Book Review: P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

P.S. I Like You

By:
Kasie West

Release Date:
July 26, 2016

Publisher:
Scholastic

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Source:
ARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:

What if the person you were falling for was a total mystery? While Lily is spacing out in Chemistry one day, she picks up her pencil and scribbles a line from one of her favorite songs on the desk. The next day, someone else has written back to her on the desk! Soon enough Lily and the mystery student are exchanging notes, and lyrics, and even sharing secrets. 

When Lily finds out that her anonymous pen pal is a guy, she's flustered -- and kind of feels like she's falling for him. She and her best friend set out to unravel the identity of the letter writer -- but when the truth is revealed, the guy is the LAST person Lily could have ever imagined it to be. Now that Lily knows the truth, can she untangle her feelings and gather the courage to listen to her heart? 

From beloved author Kasie West (The Distance Between Us) comes an utterly charming story about mixed messages, missed connections, and the magic of good old-fashioned secret admirer notes.

 

My Thoughts:

P.S. I  Like You was such a fun and light-hearted read.  It was a great young adult novel, that I truly loved!  The main character, Lily, was well-developed and was given an authentic teen voice.  She was quirky, interesting, adorably awkward, had a great sense of humor, and a unique taste in clothes and music.  I especially enjoyed what a great sister she was to her little brothers, and how she was true to herself.

Lily loves music, and her favorite musicians are mostly obscure indie bands.  She has a passion for playing her guitar and writing song lyrics in her notebook, that she has on her at all times.  However, she lacks the confidence in her musical ability to share it with even her family or best friend.  Lily comes from a large, rambunctious, and colorful immediate family.  She is hard-pressed to get time to herself, and they drive her a bit crazy; but she is loved, and loves them in return.

When Lily is caught by her Chemistry teacher doodling in her notebook, he restricts her to only one loose leaf piece of paper per class period.  Lily ends up writing the beginning lyrics to a song that she can't get out of her head, on her desk.  She is surprised the next day, to find that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk.  Shortly after, Lily ends up with an anonymous pen pal, as they begin to exchange letters taped under the Chemistry desk.  

Writing to someone without knowing who they are is extremely freeing.  Pretty soon the pen pals are not only writing about their favorite music, which is a shared passion; but they are also exchanging more intimate information with one another as well.  Lily isn't sure if she wants to know who her pen pal is, because she fears that they will be disappointed if they learn who she is.    

Early on, I guessed who Lily's pen pal was, and couldn't wait to see how they would discover each other's identities in real life.  P.S. I Like You was a really fast-paced read, and perfect for teens that enjoy romance.  It didn't have any risqué content, and in fact, only contained some minor kissing.  As a parent, I think this would be a good choice for my tween or teen daughter.  As an adult, it took my back to my teenage years, and made me fill nostalgic.  I loved every moment of it!!!     

My Rating:

I give, P.S. I Like You, by Kasie West, 4.5 Light-Hearted, Laugh Aloud, Feel Good Stars!  I highly recommend this super fun and entertaining read!!!

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | Kobo | BAM 

About Kasie West:

I love to write--too much. It's a sickness really. My novels out and available now are: PIVOT POINT, SPLIT SECOND, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US, ON THE FENCE, and THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Book Review: Titans by Victoria Scott

Titans

By:
Victoria Scott

Published:
Feb. 23, 2016

Publisher:
Scholastic Press

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Source:
ARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

GR's Summary:

From Victoria Scott, author of FIRE & FLOOD, comes a thrilling story of impossible odds. 

Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch. 

She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them. 

But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.

  

My Thoughts:

Victoria Scott writes some of the most complex and beautifully developed main characters.  They are relatable, authentic, and so likable, that you can't help but cheer them on throughout their story.  Such was the case in Titans.  I fell in love with the main character.  She had grit, courage, passion, and was someone that I desperately wanted to see beat the odds.

Astrid Sullivan lives in the slums of Detroit, and knows what it feels like to live in survival mode.  Her father is the sole breadwinner in the family, and has recently been laid off of his job in the factory.  Astrid and her best friend, Magnolia, love to go to the racetrack and watch the Titans and their jockeys practice.  She could never aspire to ride one of these amazing robotic steel horses, due to the astronomical price of a Titan, and the fee to enter to race.  

Miraculously, Astrid gets the chance of a lifetime, when an older man, "Rags" finds a Titan 1.0 and offers her the opportunity to race it.  Her family is in danger of losing their home, and Astrid knows that she needs to do something drastic.  If she can qualify and win the Titan Derby through hard work and using her mathematical ability, she can pay off her home, as well as her best friend Magnolia's, and possibly even go to college.  With a talented and supportive team by Astrid's side, she will risk life and limb in order to qualify for the ultimate race.

Titans was such a wonderful read.  Astrid's character was such a strong and courageous role model for teen girls to look up to.  She was willing to work hard, and empowered herself, despite tremendous odds.  I love books where the underdog perserveres and has tremendous heart.  

When Astrid first met her Titan "Padlock," she thought of him strictly as a machine and a means to an end.  However, as she bonded with Padlock, she got to experience his emotion, humor, loyalty, and love.  The connection between girl and horse grew strong, and was my favorite aspect of the story.

Titans was an emotional read.  I got lost in this story, and enjoyed experiencing Astrid's journey right alongside her.  Watching the bond grow between Astrid and Rags, her surrogate grandfather, best friend Magnolia, and her Titan was so heartwarming.  Titans was such a fun read.  It is the perfect story for teens, and I will be recommending it to my nieces and nephews.  I know that they will love it, and I'm sure it will make them experience great "feels!"  

My Rating:

I give, Titans, by Victoria Scott, 4 Girl Power, Fun, Fabulous, Emotional and Uplifting Stars!  If you enjoy a unique Y.A. read that doesn't have romance and focuses on adventure, the human experience, important life lessons, strong connections between characters, and great writing, read Titans.   It is an unforgettable story full of feeling, that you will love.  

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | TBD 

About Victoria Scott:

Victoria Scott is the author of seven novels including Titans (Spring 2016), Violet Grenade (Summer 2017), the Fire & Flood series, and the Dante Walker trilogy. She is published by Scholastic and Entangled Teen, and is represented by Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger Literary Agency. 

Two of Victoria’s novels, Salt & Stone and Titans, have received starred reviews, and Fire & Flood was nominated as a YALSA Teens’ Top 10 book for 2015. Victoria’s novels have been bought and translated in eleven foreign markets. The author currently resides in Dallas, and loves hearing from her readers.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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Book Review: Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott

Fire & Flood 

(Fire & Flood #1) 

by 

Victoria Scott 

Pub February 25th 2014 

by Scholastic Press 

Summary

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Lindy's Thoughts

Fire & Flood, by Victoria Scott, was a memorable, thrilling, suspense-filled adventure!  Ms. Scott has shown how talented, and multi-faceted her writing is.  I love her Collector Series, and Fire & Flood is vastly different in most aspects.  Yet, a few things that both of these series' have in common are unforgettable characters, an addictive story, and such vivid imagery, that you will feel like you are a part of the story!

The story is told from Tella, the main character's point of view.  Her older brother, Cody, is dying rapidly, of a strange illness, that the doctor's don't understand, and can't cure.  Tella and her family move to Montana, because her mother thinks that the fresh air will be good for Cody's health.  One day, a strange gadget appears on Tella's bed, but before she can listen to it, her father confiscates it.  Later, she learns that it contains an invitation to the Brimstone Bleed, a race against four ecosystems; jungle, desert, mountains, and water.  The winner of the race, will get the ultimate prize; the cure for a loved one who is dying.  So Tella, sneaks out of her home, to compete in the ultimate race.  

Fire & Flood reminded me a lot of the television show, Survivor, with Science-Fiction & Dystopian elements.  The competitors have to learn how to survive in harsh weather conditions, hunt and gather non-poisioness food, find drinkable water, and battle dangerous animals.  However, I wasn't prepared for the biggest danger of all; the fact that some of the other competitors would pose the largest threat of all.

One of my favorite aspects of the story were the "Pandora's."  These were animals that had been genetically modified, hatched from an egg, and were designed to help their competitor win the race.  Many of these Pandora's resembled typical animals in nature, but had very special skills.  They were fiercely loyal, and put their competitor's survival before their own.  My favorite Pandora, was Tella's cute little fox, Madox.  I enjoyed learning about the various Pandora's and their skills. 

I also loved many of the characters in this story, but Guy was my absolute favorite.  He had piercing blue eyes, and came off as callous and determined.  He was very mysterious, liked to be alone, and had great survival skills.  However, we learn fairly early on that he has a soft spot for Tella, and is very protective of her.  As the romance between these two began to heat up, I wanted more!  I can't wait for the next installment of this, to be continued series.  The ending left me excited for the next book.  This race has proven to be dangerous, and even deadly for some.  The stakes have gotten even higher, as Tella and Guy's feelings for each other have grown, and certain information has been revealed.  I wonder, where will it all lead?  

My Rating

Fire and Flood was a great story, and has the makings of an amazing movie.  There was suspense, action, adventure, a little romance, amazing characters, and endless twists and turns.  Two of which, I never saw coming!  I Give Fire & Flood, by Victoria Scott, 4  Addictive, Adventurous, Suspenseful, "I Want a Pandora," Filled Stars!  Pick up this story if you enjoy survival stories and Science Fiction.  This story is perfect for guys and girls of all ages!

The Way Ria See's It

PAN-FLIPPIN-DORAS everyone!!!!

When I first heard of this concept I was all like..."Oooh that sound interesting" and was it ever! Holy Moly so so so good! At first I was a petulant child because I wanted to know what was going on and I couldn't put my finger on it but once the race began and the questions started unravelling I was hooked! I even went so far as to EXPLODING on my fiancé yelling "Oh.MY.Gosh! You don't even know what is going on right now!!! They're going to KILL THEM!!!!" Then he says very calmly "Your right, because I don't even know who they are." I shoot out of the bed and say "Fine I'm going to charge your iPad but I REALLY need to get back to this uninterrupted!!" and I shook my book in his face, with a goofy grin and crazy laugh. As I walked out of the room I yelled over my shoulder "You don't even know babe! There is some serious stuff going on, and you almost got punched." Lol the fact that he puts up with me is a testament to his love. The fact that I didn't punch him in the throat for interrupting my reading during a very serious moment, so I could go "charge" his very not serious iPad is a testament of mine. :0) Um...but Seriously I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT!! What will it be? Ice Snow, Salt?.. Eeeeeeep!!!!!! V.S. is a genius. #Fact

F-resh air, Tella is taken away from her friends and her life as she knows it is changing.

I-rritating, Cody has always picked on Tella, its part of the brother sister dynamic.

R-eality, there is nothing Tella won't do for her brother her love for him will be her motivation.

E-vil, something has made her brother sick and all she wants if for him to get better.

A-dventure, Tella doesn't know what is happening but she knows she has to win she has to save her brother.

N-ights, are scary Tella has made allies but in the world she has been thrown into she's not sure if she can trust them.

D-eath, the pandoras offer protection but who will protect them.

F-iend, a cruel enemy is formed he will stop at nothing until he has what he wants.

L-ight, travels are more difficult but there is a task and a goal everyone wants to achieve.

O-pponent, cruel and a tad crazy Tella's enemy catches up to her.

O-ptions, none are left Tella is exhausted the rules demand she do this. With the guidance of her friend she does what she must. 

D-awn, after being in the dark for so long Tella vows to do things differently. With what she knows now, she will follow the path her heart takes her on.

There are a lot of twists and turns and crazy AWESOME story lines! This plays out like an epic adventure thats super addicting. Okay I seriously need the next book now! I am in love with it and I know this is going somewhere. There are a lot of secrets revealed but I'm feeling there is more we've yet to discover. Ms. Scott's writing is very gripping I would love to see this on the big screen!! Its like the Golden Compass meets the Hunger Games. Love love love!!!

My Fav's 

Madox

Tella's pandora I hate spoilers so I'll just say this...He is super Baaaaaaad A$$$$$$$$$$! 

Tella

Her character development is shocking. I liked her okay in the beginning but by the end of the book I was fist pumping for her success. I like that she is a normal girl with a fire in her heart. She loves openly and freely. I enjoyed seeing her take charge because she truly deserves it. 

Guy

Strong smart and prepared. He is mysterious but Tella snags his attention right away. Guy reveals parts of his heart and past to Tella but something tells me there is much more we have yet to discover.

My Rating

4.5 Cabin, Homeschool, Illness, White Device, Lion, Fox, Eagle, Elephant, Cheeta, Bear, Hawk, Serpent, Daring Quest Hopeful Love seeking stars! If you enjoy YA...This is going to rock your socks so pick it up!

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Amazon | B&N

About The Author 

I’m a teen fiction writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My work is represented by Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger literary agency. I have a master’s degree in marketing, and currently live in Dallas with my husband, Ryan. My first series started with THE COLLECTOR, and was published by Entangled Teen in April 2013. The second book in the trilogy, THE LIBERATOR, will release August 2013. My next series kicks off with FIRE & FLOOD and is being published by Scholastic, February 2014

Stalky Things

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Bonus Scene: Fire & Flood (Fire & Flood #1) by Victoria Scott

Fire & Blood

Fire & Blood Series

By

Victoria Scott

Release Date  
Feb. 25, 2013

By 
Scholastic

GR's Summary

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own. 

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lo st her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

FIRE & FLOOD Bonus Scene

Harper Shaw, Minor Character

The Brimstone Bleed started four hours ago, give or take. I’ve traveled as far as necessary for now, put adequate distance between myself and the other Contenders. There will be plenty who travel without stopping, without making a plan. 

Idiots. 

Like the others, I don’t know anything about this race, only that I need the prize—the Cure—more than I need my own beating heart. I can still remember my mother’s words as I left our home. 

“I don’t know where you think you’re going, Harper,” she said. “But you can’t just leave us like this. Not now.” 

But I did leave. It’s not like I could tell her about the invitation. Or explain what would happen next. Because the truth was, I didn’t know. Two days ago, I was lounging on my bed, listening to Linkin Park and watching MTV on mute. Today, I’m here, in a jungle, fighting to save the most important person in my life. 

A caw rips through the late afternoon, and the dense canopy overhead rustles. I breathe in the smell of rich, damp soil that is almost invigorating. The air is thick and damp and clings to my skin, and everywhere I look is a plant I’ve never seen before. The world is a canvas of purple vines and orange flowers and greenery that swallows the ground beneath my feet. It’s both horrific and captivating at once. 

Every few seconds, I stop to swipe insects off my skin. It doesn’t bother me. I’m not the squeamish type. The only thing I’m worried about is the egg in my Brimstone Bleed issued bag. A Pandora, the device said. An animal that will help me win this competition. My heart roars in my chest when the bag against my hip stirs once again. 

Now that we’re alone, I drop to my knees and remove the egg. When I see a prominent crack down the side, my entire body buzzes with anticipation. I’ve never had a pet before. Not a dog, not a cat…not even a goldfish. And now I’m supposed to travel with an animal that could potentially save my life and Lillian’s? It’s hard to absorb. 

The egg cracks again, and I freeze. My hands hover over the iridescent shell, unsure of what to do. But this Pandora doesn’t need my help. It’s eager to escape its prison, eager to fulfill its destiny. I admire its tenacity already, but my stomach churns wondering what my Pandora will be like. Will it be ruthless? Endearing? Will it make it so that I don’t feel utterly alone? 

The egg burst open and I fall back, a gasp escaping my throat. I glance around to ensure we are alone. And when I look back, my hands shaking, my eyes widening, I see it—

A feather. 

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