[Review: Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid]

"Let's Get Lost"
Author: Adi Alsaid
Series: None
Pages: 352
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Date Published: July 29th, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary:

Five strangers. Countless adventures. One epic way to get lost.

Four teens across the country have only one thing in common: a girl named LEILA. She crashes into their lives in her absurdly red car at the moment they need someone the most.

There's HUDSON, a small-town mechanic who is willing to throw away his dreams for true love. And BREE, a runaway who seizes every Tuesday—and a few stolen goods along the way. ELLIOT believes in happy endings…until his own life goes off-script. And SONIA worries that when she lost her boyfriend, she also lost the ability to love.

Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia find a friend in Leila. And when Leila leaves them, their lives are forever changed. But it is during Leila's own 4,268-mile journey that she discovers the most important truth— sometimes, what you need most is right where you started. And maybe the only way to find what you're looking for is to get lost along the way.

-Goodreads 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Let's Get Lost,

Book, I had no idea what was going on when I started reading you and I glad that's the way things went. You had the actual feel of a very different kind of road trip and your honesty really worked for me. I thought your conclusion and the big surprise were a little weak, but the rest of you made up for it. I loved meeting all the strange people in your pages and they were perfectly odd. Good job all the way around, I think that's what I'm trying to say.

-The White Unicorn

Let's Get Lost is one of those books that makes you smile, laugh and think. Alsaid has created a cast of characters that you want to root for, even if you think they are ridiculous some of the time. He's also made a road trip book that doesn't follow the normal road trip tropes. I commend him for that.

The book is about four teens: Hudson (the golden boy), Bree (the runaway), Elliot (the hopeless romantic) and Sonia (the confused lover). We meet them all in their own sections of the book and the one thing connecting them is a girl in her red car named Leila. I love that we got to see so many different places and go on a handful of adventures all because Leila was on a huge road trip to see The Northern Lights. Meeting her through the eyes of all four strangers was such a creative writing concept. 

I would tell you what happens in each teen's life, but I think that not knowing is part of the charm of this novel. It will sweep you off your feet and make you smile, be sure of that. On the other hand Alsaid manages to ask some pretty interesting and thought provoking questions. Sometimes looking at a younger person's life brings deep meaning to the universes questions and in Let's Get Lost Alsaid actually pulls it off without seeming pretentious.

The only issue I had with this one was Leila's story line. When we got down to brass tacks, I felt like she, on her own, felt slightly underdeveloped. Which if you've read the book, kind of makes sense. But I felt like she could have been fleshed out more, or left as a drifting soul that we didn't know much about. In the end I still liked the book enough to give it 4 Unicorns, though this, right here is why it isn't getting 5. 

If you like road trip books, crazy shenanigans and deep thinking, this book is for you.

Rating:

 4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!

[Review: The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel]

"The Break-Up Artist"
Author: Philip Siegel
Series: None
Pages: 336
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Date Published: April 29th, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary:

Some sixteen-year-olds babysit for extra cash. Some work at the Gap. Becca Williamson breaks up couples. 



After watching her sister get left at the altar, Becca knows the true damage that comes when people utter the dreaded L-word. For just $100 via paypal, she can trick and manipulate any couple into smithereens. With relationship zombies overrunning her school, and treating single girls like second class citizens, business is unfortunately booming. Even her best friend Val has resorted to outright lies to snag a boyfriend.

One night, she receives a mysterious offer to break up the homecoming king and queen, the one zombie couple to rule them all: Steve and Huxley. They are a JFK and Jackie O in training, masters of sweeping faux-mantic gestures, but if Becca can split them up, then school will be safe again for singletons. To succeed, she'll have to plan her most elaborate scheme to date and wiggle her way back into her former BFF Huxley’s life – not to mention start a few rumors, sabotage some cell phones, break into a car, and fend off the inappropriate feelings she’s having about Val’s new boyfriend. All while avoiding a past victim out to expose her true identity.

No one said being the Break-Up Artist was easy.

-Goodreads

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To The Break-Up Artist,

Congrats, you just won for the first book this year to make irate.  It's an honor you shouldn't take lightly, because it takes a lot for me to write a rant filled review.  You could have been so cool too.  I guess I give you points for having a cool concept and some funny one liners, but when I got down to the nitty-gritty with you, I just can't support what you're selling.  It made me sad that you were a story fueled by revenge created out of self inflicted victimization.  I'm not a fan of books that make "martyr syndrome" seem normal.  That's why I didn't mind breaking up with you, so I guess you succeeded in your ultimate goal.

-The White Unicorn

Guys, this book.  I don't think a book has left me this irritated in a really long time.  I was really looking forward to it and kept reading till the end because I was hoping that it would redeem itself.  It had so many chances to do so, but it never happened.  I'm probably going to be one of the black sheep when it comes to this one, but reviewing books is all about being honest, and so get ready for a heavy dose of honesty.

I do have to admit that I appreciate what Siegel was trying to do with this book.  He had a great premise and some intelligent thoughts.  I even thought his writing style was easy to read.  Though the pacing was a little boring and that it would have been nice to see more of the scheming parts.  But, even with the good stuff, when it comes down to it, he chose to make his female characters extremely bitter and the story seemed really far fetched.  I mean all of this "break-up artist" stuff would have been so much better if Becca was an anti-hero.  Instead she was self victimizing brat who decided that since her friend dumped her for a boyfriend years ago, she didn't want anyone to be happy or in a relationship in her high school.  At least she had the gumption to take payment for her actions.

Becca's whole life is a joke.  She's running around breaking people up while also helping her best friend snag a boyfriend that she has nothing in common with.  She wants the single people of the school to take over and yet she still helps Val land a boyfriend.  Why?  Isn't that the opposite of her life goal?  Plus, then she ends up messing it up all on her own, some pal she is.

And can we talk about Becca's sister?  Seriously, a guy dumped you on your wedding day.  We get it, that sucks, but this grown woman sits in her room eating chips and candy in her sweat pants for a year.  At least we know that self victimization is a hereditary trait in the family.

I'm a huge advocate of people getting their emotions out and dealing with their issues in their own way.  I really am, but the way these women were portrayed in this book really pissed me off.  I wanted them to rise above the crap that had happened to them in the past and be triumphant while taking control of their own actions.  Sometimes you have to stop wallowing and move past things so that you can have an amazing life.  There was a glimpse of this at the end of the book, but it came a little too late if you ask me.

Rating:

  1 Unicorn = No, just NO!   

[Review: Witchfall by Victoria Lamb]

"Witchfall"
Author: Victoria Lamb
Series: The Tudor Witch Trilogy #2
Pages: 336
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Alternate History
Date Published: March 25th, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format Read: eARC provided my publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Summery:

Her darkest dreams are coming true;

In Tudor England, 1555, Meg Lytton has learned how powerful her magick gift can be. But danger surrounds her and her mistress, the outcast Princess Elizabeth. Nowhere is safe in the court of Elizabeth's fanatical sister, Queen Mary. And as the Spanish Inquisition's merciless priests slowly tighten their grip on the court, Meg's very dreams are disturbed by the ever-vengeful witchfinder Marcus Dent.

Even as Meg tries to use her powers to find guidance, something evil arises, impervious to Meg's spells and hungry to control England's fate. As Meg desperately tries to keep her secret betrothed, the Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, out of harm's way, caution wars with their forbidden desire. And with her most powerful enemy poised to strike, Meg's only chance is a heartbreaking sacrifice.

-Goodreads

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts:

An Open Letter To Witchfall,

Hey there book, it was nice of you to be as awesome as you were.  I liked your big sister, "Witchstruck" a lot and I was looking forward to reading you.  I'm glad that you didn't suck and that you didn't even have middle book syndrome.  It made reading you a really pleasant experience.  This could have gone a lot differently, but you did me right!  You gave me the right hint of romance, the fun of a good mystery and even more historical figures.  Well done!

-The White Unicorn

It's always great when a author delivers a grand second novel in a trilogy.  So often the middle book is filled with all the boring, little, middle bits of a story, but "Witchfall" is not one of those books.  It starts off pretty much where "Witchstruck" left off and rushes us into Meg's newest adventure with all of her old pals.  

Once again Lamb creates a world that is so historically detailed that it's fun to dive into.  Of course she adds her own elements into these well known English facts, but the story is rooted in reality, even if it goes off course to give us a thrill ride where witches actually have powers and real royal Princesses have too much attitude.  

This time around Princess Elizabeth and Meg aren't being held captive anymore.  They are in the walls of court (which is basically still a prison).  The Inquisition is strong, Queen Mary may or may not be pregnant, The King is flirting with Elizabeth and everyone is running around pretending to be devote Catholics and not witches.  Or at least that's what Meg is doing.

Oh Meg, she's an interesting one.  On first hand she looks like she's so brave and then in reality she does things that just aren't that smart.  She's that kind of manic brave that doesn't work for everyone, but I find myself liking her for it.  She rushes headlong into things and ends up making some of the weirdest choices, but somehow they work out for her.  You want her to open her eyes so that she doesn't find herself in large amounts of trouble again, but you also wanna see where her guts will take her.  The girl has guts, even if she's not the best game plan maker.  Seriously, she's not the brightest bulb in the box, but it makes her real and interesting and oddly loveable.

Things heat up a bit between Alejandro and Meg, which I approve of.  Give me a doomed Gothic romance and you'll be my friend for life.  Also the Princess is just as snarky as ever and even though she's not healthy most of the book, she still gets her two words in.  Over and over again.  Meg's brother shows up and there are a few new players this time around too.  They add to the plot and they're so much fun.  

Over all I'm really pleased with this book and I'm a huge fan of the trilogy!  If you haven't given it a shot, you should!  For those of you who are curious, here is my review of "Witchstruck".

Rating:

4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!

[Review: WItchstruck by Victoria Lamb]

"Witchstruck"
Author: Victoria Lamb
Series: The Tudor Witch Trilogy #1
Pages: 304
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Alternate History
Date Published: September 24th, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format Read: eARC provided by the publisher (via Edelweiss) for honest review

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary:

Meg Lytton has always known of her dark and powerful gift. Raised a student of the old magick by her Aunt Jane, casting the circle to see visions of the future and concocting spells from herbs and bones has always been as natural to Meg as breathing. But there has never been a more dangerous time to practise the craft, for it is 1554, and the sentence for any woman branded a witch is hanging, or burning at the stake.

Sent to the ruined, isolated palace of Woodstock to serve the disgraced Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and half-sister of Queen Mary, Meg discovers her skills are of interest to the outcast princess, who is desperate to know if she will ever claim the throne. But Meg's existence becomes more dangerous every day, with the constant threat of exposure by the ruthless witchfinder Marcus Dent, and the arrival of a young Spanish priest, Alejandro de Castillo, to whom Meg is irresistibly drawn - despite their very different attitudes to her secret.

Thrilling and fast-paced, this is the first unputdownable story in a bewitching new series.

-Goodreads

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Thoughts:

It has come to my attention that I love alternate history in my books.  Witchstruck is yet another shining example of why.  Lamb somehow managed to blend historical events in England as well as characters we know with elements like witches who have actual power.  Meg is as fictional as they come, while we all know that Elizabeth became the actual Queen of England.  The fact is that Lamb writes both of these girls in such a way that they both seem like they were real factual people.  It's so well done that you might find yourself looking through history books to see if there was ever any mention of Meg Lytton.  

There is a lot going on in the pages of this book.  Witches practicing in the secret, dark corners.  Conspiracies that could throw England into a huge fire of rebellion.  Catholics vs The Protestants and the consequences of being caught practicing anything other than Catholicism.  Witch trails and plenty of death to go around.  Lamb paints a world where you have to follow the status quo or be continuously checking your back to make sure no one is there to stab a knife into it.  Or in this case a broadsword or a dagger.  But what is so awesome about this book is it's heart, the heart that shows two girls coming to terms with who they are.

I though Meg was a really strong protagonist.  I like a self assured lead, who doubts things just enough that they feel real and Meg is just that.  She's trying to discover who to trust out of all the people around her and is practicing the dark arts in secret.  Only a few know that she is in fact a witch.  The secret is her burden to bear and yet she never really complains about it.  She's the type that always does the right thing, even when it feels like the wrong one.  Basically she's someone who you would want to be, for the most part.

It was also fun to see the way that Lamb painted Princess Elizabeth.  The would be Queen is only 20 in the book and is still coming to terms with everything that her royalty has bestowed upon her.  She hasn't had that easy of a life so her human reactions to what is happening around and to her really work in this book.  Lamb takes a historical figure and makes her someone that you can relate to.  She pulls her out of the history books and turns her into a real person.  Who knows if it's 100% accurate, and who cares.  I totally dug Elizabeth!

Now, let's talk about Alejandro.  Sure every time I read his name the Lady Gaga song would come to mind, but if this is who she was singing about, I now know why.  The man is pretty darn amazing.  He's close to becoming a Catholic priest and Meg is a witch.  Lamb uses these facts to build some of the sweetest, swoon worthy moments that I've read in a long time.  I found myself excited every time they interacted and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next.  Big points for a swoony, tension filled romance! 

So, to be perfectly corny, I can't help but admit that I was bewitched by Lamb's story of witchcraft and Tutor England.  If you're a fan of witches, swoon worthy romance and English monarchy then this book is for you.  This book was a wonderful start to what is sure to be a great trilogy.  Can I have book two please?

Rating:

          5 Unicorns = Get your hands on this one now!