Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen Trilogy #1
Published by Orion on February 10, 2015

Summary: "The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of
those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?"  --From Goodreads

I really loved this book.  There is so much detail in the world building.  The scene that comes to mind is when Mare rides the boat back to the main palace.  The differences that she sees in the pockets of civilization from the boat are entirely different.

The ending also surprised the heck out of me.  I didn't see it coming.  I am really looking forward to the second book in this series.  Unfortunately, now I have to wait an entire year.

Disclosure: I picked this book up from my local library.

Of Neptune by Anna Banks

Of Neptune by Anna Banks
The Syrena Legacy #3
Published on May 13, 2014 by Feiwel & Friends

Summary: "Emma, who is half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together. Alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma’s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.

Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn’t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean living Syrena and the land-dwelling, freshwater counterparts. They didn’t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love, but their ocean kingdoms." -- From Goodreads

When I found out that there was going to be a third book, I was a bit skeptical.  The second book ended on such a note, that it was almost impossible to see where the third book was going to go.  It did take me awhile to finally read this book, but I'm really glad I did.  Emma and Galen find this town that is filled with half-breed and full blood Syrena.  It was interesting to meet so many half-breeds.

I also liked the fact that we didn't know who to trust in Neptune.  Was everyone against Galen and Emma, and who exactly could they trust?  This was a great, action-packed ending to a great series.

Disclosure: I listened to the audiobook through my library.

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
The Winner's Trilogy #2
Published on March 3, 2015 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Summary: "The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them." --From Goodreads

I don't ever know what to write about this series.  I love it.  Kestrel has become even more sneaky.  As future empress, she is watched constantly.  Arin and Kestrel have many interludes, but they are both so stubborn!  There is a lot of stuff that goes unsaid between the two of them, and of course, it causes conflicts that could have been avoided.  

The ending was explosive!  I won't write anymore, but I am eagerly awaiting the final book in this series.  

Disclosure: I received a digital galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Love, Lucy by April Lindner

Love, Lucy by April Lindner
Published by Poppy on January 27, 2015

Summary: "While backpacking through Florence, Italy, during the summer before she heads off to college, Lucy Sommersworth finds herself falling in love with the culture, the architecture, the food...and Jesse Palladino, a handsome street musician. After a whirlwind romance, Lucy returns home, determined to move on from her "vacation flirtation." But just because summer is over doesn't mean Lucy and Jesse are over, too." --From Goodreads

I thought this was a great, lighthearted read.  The setting was perfect, and the author described the streets of Italy to perfection.  I felt like I was right beside Jesse and Lucy as they discovered Italy and each other.  

If you're a fan of contemporary romances, traveling, or need a summer beach read, I would suggest you pick this book up.  

Disclosure: I picked up this book from my local library.

Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver
Published by HarperCollins on March 10, 2015

Summary: "Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late."  -- From Goodreads

Oh my goodness.  Where do I even begin to explain my feelings for this book?  First we have Nick (Nicole), who finally goes to her mom's house after an accident.  We find out that Nick and her sister Dara have been at odds since the accident, although the details surrounding the fight are not revealed until later.  

All characters are well developed, even Nick's coworkers at FanLand.  The catalyst for the story comes in the form of a nine-year-old girl vanishing.  Dara also goes missing, and Nick ties the two incidents together.  The way that the story was weaved together was impressive.  I really didn't see the ending coming, and I was upset by it.  It almost made me feel cheated out of the ending that I wanted.

Overall, this is a great book!  Fans of Lauren Oliver's previous works will eat this right up.  Also, if you liked E. Lockhart's We Were Liars, you definitely need to read Vanishing Girls as well.  

Disclosure: I received a digital galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.