ARC/New Releases Reviews

I've recently won a few books and I've been doing some catch up reading to get through them and publish reviews!

I post all of my reviews on Goodreads, but these are a few I think need to be out there more and I wanted to share.

Let me first say that all of these books were won in Goodreads giveaways.

Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens
3.5/5 stars

Release Date: July 5, 2011
ISBN13: 9780312595685
Chevy Stevens writes well, similar to many other popular authors who write many books (think of James Patterson, for example). She draws you in to this story, and this book is told during the main character's (Sara) therapy sessions so you really get to hear her honest thoughts and feelings.

The basic plot is that Sarah was adopted as a baby and she wants to find her birth parents. What she discovers is horrific, and sets the plot in motion since this is all discovered in the first few pages. When I told a close friend about this book, she was concerned about potentially graphic scenes (particularly, the attack on Sara's birth mother). I want to make it clear that the book is not about that; the book is instead about how Sara's birth father starts contacting her and their attempt at catching the Campsite killer (as he is called).

This is a thriller, but it's more psychological than action-packed. Sara's own emotional issues and responses are probably the most fascinating draw of the book as she finds herself trapped without any real escape. There are shocking twists along the way, and while the book really isn't a mystery it is an exciting ride to go on.

It's hard to put down, and really doesn't take long to read if you sit down over a couple days and really immerse yourself in the story and characters. For myself, I found it fascinating to see the family relationships play out, especially the biological similarties Sara starts to notice after a while between herself, her birth father, and her daughter. People who come from interesting family backgrounds (particularly those with difficult parents) would probably enjoy this, as would those who enjoy the thriller genre.

Crossroads by Mary Ting
4/5 stars

Release Date: April 6, 2011
ISBN13: 9781456888572

It's another spin on the angel/human supernatural YA genre, but this one is nice because it's about more than fighting a villain and forbidden romance. The main character, Claudia, is being attacked by supernatural forces and is able to break through to a supernatural world of angels that she should not be able to. She develops friendships with some of these angels.

This is a good YA book which I was pleasantly surprised by. Ting writes well, and since this is one of her first published books I'm sure she'll only get better.

There were times when I felt frustrated with Claudia as a character since she felt almost too perfect. Michael was a far more intriguing character for me. As well, the plot is very black and white and simple but that may change in future sequels. as well, parts were confusing as to the motives why Ting would include something in the plot, such as the two Claudia Emerson characters, but that can easily be looked over by the end of the book.

The relationship between Claudia and her Gamma was truly touching and made me tear up! Easily the best part of the book in my eyes.

Butterfly by Jodi Bullock
4/5 stars

Release Date: April 21, 2011
ISBN13: 9780615476032

I really loved this book! I wasn't expecting much but Jodi Bullock is a wonderful writer and portrayed the thoughts and emotions of a fifteen year old girl perfectly!

It's a fairly short book that doesn't take long to read but the plot felt as though it flowed naturally. I really enjoyed this unique plot, and it's very different from most teen/YA books being published now. It moved along just fast enough and Brooke was an easy character to relate to and enjoy.

There were some technical errors, but they were minor. It's a light read, but it's worth it. It's a clean book, great for middle graders and teens, and those who enjoy clean YA books.