Win a Personalized/Signed copy of Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Exciting news everyone! Lauren DeStefano is coming to a Barnes and Noble near me for her tour for Fever! I'm so flippin' excited. Lauren is actually from the same town I went to college in, so this Barnes and Noble is the exact same bookstore that I went to for four years while away at school.

I'm not passing this author event up. This book is one of my most anticipated new releases for 2012 and I'll be there. I'd love to give the chance for those of you who aren't going to be able to make it to one of her events an opportunity to get a book personalized and signed for you! Therefore its time for another giveaway here at Lost Amongst the Shelves!

I'll run this event up until the day before the signing: February 20th so I can make sure I pick a winner and get a name before I go to the signing. Please read the terms and conditions of this event before signing up! Unfortunately I don't have the money right now for International shipping so this giveaway is limited to U.S/Canada. I'm so sorry guys! I promise to hold another international giveaway soon =)



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A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

I don't know how its possible, but A Million Suns was infinitely better than Across the Universe. This was not the filler book in a trilogy, this was a full out action packed, thrilling story full of mystery, betrayal, and desperation. Emotion will run rampant in this book as secret after secret is revealed to Amy and Elder and both must try and handle the lies or watch the ship be torn apart.

I LOVED just how gritty this book felt. The adrenaline starts with the very first chapter and pumps through each page until the very end. With each revelation my mind was blown and a hundred more questions were raised, the most important one being, How the heck are they going to survive?! This book really read like a mystery and was full of hidden clues that were so expertly entertwined into the plot. As a result, Revis is the Queen of creating "Ahaa" moments!

I was also pleasantly surprised with how much I loved the characters. Amy has developed into a much stronger and confident MC in this book. Elder as well has made some amazing transformations, becoming the desirable male lead which I felt he lacked in Across the Universe. The romance has been amped up as well as Amy makes some important realizations about her own feelings. Overall, this book skyrocketed the series to the favorites list for me. Labeling it a page-turner does not do it justice, but A Million Suns will keep you hooked to the very end and leave you desperately wanting more of this story!

Must Read Monday

Hey everyone, its Monday and time to participate in another Must Read Monday. This meme is hosted by the always wonderful Jenna at Fans of Fiction. The purpose is to create an acrostic puzzle using the title of a book within the week's theme. This week's theme is...Favorite Self Published Book

Haunted by the fact she lost her younger brother, Remy King presses
On through the wastelands of America to get him back. The
Living aren't safe anymore though, as the dead wander with the
Lust for flesh.
On her way, Remy meets Lazlo, a fallen rockstar, and a doctor name Blue,
Who dare to try and surive with Remy.
Life has become desperate, outrunning gangs of survivors, escaping polygamists cults
And fearing a bite all for a little boy with the immunity.
Never have the moans of the dead been so terrifying or close for Remy and
Does living mean so much.

I LOVED this book. I read Hollowland before I started the blog here so unfortunately I don't have a review posted up as of right now. The author, Amanda Hocking, has recently become really popular due to her Tryelle series, but this book was one of her first works and is self published. Its a zombie book and one of my favorites so I hope you all check it out!

In My Mailbox (14)

It's another Sunday and another IMM post! In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and encourages bloggers to share what books they bought, received or borrowed over the week. This week was a little slow, but super exciting!

I bought two books from RJ Julias who was hosting an author event with Beth Revis and Lauren Destefano. I'm so happy I got a copy of A Million Suns signed and picked up another copy of Wither to get signed as well.

(Beth wrote 'Seek the Truth')

Then for review I received Until Next Time (The Angel Chronicles) by Amy Lignor and will be part of the blog tour for this release. Thank you Tribute Books!

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens

Ashlyn: A lonely society princess living in New York City.

Daddy hired you to be my bodyguard.

Colin: Childhood enemy, now her protector.

Daddy thought I’d be safe. He thought I’d never fall in love. He thought he could keep me forever.

Charles: obsessed with keeping her safe, keeping her his, he hires the one person he knows she could never fall in love with: Colin.

Daddy was wrong.


Overprotected was your run of the mill average teen love story. I wasn't really wowed by any particular part of the book- the plot was pretty predictable, the characters didn't really stand out, and the romance was a bit under developed. Plus, the book was riddled with obvious typos that started to frustrate me. Overall, the book just fell flat for me which was disappointing because the story had great potential.

I think my biggest issue was connecting with the main character, Ashlyn. She's an OVERPOTECTED teen socialite with crazy home issues. I felt for the girl because her family is literally falling apart around her, but there were so many times I wanted to shake her and tell her to stand up for herself. She lets her father walk all over her and it isn't till the end when she finally gains a voice. She was just too complacent- she'd whine about not having her freedom but then wouldn't do anything productive to gain it. She was constantly relying on Colin to make her feel better and it made caring for her a little difficult.

I just wish there was something a little extra with this book to push it over the edge for me. Laurens tries to add some drama in the form of Stuart, Ashlyn's ex-bodyguard, but even that scenario felt rushed and overlooked. Add to the fact that Ashlyn's feelings for Colin were more than confusing just left me disconnected with their relationship. The girl initially hates Colin because of their past, but less than 24 hours later she's composing music about him and dreaming of him kissing her. I understand mixed emotions, but Ashlyn's gave me whiplash.

I'm still a great fan of Lauren's previous books, but Overprotected just wasn't a favorite of mine.

Follow Friday (14)

Hey everyone, its Thursday night and time to post up another Follow Friday! Follow Friday is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee and features two up and coming book blogs along with a book related question or post. The purpose of this meme is to encourage new followers and blogging friendships. This week the question is...

Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

I like to think of myself as an eclectic reader that'll give anything a try. I'm really not that picky of a reader- as long as the book interests me. However, I'm not much for autobiographies or biographies. Even if a person lead a fascinating life, I'm not sure if I'd actually pick up their book. I think they just remind me too much of textbooks, spitting out facts, without much of a story. That's an awful generalization, I know, but I have yet to find a biography that'd really catch my interest. I'm totally open to suggestions though!

Let me know what genres you all avoid with links in the comments and I'll check them out!

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

I can honestly say that this was one of the most frustrating and conflicting books I've ever read. Never have I had such warring emotions during a read! Do I hate it? Do I love it? Even after finishing the book I'm unsure where I stand, which is rare for me because I normally have such strong opinions about a book.

In Beautiful Disaster, we meet Abby Abernathy, a college freshman with the dream of escaping her torrid past (which honestly, without giving anything away, was a bit far fetched and a little unbelieveable in my eyes- you'll see if you read this book). It was refreshing to read from an older character's POV and have a book set in college instead of the typical high school drama. I definitely enjoyed the older and more mature themes of this book, being an older reader myself. There were parties, drinking, sex, violence- typical college right? Everything just seeemed a little more intensified with this book.

The intensity runs rampant, especially in the relationship between Abby and bad boy Travis Maddox. Everything from their fights to their makeups is chaotically insanse. What frustrated me most was the logic (or lack thereof) behind Abby's thought process. Here she is, standing in front of the most notorious bad boy in her school, red flags waving in her face, and she decides to go in on a bet with him, move into his apartment for a month and then date him. He's a known womanizer with a temper and bit of an alcohol problem, but none of that seems to influence Abby's decision. She overlooks his overbearing protectiveness of her, his rash decision making skills, and unhinged temper because she knows that she can change him. I'm just not a fan of that type of thinking.

What's worse though, is that I couldn't help but fall for Travis too! As much as I complain and scrutinize Abby's choices, deep down I was rooting for them to work out. After every break up and apology I was hoping the couple would fix their problems and move on. And even despite his moronic tendencies, Travis isn't painted as a villanious boyfriend in this book. Behind his hot temper and jealousy issues, Travis is actually a loving and passionate boyfriend who actually needs Abby to ground him.

Now if this review isn't frustrating enough, try reading the book, and you'll understand my conflicting emotions. You'll constantly be back and forth trying to decide if you love or hate the Abby-Travis relationship. The plot isn't anything spectacular, but the characters are developed individually, both main and supporting, so that you can truly feel their voices in the story (as well as their warring emotions).  They'll be the ones who will suck you in and take you on a roller coaster ride of drama and emotions throughout the story.

Prized by Caragh O'Brien

Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime. In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?

Prized is the sequel to Birthmarked, a dystopian novel about a community where children are removed from the outer walls of the city and brought into the Enclave. In this book, we see Gaia making her way through the wastelands with her baby sister and into the refuge of Sylum, a completely different community. Here, women are in charge and Gaia must submit to the laws or be cast out to die.

This book had a completely different feel from Birthmarked. It seemed to have lightened up for the most part with a little less violence and pain for Gaia. Although Sylum isn't perfect, there's an uneasy sense of comfort and security while Gaia is living there- much different from the panic and chaos within the wall of the Enclave. There's still an 'evil' figure head, the magistrar, who envokes a definite dislike from the reader, and yet must be obeyed in order for there to be peace. A huge condunrum for Gaia who doesn't take orders lightly. 

We're introduced to a tremendous amount of new characters in this book, all of whom play an important part in the story. It was comforting to see that these new faces stuck with you throughout the book and weren't minor people thrown in. I was a little disheartened by the romance aspect however- instead of a love triangle you get a love square! I felt like it would have been better if Gaia only had interest in two men, but instead develops feelings for three. Just a tad overwhelming if you ask me.

The plot of this story worked perfectly into this trilogy. There's still the political struggle, just in a new setting, and the urge of rebellion that really gets the heart pumping. O'Brien incorporates a new mystery for Gaia and Leon to solve in this story as well, which was definitely fun trying to solve and sets a tone of urgency as well. It was also nice not leaving off on a cliffhanger for once, there's more to the story to be told, but with Prized there is a sense of finality at the end (at least for this part of the story).

Must Read Monday

It's been awhile and I've been off my blogging game, but I'm back at it with a Must Read Monday! You all should definitely check this meme out. Its hosted by the sweetest Jenna at Fans of Fiction and features a book category in which bloggers make acrostic poems using the title of the book. This week's theme is... An amazing controversial/banned book

Having no extraordinary abilities,
A boy defies all logic and
Reason to become the most expemplified and
Righteous name in wizarding history.
Youth triumphs evil in Hogwarts and a

Ploy to destroy all goodness is
Overthrown by the boy with the lightning scar.
The trio of teens prove that friendship, loyalty,
Trust and perseverance conquers all and that
Everyone needs a little magic to help chose what is
Right over what is easy.

Ok so I totally had to dust the cobwebs and amp up those creative juices in order to get back into the swing of things. I love this meme and I'm determined to get back into it again!

Follow Friday (14)

Hey everyone, its Friday and time for another Follow Friday post! FF is a meme hosted by the wonderful ladies of Parajunkee and Alison Can Read and features a new up and coming blogger as well as a book related questions. This week the question is...

What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get your hands on any particular book?

Hmmm...I'm not sure if I've done anything that really qualifies as crazy (especially in the eyes of fellow book lovers) for a book. I've gone to plenty of midnight releases, for Harry Potter and Twilight, but that's pretty normal, at least to me. One summer though, I was working in an ice cream parlor called Maggie Moos in the same strip mall as Borders and had the day shift before the realease of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I had reserved my copy weeks in advance and wanted to get to the store early to get my bracelet. My store gave out different colored bracelets depending on how early you got there- the better the color the faster you'd be called up to the cash register to get your copy. Anyways, I ended up sneaking out of work, running across the parking lot in my uniform, and getting to the store as it opened just so I could get the first colored bracelet. I got crazy stares from all the employees but it was totally worth it because I ended up being one of the first 10 people to get their copy that night.

I don't know if that's necessarily crazy...I like to think of it as some HP love. Send me your links in the comments and I'll be sure to check them out!

Kevin's Point of View by Del Shannon

To escape the emotional turmoil of his father’s death 12-year-old Kevin Tobin has retreated inside himself, developing his imagination into a dangerous foil and a powerful ally. While he antagonizes everyone with his superhero antics, his ability to escape inside himself becomes critical to his survival after his life is once-again turned upside down a year after his father’s death. When a mysterious package arrives in the mail, Kevin and his best friend are hunted by a ruthless villain who is determined to retrieve the package, which holds the key to his plans for world domination. After enlisting Kevin’s teenage sister and her pizza-delivery boyfriend in a battle for control over time itself, the group escapes into the mountains west of Boulder, Colorado and eventually discover that Kevin’s entire existence is because of the love of someone we never expected.
Kevin's Point of View is a hilariously fun and adventurous ride into the wild imagination of a 12 year old boy. After the death of his father, Kevin begins to unleash his imagination, taking over the life of Captain Disaster or Marine Boy, covering the pain and allowing all sorts of comical madness to ensue. When one day he accidentally receives an unknown package in the mail carrying the Influxitron (a time machine) Kevin becomes the prey of an evil madman hell-bent on getting it back.

This book is one continuous adventure that'll keep you addicted to the very end. Kevin is a spunky and spontaneous preteen with a knack for getting him and his best friend and loyal sidekick, Tony, into loads of trouble. From escaping the clutches of doctors on a gurney, to outrunning the evil Devin in the canyon, survivng a deadly mine shaft fall, and cliff jumping onto coal trains, these boys were constantly toeing the edge of disaster. And while only being 12 years old, these scenes still felt completely realistic to the reader, partly due to the hilarious banter between the boys. Some of their dialogue, such as the meaining of hypodermic, will make you laugh out loud.

Although geared toward a younger reader, Kevin's Point of View can be enjoyed by everyone. I was pleasantly surprised with how invested and satisfied I was with this story. The plot is well written so that there aren't and dragging or unnecessary moments and the diaglogue is witty and fun. Its heart pumping action from start to finish and will leave you rooting for Kevin Tobin all the way. All of the characters, from Keving and Tony, to Scratch the comic relief and Devin the evil mastermind jump of the pages they are so well developed. I could honestly see this being the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid blockbuster for young boys and would wholeheartedly recommend the older audience to see it as well.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. 

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

This was such a fantastically cute book! I honestly couldn't put it down. Hadley is your typical teen with a bit of an attitude who is pissed she's flying to her father's wedding to a woman she's never met. In the airport Hadley meets Oliver, a witty Brit with a knack for making any girl smile. Hilarity ensues.

I loved the lightheartedness of this book despite Hadley's opposition to her father's new wife. The dialogue between Hadley and Oliver is perfectly comical and once again I'm wishing that I'm sitting right along with them just so I can enjoy them even more. You would think I'd be dead set against this book- I mean, hello, insta-love hater right here, but that's not the case with this book. It's attraction Hadley first feels for Oliver, and the long flight to London leaves plenty of time for the two teens to get to know each other even better. The L word is never dropped.

This book is all about making every moment count. I enjoyed that not everything is focused on Hadley and Oliver and instead we see a lot of background on the dynamics of Hadley's family life. It really helped put her relationship with her dad into perspective and didn't make him a secondary after-thought to the story. I also loved the surprise twist as to why Oliver was heading back home and it definitely opened my eyes a little wider just like Hadley's. The writing was fabulous and even though this book wasn't too deep, the cuteness of it, such as the budding relationship between Hadley and Oliver, really makes you fall hard. This was definitely a fast and fun read that'll really leave you smiling.

In My Mailbox (13)

Its time for another (late) IMM post. This meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren showcases the books us bloggers got throughout the week. I had a really quiet week since I'm still trying to catch up on my Christmas books but I did get one book in the mail from a giveaway I won from Just Your Typical Book Blog...

SHIFT by Jerri Smith-Ready

I was so excited seeing this in the mail and then noticing that its personalized to me! Plus I got some bonus bookmark swag that also signed. This is my first realy giveaway win and I can't think of a cooler prize. THANKS AMBER! YOU ROCK GIRL!

The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton

Sixteen-year-old Riley Williams has been able to see ghosts since the car crash that took her mother’s life and shattered her family. Guilt-ridden over the belief that she’s somehow responsible for her mom’s death, Riley is desperate to see her mother’s elusive spirit to gain her forgiveness.

When her father moves the family to Scotland so they can all start over, Riley believes her life couldn’t get worse––that is until the ghost of nineteen-year-old Ian MacKinnon catches her purposely cutting herself. An uneasy truce quickly turns into friendship, and soon Riley’s falling hard for Ian.

The Deepest Cut centers around Riley, a teenage girl with a very huge secret- she has the ability to see ghosts ever since her mother's horrific death. Now she lives in the middle of a dark and sinister ghost story, where the dead want to be heard. When guilt is constantly breathing down your neck, your life is completely upturned, and the ghost of your crush's jealous ex is out to kill you, a normal teenage life isn't always plausible.

This book had some great qualities. It's main character, Riley, was a tormented teen with a terrifying past, which made her a relatable person. Sometimes the same cookie-cutter teen girl with the same hormonal issues can be a bit irritating, which is why Riley was easy to empathize with. She's guilt ridden over her mother's death and family's international move and therfore releases the pain by cutting- a real issue teens can identify with. Her emotions are raw and true despite her deepest efforts in trying to hide them. My heart definitely ached for the poor girl. 

 Paranormally, the book focused on the relationship between Riley and her ghost crush Ian. I would have liked to see a bit more development between the two characters outside of their romantic feelings for each other. I understand its hard to actually date a ghost, but it felt like most of their time spent together was either them kissing or Ian saving Riley from his evil stalker Laria.

And oh, Laria, how I wanted to punch you in the face. She was PURE sadistic evil and oh how I enjoyed it. Her creepiness was fantastic and the way she tortured poor Riley was sick! I kept thinking that if it was me being dragged across a ceiling in the middle of the night by an evil ghost I'd be peeing my pants in fear. Those scenes were just crazy!

I did find the book to be fast paced at times (answers to hundred year old curses were found in dreams) but overall it worked for the story. The romance was sadly sweet and the fear was definitely captured in the pages. My favorite part of the book had to be the end--- it was just perfect how Kade is introduced =) I'm glad that this is made out to be a series because there is definitely more for Riley, Ian and Kade that hopefully will end happily.

In My Mailbox (12)

It's my first IMM of the new year! This meme is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and allows bloggers to showcase what books they received, won, or borrowed throughout the week.

It's seriously been forever since I've posted an IMM and the books for this week are actually the ones I received for Christmas (I just never got around to showing them). I went a little Amazon crazy, as you all know, and bought a bunch of used books super cheap. I've really been slacking with updating my posts, but better late than never!

Prized by Caragh O'Brien
Ashfall by Mike Mullin
Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater
The First Days by Rhiannon Frater
Dead of Night by Jonathan Maberry
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Take me There by Carolee Dean
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
Destined by Jesse Harrell
Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens
Married with Zombies by Jesse Petersen
Flip this Zombie by Jesse Petersen
Eat Slay Love by Jesse Petersen


Let me know what you guys got this week in your mailboxes and I'll be sure to check them out.

Also, I finally added the networkedBlogs widget to my blog since googleconnect will be gone come March. I'll be making my rounds later today to connect with you all who have this widget. If you already follow my blog I would greatly appreciate and love if you guys follow me with networkedBlogs too! It'll make the transition in March a little less painful =)

Happy Weekend!

Follow Friday (13)

It's my first Follow Friday of the New Year! The meme is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee and promotes blogging fellowship. This week's question...

Go and count the number of unread book's on your shelf.

Ughh so this is really bad. I have a ton of books that I haven't read yet sitting there waiting to be picked up and I'm not even sure the actual count. If I had to guess though, I would probably say its around 25 (and counting). What's worse is there are a ton more of new releases that I've been dying to pick up still. I'm trying to be good though and not buy anymore until I've gotten through a good portion on the shelf. 

Waiting on Wednesday

Enshadowed (Nevermore #2) by Kelly Creagh
Release Date: August 8th 2012

While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself “Reynolds.”
Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster’s ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger.
When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love.


It's been forever since I've read Nevermore and I'm still completely OBSESSED with that book. The creepiness and romance was addicting and don't get me started on Varen. It was so easy to fall for his dark and mysteriousness and the incorporation of Edgar Allen Poe was genius. If you haven't read Nevermore by Kelly Creagh yet, then you need to pick it up and you'll be just as desperate for the sequel, Enshadowed, as I am.

Top Ten Tuesday

I haven't had a Top Ten Tuesday in a long time so I'm excited to participate again this week! This meme is hosted by the lovely The Broke and the Bookish and its theme this week is...Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012


1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth- YES! I can't wait for this sequel and more importantly for some more Four. Bring on the dystopians.


2. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake-  Another sequel that I've got to have. Love the creeptastic factor of Anna Dressed in Blood and this book had an insane cliff hanger so I need more Anna.


3. Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson- This book sounds totally adorable and like the perfect summer read. And you really can't go wrong with Italian guys- aren't they supposed to be experts in romance?


4. Vampire's Kiss by Veronica Wolff- I fell in LOVE with Isle of Night and am dying to read more of this series. I need to know what's going to happen between Annalise and Ronan.


5. In Honor by Jessi Kirby- The cover of this book is gorgeous and the concept sounds so sadly sweet. I know this book will be a heartbreaker but I'm so excited to get my hands on it.


6. The Fine Art of Truth of Dare by Melissa Jensen- First off, love the title of this book and the concept sounds just as amazing. AND its being compared to Anna and the French Kiss so bonus points!


7.  When the Red Sea is Rising by Cat Hellisen- Of course I have to have another dystopian on this list. This book really sounds horrifically awesome.


8. Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter- I am DYING to read this sequel. I fell in love with the Greek mythology from The Goddess Test and this book sounds like the story is going to be even more intense than the first.


9. Slide by Jill Hathaway- This book sounds thrilling- a narcoleptic who slides into other people's minds- definitely an original and new read.


10. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare- Last but seriously not least is the fourth installment in the Mortal Instruments series! I'm so in love with this series and am so invested in Jace Wayland. I seriously need more of that boy.

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…Now it’s our turn. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, turning everday people into hunters, killers, crazies.

I was initially drawn to this book because of its post apocalyptic premise and the similarities with the movie 28 Days Later. I'm obsessed with a great chaotic book with an end-of-the-world feel. This book had a lot of great action sequences which fit that bill perfectly. With people turning evil and crazies on the rise, the world has turned into a vicious and terrifying place. Roberts has thrown together this fantastically crazy world that feels insanely real. There was plenty of gory details and thrilling scenes including devastating car crashes, adrenaline fueled chases, and anxiety filled fights between the sane and the insane. 

The world building was the greatest aspect of this novel. Everything felt very real and horrifying. However, the character building was lacking. The four alternating perspectives made it difficult to become involved in the character's lives. Just as you begin to connect with one character, the chapter ends and your thrown into a completely different story. I had a hard time keeping people and stories separated- after awhile things started blending together. It might have been a better if the book was limited to two perspectives (such as one guy and one girl). That would allowed for more developed characters and a stronger relationship between character and reader. 

Overall, this book is definitely satisfying for any adrenaline or apocalyptic junky. The plot is fast and constantly on a high which keeps you turning pages and biting your nails. The characters were definitely lacking in my opinion, but that was made up with the chaos and crazies invasion. There is apparently a sequel to this book, and I'm interested in seeing where the band of survivors are headed to next.