"The Burnouts (Quarantine #3) " by Lex Thomas

*Note, there is going to be some spoilers if you haven't read the first two books. Unless you like spoilers, I suggest not reading this review.

This series actually surprised me. As it progressed, I wasn't sure if I was going to be happy with the ending, but am pleased to report that I feel that the Lex Thomas team took this novel in the right direction and gave it the ending it deserved. My only complaint about The Burnouts is that some moments were a little gorier then I would have liked, but I am the first to admit that I am a wuss when it comes to such things and it's there novel so they should write it the way they feel is necessary to tell the story.

The last novel ended with the reveal that David was still alive (please tell me I am not the only one who saw that coming) and this one opens on he and Will being reunited. Will learns what has been happening on the outside during the quarantine. Lucy is still in the school, and is once again alone. She has no one to help her survive and is going to find out something that will change her life completely. This realization soon sends David and Will back into the school where absolute chaos erupts when those still in the school find out that they have a chance at revenge.

This series has a lot of suspense. I read all three books rather quickly and am a little surprised that all three were good. I have found that many trilogies start of strong and end strong, but become very dull in the middle. The Quarantine series did not do this. I can't help but assume that a decent amount of planning went into each book so that the authors knew where each of the characters were going to go and how they were going to keep their audience interested throughout that journey. Like mentioned before, some of the subject matter was a little darker than I generally enjoy, but it's nice to see a set of books that can appeal to this that like a grittier story. I certainly plan to keep an eye out for more by the Lex Thomas team and hope to see more novels in the near future.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Panic" by Lauren Oliver

I really wanted to love this book. I have only heard good things about it, so I was very excited when it came in at the library. I snatched it up right away. However, it just didn't meet my expectations.

Panic is a game played by those that have recently graduated. The tasks are near impossible, but the winner will receive thousands of dollars (payment is required by each senior and the winner takes it all). Heather didn't plan on playing but joins after she is dumped by her boyfriend. Dodge chooses to play because his sister was injured in one of the events when she played panic and he is hoping to seek revenge.

Overall, the concept of this book was great. However, when I read it, I kept bringing myself back to Shelley Hrdlitschka's Gotcha!. Though the premises are different save for the fact that each book is about a game initiated by high school students (and that is not allowed), I just like Hrdlischka's book better. As a whole, I didn't feel much connection to these characters. Honestly, the only time I really felt any connection was when Heather was interacting with her sister. While the Panic event were indeed effective and certainly had me on the edge of my seat, I did find too many parts of them to be predictable.

I think I was spoiled by Before I Fall since it's certainly on my list of best books I have ever read. Other than that book, Oliver's work just hasn't appealed to me very much. This makes my sad since I love the ideas behind the books just something about them keeps me from staying engaged. As I read this I worried that I may be in a reading slump as I began to think of the books I have read recently that I didn't really enjoy. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there has also been a lot of books that I have genuinely loved. I think I that lately I have picked a few too many books that just weren't for me, but hope that my current pile of books I need to read will be more enjoyable.

As far as this book goes, I realize that I am in the minority with my opinion. Those that like Oliver will probably enjoy this book. Those that like novels with realistic suspense will also probably enjoy it. I still plan to see out books by Lauren Oliver because I have faith that she will have another title that I will love.



Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Wild Cards" by Simone Elkeles

Simone Elkeles has written yet another winner! She is one of those authors that I just love everything that she has written, and Wild Cards is no exception!  Derek and Ashtyn have nothing in common- except for the fact that they now have to live together. Derek's stepmother is Ashtyn's sister so when Brandi decides that she is going to move back home, Derek has no choice but to go with his stepmother and stepbrother. Little does he know that his entire life is about to change. Recently kicked out of his prestigious boarding school, Derek is still learning how to live in a world without his mother who passed away from cancer. Ashtyn (is awesome) is the the kicker for her school's football team and (naturally) is dating the quarterback, Landon, but everything with their relationship isn't quite what it seems. When Derek shows up and adds some extra testosterone to the mix, things start to go crazy. 

Since Elkeles often writes about unlikely couples and because the cover includes kissy faces, it's no surprise when Derek and Ashtyn start to have feelings for each other, but I really like how Elkeles handles their relationship. In the beginning, the two don't want to fall for each other and at different points throughout the novel both fight their feelings. Both characters are so realistic it's crazy. Their emotions and actions come off the page like they are real people. It's very rare that I hope for sequels, but I really want to see more books in this universe (Elkeles' website says "series" so I am allowing myself to be excited for for more books). If you have read any of the books by Elkeles (and if you haven't, why?) you will love this book too. 

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"The Pregnancy Project" by Gaby Rodriguez

This is a very inspiring book!  Gaby Rodriguez came from a family where it was expected that she would end up a pregnant high school dropout.  So she did what anyone in that situation would do- prove them wrong.  For her high school project she set out to do just that.  Gaby convinced her school to allow her to fake a pregnancy and observe the reactions and response of those around her.  Only her mother, boyfriend, certain school officials knew the truth.  Everyone else assumed she was following in the footsteps of her mother and was going to be giving birth as a teenager.  I hear about this story on the news and was fascinated.  The idea is brilliant.  I couldn’t even begin to imagine the reactions of Gaby’s classmates when she revealed that they had all been a part of her study and that her “baby belly” was plaster and chicken wire.

Though she is a recent high school graduate, I was impressed with Gaby’s writing style.  Even though she didn’t have the best upbringing, she doesn’t show her family in an unpleasant life.  You feel for her and situation and understand where she has developed her motivation to be successful and not fall into the same life as many of her family members. 

I feel that this book is a wonderful inspiration for teenagers.  It shows that you have a say in how your life unfolds.  Your actions and decisions are what matter, not the expectations of those around you.  Gaby proves that you can make a bright future for yourself and can exceed the expectations of all around you. 

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Tell Me a Secret" by Holly Cupala

This book surprised me in more ways than one.  I am horribly guilty of picking up books (or not picking them up) soley based on the cover.  I guess the cover of Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala caught my attraction.  And I am glad it did.


Rand's sister died five years ago and her family has yet to fully heal from the trauma.  Rand continuously finds herself in Xanda's shadow.  It is clear that Rand's mother is desperately trying to avoid making the same mistakes with her younger daughter but by doing so, she is pushing Rand further and further away.  When Rand finally takes a pregnancy test and her worst fears are confirmed, the relationship with her mother worsens- it is now or never, she must make decisions that will change her life forever.


I have read multiple books involving teenage pregnancy (The Lit Report by Sarah N. Harvey and Dancing Naked by Shelley Hrdlitschka are both highly recommended by me) and they usually follow a similar storyline.  Girl finds out she's pregnant, girl makes decision to have the baby (usually), and then figures out if she will keep the baby or give it up for adoption.  Tell Me a Secret has those same elements, but with a drastic twist.  I don't want to reveal the twist, but it will likely shock readers and have them desperately wanting to know what happens next.  This is yet another book that will stick with the reader for quite some time even after they have finished reading it.  


Find Holly on: Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, HarperTeen, and MySpace





Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Happy Birthday to Me" by Brian Rowe

I am so excited by my Kindle.  Reading just got even easier!  My most recent read is Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe.  I wasn't horribly surprised with how the plot developed, but still thought it was a good read.  Cameron is a stereotypical popular jock; is on top of the world, has a gorgeous girlfriend, and has everything he could possibly want.  But of course that isn't enough.  Cameron is constantly using his "birthday" to his advantage..  It may seem like a harmless way to get free dessert, but what happens when his lies go to far?

Cameron begins to wake each day as though he has aged an entire year.  Soon his entire life begins to unravel.  Knowing that his life has been cut short and that the end is very near, will Cameron get his act together and change his ways before it's too late?

I read this book rather quickly, it kept my interest easily.  I am anxious to read the sequel Happy Birthday to Me Again.

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Happy Reading
-Melly