The Final Six by Alexandra Monir

Title: The Final Six
Author: Alexandra Monir
Date Started: May 19
Date Finished: May 23
Format: Hardcover from my shelf

When Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, and Naomi, a science genius from California, are two of the twenty-four teens drafted into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever altered. After erratic climate change has made Earth a dangerous place to live, the fate of the population rests on the shoulders of the final six who will be scouting a new planet. Intense training, global scrutiny, and cutthroat opponents are only a few of the hurdles the contestants must endure in this competition.

For Leo, the prospect of traveling to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—to help resettle humankind is just the sense of purpose he’s been yearning for since losing his entire family in the flooding of Rome. Naomi, after learning of a similar space mission that mysteriously failed, suspects the ISTC isn’t being up front with them about what’s at risk.

As the race to the final six advances, the tests get more challenging—even deadly. With pressure mounting, Naomi finds an unexpected friend in Leo, and the two grow closer with each mind-boggling experience they encounter. But it’s only when the finalists become fewer and their destinies grow nearer that the two can fathom the full weight of everything at stake: the world, the stars, and their lives.

Hm. Well, this book was interesting. I honestly didn’t know what to think when I found this in my book subscription box a few months ago, and now after having finished it, I’m still not sure what to think. The Final Six starts out a little slow, explaining that thanks to global warming, Mother Nature has declared war on us. There have been floods, earthquakes and mega storms. Italy is under water. Most of California is underwater, as is Texas. I wish that more had been said about what happened to the other states and countries. It is briefly touched on while the competition is going on – there’s a horrible typhoon in China – but not much else is said. All you know is that the climate is bad and getting worse every day so the the world has come up with this plan to venture to space, in this case Jupiter’s moon Europa, to find a new world that we can inhabit.

And because teenagers are so young and space travel will age them, they’ve chosen twenty-four candidates who will compete for their spot in the Final Six. At first it sounds a lot like The Hunger Games meets Space Camp. Only there’s not as much death. The teenagers aren’t really out for blood – well, not all of them – and what befalls some of the contestants seems to be the result of RRB – the bacteria someone brought back from Europa that the contestants get injected with to make sure their bodies can handle it. This sparks Naomi – girl genius from California and who really doesn’t want to be there – to research what exactly the RRB is. And the answer? Well, if you were expecting not to have a conspiracy in this book you’re wrong.

Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. I will round this up to four on Goodreads, but this book wasn’t all that bad. It was interesting, and I liked the idea of their being a competition for who gets to make it to space. I’m curious about the conspiracy. I’m curious to see what Leo is going to do now. But I wasn’t that much of a fan of Leo and Naomi’s romance. It was way too soon for them to be declaring love for each other. But then again, the world is ending so why not?

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Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren

Title: Dating You/Hating You
Author: Christina Lauren
Date Started: May 21
Date Finished: May 23
Format: ebook from the digital library

Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire. But when their two agencies merge—causing the pair to vie for the same position—all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals—so why can’t they act like it?

Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Whether these two Hollywood love/hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending, or just a dramedy of epic proportions, you get to enjoy Christina Lauren’s heartfelt, hilarious story of romance in the modern world.

Okay, so I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book. The summary sounded amazing, but as I started reading it, the first few pages were a little bit dry. Evie is a thirty-something Hollywood agent who’s love life has been a little bit dry lately. She lives with her two roommates – Amelia and Daryl – who are her best friends. When the story starts Daryl is bailing on their mutual married friend’s costume party so Evie has to go alone. It doesn’t pick up until Evie shows up to the party one of the only singles and runs into the other single at the makeshift food table, and they realize that they’re in a couple costume. She’s Hermoine Granger, he’s Harry Potter. It seems to be a match made in heaven.

Until they realize that he is also an agent and works for a competing firm. But even then they somehow find a workaround and things seem to be going their way… Except this is a Christina Lauren book and there has to be drama! Carter’s firm gets bought out by Evie’s, and they end up working in the same department for the same dick of a boss who basically tells them there might be only one spot for the both of them in the firm. What follows, believe it or not is one crazy, funny ride as they don’t act their age and start playing pranks on the other to make sure that the other messes up in their job.

This book was amazing. You know I’m a sucker for enemies turned friends turned lovers stories and this one, while a little bit unconventional – somewhat friends, brief lovers, archenemies, somewhat friends again, to lovers – was just fantastic. The prank war was pretty much my favorite thing in the universe. I still want to know what exactly it was that Evie did to Carter’s suit.

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A nice bit of light reading with also just the right amount of smut. A perfect beach read.

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The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Title: The Fiery Heart
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines
Previous Books in the Series:
1. Bloodlines
2. The Golden Lily
3. The Indigo Spell
Date Started: May 7
Date Finished: May 19
Format: Hardcover from my shelf

Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her… But the struggle isn’t over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there’s still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

This book. This book. THIS BOOK. Okay, so I am mad at myself for letting this book take me so long to read. And sure, a lot of it isn’t really my fault – starting it during one of the busiest periods at work, a severe migraine, etc. – I’m still really mad. Because The Fiery Heart was really really good. And yes, I wasn’t really expecting it to be good because for the first time in the Richelle Mead books that I’ve read, this book was being told in dual POV, Sydney and Adrian. And while on one hand I was really excited to see what Adrian had to add to this series, on the other I don’t like switching between the two. However, I really shouldn’t have feared going between two POV, because unlike other books who liked to deal in multiple characters, this one actually let me know at the start of the new chapter who I was dealing with. Although, if I was paying attention it was really easy to figure out.

Anyway, Adrian and Sydney’s relationship is the most darling thing in the world, and you can really tell how much she has grown as a character, not only because of this relationship but also because you have Zoe now in the mix. Zoe, is Sydney’s younger sister, and she is very hardcore Alchemist. I mean, she’s afraid of dhampirs for crying out loud. And let me tell you, every time she was involved in the chapter I seriously wanted to reach through the pages and just shake her. I mean, the whole selling Sydney out to their dad when he comes to visit? Lame. And then there’s also the ending! I mean, you know Zoe only did that because Sydney wasn’t spending enough time with her and because Sydney was going to testify for their mother and not their dad. Gahhh.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. If it wasn’t for the fact that I’ve broken enough of my reading list rules over the last year and a half, I would have grabbed Silver Shadows from my pile yesterday just so I can find out what happens to Sydney. I mean, honestly. You can’t let a book end like that!

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Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes

Title: Immortal Reign
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Series: Falling Kingdoms
Previous Books in the Series:
1. Falling Kingdoms
2. Rebel Spring
3. Gathering Darkness
4. Frozen Tides
5. Crystal Storm
Date Started: May 14
Date Finished: May 16
Format: ebook from the digital library

Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he’s willing to sacrifice. Lucia knows there’s something special about her daughter and she’ll do anything to protect her, even if that means facing Kyan alone. Amara is called back home to Kraeshia. Grandma Cortas has her own plans for Mytica’s future. She promises Amara power, revenge, and dominance if she agrees to be part of her scheme. Magnus and Cleo‘s love will be put to the ultimate test. Dark magic is causing widespread destruction throughout the kingdom. Enemies across the sea are advancing. And unrest is stirring throughout the land. Is their love strong enough to withstand the outside forces tearing them apart?

Well, that was certainly an interesting ending to a series, and that’s really saying something because I think it’s well known by now how I feel about endings. I really loved everyone’s character development over the last six books. Cleo went from this hopeless party girl to a strong queen. Magnus went from the shadows to the light and overcame his father’s reputation. Jonas got over his thirst for revenge and started trusting those he wanted dead, which really is the most impressive. And then there’s Lucia who went from this shy, scared girl, to a evil witch, to…well… I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say she’s very impressive in this book.

The whole mess with the Kindred – two taken over Nic and Olivia’s bodies, and two not completely taken over Cleo and Tarun – was just intense to read. I mean, just when I think I had a feeling about how all of this was going to go, it went in a completely different direction. Although that ultimate moment…I’m really not all that sure about. Considering everything else that was going on in this book, it wasn’t all that impressive. Not to mention I do feel like bits of it were scattered and not all that thought out.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. The last four books of this series were really strong, and I’m glad that I decided to continue on with it. I know my review is pretty vague but I’m trying not to give too much away. Let’s just say that the dagger thing was quite interesting, and leave it at that. Not to mention the ending was kind of left open for a novella or something. Hm…

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Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

Title: Wicked Sexy Liar
Author: Christina Lauren
Series: Wild Seasons
Previous Books in the Series:
1. Sweet Filthy Boy
2. Dirty Rowdy Thing
3. Dark Wild Night
Date Started: May 1
Date Finished: May 5
Format: ebook from the digital library

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan. But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but the Why not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more. Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.

So, after the slight dud that was Dark Wild Night I wasn’t really sure where Wicked Sexy Liar was going to take me. I mean, all three of the girls that we were introduced to in book one had gone through their dramas with their husbands so where could this series possibly go? Answer, a very fun place. London is Lola’s roommate, and she is a complete wit. I mean, you know things are good when the first few paragraphs of the first chapter are about how she hasn’t had sex with a person in a while. So much so that she has become very intimate with the sex toy department. And yes, it only got better from there.

Her quick rapport with the cute guy that walks into her bar one night – Luke – is what got me flipping pages. I mean, even when they do end up having sex, it was what happened afterwards that kept me invested in the story. London isn’t a big fan of relationships. Not since she found out her boyfriend in college had been cheating on her for three years. And then there’s Luke, who turns out to be Mia’s Luke. He hasn’t been in a serious relationship since Mia and has been sleeping around a lot. The shit that London gives him on that one made for some funny moments throughout this book.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I actually was skimming through the sex scenes in this one, and only because I wanted to see what happened next between Luke and London. It was fun to see how their relationship progressed and I really want to know where it goes from here.

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Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Blue Lily, Lily Blue
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Raven Cycle
Previous Books in the Series:
1. The Raven Boys
2. The Dream Thieves
Date Started: April 24
Date Finished: May 1
Format: ebook from the digital library

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs. The trick with found things, though, is how easily they can be lost.

Well, this is a first for me. I’ve never actually read a new book on vacation before. Sure I’ve taken books with me – when I was younger – but they were always books I had read before. This time around it was fun to read a new story while in a different place. And believe it or not it was perfect. I would read a few chapters (or more depending on page length) before I went to sleep for the night and it helped wind me down.

Anyway, The Raven Cycle series has been a weird one for me. I always feel that I’ve been dropped into something that I don’t quite understand and I try to find my way throughout these books. Blue Lily, Lily Blue wasn’t too bad this time around, and I’m wondering if it’s because I know what I’m getting myself into at this point. It’s pretty normal stuff for a Stiefvater novel. Blue is mad that her mother has gone down below. And there’s still some tension between Blue and Gansey, which gets a little nuts in this book. I’m seriously on the edge of my seat with those two. And then Ronan is really starting to grow on me. He’s an asshole, but a lovable one. Adam confuses me the most. I’m still not one hundred percent certain what happened with him in the last book, but it has some serious repercussions in this novel. And I really want to know what happened with Adam’s court case with his dad. I mean, Gansey and Ronan walk into the courtroom and then nothing. No follow up. I need to know!

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Except for the mysterious issue of the sleepers this book wasn’t all that bad. I’m curious to know what happens in the conclusion. Especially with that epilogue.

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Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu

Title: Batman: Nightwalker
Author: Marie Lu
Series: DC Icons
Previous Book in the Series:
1. Wonder Woman: Warbringer
Date Started: April 21
Date Finished: April 23
Format: ebook from the digital library

Before he was Batman, he was Bruce Wayne. A reckless boy willing to break the rules for a girl who may be his worst enemy. The Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne is next on their list. One by one, the city’s elites are being executed as their mansions’ security systems turn against them, trapping them like prey. Meanwhile, Bruce is turning eighteen and about to inherit his family’s fortune, not to mention the keys to Wayne Enterprises and all the tech gadgetry his heart could ever desire. But after a run-in with the police, he’s forced to do community service at Arkham Asylum, the infamous prison that holds the city’s most brutal criminals.