Anticipation Friday: Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Goodreads Description
passage, n.
i. A brief section of music composed of a series of notes and flourishes.
ii. A journey by water; a voyage.
iii. The transition from one place to another, across space and time.

In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta is certain of only one thing: she has traveled not just miles but years from home. And she’s inherited a legacy she knows nothing about from a family whose existence she’s never heard of. Until now.

Nicholas Carter is content with his life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a powerful family in the colonies—and the servitude he’s known at their hands. But with the arrival of an unusual passenger on his ship comes the insistent pull of the past that he can’t escape and the family that won’t let him go so easily. Now the Ironwoods are searching for a stolen object of untold value, one they believe only Etta, Nicholas’ passenger, can find. In order to protect her, he must ensure she brings it back to them— whether she wants to or not.

Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues left behind by the traveler who will do anything to keep the object out of the Ironwoods’ grasp. But as they get closer to the truth of their search, and the deadly game the Ironwoods are play­ing, treacherous forces threaten to sep­arate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home . . . forever

Preorder it on Amazon

Other info
Expected Date of Publication: January 5, 2016
Stand-Alone or Series/Companion: Series- Passenger #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Why Am I Anticipating This Book?

There so many things that has caused me to anticipate this book. It takes many things I love in life and put it in one book.
Based on the description, it immediately caught my eye. The very beginning gives a few definitions to the word passage, which are totally separate from each other. I am excited how Bracken is going to incorporate all 3 of those definitions. I also know how to play violin (played for over 10 years), and I have an appreciation for anyone who can learn an instrument, especially the violin, because it is very hard to master it. I also love to travel, especially by the sea. I have also tall shipped sailed on a "pirate ship" and I want to do it again. Who doesn't love adventure?!
Based on the cover, I just love it. I have lived in a city all my life so it feels very homey. The ship that is a reflection makes me think that is somewhat like a dream, which I think is cool. I also like how the city is in a glass bottle because it probably has some symbolism to it. Plus, everyone associates a tall ship to one in the movies or in a glass bottle.
Based on rumors, I heard from (the author) that there is no love triangle, which is great because I am not a fan of love triangles.

Review Wednesday: The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Title: The Moon and More

Author: Sarah Dessen
1st Date of Publication: June 4, 2013

ISBN: 9780670785605

# of Pages: 435

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Age Rating: 13+

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description: Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?

Sarah Dessen's devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer.

Setting: Colby Beach, NC in 21st century

Point of View: 3rd Person- Emaline

Goodreads Rating: 3.63

My Rating: 3.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Cover

View on the Cover: The cover art makes me want to go to the beach and bask in the sun.
View on Title: The title was intriguing because it is a saying many people say so I wanted to see the take on it.

Pros:

• It's a beach read!
• I had a love-hate view of Theo (but I'll give the love part here) and related to him quite a bit. He is an extremely awkward character and makes everything as "special events." I think it's adorable since that's how I feel about everything.
• I loved that Emaline was such a forgiving character. Even though a few characters used her, it does not stop her from being a light in the darkness.
• Emaline's half-brother, Benji, adds some comic relief as he is any typical 10-year old. They always need something to do and if they do not they will torment you. (I have experience. My little sister is 9.) He is also very intuitive and manipulative in a cute sort of way. He is the character that brings all the other characters together.

Cons:

• Emaline's character is a little frustrating at times with the way she deals with certain characters and situations. But, she does have quite a bit against her.
• Theo always felt to me like a one-sided and selfish character. If it really did not benefit him in the end, he did not feel like doing it.
• Luke's character was difficult for me to wrap my mind around. He cheats on Emaline and thinks it's okay, but continuously tries to make up for her all while basically dating other girls. (It does not work like that, buddy! You're either all in or not at all.)

Critics' Reviews:
"Dessen aims for the Moon with her latest novel and manages the landing quite wonderfully. Readers looking for a story as warm and real as The Truth About Forever (Viking, 2004) need look no further. Emaline works hard, both in school and at her family's realty office with three generations of women handling beach-vacation rentals in the small southern town of Colby. Her efforts get her accepted to Columbia, but when her birth father, back in her life after being absent for 10 years, suddenly and inexplicably withdraws his offer of substantial help, she has to settle for a less-prestigious school just two hours away. One advantage: her boyfriend, Luke, will also be there. Summer starts off normally: her dad, the one who married her teenaged mother and adopted Emaline years ago, is still fixing up their house; her older stepsister is bossing her around at work; and Em is passing out keys and towels and hanging around with her best friends, Daisy and Morris. Characters are crafted with care to be whole and realistic, so readers will be immersed when Emaline meets the New Yorkers who rent a mansion for the summer to make a documentary about local character Clyde, once quite a big deal on the art scene. Theo, the filmmaker's cute assistant, seems smitten with Emaline; and when Luke indulges in clubbing with a pretty tourist, the dream couple breaks up, enabling Emaline to spend some time with someone new. Complications romantic and familial help crystallize the strength in Emaline as her understanding transitions from youth to adulthood." -School Library Journal

Sarah Dessen's Website:

http://sarahdessen.com/

Other Recommendations:

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
One Summer by David Baldacci

Review Wednesday: The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

Title: The Accidental Empress

Author: Allison Pataki

1st Date of Publication: February 17, 2015

ISBN: 9781476790220

# of Pages: 512

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Rating: 13+

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description: New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki follows up on her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Traitor’s Wife, with the little-known and tumultuous love story of “Sisi” the Austro-Hungarian Empress and captivating wife of Emperor Franz Joseph.

The year is 1853, and the Habsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. With his empire stretching from Austria to Russia, from Germany to Italy, Emperor Franz Joseph is young, rich, and ready to marry.

Fifteen-year-old Elisabeth, “Sisi,” Duchess of Bavaria, travels to the Habsburg Court with her older sister, who is betrothed to the young emperor. But shortly after her arrival at court, Sisi finds herself in an unexpected dilemma: she has inadvertently fallen for and won the heart of her sister’s groom. Franz Joseph reneges on his earlier proposal and declares his intention to marry Sisi instead.

Thrust onto the throne of Europe’s most treacherous imperial court, Sisi upsets political and familial loyalties in her quest to win, and keep, the love of her emperor, her people, and of the world.

With Pataki’s rich period detail and cast of complex, bewitching characters, The Accidental Empress offers a captivating glimpse into one of history’s most intriguing royal families, shedding new light on the glittering Hapsburg Empire and its most mesmerizing, most beloved “Fairy Queen.”

Setting: 1953-1960, Bavaria, Austria, and Hungary

Point of View: 3rd Person- Elisabeth "Sisi" of Bavaria, Empress of the Austria-Hungarian Empire

Goodreads Rating: 3.79

My Rating: 4

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The woman is beautiful and makes me wonder about her story.
View on Title: How can someone become an empress accidentally? It intrigued me and I wanted to know her story even more.

Pros:

• Sisi's character is so strong in the book. She is very resistant to those who are oppressive but she gets her way sometimes.
• The main storyline of the book are historically accurate. There are just the details that are fictional, which makes the whole story interesting.
• You get a decent understanding of the issues that happened in this time period, which is why Franz acts a certain way.
• The ending was beautiful even though it left at a cliffhanger.

Cons:

• Franz's mother, Sophie, was the most aggravating character in the book. I know she is the antagonist, but I just kept wishing she would die of old age soon.
• Franz's character was a bit agitating, which is mostly caused by his mother.
• I felt that it was a little long and could have been a little shorter, but that could be because I typically read 300 page books in a week rather than 500 page books. (It is still worth the read despite this little complaint.)

Critics' Reviews:

“A glorious novel about a misunderstood empress…With a sumptuous sense of history and evocative attention to detail, Allison Pataki conjures the rebellious, glamorous spirit of Sisi of Austria.” –C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of The Queen’s Vow
“I felt as if I’d been transported to Austria in this powerful and sweeping novel. A heart wrenching, beautiful story, rich with historical detail and political intrigue. Skillful and utterly captivating.” –M.J. Rose, New York Times bestselling author of The Witch of Painted Sorrows
“The Accidental Empress is a tale of royal love we don’t know but should, and who better to share it with us than the supremely gifted and entertaining historical novelist, Allison Pataki. A delightful gift for readers…The Accidental Empress is enthralling.” –Allegra Jordan, author of The End of Innocence

Allison Pataki's Website:

http://allisonpataki.com/

Other Recommendations:

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki
Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran

Review Wednesday: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Title: Cruel Beauty

Author: Rosamund Hodge

1st Date of Publication: January 28, 2014

ISBN: 9780062224743

# of Pages: 346

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13+

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description: Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle—a shifting maze of magical rooms—enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Setting: Arcadia (Fictional)

Point of View: 1st Person- Nyx Triskelion

Goodreads Rating: 3.78

My Rating: 3.5

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Cover

View on the Cover: At first glance, it is just a staircase with red cloth around it. But I love how the cover looks like a rose if you take a a more bird's eye view.

View on the Title: The title is interesting because it connects Beauty and the Beast with the word "Beauty" but you wouldn't realize that it is a different telling of it until you actually read it.

Pros:

• It's takes an interesting twist on the Beauty and the Beast story with mythology. It has a magic sort of element, but the whole idea is surrounded by spirits and demons. 
• Unlike Belle, Nyx is not afraid to push the Gentle Lord, Ignifex, when he treats her poorly.
• The banter between Nyx and Ignifex is pretty adorable in a violent way. (You have to read the book to understand what I mean.)
• Nyx's character is so strong. She is forced with a destiny that she is told to fight.
• The shadows, such as Shade, is really cool aspect.

Cons:

• I felt that this book had a little more potential with combining both a fairy tale many love and mythology that has shaped several cultures.
• I wish there was more involved with the library, which was one of my favorite parts about Belle's character.

Critics' Reviews:

"Will have readers clutching the book and flying through the pages." -VOYA
"Debut novelist Hodge has created a rich, complete world in this twist on Beauty and the Beast." -Publisher Weekly
"A dazzling and clever retelling, Cruel Beauty is delightfully dark, lushly romantic, and utterly spellbinding. I adored it and can't wait to read Hodge's next novel!" -Sarah J. Maas (New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series)

Rosamund Hodge's Website:

http://www.rosamundhodge.net/

Other Recommendations:

Splintered by A.G. Howard
Enchanted by Alethea Kontis