Alice in Zombieland

Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1) by Gena Showalter

Rating: 3.5 stars

I've never really been a big fan of zombies. I don't know why, but scary undead that eats other people's brains just didn't appeal to me. However, I was intrigued enough by Alice in Zombieland to pick it up and read it. I'm glad I did. Gena Showalter changed the idea of zombies slightly to make them less disgusting and more of a formidable opponent.

I liked how it practically got right to the point from the start. It was quite a different kind of narration. Alice was both talking about the past and living in the present. The way the author wrote created an intimate and bone-chilling atomsphere of creepiness. I felt like I was holding something moldy and scary yet inconceivably delicate and good. The creepy (yes, I know I'm using that word quite a lot, and I'll be repeating it in this review, but that's just the one main feeling I got from reading this book) environment was etched in my mind. I could imagine all the gruesome figures of the zombies, as well as the epic fights that took place and the haunting images of the darkness. This whole writing style suited with the creepy theme, and that, I liked!

I didn't root for Ali and Cole's romance at all at the start. Their relationship ticked me off big time. It was all so sudden and too fast, AND it didn't seem real. To me, it felt like that certain factors had "forced" (not really forced, hence the quotation marks) them together. Ali and Cole just didn't seem to click for me. Cole was a classic jerk to me. I didn't like him at all. He seemed violent and menacing. However, my opinion of him and their relationship changes a little during the course of the book and as the story progresses, I do want them to be together as everyone wishes a workable (if barely) romance to have its happy ending. Ali did mature quite a bit at the end.

Another thing I didn't like was the whole "I can't think when I'm around him" crap from Ali in reaction to Cole. Not the angry I-can't-think, but the "Oh, he's so hot he's short-circuited my brain" I-can't-think. To me, this was utterly pathetic. Sure, you can have one or two of those moments, especially when he's not bullying you in your face (well, not the completely hurtful kind of bullying, more like taking advantage?). But girl, when you need your wits and smarts, I expect you to have it! (<<<Directed at Ali) I didn't like how Ali always seemed to follow Cole's commands too quickly. (And yea, I didn't like the whole "You and your commands" bit in the book much either. To me, the guy you date need to have at least the basic courtesy of politeness)

Also, I couldn't stand how Ali's later friends looked down on her at the start. It just didn't seem right to be in-your-face with a new comer just because you didn't know who they are/capable of. The way they underestimated Ali just ticked me off. Have some faith!

Aside from all that, there's one thing that I loved about the book: Kat. I loved Kat, absolutely loved Kat (don't get me wrong, just the super awesome friend kinda love). She was such an awesome character. Seriously, you've just gotta give it to that girl. She is the best friend someone could possibly have. She was funny, way-way-way supportive and trusting. She would have taken a blade for Ali in a heartbeat. Having her there really lightened the mood and made things a lot more manageable. Oh and Kat's ego, just thinking about it makes me laugh. She's definitely my favourite character, and for her alone I would read this book.

Wow, alright, I didn't plan on a long review, but here it is. I did like this book, though didn't love it. Despite all its faults, I did enjoy it. So, I would recommened it for a not-too-serious read. Nice creepy read though :P

Synopsis

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….


I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.
I'd tell my sister no.
I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.
I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.
Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.
I'd tell them I love them.
I wish... Yeah, I wish.

The Seven Year King Cover Reveal

I'm very excited to reveal the cover for the next book in THE FAERIE RING Series alongside author Kiki Hamilton:

THE SEVEN YEAR KING 

 Book Three in THE FAERIE RING Series. 

THE SEVEN YEAR KING will be released May 14th, 2013.  

What do you think?

Here's the little teaser:

A deadly sacrifice, a heartbreaking choice, an uncertain future...

I wonder what the heartbreaking choice will be...? Hopefully it doesn't concern Tiki and Reiker's relationship! Can't wait till it comes out! The Faerie Ring and The Torn Wing were both so good!


Here are the covers for books one, two and three:

Edge of the Past Blog Tour

Tour Schedule

Hey everyone, welcome to my stop in the Edge of the Past Blog Tour. In this stop, there will be an awesome giveaway of a $25 Amazon Giftcard, as well as an excerpt from the book itself. Enjoy!

Life on the Edge

Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream–to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history.

Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily’s dreams of gold.

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Edge of the Past Edge

Emily's skating career and personal life have never been more golden. She and her partner Chris have won every competition they've entered this season, and she's found the man of her dreams in her coach Sergei. But when one of the biggest competitions of the year takes Emily and Sergei to Russia, Sergei's past explodes into the present and makes Emily doubt everything in their future.

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Author Jennifer Comeaux

Jennifer Comeaux earned a Master of Accounting from Tulane University and is a Certified Public Accountant in south Louisiana. While working in the corporate world, she sought a creative outlet and decided to put on paper a story that had played in her head for years. That story became Life On the Edge, her first published novel.


When not working or writing, she is an avid follower of the sport of figure skating, travelling to competitions around the country. Those experiences allow her to see a different side of the sport and serve as an inspiration for her writing. Jennifer is blessed with a wonderful family and many friends who have encouraged her to pursue her dream of being a published author.

Links: 

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/24/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Excerpt from Edge of The Past

Sergei pressed me up into the star lift, and I noticed some of the other skaters idling and watching us. We sped past them, and Sergei set me down, preparing for the closing seconds of the program.

In time with the final piano notes, I edged away from Sergei, and he rushed toward me, trapping me in his arms for the ending pose. I gasped at the passion with which he grabbed me. His eyes held my gaze then slowly drifted down to my mouth, and my body hummed from the fiery energy between us. I leaned into his chest and squeezed my fingers harder around his biceps.

A few of my training mates erupted with applause and whistles, and Sergei jerked backward. He didn’t say anything as he took off to cool down, leaving me alone in the middle of the ice with more than my muscles burning.

Heads up 2013

Wow, 6 days into 2013 already! And my humble blog has reached its 6 months mark!!! Before I launch on to explain any new things I'll be doing with my blog this year, I just want to say a big thank you to all my awesome followers! Thank you all so much for supporting me, without you, my blog wouldn't be here today. All the lovely things you've said in the comments have always made my day. And I hope you'll all continue to voice your opinions about books in my reviews so we'll keep having these awesome discussions! When I reach the one-year mark, I'll be doing a big celebration with one or more giveaways. Be sure to check in sometime late June/early July!

Anyway, in the new year, I've decided to take part in a few memes hosted by other blogs. The first one would be In My Mailbox, a weekly meme made by The Story Siren. (Though I can't promise I will get packages every week... I wish!) Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews is another meme I'll be doing. Lastly, Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, will also be a feature this year.

Apart from memes, I am adding two main features myself this year. The first one would be Can't wait for books of the month (e.g. Can't Wait for Books in Jan). It's pretty much all the books/new releases I'm dying to read that month. And the second feature is Recommendation(s) of the month. It's quite self-explanatory, I'll just be featuring one or more of my favourites of the month.

All right, that' pretty much all the new stuff I'll be doing on top of my usual reviews, author interviews, blog tours and giveaways :)

Lastly, I just want to let you know that Maria V. Snyder will be doing a guest post here in Mid-Jan and also giving away a copy of her most recently book Scent of Magic. And I'll be participating in the January New Releases Hop hosted by Book Twirps again. So, any suggestions for a January Release you want to win?

Let's go and have another great year together! :)

Best of 2012

Well, another year is over and it's 2013 already! Sorry I wasn't able to post anything at the end of December, but the holiday is time to enjoy myself aye? :D Looking back at this year, I've read tons of books and more than a few good ones. To finish the year off and to welcome the new year, I'll share with you the top ten books from the books-I-loved list of my reads in 2012 and why I liked them. Are you ready? Here we go!

1.Tiger's Destiny (The Tiger Saga #4) by Colleen Houck

This book is probably my favourite of 2012. Well, it's a tough call between the top four anyway. Tiger's Destiny is a well thought out, heart-breaking AND heart-warming end to Kelsey, Ren and Kishan's journey to breaking the Tiger's Curse. In this novel, not only Colleen Houck's writing was amazing, the words precisely chosen and tingles the imaginations, but the plot and characters were also at their best. The twists and turns and the wild emotions will keep you reeling well after the last page.

2. Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers

I got this book from a giveaway and I'm forever happy that I had chosen Grave Mercy instead of all the other books I thought I might have liked. It was a risk (yea, I don't like owning books I didn't enjoy) but I'm so glad I chose to buy it before I read it. Grave Mercy is a wonderfully written "old-style" book that has assassins through and through. I'm a sucker for the old-style traveling (horseback and waggens etc.), weaponery like daggers and arrows and the feeling of the less modern times. Grave Mercy was beautifully written with characters and relationships I would root for. Loyalty, love and intelligence were all tested and shown in the pages of this book. May the nine saints forever look after Duval and Ismae! :D

3. Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone is another epic debut. I'm sorry to repeat again and hope I'm not getting boring, but I'm very partial to the old-style world and Shadow and Bone is another excellent example of such a book. What I treasured the most was the unbreakable friendship between the main characters in this book. I also liked the way details were described and the innovative idea of Grishas. It's a book in contrast: some pages would leave you chilled to the bone yet others would warm your heart and soul. You will lose yourself in this eerie world created by Bardugo.

4. Partials (Partials #1) by Dan Wells

I thoroughly enjoyed Partials. It's without a doubt my favourite science-fiction of the year, maybe even of all time. The best part about the book for me, apart from the cool sci-fi medical details and the hooking plot, is how independent the main character Kira Walker is. She didn't need to rely on guys to make decisions or protection. She is a force all on her own. I can't wait to read Fragments (Partials #2) and find out what happens to Kira and co.

5. Onyx (Lux #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Oh, what can I say about Jennifer L. Armentrout's books? Her plots always pull me right in and her writing always leave me breathless for more. Onyx is entirely amazing and one of the best books written by JLA. It's a book that changed relationships and my prejudice on certain character(s). I didn't love Obsidian, the first book, and I sure didn't love Daemon then. But in this book, JLA made me fall in love with both the series and Daemon. If you are looking for hot aliens and a good paranormal fantasy/contemporary, the Lux series is definitely the way to go.

6. Stormdancer (The Lotus War #1) by Jay Kristoff

Stormdancer had the most beautiful and flowing language I have ever read in a YA book. Jay Kristoff breathes life into this story with a Japanese backdrop. I loved the rich culture and values in this book. As well as the loveable beast and the determined main character. How will the Lotus War continue? Can't wait to find out in the next book!

7. Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Again, another book by JLA. What can I say? I'm just in love with her books. While series by other authors may become more and more boring, less and less well-written, JLA's series just keep getting better. Deity, comparing to the first book Half-Blood, is worlds apart. Don't get me wrong, I love the first book too, but this one is just even better! You truly see the strength and power in Aiden and Alex's love for each other. If you are not team Aiden, this book will change your mind. And about that cliffhanger? Jen, you are definitely evil!

8. The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Boys came to me as a bit of a surprise. I didn't expect it to be so good and I didn't expect to be so drawn by the story. It is a very different sort of YA book. Told from various perspectives (all in third-person), this book made me experience the inner feelings of several totally different types of people. With a mythical setting and paranormal abilities, this novel will keep you reading till the very end.

9. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Peter Pan has always been my favourite fairytale and this retelling of it is so stunning that I loved it as much as the original story. Told from Tiger Lily's perspective, we see a side to the story that we perhaps would have never thought of. It's simply written yet with such an eye for detail that I have noticed more of Neverland than I ever had. I loved the characters, especially Tinkerbell. She is not what you see in Peter Pan and I'd love to have a friend like this little fairy. It's a heart-breaking story that will intrigue the reader and mayhap make you feel older and wiser at the end.

10. Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) by Kristin Cashore

Right from Graceling, Kristin Cashore has established her place as one of my favourite writers. Bitterblue continues the story of Graceling but in Bitterblue's eye. Just merely returning to this beloved story world was enough to make me love this book. Ok, maybe not, but Cashore once again utilises her writing skills to spin a tale of fantasy and adventure. Old and new characters alike, are vivid and enticing. This book has a lot more political content in it. Also, I greatly enjoyed learning how to write in code ;D Really, there isn't much else to say, except that if you have read Graceling and Fire, definitely don't miss out on this one!


Alright, so that was my top ten, what are your favourites of 2012???

Ten

Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Rating: 5 stars

This book is absolutely stunning. Truly, there's no need for elaboration about Ten and I was seriously considering ending my review here. I physically couldn't look away from the book while reading. I was frozen on the spot on my bed where I sat before I started the book and was only able to move when I finished it all in one go. I literally couldn't move. I was compelled by the story and was so rigid the whole time! I did not realise it would be such a stunning and scary read. Seriously, I wasn't expecting much successful horror elements in it. But oh my, I was surprised. Sitting in my room downstairs alone at eleven at night while reading this created an enormous atmosphere for the scariness and creepiness of the book. Well, I've got to say, this is my favourite YA horror and thriller of all time.

Gretchen McNeil started right off with action. No dandying around with useless stuff. While doing this, she also created the atmosphere and set the mood/tone of the story. A series of clues was dropped by characters in the story about a few different relationships and I enjoyed trying to put the pieces together and making guesses at what happened (of course the full answers were revealed at some point in the book). Also, the way Gretchen McNeil used emotive language and different sentence structures also helped to build up suspense about the central event/muder mysteries of the book. I tried to figure out the answers along with the central character (though at times she can intentionally lead me wrong), but the end result was so not what I expected. That was brilliant!

Through out the book, I felt connected with all the characters (especially Meg) and I seemed to be in the story and filled with fear myself. Imagining all the scenes in my head made it so much more realistic and horrifying. I liked a few characters, namely Meg, T.J. and Gunner, but not so much about the rest. However, all of that was of the author's intention. Meg was smart and curious; she was the thinker. While T.J. was a good leader, a kind and active person. Gunner was just steady and funny. While the other characters displayed traits ranging from hypocrisy, dishonesty to slutty (or being man-whores for guys) and falt-out hostility, the characters worked well together to create the twist and turns of the story.

The plot was fast moving and intriguing. Ten was not only about horror and murder, it was also a book that taught me about relationships in everyday life and portrayed the growing up of a girl into a new adult in a short time. There were so many things that I liked about the book and so little fault. So I've got to say, final verdict: an awesome and thrilling read. Highly recommended!

Synopsis

SHHHH!
Don't spread the word!
Three-day weekend. Party at White Rock House on Henry Island.
You do NOT want to miss it.

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.

But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

The Keeper's Curse Blog Tour

Hi everyone, welcome to my stop of The Keeper's Curse Blog Tour! Today, Diana Harrion, the author of The Keeper's Curse, will be here to do an interview with me! Thank you Diana for the awesome interview! And at the end of this stop there will also be a giveaway for 5 ecopies of the book. Enjoy!

1. How did you come up with the idea to write The Keeper's Curse?

Ever since I was a kid, I have always been interested in the idea of the soul being a physical entity. When I was twelve, I wrote a story about a girl who held the soul of a boy inside a necklace, and that story grew and changed throughout my teen years until it became what it is now. Luckily, it’s pretty much nothing like the original, which was pretty awful.

2.  Do any of the characters in The Keeper's Curse resemble/reflect you in anyway? If so, how?

Every single one of my main characters has one personality trait of mine, including the villain (which is kinda scary). It’s a way for me to be able to empathize with my characters. The one I’d say is most like me is Gabe, who everyone assumes is shy and insecure, but is really just extremely introverted and is probably more sure of himself than anybody.

3. What is your favourite time of the day to write and why?

I like to write in the afternoon at my school library (when I should be studying). It’s the time of day when I’m most alert and have the free time I need between my classes.

4. If there’s one place in the world you could choose to live in, where would it be and why?

London, England! I’ve been obsessed with it for years; I love everything about it – the culture, the weather, the accent – all of it is wonderful.

5. What is your all-time favourite movie and why?

I don’t really have one favourite movie, but the first movie I love that popped into my head was that 80’s movie with David Bowie, Labyrinth.

6. What is your favourite snack in between working hard on your books?

Anything that is made out of, contains, or is sprinkled with, chocolate.

7. What do you think is important for a Young Adult book?

For me, it’s to authentically capture what being a teenager is actually like. I was only a teenager a couple of years ago, and I clearly remember all the insecurities and confusions, and not knowing who I was yet. Sometimes writing a genuine teenager can be lost when you’re writing fantasy, as the characters do such amazing and impossible things. I do my best to make my characters act like teenagers, being moody, occasionally unconfident, but always awesome.

8. If you were given the chance to be a supernatural being, what would you be?

I’d want to be a phoenix so I could live forever. And, y’know, catch on fire.

9. If one character could come to life from any book, who would you choose and why? (what book is he/she from?)

I’m going to cheat a little here and give you two: Fred and George Weasley, from Harry Potter. They’d be a blast to hang out with, I could follow them around and laugh at everything they said, and I could blow up my school with fireworks too.

10. What is the most surprising/interesting thing you’ve learnt from writing this book?

How much fun it was. People were always telling me how much work it was to write a book, and I was worried it’d be a slog. Not true. I thought daydreaming about this stuff was fun, but writing it down, after it had been in my head so long, was so entertaining!

Thank you very much for having me on your blog, Angela.

Diana Harrison is a proud Canadian, currently studying English literature at the University of Calgary. With a passion for books, magic, and teens, as well as being a chronic daydreamer, it is only logical that she is a young-adult fantasy writer as well.

You can friend her on Goodreads.

Her debut novel, THE KEEPER’S CURSE, releases in November 2012.

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December New Releases Giveaway Hop

This is the first time I'm participating in the New Releases Giveaway Hops hosted by O'Dell at Book Twirps and Refracted Light Reviews, but it's such an awesome series of giveways and I'm excited to share with you the possible prizes I've got for the winner.

The winner of this hop can choose ONE of the three books listed below. These are books which I'm dying to read (I'd would love to pre-order them for myself too, but I've only got so much *sigh*). However, if you are the winner and you really REALLY hate the choices I've got for you here, you can contact me and instead pick a December release book under $13 NZD (Sorry, but I'm only a poor student). This giveaway is open internationally as long as the Book Depository ships to you. My usual giveaway rules apply (ie the winner must reply to my email within 48 hours and no dishonest entries please). Thanks for stopping by and good luck! :)

The three December releases you can choose from:

Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

The Farm by Emily McKay

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner is Jessica Bell and she chose Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

End of the World Giveaway Hop

Thank you to Kathy from I Am a Reader Not a Writer and My Life With Books for hosting the End of The World Giveaway Hop! To find the rest of the amazing giveaways, click here. This time I'm going to be giving away a book I read this year which I loved and I would take with me even at the end of the world. I'll be giving away a SIGNED copy of The Torn Wing (The Faerie Ring #2) by Kiki Hamilton. This is the sequel to The Faerie Ring. There will be 2 winners: the first winner will win the signed book and the second winner will win 2 signed book marks of The Faerie Ring series. Thank you to Kiki who has kindly donated these awesome prizes. This giveaway is open internationally, so anyone can enter! Just fill in the Rafflecopter below. The winner must reply to my email within 48 hours after I've contacted him/her, or else a new winner will be selected. I retain the right to disqualify any dishonest or unvertified entries. I'll put the image of The Torn Wing by Kiki Hamilton here, as I have no time to take a photo of all the prizes just now. Will be updating this post soon with the actual image :) Other than that, as always, GOOD LUCK!

The Torn Wing

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For some reason, Rafflecopter is not letting me display the winner's name on the widget, so I'll announce them under here.
The winner of the signed book is Helen R. and the winner of the signed bookmarks is Susan Voss. Congrats to them both! :)

The Hallowed Ones (The Hallowed Ones #1)

The Hallowed Ones (The Hallowed Ones #1) by Laura Bickle

Rating: 3.5 stars

What better book to read than The Hallowed Ones for Halloween? It was actually by chance that I picked up The Hallowed Ones around the end of October (it took forever for it to arrive in the library) and it was an awesome Halloween read. I initially didn't think that this book was going to have any scary component in it, just another typical YA book, but to my pleasant surprise, it was rather unique on its own. 

Through reading The Hallowed Ones, I learnt a lot about the Amish people and culture. Before picking this up, I knew nothing about the Amish, now (wouldn't say I'm an expert) but at least I know where they live and their life style. It was interesting to compare the Amish to the "outsiders" (everyone else) and see where their values differ yet work together. In this book, Laura Bickle also posed questions about religious believes. Are all forms of preaching and religion different or are they equally holy? It was interesting to read that when "evil" infiltrated the society, where people could find a safe place. Are some people more worthy of protection or is everyone deserving of a safe place? These were just some of the questions this book made the reader think about. Under these heavy humanity issues, there's also an undercurrent theme of the want of power. Sometimes, although it might not be the best option, a group of people is isolated because it gives the leader ultimate power. Laura Bickle also reinforces the old moral lesson that sometimes, knowledge can be learnt from people a lot younger and less experience than yourself. 

Aside from those intriguing problems, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of The Hallowed Ones. It was not very predictable and had interesting twist and turns that kept me reading. When I first met the "red-eyed monsters", I was a little bit freaked out! As I've said, I was not expecting a scary book (and truth be told, this book really wasn't as scary as some people made it out to be). But reading the "exciting" parts alone at eleven o'clock at night did give me a bit of a chill. I totally understood why Laura chose vampires as the monster she least wanted to be stuck with in a dark house, *shudder* To find out what the hell I'm on about, go on and read the book! :D

Lastly, the character of Katie was another reason I enjoyed the book. She was a typical girl on the verge of becoming an adult. However, she experienced a range of events that shaped her to become who she was at the end of the book. Some of her founding morals had undergone fundermental changes by these series of events. To cope with unexpected truths/realisation and dealing with accusations from people who were close to you didn't sound easy. Katie not only did this successfully, but she also stood her ground and made the right choices.

There were a few things that I thought could have been done better in this book, one of them was the connection between the reader and the characters. I didn't particularly connect with any of the characters, but rather had a very far-away feeling when I was reading the book. Unlike many of the other books I've enjoyed, it did not feel like that I was in the story myself, and some of the emotions fell flat. Also, the descriptions of the surroundings, as well as actions could have been a little more advanced (perhaps more details and descriptive words). But otherwise, it was a good job. 

Final verdict: an enjoyable read, recommended if you have the spare time. A rather impressive YA debut, but probably not a book I would feel pushed to buy. However, I'm very looking forward to the sequel The Outside! Can't wait to hear more of Katie's story! :)

Synopsis

Katie is on the verge of her Rumspringa, the time in Amish life when teenagers can get a taste of the real world. But the real world comes to her in this dystopian tale with a philosophical bent. Rumors of massive unrest on the “Outside” abound. Something murderous is out there. Amish elders make a rule: No one goes outside, and no outsiders come in. But when Katie finds a gravely injured young man, she can’t leave him to die. She smuggles him into her family’s barn—at what cost to her community? The suspense of this vividly told, truly horrific thriller will keep the pages turning.