Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Published February 5th, 2013

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

307 pages

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners—and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle

Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage—in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

*Description from GoodReads

Besides trying to pronounce the odd names that appeared in this book, I was extremely happy with it.  I thought reading about the era was exciting, since you don't normally run into the Victorian atmosphere in books.  I liked how it had the steam punk effect to it and without it, I don't think that it could have been as a brilliant of as read as it was.  

With the greatest of books, they do at times have their downfalls.  While reading, I thought the plot did not grow or stand out to me as much as some of the other aspects of the book did.  There were times where I needed to stop and remember what the whole point of why Sophronia was going on her "adventures" and why she was risking so much.  I tended to zone in and out on some parts, finding myself having to reread.  At the end of the book, some of my many questions were answered.  

I can say for certain that I am excited for the next installment to come!  Which is called Curtsies & Conspiracies.  The publishing date is set for November 5th, 2013.

“I do not giggle without purpose. Lady Linette says you should never misapply a giggle.” 

I gave this a 4/5 stars on GoodReads. 

Mind Games by Kiersten White

Published February 19th, 2013

HarperTeen

237 pages

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.
*Description from GoodReads

I can honestly say that I mainly picked up this book because I loved this cover!  (I mean seriously look at it!)  It grabbed my attention and I love when this happens when I search for books.  I was disappointed however that the book turned out to be an okay and an extremely quick read.  

The book goes back and forth from both Sophia (aka Fia) and Annie's history to the present day as well as each other's perspective.  I enjoyed that the author went between the girls' perspectives to get their different points of view, but I was a little annoyed with the writing style.  Fia has a sort of OCD to her where she doesn't like the number three.  Therefore, throughout the book, she would say numerous things three times, or tap tap tap pause tap tap tap onto her leg.  I did find this rather annoying and would have liked to read less of this.  I also thought that some of the writing was very sporadic and at times hard to follow.  An example:

I hate stun guns, I hate them so much. LET GO OF MY RIBS.

I thought that this could have been more strongly written, but I will say when the next book comes out, I will give it another chance...since she left the book with a cliff hanger that made me want to know what Fia was thinking!

I gave this book a 3/5 stars on GoodReads.

The Selection By Kiera Cass

Published April 24th, 2012

HarperTeen

327 pages

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

*Description from GoodReads

I must admit along with probably everyone else that has read this that it reminds me A LOT of the Bachelor.  Which I can say that I am not a fan of and I do not watch the show, so I was a little skeptical to read this book.  I was pleasantly surprised and it turned out that I rather did enjoy reading this book.

In the beginning you are introduced with the main character America Singer, who is having a hidden relationship with Aspen.  I loved reading about their relationship and Kiera made me want to continue on with reading because of  the sudden twist when Aspen suddenly doesn't want to be with America anymore because they "will never work"  (which lets face it I should have seen this one coming, but when it happened I was deep down a little sad by it).  He then in turn wants America to sign up to win the heart of Prince Maxon.  When America was chosen to be apart of the 35 competitors, is when I saw a side of America I wasn't sure I would like throughout the book.  She would make rash decisions and said/did things that I thought were a little childish.  Let's say she really does give Prince Maxon a run for his money.  

Besides America and her childish ways, I thought this book was greatly executed and amazingly writing.  Kiera keeps you on your toes, just when you think the story is not going any where, she surprises you with some dramatic and intense moments that makes you gripping for more.

"Suddenly those stares made sense.  My intentions didn't matter.  They didn't know I didn't want this.  In their eyes I was a threat.  And I could see they wanted me gone."

I really applaud Kiera for what she has written and I cannot wait to get my hands on her next installment, The Elite (which is out right now). 

 I gave this a 4/5 stars on GoodReads.