Contemporary Conversations, Reviews, YA Mystery

ContempConvos: All Fall Down by Ally Carter

Veronica Porras (TTB)

All Fall Down

introduction:

Did any of you guess this was the book I would be reviewing? If you guessed All Fall Down, click the rafflecopter link and get your extra giveaway entry! a Rafflecopter giveaway

I saved this book specifically for this week. I bought the book right after it was published in January and I was even approved by Scholastic and given an arc before that. But I saved it for this week because it would have been a tragedy if Ms. Ally Carter did not make an appearance during the Spy/Conspiracy/Drama week of Contemporary Conversations. She is so dedicated to this genre and I am so thankful for that. Let’s proceed with my review. I hope you enjoy it.

Goodreads Summary:

A new series of global proportions — from master of intrigue, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter.

This exciting new series from NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Ally Carter focuses on Grace, who can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world, and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.

Now, at age sixteen, she’s come back to stay–in order to solve the mystery of her mother’s death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved.

Review:

I just finished read this and I am speechless. I did not see that ending coming. I am still reeling with that ending. I am shocked. Like people like to say I CAN’T EVEN.

The title All Fall Down finally makes sense. Falling means many different things in this book, but it is Grace’s fall that we focus on the most. We see Grace’s entire journey and we slowly see her start getting madder and madder until she breaks… she falls.

The only thing that was a little weak for me in the story was Noah as a character. He felt… lacking. Something wasn’t there for me. It could be that I missed something because I was devouring this book, but he is the reason why I can’t give it 5 stars. I felt his character a little two-dimensional. This is the first book in a series, so I hope we get to see more of him and he can turn into a character that I love.

One of the reasons why I am such an Ally Carter fan is because she can turn things I would normally see as boring, intriguing. I will never see ambassadors and their children the same again. I also have a higher respect for them. Their job is so important and it is something that day-to-day we don’t even think about. Her books always make me think.

Also, there is NO ROMANCE. None. Zilch. Nada. That is so refreshing. I can’t rave enough to give this book justice.

If you want to get into the world of spies, government agents, and conspiracies, Ally carter is the author for you. Pick this story up. Trust me, you won’t be bored.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Disclaimer: Thank you Scholastic for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion. (I bought a copy of the book once it was released)

Contemporary Conversations, Reviews, Special Review, YA Mystery

ContempConvos: I Am The Weapon by Allen Madoff

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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Goodreads Summary:

They needed the perfect assassin.

Boy Nobody is the perennial new kid in school, the one few notice and nobody thinks much about. He shows up in a new high school in a new town under a new name, makes a few friends, and doesn’t stay long. Just long enough for someone in his new friend’s family to die-of “natural causes.” Mission accomplished, Boy Nobody disappears, moving on to the next target.

But when he’s assigned to the mayor of New York City, things change. The daughter is unlike anyone he has encountered before; the mayor reminds him of his father. And when memories and questions surface, his handlers at The Program are watching. Because somewhere deep inside, Boy Nobody is somebody: the kid he once was; the teen who wants normal things, like a real home and parents; a young man who wants out. And who just might want those things badly enough to sabotage The Program’s mission.

In this action-packed series debut, author Allen Zadoff pens a page-turning thriller that is as thought-provoking as it is gripping, introducing an utterly original and unforgettable antihero.

Review:

O.M.G. I was not expecting this book to end how it did. Or to start how it did. I did not expect anything at all. And speaking honestly here, it was a breath of fresh air! I honestly felt like I was reading a script of a crime/covert operations type of show.

Zach Abram is Mr. Nobody. No one sees him arrive into their lives and no one notices when he leaves. I want to say he is like a shadow, but shadows leave something behind (if someone knows here to look) and he doesn’t. I really liked the way his back story was revealed in snippets through the entire book. It created this mysterious aura that helped form his character.

There was something that I loved about this book. Normally when an assassin or trained operative comes into play, no one sees him, he leaves nothing behind, but in this book the trained operative makes a mistake! He assumes that the family of the target does not know how to recognize people like him. He has all this training yet it fails him for a good portion of the book and it is through those mistakes that we learn that even the coldest person has feelings. The main character in a way is the anti-hero of his own story.

Gosh this was such a good book that I really don’t want to spoil it for anyone. If you are a fan of Jennifer Lynn Barns and/or Ally Carter,  I think you’ll like this book. It does have some flaws, but overall it is a good novel. It felt wholesome and the world was well established. I may have to get the second book because that ending… so did not see it coming! EEEKKKKKK!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Disclaimer: Thank you Little, Brown Books and  NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion.

Key word: Falling

Contemporary Conversations

ContempConvos: Spies, Government Agents, and Conspiracies

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Contemporary-Conversations-Banner2 This week I’m not starting off with a review, but with a discussion post! Something that really irks me is the lack of YA Contemporary novels that deal with Spies, Government Agencies, and Conspiracies. We have a wide variety pretty much of any sub-genre, but not this one. Why is that? Is it because there isn’t such a big demand or there aren’t enough authors writing these types of stories?

Yes, we have spies, assassins, and government agents in dystopian novels, sci-fi novels, and fantasy novels, but not in contemporary novels. I say that it isn’t fair. Sometimes I just want some spies in my life you know? One of the reasons I love Ally Carter is because Spies, Government Agents, Conspiracies, Con-artists are the things she writes about in a pure contemporary world. Jennifer Lynn Barnes who is Ally Carter’s friend also writes in these sub-genres. Apart from them, I don’t know other authors that focus solely on that.

I would have included “The Name is the Star” by Maureen Johnson, but it is a paranormal contemporary novel. It’s not pure contemporary and that is where it irks me. We have action movies that do not have sic-fi, paranormal, fantasy, or dystopian elements to them, but where are the books that are just pure action and suspense? That is my question. That is what I want people to answer me.

I want to hear from you now. Do you like to read these type of novels or do you prefer this spy, assassin, etc., thing when it is in a dystopian or fantasy world (ex: Delirium , Throne of Glass, etc.)? and why?

Hopefully you will shed some light on this subject because it’s just not fair. Not fair at all.

Contemporary Conversations

ContempConvos: Week 3 Wrap Up and Spies, Revenge, and Conspiracies Week Intro

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Contemporary-Conversations-Banner

Life happened at the end of this week and I didn’t have this post scheduled so I apologize it is coming a little bit late today. But…

WEEK THREE IS OVER! WOOO!

I can’t believe we are almost at the end of this. One more week and Contemporary Conversations is over.. *cries*

I’ve had tons of fun doing this and I hope you guys have had as much fun participating as well. Below is a list of the posts that were a part of “The Re-Reads” week. If we missed your post or discussion by any chance, go ahead and leave it down in the comments below and we will add it to the list accordingly.

Reviews:

Discussions and Fun:

Week 4 is the week I have been anticipating the most since the very beginning. It focuses on several sub-genres I am very passionate about. This week it is all about  spies, conspiracies, and drama. I am a sucker for those sub-genres and I wish they were more popular than they are.

We will be having a challenge this week too! Throughout the week, on both Kayla’s and my posts, you’ll find clues hidden around. All of the clues will put together the answer that you’ll need on Friday – the correct answer gets you an extra point in our giveaway!

Who is excited for this week?!  I AM!

*cheers*

Contemporary Conversations

ContempConvos: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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Introduction:

Yes, I have reviewed this book before. If you want to read my original review click here. I almost didn’t re-read it because Kayla reviewed it for Disabilities week, but then I said the heck with it! I want to review it for reread week because I want to reread it. So here I go!

Goodreads Summary:

At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her—and she’s forced to decide what her next move should be.

Soon, Sydney finds herself captivated by her mysterious and attractive neighbor, Ridge. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either. They soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one.

Review:

Dear Lord have mercy on my soul, heart, everything. This book destroyed me and built me up. I texted both Anjie and Kayla right after I finished it… Guys I’m floating…

I seemed to have picked the perfect books to reread because both ORS and now Maybe Someday seemed to be better than I remembered them to be. Maybe Someday is perfection. I know not everyone likes the story because they have an issue with a certain part of it, but I just think that the journey makes it okay.

The characters are so honest and raw that it feels as if I know these characters personally. That I am their friend and I am first-hand seeing them go through all of this chaos. My heart broke, clenched, sped up, and beat along with Sydney and Ridge.

I can’t get over my fangirling right now. I want this review to be comprehendible, but I think I will just unleash the fangirl I can’t seem to hold back. *cracks knuckles*

Just like ORS, I love that this centers around music as well. Like I said before, sucker for music influenced books, and a sucker for musicians. It can’t get any better than this.

Is it horrible of me to say that I kind of aspire to be Sydney, not what happens to her of course, but the qualities she possesses, she is so selfless… it’s amazing!

Ridge and Sydney (about 95% of the time) handled everything with such maturity that I only wish if I was ever in any type of difficult situation I would be as mature as them.

I first read this book when I was younger than the characters and I saw them all grown up and independent, but this time around, I’m older than the characters and I was not only able to relate to them, but I also felt older. Crazy really. I’m probably a little more sensitive to age right now because I turned 24 two weeks ago.

My concluding thoughts are these. I am so happy I reread Maybe Someday. It makes me happy and warms me on the inside. Rereading is the best!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Contemporary Conversations

ContempConvos: Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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Introduction:

Open Road Summer is the perfect book to start off my rereads week. I remember finding it so freaking adorable the first time around. Two Sundays ago, Kayla and I did my birthday dinner thing and as part two of my birthday celebration evening, we spent over an hour at Barnes and Nobles because what is a Birthday Celebration without a trip to the bookstore? I was set on getting my own copy of this book since I had borrowed Kayla’s copy originally. I hadn’t planned on rereading Open Road Summer for this week, but in the end, it felt like the right decision after I bought it and oh boy it was!

Goodreads Summary:

After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind…and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. A fresh new voice in contemporary romance, Emery Lord’s gorgeous writing hits all the right notes.

Review:

Matt Finch… Matt FREAKING Finch. What will I do with that boy? He has completely captured my heart once more and he isn’t even real.

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Let’s go back to Matt Finch later or else I will get emotional… My feels are already out of control.

The first and foremost thing I love the most about Open Road Summer is the music in it. I played music for over 10 years and Gosh Darnet I’m a sucker for musicians. Everyone knows it. It’s not a secret. Every single crush I’ve had in my entire life has been a musician except for one. That says a lot. It’s probably why I fell so hard so Mr. Matt Finch and why it made this book that much sweeter to me.

I really really loved the friendship between Dee and Reagan. It is rare to see such a good friendship on paper. Most YA novels have great friendships, but this one is one of the rare ones and that amazes me. It’s amazing how loyal they are to each other. It is rare to find friends that are that loyal. As someone who has had people stab me in the back, seeing this perfectly imperfect friendship just warms my heart.

What I saw this time reading it for the second time that I didn’t see the first time is how mature Reagan is. The first time around, I just saw her recklessness and sassy-ness because this girl is just PURE SASS, but this time, I saw how much she really hesitated and how much she wanted to grow and be a better person, not just for those around her, but for herself. She saw that her rebellious and destructive behavior was getting her nowhere except into a hole that would be really hard to get out of one day.

Matt Finch. That man… Gosh. He surprised me more this second time around. I was able to truly see how broken he was, the pain he was in, it made my heart hurt. At work we can listen to music or podcasts while we work, and I was listening to the ORS audiobook and I almost cried there staring at my computer screen because it was just so sad and heart-wrenching. My heart literally hurt. It was painful.

This second reread of Open Road Summer was purely amazing. I think I fell in love with this book a little bit more and it bumped down other favorites on my list. I’m still amazed at the fact that this is Emery Lord’s DEBUT NOVEL. Mind Blown.

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Rating: 5 out of 5

 

Contemporary Conversations

ContempConvos: Week 2 Wrap up and ReReads Week Intro

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Contemporary-Conversations-Banner

Now that was a challenging week. You guys really went in deep and there were some amazing discussions and it’s almost unbelievable how many hard-stuff books you guys found. I’m amazed. I want to thank all for taking this topic so seriously and joining Kayla and I as we navigated through topics that many don’t want to talk about.

Below is a list of the posts that were a part of “The Hard Stuff” week. If we missed your post or discussion by any chance, go ahead and leave it down in the comments below and we will add it to the list accordingly.

Reviews:

Discussions and Fun:

This week’s topic is something we are ALL looking forward to.

WEEK THREE IS REREADS WEEK

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I read some of my favorite books for this week! Gosh, I literally fangirled with both of them. In all honesty, I feel like the books I reread for this week are even better than I remembered them to be.

This week’s challenge will be posted first on Kayla’s side on Wednesday. I will be posting mine on Thursday. The gist of the challenge is this: provide the cover image, and possibly the synopsis if you choose, of 3-5 books, and give ONE gif that sums up the book. No words allowed! Fun is a requirement!

Now, Go Forth and Have Fun!

Contemporary Conversations, Reviews, ya contemporary

ContempConvos: The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

Veronica Porras (TTB)

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Goodreads Summary:

For the past five years, Hayley Kincain and her father, Andy, have been on the road, never staying long in one place as he struggles to escape the demons that have tortured him since his return from Iraq. Now they are back in the town where he grew up so Hayley can attend school. Perhaps, for the first time, Hayley can have a normal life, put aside her own painful memories, even have a relationship with Finn, the hot guy who obviously likes her but is hiding secrets of his own.

Will being back home help Andy’s PTSD, or will his terrible memories drag him to the edge of hell, and drugs push him over? The Impossible Knife of Memory is Laurie Halse Anderson at her finest: compelling, surprising, and impossible to put down.

Introduction:

Welcome to something that Kayla and I like to call Chat Style Book Reviews, but as you will see… It’s more like a discussion. We had tons of fun with this and I hope you find reading this as much fun as we had writing it. So that you can know who is writing what, I have given each of our parts different colors. I am the Red Violet text and Kayla is the Royal Blue text.

Review:

Dear Lord where do I start? THAT BOOK AND ITS FEELS. I’ve always loved Ms. Anderson’s books and this is no exception. All I can think is… FINN. AND THAT HE IS HISPANIC. AND HIS LAST NAME IS RAMOS. AND THAT HE IS FIIIIIIINE. Okay, Kayla… a little help here!

FINN RAMOS. I really am of no help here because FINNNNNN. I’m pretty sure that name is magical, just like Rowan. Every single character that I’ve read about with the name “Finn” (or Finnegan – even better) is a favorite of mine. So – new resolution: if I have two sons, they will be Finn and Rowan. So it is written, so let it be done. BUT ANYWAY…

Damn it. I’m still speechless. What did I love, besides the Finn? 1) Hayley’s prickliness. I really liked her narration, even if it was grating at times. EVERYTHING about Anderson’s writing screamed of Hayley’s mental status. Even without her voicing her problems and putting them into black and white terms, I just KNEW she was struggling. And the way she described her panic attacks was like YES I GET IT. I just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe forever.

OMG I know. At first I found it too perfect for her not to be struggling and then when we started getting those glimpses I was like CRAP. She too is experiencing what her Dad is, just in a different way. While she doesn’t remember, her Dad remembers it all. I think both remembering and not remembering are equally devastating.

Something I really liked was that Ms. Anderson totally showed us that someone can change. We can see it in her once upon a time step mom. She might have added to Hayley’s trauma, but she came back and tried to help both of them. She got her act together and changed. I love it when they give us hope because we all need it. We need to see that people do change, but only if they are willing. That is the key.

Ahhh her step-mom. I was totally with Hayley when she came back, but once I stopped thinking as Hayley and started thinking as an outsider, I really saw how much she truly had changed. The mini-redemption-arc was a great touch to the book, because it also tied in with Hayley’s journey toward healing.

Speaking of healing arcs – Hayley’s dad. I was so thrilled by the fact that there wasn’t an HEA. Does that sound awful? I’m just ecstatic that it wasn’t like a “oh they’re magically better” sort of moment. Mental illness is hard work to get through, and a single epiphany won’t make it go away. But the fact that there was so much hope in the end – that even though Hayley and her dad will both still struggle, they’ll still be okay – I just needed to see that message.

No, it doesn’t sound awful. I too liked that we were given hope for a better future instead of a happily ever after because in real life, we see hope and most of the time not an instant happily ever after.

Overall, The Impossible Knife of Memory is a book I think we will both cherish for what’s its worth and its message, and I am absolutely glad we read it together. I suggest you all take a moment and go to a bookstore and pick this book up. It will change your life. Amen sister!

Rating:

Vero: 5 out of 5

Kayla: 5 out of 5