[Book Review + ARC Giveaway] The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh

The Weight of Blood
by Laura McHugh

For fans of Gillian Flynn and Daniel Woodrell, a dark, gripping debut novel of literary suspense about two mysterious disappearances, a generation apart, and the meaning of family-the sacrifices we make, the secrets we keep, and the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love.

The Dane family's roots tangle deep in the Ozark Mountain town of Henbane, but that doesn't keep sixteen-year-old Lucy Dane from being treated like an outsider. Folks still whisper about her mother, a bewitching young stranger who inspired local myths when she vanished years ago.

When one of Lucy's few friends, slow-minded Cheri, is found murdered, Lucy feels haunted by the two lost girls-the mother she never knew and the friend she couldn't protect. Everything changes when Lucy stumbles across Cheri's necklace in an abandoned trailer and finds herself drawn into a search for answers.

What Lucy discovers makes it impossible to ignore the suspicion cast on her own kin. More alarming, she suspects Cheri's death could be linked to her mother's disappearance, and the connection between the two puts Lucy at risk of losing everything. In a place where the bonds of blood weigh heavy, Lucy must decide where her allegiances lie.

AMAZON | GOODREADS 

ARC copy was provided by the Publisher in exchange for honest review.

The Weight of Blood is a multiple-narrative story that tells the history of two woman between time about the struggle and secrets they had to go through. 

Emotionally charged, this is a novel about being able to stand up for what is right and no matter how much of an outsider you might be, secrets lay there to be solved, even after years later. 

“You grow up feeling the weight of blood, of family. There's no forsaking kin but you can't help when kin forsakes you or when strangers come to be family.”

The story of Weight of Blood is tough to figure out because it is somewhat complicated. But it beautiful. It is considered as the type of Country-style book that's also can be considered asGothic. Based in small town in the middle of nowhere, people do not like when an outsider comes over there to stay. Lucy struggles with losing her friend who was found dead but also feels the pressure of town's residents by calling her mother a witch and how bad she looks like them. She tries to discover a mystery behind Cherie's death and the discovery may open some truth on her mother's disappearance. 

This is a very hard story to describe but definitely worth reading. The twist in the ending made me so emotional, all of the questions that I had throughout the book suddenly made sense. And I was mind blown. The writing, the images that this story put in my head were... just.. amazing and I'm sure you can tell how hard it is for me to describe it.

US ONLYGiveaway - One lucky winner will receive a physical copy of Weight of Blood. The winner will be contacted via email that was provided on the giveaway. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Good luck beautifuls!

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[Book Review] The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite
by Kiera Cass

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

AMAZON | GOODREADS 

If The Selection was all about being just like the TV Show, The Bachelor, The Elite was all about drama, drama, drama... 

And this is why:

This book was simply unnecessary and should not have existed in the first place. Besides the last few girls left from the Selection, they are now called Elite. To be chosen, they must go through several challenges to compete for the Prince. Funny thing? Everyone already knows who he wants to pick and why they are there in the first place. talk about being shallow

The main heroine, ironic America, acts like a complete brat here. If in The Selection we saw her as having hope for her family and focusing on the country, all she does in this book is drinks tea, makes girly friends with maids, and tries to figure out who she wants to do better. Yes, I think using RATED PGlanguage is a must in this review because only 13 year olds would find this book amazing! excuse me while I puke

& I finally realized what's wrong with this author's writing.. SHE DOESN'T TAKE DYSTOPIAN GENRE SERIOUSLY! Yes, there is Selection. Yes, there are couple of random attacks from the rebels. But what the hell man? Give me some weird government traditions that are not cliche and were not repeated yet.

Neither the less - I will have to read The One so I can be done with this series but you damn sure I will not be spending any money on this. Library, here I come! ;)

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF the selection FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES! 

[Book Review] Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Where She Went
by Gayle Forman

It's been three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life.

And three years he's spent wondering why.

When their paths cross again in New York City, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.

Adam finally has the opportunity to ask Mia the questions that have been haunting him. But will a few hours in this magical city be enough to lay their past to rest, for good - or can you really have a second chance at first love?

AMAZON | GOODREADS 

“Letting go. Everyone talks about it like it's the easiest thing. Unfurl your fingers one by one until your hand is open.”

Three years passed since Mia woke up from her accident and decided to move on with her life. And Adam doesn't know why. He knows that he made Mia a promise when she was unconcious to let her go if she wants to, but he never told it to anyone and knew she couldn't hear him. 

With both of them getting so famous, there are rarely any time to think about the past. But music is not as much joy as it used to be. Adam feels lonely and every moment, he sees Mia in everyones faces around him. That is until one night before his big tour he sees a billboard for her performance and decides to go. 

“The music is the void. And you're the reason why.”

There are a lot of times when the sequel to the story is not as good as the first book. But with Gayle Forman that is not the case. I was deeply and emotionally invested in the story and while I knew the story from Mia's side, it was interesting to see Adam's POV and his side of the story. I rooted for them from the beginning and couldn't believe that this series made me cry. Again.

Beautiful story, beautiful series. I hope there will be a spin off follow up to Adam's and Mia's story because it's definitely hard to find characters that you actually love and care about.

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF if I stay, first book in the series! 

[Book Review] If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay
by Gayle Forman

Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.

I open my eyes wide now.
I sit up as much as I can.
And I listen.
Stay, he says.

Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?

Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters. If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.

AMAZON | GOODREADS 

“And that's just it, isn't it? That's how we manage to survive the loss. Because love, it never dies, it never goes away, it never fades, so long as you hang on to it.”

If I Stay was my first novel that I read by Gayle Forman and now I know exactly why she is so loved. The deep emotions and feelings that were expressed in this book were out of control and it definitely set me over the edge. 

“Love, it never dies. It never goes away, it never fades, so long as you hang on to it. Love can make you immortal.”

After Mia gets in the car accident, her soul lingers by her body and while she is unconscious, she sees how loved she is. But the loss of her parents and her little brother are unbearable and the memories that she shares bring them back to life. 

I loved Mia's character and how much she loved her family. You rarely see that in YA books anymore because they tend to focus more on rebellious stage of them or the romantic relationship. But I loved seeing Mia's conversations with her parents and it really made me sad even more. Add this one to the "Book That Made Me Cry" and go read it now!

[Stacking The Shelves] #16

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews featuring the books we got this week.

RECEIVED FOR REVIEW (PHYSICAL):

• Luminary - YA Distopian novel that I had my eyes on for awhile! I still have to get the first book before I read this one but I'm super excited! 
• Chop Chop - I've heard so much about this novel and I love the cover for it! Ever since I've been a waitress, I always loved the environment of restaurants. 

Won (Ebooks):

Of Sea and Stone by Kate Avery Ellison

Geared to the Present by Dana Bennett

Seeker of the Four Winds by C.D. Verhoff

XGeneration 1: You Don't Know Me by Brad Magnarella

What Has Become of You by Jan Elizabeth Watson

What's on your list today?  Leave comments below & I'll return the favor! 

[Book Review] Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Requiem
by Lauren Oliver

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids.

Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

AMAZON | GOODREADS 

Final installment in Delirium trilogy, Requiem is all about getting what you want and realizing the truth that stands behind surviving and making a choice...

“This is the strange way of the world, that people who simply want to love are instead forced to become warriors.”

I have been putting off to finish this book because I have loved the series from the very beginning. Not knowing whether the girl gets the guy or if the government will be taken over is better than not having to continue this trilogy..

Story continues as Lena travels with more people who believe in the same thing. But the belief is far from their minds as they have to become warriors and fight against people who hate them. Realizing that they simply want to be able to love a person has been forgotten and while being chased by the government, they have to starve and constantly be on the run. 

“Mama, Mama, put me to bed
I won’t make it home, I’m already half-dead
I met an Invalid, and fell for his art
He showed me his smile, and went straight for my heart.

I enjoyed Requiem but I did wish that Lena wasn't acting like she was. In the first book we see how she progressed and became her own person. But Requiem comparing to Delirium was nothing alike. Ever since Alex came into the picture, she tried to make him jealous and acted like a teenager. Even with her mom she was snappy and I didn't feel that connection with her character. 

Overall, I am upset that this series is over but I wish it didn't end the way it did. I want an ending that gives me some sort of closure and I didn't feel that with Requiem.

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF previous books in Delirium series! 

 

[Book Review + Giveaway] Road to Somewhere by Kelley Lynn & Jenny S. Morris

Road To Somewhere 
by Kelley Lynn, Jenny S. Morris

A sunny heartwarming story of discovery and sisterhood. 

A road trip. A singing competition. And super-hot cowboys. 

What could be better? 

For Charlie, a post-high school road trip isn't just a vacation, it's life changing. While her parents think she's helping a friend move, a chance at fame is the real reason to grab her best friends and drive to L.A. But when her super annoying, uber-responsible, younger sister, Lucy, has to tag along, it isn't quite the summer of fun she imagined. 

Add in a detour to her grandparents' ranch in Texas, and between mucking the stalls, down-home cookin’, and drool worthy ranch hands, this could just turn into the best, and most complicated, summer of their lives.

AMAZON | GOODREADS 

Road to Somewhere is the perfect combination of light family drama,  a fun road trip, sweet crushes, and first loves. A story about two sisters-Charlie the fun, outgoing sister, and Lucy the studious, introvert--who are made to go on a road trip together so Charlie can (secretly) pursue her dream, and where Lucy will (not so secretly) keep tabs on her older sister.

 

The trip itself takes different turns and twists in the story that are unpredictable and still make the story very entertaining. Ever since I got into YA genre, I was always looking for that sisterhood connection or some sort of girl friendships book for a very long time and Road to Somewhere is exactly what I was looking for. Authors' writing style was very enjoyable and something I haven't seen in awhile. I loved the sisters and really loved the story! 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kelley Lynn was born and raised a Midwestern girl. She’s not afraid to sweat and fills her free time with softball, soccer and volleyball. (Though you probably don’t want her on your volleyball team.) She occasionally makes guest appearances as a female vocalist for area bands. Music plays a large role in her writing process as well as the characters and plot lines within her stories.

getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com | twitter.com/KelleyLynn1

Jenny S. Morris is a YA author who loves all things geek, may have a Kdrama addiction, and prefers the rainy NW to any place she's ever lived. Road to Somewhere is her debut novel.

jennysimaginaryworld.blogspot.com | twitter.com/jennysmorris