Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

 

Published: January 28th, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 384

Copy: Edelweis

Summary: Goodreads

The Scarlet Letter meets Minority Report in bestselling author Sophie Jordan's chilling new novel about a teenage girl who is ostracized when her genetic test proves she's destined to become a murderer.

When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.


We featured this book yesterday as Christinabean's WoW, but I'm not sure that I told her I had an advance copy of it, lucky me.  Uninvited was a very frightening book for me, not necessarily for the actual story itself, but more because the premise of the story is so entirely possible that it gave me the heebee geebees.

Testing for gene markers is something that we are already doing, so testing for the HTS (Homicidal Tendency Syndrome) gene was just so plausible it was scary.  The whole idea that we could be punishing members of society for something we think they 'might' do - is horrifying to me.

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters.  Davy was easy to relate to, even though she is a musical prodigy, and her intense confusion and resentment of her circumstances rang true.  Her interaction with and attraction to Sean was not too overdone and the plot moved along at a fast clip.  It really was quite a quick read, but for me the great characters and great action made it worthwhile.  I have to add that the fact it is being promoted as a duology is also an appealing factor - I'll only have to wait for one more book, not two.

An Aplogogy

Just a quick note to apologise for my sad lack of reviews lately.  My husband has just undergone major surgery and is virtually bedridden for the next few weeks.  What with that and work, I'm finding it a little challenging to keep up with my reviews.  I'll do my best to get caught up soon, but if they are a little short on content (see above) or missing entirely for a while, please forgive me.

Double Take - Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Published: Sept 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 304

E-Copies Provided by: NetGalley and Publisher

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

Review:

I was so excited when I saw this title offered up on Net Galley.  I jumped at the chance to read it of course and I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!  Lucky for me, I was able to use my new Kobo touch reader which made Vanish much more portable.  (Told you it was a good idea to buy one for yourself :), didn't I? )

Firelight was a favourite for me.  (Me too!) I waited so long to read it and I certainly wasn't going to make that mistake again...Ms Jordan does not disappoint with Vanish! I can't believe that I couldn't figure out the cover of the book either...it's Tamra, Jacinda's twin sister.  Duh....on a side note, which sister do you think looks more attractive?  Jacinda (the redhead) or Tamra (the blonde)?  My vote goes to Jacinda.  Tamra's appearance could seem a bit scary to me....

Got to agree with you there Christinabean. I have to be honest, Tamra's character was a bit scary to me too.  She definitely didn't give me the warm and fuzzies!

So, Vanish starts off with a bang and it is all about action but as the novel progresses, you start to see more of Jacinda's relationships with her family and others around her.  She is definitely more vulnerable than she ever has been before.  The one thing I found to be odd (for me) was that I had a disconnect between her and Will. Sure she loves him (yada, yada yada) but I didn't feel her passion for him in this book.  Not just because he played a lesser role in this novel but I was really starting to feel for Cassian.  I'm kinda diggin' tall dark and onyx....sure she keeps saying that she doesn't really have feelings for him but with Ms. Jordan writing those steamy romance scenes, do you really believe it?  I think not.  Vanish is full of action, an intricate plotline, interesting characters and romance.  Can't wait to see what happens in book #3 - umm...think you can speed up that release date Ms. J?

You're right Christinabean, this time around I was all for Cassian - he seems much more sincere and vulnerable in Vanish.  I've always loved the idea that if you really love someone, you'll be willing to let them go, and I get that feeling with Cassian  - he'd be willing to give Jacinda up if that was what she really wants.  But, nobody seems to really know what they want yet. Will seemed a little more selfish this time, not quite as loveable. Corbin really creeped me out this time around - I don't like him at all, he gives me the heebie jeebies.  One thing I realized as I was reading was that I am having a hard time forming a mental picture of what the Draki look like in full manifest.  Ms Jordan talks about gossamer wings and scales, and somehow I just can't see it.  Doesn't stop me from enjoying the story though :).  Lot's of action and angst and an ending that leaves you desperate for #3.

Now, Vanish doesn't actually come out until September 6th but you should definitely pre-order it NOW.... I'll second that, it was a great read.

Same book, second look - Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Published: September 2010

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 323

Copy provided by: library

Summary: Goodreads



Summary:

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Review:

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

OK, first of all, with a summary starting with these three lines, how could you NOT think this would be a fabuloso read??

Forgive me Sophie for I have sinned.  What the heck was I thinking??  Waiting so long to read Firelight??  I LOVED this book.  For me, this was a totally new concept - Draki.  Imagine another part of you that is intuitive and natural.  I was surprised at how strongly I felt when her mother tried to squash her Draki side.  The author impressed upon me the importance of maintaining true to yourself and loving who you really are.  Jacinda was constantly looking for acceptance from her family yet she was sometimes scared to show her real self in front of them. 

I also enjoyed the dynamics of Jacinda and her twin.  She was constantly trying to downplay her special ability in order to stop outshining her sister.  All things that friends and siblings experience....rivalry, competition and thunder-stealing!

It should also be noted that Sophie Jordan was able to use her romance writing skills to create some pretty steamy scenes between Will and Jacinda.  For those of you who are new to Sophie Jordan's work, she is a veteran when it comes to writing novels.  However, her main titles can be found in the romance section. 

As most of you already know, Ms Jordan has already released the cover of her next book - Vanish.  Congrats on another gorgeous cover!  Anyone notice that it is the same model only reversed?  If you haven't read Firelight, you should run out and buy it...but do it before Vanish comes out (you've got until September)...

Curlypow here:  I have to agree with Christinabean, same model reversed, but, different hair colour.  So are we looking at Jacinda's twin here?  (Sorry, can't remember her name.)  Can't wait to read this one and find out.

Send Sophie Jordan some love!!!

The Paperback Princesses

Sophie

Hey everyone!  We are so thrilled that we are almost at 100 followers in just a few short months.  It has been a blast so far and we wanted to do something fun and reward you, our loyal followers. 

The lovely Sophie Jordan, author of Firelight has sent us some swag to share.  Comment on this post, leave your email addresses and we will draw 10 people who will win a postcard, bookmark and sticker.  You must be a follower!  (after all, it is love for our followers eh?)  Contest is international and ends October 10th.  Spread the love and tweet I love @SoVerySophie and the Paperback Princesses http://bit.ly/aGxdGH @clderwee for 3 extra entries!

Waiting on Wednesday - Firelight by Sophie Jordan

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Firelight

Sophie Jordan

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Ooooh!! the first 3 sentences in the summary sound like a movie trailer! Dragons, gorgeous men, mythical powers and beasts. What's not to love about this book? Besides, I do love the look of this cover. I think I'm a cover snob. I hate to admit it but attractive covers really do draw me in. Can't wait til it comes to the shelves - September 7th, 2010. What are you waiting to be released?