Series Review: Artists Trilogy by Karina Halle

Note: Every review in this post is spoiler-free for the Artists Trilogy. 

Title: Sins & Needles (Artists Trilogy, #1) 
Author: Karina Halle
Rating: 3.5 Stars

I bought Sins & Needles back when it was first released and rave reviews of Halle's characterization populated the internet. In fact, I've bought every installment of this series and have had it sitting on my Kindle for months, now, unread originally because of the reputed cliffhangers and later for reasons I won't know. Likely because, somewhere in my subconscious, I knew this series was going to consume my weekend and I simply hadn't had that type of time to commit to a mere trilogy. But once I started The Artists Trilogy, I knew there was no going back. Sins & Needles is slow to start, one of its biggest draw-backs, but once it hits its stride, there's no looking away from the multiple train wrecks of disaster this series finds itself in.

Ellie Watt was born to con; brought up by criminal parents, exposed to drug lords at a young age, and surviving on little love throughout her childhood, she's a walking minefield simply unable to trust anyone in her path. Now, on the run from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, Ellie finds herself back in her hometown where it all began. Here hometown where Camden McQueen still lives only now, he's no longer the scrawny goth she humiliated in high school, he's 6'2" of hard, tattooed male. Camden is wealthy, successful, and seems to have forgiven Ellie for her past, genuinely liking what he sees. So, naturally, Ellie decides to make him her new mark; seduce him and then run off with his money. Camden got his new start, so why shouldn't she? But Ellie isn't the only one who changed since high school and as she comes to know this new Camden, a trip to her past--to her ex-boyfriend involved in a drug cartel--just may be knocking on the door.

Frankly speaking, this novel thrives on action, suspense, and its fast-pace. Halle sprinkles the narrative with third-person flashbacks to Ellie's childhood--flashbacks which did little for me except slow down the plot--but present-day Ellie Watt was an intriguing heroine, to say the least. I struggled with her motivations for much of the story and as the layers to her characters, and especially that of Camden, were revealed I found myself more than a little disturbed by the psychological damage these two had suffered. Don't expect to find normal, caring individuals within the pages of this series; they're all messed-up in some way or the other. Yet, despite the fact that I disagreed--on more than one occasion--with the unfolding of events in this novel, I managed to thoroughly enjoy it. It's a dark, dangerous world Halle builds, filled with criminals and unfaithful characters at every turn, but it's so wildly entertaining and the growth these characters sustain is realistically enough for me to persist onward. Well, that and the cliffhanger ending, of course. ;)

Title: On Every Street (Artists Trilogy, #0.5)

Author: Karina Halle

Rating: 4 Stars

Wow, talk about a convincing argument for Team Javier. Though, let's be honest, just not convincing enough to get me to walk away from Camden... ;)

We don't find out much about Javier, Ellie's ex-boyfriend, in Sins & Needles with the exception of a glimpse into his criminal bad-boy side. With On Every Street, though, Halle completely turns the tables on us, giving us Ellie and Javier's love story from the time they first met. And, boy, is the Javier of six-years ago a different man entirely. It's almost impossible not to fall for him, just as Ellie has, particularly as he exposes so much of his inner vulnerabilities with this story. It's a twisted, unlikely love story that is unhealthy to its core, but, as with Halle's prior novels, you cannot help but be enthralled, waiting for the impending wreck of doom to appear. More importantly, though, I love that this novella only adds to the multitude of layers these characters possess. Definitely a must-read before launching into Book 2; I firmly believe you will be lost going into Shooting Scars without this.

Title: Shooting Scars (Artists Trilogy, #2) 
Author: Karina Halle
Rating: 4 Stars

I admit it: I was conflicted going into Shooting Scars. After Sins & Needles I firmly believed Ellie belonged with Camden, but On Every Street made me consider Javier, however briefly, for Ellie. With this second installment, the stakes are even higher than before and Halle alternates chapters shifting between Ellie and Camden's respective perspectives. I enjoyed this sequel even more than I did its predecessor, likely because it took off on a break-neck pace from the beginning itself and Camden's perspective was not only essential to keep the plot of the story moving forward, but it added so much additional tension to the story. Truly, these books would make such fantastic films as Halle takes the time to give you every angle of her tale, all while keeping aspects to her plot hidden so we continue to be pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns of betrayal, even when we think we know what's going on.

While there is, definitely, a prominent love triangle in this novel in particular, I believe it's important to point out that it isn't quite that conflicting. I've read these books back-to-back, without the agony of months to wait for the sequels or discuss the future of the plot and, therefore, I was able to distance myself from most of the unpleasantness that arrives with a love triangle. Moreover, what I like about Halle's take on the love triangle is that it is meant to be horrible and uncomfortable and unlikable in Shooting Scars. All too often authors try to please readers one way or the other with their romantic entanglements, but the love triangle in Shooting Scars is more about exposing the raw underbelly of Ellie's broken mind than fan-service. Ellie continues to be an "unlikable" protagonist, one whose actions I don't fully condone, but I still admire and enjoy her narration. Granted, she's a difficult person to constantly like, but then again, she's meant to be. With Halle's novels, you're meant to fall into them head-first and feel a range of emotions for these characters, be them good or bad.

Shooting Scars is written impeccably, Halle handling these two voices distinctly and with class as she navigates the criminal underworld, taking us from America to Mexico and beyond. If you enjoy dark, twisted tales--particularly romances of the psychological nature--this is certainly not a series to pass up on. Onto Book 3! (Gosh, these cliffhangers just don't end!)

Title: Bold Tricks (Artists Trilogy, #3)  

Author: Karina Halle

Rating: 3 Stars

Bold Tricks is a respectable ending to this trilogy, but it's a little too easy. We've seen these characters live through truly insane situations; we've seen their personalities change time and time again as life has forced them to leave behind their naivety and hope and aspirations; we've seen them practically be beaten by the hand life has dealt them. Only to have this all wrap up in a rather too perfect happily-ever-after, complete with a gorgeous bow. Granted, I wanted this dream ending for these characters, but combined with the cartoon-ish characterization of the villain in this novel, Halle's finale seems a tiiiiny bit of a cop-out.

Shooting Scars was such a spectacular sequel, avoiding MBS perfectly, precisely because of the fact that it was impossible to pinpoint any true allegiances. Everyone mistrusted everyone else, the true motivations of characters remained hidden, and no one individual was starkly black-and-white. With Bold Tricks, Halle begins shedding these gray areas, making the decisions these characters are forced to make that much easier. Suddenly, after so much hardship, these convenient pieces falling into place just seemed too good to be true. Of course, the plot is still full of unexpected reveals, the pace absolutely riveting as these characters speed through Mexico, avoiding one drug cartel only to fall into the arms of another, and the violence is particularly high in this final installment opposed to the rest. Yet, the psychological growth of these characters feels strangely incomplete, likely because Bold Tricks focused on plot more than character for the first time in this trilogy. Ultimately, Halle's trilogy is thrilling, edgy, dark, and highly original. It's impossible to put down from start-to-finish, its characters and thought-provoking and unforgettable, and it truly messes with your mind as you attempt to wrap your thoughts around these convoluted love stories. Bold Tricks eliminates any potential for a love triangle early on and though it may not have been the conclusion I wanted, it's certainly an ending I can live with: explosive to the very end.

Contemporary Summer ARC Mini-Reviews: #scandal, Magnolia, and On the Fence

Title: #scandal
Author: Sarah Ockler
Rating: 2 Stars
Release Date: June 17th, 2014

Frankly speaking, I'd encourage readers to skip #scandal entirely. Seriously. If you haven't read Ockler before, I'd dissuade you from beginning with this novel and if, like me, you're a fan, you're simply better off re-reading one of her previous titles.

#scandal dealt with one too many issues for it to handle with aplomb. When Lucy's best friend, Ellie, is down with the flu and unable to attend prom with her dashingly handsome boyfriend, she forces Lucy to be Cole's date instead. Only, Lucy has had a crush on Cole since before he began dating her best friend and now, at such close proximity with him for an entire night, her feelings rush back, all at once. As luck would have it, however, Cole returns her feelings--a truth he can admit to, as he and Ellie broke up before prom--but before their break-up becomes public, an image of Lucy and Cole kissing goes viral instead.

Now, I don't know if it's because I spend more time on Goodreads than on Facebook, but I felt oddly distanced from this story. Lucy begins the novel already in love with Cole, which left their romance a pile of disappointment as I was unable to become emotionally involved in it. Ellie, from the first page itself, stood out as an odd type of best friend, forcing her friend to accompany her boyfriend as his prom date, and I cannot claim to truly feel the bond of friendship between these two girls. Even more than that, though, #scandal deals with cyber-bullying in a manner I find to be woefully disappointing. Lucy is attempting to clear her name from the scandal she is associated with, all while trying to find out who stole her phone and posted the picture--along with other incriminating ones--online. Thus, the entire problem of cyber-bullying is dealt alongside a heavy dose of gossip and drama, which didn't work for me. Quite simply put, I barely have anything to say about #scandal except for the fact that its characters failed to resonate with me, its plot felt flimsy and underdeveloped, and with the exception of that gorgeous blue background color, I'd prefer to entirely forget about the existence of this novel. Excuse me while I hunt for my copy of Bittersweet to remind myself of what a classic Sarah Ockler story reads like; this innovative approach just didn't do it for me.

Title: Magnolia

Author: Kristi Cook

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: August 5th, 2014

Magnolia is a delightfully light, quick summer romance. Cook attempts to set up a reverse Romeo & Juliet situation in Magnolia as her romantic leads, Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marden, absolutely detest one another while their families--old, Southern-style households determined to uphold decades-long traditions--are eager to see them together, if only to finally witness their families joined together by more than friendship. But Jemma and Ryder are determined to keep those dreams exactly as they are--dreams. While the two used to be friends, recent events have created a rift between them they aren't keen to breach. Until, that is, a deadly hurricane sweeps through town and Jemma and Ryder find themselves alone, dependent solely on each other for survival. While the hurricane unearths even the ground itself, Jemma and Ryder finally unearth the secrets in their past, realizing that the line between love and hate is far more transparent than it seemed.

Without a doubt, Magnolia is a lovely, tickle-me-pink love story, full of the tension we crave between romantic leads as we witness them--grudgingly--grow to love one another, putting aside their former emotions. Cook writes the focal hurricane scene believably, at least for this Northern girl, building suspense to drive forward the plot line while sustaining the atmosphere of Southern charm she creates within the first few chapters. There are a decent number of story lines running through this tale: Jemma coping with her older sister's sudden brain tumor; dealing with the attentions of Patrick, a cute boy whose DUIs indicate a persona not entirely suited for Jemma; and realizing that she, Jemma, may not want to attend the local universities her parents have picked out for her but may, instead, want to attend film school in New York City. Yet, Cook manages to weave these together for they all contribute to the general confusion Jemma feels during the time, while simultaneously getting to know the boy who she has self-declared her very own Public Enemy #1, Ryder.

I found it easy to slip into Jemma's narration and rather enjoyed it, with the exception of a few scenes where I felt as if her voice distanced the reader rather than included them. Ryder, too, is the complete package of swoon, proving to be far more than the "villain" Jemma paints him out to be from the onset of the story. In fact, I found myself anticipating their interactions, merely because both Jemma and Ryder were mature and self-aware enough to know when to put aside their differences and work together, but they aren't above throwing a jab or two at one another regardless. Their tentative journey to an ultimate relationship, despite balancing their own desires from that of their parents, is more than just a little rewarding. While one particular plot point towards the end of the story forced me to raise my eyebrows in annoyance, for the most part--those personal narrative moments aside--Cook's latest novel certainly surprised me. Don't expect an ocean of depth and you may just close this book with a grin. I know I did.

Title: On the Fence

Author: Kasie West

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: July 1st, 2014

On the Fence is the first Kasie West I've genuinely enjoyed. While her previous contemporary romance had me reeling in disappointment and her debut, Pivot Point, did little to convince me of her writing prowess, this upcoming novel hit all the right notes. 

We've all read or seen or heard, in some form of media or the other, the classic tale of a beautiful young girl raised in a household of men, brought up to be a vivacious tom-boy. Charlie fits that bill perfectly, unable to remember a life before her mother's death. For as long as she has known, all she's ever needed is football, her older brothers, the reassuring presence of her father, and Braden, her best friend and neighbor rolled in one. Until, that is, this summer. While searching for a job to pay off her speeding tickets, Charlie realizes how woe-fully un-feminine she is. And, lo and behold, On the Fence won me over at last. Charlie's narration is deceptively easy to slip into, reading strong and honest, bold and unique, which is quite refreshing. Yet, the vulnerabilities she began to expose as she discovered aspects of her personality she never even knew existed, spoke to me. I completely felt for Charlie; for her mother-less childhood, for the manner in which her family never spoke about her deceased mother, and for the swirling confusion in her heart whenever Braden approached. 

West copes with the family machinations in this novel beautifully, building realistic relationships with believable dialogue. Though it can feel partially stereotypical at times, it isn't wholly so, which makes the necessary distinction. Braden, especially, is such a delightfully complex hero; a buddy to Charlie's brothers, another son to Charlie's father, but merely a friend to her. While he seems to treat her as "one of the guys", the midnight conversations these two share along their shared fence made me fall head-over-heels for their romance. Not only do these two complement one another perfectly, slowing falling--and discovering--their love, but they also accept and understand each other for their true personalities, not the facades they hide behind. On the Fence surprised me with its unexpected depth and, finally having found a Kasie West novel I like, I can only hope the trend persists. If you're looking for a feel-good love story, one filled with a realistic growth arc and strong familial relationships (not to mention a swoon-worthy best friend romance!), On the Fence is your best bet, rain or shine. 

ARC Review: Sun-Kissed by Laura Florand

Title: Sun-Kissed (Amour et Chocolat, #7; Snow Queen, #2) 

Author: Laura Florand

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: May 20th, 2014 

Sun-Kissed is a beautifully written coda to Florand's Amour et Chocolat Series. Bringing together Mack Corey, the father (or father-figure) to three of the heroines from this previously six-book series) as well as Anne Winters, the mother of Kurt from Snow-Kissed, Florand ties together the loose threads in this extended family of French chefs, chocolate-lovers, and emotionally strong individuals who have found love, often in the most unlikeliest of places. Without a doubt, I'd recommend reading Sun-Kissed only after having finished the rest of Florand's back-list, merely because the sweet cameos of past couples and references to prior love stories will tug at your memory, further adding to the experience of this short novel.

Sun-Kissed is a compelling romance, primarily because its protagonists are far older than the typical age-group associated with young love. Which is precisely what this story is not. Sun-Kissed is far from a tale of first love, with its healing kisses and gentle caresses. Instead, it is a story of the building affection and burning love between two adults; adults who have been knocked down by life, who have built walls of steel and ice around their hearts, and who have -- somehow -- persevered through watching their young family age and travel away from them. Set during the wedding of Jaime Corey, Mack's youngest daughter, and Dominique Richard, an absolutely swoon-worthy French chocolatier, Mack and Anne slowly realize that the only path they want into their future is one traversed together.

It isn't an easy romance, though. For Mack, facing the reality that both his daughters have married, found spouses they want to spend more time with than their own father, and are moving to another continent entirely is a difficult admission to deal with. Mack's entire life has revolved around his daughters; caring for them, providing for them, making enough money for them, and loving them enough for two parents. Now, to witness them simply leave everything he has built for his not-so-modest son-in-laws is -- to put it mildly -- a bit of a shock. Moreover, for Anne, the tough facade she walks under refuses to drop. In order to have become a wealthy and successful single-mother, Anne chilled her heart with ice and sharpened her gaze with steel, intimidating every man who dared challenge her and knock her down. Thus, to open her heart to Mack Corey is no easy task. Florand builds their romance gradually, though, making sure to intersperse within their love story the familial issues that plague them, due to their age. Kurt and Kai's heart-breaking situation follows us into Sun-Kissed as Anne acknowledges the fact that she may never have grand-children and, worse, that her son fell in love with a woman as far removed from Anne herself. It is the myriad of all these dilemmas -- both inner and outer -- that make Sun-Kissed such a masterpiece to inhale.

Moreover, the brief appearances made by my absolute favorite Florand heroes, from Sylvain Marquis to Philippe Lyonnais, only elevated Sun-Kissed as Florand manages to keep her large host of characters distinct in their individual personalities, despite the similarities many of them share, and displays their relationships with a balance of poise and realism. Nothing is sugar-coated and though this novel seems to be full of happily-ever-afters, they are endings hard-won; endings that will only continue to be hard-won as well.

ARC Review: Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard

Title: Strange and Ever After (Something Strange and Deadly, #3) 

Author: Susan Dennard

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: July 22nd, 2014

From the first moment we met parasol-wielding Eleanor in Something Strange and Deadly, I've been a fan of this series. While A Darkness Strange and Lovely clearly suffered from Middle Book Syndrome, Strange and Ever After most definitely did not. Out of all the conclusions I've read lately, this installment feels the most conclusive. Dennard not only notches up the pace of this final novel, but she also heightens the risk and danger. As such, Strange and Ever After is a non-stop, page-flipping adventure, incorporating elements from the previous two novels into an explosive finale that may not necessarily satisfy, but definitely will not be forgotten.

Strange and Ever After starts out in Paris, quickly moves to Marseille, and finally ends up in Egypt. When the novel opens, Allison has just arrived from Philadelphia, bearing the unfortunate news that Eleanor's mother has passed away. Stuck on Daniel's hot-air balloon with nothing but her grief, worry for her best friend Jie, and anger at Marcus, Eleanor slowly begins pushing everyone away. Yet, there is hardly time to dwell on emotions for Marcus is becoming more and more powerful by the minute and if Eleanor ever wants the hope of a normal life, she will have to stop him...before he stops her.

While Eleanor's motives and personality in A Darkness Strange and Lovely remained obscure and changed, in Strange and Ever After I was finally able to understand her agency. Eleanor's relationships don't start out in a very strong place and, more often than not, she is readily testy. Not only has Eleanor lost the trust of Ollie, her demon, but her relationship with Daniel is fragile and uncertain for he dislikes her abilities as a necromancer. With Allison on board, Eleanor's situation is no easier and her heart, mind, and emotions pull her in different directions. One of the best aspects of this novel, though, lies in the fact that Eleanor grows to open up to those around her and carry meaningful conversations with them. While she still struggles to control her abilities, she is determined not to succumb to darkness and maintain the relationships she shares with others - which she does.

While Eleanor and Daniel's romance truly took off in this installment, with plenty of swoon-worthy moments and touching dialogues, the relationship at the forefront was that between Ollie and Eleanor. I couldn't get a grasp Ollie's character in A Darkness Strange and Lovely as I was unsure whether or not to trust him. Even in this installment, he is exasperating, pushing Eleanor to her breaking point at times. But as we grow to understand Ollie, to see life from his perspective, the friendship between him and Eleanor becomes ever-stronger. I grew to love his character by the end and, in some ways; he even eclipses Daniel (but never in my heart).

With such a large host of characters and emotional ties, Strange and Ever After never falters in its plot. The Spirit Hunters are constantly on the move, uncovering pieces of information about Marcus and the Old Man in a timely fashion. Moreover, I really enjoyed the change of setting from one novel to the next. Dennard has mastered the art of world-building and the richness of the reality she has created, as well as the mythological references that cropped up, made this story such a delight. Even the final showdown with Marcus is brilliantly written, proving that every victory has its sacrifices. We've seen Eleanor up against Marcus before and though she is stronger, he is still a formidable opponent. It is only with the help of others that she is truly able to put an end to his evil once and for all.

Where this story faltered for me, though, is in the unexpected death of a main character. I anticipate and look forward to character deaths in a concluding novel because of the emotional upheaval they bring. With this death, though, I felt blindsided and surprised. It's a death I struggled to rationalize and cope with because it was so unfair and while I have qualms about it - particularly regarding its necessity and the fact that it represents that the character in question never saw themselves as worthwhile - it also makes for a bittersweet, albeit surprising, conclusion. I'm not sure how I expected this series to end, but I'm glad it's done. Dennard's debut trilogy has had its ups and downs and while I wouldn't recommend against it, I'm not sure I'd shove it upon a friend either. Nevertheless, I look forward to whatever Dennard has up her sleeve next. I may harbor mixed feelings towards this series as a whole, but towards her writing? None at all.

ARC Review: Death Sworn by Leah Cypess

Title: Death Sworn (Death Sworn, #1) 

Author: Leah Cypess

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: March 4th, 2014

While a countless number of hidden gems flit under my radar on a weekly basis, I make it a point to hunt out every fantasy novel I can get my hands on. I thrive within the fantasy genre. I’ve grown up breathing the air of thousands of different worlds and I don’t intend to stop – not just yet. Mistwood, Cypess’s debut novel, similarly did not fail to come under my radar when it was first released; an ambitious piece, for a debut, and not without its flaws, but also shining in its merits. While I haven’t picked up a Cypess novel since, I couldn’t resist the allure of Death Sworn, the combination of its cover and synopsis proving to be my undoing. For better or for worse, however, Cypess has improved as an author – but only a little.

Ileni’s world is one held in a precarious balance: assassins, magicians, and politics. As a child, Ileni held a great reservoir of magical energy and as she grew up and trained under the tutelage of the Elders, she became a sorceress; one of the best. But now, Ileni’s magic is failing. The Elders failed to predict this when they initiated her into the world of magic and now, with Ileni’s powers fading, she is of no use to anyone. Except, that is, to be sent to the assassin caves. Both the assassins and the sorcerers have shared a history of bad blood. In a weak attempt to bring peace among their people, the sorcerers send one of their own to live and tutor the assassins in basic forms of magic. In return, their lives are spared. Ileni is the third magician – the first sorceress – to be send to the cave in a matter of months. As her last two predecessors died, the Elders have now volunteered her as their tutor of choice for the simple reason that Ileni’s task is a suicide mission and with her powers fading into nonexistence, she is dispensable. But Ileni, despite having lost her home, her reputation, her magical abilities, and her family has not lost her courage. Against all odds, she resolves to survive the task she has been forth and, what’s more, solve the mystery of the murders occurring in the caves.

Death Sworn carries an interesting premises. After all, what’s not to love about a group of assassins hiding out in caves, slowly sneaking into a city to take down a political regime they despise, all with the help of rebel magicians? One of the best elements to this tale is the fact that Cypess’s assassins are deadly. Each and every one of them is willing to risk their life for the future of the Empire and, moreover, willing to kill without question as well. Although these assassins are mere boys, they have been trained to become cold and unfeeling beings, brutal in their ways. Or, at any rate, this is how Ileni sees them. When Ileni first enters the caves she is a cynical character, already embittered from her own experiences with her people and now entering into a domain with preconceived notions about these “stone-cold” killers. As Ileni learns to live among these assassins, her opinion of them changes, lending itself perfectly to a steady, and sure, growth arc.

From the first page itself, Ileni is a quiet, but fierce heroine. With her powers gradually waning, she is stuck in a cave of assassins virtually powerless. Yet, she never lets these obstacles hold her back. Surrounded by enemies, Ileni is reluctant to become close to anyone, let alone show much emotion. Sorin, who Ileni slowly comes to form a close friendship with, is also loathe to wear his heart on his sleeve. As an assassin, he seems rather cold and calculating at first but as the novel progresses, Ileni witnesses that Sorin – and all the assassins for that matter – have manages to retain their own personalities, doubts, fears, and inner bitterness despite the fact that their profession calls for a complete lack of feeling. Sorin and Ileni’s romance, too, is impeccably timed, starting out as a very firm friendship before progressing any further. Even when it does go forward, though, it is constantly pushed aside in favor of the plot in question. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this slow-burn sizzle, merely because it allowed us, the reader, to see the true personas behind the blank facades these characters have learned to wear so well.

Ironically, these very same personalities prove to be a bit of a downfall throughout the novel too. At times, they could almost be a little too apathetic. While I grew to love the individual Ileni becomes by the end of the book, I lacked a strong connection with her character during the duration of the story. Moreover, Ileni and Sorin are written into the molds of Teacher and Assassin who are intended to “hate” one another, but these shapes they wore detracted, again, from my emotional connection with the story. An issue of even more concern, however, is the lack of sufficient world-building. First off, Death Sworn is set entirely within caves which I found was a tactically unsound decision. The main plot points of the novel revolve entirely around the Empire but we know very little of it, especially as the political situation is kept under wraps for most of the book and, even then, only briefly hinted at. Additionally, the layout of this world felt unfamiliar. Are these caves at the foot of the Empire? Is there a gate, like the one to Mordor, that guards the Empire? Or is the cave miles away from the Empire? While I have no doubt that the sequel will be heading in a much more detailed direction concerning the Empire, I couldn’t help but be disappointment by the tid-bits we were meant to be satisfied with.

Nevertheless, the reason Death Sworn has received such a favorable rating, from me at any rate, is because of the ethical situations it manages to bring up. Is it moral to use death to achieve a higher purpose? It is ethical to consort to evil means to destroy another source of evil? Is not making the most use of an individual’s death a dishonor to their life? As Ileni is surrounded by assassins, all of whom make decisions about death almost all the time, these are fascinating questions that are probed over the course of the narrative. Cypess questions the value of a life, particularly during a political war, which I appreciated.

Ultimately, Death Sworn is not a perfect work, but I will be on board for the sequel to this duet. While this novel felt, in many ways, like a prequel to the true story, it was still an extraordinarily entertaining introduction into this world and its characters. Although I fear that hardcore fans of fantasy may be disappointed, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the sequel more than makes it up to them (and me!). 

Mini-Reviews & Giveaway: Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke & Amber House by Kelly Moore

Title: Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea (Between, #1)

Author: April Genevieve Tucholke

Rating: 2.5 Stars

...that's it? Are we all sure I received the right book in the mail, because I'm just a little bit confused. Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea became a blogging sensation when it first released a few months back and, ever since, I've been curious to try it out for myself. When my copy first arrived, I got through about half the book before turning to other pressing ARCs. Now, having finally found the time to settle back into this story, I've wound up disappointing. For some reason, I expected a lot more to...happen. *scratches head, still confused*

Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea excels as the gothic mystery it is marketed as. Not only is the writing beautiful, painting an atmosphere of chilling nights and howling winds, but the imagery Tucholke forces us to conjure, of little children holding sticks and hunting the devil, are spine-tingling. With the exception of this lyrical prose, however, this novel has little to offer. Its protagonist, Violet, is much like any typical heroine who plans to resist the "bad boy" but fails spectacularly. Moreover, I didn't appreciate the manner in which our feelings for Violet are intentionally manipulated. Violet's twin brother, Luke, is a rude misogynist and his girlfriend, Sunshine, essentially exists as a foil to Violet. Both Luke and Sunshine do little to develop the story, but their existence makes Violet seem like a much better alternative character. Frankly speaking, though this method is used by many authors, I'm not a fan of it merely because it doesn't offer many reasons to like the protagonist for who she is, which seems like cheating to me. If you only like the protagonist in comparison to those around her, do you really even like her at all?

River West, the mysterious boy who rents the guest house behind Violet's huge house, is essentially a creep. And an insta-love machine. Although he has never fallen for a girl before, of course he falls for Violet. Why? I still have no clue. And Violet too, who is a sensible teenager (supposedly), takes one look at River and instantly falls for him as well. *gag* While I really liked the moral questions that River's presence brings up - after all, can you really love someone if their actions go against your moral code? - ultimately that wasn't enough to save this novel for me. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is very similar to most paranormal reads, but its writing style sets it apart, giving it a gothic feel that I really enjoyed. When you strip that away, however, this is nothing but a slow-moving novel with characters that are just a little too familiar.

Title: Amber House (Amber House, #1) 

Author: Kelly Moore, Larkin Reed, Tucker Reed

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Despite its unremarkable beginning, Amber House is a promising start to a new series. In many ways, this novel reminded me of The Dark Unwinding for both books feature a mysterious old house, even more curious tenants, and hidden mysteries. Where The Dark Unwinding relied upon steampunk machines, an "insane" uncle, and unknown towns to further its plot line, this novel features strange twists of time, hushed-up family secrets, and long-forgotten abilities.

Amber House is dull, at first, rather boring and difficult to get through. Once the novel hits its stride, however, it soon delves into an intriguing tale. Sarah, the protagonist of our tale, can see the past. And in Amber House, a building known to preserve echoes of its history, Sarah's abilities thrive as she witnesses pieces of her ancestry come together to reveal truths she never knew about her family. One of the highlights of this novel is the relationship Sarah sustains with her family members. With her autistic younger brother, Sam, she is unfailingly caring, but with her mother, her relationship is tenuous at best. Moore and the two Reeds explore this rift between the two in a complex manner, giving us insight into Sarah's mother's past, which therefore sheds light on her present behavior.

Unfortunately, there is a rather irritating - and unnecessary - love triangle at play here. In fact, it only detracts from the story and causes Sarah to forget her usual sensibility. Quite thankfully, however, the love triangle is resolved in this first installment and will - hopefully - be absent from the sequel. With such a rushed ending, one that leaves behind more questions than answers, I am glad to have the sequel already on hand. Needless to say, I won't be wasting much time to find out just where Sarah's journeys take her next.

Win a Gothic Romance Bundle of Books! 

In preparation for the month of February - the month of romance! - I will be picking two winners and each winner will choose a Gothic Romance Bundle of their choice from the list below:
Bundle #1: Of Old Houses
ARC of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Brand New Hardcover of Manor of Secrets

Bundle #2: Of a Series
ARC of Amber House
Brand New Hardcover of Neverwas, sequel to Amber House

US ONLY
Ends 2/10

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Almost Didn't Care: My Thoughts on Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor & Outcast by Adrienne Kress

Apathy. Indifference. It's a strange feeling, but a recognizable one. Lately, however, I haven't quite grasped it, but almost. I've shut the covers of books feeling...something. Only, not much. Weird? Very. Both Maybe One Day and Outcast are, objectively, very good books. I liked them, in fact. But I didn't love them and, for some reason, I don't have much to say about them either. 

Maybe One Day is only the second "cancer book" I've read but, just like The Fault in Our Stars, it made me tear up. Only, unlike Green's renown novel, Kantor's latest is a little less humorous, a little less romantic, and has a little less to take away from it too. Where Maybe One Day excels is in its portrayal of friendship. Olivia and Zoe, two high school juniors, have been best friends since the age of four. Ever since they met in dance class, they've had the type of friendship most people only dream  of or witness in the movies. Thus, when Olivia is diagnosed with leukemia, Zoe is devastated. 

Kantor builds up the friendship between these two teens beautifully. It isn't riddled with flashbacks, but just from their day-to-day interactions we are able to glean just how close the two are. As such, when tragedy strikes it isn't only Olivia who is affected, but Zoe as well. Now, Zoe is forced to be strong for her best friend, caught between comforting her and going on with her life. Kantor is unapologetic in her portrayal of both Olivia and Zoe. Both girls go through a series of complicated emotions in coping with their current situation and their friendship, but told from Zoe's point of view, this novel takes on a different subject matter than we're used to. After all, just how does it feel to be that awkward best friend in a hospital room, surrounded by your best friend's family members? Is it an intrusion or a welcome hand of support? And how does one continue through life, talking to other people, when such an event occurs? All of these questions - and more - are answered with such an honest appraisal. It isn't easy to see Olivia's family members act out, even at Zoe, in their grief but it is understandable, as is the growth that Zoe experiences for the first time - on her own - without her best friend by her side. 

I really appreciated that this novel took a no-nonsense stance on Olivia's treatment, explaining everything meticulously but also not focusing on it too much. Instead, it is the emotional relationship between these two girls - more sisters than friends - that takes center stage. Even the romance, a side story at best, with Calvin, the best friend of Olivia's older brother (who Olivia has a tiiiny crush on), is subtly handled. Admittedly, Zoe does come to have feelings for Calvin but instead of causing a rift between these friends, they genuinely want each other to be happy and both of their characters are so mature in the face of so much loss. Maybe One Day isn't a novel about grief, however. It's about living with someone who may not have much time left. Where my main issue with this novel arises is in the fact that, ultimately, there isn't much to take away from it. Is it sad? Gosh, yes, it's sad. We begin to feel Zoe's emotions right alongside her as Kantor draws us so deeply into the friendship between these two girls. As such, the writing is impeccable, pacing admirable, and growth of Zoe just right. Yet, where The Fault in Our Stars brings up fascinating questions about the purpose of our lives, infusing light humor into a dark tale, Maybe One Day didn't make me think much beyond the scope of the novel itself. It isn't a flaw, per se, but it does make this story an ever-so-slightly forgettable one. For fans of contemporary fiction, issue novels, or just gritty emotion this novel is a must-read which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. I just wish I could have taken more away from it.

Maybe One Day releases on February 18th, 2014. 

Outcast is a novel I enjoyed, but don't have very much to say about. It's about angels. Only...with a slight twist. Riley lives in a small Southern town where, once a year, angels drop down from the sky to take a handful of young humans up to the heavens with them. In her god-fearing town a Church of Angels has been built and instead of fearing the day the angels arrive, her neighbors have learned to celebrate it. On the third year the angels came, though, they took Chris, Riley's best friend and soon-to-be boyfriend. On the fourth year the angels came, Riley shot one. And it turned into a very attractive, but naked, young boy who believes it's the 1950s. Gabe.

Admittedly, this book wasn't what I expected. I think I flipped that first page thinking I'd get Angelfall only in a modern-day Southern setting instead of an apocalyptic one. Well, let's just say that Outcast has a lot less action, gore, or plain bad-assery. Yet, it was a very entertaining story. Gabe doesn't remember being an angel at all, so his admittance into modern-society is amusing to witness as is his developing friendship with Riley. And yes, you read that right: friendship. Riley still misses Chris and, moreover, she is angry. What she really wants are answers and if anything, those seem to be missing. Gabe has no celestial powers and even by attending the Church of Angels, he doesn't remember anything that happened to him in the last fifty years. As such, the plot of solving the mystery at hand is slow to emerge, focusing instead on the slow trust gained between Gabe and Riley.

When the mystery prevalent in this novel slowly begins to come together, I found myself far more immersed in the story. Not only is the pacing faster, but Riley's growth and change as an individual is far more apparent. Kress's portrayal of Southern society and high school is typical, but only at first as she soon embeds depth into even the most stereotypical of characters, making for a truly engaging read. Nevertheless, where Outcast truly shines is in its ending. It is a bittersweet one which made my heart ache, but in all the right places. Ultimately, Kress manages to write a novel with memorable characters whose story arcs are complex, but realistic with just a tinge of paranormal/fantasy thrown in. It wasn't enough to earn a spot on my favorites shelf and it definitely didn't rock my socks like I'd hoped, but it is a perfect read to lose yourself in. Recommended? Very much so.

ARC Review: A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller

Title: A Mad, Wicked Folly 

Author: Sharon Biggs Waller

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Release Date: January 23rd, 2014

It's a little jarring to think that if it were not for Heather's "Waiting on Wednesday" post, this book would have completely slipped under my radar. Although A Mad, Wicked Folly falls under one of my favorite genres - historical fiction - it focuses on art, a theme I nearly always dismiss (unless it's written by Cath Crowley). Needless to say, once I found myself immersed in the narration of this debut, I was more than just a little glad to have picked it up. A Mad, Wicked Folly is by no means a perfect novel, but it's certainly a riveting one. Once you fall into this book, you won't want to emerge back out.

Waller bases her debut during an interesting time period in history - one that hasn't been explored very much in historical fiction - which makes for a fascinating read. Vicky, a budding artist, is promptly whisked away from France when she is caught escaping class to pose nude for art students. In France, Vicky was subjected to the dull - and typical - "womanly duties" classes that all upper-class girls attended. In following her life-long passion of art, however, she stumbled upon a class of male artists. While every one of her fellow students posed nude for the class, Vicky, being the only female, never did. Nevertheless, determined to prove her worth among her students, Vicky poses for her fellow classmates and, once word gets around of her scandalous deed, is back under the jurisdiction of her strict parents in London.

It is 1909, though, and the women's suffrage movement is fully underway. Although Vicky is initially uninterested in gaining the power to vote, the wave of revolution strikes her as well, giving her the courage to take a stand and finally apply for art college. Vicky's only way into the prestigious school she dreams of attended, however, is to marry Edmund - a rich society man - who will pay for her education when her parents won't. While Vicky keeps up the charade of a perfect daughter to her parents, she sneaks off to draw Will, the handsome police officer who has offered to be her model for her portfolio. Vicky realizes, soon enough, that leading a dual life is not necessarily the path to her dreams. Finding the courage to go after what she wants, though, is far more difficult than it seems...

Where A Mad, Wicked Folly excels is in its characterization of Vicky. I love a strong female protagonist, but give me one whose stubborn will won't let her give up her passion? I'm sold. Moreover, this book truly shines in its historical portrayal of the time period. From clothing to occupations, class struggles to gender roles, Waller paints such a vivid image of twentieth century Europe that it's practically impossible to believe we aren't living there ourselves. Waller also captures the mindset of this time perfectly; the young radicals eager to charge into the future and the stubborn elders unwilling to let go of the past. Waller manages to weave the women's suffrage story into this era perfectly, conveying the desperation of the times and the staunch mindsets these women had to fight against. Additionally, Waller ties together the suffrage movement with art seamlessly. I wouldn't have thought art to be such a vital aspect of the movement, but Vicky, too, finds a place for her talents and voice among these strong women, which is heartening to see.

Another aspect of this novel which I loved was the romance. Will and Vicky meet during a suffrage protest and after a series of misunderstandings, soon become colleagues with Vicky illustrating the tale Will has written. Obviously, I adored the slow build-up between these two, especially their conversations and the manner in which Will - unlike anyone else in her life - truly supports Vicky in her artistic endeavors. I was also impressed, however, by the class distinctions between these two. Will comes from the country, so working in the city is prestigious for him. Vicky, on the other hand, not only employ dozens of servants but also owns many unnecessary comforts. Thus, I found that the gap between their social classes was portrayed very well, only because it examined the strangeness that could tinge their interactions but also proved that what they had went beyond mere societal boxes.

Where this book faltered for me, though, was in the extent to which a few events were carried out. First and foremost, the most pressing issue from the beginning of the novel is the fact that Vicky poses nude. Even in our day and age, it's a little extreme. Thus, I understood where her parents were coming from in their anger at Vicky and their attempts to make her fall back in line were realistically drawn up. In fact, all the familial interactions in this novel were brutally honest, which I appreciated. On the other hand, though, many people - such as Will and a few suffragettes that Vicky befriends - never fault her for her actions, accepting her and going so far as to imitate those actions themselves. Although Europe, during this era, was on the verge of a cultural revolution, I feel as if the readiness with which so much "scandalous" behavior was accepted to be a bit strange. Moreover, there is virtually no explanation given for Vicky's own forward-thinking. From the first page itself, Vicky's narration reads more like a woman from our time than a upper-class snob of 1909. On one hand, I completely understand that Vicky represents a group of women who slowly emerged from their seats of comfort into the working world, but I wish her growth into that mindset could have been more gradual. Instead, she more-or-less starts out with this form of thinking, which made for an excellent - and consistent - narration, but didn't quite work for me as the novel wore on.

What Vicky really goes through in this novel is the realization that there is nothing she can do to convince her parents of her side of life. Vicky goes through many stages, thinking that she can eventually prove to her parents that she is a serious artist - that it can be a career for her - and their continued refusal to budge an inch on the issue never deters her from trying again and again. It's more than a little naive. When Vicky does, eventually, realize that there is no way for her to keep her current life and pursue her dreams, the pace of the novel quickens suddenly, only to end in a matter of chapters. I really wish this aspect of the novel were explored with further depth. A Mad, Wicked Folly is a large book - the bulk of which is focused on Vicky's art, her romance with Will, or even just her inclusion into the suffrage movement. For me, this book would have been much stronger if it focused more on Vicky's internal growth and change a little further.

Nevertheless, I already know a handful of people for whom A Mad, Wicked Folly will be a perfect read. It addresses so many issues that teens go through daily, even today, especially in regards to breaking away from home and parental expectations. Despite its size, it is so, so quick, practically impossible to put down, and Will Fletcher is guaranteed to make you swoon on more than one occasion. A Mad, Wicked Folly is a debut to kick the year off with a bang and if it's anything to go by, then the coming year is going to be unusually promising.

A huge thank you to Heather @ The Flyleaf Review for organizing and adding me to the blog tour for this novel. :)

Review: Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick

Title: Drowning Instinct 

Author: Ilsa J. Bick

Rating: 3.5 Stars 

I've been wanting to read Drowning Instinct ever since I first laid eyes on its cover. Admit it: it's powerful. Unfortunately, the story Bick regales is more insane than powerful. Granted, I appreciate the moral ambiguity of the characters Bick has sketched, not to mention the complexity of their situations, but ultimately, this novel lacked a little something. Hope? Heart? Or maybe just purpose...

Drowning Instinct's first few pages are a dream, an intrusion into an original form of storytelling that truly worked, both for me and the novel as a whole. Jenna, our sixteen-year-old protagonist, is asked to speak into a recorder and tell her story. For me, reading Jenna's tale told through frank conversation made it easier to slip into her past. Yet, Jenna is chock-full of problems. Not only does she carry the burn marks of a terrible incident, complete with scars from cutting herself, but her family has a history of mental illness, her mother is an alcoholic, her father is constantly having an affair with a new woman, and her parents' marriage is falling apart. Moreover, Jenna's older brother is in Iraq and a taboo subject in their family. On one hand, Bick handles Jenna's issues cleverly, ensuring that they each are given an ample amount of screen time, but these multiple issues only served to make Jenna a sympathetic character. When stripped of her mental illness, her suicidal tendencies, her horrible family...there is very little to Jenna herself. Thus, I can't say I was a fan of this blatant attempt to garner feeling for the main character.

Due to its purposeful format, recounting events of the past, Drowning Instinct moves at a quick pace. It is nearly impossible to set down, merely because the reader simply has to know what is going to happen. Jenna is vulnerable and isolated because of her brokenness, so when Mr. Anderson, her chemistry teacher, reaches out a hand of kindness, Jenna grabs on. At first, Mr. Anderson is nothing more than a supporting teacher, willing to listen to Jenna, ensuring she gets home safely when her mother forgets to pick her up, and saving her from situations of molest. And yet, despite these kind acts, there is a niggling sense that something is wrong. It is; something is very, very wrong, for Mr. Anderson is just as screwed up as Jenna is, torn down by his past. In many ways, these two seek comfort and solace in one another, seeking to help each other stay above the water, not drown. Admittedly, a story of two people healing one another isn't so bad, but a sixteen-year-old girl and a teacher? It's more than a little sickening.

Where Drowning Instinct becomes interesting, though, is in the fact that Mitch Anderson really isn't painted to be a monster. If anything, he gives Jenna the support and courage she needs to begin facing her problems. With her parents dealing with their own doses of crazy, Jenna desperately needs an adult figure in her life to help her and, despite the nature of their relationship, Mitch does help Jenna - immensely. Although Mr. Anderson is proven to be many things, including a liar, Jenna can never forget the fact that he was there when she needed someone, even if it was just someone to listen to her. Nevertheless, I did feel as if the ending to this novel was a cop-out on Bick's part. Everything was tied up a little too openly, a little too loosely, and yet a little too neatly at the same time. We don't know if Jenna is ever going to be alright and, even worse, we have no hope for her future. Although I applaud Bick for tackling a taboo subject and putting it into a difficult perspective, either than her message of moral ambiguity, nothing else is left.

I don't think I can recommend Drowning Instinct. It's written well, filled with three-dimensional characters, and is impossible to put down. Yet, those final emotions that linger even after a book is over were bleak and confusing. Tabitha Sazuma's Forbidden tackles a taboo subject - an incestuous relationship - in a way that is far more effective and emotional. Drowning Instinct, on the other hand, holds you at arms length so that the greatest emotion you're likely to feel is shock. Bick's story isn't for everyone. I don't even think it was for me.

Blog Tour: Sex & Violence by Carrie Mesrobian (Review & Guest Post)

I've been itching to read Sex & Violence since it first came to my attention, so I am thrilled to be part of its blog tour today! A huge thank you to Heather @ The Flyleaf Review for putting together this tour (and inviting me to be part of it!) and to Wendy @ The Midnight Garden for designing the tour banner and button! You ladies rock!

Title: Sex & Violence

Author: Carrie Mesrobian 

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Amazon / B&N / GoodReads

I am, largely, speechless when it comes to Sex & Violence. Obviously, its title is an eye-catcher, not to mention its cover, but the majority of my inability to articulate coherent phrases stems from the fact that I - still - find it difficult to decipher my feelings for this novel. While I firmly believe that Mesrobian's debut is brilliant, touching upon "taboo" subjects with a prose that is both gripping and poignant, I cannot claim to have wholly loved it, heart and soul.

Sex & Violence is told from the perspective of Evan Carter, a typical teenage boy whose sole preoccupation lies with the opposite gender. Ever since his mother died, Evan and his father have moved from city to city, which has given Evan the perpetual status of the New Guy. Fortunately for him, he has learned to cope with his lifestyle, making the most of it by narrowing his sights on the girls most likely to put out, having sex with them, and moving on before the relationship can progress any further. Needless to say, Evan isn't a very nice person, so perhaps it isn't much of a surprise when karma finally gets back at him - big time. While "dating" Collette, the ex-girlfriend of his roommate, Evan is beaten brutally and left, hurting, in a shower. In order to help his son heal and cope with the trauma he has faced, Evan's father moves him to a quiet cabin in Pearl Lake, a small town with an aura of friendliness. Evan, however, doesn't simply have to move on from his past - he needs to find a way to prevent it from occurring again.

Immediately, what jumps out at me about Sex & Violence is its honest, brutal prose. Mesrobian doesn't hesitate to shove all the darkest corners of Evan's thought into the limelight, portraying him a manner that is both unflinching, but often disconcerting - in the best way possible. I've discovered, surprisingly, that I rather enjoy having a narrator whose flaws are outlined from the very beginning. It creates a different reading experience altogether; one a little more intimate as, obviously, we're meant to be rooting for this guy, although we know all the horrible acts he's committed.

Nevertheless, while many may shirk away from a character like Evan, I couldn't help but embrace him, particularly because his growth throughout the novel is impeccably paced. While Evan starts out suffering severe PTSD, unable to step into a shower for months on end, his slow change is subtle. Moreover, for someone like Evan who has made sexual activity - and just sexual activity, without dating or emotions - a lifeline, it takes more than just one brutal beating to knock him into normalcy. Mesrobian understands this and although Evan suffers tremendously within the opening chapters of this novel, his anguish doesn't end; rather, it continues and manifests itself in different ways as Evan battles his past and tries to move on, desperately, into a future he is unable to even imagine.

Yet, my hands-down favorite aspect of this novel was its portrayal of women. Now, this may seem incredibly ironic as the protagonist of our story is a young man who sleeps with a multitude of teens, without any regard for them whatsoever, but the underlying themes of this novel truly come to light with Mesrobian's characterization. Although the novel could - easily - give rise to slut-shaming, it avoids this completely. Even Evan, the ultimate man-whore, contemplates the double standards of society as a girl seeking sex is a slut while a guy seeking sex is just "sowing his oats", as the expression goes. Thus, Evan really doesn't judge. What Mesrobian manages to covey, so perfectly, is the idea that no matter what kind of girl you are - the kind who has sex, the kind who waits for sex, or even the kind who does everything but sex - there's nothing to be ashamed of. Evan forms friendships with girls who fall into all these categories, and ones in-between too, but he discovers, at the end of the day, that their sex lives have no bearing on their personality, their ambition, their drive, or their futures. For me, the fact that this theme is so subtle - is so accepted - is far more effective than an in-your-face message. Ultimately, all these teens, no matter what they've chosen to do with their bodies, are seen as empowered without one specific "path" proven to be better - morally or psychologically.

Although Sex & Violence has so much going for it, I must admit that the narration could drag at times, losing my interest for a few pages every-so-often. Additionally, I feel as if Mesrobian took quite a lot on her plate. Issues such as sex and violence are difficult enough to discuss in an effective manner - particularly violence which is romanticized by the media though portrayed in a realistic manner in this novel - but into this mix, Mesrobian throws in a complicated father-son relationship, exacerbated by an uncle who is mysteriously absent from their lives. While I enjoyed - very much - the dynamics of the relationship between Evan and his father, the lack of closure was a little bothersome. Moreover, Uncle Soren makes a shot-gun appearance at the end of this novel, conveniently tying up a minor plot thread, but throwing off the balance of the story arc. Likewise, the excuses given for Evan's behavior during the last pages of this novel - the mysterious story of the Cupcake Lady of Tacoma finally revealed! - felt forced and lacked any true impact for me, as a reader. While Mesrobian attempts to build an honest image of Evan's life, her last-minute justifications for his behavior regarding sex didn't add to the story in the least. On the contrary, I felt as if the journey Evan underwent as a rather normal teenage boy with a severe misunderstanding of sex and respect was a much better angle to stick with, from beginning to end.

While the ending chapters of this story may have diminished my love for the story as a whole, just a little bit, there is no denying that Sex & Violence is the type of bold and gritty reads I've craved - for awhile, now - to appear in YA. Mesrobian's novel is what many more books need to be and I sincerely hope that, if not sparking a revolution of far more honest and realistic YA, Mesrobian at least returns to the genre in her sophomore novel to touch upon more "taboo" subjects that other authors are too afraid to approach, even with a ten-foot pole. Needless to say, Sex & Violence is an incredible debut and I can only wait - eagerly - for more.

Mental Illness and Therapy: Depiction vs. Reality
By: Carrie Mesrobian

When I was writing my debut novel Sex & Violence, I was not kind to Evan Carter, my main character. In the first chapter, Evan is the victim of a brutal assault where he almost dies.

Evan’s father is no great shakes when it comes to psychological sensitivity, for reasons that become clear later, but even he can see that after the assault, his son is dealing with some post-traumatic stress. So, Evan is delivered, a bit against his will, to talk therapy with a woman named Dr. Penny.

Now, a lot of people have dealt with PTSD, mood disorders or other mental illness. A lot of people have gone to talk therapy, too. But it seems like these people are not sharing about any of this in a realistic way, as I continually see unrealistic and clichéd depictions of mental illness and therapeutic practice in books, television and movies.

Hence, I’ve made the following lists for writers interested in including mental illness and therapy in their stories:

AVOID:

• Conflating mental illness with violent behavior
• Assuming medication for mental illness always fails or always works
• Putting therapy patients on their backs on sofas or having them attend therapy interminably for years and years i.e. Woody Allen
• Creating a therapist or counselor who is heroic and ‘saves’ the patient through dramatic breakthrough scenes, e.g. screaming, sobbing on the carpet, healing embraces, etc.
• Sending your upset character into the old ‘shame shower’ of stress or crying – it’s a boring cliché
• Featuring labyrinthine schemes left behind by depressed people who die by suicide which explain the ‘real reason’ for their untimely deaths to those close to them
• Writing therapists who are personally involved with a patient’s daily life (unless you intend to write a therapist who is irresponsible, unethical and probably ineffectual as well)
• Suggesting that there is a triumphant arc when it comes to ‘defeating’ mental illnesses; these are issues that people must deal with their entire lives and are not generally bested like playground bullies in one dramatic scene
• Putting mentally ill characters in psychiatric wards where they merely gawk at the other floridly mentally ill people as a kind of exotic field trip (Unless you’re Ned Vizzini.)
• Creating characters who have no personality but for their mental illness
• Writing therapy scenes that depict the patient just talking about their past hurts
• Making sweeping conclusions that suggest that only the crazy people in our society are the sane ones, or that insanity is some kind of blessing or creative gift (One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest already did this, and besides, it’s insulting to people who suffer in a real way, every day, with such illnesses)

KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING:

• Most therapists have a finite number of sessions in which to meet goals with patients
• Suicide is a choice someone makes, not something that others make them do. Suicidality generally has three distinct risk factors; insinuating that others are ‘responsible’ for the suicide deaths of people is irresponsible, incorrect and missing the point
• Most people’s insurance plans don’t fully cover addiction recovery, mental health treatment or therapy         
• All therapists are not skilled at what they do; in fact, joint therapy is one of the most difficult types of therapeutic practices to be skilled at
• Many people who go to therapy go unwillingly, therefore gains may be small or nonexistent
• There are different physiological, emotional and behavioral components to each specific disorder; while there can be dual diagnoses, there is no General Crazy. Study up on the illness or disorder you want to depict.
• Teenagers with mental illness may get well-meaning help, but many do not comply with recommendations from parents, counselors or doctors (big shock there, huh?)
• Many mental illnesses require medication and medical treatment as well talk or group therapy
• Much of therapy is about educating patients on living with their illness, offering them strategies for dealing with stress and interpersonal conflicts
• Mental illness is not generally eradicated by the patient unearthing some horrible trauma from their childhood. Such realizations are helpful, no doubt, but much of mental illness must address imbalanced brain/body chemistry and behavior changes.
• Addiction and mental illness often occur together, as people self-medicate to deal with emotional issues
• People still don’t want to talk about mental illness. Characters with these illnesses will surely contend with shame/stigma about this

I’ve worked as a teacher in both public and private schools; my writing has appeared in the StarTribune, Brain, Child magazine, Calyx, and other web and print publications. I teach teenagers about writing at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. However, the best job I ever had was when I worked in a thrift store pawing through donations of cast-off junk. Loved that job so much. My debut YA novel is Sex & Violence, published by Carolrhoda LAB. I have another book coming out next October (2014), again with Carolrhoda LAB. I live with Adrian, my husband, Matilda, my daughter, and Pablo, my dog/publicity manager.

Visit Carrie: Website / Blog / Twitter / Tumblr / GoodReads

Don't miss the rest of the blog tour for Carrie Mesrobian's debut, Sex & Violence! 

Sex & Violence Blog Tour Schedule

 Monday  11/4 

 The Midnight Garden

Tuesday  11/5 

Ivy Book Bindings

 Wednesday 11/6  

A Reader of Fictions

 Thursday  11/7 

Jen Ryland/ YA Romantics

 Friday  11/8 

Into the Hall of Books

Mini-Reviews: Hawksong, Nine Coaches Waiting, and Crossing Stones

If you're seeing this post, it means I have fallen on hard times. Over the past summer, there was a time when I had a wealthy backlog of reviews (oh, how I miss those days!), which meant that I crusaded around GoodReads, writing brief, short sentence "reviews" conveying my thoughts on a handful of novels I was too lazy to review in their entirety. I've gone back through those "mini-reviews" and compiled a small list of the better ones to entertain you, dear readers, with until I can get around to writing and posting a proper review. Either way, I hope you enjoy. :)

Title: Hawksong (The Kiesha'ra, #1)*
Author: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Rating: 4 Stars

Hawksong is possibly one of the most under-rated fantasy novels I've come across. In fact, this book simply seems to fall under everyone's radar - much to their own loss, I must say. Atwater-Rhodes is a brilliant writer, creating a world rich in lore, myth, and tradition. Danica, the queen of her hawk people, and Zane, the king of the cobras, are shapeshifters who marry to end the centuries-old feud between their people. Both Danica and Zane are tired of war, but their marriage will prove more difficult than either can imagine. Both the hawks and cobras share different traditions and as Zane and Danica grow to fall in love with one another, they also learn to assimilate their cultures and their people. Atwater-Rhodes writes world-building as a mere extension of her story, not as an overwhelming portion of info-dumping. With subtle legends and traditions, she manages to create and encompass the depth of these two races. Although I felt as if Hawksong ended a little too early, with both Danica and Zane falling in love slightly faster than I wished, I cannot deny that this is solid fantasy, full of the characters and type of complex world I love. Atwater-Rhodes, my friends, is not to be missed.

*I did read the sequel to this novel, Snakecharm, but wasn't impressed. I would still highly recommend this book, though, as it can be read as a stand-alone and it definitely worth a read for fantasy lovers.

Title: Nine Coaches Waiting 

Author: Mary Stewart

Rating: 4 Stars

What do I possibly say about Nine Coaches Waiting that hasn’t already been said before? Mary Stewart is a legend; her books are classics when it comes to the genre of gothic mystery. Although Nine Coaches Waiting suffers from a slow start, it is a breath-taking novel, beautifully written with a strong-willed and courageous governess at its center. Stewart, much like Daphne DuMaurier, is an expert at building suspense and causing our minds to flit between one suspect and the next. Nine Coaches Waiting is a thrill from start to finish and I finished this in a record three hours flat, unable to let go of the book until I knew for sure who the guilty party was. And, admittedly, it is a little obvious from the start, but there are many layers of doubt that Steward builds and, all the more, with a romance at the center, this book lacks nothing. If you’re a fan of Jane Eyre or simply gothic mysteries in general, then you cannot go wrong with Nine Coaches Waiting. Very highly recommended.

Title: Crossing Stones

Author: Helen Frost

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I've been on a bit of a verse novel binge lately, not to mention one of WWI (especially since I finished all three seasons of Downton Abbey in a record three and a half days!). Thus, it's almost not a surprise that I enjoyed this; it's merely a surprise that I enjoyed this as much as I did. Frost writes beautifully, choosing three separate styles to bring us the story of Muriel, a headstrong girl who isn't afraid to speak her mind; Ollie, her older brother who enlists for war despite being underage; and Emma, the sweet girl next door. With this short novel composed of poems, Frost is able to relate the horrors of war, the struggles of women, and the tension of those who remain home in such a way that it is bearable to us as readers. Not only is Frost's tale historically accurate, but it is also unexpectedly heartfelt.

Muriel, a young Alice Paul if you will, was my favorite narrator in the novel. I loved her outrageous opinions, her inability to accept the reality of her time, and her courage in standing up for her beliefs. Muriel is easily the most flawed of our three narrators which makes her, for me, the most realistic. Ollie provides us with the sole male perspective in this novel, one filled with the harsh realities of war and the peer pressure that men face to enlist. Emma, on the other hand, is possibly the dullest character. Although her poems had substantial depth, she herself is a relatively simplistic character, representing the average American women who was comfortable with her role in the house. With this novel, what Frost excels at is building the era both with war and politics. Granted, the characters aren't as fully fleshed as they could be, but as a piece of historic fiction this is one of the better - and more creative - ones.