Ripple - Mandy Hubbard

Title: Ripple
Author: Mandy Hubbard

Publisher: Razorbill
Pages:260
Format I read it in: Paperback
Release Date: July 21 2011

From the back of the book:

Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. The water calls to her, draws her in, forces her to sing her deadly song to unsuspecting victims. If she succumbs, she kills. If she doesn't, the pain is unbearable. To keep herself and those she cares about safe, she shuts herself off, refusing to make friends or fall in love--again.

Then Lexi finds herself torn. Against her better judgment, she's opening up again, falling for Cole--the best friend of her first love--who sees through her icy facade. But when a new boy at school with a secret of his own offers her the chance to finally life a normal life, she learns that the price she must pay to be free of her curse is giving up the one who believes in her most.

Review: I'm a little late to the game for reviewing Ripple, but then again, there aren't really any late to the game reviews when it comes to books now is there? Didn't think so.

This was a quick read for me, I finished it in a couple of hours. When I picked it up at the bookstore, I didn't know anything about it, the cover is gorgeous and the author is also an agent, that's it. I knew nothing about the actual story, I was expecting something mermaid-y from the title, I was not expecting Sirens and a Nix. A pleasant surprise, not to mention the romance the peeks through even though Lexi is standoff-ish, and she has a right to be.

When I started I couldn't put it down. I'd definitely recommend it for your summer reading lists

Reviewer: Ashe

What's next on my list?: The Kissing Booth - Beth Reckles

The Selection - Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages:327
Format I read it in: Audio and Paperback
Release Date: April 24th 2012

From the back of the book:

For thirty-five girls, 

the Selection is the change of a lifetime.

The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

 But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she brings to realize that the life she's dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review: On the back of the book there is also a blurb from Kiersten White author of Paranormalcy, she says The Selection is " Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon!" and I agree wholeheartedly with this, though as to not be a lazy reviewer, I'll give you my review.

I found out about The Selection over a year ago, by Kiera's youtube channel actually, and it's her personality and enthusiasm that turned me onto the book. But, it took me forever to get around to reading it, partly because of school, partly because I was afraid it would disappoint me. Spoiler? It didn't.

This is when I switched to the audio book, which is amazing by the way. Then I was captivated by America's story, about her secret love with Aspen and her blooming friendship with the Prince. Turns out my putting it off was a good thing, because now I can tear right into The Elite!

America is funny, guarded and true to not only to herself but to those around her in the Selection. I can see why Aspen and Maxon both want her.

Reviewer: Ashe

What's next on my list?: Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

The Program - Suzanne Young

Title: The Program
Author: Suzanne Young

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 405
Format I read it in: Hardback
Release Date: April 30th 2013

From the back of the book:

I look back at James one last time, and he gives me his signature smile, wide and cocky. But it's not real. Sometimes I think it's never real. James is the best at hiding the pain, disguising the feelings. He knows what it takes to stay out of The Program. He'll keep us safe.

He promised. 

Review: This is possibly one of the most touching and suspenseful and down right frustrating book I've read recently. I am in love with it.

From the first chapter I knew this book had me, no from the first page. I tore through most of the book in just a few hours, only stopping to catch a little bit of sleep before getting at it again. It didn't take me long to finish it, needless to say.

There were times while reading The Program that I was rocking back and forth trying not to cry, and then there were times where I got so mad at two characters being so close but not knowing, that was the frustrating part. There was also a time where I had a brilliant AHA! moment. I'm trying not to give away so much of this book with this review, you'll have to read it for yourself, but it's so incredibly hard because I love it so much.

This is not just a book about teenage depression and suicide, it is a tale of meant to be, and love, and perseverance, and loss. It is so entirely captivating, and pulls at my feels with everyone page, and leaves me wondering if The Program is truly helping or harming.

I'm waiting on the second one!

Reviewer: Ashe

What's Up Next On My List?: The Selection - Kiera Cass