One Last Significance Post.....Maybe

A Really Great Idea I Had. Randomly.

So in honor of the new Significance movie coming out I figured that I would do something in honor of the movie's success over the past few months. I was listening to a few songs that reminded me of the tone and story of Significance, so I figured I'd put together a playlist for the series. I know that people's tastes in music vary, and I just wanted to give my take on what the novels sound like.You are free to disagree with me, and maybe even give your suggestions on different songs. It would be really cool to know what songs represent different books you've read!

No particular order.

Significance Series Playlist:

#1: Love is Easy - McFly (cover by Vamps & Carrie Hope Fletcher)

   

I chose this song because it's such a sweet song and reminds me of Maggie and Caleb's relationship. Unfortunately the original song is only available in the UK iTunes store. :'-(

#2: In My Life/A Heart Full of Love - Les Miserables (2012)

 

Replace Eponine with Kyle, Marius with Maggie, and Cosette with Caleb and vuala!

3#: August - Anuna  

 

I know this is a choral song, but I just love Michael McGlynn's voice, and it reminds me of Caleb for some reason.

#4: Come What May - Moulin Rouge

 

Could it be the perfect ballad? Possibly.

#5: I Know You Care - Ellie Goulding

For Bish and Jen

#6: Lolita - Lana Del Rey

      In honor of Caleb's motorcycle.

#7: Right Round - The Treblemakers ft. My Name Is Kay (Pitch Perfect)

Let's throw in some fun songs! Club scene.

#8: Rules - Jayme Dee

The Watsons.

#9: Sleep - Eric Whitacre

A lullaby for Rodney II.

#10: Something in the Water - Brooke Fraiser

Another fun, uplifting song for Maggie and Caleb.

#11: Speeches - Walk off the Earth

Imprinting.

#12: Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall

Pretty obvious this is imprinting, but mostly for Kyle and Lynne. 

#13: Summer Vibe - Walk off the Earth

Accordance song. :-)

#14: The Very Thought of You - Billie Holiday

Dear Shelly Crane, every book that you write this song applies!! Loved it ever since Collide.

#15: Titanium - Acoustic cover by Collin McLoughlin

For Maggie Masters.

Here are some songs that have honorable mention, but I could't put them on the list:

Without You - Lana Del Rey

It’s Time - Imagine Dragons

Life Happens - Brandon

Body Electric - Lana Del Rey (Marla for versus, Maggie and Caleb chorus: guess what I'm talking about Shelly Crane)

Make sure to tell me what you guys thought. Should I do this for every book? Just on request? One song per book? You hated it!? Just comment down below!

-M

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna #1) by Kendare Blake

Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna #1) by Kendare Blake

"Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story...

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.
So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill.

 Now, armed with his father’s mysterious and deadly athame, 

Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their 

spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, 

trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things 

like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call

Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn’t expect anything outside of the ordinary:

move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, 

a ghost like he’s never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on 

the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and 

dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person

 who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

And she, for whatever reason, spares his life."

Thoughts:

This book was creepy as.......(and you really thought I was going to curse?)

Anna Dressed in Blood is my first really scary paranormal-type novel that I've ever read. I was always scared to read scary novels because I was concerned they would be too horrifying.  This book was not only really creepy and terrifying, but it completely changed my mind, making me quenched for more of Cas's story.

Earlier in the year people had been raving about Anna Dressed in Blood, but I opted out because it didn't seem like my "kind of book". Boy, was I wrong. The story sucked me in from the first page. Theseus Cassio's sarcastic humor and determination to avenge his father made him an appealing character from the start. I loved how the book was entirely in a male POV, and that he actually was accustomed to the paranormal world of ghosts. This made the book have an edge that isn't seen too often in YA. When Cas refuses to kill Anna, Blake does really well in writing his confusion, and the inner war that he has with himself. 

The whole cast of characters are a true joy to read in the sense that they all have varying personalities that mix really well. I was surprised at the way the romance was written. The overall vagueness of it was fascinating, and it wasn't pushed in your face right from the get-go. It seemed really realistic because most YA books are "love at first sight", but in this novel all the characters have to grapple with their feelings of hesitation, confusion, and awkwardness (these emotions are spread out in all the pairs, so they don't apply to all of them specifically). 

Anna Dressed in Blood is totally action packed and a thrill ride-roller-coaster! The book had my adrenaline pumping and heart thumping the whole time waiting for the next creepy encounter. The way the ghosts/monsters were described was super scary, but they didn't make me stop reading the book. I also loved the fact that Cas had this cool ability to "sense spirit and evil". I thought that brought a really eery vibe to the book. It's an understatement to say that I loved the scenery, ghosts, and overall tone of Anna Dressed in Blood.

Moreover, I really loved the book's characters, plot, and construction. Something that I had a hard time in the beginning with was it was hard to tell of Cas liked Carmel or not, but it wasn't a big deal. The last thing that was a bit annoying was that Cas would get a bit pessimistic sometimes, but I guess it comes with the whole getting-your-dad-nom-nom-nom'd-on-and-your-girlfriend-of-2-hours-getting-sent-to-Hell package deal. I"ll be sure to read the sequel as soon as I can!

4.5 out of 5 stars

-M

P.S. I guess I'll read more books like this in the future because my biases were dead wrong. (Not subtle at all, eh?)

Link to the Goodreads here!

One last link to The Alternative Kryptonite's official Facebook.....I promise.....

Christmas Books 2012 and Other Cool Things

Books a Plenty!!!

I just celebrated Christmas and I got a lot of gift cards. I went to B&N yesterday to pick up a few books, so I figured I'd show you in video form! It took FORVEVER to make this, so comments/suggestions are much appreciated. Enjoy!

I was not paid by Barnes and Noble for any purpose. It just happened to be the store that I went to get books.

Links To The Books I Purchased:

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

Don't Turn Around (PERSEF0NE #1) by Michelle Gagnon

Defiance (The Courier's Daughter #1) by C.J. Redwine

The Iron Legends (Iron Fey #1.5, 3.5, 4.5) by Julie Kagawa

Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna #1) by Kendare Blake

Check out my new official Facebok page for The Alt Kryptonite here!

-M

A HUGE Announcement!!!

After Careful Consideration and Thought.....

I HAVE CREATED A FACEBOOK!

After much careful consideration I have decided to create a "The Alternative Kryptonite" Facebook page. I know, I know, you are overwhelmed with joy at this and cannot possibly wait another second to visit AND like my page. Well, you're in luck because I will post a quick and easy link at the end of this post.

I have no idea how this works, but there has been reminders on Significance the Movie's page about adding it to interest lists. It supposedly allows you to see all of the updates instead of a few..... (?) So, I know that all of my 7 followers love me SO much, make sure to do that as well!

-M

P.S. And you thought I forgot to give you the link!!!!

The Alternative Kryptonite's Official Facebook Page

P.P.S. Check out "Pronunciation Frustration (Fac-e-book)" on YouTube by omfgitsjackanddean. YOU WILL PEE YOUR PANTS!

Testing Something Out.....Again

DON'T FREAK JUST TESTING SOMETHING, SO DON'T MIND ME!!!!

Review: Uprising (Collide #2) by Shelly Crane

Uprising (Collide #2) by Shelly Crane

"Sherry and Merrick's story continues in this sequel to Collide. 

In this installment, we come face to face with old acquaintances 

and new friends and new enemies. Things will change for all 

of them especially when a little girl is found and everyone's loyalties 

are tested. A revelation may upset the delicate balance they've all tried so hard to set. 

There's new love, new rivalries and new transformations in the continuing series of Collide"

Thoughts:

All great things come in twos……

               

Yet again Shelly Crane has written a sequel that is enthralling and excellent to the point at which I cannot wait another second to pick up the next book. Of course, I’m in the car while I am writing this so I can’t. The introduction and reappearance of new characters adds to the growth and excitement of the Collide series. Shelly Crane gets you emotionally invested the characters, making Uprising another great addition to the series.

I have always admired Sherry for her inner strength in the books, and this is no exception. She and Merrick go through a heck of a lot more in this book with the reappearance of some other characters. They are constantly ripped from each other when they think it's the safest, and they only get a little while tho enjoy the married life. I really loved the addition of Lily. She was very sweet, and she was like the glue that held everyone together. 

Cain and Lillian were very exciting to read because they had a lot of baggage and it was nice to see them as friends before any romantic relationship went on. Lillian is really sweet and sometimes comes off as weak, but like Sherry she has a loyal and brave heart. Cain being in love with Sherry wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. He really wanted to try and stay away from her for Lillian's sake, but I'm worried that it won't last. I would have liked to see more of Jeff and Marissa, but I guess Shelly Crane has to prioritize.

 What I liked about the Lighters/Keepers plot is that it appears very complicated, but it is easy to follow. You know what's going on the whole time, and it doesn't drag like some other books I've read (*cough* The Host *cough*). Crane was able to incorporate a lot more action with the additional POVs, which was really enjoyable to the reader. There were some interesting developments in the story, and some mysteries that have yet to be resolved. There WAS a cliffhanger at the end, but it was a good one.  

One of the problems with having a lot of characters is giving each one a fair amount of personality and background. I think Shelly Crane did an okay job with this, but I wanted a bit more depth to the characters of Jeff, Marissa, Piper, maybe Ryan, and possibly Lana. Another thing that was hard was the fact that the switching POVs made me miss the other characters. I particularly like Lillian and Merrick's POVs, and I found myself missing the other for half the chapter. I know it's a balancing game, though, and I'm happy any way she writes it. 

Overall, great book and I CAN'T WAIT to read the next one. I like how Shelly Crane writes about lots of characters as a family, and the action doesn't overpower or is shadowed by the characters and relationships.

4 out of 5 stars

-M

P.S. I really wish there were a boxed set for the Significance and Collide series. (Wink wink, nudge nudge Shelly Crane...)

Check out the Goodreads HERE!!

Review: Opal (Lux Series #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

Opal (Lux Series #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

"No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... 

There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. 

I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. 

When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the 

path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing

 hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. 

The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most 

unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, 

but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it."

Thoughts:

Dude, I don’t even know what a cliffhanger is anymore…..

I think there is something wrong with me that likes Jennifer L Armentrouts’s first novel, hates the second one, and likes the third one again. I really liked Deity and I hated Half-Blood, and I didn’t really like Onyx and I liked Opal. What is this strange phenomenon? Anyway the book was brilliant, and I loved how the characters really got their own (deeper) personalities and feelings.

The fact that Katy had to deal with the death of Adam and all the repercussions afterwards really gets a lot of weight in this book. Katy has to deal with Dee, the Thompson’s, Will and a swath of other things and you get punched in the face with her emotions and I really liked that. In the last book I got very annoyed with her in her bad decisions. She was rash and too stubborn with what was laid out in front of her. In Opal Kat is tormented, but it is at a much more dark and sinister level. I don’t tend to like JLA’s main characters in general because they are always very hot-headed, but her novels are always just so great that I don’t mind!

I felt as though the story stuttered a little at the beginning in pace, but as it picked up I found myself really in tune with the events and emotions that were going on in the book. I would have liked to see the Arum a bit more instead of the threat with the DOD and others because that was what the main focus of the first book was. The three novels have; however, had natural progression of plot which was really great. The character who reappears (no spoiler review, but at the end of second book) brings new life to the story, and he was just really fun to read for some reason. (I was however worried about a love triangle… yay for me!) This book revamps the initial excitement for the first book to second book transition and the MASSIVE-CLIFFHANGER-WHICH-WAS-WORSE-THAN-INSURGENT feel which is very promising. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!

Let’s not forget to discuss the alien-man-beauty that is Daemon. The romance is off the chain for the typical YA genre and everyone can’t deny the arguments that they have are totally awesome. Daemon is hilarious and their relationship is basically the definition of “hot n’ cold”.  Basically all throughout the book you are expecting him to say those major three words. But as usual, JLA takes the extreme joy in writing it in at the exact last moment when you lose hope. But guess what? It was perfect! That whole scene was heartbreaking and stopping as the final chapter came to a close.

I think I actually like the Covenant series a bit (a tiny bit) more because of the calmness that is Aiden St. Delphi. There is the massive love triangle that I am putting myself through the meat grinder to read though (I mean I really can’t complain because she chose him, but Alex and Seth are meant to be together, so I’m really sad & nervous that Aiden won’t end up with her and JLA will be mean)….. So I guess they ARE even. Overall, very enjoyable third book in the series, and I will be definitely be picking the next one up as soon as possible!

3.5 out of 5 stars

-M

P.S. Oh yeah, and all those witty comments (especially the “amber cover” and the “We’re not in a book” scenes) were awesome!! Don’t see that very much and it’s a real treat!

Since there is a teaser for Apollyon in the book, you can check out my Goodreads review that included it here!!

Link to Goodreads here.

Best of 2012: Part 2 - The End

Best Books of 2012......The World Still Hasn't Ended

Here is part two of my "Best of 2012" mini series thingy. This post is the big finale! Here are my very favorite books I've read in 2012. Be sure to check out Part 1 - Best Series and Novellas! Some of the books that I picked I didn't rate 5 stars on my Goodreads. I added these because of improvement from the previous book, or I liked them a lot, but didn't really deserve 5 stars in sense that they weren't exceptional (I know it doesn't make sense, but just got with it ;-). 

Here are my top ten favorite books of 2012:

10. Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

I really loved this book mostly because of the character growth and some other things that I can't say. I hated the last book Half Blood, but this was an amazing improvement. Goodreads review here.

9. Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

This book I felt was much more intense than Divergent, which was cool. I had a very Mockingjay feel to it. There was way more action (if that's possible), and all the characters have relationship growth. Really short review that's not worth mentioning.

8. Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver

The very basic idea about love being a sickness is fascinating and I was amazed by the raw grace that this was written. The story was raw and rough, but really beautiful at the same time.

7. I Have Lived 1000 Years: Growing Up in the Holocaust by Livia Bitton-Jackson

I Have Lived 1000 Years is a autobiography that I read for school and fell in love with. It made me cry once or twice (I never cry), and it was a very moving story. Her account of  her experiences in Auschwitz are horrifying and the melancholy ending shed some light about what exactly went on. A must read for everyone.

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

This is a cute, light read that by the end you are practically yelling at the book for more. It was such an odd story, but made perfect sense. It may never happen in real life, but I liked how the author toyed with fate.

5. Middle Ground (Awaken #2) by Katie Kacvinsky

This is the second book in the Awaken trilogy, and it is about the most (literally) insane book I've ever read. The main character is sent through the meat grinder in this book, and still comes out fighting. Her boyfriend is just about the best I've ever read, and the plot is fascinating. Goodreads review here.

4. The Fault in our Stars by John Green

This book is only kind of depressing, but John Green balances that with humor and really deep, philosophical terms that is just amazing. The main themes are expertly written and give a new meaning to acceptance, family, and "fast love".

3. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

This dark take on vampires is blood wrenching and heart stopping. the romance makes you want to rip the pages out, but at the same time swoon. The main character is tough and tolerant. The things she has to face are crazy, and the antagonists are enraging. Overall, best vampire book. Ever. Goodreads review here.

2. Shifting by Bethany Wiggins

This book was really cool. The end was a little cliffhanger that makes you remember the book, but it doesn't suggest another one. The main character (Maggie) has to cope with being a Shifter and being bullied by peers. The other characters are written so well that you can't help but be on Maggie's side for all of them. She is so pure of heart and lovable that I couldn't help but love the rest (and come on, who wouldn't love that cover?)

1. Significance by Shelly Crane

This book.....I think these kinds of books become very easily cliche and boring, but Significance brings something else to the table. The characters are to die for, and the story line is smooth and fast. I don't think there is much to say besides read it! My review here.

Some other really good books:

The Forsaken (The Forsaken #1) - Lisa M. Stasse (Goodreads)

Arcadia's Gift - Jesi Lea Ryan (Goodreads)

Boy Meets Boy - Davis Leviathan (Goodreads)

Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #5) - Ally Carter (Goodreads)

Collide (Collide #1) - Shelly Crane (Goodreads)

Links to all the books in top ten:

#10 - Deity by Jennifer L Armentrout

#9 - Insurgent by Veronica Roth

#8 - Delirium by Lauren Oliver

#7 - I Have Lived 1000 Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson

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

#5 - Middle Ground by Katie Kacvinsky

#4 - The Fault in our Stars by John Green

#3 - The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

#2 - Shifting by Bethany Wiggins

#1 - Significance by Shelly Crane

Best of 2012: Part 1 - Best Series and Novellas

The Best of 2012.....Before The World Ends

Since I did a post about my thoughts on making a "Best Books of 2012", I figured I would do one. To make this post as short as possible (and because I couldn't choose) I will release two. One which has my favorite series and novellas, and then my overall favorite books of 2012. These are just books I've read in 2012, not that were released in 2012. (Special thanks to Shelly Crane for the inspiration)

Here are my favorite Series and Novellas of 2012

Series:

3. The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

I read this book after my step-mom Emily recommended it to me. I was immediately fascinated with the world Mrs. Roth had created. The characters and story line were superb, and the world had me glued to my Nook to the last page. The romance was fast and steamy, but still kept a sincere feel to it. I'm still mad that's unfinished, but the conclusion to this series should come out (hopefully) by mid 2013.

2. The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa

I haven't read very many fantasy books, but I think this one would still be my favorite! Julie Kagawa has taken her own spin on the world of the Fey, while still making the plot easy to relate to for teens. The character has to cope with bullying in the real life, as well as in the the Fey world and falls in love like a super nova. Falls in love, being pushed away, then eventually coming back together again. Action packed and; well, magical The Iron fey Series is a must read.

1. The Significance Series by Shelly Crane

    

If you know me at all you know that this series would be numero uno on the list. The story is a bit mushy and gushy for what I normally read, but I was drawn to it as a moth to a flame (except I won't die). This series is my all time favorite (for 14 years of reading anyway). The characters a so heartfelt and real that I had no choice to be enraptured by the story. For example, there was about ten minutes between me finishing Accordance and starting Defiance, and it was 11 pm. Anyway, the romance was amazing, and the themes in the books were astoundingly subtle but still prominent enough to pick up. Defiantly deserves best series!

Links:

Check out Veronica Roth and her books here.

Pay a visit to Julie Kagawa and her creations here.

Explore the lovely Shelly Crane's books here.

Novellas: 

3. Iron's Prophecy by Julie Kagawa

This book is the novella that REALLY concludes the Iron Fey Series. I loved this because I swooned my way through it, and at the end it has a few really good themes that usually took the back burner throughout the other books.

2. Free Four by Veronica Roth

This is a chapter from Divergent, but in Four's perspective. It really gave the reader insight on Four's thoughts in his first real encounter with Tris. It's really awesome and really.....I don't know, just awesome.

1. Elixir by Jennifer L Armentrout

This novella is a section of time that (I think) will be appearing in Apollyon, the next book in the Covenenat series.  It gave me hope for team Aiden (one of the reasons I hated the second book in the series? Freaking horrible love triangle.) because Alex followed her heart and not her hormones in the 3rd book, and it was then taken away at the end. In Elixir though, there are some things that gave me hope for them (I hate Seth). And besides, who wouldn't LOVE that cover?

Links:

View Iron's Prophecy here.

Check out Free Four here.

Have hope in Elixir here.

A Notice About the End of the Year

And possibly the world, but we have more important things to discuss.

Books! The Best of Them!!

I've decided to pick a top fifteen or twenty best books of the year (I give credit to Shelly Crane, but I can't narrow it down to ten). I was thinking about doing best books, then top three series. (Guess what one of them is, I dare you!) I have a really hard time picking favorite books, so I figured I'd increase the number. Maybe I will, maybe I wont. I really have no idea. Anyway, you'll see the post when I make up my daggum mind! (Caleb word!)

P.S. My mind is a crazy place that I have to take extra time to organize. Lots of ideas, so little time (Maybe space to, but I haven't decided about that yet.)

-M

Review: Independence (Significance #4) by Shelly Crane

Independence (Significance #4) by Shelly Crane

"In the fourth and final installment, Maggie and Caleb must tie up all the loose ends of their lives and make a way to be together completely on their own. 

With everything that happened with Bish and Maggie's father,

she's almost reluctant to move on and move out. 

And now she must figure out all of this...stuff...with Haddock. 

But of course, nothing can stay simple for the Jacobsons. 

Enemies who were thought to be dissolved have decided 

to not go down so easily. And old flames come calling for 

more than just Maggie. Caleb is torn between leading 

his family and personal wants. Maggie is torn between 

Caleb and being the leader of their people. But neither 

will let what they need most to be pushed to the wayside. 

They are determined to make it all work, design a plan toward destiny, and make everything right again for themselves and their family.
And then there's a wedding..."

Thoughts:

Oh my god Shelly Crane..........

I don't think I can write this review without either bursting out in tears (and I never cry for books) or smiling like a fool. This book was my most anticipated book of the year, I would say. Shelly Crane is no doubt my favorite author, and this series I a superb example why. I have met Shelly Crane and she is as talented as she is sweet. This book met all my expectations and more!

Maggie and Caleb's relationship grows a lot in this book, and you are able to get a more intimate (har har har) knowledge of the characters and their relationship. In this book you learn just how far the Jacobsons are willing to protect their family, and also get a sense of how close and accepting of each other they are. One of the things I like most about Shelly Crane's writing and more specifically this story is the underlying themes of trust, faith in people, and teamwork that are portrayed in the Significance series. This allows superb character growth, while still writing gracefully.

In this book, Maggie and Caleb explore themselves and each other way more than the other books. Shelly Crane doesn't force it on you, but you still get the sense of a strong - more unbreakable - bond of them. They see each other differently, and understand each other in different ways, that doesn't feel like obsession or lust. It seems as though it would be very hard not to do that in a book, and it confuses me why Shelly's books aren't more popular (well, besides the movie LOL).

The antagonist is freaking scary. Marcus just takes it to a whole new level in this book. But yet again, the author handles it gracefully by incorporating (as I interpreted) warnings about the affect of cowardice and grudges. Including this, the books also focus a lot on destiny and fate, you can see that in Maggie's visions and the very basis of imprinting itself. Shelly incorporates these, teaching the reader that you can change destiny, but you can't outrun fate.

Balancing the hatred and cowardice; Mrs. Crane shows the affect of kindness and forgiveness in the Significance series. The ability to overcome hatred and show mercy, while also implying (like said in The Hobbit) "True courage is knowing not only when to take a life, but when to spare one." That was just one of the things that drew me to the series. Yin and Yang, love and hatred, courage and cowardice. 

I only talked a little about the characters because I think the story deserves more than the Maggie & Caleb part. I feel that every book is a good one if you can learn from, and take those ideas with you for the rest of your life. This series has done that for me, and that is why I love it.

5 out of 5 stars

-M

P.S. Seriously though Shelly Crane, HOTT!

Link to Goodreads here.

Movie trailer here. (Just for investors)

Independence (Significance #4) Announcment

Independence (Significance #4) is out!!

Shelly Crane has released Independence, the last book in the Significance series today TWO DAYS EARLY!!! And if you know me at all you know that I am rushing to write this to read the rest of the book! (Yes I have already started)  Support Shelly Crane and check out her books!!!

Shelly Crane Speaks

Significance (Significance #1)

Accordance (Significance #2)

Defiance (Significance #3)

Reverence (Significance #3.5)

And...

Independence (Significance #4)

(All links to Barnes & Noble)

You can also check out my reviews of all 3 on my Goodreads:

Significance

Accordance

Defiance

Reverence (a bit short)

Review: Arcadia's Gift by Jesi Lea Ryan

Arcadia's Gift by Jesi Lea Ryan

(received by author for an honest review)

"Most people who experience death don’t live to tell about it.

When sixteen year old Arcadia “Cady” Day wakes in a hospital

 after experiencing what can only be called a psychic episode, 

she finds her family in tatters. With her twin sister gone, 

her dad moved out, her mom’s spiraling depression and 

her sister’s boyfriend, Cane, barely able to look at her, 

the only bright spot in her life is Bryan Sullivan, the new guy

 in school. When Bryan’s around, Cady can almost pretend she’s 

a regular girl, living a regular life; when he’s not, she’s wracked with wild, inexplicable mood swings. As her home life crumbles and her emotional control slips away, Cady begins to suspect that her first psychic episode was just the beginning…"

Thoughts:

This book was given to me by the author for free for an honest review....
This book was really good for a self-published author. I particularly loved the characters, and it was a really cool concept. But I also kind of hated the ending to be honest. It's not that I have anything against self-published/indie authors or anything. Overall I enjoyed the book.

Arcadia's Gift starts off with a prologue that really got my attention, and I loved the book right off the bat. The story was overall fast paced, and had this "spunk" to it that I really loved. The detailing of the physic episodes were awesome, and the events had natural flow.

Cady was a character that was intriguing from the first page. I really loved the story of her losing her sister and getting the courage to be able to continue with her life. The other side characters were enjoyable. I loved Bryan right off the bat, and Aaron was darling. 

The last thing that I really liked about this book was the "raw" way that the story was written, and how the emotions were expressed.A few things that could have been improved upon was the fact that the budding love triangle with Cane was just thrown in at the end. I honestly really hated that part. One last thing was that I didn't really like was just the ending in general. The last line of the book was okay, but the last like 20 pages just felt wrong. 
Overall, pretty good book!
-M
P.S. Thanks to the author. It was the first book that I had gotten for free from anyone/author, so it was really exciting for me.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Pay Jesi Lea Ryan a visit on her Goodreads page here!

View the Goodreads page for Arcadia"s Gift here.