Sophie Reads YA: May 2015

May

May Summary

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May

Stacking the Shelves: May 30th 2015

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4 Stars

ARC Review: Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

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Extraordinary Means
Series: None
Author: Robyn Schneider
Published June 4th 2015 by Simon & Schuster Children's Books

Goodreads Synopsis
A bitter-sweet, coming-of-age novel that's perfect for fans of John Green and Stephen Chbosky.

When he's sent to Latham House, a boarding school for sick teens, Lane thinks his life may as well be over.
But when he meets Sadie and her friends - a group of eccentric troublemakers - he realises that maybe getting sick is just the beginning. That illness doesn't have to define you, and that falling in love is its own cure.

Extraordinary Means is a darkly funny story about true friendships, ill-fated love and the rare miracle of second chances.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

From the synopsis, it is recommended to those who enjoy John Green or Stephen Chbosky, and I could definitely see the connection with Green, not with Chbosky, which was good for me, as I really couldn't stand The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

This book was nothing like I was expecting, though, to be honest, I don't know much about it when I requested it. This was a total case of cover love. From my first impressions of the book, based on both the cover and the, albeit vague, synopsis, I thought Extraordinary Means would be about teens with some sort of lung problems, perhaps cancer. To some extent, this impression was true, but it was such an understatement. In Extraordinary Means, Tuberculosis (TB) has returned, with a strain that is 'Total Drug Resistant' (TDR). Lane and Sadie, the protagonists in the novel, as well as their friends, are suffering from TDR-TB, and are patients in Latham House, a sanatorium for teenagers suffering from this condition. As the TB is drug resistant, there is as much a chance of death as there is of full recovery.

I really enjoyed that this book was dual POV, and that the two voices were really likeable. Both Lane and Sadie seemed like 'real' teenagers, you could see their suffering, and their happiness, and they weren't perfect in any respect. I especially liked the fact the they had known each other as children at a summer camp, and that the history between them was explained and not just glossed over. One problem I did have, though a really small one, was the romance. Yes, I was a fan of it (and I shipped the characters), but it felt sort of rushed, though I understand why it was rushed - they both could die at any day.

The book, and particularly TB, seemed to be really well researched, and I think this is something that Schneider should be praised for. The whole situation with the numerous x-rays, medical wrist sensors, and the different medications mentioned all made it seem even more real, as if it could actually happen, or was happening.

Overall, Extraordinary Means was unlike the usual YA Contemporaries that I read, and I really would recommend this book.

Dates Read:
May 1 to 14, 2015

Rating
4 Stars

Jenny Han

Waiting on Wednesday: P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2) by Jenny Han

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5 Stars

ARC Review: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

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Finding Audrey
Series: None
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Published June 4th 2015 by Doubleday Childrens

Goodreads Synopsis
A laugh-out-loud romance from the bestselling author of the Shopaholic series.
Meet Audrey: an ordinary teenage girl with not so ordinary problems.
Aside from her completely crazy and chaotic family, she suffers from an anxiety disorder which makes talking to her brother's hot new best friend a bit of a challenge.
But Audrey has a plan to help her face her fears and take on the world again. First stop: Starbucks.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Going into this book I wasn't entirely sure what it was all about. To me, the synopsis was slightly misleading, but I still adored the book nonetheless.

Finding Audrey tells the story of Audrey, a teenager suffering from social anxiety, trying to deal with day to day situations that the majority of people would have no problem with. I especially enjoyed the way Kinsella dealt with this issue, as it was never sugar coated or glossed over with; she went right into the nitty-gritty of the situation.

The family dynamic was downright beautiful, as it showed each of the five family member as their own individual person, with their own issues and personalities, that mesh together really well. I found the mam slightly annoying at first, but the more we got to understand the whole situation, I realised that what I'd originally disliked was actually her coping mechanisms, and, therefore, I valued her difficulties even more. Frank and Audrey's brother-sister relationship is just what I'd imagined it would be - the big brother trying to protect his baby sister - and I again felt like this was dealt with perfectly.

Considering all this, I loved the romance even more than anything else. Linus was just the love interest Audrey needed, he pushed her just far enough that she could succeed, but was there for her to fall back on if it all got a bit too hard. What was especially amazing was how Kinsella made the romance important, but not to the detriment of Audrey's character. Audrey was strong enough to succeed on her own, but she had no problem to turn to the people around her to help.

UKYA is a particular soft spot for me, and the Britishness of this book made it feel so much more relatable, as if I could understand the bulk of Audrey's situation, though I've never faced something as painful as having anxiety. I could relate to the horrors of being a victim of bullying, as I had been at school, and whilst the full events of what happened to Audrey remain a mystery, I felt this was, again, something dealt with perfectly.

I can not recommend this book enough, and I seriously hope Sophie Kinsella writes more YA Fiction in the future.

Dates Read:
April 29-May 1 2015

Rating
5 Stars

May

Stacking the Shelves: May 23rd 2015

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5 Stars

Review: Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

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Stolen Songbird
Series: The Malediction Trilogy #1
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Published April 3rd 2014 by Strange Chemistry

Goodreads Synopsis
For those who have loved Seraphina and Graceling comes another truly fabulous fantasy...
For five centuries, a witch’s curse has bound the trolls to their city beneath the ruins of Forsaken Mountain. Time enough for their dark and nefarious magic to fade from human memory and into myth. But a prophesy has been spoken of a union with the power to set the trolls free, and when Cécile de Troyes is kidnapped and taken beneath the mountain, she learns there is far more to the myth of the trolls than she could have imagined.
Cécile has only one thing on her mind after she is brought to Trollus: escape. Only the trolls are clever, fast, and inhumanly strong. She will have to bide her time, wait for the perfect opportunity.
But something unexpected happens while she’s waiting – she begins to fall for the enigmatic troll prince to whom she has been bonded and married. She begins to make friends. And she begins to see that she may be the only hope for the half-bloods – part troll, part human creatures who are slaves to the full-blooded trolls. There is a rebellion brewing. And her prince, Tristan, the future king, is its secret leader.
As Cécile becomes involved in the intricate political games of Trollus, she becomes more than a farmer’s daughter. She becomes a princess, the hope of a people, and a witch with magic powerful enough to change Trollus forever.
Goodreads

Review

This book was absolutely amazing. I'd had quite a bad book hangover following The Winner's Crime and this was the perfect cure. It was different, but just as enjoyable.

I knew as soon as I'd seen the synopsis that this was a story I would enjoy, but I was not expecting to be as invested in the characters as I was. Cecile and Tristan were amazing protagonists, and I was so happy that we had POVs from both characters as it added an extra element to the story that wouldn't have been there if only one narrated.

The world building was so detailed, and I loved the way the magic was described, as if it was a physical entity. Some of the characters were so sweet, whilst others were the worst. The ending was surprising, and predictable, in some ways, but it was still like a sucker-punch to my heart to know that I have to wait for book 2. I would definitely recommend this book to any YA Fantasy lovers!

June seems too far away, even though it's less than two weeks away - I need Hidden Huntress now!

Dates Read:
March 20 to 23, 2015

Rating:
5 Stars

Katie McGarry

Waiting on Wednesday: Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

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

This week's pick is:

Nowhere But Here
Series: Thunder Road #1
Author: Katie McGarry
Published June 4th 2015 by MIRA Ink

Goodreads Summary
An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible.

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighbourhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.
Goodreads

Why I'm waiting:

Actually, I'm not. I've already read an ARC of this, and *spoiler* I absolutely loved it. I can't shout from the rooftops enough that everyone needs to get this book ASAP and read it.

My review was actually posted yesterday, if you'd like to check it out :)

This is the only book of McGarry's that I've read, but I'm definitely going to see about getting my hands on her Pushing The Limits series, because her writing in this was beautiful, and I need more.

Are you waiting for this book? Have you already read it? Let me know :)

5 Stars

ARC Review: Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

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Nowhere But Here
Series: Thunder Road #1
Author: Katie McGarry
Published June 4th 2015 by MIRA Ink

Goodreads Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.
Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.
No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Nowhere But Here is my first Katie McGarry book, but I can definitely say it won't be my last.

In Nowhere But Here we meet seventeen year old Emily, who is visiting her biological father's family for the first time ever. All her life she thought her father never wanted her, that her whole paternal family didn't want her, and she is now faced with the knowledge that there's a whole other life she could've had. Throughout the entire story Emily discovers new aspects to this world, a lot of which concern her. I especially loved the character development we saw in the majority of these characters, but especially Emily's development - I can't wait to see how she grows further in further instalments of this series. Emily was not the only memorable character though. Out of the whole cast, I especially loved Oz and Olivia, particularly the way they act towards, and around, Emily, who was, quite understandably, terrified to be thrust into a new world.

I've heard so many positive things about McGarry's writing, and especially her romance, and I was in no way disappointed here. I don't read many Contemporary YA's, or chose OTPs easily, but I can safely say that Emily and Oz are definitely my newest OTP. Their interactions were cute from the first meeting, and the intimacy just blossomed the more they were together. I ultimately loved the fact that it was not an "insta-love" situation here, that we could be there with the characters as their feeling grew - it undoubtedly made the book so much enjoyable, as if we were actually a part of the story.

I've never read anything to do with motorbike gangs before, nor seen Sons of Anarchy, which this book has been compared to, but the detail in which McGarry went to fully immerse the reader into this world was outstanding. Though I was scared at times of the craziness of gang, I loved that they were definitely close, they were a family.

The fact that it took me less than two days to basically devour a nearly 500 page book is testament to how amazing the plot line was, and how the writing just flowed, and was so enjoyable to read. I desperately can't wait to read book 2 (and books 3 & 4), and would encourage everyone who loves YA Contemporary novels to definitely try this book!

Dates Read:
April 8 to 9, 2015

Rating
5 Stars

May

Stacking the Shelves: May 16th 2015

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5 Stars

Review: All That Glitters (Geek Girl #4) by Holly Smale

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All That Glitters
Series: Geek Girl #4
Author: Holly Smale
Published February 26th 2015 by HarperCollins Children's Books

Goodreads Synopsis
"My name is Harriet Manners, and I am still a geek." The fourth book in the award-winning GEEK GIRL series. Harriet Manners has high hopes for the new school year: she's a Sixth Former now, and things are going to be different. But with Nat busy falling in love at college and Toby preoccupied with a Top Secret project, Harriet soon discovers that's not necessarily a good thing...
Goodreads

Review
Though this was not my favourite Geek Girl book (that title still goes to Picture Perfect), I absolutely loved it!

The events of All That Glitters follow those of Picture Perfect, meaning we have both a happy and a sad Harriet. The happiness, and somewhat nervousness, she felt towards starting sixth form was wholly relatable, as I had felt exactly the same nearly four years ago when I was in the same position. We see Harriet attempting, and succeeding, to some extent, in making new friends, though this is not without its own problems. The events following these developments were completely understandable, and I think that is one of the things I love the most about this series, that I am able to imagine myself in Harriet's shoes.

Harriet's quirkiness and Britishness is lovable, and I adore being able to appreciate British humour in YA fiction, as the genre seems dominated by non UK-authors. The family dynamic of Harriet, her dad, Annabel, and Tabitha was so cute, and I love the fact these relationships were explored further than they previously had been.

The romance was pretty non-existent, but that was no surprise following the breakup at the end of Picture Perfect. I missed Nick throughout this book, but the little flashback were enough to soothe the loss, in my opinion. I do see some romance perhaps brewing with one of the new characters, and if that is to be explored by the author in further books, I would have absolutely no problem with that.

Overall a very cute, and enjoyable, UKYA contemporary fiction.

Dates Read:
March 23 to 24, 2015

Rating
5 Stars

C.J. Daugherty

Waiting on Wednesday: Endgame (Night School #5) by C.J. Daugherty

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4 Stars

ARC Review: Notebooks of a Middle School Princess (Notebooks of a Middle School Princess #1) by Meg Cabot

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Notebooks of a Middle School Princess
Series: Notebooks of a Middle School Princess #1
Author: Meg Cabot
Published May 21st 2015 by Macmillan Children's Books

Goodreads Synopsis
The first in a brand-new, funny, heart-warming illustrated Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot.

Olivia Grace is completely average. Or so she thinks . . . until Her Royal Highness, Princess Mia Thermopolis turns up at her school one day and whisks Olivia away to New York City! In a limo, no less! Where you can eat all the cookies you want and the ceiling lights up pink and purple - like a disco! But discovering that your father is actually the Prince of Genovia is quite a shock. Especially since it means you're a descendant of the Kingdom of Genovia, and a princess. Olivia's got a lot to learn about her long-lost family - and everyone's got a lot to learn about her!

Olivia chronicles her transformation from ordinary girl to princess in her notebook, with illustrations from Meg Cabot, who studied Fine Arts as an undergraduate.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Notebooks of a Middle School Princess tells the story of Olivia, a normal twelve year old who is just dealing school, her family, and her friends. However, she finds out, quite dramatically, that she is actually a princess, the daughter of the Prince of Genovia. Olivia is a princess!

I really loved being thrust back into the Princess Diaries world. I remember reading that series when I was younger, and as soon as I saw Meg Cabot was delving back into the world, from the PoV of a new character, I knew I had to read it! I was so happy when I saw I was approved on NetGalley for an eARC.

Though I don't normally read children's books - I tend to read more YA (that's why the blog is called Sophie Reads YA) - I really enjoyed how sweet Olivia was as a protagonist, and how innocent her character was. Meeting old characters from the Princess Diaries world, particularly Mia, was amazing, and the interactions of Olivia with her newly found family was everything I could ask for. I can't wait to see how their family dynamic continues to grow as the series progresses, as the family begin to become a proper family, and I hope that Olivia will be part of Cabot's upcoming book, Royal Wedding.

The book was quite short, just under 200 pages, but I felt the story progressed at a steady pace, perfect for readers of the intended audience. The story line was quite inventive, you could obviously tell that it was a first book in the series, as there was a lot of setting the scene and introducing the characters, but I definitely felt that the potential for really great story lines have been set up for future instalments.

After reading this book I realised I definitely need to re-read the Princess Diaries series, which I hope to do this summer to prepare for Royal Wedding, but I'm really looking forward to reading further books in this series.

Dates Read:
April 10 to 12, 2015

Rating
4 Stars

May Summary

Stacking the Shelves: May 30th 2015

ARC Review: Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

Waiting on Wednesday: P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2) by Jenny Han

ARC Review: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Stacking the Shelves: May 23rd 2015

Review: Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

Waiting on Wednesday: Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

ARC Review: Nowhere But Here (Thunder Road #1) by Katie McGarry

Stacking the Shelves: May 16th 2015

Review: All That Glitters (Geek Girl #4) by Holly Smale

Waiting on Wednesday: Endgame (Night School #5) by C.J. Daugherty

ARC Review: Notebooks of a Middle School Princess (Notebooks of a Middle School Princess #1) by Meg Cabot

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