Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

When Zoe starts to glitch, she knows that she's supposed to report her behavior, but she refrains from doing so. Suddenly there's emotions and color in her world and quite frankly, it's overwhelming when compared to the Link--which keeps everyone in line. And then there's the fact that her glitching has also lead to a particular power that she has very little control over. She knows that all of this is grounds for deactivation and well, no one wants to be deactivated--nor does she want to go back to being one of the drones (so to speak). It's around that time that she meets Adrien, who also has an usual skill, he can see into the future and he's seen her--well, I won't spoil it for you (but no, not naked). That's when everything really starts and Zoe's life will never be normal again.

While I liked Glitch, I feel like if there had been more action and less focus on Zoe and the boys, it would've made for a better read. Don't get me wrong, I like romance in the books that I read a lot; but at the same time, when it feels like it's the focus of the book--that isn't strictly a romance book--it leaves me wanting more plot. I liked how Adrien was introduced well enough and I didn't mind Max that much, but I wish that the romance had had more build up than it did. Adrien seems like a nice enough guy and he does seem to want what's best for Zoe while Max just seems to want Zoe for her body. At least, that's how it felt to me. To be honest, neither of the boys really swept me away and while I still have hope for Adrien, I really have none for Max.

As for Zoe, I can understand why she's constantly warring with herself--about turning herself in--and she's pretty darn terrible at hiding her heartbeat--they wear monitors that beep--but she felt... weak? At least during the first half, that's really how she felt to me but the good news is that she definitely grows and by the time I reached the end of Glitch, well, I'm looking forward to seeing how she continues to grow in the next book.

Then you have the chips that the Community has implanted in everyone and they keep you from feeling anything... but pain--which was deemed necessary. They're definitely an interesting aspect of Glitch and I can't wait to learn more about them--and why they cause certain people to glitch. That's right, the chips are a part of the reason why people have started to glitch and no, not everyone glitches. There's actually so much more about the Community that I could say but that'd mean some pretty serious spoilers, so you'll just have to read Glitch to find those out.

In all, a pretty good read but one that I can't say I was absolutely in love with. The concept is definitely interesting and overall, I definitely liked it despite a few minor annoyances. If you've been thinking about reading Glitch then I'd definitely recommend that you read it to form your own opinions as it's definitely a book that I feel some people will enjoy more than I did.

Overall Rating: ★★★ and a half.

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Imagine a horrific disaster, one that cases volcanic explosions, huge earthquakes not located near major faults, and hail that can--and will--kill you if you stay out in it for too long. That, is the world in which Dean and thirteen other students have been tossed.

Monument 14 focuses heavily on the group of students that have taken refuge in what I'm assuming is a local superstore and although they do get some information as to what's going on outside, for the most part, they're very, very secluded. It really focuses on how people change when they're tossed into that sort of situation and the problems that arise when you're stuck with the same bunch of people for an extended period of time--in particular, people that you didn't fit in with at school.

Dean is our main character and all of Monument 14 is told from his point of view; he's a writer and although I can't say that he felt particularly valiant to me, he seemed like a pretty good guy. Then there's Brayden and Jake, two football players from Dean's high school, and Astrid, who Dean has a crush on. But I think that for the most part, the little kids are the ones who really stole the show. Why? Because one comes from an extremely religious family, another always has crazy stories to tell because his life crazy, and a thirteen year old girl who is at the point where she wants to be treated like an adult. That's actually not all of the characters, but those are the ones that really stood out to me. 

As for the disastrous events? They were pretty crazy; however, I will admit that I wasn't thrilled about the chemical spill and the effects that it had. It felt--to me--like it could've been more than it was (if that makes any sense). Also, I think I would've liked an epilogue in this particular case; I really feel like it would've helped the ending feel more complete--I really can't say more than that about the ending and once you reach it, you'll see why.

In all, I definitely liked Monument 14 although I think I would've preferred a little more action. Would I recommend it to you? If you're interested in reading it, yes.

Overall Rating: ★★★ and a half.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via NetGalley and publisher.

The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze

I'm of two minds when it comes to The Last Princess, on one hand I loved how fast paced that it was and yet, on the other, I found that it left me with more questions that I'm used to having when it ended. The Last Princess takes place in a very bleak London, England where a madman by the name of Cornelius Hollister is out to destroy what remains of the royal family so that he may take the throne. When he comes for the royal children after their father's death, only Eliza will escape and she swears that she'll get revenge upon him.

For the record, there are cannibals and ex-prisoners in the woods, horses that are huge and have to have spiked bits for the New Guard to be able to control them, and gasoline (as well as cars) are rare (which is why everyone is back to horses for the most part). But let's talk about Eliza for a moment, who I'd say is remarkably strong considering her situation--although I think she could've handled a particular set of girls differently. On the other hand, there's Wesley, an officer in the New Guard and the boy who saves Eliza's life left and right. I really, really liked his character although I did see some of it coming. Honestly? I think it's a bit difficult not to like him. But his sister, Portia, on the other hand is a complete terror. That girl would kick a puppy and enjoy it.

But I think my absolute favorite character in The Last Princess would have to be Caligula, the war horse. Yes, you heard me, my favorite character in The Last Princess was a horse. Why? Because that horse has a ton of personality and is extremely loyal to Eliza. Don't worry, if you read The Last Princess, you'll understand what I mean. Also, I'm seriously hoping that there's going to be another book because if there isn't going to be another book? Then the ending is absolutely killing me. There are just so many questions still and it leaves off perfectly for another book--just found out that there will be one (thank goodness)! Honestly, I think that's what dragged down my rating for The Last Princess; I just want to know so much more about the world that Galaxy Craze has created and I just feel like I usually have more answers by the time I've finished the first book in a series.

Would I recommend The Last Princess to you? Yes, if it's a book that you've been eying. Honestly, if you can deal with not knowing everything, it's actually a pretty engrossing read and I did enjoy it, I just wish that it'd been a longer book with more answers.

Overall Rating: ★★★ and a half.

The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze

Publisher: Poppy, a part of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Edition: Hardcover

* Received for review via publisher.