The Death Cure (Maze Runner Trilogy) by James Dashner

The Death Cure is a page turner and rather interesting but ... we are left with more questions than answers.

We basically know that this series is about a zombie apocalypse and that there is a small portion of immune exist but we don't know much about how the flare was developed and spread.

There is a lot more that, I want to discuss but I fear giving the entire book away so .... lets me say this ---- the ending is peculiar and not very satisfying because the answers you seek don't come to fruition.

With that being said this final book is the weakest but worth reading.

Grade: B-

Overview: [B&N]

Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.
The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

Eve by Anna Carey

Eve is a interesting dystopian novel. The concept is quite terrifying, which makes this book such a compelling read.

Eve has always been told that when she graduates from High School, her future is promising. She is the brightest and the best in her class. Her school and many like it are secluded from society, they are behind walls and on the day the graduate they are to be "released" and taught a trade. Eve is excited for her future but on the eve of her graduation she finds out the truth.

The truth is so horrifying -- that she decides to leave (escape) her school. Leaving is risky and the consequences could be deadly. She is been taught that all men are evil --- and being outside her sheltered life will force her to make choices about men and whether or not to trust them.

The ending is rather rushed and left me disappointed but I assume it is because Carey is going to build upon it for a sequel.

Grade: B

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

The Best of Me is charming yet predictable.

It is a rather easy and simple read. The characters are fairly interesting but Sparks formulaic writing is disappointing. I didn't feel connected to the characters and the love story seemed rather cliched and lacked realism.

It is a sweet enough story -- and if you're a huge Sparks fan (unlike me) you will probably enjoy this book.

Grade: C-

Overview [B&N]
In the fall of 1984, high school students Amanda Collier and Dawson Cole fell deeply, irrevocably in love. Though they were from opposite sides of the tracks, their love for one another seemed to defy the realities of life in the small town of Oriental, North Carolina. But as the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events would tear the young couple apart, setting them on radically divergent paths.
Now, twenty-five years later, Amanda and Dawson are summoned back to Oriental for a funeral. Neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever changed their lives. Forced to confront painful memories, the two former lovers soon realize that everything they thought they knew-about themselves and the dreams they held dear-was not as it seemed. And in the course of a single, searing weekend, they will ask of the living, and the dead: Can love truly rewrite the past?

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

I have to admit something. I judge a book by its cover and I nearly passed this one up. I don't like the cover, in fact I hate it. I think it's hideous. I actually book the book on the shelf and walked away. I returned to it weeks later --- and finally gave it a shot. I figured, I had nothing to lose and since it was a library book and one only cost me time. If, I hated it, I could just return it unread or unfinished.

I was pleasantly surprised. I ended up, really enjoying this book. I've learned a lesson --- sometimes, ugly covers produce good stories.

The Unwanteds is a fascinating, dystopian novel. It is an exciting and magical read. McMann weaves a creative story in which people are considered, Wanted, Necessary and Unwanted. Each has its place and the Unwanted are given a death sentence.

This is the story about the Unwanted and where they ultimately end up. Which is a magical land, called, Artime. It is also about a complex relationship between identical twins, one who is wanted and one who isn't.

The characters are well developed --- and the story is definitely worth reading. It is creative and fun!

Grade: A

Overview: [B&N]

When Alex finds out he is Unwanted, he expects to die. That is the way of the people of Quill. Each year, all the thirteen-year-olds are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination.

It’s hard for Alex to leave behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted, but he makes peace with his fate—until he discovers that instead of a “death farm,” what awaits him is a magical place called Artimé. There, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds are encouraged to cultivate their creative abilities and use them magically. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.

Glow by Kathleen Ryan

Glow started off interesting enough. The concept was great and similar to Across the Universe, two giant space ships that are capable of sustaining life over a long period of time are sent from earth to colonize a new planet deep in space.

Then -- one ship overtakes the other and kidnaps all the young teenage girls, leaving a ship of just teenage boys to fend for themselves. -Very Lord of the Flies like such as, the boys fighting amongst themselves.

The books up to this point is pretty good, then things turn ugly and things start to get a bit silly and characterization takes a downward drive. Furthermore the author "sneaks" religion into this book, which is off putting and quite tricky as the back cover and inside flap of the book, make no mention of it.

Some are comparing this to Hunger Games and Divergent -- they are wrong, wrong, wrong!

If you feel compelled to read this , check it out from your local library or borrow it. I'm still not sure if I will be reading the succeeding books as.... I don't like to be, tricked into reading books that are of a high religious, manner.

Grade: D

Lost In Time (A Blue Bloods Novel #6 ) by Melissa de la Cruz

You, must, must, must read the previous books in the Blue Blood Series or you will be completely lost.

There is sadly no resolution to the Schuyler/Jack love story --- and we have to wait until next year for the final book to get an answer!

This book gives a great look into the life of a younger Allergra --- we get a back story on her life and the choices she made. This snippets are quite possibly the best part of this book. I could read an entire book on just Allergra and Charles.

Mimi and Oliver visit, hell in search of Kingsley. This journey is interesting and sad....

Pick up your copy today....

Grade: A-

Overview: [B&N]

The young Blue Bloods of Manhattan descend upon Egypt in Lost in Time, the epic sixth book in Melissa de la Cruz's New York Times and USA Today best-selling Blue Bloods series.
After their beautiful yet brief bonding ceremony in Italy, Schuyler Van Alen and Jack Force are forced to separate. To fulfill the Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler travels to Alexandria to search for Catherine of Siena and the Gate of Promise. But Schuyler quickly discovers that everything she believed about the Gate to be wrong. Meanwhile, Jack makes the difficult decision to return to New York to face his twin and former bondmate, Mimi. But instead of a bitter reunion, he is faced with a choice for which there is no good option.
Mimi, with a most unexpected travel companion in Oliver Hazard-Perry, jets off to Egypt, too, to search for Kingsley Martin, her long lost love. With all roads leading to Hell, Mimi learns that not all love stories have happy endings. But she'll have to put her own feelings aside if she's going to save her crumbling Coven.

The Hidden (The Hollow, Book 3) by Jessica Verday

The Hidden is the final book in, The Hollow trilogy. I am sad to see this series end. The characters are endearing and the story is captivating.

It continues off from where the previous book finished. You MUST read the previous two books in order to understand this story and characters.

The love story between Caspian and Abbey is sweet, innocent and lovely. There is a great deal that goes on and all lose ends are tied. The ending is bittersweet.

I don't want to give anything away -- so go out and read this book now!

Verday, has outdone herself in this series --- I look forward to more work from her, perhaps a spin off?

Grade: A+

Overview {B&N]
A love that knows no bounds
Abbey knows that Caspian is her destiny. Theirs is a bond that transcends even death. But as Abbey finally learns the full truth about the dark fate that links her to Caspian and ties them both to the town of Sleepy Hollow, she suddenly has some very hard choices to make. Caspian may be the love of her life, but is that love worth dying for?
Beautifully spun, emotionally gripping, and irresistibly romantic, The Hidden will leave you breathless.

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Truth be told, I was a bit hesitant to read the, The Lying Game mainly because the television series doesn't hold my interest but let me say that the book is way different and much better!

The Lying Game is entertaining and fun. Shepard's characters are well developed and the story is full of suspense and intrigue. One might even say that this is better than Shepard's, Pretty Little Liars Series.

Quite a bit goes on and there is a ton of tension. There is a large degree of bulling in this book ---and mean girl action.

I am excited to read the next book and you will be too.

Grade: A

Overview: [B&N]
I had a life anyone would kill for.
Then someone did.
The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.
Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?
From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.
Let the lying game begin.

A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie by Dean Koontz

This is a heartwarming story --- about Koontz's sweet dog, Trixie.

Koontz has a way of captivating his audience and making them feel strong emotions. His account on his life with, Trixie, a beautiful, gentle, loving golden retriever is moving and delightful.

Pick up this moving and captivating book today!

Grade: A

Overview [B&N]
In a profound, funny, and beautifully rendered portrait of a beloved companion, bestselling novelist Dean Koontz remembers the golden retriever who changed his life. A retired service dog, Trixie was three when Dean and his wife, Gerda, welcomed her into their home. She was superbly trained, but her greatest gifts couldn’t be taught: her keen intelligence, her innate joy, and an uncanny knack for living in the moment. Whether chasing a tennis ball or protecting those she loved, Trixie gave all she had to everything she did, inspiring Dean and Gerda to trust their instincts and recapture a sense of wonder that will remain with them always. Trixie lived fewer than twelve years; in this wide world, she was a little thing. But in every way that mattered, she lived a big life.

Saving Rachel by John Locke

Saving Rachel is a tiny little book with a lot suspense and twists.

This is one of those books you just can't put down! I had no idea that this book was part of a series --- because it stands on its own. I never felt as though I was missing out of anything!

The character's are strong, the writing is superb and you will be completly entertained.

Sam's morning starts of great --- then it quickly spirals out of control. His wife and mistress are kidnapped and it's up to him to decide their fate. He is forced to make choices that no one wants to make -- risking everything. His marriage, his lover, his reputation, his lively hood and his life.

Grade: A

Supernaturally (Paranormalcy)

Supernaturally is the second book in the Paranormalcy series. Evie is back and she is as spunky and fun as ever. Lend, Raquel, Arianna, David and Reth are back with there own little quirks and their lives mix in easily with this very interesting and unique story.

There is quite a bit going on in this book --- and, White does an amazing job and keeping it all straight and entertaining.

Supernaturally gives a deeper look into the background of some of the characters, however you MUST have read the first book, Paranormalcy to really understand the story lines and characters. This book does NOT stand on its own.

Expect to be left hanging --- not in a cliffhanger type of way but in unresolved plot issues!

Grade: A

Overview [B&N]
Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.
But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.
So much for normal.

Emory's Gift by W. Bruce Cameron

If you expecting the same greatness as we got with, Cameron's, A Dogs Purpose --- reevealute your thoughts because this book isn't nearly as good.

Charlie is, a thirteen year old boy, who befriends a grizzly bear. The friendship with the bear essentially changes his relationship with his father and helps him overcome his mothers untimley death.

In, my opinion this book is too wordy and flows rather slowly. The character's are well developed and Cameron captures the relationship between a boy and his bear with love and wonder.

This coming of age book is okay enough but if I had to make a choice between this book and A Dogs Purpose --- A Dogs Purpose would always win.

Grade: B-

Once Upon a Time, There Was You: A Novel by Elizabeth Berg

Once Upon a Time is the best book, by Berg, I've read to date. The story is engrossing -- the characters are engaging and true to life.

Berg has the ability to make human connections come alive on paper --- she tackles, gritty tough subjects and puts in in the characters shoes. You feel the raw emotions and can easily sympathize will all the characters in this particular novel.

This is one book you won't be able to put down! The relationships between, mother, daughter, father and ex's is crafted beautifully. Berg tosses new characters into the batch and the flow just as easily as her mains ones.

Grade: A+

Overview: [B&N]
Even on their wedding day, John and Irene sensed that they were about to make a mistake. Years later, divorced, dating other people, and living in different parts of the country, they seem to have nothing in common—nothing except the most important person in each of their lives: Sadie, their spirited eighteen-year-old daughter. Feeling smothered by Irene and distanced from John, Sadie is growing more and more attached to her new boyfriend, Ron. When tragedy strikes, Irene and John come together to support the daughter they love so dearly. What takes longer is to remember how they really feel about each other. Elizabeth Berg’s immense talent shines in this unforgettable novel about the power of love, the unshakeable bonds of family, and the beauty of second chances.

Trapped by Michael Northrop

Quite, possibly the very worst snow storm ever, hits a small little town. The city and its inhabitants are at the mercy of this snow storm. Cellphones are the first to go and then electricity. It is cold and bitter and seven students are trapped inside their high school.

Scotty Weems narrates this chilling and enthralling book. Northrop writing makes you feel the bitter coldness and the feeling of isolation, with little or no hope in sight.

The character's are typical teens --- and Northrop captures the dire situation beautifully.

Overall, I enjoyed the story but the ending was rather abrupt and unsatisfactory.

Grade: B