Review: The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson

Review: The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson

3 stars Debut Dystopia eARC Kayla Olson Post-Apocalypse Review Science Fiction Standalone

The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: June 6, 2017

Rating: 3 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary (from Goodreads):

When all hope is gone, how do you survive? 

Before the war, Eden’s life was easy—air conditioning, ice cream, long days at the beach. Then the revolution happened, and everything changed.

Now a powerful group called the Wolfpack controls the earth and its resources. Eden has lost everything to them. They killed her family and her friends, destroyed her home, and imprisoned her. But Eden refuses to die by their hands. She knows the coordinates to the only neutral ground left in the world, a place called Sanctuary Island, and she is desperate to escape to its shores.

Eden finally reaches the island and meets others resistant to the Wolves—but the solace is short-lived when one of Eden’s new friends goes missing. Braving the jungle in search of their lost ally, they quickly discover Sanctuary is filled with lethal traps and an enemy they never expected. 

This island might be deadlier than the world Eden left behind, but surviving it is the only thing that stands between her and freedom.

What I Liked:

I haven't really been following the massive amounts of debut novels that have published and will be published this year, but this is one of the few that I had been really looking forward to reading. I'm an environmental engineering student and as soon as I came across this book, and heard how deeply rooted the story was in environmental themes, I knew I had to have it. You know it has to be pretty scientific and environment-focused if Leonardo DiCaprio will be producing its film. While I enjoyed this book and I don't not recommend it, I didn't love it like I had expected. Still, this is an interesting novel and I definitely think it should be discussed, especially given these times we live in.

It has been years since Eden was orphaned. It's been years since she lived a normal life, before the war, before the Wolves took over and ceased control and instilled such potent fear in the lives of survivors. For two years, Eden has been biding her time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to escape - and it comes. Eden escapes with three girls who are strangers to her. They reach an island - the island, according to Eden's father's field guide. Eden's father knew of Sanctuary, an island of neutral ground, and Eden and the girls have found it. But the island isn't what it seems, with its treacherous terrain and creepy plants. They're alone, but are they? With the arrival of three boys come answers, but even more questions. Nothing about Sanctuary Island is what Eden - or anyone - expected.

This story is such an interesting one to classify. It's definitely post-apocalyptic, given that things really started because of rising sea levels, contaminated drinking water, and other effects of climate change. The Wolves began a bloody revolution after Envirotech, a company with cutting edge technology, prioritized the rich people who could pay for their products. Purified water, for example, and admission to a paradise-like island. The Wolves sought justice, being those less fortunate that would never be able to afford what Envirotech offered. The story is also obviously science fiction, given that the themes are heavily scientific. And dystopia too, because of the militaristic rule of the Wolves. It's an intriguing and terrifying mix of genres, that make up a rather realistic story.

I am totally here for the science! You don't see a lot of YA books delve into climate change and the deadly cause-and-effect feedback loop that occurs. Everything about this story occurs because of climate change; the need for purified drinking water spurred on the rise of Envirotech, which caused the disparity between the rich and the poor to become more pronounced, which led to the rise of the Wolfpack, which led to the rebellion and revolution. Climate change is an immense catalyst of this story, and as scary as climate change is, I was so happy to see its presence in the story. YA books could benefit from including such a real and very present danger in our world today.

This book is written entirely in Eden's first-person POV. In the first chapter or so, Eden is preparing to escape once and for all. And she does, with a lot of luck (it seemed lucky). She and three other girls hightail it by sailboat, and find Sanctuary. Eden has known that Sanctuary is not a myth for years, since her father's field guide notebook was returned to her. The field guide saves Eden and the girls as they explore the island. Eden's father was an engineer who was responsible for a lot of things relating to the revolution - though the revolution was in no way his fault.

I liked Eden, though it took me a bit to fully latch onto her character and care about her. She has quiet strength and the spirit of a survivor. She has many fears that she tries to overcome in this book. That is something that I really liked about this book and this character - the author explicitly states Eden's fear (for example, snakes and dark water), and the author has Eden face each of them. 

There are three other girls that escape with Eden (by chance) - Alexa, Finnley, and Hope. I didn't really care for Finnley from the start, though I didn't hate her either. Alexa came off as self-absorbed and haughty, but I actually liked her despite these qualities, and as the story went on, I grew to like and respect her even more. I liked Hope, with her kindness and sweetness. 

Three boys join the girls on the island about a third or maybe two-fifths into the story. They arrive via ship and they are there for a reason. Cass seems like the leader, and he and Alexa happen to have a lot of history. My heart hurt for Alexa, with how Cass leaves their relationship. Phoenix is more of a periphery character, though he has his moments.

Lonan, however, becomes a very important character in the book. He holds many secrets, and he turns out to be a very critical player in the whole plot. He's not just a smart and charming boy with an easy smile - he has secrets upon secrets. I liked him immediately.

You can probably guess who is involved in the romance. I liked Lonan and Eden together. They are both leaders, though Lonan is more of an authoritative and commanding one, whereas Eden is a quiet one. They are a good match. I wanted to feel more for their chemistry (see below), but I do think they fit well together. I definitely wanted more Cass/Alexa. No love triangle, by the way!

Most of the story is set on the island, though the final thirty percent or so is set elsewhere. I don't want to say anything more about that, because it gets spoiler-y really quickly. But I will say that I liked the island setting a lot. The island was incredibly creepy and chilling. As soon as the group moved off the island, my interest waned a little. It just wasn't the same! I'll explain below.

What I Did Not Like:

Obviously, given how long my "Likes" section is, I enjoyed this book. And I'm not going to deny that. I liked the book, and I don't not recommend it. But I also didn't feel particularly strongly about some aspects.

For example, I wanted more chemistry between Lonan and Eden! Personality-wise, I think they are a good fit. But I didn't fall in love with them falling love. Or them falling in lust. Or whatever. They're teens on an island, depraved of all sorts of stimuli! How are they not constantly checking each other out? I expected more from Lonan and Eden in terms of chemistry. Where are the steamy kisses in warm natural pools of water, or whatever? The author could have done so much with the romance, especially in terms of the chemistry. The romance felt a bit lacking, because there was no tension between Lonan and Eden. I could feel their emotional connection (the two of them growing to trust and care about each other), but not their physical connection. They don't even kiss until the book is almost over!

Also, I wanted more from Cass and Alexa's relationship. The author could have done so much with that relationship! Second-chance romance, anyone? Some serious angst between the pair? Alexa has her fair share of angst and pain built up, but I wanted to see that spill over and interactions with Cass to be had. The two of them are like fire and ice - I wanted to see them ignite and explode!

Like I said above, I liked the island setting. Some scenes had me in chills. But once Eden and the gang encountered a certain thing on the island, and they eventually left the island, I just wasn't as interested. The big twist and the reveals probably didn't have the intended effect on me. And I was a little bored, after some of the big reveals. I didn't really care or follow what was the M.O. of Eden and her new friends (friends I have not mentioned yet). The last third of the book seemed sloppy and rushed, compared to the rest of the book. 

Also, nothing felt really resolved, despite the fact that this book is currently listed as a standalone. I didn't like how certain aspects of the book (which I can't even mention specifically) aren't addressed in the end. I'll try to be vague - for example, something pretty serious is done to Lonan and the others (not Eden though). Is this taken care of? Is the related tech destroyed? Also, where will Eden and Lonan go - what are their plans, now that this and that have been taken care of? There is no epilogue of the two of them making out on a beach or something like that. Of course, the author could be leaving the ending in such a vague state in case a sequel (or more) is contracted. But it's annoying. The ending is wrapped up, but very vague and certain things are wrapped up in a way that is too vague and general and needed mores specifics and detail. Basically, the ending was too perfect in a vague way, but there were also things that were definitely not addressed. 

Also, not a huge deal, but the title...? Someone explain the relevance of it to the story to me, please. I'm not trying to be snarky - I legitimately don't get it!

Would I Recommend It:

I actually highly recommend this book, especially to those like me who love science-y books in YA literature. This is not a pure dystopia novel, nor is it purely a post-apocalyptic novel, It has both of those genres/sub-genres mixed in, and a lot of environmental themes that are really important. Economic ones, too. I didn't totally love the book, but I recommend it because it's a relevant and important book that I think young adults should read. The issues discussed are incredibly real and we should be paying attention to them.

Rating:

3.5 stars. I hesitate to round up because I really don't think I'm feeling a 4-star rating for this book. It's not that I didn't like it, it's that I didn't feel completely satisfied after finishing it. You know that feeling when you finish a book and you're like, "wow, that was great"? I didn't experience that, despite the fact that I do think it was a great book overall. If the author writes anything to follow this book, I will definitely read it!

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Review: Beneath the Shine by Sarah Fine

Review: Beneath the Shine by Sarah Fine

4 stars Dystopia Review Sarah Fine Standalone

Beneath the Shine by Sarah Fine

Publisher: Skycape

Publication Date: April 18, 2017

Rating: 4 stars

Source: Review copy sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

In a future United States where those who control technology control the wealth, seventeen-year-old Marguerite’s viral video propels a populist candidate to presidential victory on a platform of “tech for all.” But as the mouthpiece of the new leader determined to break the elite stronghold, Marguerite finds herself on the opposite side of the divide in a new high school full of technocrat teens.

When the enigmatic Percy, with his flamboyant fashion sense, sharp wit, and tragic past, takes an interest in her, she is suspicious. But with everyone against her, she needs an ally. Percy is drawn to Marguerite’s passion for the cause, but the legacy of his murdered scientist parents prevents him from letting her get too close.

Soon terrorists strike the capital and technocrat leaders begin turning up dead, and the two must work together to protect both their families and the country. With everyone literally plugged into technology, total domination will take only a flip of the switch. In order to preserve their freedom and the future Marguerite envisions, she and Percy may be forced to pay the ultimate price.

What I Liked:

It's not secret that Sarah Fine is one of my favorite authors. Her books - both Young Adult and Adult - really work for me. I've never rated a book of hers with less than three stars (only three of her books got a three-star rating - the rest were four- and five-star ratings!). Pretty impressive, considering this is the fourteenth book of hers that I've read. She is an amazing storyteller!

Beneath the Shine is a standalone YA novel following Marguerite, a teen whose impassioned rant went viral, and boosted a populist presidential candidate's campaign. The candidate won by a landslide, and in no small part due to Marguerite. Now, she uses her voice for the President, and she going to be attending an elite school in D.C. A school filled with technocrat teenagers who supported the opposing candidate, and doesn't want specialized tech to be available to everyone (which is something the President campaigned for). The teens at this school are rich, entitled, and incredibly rude to Marguerite - all but a few. Percy Blake is one of them. He seems charming and full of humor and fashion sense, but there is something more to him that he doesn't share with the world. There is something about his appearance of shallowness that makes Marguerite suspicious, and intrigued. But Percy isn't the only one with secrets. What is Marguerite is supporting a monster? Terrorism strikes the capital, technocrat leaders and their children are killed, and Marguerite is being manipulated. But by whom? She'll have to trust Percy, who isn't all that he seems.

It's been so long since I've read a dystopia novel! I read entirely too many of them four or five years ago, and I haven't read too many since. This book is an excellent and refreshing dystopia novel! Probably because it hits really, really close to home, especially with today's current events. Yes, we have the cliched story of teens trying to unveil corruption and overthrow the government. But the story is so much more!

For example, the extreme use of technology. There are robots and basically closed humans (who are robots) everywhere, and these robots (called "cannies") have taken so many jobs. Poverty is at an all-time high, because so many jobs no longer need humans. What's more, many of the elite (humans) have Cerepins, which are basically like computers in your brain - think of it like your smartphone is inserted into your brain, and you can watch videos and go on Instagram and do whatever, via the Cerepin inserted in your forehead. 

So, the world-building of this book is pretty great! I love how imaginative and inventive all of Fine's stories and worlds are. This book is entirely a dystopia, and highly futuristic, but some of the politics and corruption sounded so familiar, like some modern-day politics we are witnessing.

This book is told from Marguerite's first-person POV, but also Percy's first-person POV, which was a nice surprise. They don't switch off every other chapter - it's rather sporadic, the switches in narration. But not distracting. Fine knows exactly how to move the story along within the correct narration to do so. 

I liked Marguerite from the start. Yes, she seems almost brainwashed, given how passionate she is about the President's campaign and commitments. People think she is greedy, selfish, a whore (some think she slept with the President), a social climber. But Marguerite is none of those things. She is kind, down to earth, even selfless. She lives her life like she knows her every move is being recorded, everything she says is public, and she represents something bigger than herself. Marguerite is a strong girl for all that she goes through, but I liked seeing her evolve as the story went on. She started to question things - and people - and she started to wonder about the right things. Marguerite is very smart and a good person.

Percy, on the other hand, is very smart, very charming, very witty, and very deceptive. He is hiding behind a shallow mask, hiding his true self. He has a thing for fashion and posts videos of him showing off clothes, makeup, tutorials, the works - but he is actually the son of brilliant scientists who were murdered, and he wants to know why. Percy is extremely clever and deceived everyone for so long about who he really is. I adored Percy, for all of his flamboyance and deception. He starts off being a little on the selfish side, only wanting to find out what really happened to his parents. But he becomes more aware of something larger at play, and he realizes what he could - and should - be doing, with his knowledge and skills.

This book was incredibly engaging and interesting to read, and there were a lot of tense moments that had me biting my nails for fear of either Marguerite or Percy. The story moves rapidly and never lets up, until the end. There are a lot of moving parts to the story - it's not just about the terrorism, the murders of elite technocrats, or Percy trying to uncover the truth about his parents' murders. Everyone is looking for a bad guy - the President? The CEO of the company making Cerepin? A combination of the two? Marguerite will find out the hard way.

This book doesn't mess around, and there isn't a lot of time spent on some relationships, but they exist. For example, Marguerite has a broken relationship with her mother, who hasn't been the same since Marguerite's father died. Everyone hates Marguerite at her new school, except a few people who take a chance on her. I liked seeing Marguerite make friends with Anna, the daughter of a powerful opponent of the President. That was unexpected, but you could tell both girls were trying to be genuine. 

And then there is Marguerite and Percy. What if I told you that there was no Marguerite and Percy? Well, there isn't really any romance in this book. You can tell that Marguerite is interested in Percy and Percy is interested in Marguerite, but nothing romantic really happens, and there is no intense tension or anything like that. I mean, the characters are too busy trying to save lives and uncover some dangerous truths - and they don't spend a ton of time occupying the same space. In fact, Marguerite doesn't find out who Percy really is until around the climax of the novel. I like that Percy had his agenda and Marguerite had her own, and they didn't really work together until the climax of the novel. This book isn't a romance, and it doesn't need one. Of course, I would have loved more from the "romance", but this book didn't need one. Still, I'm very happy with the ending and the direction of Percy and Marguerite's relationship. 

This book ends well, after all of the heart-pounding action that ensued throughout the story. The climax is exactly what you would expect it to be (a showdown with most of the important players of the story), and not everyone emerges unscathed. I liked the ending. It seemed fair to me, even if everything wrapped up a little too neatly. I'm quite pleased with this book!

What I Did Not Like:

I already stated that I think this book didn't need a romance, and definitely functioned well without one. Well, Marguerite and Percy are definitely into each other, but nothing happens and no feelings are professed (not until the end, kind of). And while I liked this book, romance-free and all, I also wouldn't have minded if there had been some stolen kisses or breathless moments. Just saying!

Would I Recommend It:

I do recommend this novel, whether you like dystopia books or not! I used to love them but then I got sick of them. This book was a nice change of pace (I've read a lot of fantasy lately), and it's honestly really timely (with the politics and corruption it involves). And while there is a hint of romance, this book is great for those that don't like romance to be at the forefront. But it also appeals nicely to those that do like romance, because a romance exists. 

Rating:

4 stars. In general, I think the author did a great job addressing issues that appear today in society (distribution of wealth, corruption of leaders, rise in technology). She also did a great job in telling an excellent story. I'm impressed with her storytelling, as always! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

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Swoon Thursday (#190): Metaltown by Kristen Simmons

Swoon Thursday (#190): Metaltown by Kristen Simmons

Dystopia Futuristic Kristen Simmons Standalone Swoon Thursday

- From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

- Try to make the swoon excerpt 140 characters (or less), if you are going to tweet about it. Use the hashtag #YABOUND when tweeting

This week, my swoon is from Metaltown by Kristen Simmons!

His fingertip trailed down her cheek. She could feel his touch, even after his hand lowered.

"You're not what I expected," he said.

Before she could tell him that he wasn't what she had expected either, he lowered his head, and closed his eyes, and pressed his lips to hers.

She blinked rapidly, unable to breathe, unable to think. Her body went completely rigid, the only movement beneath her ribs, where her heart punched through the bones.

His hands slid slowly over her shoulders, down her straight arms to her bunched fists, and he lifted them and placed them behind his neck. She could feel him smile against her mouth, and then kiss her again, slowly, pulling lightly on her lower lip.

It was like colors she'd never seen, light, brighter than she'd ever known. It was new, and soft, and terrifying, and perfect.

[...] Her hands gripped his shoulders of their own accord, and her eyelids drifted closed. She followed his lead, parting her lips the way he did, gasping when his hands tangled in her hair. Her legs grew weak, and her body melted, and soon his skin, hard and warm, was pressed against hers and his hands were inching down her spine.

- eARC, pages 259-260

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I loved this book! If you preorder, be sure to email Kristen to be entered to win very cool Metaltown swag. Details are HERE. And hey, if Metaltown doesn't seem like your thing, I highly recommend The Glass Arrow too. It was amazing!

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Metaltown by Kristen Simmons

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Metaltown by Kristen Simmons

4 stars Blog Tour Dystopia eARC Futuristic Giveaway Kristen Simmons Review Standalone

Welcome to the blog tour for Metaltown by Kristen Simmons! I had the pleasure and honor of reading this book early, and I loved every thrilling, heartbreaking moment of it. Check out my full review below, and be sure to enter the giveaway!

Metaltown by Kristen Simmons

Publisher: Tor Teen

Publication Date: September 20, 2016

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Metaltown, where factories rule, food is scarce, and hope is in short supply.

The rules of Metaltown are simple: Work hard, keep your head down, and watch your back. You look out for number one, and no one knows that better than Ty. She’s been surviving on the factory line as long as she can remember. But now Ty has Colin. She’s no longer alone; it’s the two of them against the world. That’s something even a town this brutal can’t take away from her. Until it does.

Lena’s future depends on her family’s factory, a beast that demands a ruthless master, and Lena is prepared to be as ruthless as it takes if it means finally proving herself to her father. But when a chance encounter with Colin, a dreamer despite his circumstances, exposes Lena to the consequences of her actions, she’ll risk everything to do what’s right.

In Lena, Ty sees an heiress with a chip on her shoulder. Colin sees something more. In a world of disease and war, tragedy and betrayal, allies and enemies, all three of them must learn that challenging what they thought was true can change all the rules.

An enthralling story of friendship and rebellion, Metaltown will have you believing in the power of hope.

What I Liked:

I'm a huge, huge fan of Kristen Simmons' books, but I was slightly nervous before reading this one. The synopsis sounds love-triangle-y, doesn't it? Plus I read a review written by a very disappointed friend, who made some valid points that I had a feeling would bother me. But when I read the book, I found that I didn't have those same issues, and that I really enjoyed the story. Folks, Metaltown is a heart-pounding and truly heartbreaking story, and it was definitely worth the read.

Metaltown follows the lives three teenagers, two living in Metaltown, one living in the River District. Colin and his family didn't always live in Metaltown, but they do now, and they work in the factories with terrible conditions and awful pay. You mess up, you're fired. Colin and Ty are best friends. Ty is a street-smart orphan, earning her keep just like Colin and so many other underage children with no rights. Meanwhile, Lena Hampton, daughter of Josef Hampton who owns all of the factors, is living a rather cushy and rich life in the River District, a life so different and so privileged. But not all that glitters is gold - even Lena's life is filled with cruelty. The Hamptons' lifestyle depends on the the factories producing weapons for the war. But when certain events occur, the workers of the Small Parts factory decide that they've had enough. A spark turns into a wildfire, and the rebellion begins. But will Lena side with the workers? Will Colin put aside his personal duties for the benefit of everyone? Will Ty accept her fate?

I'm going to be honest - typically I do not enjoy books that follow more than two people. In this book, we get three third-person POVs - Colin's (whose is first), Ty's, and Lena's. This practically screams love triangle (I'll get to that later, but don't worry), and messiness. But Simmons did a really great job in writing the three POVs, and telling the story using each voice. She kept the story flowing at a great pace, and every chapter (which was a POV switch) tied in well with the overall plot. It was clear that each chapter was strategically written from that specific person's POV, and made sense.

Colin's POV is first, and I like to think of him as the "main" protagonist, even though all three are "main" protagonists. Colin is protective, extremely loyal, and very selfless. He works to support himself, his parents, and his brother. He stands with the workers, and for the workers, even when the workers themselves wouldn't band together. Colin is a natural leader, with so much charisma and charm. I adored Colin so much.

Ty is a hardcore spitfire of a girl. She's so tough and so strong, and she goes though so much in this book. Out of all of the characters, I think Ty had it the worst. She suffers a terrible injury, and then loses her job at the factory, and then has nowhere to go. She and Colin look out for each other, and are family to each other. I liked their friendship - it seemed fairly platonic on both sides. I like how protective Ty was of Colin, and how protective she was of other workers too. Ty isn't as obviously selfless as Colin is, and she does have her survival-of-the-fittest moments, but Ty is always trying to help the factory workers. Always.

Lena... it took me a bit to warm up to her. She's the stereotypical spoiled brat, the princess of the kingdom. What makes things worse is that she has no idea of the conditions of the factories, the lack of pay, lack of medical care, etc. But she wants to get involved in the family business, which is how she ends up on a tour of the Small Parts factory. Lena is so naive in the beginning of the book, which is why it was hard to like her. But I did end up liking her; she could be any of us - born in privilege, sheltered all her life, somewhat brainwashed. But Lena is her own brand of strong - she discovers many truths for herself (about the factories, the war, her father, the company). She learns to fight back, to stand up, to choose. I like Lena and I like the development of her character. Her character development is the most obviously progressive (not that the other two do not have great character development!). 

Gosh, what an incredible and heartbreaking world Simmons has created. It's very futuristic, a world that we could be living in, in fifty years. Food had to genetically enhanced and modified, but it wasn't tested because it had to be mass-produced, and many people got sick and died from eating the modified corn. Children work in factories for little to no pay (this is a current problem). Brotherhoods are bribed to keep workers happy. Water isn't clean. A war is raging. The world that Simmons has created is very authentic and real, in a futuristic way. It's a hard place to live, with so many people starving, begging, dying. Life working in the factory is miserable.

I feel like all of Simmons' books are somewhat heartbreaking, with cruel worlds and harsh conditions, the survival type of books that could easily be real, in the future. Simmons writes these themes of pain, suffering, death, and hope very well. The story is heartbreaking, but powerful. There is quite a bit of pain and death in this book, but there is also a lot of positive, strong relationship. Human resilience in the face of miserable times!

I said I would talk about the romance. I was so, so worried about a love triangle. But I quickly found that Colin and Ty are like family, and they are very platonic friends. I think Ty is very protective of Colin, but not in a romantic way. Colin and Lena are the romantic pair in this book. It's weird and cute - the poor working-class boy from the other side of the tracks and the rich spoiled princess from her castle high on the hill. I thought the romance was sweet, and fit well. It's a slow-burn type of romance, and there isn't much to the romance (much like The Glass Arrow - the romance is there, but there aren't many physical interactions), but I liked this. 

The ending wraps up very well, yet in a heartbreaking way. I saw certain things coming, but I still felt sad over the ending. I would have liked to see how things shaped up, say, 20 years from the ending, but there isn't an epilogue so we don't know how the Great Plan ended up working out. But I can imagine it in my head!

Overall, I liked this book. I shouldn't have been so worried. No love triangle, interesting story, wonderful characters. And it's a standalone!

What I Did Not Like:

I would have loved to see more physical and romantic interactions from Colin and Lena. Lena is somewhat innocent since she's never really allowed to be around people other than her father, brother, and house staff. I would have liked to see more from Colin and Lena, getting used to being physical with each other... that sounds weird, I know. There is only one kiss in this book. There isn't any hand-holding or picking up or cuddling or anything. Maybe it isn't Colin and Lena's style. But I would have loved to see, rather than accept as true, Lena's trusting in Colin, her giving him more and more permission to be with her.

I'm not sure if that makes sense! It would have made Lena's character development more complete, and of course, there would be more in the romance department between Lena and Colin (which I am ALWAYS fine with!).

Would I Recommend It:

Be warned - this isn't a cute story, a happy story, a story that you want to read if you're in the mood for something feel-good. BUT. It's a great story about rebellions and friendships and trust and hope. I liked the story a lot and would recommend it. 

Rating:

4 stars. I think my favorite Simmons book remains The Glass Arrow, but I liked this one too!

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About the Author:

Kristen Simmons is the author of the ARTICLE 5 series, THE GLASS ARROW, and the upcoming METALTOWN (Tor Teen). She loves her family, Jazzercise, and chocolate cupcakes. She currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For more updates on Kristen and her writing, visithttp://www.kristensimmonsbooks.com

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The Giveaway:

Win one of (3) Finished Copies of Metaltown! (US Only)

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Follow the Tour:

Week 1:

9/12: Mundie Moms - Q&A

9/13: Fiction Fare - Review

9/14: The Eater of Books! - Review

9/15: Two Chicks on Books - Q&A

9/16: Krista's Dust Jacket - Review

Week 2:

9/19: No BS Book Reviews - Makeup Inspirations

9/20: Quite the Novel Idea - Review

9/21: Supernatural Snark - Guest Post

9/22: The Petite Book Blogger - Review

9/23: The Irish Banana Review - Top 10

Book Blitz and Giveaway: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Book Blitz and Giveaway: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Blitz Diana Peterfreund Dystopia Excerpt Fantasy Favorite Futuristic Giveaway Gorgeous Cover Post-Apocalypse Promo Romance

Welcome to the sales blitz for Diana Peterfreund's For Darkness Shows the Stars! I adored this book (and its companion sequel!), and I really advise everyone who likes YA fantasy to take advantage of this amazing sale. And hey, there is a giveaway!

About the Book:

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Book One of the For Darkness Shows the Stars series

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: June 12, 2012

Official Summary:

Fans of Divergent will love Diana Peterfreund’s take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion set in a post-apocalyptic world.

In the dystopian future of For Darkness Shows the Stars, a genetic experiment has devastated humanity. In the aftermath, a new class system placed anti-technology Luddites in absolute power over vast estates—and any survivors living there.

Elliot North is a dutiful Luddite and a dutiful daughter who runs her father’s estate. When the boy she loved, Kai, a servant, asked her to run away with him four years ago, she refused, although it broke her heart.

Now Kai is back. And while Elliot longs for a second chance with her first love, she knows it could mean betraying everything she’s been raised to believe is right.

For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking YA romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

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About the Author:

Diana Peterfreund is the author of a dozen books for adults, teens, and children. A lifelong Jane Austen lover and technophile, she lives outside Washington, DC with her family, her BBC miniseries collection, and her smartphone. You can visit Diana online at www.dianapeterfreund.com.

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The Excerpt:

FOUR YEARS AGO

Dear Kai,

The sun is probably streaming in through the big barn windows now, which means you’re awake. And if you’re awake, it means you’re wondering where I went.

I haven’t run away from you, I promise. But I knew that today of all days, they’d need me in the house. Tatiana may be the head of our household now, but she’s not the one the staff will look to in my mother’s absence. And there is so much to do to prepare for the funeral. Also, I have to go tell my grandfather what had happened to his daughter. I don’t want him to hear of her death from anyone but me.

Thank you for last night. I wish I could say I don’t know why you are the one I ran to—you, Kai, not Tatiana or my father or even my grandfather. But I know why. And I have a confession to make.

After you let me cry, after you let me sob and shout and choke on all that pain—after you did all that, and didn’t say a word—I didn’t fall asleep like you thought. Not right away. I lay there, wadded up into a ball, and you curved your body behind mine. You were barely touching me—your thigh against the edge of my hip, your arm draped lightly across my waist, your fingers entwined with mine. How many times have our hands touched, when we were passing each other tools or helping each other in and out of machines? Hundreds of times. Thousands. But last night, it felt different. You cradled my hand in yours, palms up, our fingers curled in like a pair of fallen leaves. Fallen, maybe, but not dead. My hand never felt so alive. Every place you touched me sparked with energy. I couldn’t sleep. Not like that.

And so I bent my head, just the slightest bit, until my mouth reached our hands. I smelled the oil you never quite get off your fingers. I breathed in the scent of your skin. And then, as if that was all I was doing, just breathing, I let my bottom lip brush against your knuckle.

Time stopped. I was sure you’d see through my ruse and pull away. I was sure you’d know that I was not asleep, that I was not just breathing. But you didn’t move, so I did it again. And again. And on the third time, I let my top lip join my bottom.

I kissed your hand, Kai. I didn’t do it to thank you for letting me cry. For letting me sleep in your arms. I thought you should know.

Yours,

Elliot

Dear Elliot,

I know. When will I see you again?

Yours,

Kai

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