The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

Dill has had to wrestle with vipers his whole life—at home, as the only son of a Pentecostal minister who urges him to handle poisonous rattlesnakes, and at school, where he faces down bullies who target him for his father’s extreme faith and very public fall from grace.

He and his fellow outcast friends must try to make it through their senior year of high school without letting the small-town culture destroy their creative spirits and sense of self. Graduation will lead to new beginnings for Lydia, whose edgy fashion blog is her ticket out of their rural Tennessee town. And Travis is content where he is thanks to his obsession with an epic book series and the fangirl turning his reality into real-life fantasy.

Their diverging paths could mean the end of their friendship. But not before Dill confronts his dark legacy to attempt to find a way into the light of a future worth living. 

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1QCUE98

MY THOUGHTS:
5/5 Stars

*Thank you for the ARC Penguin Random House*

It's like a game of Jenga... With each word you pull out a block and slowly feel the build up of something big about to happen. The tower starts leaning and eventually it comes crumbling down. More words rebuild the tower and the story finds a beginning from an end. That sums up The Serpent King. It is felt deep within the soul and opens your heart in ways you never knew possible. 

The story is about three friends. Three different individuals, with three different home lives. One is privileged and popular on the internet.  One is abused by his drunk father and one has a tainted name. Together they work through their insecurities and push each other to reach for the stars. It's not always easy though. To be honest, it's punch in the gut. Some of the scenes will grasp your heart and have you gasping for air. I couldn't believe the ups and downs and how real each vivid scene felt. In some twisted way I felt connected to the characters. I could feel their personalities seep from the pages and I could just picture their stance and attitude with each word exchanged. Friendship is the theme, but trust, love, honesty, grief, hope, and anger all play a part in the story of Lydia, Dil, and Travis. 

I applaud the Author because the subjects (bullying, abuse, tough home life, suicide, death, first love) in this story are done a lot, but he took them and made them his own. Each one is thoroughly exposed and touched on with grit and pose. Nothing is sugar coated and for that I am thankful. To say I enjoyed this story is an understatement. I feel like this should be a mandated high school read. It's a book that opens your eyes to the bad and pushes you to find good.

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis

Anna and Abel couldn’t be more different. They are both seventeen and in their last year of school, but while Anna lives in a nice old town house and comes from a well-to-do family, Abel, the school drug dealer, lives in a big, prisonlike tower block at the edge of town. Anna is afraid of him until she realizes that he is caring for his six-year-old sister on his own. Fascinated, Anna follows the two and listens as Abel tells little Micha the story of a tiny queen assailed by dark forces. It’s a beautiful fairy tale that Anna comes to see has a basis in reality. Abel is in real danger of losing Micha to their abusive father and to his own inability to make ends meet. Anna gradually falls in love with Abel, but when his “enemies” begin to turn up dead, she fears she has fallen for a murderer. Has she?

Award-winning author Antonia Michaelis moves in a bold new direction with her latest novel: a dark, haunting, contemporary story that is part mystery, part romance, and part melodrama.

Amazon Link- http://amzn.to/1ROjjXh

MY THOUGHTS:

4.5/5 Stars

This book reminded me of a beautifully crafted mandala. It had intricate details, sharp edges, and was painted in many different colors. I wasn't sure about the fairy tale mixing with reality theme, but in the end I saw with clarity why the Author chose that path. It was inspirational and foretelling. It proved that even the darkest shadow can find light and even the ugliest things can have beauty. It showed that death doesn't have to be the end and that sometimes in order to start over you have to let go. 

Abel is the school mystery from the wrong side of the tracks. Anna is the straight laced girl from the right side of the tracks. Micha is a free spirit with a troubled past. When their lives overlap, a fairy tale begins. A very dark and very twisted fairy tale with many ups and downs. Abel, Anna, & Micha's story ripped my heart out and I'm now suffering from a hardcore book hangover. Did I expect a wild ending? Absolutely, but when I was reading... I had no idea in what way the story would go. I was a tad bored and then all of sudden I felt reality slipping through my fingertips. I was grasping sand and falling into the book heart first. I won't lie and say the experience felt good, but the hurt I felt just made my reading experience that much better. Every gut wrenching word led up to those final moments and so many feels were felt. I've never had such an intense love/hate relationship with a character before. One minute I was swooning over the romance and the next I was sick to my stomach with possibilities. Each character and every piece of evidence played an important role in a sick tragic tale and I loved to hate every minute of it. 

I highly recommend this book to all readers with an open mind. There are some sensitive scenes so be prepared for the worse.

The Book of You by Claire Kendal

A terrifying psychological thriller about obsession and power, perfect for fans of Gone Girl and Before I Go to Sleep.

Clarissa is becoming more and more frightened of her colleague, Rafe. He won’t leave her alone, and he refuses to take no for an answer. He is always there.

Being selected for jury service is a relief. The courtroom is a safe haven, a place where Rafe can’t be. But as a violent tale of kidnap and abuse unfolds, Clarissa begins to see parallels between her own situation and that of the young woman on the witness stand.

Realizing that she bears the burden of proof, Clarissa unravels the twisted, macabre fairytale that Rafe has spun around them – and discovers that the ending he envisions is more terrifying than she could have imagined. 

MY REVIEW:

3/5 Stars

This book was intriguing, mysterious, and creepy. It's about a crazy one night stand that begins with rape and ends with a crazy stalker. The guy is straight lunatic I tell you! He follows her everywhere and leaves her creepy photos at her doorstep. While she tries to uncover secrets and remain alive, he digs deeper into her privacy. He invades her friendships, her workplace, and her casual day to day life. She can't get away from him. He is always there and it takes extreme measures to finally be rid of him.

While I really liked this story... there was a lot of redundancy that became boring at times. Each journal entry was another encounter of him lurking and her noting. Most occurrences were similar. I think I really craved difference. More action... More intensity... 

All in all it was a well written book with a twisty plot. I recommend it to fans of You by Caroline Kepnes.

Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.

Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.

But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

This thrilling novel is a remarkable tale of danger and discovery, from debut author Michelle Modesto. 

MY REVIEW:

5/5 Stars

Sometimes when I see a cover, I feel an instant connection and get that need read feeling. This one gave me all those feels. I came across the cover and preordered it immediately. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I never would've guessed that I'd love it as much as I did. This is hands down the best book I've read in 2016 so far... A unique debut with a magical/steampunk feel. There were cannibals, creatures, and characters with machine body parts. I mean how crazy cool is that? 

Westie is the main character and though she is frustrating at times, you can't help but love her. She's like a hard candy... tough exterior, soft inside. Her family was killed by cannibals and she has lived a Hunter life seeking revenge. She never expects the killers to come forth on their own and start to run a ruckus in her town, but they do and it takes all she has not to kill them on the spot. She knows she needs to gather evidence and more information before taking action and so with the help of many characters she digs for answers and finally deals revenge.

This story was a wild adventure packed with suspense, romance, and mystery. There were many twists and turns that I never expected and the romance was quite overwhelming. There were so many potential suitors, but only one was true love. 

The overall theme of the story was eery with beautiful aspects. I fell hard for the characters and became entangled in the plot. It was definitely a read that pulled me away from reality and put me in that happy reading world where everything was magical and new. The writing was top of the line and the story had everything I look for in a book. I seriously have grabby hands for more from this Author... Can't wait to see what's next.

Naked by Stacey Trombley Review

I could never fit in to the life my parents demanded. By the time I was thirteen, it was too much. I ran away to New York City…and found a nightmare that lasted three years. A nightmare that began and ended with a pimp named Luis. Now I am Dirty Anna. Broken, like everything inside me has gone bad.

Except that for the first time, I have a chance to start over. Not just with my parents but at school. Still, the rumors follow me everywhere. Down the hall. In classes. And the only hope I can see is in the wide, brightly lit smile of Jackson, the boy next door. So I lie to him. I lie to protect him from my past. I lie so that I don’t have to be The Girl Who Went Bad.

The only problem is that someone in my school knows about New York. 

Someone knows who I really am.

And it’s just a matter of time before the real Anna is exposed…

AMAZON- http://amzn.to/1n4b2Ez 

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 Stars

The moment I saw this cover, I started to obsess. Add in the reviews saying the story was dark and well... I quickly put it on the MUST READ list. 

When I started reading I expected to be sickened by details, but really the ugly parts only made me more consumed. Yes, the book had rape in it, but the few explicit details mentioned would not turn a reader away. It was just enough to capture the audience and pull out sympathy from deep within. My heart hurt for Anna. She had a passive mother, an abusive father, and a past that shadowed her wherever she went. She ran away and fell for a guy that used and eventually sold her. Then when she was sent home her family was all kinds of awkward. Throw in a new relationship and bullies at school and you get a whirlwind story filled with twisted mystery and heart wrenching emotion.

The writing was top of the line. It was fast paced with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. I wasn't sure how it would all come together, but I was pleasantly surprised. I remember at times wanting to scream or reach through the book and shake a character or two, but in the end I definitely came to peace with them all. Each one added a unique aspect that made the story well rounded. I enjoyed the thrilling parts and swooned over the bad girl/good guy romance. The wacky side of me craved more darkness, but I really enjoyed it for the most part. It was a one of a kind book that I recommend to all readers with an open mind. 

The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson

A Southern girl. A wounded soldier. A chilling force deep in the forest.

All collide at night’s darkest hour.

Seventeen-year-old Violet Dancey has been left at home in Mississippi with a laudanum-addicted stepmother and love-crazed stepsister while her father fights in the war—a war that has already claimed her twin brother. 

When she comes across a severely injured Union soldier lying in an abandoned lodge deep in the woods, things begin to change. Thomas is the enemy—one of the men who might have killed her own brother—and yet she's drawn to him. But Violet isn't Thomas's only visitor; someone has been tending to his wounds—keeping him alive—and it becomes chillingly clear that this care hasn't been out of compassion. 

Against the dangers of war and ominous powers of voodoo, Violet must fight to protect her home and the people she loves.

From the author of Strands of Bronze and Gold comes a haunting love story and suspenseful thriller based on the ancient fairy tale of “Tam Lin.”

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1TOeKfC

MY THOUGHTS:

4/5 STARS

This book had the best of both worlds... a little history and little romance. The beginning was a tad slow because it was setting up the story, but once the cousins came to town, it took a mysterious turn. There was darkness that shadowed the pages and secrets that clouded my visions. Throw in a wounded soldier and well I was hooked. 

Thomas definitely made the book more enjoyable for me. I really loved reading about Violet and his relationship. It started with bitter feelings and ended with a forbidden, all consuming love. It wasn't easy, but they proved just how much deep emotional feelings can overcome. 

The writing was top of the line and the premise of the story was intriguing. There was voodoo, slaves, country folk, and southern belles. We got to experience the feel of war and the struggle between master/slave. We also got to see that some southerners were not okay with what the law presumed normal. Many made friendships with the slaves and wanted to free them so they could make a better life for themselves. It was truly rich in history and for that I am thankful. 

I love romances that tie in raw reality and this one did just that. If you like history and romance tangled with mystery... then this one is for you!

Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

The exhilaratingly seductive new series from the author of the bestselling Starcrossed series

Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.

Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.

But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

AMAZON LINK- http://amzn.to/1mACE42

MY THOUGHTS:

3/5 STARS

I'm quite confused when it comes to rating this one...

On one hand I found myself intrigued by the fantasy world and swooning over the book boyfriends, but on another I have a severe headache from all of the science talk. When I dive into a book I want to be transported from reality and consumed by fantasy. This one transported me, but instead of a magical world, I entered a confusing jumble of mish mash. There were monsters, witches, outlanders, and lots of science talk. I am not opposed to gaining knowledge while reading, but page after page of science descriptions is just not for me. I really wanted to learn more about the different characters, but sadly the story just grazed the surface. There was action, but it wasn't enough to make me want to keep turning the pages. I found myself pushing to get to the end and well even that was just meh. 

I think Rowan and Tristan saved this book for me... I really enjoyed the love triangle, intensity, and humor that the romance brought. I was hoping for more of it, but the story was definitely focused on science. Science, science, science.... Just too much! 

I don't recommend this book...