonas
Arizona
Summer
Phoenix

Linkage Love:
Sourcebooks
Goodreads