Waiting on Wednesday (#298): A Soldier and a Liar by Caitlin Lochner

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

This week, I'm featuring:

A Soldier and a Liar by Caitlin Lochner

Publisher: Swoon Reads

Publication Date: February 19, 2019

Summary (from Goodreads):

In a world on the brink of war, four superpowered teens must learn to work together for peace in Caitlin Lochner's action-packed debut novel. 

Lai Cathwell is good at keeping secrets. As a Nyte, a supernaturally gifted teenager who is feared and shunned by the ungifted, this skill is essential to survival. Orchestrating her own imprisonment to escape military duty has only honed her ability to deceive others. But when rebels start attacking the city, Lai is dragged back into the fight with a new team of Nytes.

Thrown together with Jay, a self-conscious perfectionist consumed by the desire to be accepted; Al, a short-tempered fighter lying for the sake of revenge; and Erik, an amnesiac hell-bent on finding his memories and his place in the world, Lai realizes she's facing an entirely different kind of challenge--one that might just be impossible. But if this team can't learn to work together, the entire sector will be plunged into war.

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I saw this on Goodreads recently and I think it sounds great! More people need to be talking about this book! And that cover is wonderful.

Review: Pacifica by Kristen Simmons

Pacifica by Kristen Simmons

Publisher: Tor Teen

Publication Date: March 6, 2018

Rating: 5 stars

Source: Review copy sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Marin is cosario royalty, a pirate like her father and his father before him. Sailing the ocean to chase adventure is in her blood. But these days no one cares that the island town her people call home is named after her grandfather. They have a new leader, one who promises an end to their hunger – and one who thinks that girls are meant for the kitchen or the brothel. Marin knows she's meant for more than that, and with the sudden influx of weapons on the island, and rumors of a pending deal with the enemy oil nation in her wake, she knows a big score to gain the council's favor is the only way to save her people, and herself.

Ross lives a life of privilege. As the president's son he wants for nothing, but he longs for a life of adventure. On a dare, he convinces his best friend Adam to sneak out to the Docks, the site of local race riots between the poor Shorlings and the upper class. But when Adam is arrested along with the other Shorlings, and not even the president is willing to find him, Ross finds himself taking matters into his own hands. He journeys back into the Docks, ready to make deals with anyone, even a beautiful pirate, if it means Adam's safe return.

When Marin and Ross meet in dangerous Shoreling territory he sees a way to get his friend back and she sees her ticket home. The ransom a president’s son would command could feed her people for years and restore her family’s legacy. But somewhere in the middle of the ocean, Marin must decide if her heart can handle handing over the only person who has ever seen her as more than a pirate.

What I Liked:

I expected to enjoy this book, because I've read all except one of Simmons' books, and I've loved all of them. (I reaaaaaally need to read Three. Why am I so bad at finishing series.) I really trust Simmons and I honestly didn't even read the synopsis very closely, because I knew I had to have this book. Here's the thing: not only did I enjoy Pacifica, but I loved it. I fell into this story and I didn't want to stop reading until I was finished, which is exactly what happened. There are so many things about this book that absolutely worked for me, and I hope I can convince others to give this thought-provoking a novel a chance.

This is the story of Marin, a corsario living on mainland, struggling to feed herself and live a semblance of a good life. It is also the story of Ross, the president's son who has everything at his fingertips. Everything, that is, until one bad decision costs him, and he finds himself caught up in the madness of Pacifica. What exactly is Pacifica - is it the green paradise in the middle of a clear blue ocean that the government wants everyone to believe? Why is the government "choosing" five hundred Shorelings to go? What's really out there? Marin and Ross meet in uncertain circumstances but must work together to stay alive, and discover the truth about Pacifica.

This book is told from third-person dual POV, with each chapter being told by either Marin or Ross. Their mutual story converges fairly quickly and they meet when Ross and his friend Adam decide to leave the fancy government party celebrating Pacifica and the pending lottery to go out and watch the riots. Marin isn't trying to be in the riots, but she needs to make a deal with someone, and that someone is where the riots are. The riots throw Marin, Ross, and Adam together, but only Marin and Ross make it out. Ross is determined to find Adam no matter the cost, and Marin knows that Adam is going to be taken to Pacifica. This is how Marin and Ross find themselves in a predicament - find Pacifica, find Adam. Marin needs the money, Ross needs his friend back... but they both get much more danger and shocking discoveries than they expected.

Once Marin and Ross set out to find Adam, I was completely hooked. I mean, I was hooked before then, but I was totally dialed in and anxious to read more, by the time Marin and Ross take to the seas. By then you must know that Pacifica isn't what it is made out to be, the government isn't being truthful, and the Shorelings are being taken somewhere to die - or worse. So many secrets! So much danger. This story was rife with high stakes, and an all-or-nothing type of adventure.

I really felt for Marin, who is such a strong and capable young lady trying to live in emptiness and nothings. She isn't a Shoreling - she was born a corsario (pirate) - but she is just as trapped as the other Shorelings scraping by to eat and survive. Marin was brought up to be tough and a survivor, but she has a soft heart underneath the thorns. There is a lot of complexity and grey area when it comes to Marin, and my heart broke for her throughout the story.

Despite Ross living a lavish, pampered life as the president's son, I connected with and liked him from the start. He is so noble and loyal, which we get to see over and over in the book. He listens and observes and has an open mind. He has a soft heart, like Marin. Ross is a paradox, but aren't we all?

The world of this story is a brutal world, a world set in the somewhat far future, but a world that is quite possible and could very well happen. There is very little clean water in this world, and absolutely no ice/icebergs/polar icecaps. There is little food, little shelter, little oil, little of everything. The world is in ruin, for many reasons, and there are few options for many people. This is how Pacifica came into works by politicians. You'll have to read more to find out what Pacifica really is...

I really, really appreciated the harsh environmental themes of this book. Climate change is at the forefront, with the melted ice, rising sea levels, disappearing coasts, acidic water. I'm an environmental engineer and climate change is something we studied very heavily in school, as well as water quality and the future of the environment. The author did not shy away from the details and nuances of a world ravaged by climate change, and I appreciated this. This could be the future, fam.

Another thing I appreciated (though it made me so sad) was how much the story of Pacifica reminded me of some good old US history. Doesn't it sound familiar? Sending five hundred of X type of people to what is basically a prison, telling them it's for their own good and safety, that they'll be able to have a better life there? This happened not too long ago, in US history. I was thinking about this as I was reading the book, and how familiar the idea seemed, and how there was conflict on both sides of everything, and way too many innocent people that deserved better. Read the author's note at the end of the book when you get a chance. After reading the book, I read the author's note, and my heart broke. The author knew exactly what she was doing, and what type of story she was telling, and this... this made me appreciate the story even more. Props to you, Kristen Simmons. Pacifica is so important from an environmental point-of-view, but just as much or maybe even more so from a historical and social and political point-of-view.

The author clearly did her research, not just on the environmental issues, or when it came to the mechanics of sailing a ship. She really captured history in this book, without writing a historical fiction novel.

I adored was the romance, as subtle and slow-burning as it was. There is no love triangle (and I only make this statement because yes, while Adam might be considered a very important secondary character, he isn't a love interest or anything like that. Not even close.). There is no insta-love between Ross and Marin, but rather a slow building of feelings and closeness. I loved their relationship, from perfect strangers on the the extremes of the societal totem pole, to two people who need to trust each other and depend on each other to survive. Like I said, the romance is very slow-burn and not something I was really thinking about as the story was progressing, but it was something that crept up on me and I appreciated the subtlety. Yes, there is kissing in this book!

The ending of this book is very hopeful, from all standpoints. Nothing is perfect and riding off into the sunset, but many political decisions were made about this and that, and so we know change has been happening. And on the romantic side of things, the ending is really sweet.

I could probably gush about this book some more. I loved the story and I would reread it again in a heartbeat (and I think I will!). It's not a fluffy, fun story to read - it's an intense, sometimes dark story that sheds some light into the potential future of the world. It's honestly not so far off. This story is so important and I hope many people read it, especially teenagers, who are our future.

What I Did Not Like:

I really can't think of anything so I'll be skipping this section!

Would I Recommend It:

I really recommend this book. Yes, I'm an environmental engineer and former environmental engineering student and I'm super excited about a post-apocalyptic/dystopia novel focusing so heavily on the future of the environment and consequences and climate change. But I also loved the story of Ross and Marin, two people coming from very different backgrounds to change everything. I loved the message of the story and how it reflected on a dark time in US history. I can't recommend this book enough; it is fiction, but it is also reality. 

Rating:

5 stars. Pacifica is a thought-provoking, moving novel that exposes a future that could very well be reality for the world. This book should be in classrooms, among students and teachers. Fiction is great for escape, but it can teach us so much. I am never disappointed by Simmons and I'm glad Pacifica was such a hit for me. I hope many readers share the same sentiment!

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Swoon Thursday (#266): Pacifica by Kristen Simmons

- From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

- Try to make the swoon excerpt 140 characters (or less), if you are going to tweet about it. Use the hashtag #YABOUND when tweeting

This week, my swoon is from Pacifica by Kristen Simmons!

"You're not dead, right?" he asked slowly.

"No," she whispered.

"Oh, good," he said. "That would make this awkward."

He kissed her then, sweetly, and gently, and more than a little drunkenly. His lips curved into a smile against her mouth, and even though her heart had stopped beating altogether, she smiled too, because in all the times she'd imagined kissing someone, she never thought she'd feel as happy as she was right now.

She didn't want to stop.

- Review copy, page 319-320

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This was a cute scene (and I wish it were longer!)! You can check out my thoughts on this book either tomorrow or next week. Happy Thursday!

Review: The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson

The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: June 6, 2017

Rating: 3 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary (from Goodreads):

When all hope is gone, how do you survive? 

Before the war, Eden’s life was easy—air conditioning, ice cream, long days at the beach. Then the revolution happened, and everything changed.

Now a powerful group called the Wolfpack controls the earth and its resources. Eden has lost everything to them. They killed her family and her friends, destroyed her home, and imprisoned her. But Eden refuses to die by their hands. She knows the coordinates to the only neutral ground left in the world, a place called Sanctuary Island, and she is desperate to escape to its shores.

Eden finally reaches the island and meets others resistant to the Wolves—but the solace is short-lived when one of Eden’s new friends goes missing. Braving the jungle in search of their lost ally, they quickly discover Sanctuary is filled with lethal traps and an enemy they never expected. 

This island might be deadlier than the world Eden left behind, but surviving it is the only thing that stands between her and freedom.

What I Liked:

I haven't really been following the massive amounts of debut novels that have published and will be published this year, but this is one of the few that I had been really looking forward to reading. I'm an environmental engineering student and as soon as I came across this book, and heard how deeply rooted the story was in environmental themes, I knew I had to have it. You know it has to be pretty scientific and environment-focused if Leonardo DiCaprio will be producing its film. While I enjoyed this book and I don't not recommend it, I didn't love it like I had expected. Still, this is an interesting novel and I definitely think it should be discussed, especially given these times we live in.

It has been years since Eden was orphaned. It's been years since she lived a normal life, before the war, before the Wolves took over and ceased control and instilled such potent fear in the lives of survivors. For two years, Eden has been biding her time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to escape - and it comes. Eden escapes with three girls who are strangers to her. They reach an island - the island, according to Eden's father's field guide. Eden's father knew of Sanctuary, an island of neutral ground, and Eden and the girls have found it. But the island isn't what it seems, with its treacherous terrain and creepy plants. They're alone, but are they? With the arrival of three boys come answers, but even more questions. Nothing about Sanctuary Island is what Eden - or anyone - expected.

This story is such an interesting one to classify. It's definitely post-apocalyptic, given that things really started because of rising sea levels, contaminated drinking water, and other effects of climate change. The Wolves began a bloody revolution after Envirotech, a company with cutting edge technology, prioritized the rich people who could pay for their products. Purified water, for example, and admission to a paradise-like island. The Wolves sought justice, being those less fortunate that would never be able to afford what Envirotech offered. The story is also obviously science fiction, given that the themes are heavily scientific. And dystopia too, because of the militaristic rule of the Wolves. It's an intriguing and terrifying mix of genres, that make up a rather realistic story.

I am totally here for the science! You don't see a lot of YA books delve into climate change and the deadly cause-and-effect feedback loop that occurs. Everything about this story occurs because of climate change; the need for purified drinking water spurred on the rise of Envirotech, which caused the disparity between the rich and the poor to become more pronounced, which led to the rise of the Wolfpack, which led to the rebellion and revolution. Climate change is an immense catalyst of this story, and as scary as climate change is, I was so happy to see its presence in the story. YA books could benefit from including such a real and very present danger in our world today.

This book is written entirely in Eden's first-person POV. In the first chapter or so, Eden is preparing to escape once and for all. And she does, with a lot of luck (it seemed lucky). She and three other girls hightail it by sailboat, and find Sanctuary. Eden has known that Sanctuary is not a myth for years, since her father's field guide notebook was returned to her. The field guide saves Eden and the girls as they explore the island. Eden's father was an engineer who was responsible for a lot of things relating to the revolution - though the revolution was in no way his fault.

I liked Eden, though it took me a bit to fully latch onto her character and care about her. She has quiet strength and the spirit of a survivor. She has many fears that she tries to overcome in this book. That is something that I really liked about this book and this character - the author explicitly states Eden's fear (for example, snakes and dark water), and the author has Eden face each of them. 

There are three other girls that escape with Eden (by chance) - Alexa, Finnley, and Hope. I didn't really care for Finnley from the start, though I didn't hate her either. Alexa came off as self-absorbed and haughty, but I actually liked her despite these qualities, and as the story went on, I grew to like and respect her even more. I liked Hope, with her kindness and sweetness. 

Three boys join the girls on the island about a third or maybe two-fifths into the story. They arrive via ship and they are there for a reason. Cass seems like the leader, and he and Alexa happen to have a lot of history. My heart hurt for Alexa, with how Cass leaves their relationship. Phoenix is more of a periphery character, though he has his moments.

Lonan, however, becomes a very important character in the book. He holds many secrets, and he turns out to be a very critical player in the whole plot. He's not just a smart and charming boy with an easy smile - he has secrets upon secrets. I liked him immediately.

You can probably guess who is involved in the romance. I liked Lonan and Eden together. They are both leaders, though Lonan is more of an authoritative and commanding one, whereas Eden is a quiet one. They are a good match. I wanted to feel more for their chemistry (see below), but I do think they fit well together. I definitely wanted more Cass/Alexa. No love triangle, by the way!

Most of the story is set on the island, though the final thirty percent or so is set elsewhere. I don't want to say anything more about that, because it gets spoiler-y really quickly. But I will say that I liked the island setting a lot. The island was incredibly creepy and chilling. As soon as the group moved off the island, my interest waned a little. It just wasn't the same! I'll explain below.

What I Did Not Like:

Obviously, given how long my "Likes" section is, I enjoyed this book. And I'm not going to deny that. I liked the book, and I don't not recommend it. But I also didn't feel particularly strongly about some aspects.

For example, I wanted more chemistry between Lonan and Eden! Personality-wise, I think they are a good fit. But I didn't fall in love with them falling love. Or them falling in lust. Or whatever. They're teens on an island, depraved of all sorts of stimuli! How are they not constantly checking each other out? I expected more from Lonan and Eden in terms of chemistry. Where are the steamy kisses in warm natural pools of water, or whatever? The author could have done so much with the romance, especially in terms of the chemistry. The romance felt a bit lacking, because there was no tension between Lonan and Eden. I could feel their emotional connection (the two of them growing to trust and care about each other), but not their physical connection. They don't even kiss until the book is almost over!

Also, I wanted more from Cass and Alexa's relationship. The author could have done so much with that relationship! Second-chance romance, anyone? Some serious angst between the pair? Alexa has her fair share of angst and pain built up, but I wanted to see that spill over and interactions with Cass to be had. The two of them are like fire and ice - I wanted to see them ignite and explode!

Like I said above, I liked the island setting. Some scenes had me in chills. But once Eden and the gang encountered a certain thing on the island, and they eventually left the island, I just wasn't as interested. The big twist and the reveals probably didn't have the intended effect on me. And I was a little bored, after some of the big reveals. I didn't really care or follow what was the M.O. of Eden and her new friends (friends I have not mentioned yet). The last third of the book seemed sloppy and rushed, compared to the rest of the book. 

Also, nothing felt really resolved, despite the fact that this book is currently listed as a standalone. I didn't like how certain aspects of the book (which I can't even mention specifically) aren't addressed in the end. I'll try to be vague - for example, something pretty serious is done to Lonan and the others (not Eden though). Is this taken care of? Is the related tech destroyed? Also, where will Eden and Lonan go - what are their plans, now that this and that have been taken care of? There is no epilogue of the two of them making out on a beach or something like that. Of course, the author could be leaving the ending in such a vague state in case a sequel (or more) is contracted. But it's annoying. The ending is wrapped up, but very vague and certain things are wrapped up in a way that is too vague and general and needed mores specifics and detail. Basically, the ending was too perfect in a vague way, but there were also things that were definitely not addressed. 

Also, not a huge deal, but the title...? Someone explain the relevance of it to the story to me, please. I'm not trying to be snarky - I legitimately don't get it!

Would I Recommend It:

I actually highly recommend this book, especially to those like me who love science-y books in YA literature. This is not a pure dystopia novel, nor is it purely a post-apocalyptic novel, It has both of those genres/sub-genres mixed in, and a lot of environmental themes that are really important. Economic ones, too. I didn't totally love the book, but I recommend it because it's a relevant and important book that I think young adults should read. The issues discussed are incredibly real and we should be paying attention to them.

Rating:

3.5 stars. I hesitate to round up because I really don't think I'm feeling a 4-star rating for this book. It's not that I didn't like it, it's that I didn't feel completely satisfied after finishing it. You know that feeling when you finish a book and you're like, "wow, that was great"? I didn't experience that, despite the fact that I do think it was a great book overall. If the author writes anything to follow this book, I will definitely read it!

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Book Blitz and Giveaway: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Welcome to the sales blitz for Diana Peterfreund's For Darkness Shows the Stars! I adored this book (and its companion sequel!), and I really advise everyone who likes YA fantasy to take advantage of this amazing sale. And hey, there is a giveaway!

About the Book:

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Book One of the For Darkness Shows the Stars series

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publication Date: June 12, 2012

Official Summary:

Fans of Divergent will love Diana Peterfreund’s take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion set in a post-apocalyptic world.

In the dystopian future of For Darkness Shows the Stars, a genetic experiment has devastated humanity. In the aftermath, a new class system placed anti-technology Luddites in absolute power over vast estates—and any survivors living there.

Elliot North is a dutiful Luddite and a dutiful daughter who runs her father’s estate. When the boy she loved, Kai, a servant, asked her to run away with him four years ago, she refused, although it broke her heart.

Now Kai is back. And while Elliot longs for a second chance with her first love, she knows it could mean betraying everything she’s been raised to believe is right.

For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking YA romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

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About the Author:

Diana Peterfreund is the author of a dozen books for adults, teens, and children. A lifelong Jane Austen lover and technophile, she lives outside Washington, DC with her family, her BBC miniseries collection, and her smartphone. You can visit Diana online at www.dianapeterfreund.com.

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The Excerpt:

FOUR YEARS AGO

Dear Kai,

The sun is probably streaming in through the big barn windows now, which means you’re awake. And if you’re awake, it means you’re wondering where I went.

I haven’t run away from you, I promise. But I knew that today of all days, they’d need me in the house. Tatiana may be the head of our household now, but she’s not the one the staff will look to in my mother’s absence. And there is so much to do to prepare for the funeral. Also, I have to go tell my grandfather what had happened to his daughter. I don’t want him to hear of her death from anyone but me.

Thank you for last night. I wish I could say I don’t know why you are the one I ran to—you, Kai, not Tatiana or my father or even my grandfather. But I know why. And I have a confession to make.

After you let me cry, after you let me sob and shout and choke on all that pain—after you did all that, and didn’t say a word—I didn’t fall asleep like you thought. Not right away. I lay there, wadded up into a ball, and you curved your body behind mine. You were barely touching me—your thigh against the edge of my hip, your arm draped lightly across my waist, your fingers entwined with mine. How many times have our hands touched, when we were passing each other tools or helping each other in and out of machines? Hundreds of times. Thousands. But last night, it felt different. You cradled my hand in yours, palms up, our fingers curled in like a pair of fallen leaves. Fallen, maybe, but not dead. My hand never felt so alive. Every place you touched me sparked with energy. I couldn’t sleep. Not like that.

And so I bent my head, just the slightest bit, until my mouth reached our hands. I smelled the oil you never quite get off your fingers. I breathed in the scent of your skin. And then, as if that was all I was doing, just breathing, I let my bottom lip brush against your knuckle.

Time stopped. I was sure you’d see through my ruse and pull away. I was sure you’d know that I was not asleep, that I was not just breathing. But you didn’t move, so I did it again. And again. And on the third time, I let my top lip join my bottom.

I kissed your hand, Kai. I didn’t do it to thank you for letting me cry. For letting me sleep in your arms. I thought you should know.

Yours,

Elliot

Dear Elliot,

I know. When will I see you again?

Yours,

Kai

The Giveaway:

(I want to assume this is INT, but I'm not sure. Let's assume so!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Science in Fiction (#16): Lotus and Thorn by Sara Wilson Etienne

Welcome to this month's Science in Fiction feature! Science in Fiction is a meme I created to showcase the wonderful aspects of science in Young Adult fiction novels. For more information and previous feature, check out the "Science in Fiction" tag!

This month, I'm featuring Lotus and Thorn by Sara Wilson Etienne!

Lotus and Thorn review

When I first saw Lotus and Thorn, I immediately thought, high fantasy coming at us! Woohoo! This was entirely based on the cover. I quickly realized that this book was heavily science-fiction-based, and in a very intriguing way. In this story, Earth was abandoned half a millennium, and the humans are now on the colony planet Gabriel. Food is scarce, disease runs rampant, and water is precious. The Curadors, who live in the Dome, can't even leave the Dome without protective gear, because they can no longer survive outside.

I'm taking my topic today somewhat tangentially from this book. I want to talk about climate change and the future of our Earth. There is a good chance that this won't be the last time climate change is featured on Science in Fiction!

NASA defines climate change as long-term changes in the Earth's climate. 

Drivers of climate change include:

(taken from the EPA, NASA)

- Greenhouse gas effect: a natural process in the atmosphere, which involves the trapping of carbon dioxide. Usually the greenhouse gas effect is a good thing! Except that this natural cycle has been disturbed by humans. Greenhouse gases from human activity have been increasing, which increases the greenhouse gas effect, and warms the Earth. Among other things. Lots of positive feedback loops happening.

- Increase burning of coal: this ties in with the greenhouse gas effect. Because humans have been burning more coal and adding more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, climate change has been rapidly sped up.

- Increasing volcanic eruptions: a natural occurrence on the Earth. But increasing volcanic eruptions adds more gases to the atmosphere.

Effects of climate change:

(taken from the EPA, NASA)

- Increasing temperatures. Also, decreasing temperatures. This depends on location.

- Decreasing water supply.

- Increasing spread of disease.

- Decreasing food supply.

- Rising sea levels.

- Increasing number of extreme weather events.

- Increasing severity of extreme weather events.

- Increasing amount of rain. Also, decreasing amount of rain. This depends on location.

- Increasing melting of ice caps.

- Increasing wildfires.

- Increasing ecosystem stress and collapse.

- Increasing invasive species.

- Other Bad Things.

Recent climate change news:

- 2015 was the hottest year on record. Yup, that was a thing. NOAA and NASA have the data to back this up. While we're talking temperatures, check out this animation, that shows the annual global temperature change, from the mid-1800s to 2016.

- Fort McMurray wildfires were due to climate change. Increasing temperatures and dry conditions are perfect for wildfires. The New York Times has a great article about the Fort McMurray wildfires, and other wildfires in the past that were due to climate change.

- The Arctic, which is usually cold, has had record-low sea ice. This is terrible! The Arctic is one of the regions that keeps the entire globe fairly cool. But there has been less ice, due to melting ice, due to rising temperatures. The winter season has been too warm. More on this at Science Daily.

- Climate change could be causing a shift in the Earth's poles. Wild, right? The Earth is tilted on its axis, and the degree of tilt is dependent on the distribution of mass. If there is a change in the distribution of mass, e.g. when ice melts in Greenland, the poles shift. The North Pole, which usually drifted towards Canada, has started to drift towards the U.K. This is still a topic of research, so there is no causation proven, but the evidence is present. More on this at Science Daily.

- California has been experiencing a drought for years. Anyone Californians here? California has been experiencing quite the drought in recent times, and that's not about to change. It all goes back to the decreased snowpack, which meant less water from the mountains. And a lack of rain is a problem. And it's pretty hot over there, for the most part. All of this leads to a lot of water conservation policies.

I could go on and on. Climate change is real, it's scary, and it's not going away. For anyone that doesn't "believe" in climate change... open your eyes! Our Earth is in a sad state, especially compared to ten, twenty, fifty years ago. Who is to say we won't end up like the Earth of Lotus and Thorn?

What are your thoughts on climate change? 

Review: Lotus and Thorn by Sara Wilson Etienne

Lotus and Thorn by Sara Wilson Etienne

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: June 7, 2016

Rating: 4 stars

Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

Ravaged by a plague known as Red Death, the planet Gabriel, a former colony of Earth, is a barren wasteland. Since being abandoned by Earth 500 years ago, resources are scarce and life is cheap. To stay alive, the survivors, the Citizens, scavenge the remains of a now dead city, trading for food with the resource-rich Curadores, the only other survivors on Gabriel. Every old computer, every piece of wire, every scrap of metal counts. To steal is the ultimate sin. So when tough-as-nails seventeen-year-old Leica is caught doing just that, she's exiled and left to the mercy of Gabriel's unforgiving desert for the rest of her life. 

While in exile, Leica discovers a mysterious shuttle, which may not only lead her home, but even more impossible—reestablish contact with Earth. Then Red Death rears its head again, killing her entire work crew, leaving Leica all alone until a handsome Curador offers her refuge in the Dome—the only place on Gabriel untouched by Red Death, where a decadent and sultry life awaits. But there's a catch: Leica can only enter the Dome as his concubine—his Kisaeng. When a rogue group of Citizens see their chance for revolution in Leica's good fortune, she finds herself unraveling a deadly mystery with chilling answers to the true origin of Red Death and the reason Earth really abandoned them so long ago. 

A richly imagined fantasy in the vein of Tamora Pierce, Lotus and Thorn, is a magnificent, epic adventure.

What I Liked:

I'd heard of this book before there was a summary or cover, and so I didn't know anything about it (its title was originally Unworthy). When I requested the book, there still wasn't a cover, but there was a summary. I remember thinking, epic fantasy? Count me in! And then the cover was released and, well, it is gorgeous. I didn't know much about the book and didn't know what to expect, but I really enjoyed this book! Once I started, those 464 pages flew by.

The prologue tells the (short) story of how Leica is exiled from her home. Stealing is a sin, and while Leica wasn't exactly stealing, she was caught with something worth stealing. Nearly two years later, just shy of eighteen, Leica's crew in the treacherous desert is completely lost to Red Death. Leica bumps into another group of exiles, called the Indignos, as well as a Curador. The Curadors trade food and supplies for electronics, which the Citizens gather. This Curador, Edison, wants to help Leica, and he takes her back to the Dome, where food is bountiful and life is good. Leica can only enter the Dome if she is his Kisaeng, or concubine. Leica agrees to go, because she wants to spy on life at the Dome and see what they are hiding from the Citizens. As it would turn out, the Curadors are hiding quite a bit.

The world-building of this book is so well-written, in my opinion. I know this book is billed as a fantasy novel, but it seems more of a post-apocalyptic type to me. This world is Gabriel, a former colony of Earth. There has been no contact with Earth in hundreds of years. Leica's home is more of a community of Citizens, lead by the Abuelos. Everything electronic and basically metal-y is scavenged and traded with the Curadors, who give them found. But waves of the Red Death have been killing off the Citizens. And when Leica is exiled, she is left to face the harsh, unforgiving desert. Somehow, she survives for nearly two years, with the help of a crew. But when all of her crew dies, she is left alone. Again.

Leica goes through so much in this action-packed novel! In the beginning of the book, she is fiercely protective of her older and younger sister, and she is painfully aware of her "Corruption" (she has an extra pinky on each hand). Two years in the desert has toughened Leica even more; she was already a fighter, but now she's a survivor. And when she is taken to the Dome, it's s different kind of fighting and surviving that she must do.

I can't fault Leica for anything that she does to save herself and others. There is a very weird part of the book towards the end that will make just about anyway very sad for her, but the girl is braver and stronger than many of us. 

This book is a journey! It's a 464-page story that really digs deep, taking us from beginning to, well, another beginning that is also the end of the book. I think the book is a standalone, and I think it ends extremely well for a standalone. I also think that there is room for a sequel, but who knows. I could also see a companion sequel happening.

I think I'll mention the romance, but it's not something that I really want to talk about. The romance is a little strange. The author plays with the idea of physical attraction but not emotion. So I hesitate to say that there is real "romance" in this book... because it's not romance. Still, there was an aspect of romance that I liked, one aspect that was sweet. I won't say anything else because I don't think it's important enough. Do not read this book for the romance, because you'll be disappointed (in terms of what is not there).

There are science-y aspects to this book! I like that Leica is good with electronics and electrical wiring and things like that. She's not just good with a sword and a knife and her bare fists. She's got a science-y brain and she uses it well. 

Overall, I'm pleased with this book. I didn't know much about it going in, which was a good thing. I think I probably would have been a little misled about a certain thing (which I left out of my own review - you'll have to discover that aspect for yourself!). I'm curious to see if there will be a follow-up to this book!

What I Did Not Like:

You can probably tell from what I said above, but the romance was not something I absolutely loved - I didn't hate it either. I think the romance itself could have been so much more. Instead, the author focused on something more physical. I know, I know, Alyssa complaining about a physical aspect?! I have reason to do so, in this case. It didn't detract from the story and I still liked the book a lot, but I guess I'm a little picky when it comes to these things!

Would I Recommend It:

I liked the book, and I'd recommend it if you were already interested! It's a post-apocalyptic novel, not necessarily dystopia, but definitely the futuristic survival type. More science fiction than fantasy, in my opinion. I will say that if you're expecting an epic romance, don't bother. Do not read this book for its romance.

Rating:

4 stars. I'd not read the author's debut, Harbinger, but I remember seeing it when it published years ago! I wonder if it is just as engrossing as this book. In any case, Lotus and Thorn was very much worth the read!

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Review: An Inheritance of Ashes by Leah Bobet

An Inheritance of Ashes by Leah Bobet

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication Date: October 6, 2015

Rating: 2 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary (from Goodreads):

The strange war down south—with its rumors of gods and monsters—is over. And while sixteen-year-old Hallie and her sister wait to see who will return from the distant battlefield, they struggle to maintain their family farm.

When Hallie hires a veteran to help them, the war comes home in ways no one could have imagined, and soon Hallie is taking dangerous risks—and keeping desperate secrets. But even as she slowly learns more about the war and the men who fought it, ugly truths about Hallie’s own family are emerging. And while monsters and armies are converging on the small farm, the greatest threat to her home may be Hallie herself.

What I Liked:

I downloaded this book from Edelweiss on a whim - I didn't know much about it, but I was curious about the author, and the paranormal aspect of the book. I've not read Bobet's debut novel. This novel was certainly unique, I don't think I've read anything like it before. While I didn't fully enjoy it, I did think it was pretty good!

Hallie and her sister Marthe have been running their family's farm for years. With their father long dead, and Marthe very pregnant (she's 26, I believe), and Thom (Marthe's husband) still not home from the war, Hallie feels the pressure and failure of running things by herself. The war between human and Twisted Things and the Wicked God is over - or is it? When Twisted Things start to show up at Hallie's farm, and a a man asks to be hired help around the farm, Hallie knows that something is not right. Monsters and regiments both invade the farm, but Hallie will stop at nothing to protect what is hers, and her family.

I had a hard time getting into this book initially, just because of the tone set. I'm putting this in the "likes" section because technically this shows how well Bobet wrote the opening scenes! There is so much sadness and pain. The prologue is a part of the past, in which Hallie's father and Uncle Matthias are fighting, and Uncle Matthias leaves. And then the first chapters open with Hallie working like a slave on the farm, her older sister vastly pregnant and awaiting the return of her husband from the way.

We don't get all the details about what happened in the war, what the war was about, what the creatures were. We know that the Twisted Things are monsters from the Wicked God's world, and that John Balsam stabbed the Wicked God in the heart, thus ending the war. All of the paranormal aspects of this book are accepted and known, nothing comes as a surprise. 

There are more issues than just the reappearance of Twisted Things. Hallie and her sister have been running the farm, but Mayor Pitts doesn't want to help them in any way with the farm. When he hears that there are Twisted Things by the farm, he immediately wants to quarantine the area and send the regiment. And then there's Hallie's relationship with Marthe. Hallie feels like a failure around Marthe - nothing she ever does is good enough for Marthe, and she expects Marthe to throw her out like their father ran out Uncle Matthias.

I liked Hallie a lot, though I think she wallowed in self-pity one too many times. She is a strong girl, much strong than she thinks she is. She is more caring and kind and selfless than she gives herself credit. She lets Heron, the veteran from the war, stay on the farm as a hired help, even though she finds something odd about him. She is best friends with Nat, a neighboring farming family's daughter, and Tyler, the older brother and veteran. Hallie is someone I felt myself understanding, even if I've never been in her position (running a farm, living in the midst of war, etc.).

The story is interesting, though it could have been more so if not for one or two things that I didn't enjoy (see below). Hallie and the gang are focused on figuring out where the Twisted Things are coming from, and how to stop them from coming. It seems like they are appearing from thin air, over the farm! So Hallie, Heron (the veteran), Nat, and Tyler are trying to find a way to stop them - without Marthe knowing. 

There is a little romance! No love triangle, which was nice. I thought there might be, given that Hallie does become close friends with Heron, but they are never romantically interested in each other, or involved. Hallie and Tyler grew up together, and it's adorable and sweet to see them fall for each. Especially Hallie, since she kind of wakes up and realizes that Tyler likes her. I liked this! The romance is probably my favorite aspect of the book.

Now on to the bad stuff.

What I Did Not Like:

Hallie and Marthe's relationship is easily the most toxic and least likable part of this book. Hallie spends basically the entire book feeling like a failure to her sister, but also disliking how her sister makes her do everything on the farm and doesn't like how Hallie does it. I didn't like Marthe at all. I don't care how the author wanted to spin Marthe's character towards the end of the book. Marthe seemed like a total b**** to me. I don't care if she's pregnant. She could be a lot nicer to Hallie, her SISTER. Instead, she is cruel and crabby and unforgiving and unyielding. No wonder Hallie distanced herself from Marthe? I wouldn't want to be around Marthe either! I'd want to get the f*** out of there and never look back.

This book lost at least a star because of Marthe. I know the author WANTED us to understand Hallie and Marthe's odd relationship, but that didn't mean I enjoyed it. I didn't like reading it. I was furious with Marthe, and didn't like her, despite her being a protagonist. This book is written entirely in Hallie's first person POV, but Marthe is a very significant player in the story. I didn't like her though. Pregnant or not, she was rude. And a terrible person.

I thought this book was also a bit boring. It doesn't have a lot of action, which I was kind of expecting. The synopsis had me thinking there would be some serious war and fighting going on, but the war just ended (or did it...?). Also, the synopsis says things about "family truths" - I don't know what they're talking about? There are no " ugly truths about Hallie’s own family" that I remember.  The death of her father, which was pretty significant in the backstory, is still a mystery to me. I feel like that should have been something that came back and impacted the story more directly!

Also, did I mention boring? Meandering pace. It took me three days to finish this book. Usually I'll read a book in three straight HOURS.

Would I Recommend It:

Eh, no. You're not missing out with this one. You're not going to gain an epic story or something. I wish I hadn't requested this book, which is a really big reason why this book is getting 2 stars (not 3 stars). I could have gone my life without reading this one, sadly!

Rating:

2.5 stars -> rounded down to 2 stars. It's unfortunate that I went on a whim and downloaded this one, but ended up kind of regretting it? I know it seems like there were a lot of things I liked, but the big negative ones eclipsed the small positive ones. Anyway, at least I finished it!

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