The Winter People by Rebekah L. Purdy

Published: February 11th, 2014

Publisher: Doubleday

Pages: 317

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

The New York Times bestselling author of Promise Not to Tellreturns with a simmering literary thriller about ghostly secrets, dark choices, and the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters . . . sometimes too unbreakable.

West Hall, Vermont, has always been a town of strange disappearances and old legends. The most mysterious is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who, in 1908, was found dead in the field behind her house just months after the tragic death of her daughter, Gertie. Now, in present day, nineteen-year-old Ruthie lives in Sara's farmhouse with her mother, Alice, and her younger sister, Fawn. Alice has always insisted that they live off the grid, a decision that suddenly proves perilous when Ruthie wakes up one morning to find that Alice has vanished without a trace. Searching for clues, she is startled to find a copy of Sara Harrison Shea's diary hidden beneath the floorboards of her mother's bedroom. As Ruthie gets sucked deeper into the mystery of Sara's fate, she discovers that she's not the only person who's desperately looking for someone that they've lost. But she may be the only one who can stop history from repeating itself. 

Calling all fae fans.  You don't want to miss this one.  Without rehashing the complete story, the highlights are - Salome has sever phobias about winter.  Enter 3 (yep three) guys, Colton, Nevin and Gareth, who all claim to have her best interest at heart.  You just know that she is going to end up with one of them, but which one ?  I called it fairly early on and got it right.  There is a family curse here, that family members are forbidden to talk about, and Salome must solve the puzzle on her own.  Kudoz to Salome for eventually working out the mystery, 'cuz I couldn't, at least not completely anyway.  To be honest I think one of the very few things I didn't like about this one was the main characters name.  Salome sounded just a little too exotic for the setting of the story for me, but I did enjoy the character. 

I loved hearing about the fae and I loved watching Salome trying to conquer her phobias.  I was a little puzzled occasionally by what seemed a little like over-reaction, but then I've never had voices in my head, have you? I would like to have seen a little more reaction from the fae when Salome forgot to leave out te food and trinkets, after all it was made out to seem incredibly important tin the beginning, but I don't remember any consequences when she didn't do it.

This was a lovely mystery to unravel, the hot guys were really gorgeous, the romance was nicely handled, and all in all I really enjoyed it.  A must-read for fans of April-Lynne Pike 's 'Wings' series.

NOTE  Did anyone notice that I had the wrong book cover up for about a month? I guess I was having a bad day.  Sorry Ms. Purdy.

Friday Follow

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

Describe your favorite book character death scene. Why is it your favorite? Was it a villain or a hero? What made it so good? – via Eternity Through Pages

This is a toughie.  Because I want to try and use new titles that I haven't referred to but there are certain series that always seems to stick out in my head.  I know that I have referred to this series before but it was just so incredibly well-written.  Snape's death in Harry Potter is my favorite because it is when Harry finally realizes his professor's true motives, his relationship with his mother and how there was always someone looking out for his best interests, even if things did not appear that way.
-Christinabean

p.s. Today is Black Friday and The Book Outlet is offering 30% off their already LOW LOW prices.  I suggest you check it out...you'll even have enough money leftover from buying books for others to get a little something for yourself!! Sale runs til December 1st!!

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.

Earth and Sky by Megan Crewe

Published: October 28th

Publisher: Razorbill Canada

Pages: 336

Copy: Netgalley

Summary: Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Skylar has been haunted for as long as she can remember by fleeting yet powerful sensations that something is horribly wrong. But despite the panic attacks tormenting her, nothing ever happens, and Sky’s beginning to think she’s crazy. Then she meets a mysterious, otherworldly boy named Win and discovers the shocking truth her premonitions have tapped into: our world no longer belongs to us. For thousands of years, Earth has been at the mercy of alien scientists who care nothing for its inhabitants and are using us as the unwitting subjects of their time-manipulating experiments. Win belongs to a rebel faction seeking to put a stop to it, and he needs Skylar’s help--but with each shift in the past, the very fabric of reality is unraveling, and soon there may be no Earth left to save.

Skylar is a fascinating character.  She has managed to conquer a severely debilitating tendency to panic attacks and for that I admired her.  It also made it easier to understand why she didn't go screaming to the authorities when she meets Win.  When you've been coping by yourself for so long, I guess it makes sense to keep going alone.

Time travel is a very sticky subject and Ms Crewe has managed it very well.  Same place, same time conundrum, characters here are 'doxed' (sorry if that is the wrong term.  I couldn't find the exact spot in the book) which means that they are whisked out of the way to avoid meeting themselves.  Changing the future by changing the past - it happens, and Skylar's reaction to it was interesting.

In fact the whole idea of earth being an alien science experiment is totally fascinating.  Come on - don't tell me that thought has never crossed your mind? I particularly loved that there are far reaching consequences to all of these so called 'minor' time changes, and our world is basically unraveling.

Ms Crewe has written a fantastic and believable world, populated with interesting characters.   There is a sense of urgency throughout the whole story, which keeps things moving  and I am looking forward to seeing what is next in store for Skylar and Win. Oh, and where can I find one of those time travel tents? It sounds mighty useful.

Friday Follow

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

 

Create an ad listing all the qualities and qualifications of your perfect co-blogger. via Girl of 1000 Wonders

 

WANTED:  BOOK BLOGGER WHO LIKES TO READ YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

Need not be a young adult.  In fact, older adults with a good sense of humor and youth qualify.

Must be able to use auto-correct.  We don't care about your spelling.

Must be literate.  Sorry, reading is a requirement.

  Must have good time management. Someone needs to keep Christinabean and Curlypow on track.

Feel free to submit resumes with any kind of book, monetary or perishable bribe to the email listed below  -

ineedabookbloggerpeon@gmail.com

 

too much?

- Christinabean

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.

The Revenge of Seven by Pittacus Lore

Published: August 27th, 2014

Publisher: Harper Collins

Pages: 371

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

The worst was supposed to be over. We were reunited after a decade apart. We were discovering the truth of our past. We were training and getting stronger every day. We were even happy...

We never imagined the Mogodorians could turn one of our own against us. We were fools for trusting Five. And now Eight is lost forever. I would do anything to bring him back, but that's impossible. Instead, I will do whatever it takes to destroy every last one of them.

I've spent my entire life hiding from them, and they've stolen everything away from me. But that stops now. We're going to take the battle to them. We have a new ally who knows their weaknesses. And I finally have the power to fight back.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England.

Number Three in Kenya.

And Number Eight in Florida.

They killed them all.

I am Number Seven.

I will make them pay.

Review

I have been enjoying this series since its inception with 'I am Number Four' and I'm always happy to see a new volume come out.  Of course, so are many others, which is why it always takes a couple of months or so to get it from the library.  This time around 4, 6, 7, 9, Ella and 5 are coming to terms with death and betrayal and are really starting to fight back.  They find unexpected allies and start taking the fight to the Mogadorians.

Unfortunately, the books continue to irritate me because of the constantly changing POV's  with no immediate indication as to who the narrator is.  Yes! I know the typeface changes with each POV, but I'm reading, NOT looking at the typeface. (You do understand what I mean, right?)  Each chapter takes me at least a page to reorient myself.  Does anyone else find this irritating? Adding a simple number, or character name at the top of each chapter would make it so much easier to follow.  Also, this time around, I didn't quite see where the title came in.  Unless I seriously missed a chunk of text (which, let's admit, is entirely possible) , I didn't see 7 getting revenge on anyone!  Did I miss something? Please let me know.

However, 7's revenge or not, I still enjoyed the story.  What's not to love about aliens running all over the world trying to save our planet from the nasty Mogs?  In short, there's lots more fun and hi-jinx for our helpful alien crusaders and it's nice to see them getting the upper hand for a bit and managing to blow a few things up.  As always, I look forward to seeing the next episode.

Waiting on Wednesday - Stolen (Heart of Dread #2)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

Who is Eliza Wesson?

Months after Nat and Wes said good-bye on the shores of the Blue, Nat is learning how to control and use her new power. She and her drakon are the last of their kind—and she’s risked her life for their reunion. When she receives a mysterious distress call, she races to help, soliciting the guidance of her new friend, the beautiful and aloof Faix Lazaved of the Blue.

Still heartbroken over losing Nat, Wes is racing cars on a New Vegas racetrack while his team is scattered and lost. When he finds out that his sister, Eliza, is being held in the golden domes of El Dorado, he does what he’s best at—running to her side—and gambles on luck to see him through one more time.

Magic, romance, and danger collide as Nat and Wes become entangled in a dark new adventure that leads right to the heart of the mystery of their frozen, broken world. They soon discover that the answer to both their quests lies in the same question: Who is Eliza Wesson—what is she capable of, and why was she stolen from her family so long ago? 

Augh!  I might have to re-read Frozen to catch up to Stolen.  I vaguely remember the story but I DO remember thinking - how long do I have to wait until book #2??  Does anyone else seem to encounter plot amnesia?  I hate it when this happens?  Too much time has passed between titles and the storyline is muddled in my brain.....

- Christinabean

Book Outlet Black Friday Savings - $5 for you...share and get $10 off!

Thanks to Book Nerd, I came across a posting for $5 off at Book Outlet!  Share the deal and get up to $10 off on Black Friday weekend!  Just click on the link below and then fill out your email address so they can send you the coupon!

Thanks Book Nerd and Book Outlet!  :)

Fantastic Fairytales - Stray by Elissa Sussman

Published: October 7th

Publisher: GreenWillow

Pages: 384

Copy: Edelweiss

Summay: Goodreads

“I am grateful for my father, who keeps me good and sweet. I am grateful for my mother, who keeps her own heart guarded and safe. I am grateful for my adviser, who keeps me protected. I am grateful for the Path, which keeps me pure. Ever after.”

Princess Aislynn has long dreamed about attending her Introduction Ball, about dancing with the handsome suitors her adviser has chosen for her, about meeting her true love and starting her happily ever after.

When the night of the ball finally arrives and Nerine Academy is awash with roses and royalty, Aislynn wants nothing more than to dance the night away, dutifully following the Path that has been laid out for her. She does not intend to stray.

But try as she might, Aislynn has never quite managed to control the magic that burns within her-magic brought on by wicked, terrible desires that threaten the Path she has vowed to take.

After all, it is wrong to want what you do not need. Isn’t it?

STRAY is the first in a collection of intertwined stories, all set in a world where magic is a curse that only women bear and society is dictated by a strict doctrine called The Path. A cross between The Handmaid’s Tale and Wicked, with a dash of Grimm and Disney thrown in, this original fairy tale will be released October 7th, 2014 from Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins.

Review

An original fairy tale that has all the best parts of the traditional tales and yet manages to poke fun at them at the same time.  Princess Aislynn is everything a fairy princess should be, yet she is being trained to suppress her magic and only to follow the Path as it is laid out for her. Not quite as easy as it sounds however.

Aislynn is 'redirected' to  become a fairy godmother, and that brought a laugh or three.  I enjoyed the premise of the story, but there were times when I found myself wanting a little more.  There's not a whole lot of action going on and this book I felt was setting the stage for what is to come next. To be honest, writing this review several weeks after finishing the book, I'm having a hard time remembering any of the details.  I remember enjoying the book, but not why in particular.  

So, should you read it?  Yes, if you're a fairy tale fan, but I doubt it will appeal to non-fans of the genre.

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

This week I got: 

Summary (by Goodreads)

730. That's how many days I've been trapped.
18. That's how many days I have left to find a way out.

DAI, trying to escape a haunting past, traffics drugs for the most ruthless kingpin in the Walled City. But in order to find the key to his freedom, he needs help from someone with the power to be invisible....

JIN hides under the radar, afraid the wild street gangs will discover her biggest secret: Jin passes as a boy to stay safe. Still, every chance she gets, she searches for her lost sister....

MEI YEE has been trapped in a brothel for the past two years, dreaming of getting out while watching the girls who try fail one by one. She's about to give up, when one day she sees an unexpected face at her window.....

In this innovative and adrenaline-fueled novel, they all come together in a desperate attempt to escape a lawless labyrinth before the clock runs out.

A big thank you to NetGalley for this one!

 -Christinabean

Empire of Shadows by Miriam Forster

Published: November 4th, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 496

Copy: Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

Cast out of her family three years ago, Mara turned to the only place that would take her—a school where students train to protect others. But Mara is stunned when guarding a noble girl in the Empire’s capital turns out to be more dangerous than she could’ve imagined. More shocking still, she finds the boy she thought she had lost forever outside the gates of her new home.

Mara knew her life in the dizzying Imperial city would hold dangers. How could she have known that her heart, as well as her life, would be at stake?

Empire of Shadows will take readers on a spellbinding journey into the world Miriam Forster first introduced in City of a Thousand Dolls—a world with a divided society, deadly courtiers, heroic traitors, and deeply laid conspiracies.

Review

I try very hard not to read too much about books that I have received ARC's for.  Sometimes I find it distracting and I go into the book with somewhat pre-conceived ideas about the story.  When I started Empire of Shadows, I really had read very little at all about it, and I could not remember what it was that had induced me to request the ARC.  As I was reading I kept thinking it reminded me very much of something else I had read and some of the characters names rang bells, but I couldn't pin anything down.

Cue the last 2 or 3 pages and it suddenly all made sense when Mara ends up at the City of a Thousand Dolls - as in the book by the same name, and as it turns out, by the same author.  I had a hilarious DUH! moment and had a good laugh at myself.  You see, Empire of Shadows is a prequel to City of a Thousand Dolls (as I'm sure you are already aware) and tells the story of the background characters from that book - yep, that's why they sounded familiar. I swear, I didn't realize it beforehand when I kept thinking that it reminded me of that book.

I must admit though, that I enjoyed Empire of Shadows very much on its own merit.  Ms Foster has an engaging style that I find really easy to follow and her characters have a roundness to them that appeals to me.  She has developed such  a complete world that it is fun to just fall into it and follow the story to its conclusion. This should be an absolute must read for anyone who enjoyed City of a Thousand Dolls or enjoys engaging fantasy with an oriental feel to it.  This was a great read.

Friday Follow

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

Create a playlist or if you are lazy, just one song for a book via This Girl Reads A Lot and Bubbly and Bookish

Last week I was reading Isla and the Happily Ever After.  This song seems rather fitting. 

I have been reading Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes this week and its been pretty intense.  The degree that these teens go through to analyze people and situations is a little bit mind-boggling. None of them really fits in with society because of their habitual need to "read" people and situations.  This song has been going through my head the ENTIRE week...just about the need to fit in and not feeling like you belong.  Besides, I miss listening to bands like Radiohead, Nirvana and Moist....Thank you YouTube for preserving music and making it highly accessible.  :)

Happy listening...and reminiscing to those of you who remember the 90s.

- Christinabean

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.

Snow like Ashes by Sarah Raasch

Published: October 14, 2014

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Pages: 432

Copy: Publisher via Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own

I absolutely loved Snow like Ashes.  It was a pure delight to read, from start to finish.  One of the things that drew me in immediately was the uniqueness of the world building, and the fact that the 'bad' guys come from a country named Spring.  I mean, just the word Spring invokes lightness and brightness and smiles, doesn't it.  But this Spring is rotten at its core.  Taken with the fact that Winter, where one could reasonable expect things to be 'bad', is in fact the country that has been wronged.  The entire world building was so well thought out and executed that it was very easy to fall into the story.

Add to this a wonderful cast of characters and you have the makings of a stellar new fantasy.  I loved that the characters had been struggling for so long just to stay alive.  Meira is trying so hard to prove her worth as a fighter and I admired her fortitude.  There is a wonderful twist in the story, and while I had suspected for several chapters what was really going on, the actual revealing of deception was very well done, and I believed that it had been done with the best of intentions.

A well thought out fantasy with great characters and tense, exciting adventure that should appeal to most fantasy lovers.

Waiting on Wednesday - Killer Instinct

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

Seventeen-year-old Cassie Hobbes has a gift for profiling people. Her talent has landed her a spot in an elite FBI program for teens with innate crime-solving abilities, and into some harrowing situations. After barely escaping a confrontation with an unbalanced killer obsessed with her mother’s murder, Cassie hopes she and the rest of the team can stick to solving cold cases from a distance.

But when victims of a brutal new serial killer start turning up, the Naturals are pulled into an active case that strikes too close to home: the killer is a perfect copycat of Dean’s incarcerated father—a man he’d do anything to forget. Forced deeper into a murderer’s psyche than ever before, will the Naturals be able to outsmart the enigmatic killer’s brutal mind games before this copycat twists them into his web for good?

With her trademark wit, brilliant plotting, and twists that no one will see coming, Jennifer Lynn Barnes will keep readers on the edge of their seats (and looking over their shoulders) as they race through the pages of this thrilling novel. 

Ok, so technically this title came out last week but if you haven't tried a book by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, you are missing out.  She is an absolutely brilliant writer!  Killer Instinct is Book #2 in The Naturals series.  Try out The Naturals first and see if you are feeling a little bit like a profiler afterwards....

- Christinabean

The Book of Ivy by Amy Engel

Published: November 4th, 2014

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pages: 400

Copy: From Publisher

Summary: Goodreads

After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual. 

This year, it is my turn. 

My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and restore the Westfall family to power. 

But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy.

Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…

Review

'The Book of Ivy' was a well written dystopian novel that envisions a much smaller world that has developed some odd customs to maintain balance. Ivy has grown up with her father and sister and has been effectively brainwashed by them into believing that killing Bishop Latimer is the only solution to the current problems.  

Thankfully, Ivy has a brain of her own and she starts to question everything that she has been taught to believe and she actually starts to think for herself. Bishop is a kind and caring individual who has also grown up with expectations, but who has decided to go his own way. Ms. Engel has created two likeable characters living in a well thought out world that was easy to believe.

While I enjoyed 'The Book of Ivy' I have to be honest, it didn't WOW me. There wasn't any one factor that made it stand out from all the other dystopian novels that abound these days. Will I recommend it?  Absolutely.  I can think of several kids who pop in at work that would love the slow building romance between the two main characters, and the slightly old fashioned feel to the story, but I don't think I'm going to be in any rush to read the follow-up.

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

This week I got: 

Looking forward to them both. - Curlypow

Compulsion by Martina Boone

Published: October 28th

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 448

Copy: Publisher through Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.

Review

A must read for fans of the Southern Gothic type of mystery, Compulsion was a fascinating look into so-called supernatural curses that last generations.  After some initial skepticism on my part, I pretty soon fell into the story and was cheering Barrie along in her search for a solution.

I'll be honest, one of the more compelling reasons was Eight.  Oh my!  I'd like to meet him - his father not so much! I really enjoyed the relationship between Eight and Barrie. There is instant attraction, but not insta love, so I was ok with that, and I thought that given the circumstance their relationship followed a believable path.  There is an element of suspicion, but this was satisfactorily explained and I enjoyed solving the mystery with the two of them.  

With lots of mystery and suspicion, false leads and eerie ghosts, Compulsion was a compulsive read, and a quick one.  I finished it in a couple of days and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Well done Ms Boone.  I'll be looking for more from you.

Follow Friday

Friday Follow is a blog hop that was started by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.  Each week a different question is posted by our hosts and we will answer!  This is a great opportunity for bloggers to network and interact. 

This week’s question –

Craziest thing you’d be willing to do for an ARC you are dying to read (aka what would you doooo-ooo for that ARC you want? *think of the Klondike Bar music*) via A Great Read

Hmm...good question. I think there are probably no limits there...IF it were a book I was DYING to read.  I have had moments where I have tweeted so many times for a book that my app shut down on my phone....
- Christinabean

Welcome to the Paperback Princesses! Make yourself at home, take a look around our blog and let us know what you think in the comments section. We would love to hear what you have to say about our posts. We often try to comment on your comments as well so feel free to start a conversation! Since there are two of us running the show, we always have a variety of titles and event postings. Be sure to check out our own personal meme page. Check out Fantastic Fairytales, Let's Hear it for the Boys, In Case you Missed it and a few others. We try to not only focus on new YA books but also great titles from the past.

One Kick by Chelsea Cain

Published: Auguast 19, 2014

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 309

Copy: Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

Kick Lannigan, 21, is a survivor. Abducted at age six in broad daylight, the police, the public, perhaps even her family assumed the worst had occurred. And then Kathleen Lannigan was found, alive, six years later. In the early months following her freedom, as Kick struggled with PTSD, her parents put her through a litany of therapies, but nothing helped until the detective who rescued her suggested Kick learn to fight. Before she was thirteen, Kick learned marksmanship, martial arts, boxing, archery, and knife throwing. She excelled at every one, vowing she would never be victimized again. But when two children in the Portland area go missing in the same month, Kick goes into a tailspin. Then an enigmatic man Bishop approaches her with a proposition: he is convinced Kick's experiences and expertise can be used to help rescue the abductees. Little does Kick know the case will lead directly into her terrifying past

Review

I remember reading a book by Chelsea Cain many years ago and really enjoying it, so I'm not sure why I haven't read any more by her.  When I saw 'One Kick' I thought it might be a great crossover novel, and it would be, but with some reservations. 'One Kick' is not for the faint of heart.  The subject matter - abducted children - is harrowing for many people, but the sub-topic, which I am not going to  identify, is even more controversial.  If you are not a fan of disturbing subject matter, then 'One Kick' is not for you.

Having said that, I was absolutely riveted from page one.  Kick Lannigan was a fascinating protagonist.  I found it impossible to imagine how I would behave had I gone through what she had, and I admired her immensely.  She chose to fight her demons and use her skills to help others. I think I might have just curled up in a corner and given up. Ms Cain does not go into a lot of explicit detail, but manages to infer some pretty unbelievable situations that had me feeling like I needed a shower.

'One Kick' is tense and riveting, and Ms Cain's writing style is such that I, for one, could not put the book down.  I was propelled along by a sense of urgency that I shared with Kick and Bishop.  There is no time to waste, they have to solve the kidnappings or it will be too late.  This was a fascinating and horrifying look into a subject that I suspect most of us would like to brush under the carpet and try to forget about.  A must read thriller for those with strong stomachs.