[Review + Giveaway] Sister, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

Title: Sister, Missing {goodreads} 
Authors: Sophie McKenzie
Publication: January 2012 (AU/UK)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
RRP: $16.99 
Source: For review (thanks to publisher!)
Precautions: 11+ - Violence, guns, relationship (clean)
Pages: 250 (ARC copy)
Series: #2, sequel to Girl, MIssing {review}

My Rating:

Summary:

It's two years after the events of Girl, Missing and life is not getting any easier for sixteen-year-old Lauren, as exam pressure and a recent family tragedy take their toll. Lauren's birth mother takes Lauren and her two sisters on holiday in the hope that some time together will help, but a few days into the holiday one of the sisters disappears, under circumstances very similar to those in which Lauren was taken years before. Can Lauren save her sister, and stop the nightmare happening all over again?

My thoughts: 

* this is the sequel to Girl, Missing ~ if you have not read that book, you have been warned that there are spoilers in this review *

~ Final thoughts ~

I'm surprised--I found myself deeply moved by the end of this book, the sequel to 'Girl, Missing'. The dramatic and thrilling plot, the twists and turns, and the more well-rounded and developed characters really demonstrate literary development made on McKenzie's part.

MY SYNOPSIS

Lauren Purditt has figured out a system with her two families--her adoptive and her paternal, and it works most of the time. Two years later, Lauren takes her little sister Madison to the beach . . . and loses her. The events of two years ago are happening all over again, because if Lauren knows anything at all, she knows that Madi isn't just lost--she was taken.

Her American, birth mum is distraught, left in tatters by the situation. Her new boyfriend Rick, is supportive and eventually takes charge of the situation, having had experience in crime cases in the past. Lauren is convinced the kidnapper is Sonia Holtwood, the very same villain who almost killed her two years ago who was also let out of jail recently. Could history be repeating itself? And just what does the offender want from her?

MY THOUGHTS

Sister, Missing held my attention from beginning to end - I was simply not able to let go of the story and the twists and turns that came with it. I was kept on edge the whole time. In my opinion, the suspense was written much better in this book than its predecessor.

Lauren is just as stubborn and selfish as she was in the first book - in her pursuit in finding and rescuing her little sister, she does the following (and this is just the tip of the iceberg): ignores her other sister's outward expressions of grief and worry--instead she berates her when she attempts to make nice; runs directly into trouble, unarmed, without a plan, endangering her best friend as a result.

The other characters we met in 'Girl, Missing' that we also see in 'Sister, Missing', were much more likeable. Even Shelby, who used to abuse Madison. Especially Shelby. It felt like, by the end of it all, that Shelby had grown as a person, and we as readers really know her.

Jam and Lauren have been maintaining a long-distance relationship for two years, and Lauren has concerns that their fire has died down. When he arrives, he appears more distant and distracted, and Lauren has doubts about his feelings for her now. Their interactions are sweet and their relationship is sure to enchant younger teens.

The writing matches the pacing, so for that it's not that complex. The sentences are cut short so as to keep the flow going. This makes for a really quick read. The ending is bittersweet and also leaves room for questioning and further thought as to what may have happened afterward.

I was worried that I would not like this book at all, but this book's ending was its saving grace. Overall, the plot points were much more suspenseful and had me on edge at all times. I really just could not put this book down! If you're looking for a quick YA thriller, give this series a try. I might actually miss a couple of the characters--they really grew on me!

Trailer:

Buy:

* cheapest Australian e-store price

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

INTERNATIONAL READERS

Amazon | The Book Depository

All links from Booko, because I'm too lazy to search each individual store anymore.

Giveaway:

Aussie only.

The first one to comment with "I love thrillers!" will win:

• Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie (Finished copy)
• Sister, Missing by Sophie McKenzie (ARC)
• Various YA swag, whatever I have that features thriller/mysteries

I will e-mail the winner, so make sure to provide your e-mail address when you comment!


* I'm very behind on my giveaways, which I will work out soon *

Extras:

Developing the characters in Sister, Missing
Sister, Missing playlist

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: ---

[Review] Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

Title: Girl, Missing {goodreads}

Authors: Sophie McKenzie

Publication: January 2012 (repackaged)

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
RRP: $16.99

Source: For review (thanks to publisher!)
Precautions: 11+ - Mild violence and kidnapping

Pages: 282

My Rating:

Summary:

Lauren has always known she was adopted but when a little research turns up the possibility that she was snatched from an American family as a baby, suddenly Lauren's life seems like a sham. How can she find her biological parents? And are her adoptive parents really responsible for kidnapping her? She manages to wangle a trip across the Atlantic where she runs away to try and find the truth. But the circumstances of her disappearance are murky and Lauren's kidnappers are still at large and willing to do anything to keep her silent...

My thoughts: 

~ Final thoughts ~

Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie, while a chilling and heart-thumping thriller, lacked logic and character likeability, which made it difficult to enjoy completely. With several heartfelt moments, a budding romance that stands from solid grounds but is shakily executed, and sinister villains that make for intense suspense, I have no doubt that 11-14 year olds will eat this up. Most of all, this book addresses the Who am I question, in which many readers will be able to sympathise with Lauren's situation of having been adopted and never knowing her real parents.

MY SYNOPSIS

Lauren is adopted and has never known her real family, so when she is asked this Who Am I question for a school homework task, she begins to wonder what her real parents were like. Frustrated that she's never been able to remember, she asks her best friend Jam's mum, a spiritualist, to help her. In a state of deep relaxation, she remembers. Lauren, age 3, and her real mum, long black hair and spirited smile, playing hide-and-seek at a beach somewhere. In her heart, she knows she needs to--by any means necessary--find her real family. Upon research, she discovers a Martha Lauren Purditt, whose details match . . . but Martha was born in America. Lauren's always lived in London. But Lauren needs to know, so she sets up a family vacation, to America.

The overall story was compelling and one that I'm sure many people will be able to relate to. If I were adopted, I'd have wanted to know who my 'real family' was too. What McKenzie does a bit differently to other authors who have touched on this subject, is that she delves into the legal implications of international adoption. She also gives Lauren a choice, and room to decide whether she wants to go back to her old life in London--the life she's always known, or to return to the parents who have spent forever trying to recover the child that had been taken away from them.

What really didn't agree with me about the plot was just how unbelievable so many of the actions and decisions were. And how the right characters just happened to be there at the right time--or the wrong time, in Lauren and Jam's case. To me, it was just way too illogical and coincidental for me to believe it all. Also, money. It never seemed to be a problem for anyone--and to travel from London to America isn't that cheap that people can be whizzing from one country to the next, without seriously breaking the bank. Once again, this might be something that younger readers will be able to forgive.

In GIRL, MISSING, there was an expansive cast of characters, but I was never confused or unable to keep up with remembering names and roles. More the problem was in the one-dimensional feel the majority of them had. A little of the dialogue was stiff, and the only character that seems to develop or change during the course of the book is Lauren. That said, I did find a couple to be extremely likeable, and I wouldn't mind seeing them return in the sequel. (Madison, Glane, Jam's mum Carla) Despite the bits of maturity that Lauren picks up along the way, I never got to the point where I cared about her, or even what happened to her. Her selfishness was just so unforgiveable.

On the upside, McKenzie's writing is fairly easy to get through. It's simple and gets to the point. You'll be turning those pages, wanting to know how things turn out for Lauren in her quest for self-discovery.

Quotes:

First lines

"Who am I?
     I sat at the computer in Mum's office and stared at the essay heading. New form teachers always give you homework like that at the start of the year.
   Who am I?

Buy:

* cheapest Australian e-store price

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS

Fishpond * | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

INTERNATIONAL READERS

Amazon | The Book Depository

All links from Booko, because I'm too lazy to search each individual store anymore.

Extras:

Inspiration for writing Girl, Missing

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: ---

[Review] Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Touch of Power {goodreads}

Authors: Maria V. Snyder

Publication (dd/mm/yyyy): 01/01/2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
RRP: $19.99

Source: For review (thanks to publisher!)
Precautions: PG (15+) - Violence

Pages: 394

My Rating:

Summary:

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogue...moreLaying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

My thoughts: 

* In red and green are the "essential" stuff you can
read if you're just skimming through here. *

~ Final thoughts ~

A finely woven tale of magic and spirited adventure, TOUCH OF POWER is just one of those stories that will draw readers in and never let go. Maria V. Snyder has definitely made a fan out of me - this was my first book written by her but it will not be my last! I do not read much high fantasy, and reading this book is just a reminder that I should.

You know those books that just light up your face, the ones you could talk on and on about? The books that keep you up until the wee hours of the morning, with unforgettable characters, a setting that is built extremely well, and a plot that is surprising and heart-racing and imaginative and strong? Yeah. This is one of those books, in my opinion.

MY SYNOPSIS

TOUCH OF POWER starts off when our main character Avry - who has been on the run for three years - heals a wailing child, is found out by the parents and is arrested, and will be hung. Except, a miracle occurs - a group of rogues bust her out. Avry is a Healer, and to just about everyone everywhere Healers are bad and fearful beings who began the nasty plague that has killed off countless people. The rogues don't plan to turn Avry over to King Tohon, who has issued out a high reward for any Healer captured. This group has been looking for a Healer for two years, because the only person able to stop King Tohon's destructive conquest has caught the deadly plague. But if Avry heals this man, that means she will not live.

CHARACTERS

Avry is hands down one of my favourite heroines - bold, intelligent, stubborn but in a good way because she has her own beliefs and values and knows where her priorities lie. She's not afraid to fight and keep on fighting; she doesn't give up. She's outspoken and brash and has a wicked sense of humour that can rub people the wrong way. Her unruly circumstances - the downfall of the Healer reputation with the plague - has torn her away from the world she's known, and she's had to stay in hiding for years. She's strong, even considering she doesn't know where her family is, or even if they're still alive. None of those characteristics felt contrived or forced - it felt like such an intrinsic part of her being that I believed every action, every word she spoke, every emotion she felt.

Then there is the gang of rogues who saved her from certain death. At the very beginning I had to make a little list so I wouldn't mix people up, but really, I didn't need it because they're just so endearing and memorable! I lost count how many times I just cracked up laughing, the guys joke around and tease each other so much, and Snyder writes their dialogue with such ease that I wouldn't be surprised if she spied on groups of guys for inspiration. There are five guys - Kerrick, the leader; Belen, a heart full of gold; Vinn and Quain, the monkeys; and Flea, who is, well, Flea (see quote ii.). I'll let you fall in love with them when you read it yourself. ;)

For the majority of the book, we are following the journey of Avry along with the rogues. But, along the way we meet many great characters.

PLOT

TOUCH OF POWER reminds me of GRACELING (Kristin Cashore), in that there is a lot of time spent moving from one town to the next, where many eventful things unfold. The overall storyline, as laid out above in the synopsis, is pretty simple. What really shines through is the depth in creating the world and the characters, and just the whole backstory behind the Healers and the plague, that we get little snippets of. Like the characters, we don't have the whole picture just yet.

There were so many shocking moments that it was really hard to put this book down. I loved the plot twists. Snyder certainly knew what she was doing when she wrote every little bit of this book. There's a meaning and connection in about everything that happens, and for that matter I love the fact that it all ends on a good note, but it leaves the reader with so many questions. The beauty of fantasy and dystopian fiction should be in the world-building, above all else. They make you question the societal rules and customs, the relations between rules/laws and ethics, and how they play with our own beliefs, as readers.

Ultimately, this book ends meaningfully and also allows ample breathing room for the second book in the series, with more than enough lingering questions to draw readers in to read on.

RELATIONSHIPS

I love the closeness within the group of rogues, and their bonds only grow stronger as they venture onward.

The romance takes a backseat to all the action and adventure, family and friendship. Suits me just fine. For the first half of the book there is no sign of any impending romance, but eventually sparks do fly. It's just, don't expect an insta-love progression. Hopeless romantics will swoon, probably.

WRITING

Dialogue? Genius.

Actions? Like I was right there.

Setting? As above.

As this is Snyder's ninth book, I'm sure if you've read any of her books you have an idea whether you like or don't like her writing style. I've already gushed on about how much I loved the dialogue.

COVERS

The covers for this book are so different to each other, but they all have significance to the overall story which I like.

Now that I've read the book I think I prefer the UK cover, though I'd be happy with any.

US (left, below): Probably the "prettiest" of them all. Includes peace/death lilies, Avry is pretty, but in my opinion too pretty (the makeup) in this cover. Love the font and composition of this one, as well as the profile of Avry.

UK (right, below): I like that there is forest in the background, as well as mountain. The cloak and overall look of Avry seems fair enough, and I can't complain about the effects emanating off her fingers. I don't like the text too much, especially the size of Snyder's name, but hey.

AU (top): I love that Avry is wearing a yellow dress! And the scar and Healer tattoo. There's also forest and mountain, and this one is brighter and more colourful than the UK. One thing is that, to me, it looks a bit historical romance-y, from afar.

Quotes:

First lines

The little girl wouldn't stop crying. I didn't blame her. She was dying after all.

Favourite lines

"Avry, why did you risk your life for me? Kerrick ordered you not to heal me. You suffered for days! You shouldn't have done it."
     The room grew quiet. I spotted Kerrick near the doorway.
     "Belen, I decide who I heal. Me. Not you. Not anyone. It's my life on the line each time. It's my decision. The only one I have left." I put my hand on his cheek. "You deserved to be saved. I had no doubts." (p. 71)

Buy:

* cheapest Australian e-store price

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS


~ with all Harlequin Teen books I'd recommend you buy directly from them ~

Harlequin Teen *

Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

INTERNATIONAL READERS

Amazon | The Book Depository

All links from Booko, because I'm too lazy to search each individual store anymore.

Extras:

On Booko I saw this cover for the Australian version, and I'm so glad it's not the final one because it doesn't look like Avry, and it comes across too dark and paranormal for my liking, rather than plain fantasy.

Chapter one sneak preview ~ here

Maria V. Snyder's got some awesome contests going on ~ here

Other TOUCH OF POWER reviews

Manda's Movements: 5 stars {link}
Nice Girls Read Books: 5 stars {link}
Saz101: 5 stars {link}
A Book Obsession: 4 stars/butterflies {link}

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: ---

Whoa, where did I go?

This has nothing to do with anything.

 
Hah! So much for the Faves of Twentyeleven shindig [I have the lists, but the internet has just been extremely slow!]. I just didn't feel like posting anything, checking email or even looking at anything book-related online.

I have been reading some AMAZING books lately; if anyone were to check my Goodreads (which I actually do keep updated--not like my 'Currently Reading' section on the sidebar XD), they'd know that not only have I completed my reading challenge at 80 books for the year ~ I've also finally read The Hunger Games! As well as The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, and only just half an hour ago did I put down Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez.

I would recommend any of them to fans of their respective genres/themes. The blog will be on a mini-hiatus for now. My review of TOUCH OF POWER will go up on the 27th--it was supposed to auto-post a couple of days ago, but Blogger has been funny on me lately (it saved as a draft).

But this does. Hello, rain books!

After the 27th, there'll be one challenges post, and then I'll meet you all over the new year jump.

:) So how have you guys been? Excited about tomorrow?

Let me know what you've been reading lately! Link to any interesting posts you want me to check out. Google Reader has hit the 1000+ mark. Again. Sorry I haven't been commenting! 

Also, thanks for all the comments. Alerts get sent to my email, but I haven't been checking my email much either. :/ Basically I've just been a completely lazy blogger.

My December Reading List

Format: Author - Title (Date finished, Rating)

• Carol M. Tanzman - dancergirl (1st, 3.5 stars)
• Caragh O'Brien - Prized (3rd, 5 stars)
• Gwendolyn Heasley - Where I Belong (4th, 3.5 stars)
• Kirsten Hubbard - Like Mandarin (5th, 4 stars)
• Maria V. Snyder - Touch of Power (10th, 5 stars)
• Kirsten Hubbard - Wanderlove (12th, 5 stars)
• Sophie McKenzie - Girl, Missing (14th, 3.5 stars)
• Guadalupe Garcia McCall - Under the Mesquite (16th, 4 stars)
• Marissa Meyer - Cinder (19th, 4 stars)
• Michelle Hodkin - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (22nd, 4-4.5 stars)
• Suzanne Collins - The Hunger Games (23rd, 5 stars)
• Jessica Martinez - Virtuosity (24th, 4.5 stars)

Highlight books of December

Last 3 books of 2011

~ The Dead of Night by John Marsden (#2 of the Tomorrow series) -- currently reading

~ Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
~ The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti

Early (Jan-May) 2012 book releases that are sitting on the top of my wishlist
~ Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard (love <3)
~ A Million Suns by Beth Revis (OMG! + RC)

~ Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne (just everything about it...the promotions, the cover, the synopsis--and it's a debut!)

~ The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen

~ The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jessica Rothenburg

~ Insurgent by Veronica Roth (DOI!)

~ Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

~ The Last Princess

~ The Academie by Susanne Dunlap

~ The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (RC?)

~ Fated by Sarah Alderson (RC?)

~ Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

~ Orchards by Holly Thompson (the PB release~I've been waiting for it!)

~ Stay by Deb Caletti (PB release)

~ We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han (UK PB to complete the series, which means I will finally get to read the Summer series, for summer 2012!)

~ The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (PB)

~ Moonglass by Jessi Kirby (PB)

and so on.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate--

Happy New Year

& 

Keep

Reading!

Note: none of these images are mine. I own NOTHING!!!

Faves of Twentyeleven Book Awards: Day One ~ Books

I'm kind of sorry ~ this was really rushed and I haven't been able to include links/pictures. I'll be home later and fix it up then. I promise that Day Two will run much smoother... The internet's just really slow lately, and my mouse is acting up even more than usual (just for example, I can't drag images when editing posts).

1. Favourite book read in 2011
    ~ Divergent by Veronica Roth ~

Runners up: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, Where She Went by Gayle Forman, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins -- all great reads that instantly made it to my to-reread-pile.

2. Most powerful book
    ~ Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys ~

Runners up: Saving June by Hannah Harrington, Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma, Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

3. Brilliantly funny
    ~ Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty ~

Runners up: Beauty Queens by Libba Bray, Amplified by Tara Kelly, Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

4. Best ache-y, heart-breaking, tear-jerker read
    ~ Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys ~

Runners up: Where She Went by Gayle Forman, Saving June by Hannah Harrington

5. Most beautiful story
    ~ A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young ~
Just every single thing about this book was BEAUTIFUL

Runners up: Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer, Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott

6. Delicious rainy day comfort read
    ~ Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard ~
Hilarious and is sure to transport you to the unruly lands of Central America.

Runners up: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen

7. Adrenalin-fuelled, unputdownable award
    ~ Divergent by Veronica Roth ~

Runners up: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson, Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

8. The Beautiful prose award
    ~ Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi ~

Runners up: Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Alaska by Sue Saliba

9. Most atmospheric and vivid setting
    ~ Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang ~

Runners up: Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott, Alaska by Sue Saliba

10. I-so-want-to-go-there award
    ~ Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard (Central America) ~

Runners up: Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner (Fictional, "Jewel"), Saving June by Hannah Harrington (California), I ♥ NYC by Keris Stainton (New York)

11. Most original and imaginative
    ~ Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott ~

Runners up: Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves, Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

12. Best under-appreciated, hidden gem book
    ~ The Day Before by Lisa Schroder ~

Runners up: The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King, Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

13. I-had-no-idea-I-would-love-this-so award
    ~ Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder ~
A solid 5 out of me. Beautifully crafted characters and a storyline that completely captivated me.

Runners up: Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey (I figured this would be just an okay book, but it's so deliciously gothic and mysterious, really grabbed me from the start.), The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder (My first Schroeder book. Verse novels are very hit-or-miss for me, I've learnt. But The Day Before was pure contemporary YA magic.), Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg (I just did not like her first book, however this classic retelling was truly enchanting)

14. Most haunting story
    ~ Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma ~
Anyone who has read this knows WHY!

Runners up: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (Okay, this was a re-read this year, but this book HAUNTED me), IF I STAY by Gayle Forman (Also, re-read this year, just can't let go of this story!)

15. Outside my comfort zone but gosh how I loved it
    ~ The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King ~
This one surprisingly got me thinking into the wee hours of the night after I'd read it.

    ~ The Dark Divine & The Lost Saint by Bree Despain ~
Paranormal YA . . . enough said.

   ~ Winter's Shadow by M.J. Hearle ~
Another paranormal YA that I really ended up enjoying.

16. Series that I'm loving
    ~ The Dark Divine trilogy (It all ends next year with The Savage Grace! *excited and anxious*)
    ~ Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy (In honesty, I've only read the first book, but that was enough to make a fan out of me.)
    ~ Divergent series (Yeah.)
    ~ Birthmarked series (These books just suck me in.)
    ~ Bright Young Things series
    ~ The Tomorrow series

17. Always recommending this award *broken down into genres*

HISTORICAL
    Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang (I implore any historical fiction fan to read this one! Looking for something culturally different and just beautiful and intelligent?)
    Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (Will tear you apart, piece by piece, but the strength and hope of Lena and her family will leave you feeling, well, hopeful.)

CONTEMPORARY
    If I Stay & Where She Went by Gayle Forman (One of the few books I re-read over and over again.)
    Anna & Lola by Stephanie Perkins (So I read Anna last year, but how can you mention one without the other? They're equally gorgeous.)

DYSTOPIAN
    Divergent by Veronica Roth (PLEASE. If you only read one debut this year, make it this one.)
    Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien (This seems to be pretty hit-or-miss with readers, but I just couldn't get enough of it!)

PARANORMAL
    The Dark Divine trilogy by Bree Despain
    Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

FANTASY
   GRACELING by Kristin Cashore

   TOUCH OF POWER by Maria V. Snyder

18. Completely awesome premise award
    ~ Forgotten by Cat Patrick ~

Runners up: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

19. Would make the best movie
    ~ Graceling by Kristin Cashore ~

Runners up: Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott, Cinder by Marissa Meyer

20. Want to re-read already
    ~ Saving June by Hannah Harrington ~

Runners up: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder, Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott, Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember to link your posts! Tomorrow we'll be discussing . . . characters!