Book Review: Let The Storm Break (Sky Fall #2) by Shannon Messenger

Let The Storm Break

Shannon Messenger

Published: March 4, 2014

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Age Demographic: YA Paranormal Romance

Pages: 400

Whirlwind romance and breathtaking action continues in the sequel to Let the Sky Fall, which Becca Fitzpatrick called “charged and romantic.” 

Vane Weston is haunted. By the searing pull of his bond to Audra. By the lies he’s told to cover for her disappearance. By the treacherous winds that slip into his mind, trying to trap him in his worst nightmares. And as his enemies grow stronger, Vane doesn’t know how much longer he can last on his own.

But Audra’s still running. From her past. From the Gales. Even from Vane, who she doesn’t believe she deserves. And the farther she flees, the more danger she finds. She possesses the secret power her enemy craves, and protecting it might be more than she can handle—especially when she discovers Raiden’s newest weapon.

With the Gale Force weakened by recent attacks, and the power of four collapsing, Vane and Audra are forced to make a choice: keep trusting the failing winds, or turn to the people who’ve betrayed them before. But even if they survive the storms sent to destroy them, will they have anything left to hold on to?

To Purchase a copy of Let The Storm Break 

by Shannon Messenger visit: Amazon & B&N

(Note: I received an ARC of this book via ATW ARC Tours in exchange for an honest review.)

Let the Storm Break is a hale storm of action, romance, and powerful chemistry that will knock your socks off! Shannon Messenger is a fantastic author, who breathes so much wonder, life, and imagination into the stories she so masterfully weaves together. This book has so much to offer and then some, with danger lurking behind every gust of wind, life-altering choices, and swoon worthy romance that will knock the breath out of you. Audra and Vane's chemistry and charm, is ever bit as charming as it was in the first book, Let the Sky Fall. Packed with high volumes of intensity, Let the Storm Break will keep readers hanging onto the edge of their seats.

Part of what I enjoy the most about the Sky Fall series, is the interesting world building and elemental atmosphere that it has. Messenger has this way of pulling readers right into the story she's weaving all of these wonderfully appealing elements around. It's incredibly easy to connect with the characters and to feel with them, as they fight for their lives and deal with their own personal battles of self-conflict and deep emotion. The exploration of the gales, Vane and Audra's discovery of their abilities and what they can do with them, and the devastating power that Raiden has found is enough to take this second book to newer heights of fear and chaos. It's real, palpitating, and incredibly emotional and that's what makes this book so amazing in my personal opinion. 

There's such a beautiful simplicity in Shannon Messgener's writing and part of the elements that she weaves into the story, that readers will come to respect and find enjoyable. Wonderfully realistic, beautifully written, and captivating Let the Storm Break will pull you in and charm you in so many fantastic ways that you'll not want to put it down until you've finished the last page. If you're looking for a book filled with all the right amounts of drama, action, and romance then this is the book that you'll want to pick up. It doesn't suffer from the second book syndrome in any way and you'll find yourself flying through the pages faster than you can turn them. It's one of my favorite books I've read so far this year and I'm excited to see where the story goes next.

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Shannon Messenger is the author of the KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES series and the LET THE SKY FALL series, both published by Simon & Schuster. She enjoys eating lots of cupcakes, has an embarrassing number of cats, and spends way too much time on the internetz.You can cyberstalk her (in the NON creepy way, please) ;) at shannonmessenger.com.

Book Review: Afterparty by Ann Redisch Stampler

Afterparty by Ann Redisch Stampler
Published: December 31, 2013

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Age Demographic: YA Contemporary

Pages: 416

Emma is tired of being good. Always the dutiful daughter to an overprotective father, she is the antithesis of her mother -- whose name her dad won't even say out loud. That's why meeting Siobhan is the best thing that ever happened to her...and the most dangerous. Because Siobhan is fun and alluring and experienced and lives on the edge. In other words, she's everything Emma is not.

And it may be more than Emma can handle.

Because as intoxicating as her secret life may be, when Emma begins to make her own decisions, Siobhan starts to unravel. It's more than just Dylan, the boy who comes between them. Their high-stakes pacts are spinning out of control. Elaborate lies become second nature. Loyalties and boundaries are blurred. And it all comes to a head at the infamous Afterparty, where debauchery rages and an intense, inescapable confrontation ends in a plummet from the rooftop...

This explosive, sexy, and harrowing follow-up to Ann Redisch Stampler's spectacular teen debut, Where It Began, reveals how those who know us best can hurt us most.

To Purchase Afterparty by Anne Redisch Stampler visit: Amazon & B&N

Note: I received an eGalley of this for review approved by the publisher's through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Ann Redisch Stampler has written a wonderfully engaging and equally compelling follow up novel to her shining debut, Where It Began. Afterparty is an explosive young adult book full of tragedy, betrayal, and complicated romance.

It was incredibly easy for me to get sucked into this story right away, because the Stampler's writing style just flowed really well and I found myself enjoying the book quite a bit, although there were moments where I cringed a bit at a couple of things that were happening. I found myself enjoying how beautifully written the story was, how the sadness tinged the pages and somehow began to wake up my feels, and how it reminded me of what it was like growing up around other's who experienced some of the things Emma, Siobahn, and other's did. Stampler does a brilliant job of telling a story of self-growth and discovery, mingled with complicated lies, betrayal, friendship, and loyalty.

I was drawn in completely by Emma the Good versus Emma the Conflicted. The flaws were real and her constant struggle with reconciling the always dutiful good girl her father expected her to be and the Emma breaking free and becoming reckless, was approached in such a way that it was easy to relate to her character and inner struggles, even if you weren't ever truly faced with that situation before. Readers will appreciate the realism written between the pages and how it brings the characters to life in many ways, lending so much more depth and interesting facets to them. There's a wild and intense fervor hidden beneath the pages of this complicated lesson in morality and realism. that's an inherent part of who Siobhan really is underneath the cover of her nasty disguise.

The twists and turns with the story Afterparty has to tell, will keep readers on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens next. It's full of intense emotion and suspense, written in such a way that it's a fast paced enjoyable read, that isn't too extremely heavy but hits home with all of the necessary elements it needs to make its message clear. One of the most appreciative things about this book, is the way in which Stampler deals with peer pressure among friends and non-friends. If you're looking for a book that reads like some sappy after-school special, then this isn't the book I would suggest to you. If you are looking for a book that deals with everyday struggles that a teen goes through from peer pressure, to dealing with betrayal in friendships, among other things then this is the book that I would suggest picking up.

Afterparty, might just surprise readers with how well written and relatable it is.

Website Twitter Goodreads

Where it Began marks the YA debut of Ann Redisch Stampler. She is the author of several picture books, including The Rooster Prince of Breslov. Her books have been an Aesop Accolade winner, Sydney Taylor notable books and an honor book, a National Jewish Book Awards finalist and winner, and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. Ann has two adult children and lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband. Her current young adult novel, Afterparty has been recently released.

Cover Reveal for Abandon by Elana Johnson

Abandon by Elana Johnson
Published: June 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Age Demographic: YA Dystopia

seduced by power,
broken by control,
and consumed by love...

Vi has made her choice between Jag and Zenn, and the Resistance may have suffered for it. But with the Thinkers as strong as ever, the rebels still have a job to do. Vi knows better than anyone that there's more at stake than a few broken hearts.

But there is a traitor among them...and the choices he makes could lead to the total destruction of everything Vi has fought for.

Vi, Jag, and Zenn must set their problems aside for the Resistance to have any hope of ending the Thinkers' reign. Their success means everything...and their failure means death.

In Possession, Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.


In Surrender Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control…

Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.

All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque....

ALSO: Elana is running a Pinterest contest for the cover. She wants to get 500 pins (or repins) over the next two days. If we can get that many, she'll pick someone who pinned the cover to win a $50 Amazon gift card. 

It's so easy to do this. All you have to do is click this PIN IT button and select one of your boards to pin the cover to. Elana has done everything else!



Don't have a Pinterest board yet? Put it on your Tumblr page. Your Facebook page. Your twitter stream. Elana will count those too! Just be sure to tag her (@ElanaJ on twitter, Possession by Elana Johnson on Facebook).

ABOUT ELANA JOHNSON

Blog || Twitter || Facebook || Goodreads

Elana Johnson the author of the POSSESSION series, which includes novels POSSESSION and SURRENDER, and short stories REGRET (ebook only) and INSIDER INFORMATION (free here on Goodreads).

In between all the smiling, she blogs for the League of Extraordinary Writers and help to organize WriteOnCon. She also teaches, watches reality TV, and drives too fast.

Visit elanajohnson.blogspot.com to keep up with book happenings.

Dude, if you haven't picked up this amazing series, what are you waiting for?!




Cover Reveal Brought to you in part by: AToMR Tours

Book Review: When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle

When You Were Mine
by Rebecca Serle
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Expected Publication: May 1, 2012
Pages: 352
Age Demographic: Young Adult
amazon | b&n

In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the greatest love story ever told, Romeo’s original intended—Juliet’s cousin Rosaline—tells her side of the tale.

What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything.

Rosaline knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy… and who has set her sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance.

Rose is devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how it ends.

* Summary taken from Goodreads.

❝My Thoughts❞

When You Were Mine is a wonderfully charming story of first love, heartache, butterflies, and letting go. It's beautifully written and so movingly tender, that readers will be aching along with the characters. It's an emotionally modern re-telling of the classic Shakesphere playwrite, Romeo&Juliet. The blurb on the inside flap describes it as "the way Romeo&Juliet should have been told." Rebecca Serle pens a beautifully and cleverly written take on the classic playwrite.

Rose is a pretty amazingly realistic and awesome character to get to know. She's been in love with her best friend Rob, for what seems like forever. So, when he starts showing interest in her, she starts to believe that the two of them were always meant to be - that whatever happens, come what may they are meant to be together forever. For Rob, the first inkling of the tenderest feelings he's shown towards Rose doesn't last too long, when Juliet (Rose's cousin) walks in and he turns all his attention on her. Rose is devastated by this and goes through some pretty heavy emotions. She and Rob go from spending every day together, to not talking at all and Juliet is anything less than cruel to her for the better part of the time.

Rose has an amazing support system in place, in the form of two awesomely fierce best friends and an unlikely someone she never realized could ever be there for her in such an amazingly intense and caring way. Just when things start looking up for Rose, tragedy to the highest degree strikes both her and her family in such a hard hitting emotional way that she has to learn how to let go of the one person that she thought would always be there no matter what. It's a devastating blow and she almost loses it, until she realizes in the end that sometimes the best thing that can ever be done is learning to let go when you know there's nothing there to still grasp hold of.

Rebecca Serle does such a beautiful job of penning a story full of heartbreak, greif, bretrayal of all kinds, the tenderst of heartaches, losing and finding hope in the bleak aftermath of such a tragedy. When You Were Mine is a story about love and hope, life and death, and overcoming overwhelming odds when they are stacked against you and your family. It's a story of learning to look beyond the outer appearance and dig deeper to the core of beauty and love in its rarest form, learning not to miss what's been standing in front of you all along. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys love stories, with a positive outcome.

Want to purchase a copy of When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle?

You can do so by visiting my Amazon Store and adding them to your shopping cart. While you're there, feel free to look around, you might find something else you want. I hope you enjoyed my review for When You Were Mine by Rebecca SerleI definitely suggest you pick up a copy for yourself or even for someone else, if you think they'll like it.

ABOUT REBECCA SERLE

Website || Twitter || Facebook || Goodreads

Rebecca Serle is a full-time writer, which means she gets to wear pajamas to work. She went to the University of Southern California, then got her MFA from the New School in NYC. (She likes New York much more than LA, but don't tell anyone that.) Rebecca loves shiny hair, coffee, yoga, and pretending to be British. She, too, experienced heartbreak once. It worked out okay, though, because she turned the experience into her first novel, WHEN YOU WERE MINE. Find out more at rebeccaserle.com.

Author information taken from her .

{ This ARC was provided by ATW ARC Tours, in exchange for an honest review which I have provided. No money exchanged hands, I review books for fun because I love to read. I am not interested in monetary gain. Any piece of this ARC that was or wasn't quoted, is not part of the finished product and should not be perceived as such. Instead, you should compare and check it against a finished copy once it is released.}