Waiting on Wednesday (3)

Hi everyone! Its time for another Waiting on Wednesday post! Its a way bloggers get to share what books they are most anticipating that have yet to be released. Its hosted by Breaking the Spine and you should really check it out. Below I've listed some of the books I'm dying to read and links to their goodreads profile.

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

(Janurary 2012)

I just finished The Goddess Test (review will be posted tomorow, I promise!) and absolutley loved it! Now I have so many questions about what's going to happen next buzzing around in my head. I loved Kate and Henry's relationship in the first book, and now the sequel sounds absolutley amazing! Everyone is going to be tested and apparently Persephone is coming back into the picture. Do you smell drama?! Oh, and I'm in love with the cover of this book- so gorgeous!

Amplified by Tara Kelly

(October 25, 2011)

Ok, this book sounds so awesome! A girl who, after being kicked out of her house, travels across the country to join a band of guys. I can already sense the hilarity of this book. I always love a story around music too (like This Lullaby) and when the band is made up of three guys? Score! So I'll make sure that come October 25th this book will definitely be on my shelf. And yay for another sick cover!

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

(October 4, 2011)

I'm already sold on this book because its about A.) about a foreign exchange student going to Ireland, which I've always wanted to do and B.) has a relationship with the star of a vampire flick which I've also always wanted to do. The book does sound really sweet and also a little dark, because the main character is dealing with the death of her brother. That kind of balance will make the book fun to read, but also emotional, which should be perfection.

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

(February 7, 2012)

Ok, first off, the cover? So beautiful. The flowers in her hair, intense gaze...I feel like Tyra Banks on America's Top Model judging this photo. Anyway, this book sounds just as intense as its cover. Sister witches keeing their lives a secret otherwise facing percecution. AND forbidden romance? Yes please! My only problem is that February is just too far away.

So these are the books I've got to have- what about you?

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

I have been a huge fan of Richelle Mead ever since reading her Vampire Academy series and it was way back in book 2 (I believe) that I first fell in love with Adrian. That's why when I heard Bloodlines would be a spinoff of the VA books starring Adrian that I knew I had to read them. Adrian did not disappoint in these books either. Although I wish I got to see more of him throughout the story, he was still just as witty and charming as ever. He is also very flirtatious with Sydney, the alchemist who has been trained to detest vampires, and their budding relationship definitely has its moments of hilarity and sweetness.

I did enjoy Bloodlines, although not as much as the Vampire Academy books, but that just may be because its the first book in this series and things haven't gotten juicy yet. The story started off a little slow, and at times I was bored with the school in the beginning. I will say that I did enjoy reading Sydney's character more than I expected. Its a change from the hard determined kick-ass heroine that Rose is, but I liked the softer more cautious character that is Sydney.

There were some crazy twists and turns in the plotline and as always a great mystery of "whodunit" that left you guessing until the end. Richelle does a great job of keeping the secrets hidden until the last page, which is a true talent in book writing. I'm impressed that despite lacking the loved characters from the original series, that Richelle was able to create some new characters and bring in secondaries, and still make the reader invested in the story. Overall, I was satisfied with the story and am eager to see where the remaining books will take us.

In My Mailbox (2)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted my Kristi at The Story Siren. Bloggers are able to share what books they received in the mail or purchased over the week. Mainly, its just a way to make me insanely jealous seeing what new books everyone got =)

This week I got the other two books I had ordered from Amazon in the mail. My summer gift card went pretty far, especially because I bought both of these books used. I always like saving money on books- its the perfect reason to buy more!

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Don't Stop Now by Julie Halpern

So, only two this week, but since I'm kind of a slow reader and I've got school, they should both last me! What did everyone else get? Leave a comment and I'll be sure to check it out!

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

"These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

 

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

Juliet Immortal is a revamped retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet with the biggest twist. Instead of being starstruck lovers, Stacey Jay has created a version of the most infamous lovers being mortal enemies. Romeo murdered Juliet and now the two are in a centruries long battle of good vs. evil, light vs. dark, for the souls of true love.

I really enjoyed this version of Romeo and Juliet. It was very dark, twisted, and sinister, not at all what you would expect from the original story. I think that is what made me so attached to this story, that it is so different and unique. Romeo is literally a cruel monster who is out to convince soulmates to sacrafice each other just as he murdered Juliet. And Juliet is a steadfast warrior for the light who must save these couples and outwit Romeo. While doing so, she ends up falling in love which throws the diabolic wrench into the whole plan.

Although I did love the concept of this story, at times it felt a little rushed. The whole books takes place in the span of three days leaving some plot and character depth to be desired. Everything sort of just happens and there isn't a lot of progression. At the start Juliet is placed inside Ariel's body to intervene and stop Romeo from his mission, but no one ever seems to really recognize the complete character change that Ariel undergoes. There was also quite a bit of explaining of the different realities, laws of the universe, and Ambassador vs. Mercenary which left me a little confused. I just wish that those aspects of the book were a bit more clear and detailed.

However, Juliet Immortal was a pleasant read. I really loved the creepiness of the story, with the spectors of their former selves haunting Juliet and Romeo. Some of those scenes with the spectors were really freaky and I could totally imagine how it would play out in a thriller movie. I also really fell in love with Ben. Stacey Jay always knows how to create such a romantic gentleman who you just can't help rooting for. Ben was definitely him, plus had the bad boy past which made me want him even more! Even better though, was Romeo's character. He was dark and evil, but with a heart deep down, which I'm hoping we will get to see more of! I just love when the villain is likeable, it takes some real talent to write that.

Overall, Juliet Immortal was a fun read. It wan't a deeply intense story, but I was still left satisfied at the end. I appreciate the creativity and originality that went into making one of literature's classic into a new modern horror story! Even better, Jay leaves the ending way open for a sequel, which I'm crossing my fingers will happen!

The Time Will Come (1)

So this is awful. I still haven't had time to finish Juliet Immortal. School has just been sucking the life out of me and by the time I have time to myself at night I can barely keep my eyes open for more than 10 pages, which stinks because the book is incredible! However, the fun thing about not having a review to post yet is I can participate in another meme!!!

This is my first time doing a The Time Will Come post. Its hosted by Books for Company and is a way to post about what book you've been meaning to read for awhile. I know I have a couple of them on my shelves desperately waiting to be picked up.

Want to join in?

- Pick a book you have been meaning to read

- Do a post telling us about the book 

- Link the post up in the linky

- Visit the other blogs

Salvaged by Stefne Miller

I bought this book off Amazon a couple of months ago. I had heard amazing things about Stefne's writing and the story. It sounds so tragic and sad but uplifting at the same time. It's about a girl who loses her mother and best friend in a devastating car crash and must now work on moving forward. She visits with a family friend in Oklahoma and possibly finds love.

I don't know why I haven't read this book yet because it sounds like it'll be a favorite of mine for sure. You can't help loving stories that highlight the silver linings of such sad situations. I just wish there were more hours in the day so I could read every book that I have sitting on my shelves.

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Hiyoooo. So Waiting on Wednesday is this awesome way for bloggers to share what books they are most looking forward to reading. The only sucky part is the wait. Anyway, its a fantastic meme started by Breaking the Spine. So, here's what I've got burning a hole in my to-be-read pile! I've linked each of the books listed to their goodreads profile page too.

Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis

(April 17, 2012)

Ok, woa. So the premise of this book is so original- two people waking up in each other's arms and having no memory whatsoever. Leaves me with a lot of questions already and I've only read the summary. Sounds strangely creepy, especially living in a town where everyone is a "happy zombie". I'm very interested in seeing where this story goes. It definitely has this mysterious edge about it with an ending I'm sure no one will see coming. Plus, the cover is really pretty.

Shifting by Bethany Wiggins

(September 27, 2011)

I haven't read a book that focuses on shape-shifters so this should be interesting. Most paranormal books on my shelf are about vampires or werewolves, so this is a breath of fresh air. I hope that it stands out because of that. I also like that it's incorporating Native American legend into the story. It should make for an interesting story!

Where it Began by Ann Redisch Stampler

(March 6, 2012)

First off, the cover is gorgeous! Why can't my hair and makeup ever look that good on the beach?  Second off, this story sounds so raw and powerful. I have a feeling that it'll be a very relatable story for most people in some ways, and in others, this will be a very rough story. Drunk driving is always an emotional tradgedy and I hope that Where it Began can be the emotional read as well as the eye opener that most teenagers (and adults) need. Following the main character as she pieces her life and memories back together after her accident will be intense, I'm sure, but I'm looking forward to this one.

Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith

(December 27, 2011)

Ohh another steamy cover- I so approve! This book reminds me a lot of the Perfect Chemistry series already. The good girl with the "perfect" life falls for the bad boy that her parents would never approve of. Although the concept has been done before, if Meredith can revamp it and do something a little different, then I'm sure it'll be a hit. You really can't go wrong with forbidden romance, so of course this is at the top of my list. Bring on the bad boys!

So those are some of the books I'm most looking forward to. Any of them on your list too? What other books are at the top of your own list? I'd love to check them out and expand my own wishlist!



Teaser Tuesday

Here's another meme I'm participating in this week. It's Teaser Tuesday, hosted by Should be Reading! Basically, you open up to a random page of the book you're currently reading and share two sentences from that page. Make sure there aren't any spoilers!

So here's mine from Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay:

So close our lips will touch if either of us moves an inch. "We can't do this," I whisper. (pg 185)

I'm really loving this book so far. I'm only on page 90 right now and I've just started my nursing assistant class, so I haven't had as much time to read as I hoped. I'm planning to finish it by the weekend though and get up my review shortly after. Based on those two sentences I can already tell that its going to be a good one =)

Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer

When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Wolfsbane is the sequel to Nightshade and follows the path of Shay and Calla after escaping the union ceremony. In this book, an uncommon alliance is made that reveals the truth behind centuries of lies, uprooting Calla and everything she has been taught to believe in.  With new information on her masters, Calla is determined to save the pack she’s abandoned, and gain revenge on the one’s who’ve nearly destroyed everything.

I’m a little on the fence with this book. There is a lot of background information and history thrown at the reader right from the start. Almost the whole first half of the book is dialogue between Calla and the Searchers while they explain the truth behind hers and Shay’s existence. Although the information is crucial to the story and really adds to the plot (some of it is pretty crazy!), it makes the first half of the book a little slow.

The story does pick up in the second half however, and that’s when I got hooked on the story again. I was so glad to see the pack come back as I always enjoyed the banter and relationship between the different members. There were also a lot of new characters in this book who were fun to read as well. Cremer does an excellent job of bringing each character to life and giving them their own individuality and voice. No one ever fell flat for me.

The action that was in the story was definitely intense and vamped everything up. There were a few fighting sequences and intimate moments that really get your heart pumping and pages turning. I got choked up at a few parts when we learn the fate of some of the Nightshade wolves. The twists in the plot were also pretty mind blowing and most of them I didn’t even see coming. The story is just getting started and once again the cliffhanger at the end leaves me anxiously waiting for what’s to come in Bloodrose. 

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is an awesome way for bloggers to share what books they got this past week. It was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren

This week I bought three books off Amazon with a gift card I had! I worked over the summer as an aid to a little boy with Autism and at the end of the eight weeks his family gave me a really sweet card with the Amazon gift card. So these three book reviews that are coming up are dedicated to Zach!

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer
Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

I'm very excited to check out what everyone else got!

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill. 

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules. 

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

The Fuentes brothers are back and I couldn't be more excited! I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this book because I absolutely love Simone Elkeles' style of writing. She's very real and raw with her stories. There isn't any fluff or sappiness in the Perfect Chemistry series. Instead, Elkeles adresses the reality of teenage love without sugar coating it. Its one of the main reasons I enjoy her work- everything just seems so real and relatable. She can successfully integrate the reality of drugs, gangs, and violence into a love story without making it sound so far fetched.  

The characters in this book were awesome as well. Luis is the youngest Fuentes brother and known as the secretive risk taker. He's the academic of the trio with a desire for adrenaline rushes. This ends up getting him into several sticky situations. However, I liked that he differed from Carlos and Alex. Don't get me wrong, I love a bad boy with a heart, but it was refreshing to see that Luis wasn't a rebel or gang banger straight from the start of the book. It really gave him individuality. Once again, Elkeles managed to make me fall in love. Luis has the right amount of cockiness to hook a girl and all the moves to back it up. Definitely muy caliente.  

Nikki was also a great character and balanced Luis well. She's been hurt badly in the past and so struggles with opening up to guys. I really enjoyed reading Nikki's part of the story because I related a lot to her and her views on love. Scars from the past always seem to haunt us in the future. It really made me root for her and Luis even more. 

A huge bonus to this story is that we see a lot of Alex and Carlos. I love that their relationships are continued in this story as small subplots. It was great getting insight on where these couples now stood and what their futures entail as well. Elkeles did a great job of adding their updates to Chain Reaction without making the story all about them. 

Overall, Chain Reaction was a perfect ending to the Perfect Chemistry trilogy. Elkeles was able to create another phenomenal story based on two very strong and passionate characters. I loved this book and recommend the series to everyone! You will not be disappointed. 

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a fun meme started up by Breaking the Spine. Its a really cool way for people to share what books they're most looking forward to in the future. Its also the best way for me to expand my wishlist!

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Site

by Jennifer E. Smith (January 2, 2012)

This book sounds amazing! I've heard its along the lines of Anna and the French Kiss (which is a favorite of mine!) Plus, how can you go wrong with the boy involved has an English accent?! I'm also excited to see how the story pans out in only 24 hours---makes me think that its going to be an addicting read from start to finish.

Saving June

by Hannah Harrington (November 22, 2011)

A contemporary read that sounds like its going to be an emotional roller coaster. I love any book that can really make me feel something. It really proves the author has excelled at telling their story. Saving June sounds like its going to do just that. As an older sister, I couldn't imagine the pain someone must go through losing a sibling, so I can already tell that I'm going to become emotionally invested in the main character, Harper. 

Breaking Beautiful
by Jennifer Shaw Wolf (April 24, 2012)

This sounds like another emotional read that I'm sure I'll need to break the tissues out for. Although, it sounds like the relationship between the main character, Allie, and her boyfriend, Trip, is complex, I'mvery interested in reading about how Allie copes with her situation. I'm also pretty excited to see how Jennifer Shaw Wolf does as a debut author. I already give her kuddos on coming up with a very original story line and riveting cover! (The quote at the bottom also gets my mind going on what really happened between Allie and Trip---very thought provoking!)

Ditched: A Love Story
by Robin Mellom (January 10, 2012)

So this book seems like its a much lighter and happier read in comparison to the last two (based off its goodreads summary). Poor Justina is ditched at prom by her date (who is also her best friend) and must figure out what went wrong. Already I'm rooting for the girl and I haven't even read the first page! This book sounds entertaining and I'm a sucker for a romance between best friends, mainly because I never had a best guy friend. This is also another debut author, so I'm hoping that the book is as funny and amazing as it sounds!

What's on your wishlist? Any of these sound as promising to you as they do to me?

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a fun meme started by The Broke and the Bookish. Its a weekly list related to books and allows bloggers to share their top ten favorites! This week was a freebie and I was able to choose what top ten I'd share. Since this is a new blog and my first meme ever, I think I'll go with...

 Top Ten Hotties from my favorite books!

1. Etienne St. Clair- In Anna and the French Kiss, Etienne isn't described as being the typical gorgeous love interest. Instead, his character is short with charmingly messy hair and crooked teeth. However, its these imperfections that make him so real and obtainable to the average reader. It also doesn't hurt that he's got a British accent which I swear I could actually hear while reading the story. (What girl doesn't love a boy with an accent?) Etienne is sweet and funny and oh so charming which made it very easy for Anna (and me) to fall in love. 

2. Jace Wayland- Oh, Jace! Now here's a kick-ass hero with some amazing one-liners! Jace is definitely appealing with his smooth moves and shadowhunting skills to any girl. His comebacks are always hilarious and made me laugh out loud numerous times. Plus, he sounds absolutley gorgeous in Cassandra Clare's series, with golden hair and long beautiful eyelashes. Add in the fact that he has tattoos while still maintaining this perfection, *sigh*. Normally I don't find cocky guys to be attractive at all, but Jace has the charisma to charm the girls while still stroking his own ego. He's distant and cool, but is the first one to step forward in any situation to save the day. 

3. Alex Fuentes- Can someone say spicey? In Perfect Chemistry, Alex is the perfect bad boy living on the wrong side of the tracks and just trying to help his family survive, even if that means joining a gang. He's got the tough bad boy image down perfectly, with the brooding stare, cocky attitude and motorcycle! However, its when he starts seeing Brittany that we see his softer and more charming side, which made me melt even more. Under that rough exterior we learn that Alex is a gentleman who stops at nothing to protect the one's he loves. I love that Alex is a well developed character, he isn't portrayed as just the sexy male in Perfect Chemistry, but as a loving older brother, jokester, and a loyal friend.







4. Wes Baker- I should really put any boy that Sarah Dessen writes in this category because I fall in love with each book of her's I read. Wes particularly is a hottie who I love because he's a sweet, decent guy and an artist. Although he has a past, Wes is always the good guy in The Truth About Forever. He's the tall dark and handsome type without the ego. I love the interactions between Wes and his younger brother Bart, (especially with the game Gotcha!) and I melt even more when we see how protective he is. When it comes to Macy, Wes is sweet and sensitive and helps her to start living life again after her father's passing. And the scene where Wes finally tells Macy his secret about if he could do anything- ahhh!

5. Four- Its the second time I'm blogging about Four, but he's just that amazing! In Divergent, Four is one of Tris's teachers once she's in her new faction, Dauntless. At first he's very reserved and rough with the new inductees, showing them how to fight and essentially be fearless. He's got a mysteriousness to him as well, which just adds to how alluring he is. However, Four has a heart and we slowly get to see him open up and learn just how sensitive he actually is. Like how he couldn't stand to stay in the training room and watch Tris fight a boy. Or his reaction to his own fear simulation. Four is a definite hero in this book and I'd spar with him any day.

6. Varen- Kelly Creagh does an amazing job in Nevermore constructing a character who is supposed to be cold and distant to everyone, but still keeps the reader attracted. Varen is essentially a goth who dresses in black and enjoys the work of Edgar Allen Poe. When partnered with the cheerleader Isobel, he's less than enthused and begrudgingly works on their English project together. He's got a fantasy-like air about him and is very secretive about his personal life. When we start peeling back the layers of Varen, we learn that he's a much deeper person and the cruelty turns to sweetness. He's very caring and thoughtful with Isobel and when his inner demons start coming out he does everything he can to protect Isobel.


7. Will- Another one of Cassandra Clare's characters made the list! Physically, Will is just dreamy. Intense blue eyes, dark hair, British accent- yes please! As a shadowhunter he also has the athleticism to slay the demon and save the damsel. What makes me love Will even more though are the infamous one liners he has throughout Clockwork Angel. Again, its the guy that can make me laugh who is all the more crushworthy to me. Will is witty, charming, and charismatic which is a perfect blend to mask his inner turmoil and fears. He is a fierce and loyal friend who is the first one to risk everything to save the ones he loves.


8. Patch Cipriano- An angel with a bad boy streak. Patch is that perfect mixture of rebel and gentleman. As Nora's guardian angel, he lives to protect her but along the way falls in love. Now, Patch isn't a knight in shining armor and he has his flaws, but that makes hims all the more appealing. He's tall, dark, and handsome, and again can charm any girl. What I love about Patch, is that he sacrafices his own wants of becoming human, to save Nora, showcasing the good guy that he tries to hide.




9. Catcher/Elias- I kind of cheated on this one and put two guys, but they're both from the same series, Forrest of Hands and Teeth, and it's just too difficult for me to choose which one I love more. Catcher and Elias are both strong male characters in the end of the world Zombie apocalypse who are fighting daily to keep the people they love the most alive. They both make huge sacrafices, throughout the trilogy, risking their own lives for the girls they love. Their heroics are intensely heart-wrenching and makes me wish that I had a guy who'd fight off a zombie hoard just for me.

10. Adrian- Adrian from the Vampire Academy series and now Bloodlines, isn't the guy you'd want to bring home to the parents. He smokes, drinks, and is promiscuous with any lady, but its all to cover up his own personal demons. He's a multifaceted character who isn't just the "lost cause" of the group. Instead, Adrian is actually selfless and loyal with an incredible heart. He puts up a strong front, coming across as a suave and cool sex symbol, but in reality, he is very sensitive and sweet, especially towards Rose. What killed me even more, was when he risks everything to help save Rose and Dimitri, despite being dumped by her.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.














A new favorite series of mine, for sure. When I started this book I was a little hesitant and afraid that it wouldn't live up to the dystopian standards that I still have after reading The Hunger Games (comparing books of the same genre is a fault that I'm trying to eliminate!) However, I was ecstatic to find that Divergent not only met those standards, but surpassed my expectations in every form- plot, characters, action, romance, setting, and writing style. 


Spoilers:


Veronica Roth has mastered the dystopian feel for this book without constructing a desolate setting or post-apocalyptic world. Although set in the future, the story feels very real to me, in the sense that its the subtleties of the new Chicago that make this story a realistic fiction. Its the crater-like potholes and fear simulations that the main character Tris encounters that add to the dystopic feel of the book and not over-emphasized end-of-the-world descriptions. Although some settings throughout the story do encompass a more abstracted and imaginary feel, such as the Duantless headquarters, it doesn't take away from the realness of the book. 


During the story, the main character Tris (formerly Beatrice) has reached the age when she must choose the faction she will live the rest of her life out as. For her, the choice is difficult and the inner struggle between staying with her family and choosing for herself is a relatable battle for any reader. Ultimately, Tris makes the tough decision to change factions and begin a new life as a Dauntless. Leaving behind her family, including her father who disagrees with her choice, Tris faces the dangerous and impossible task of remaining in Dauntless. Formerly part of Abnegation, Tris must forget her selfless ways and envelop herself in the fearless and risk loving ways of the Dauntless, all the while hiding a very dangerous secret. 


There are so many aspects of this story that I completely fell in love with. The originality of this book was amazing, especially in a newly popular genre. The plot is fresh and new and I regret trying to compare it to other stories. The character development of Tris was beautifully written and progresses throughout the entire story. Tris is no whiny or helpless heroine which is something I loved about her. She's real and complex and you can't help but root for her. I also can't help falling for the love interest in this story as well. Four is captivating and so swoon-worthy! Its not love at first site between Tris and Four, which was great because we can actually see the relationship between the two characters develop instead of just BAM we're in love and meant to be together forever. (GAG) The plot was also so intense and addicting that with each page you find yourself deeper and deeper in the thick of it all. There were no dull moments and each sequence of events had a purpose. 


Overall, Divergent is sitting pretty on my favorites shelf right now and I'm doing my best to wait patiently for the sequel, Insurgent, due April 2012.