This feature is for short reviews, reviews of books in a series where it might feel repetitive, or (as Michelle suggested) books I was too lazy to write a “real” review for. Today’s books I read at the late 2019/ early 2020 and never managed to review them. Better late than never, right?
If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L. Armentrout Narrator: Jorjeana Marie
Published by Harlequin Audio on September 5, 2017
Genres: Young Adult
Length: 10 hours 34 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
A single choice can change everything.
Lena Wise is always looking forward to tomorrow, especially at the start of her senior year. She’s ready to pack in as much friend time as possible, to finish college applications, and to maybe let her childhood best friend Sebastian know how she really feels about him. For Lena, the upcoming year is going to be epic—one of opportunities and chances.
Until one choice, one moment, destroys everything.
Now Lena isn’t looking forward to tomorrow. Not when friend time may never be the same. Not when college applications feel all but impossible. Not when Sebastian might never forgive her for what happened.
For what she let happen.
With the guilt growing each day, Lena knows that her only hope is to move on. But how can she move on when she and her friends’ entire existences have been redefined? How can she move on when tomorrow isn’t even guaranteed?
Gah what a heart-wrenching story! Armentrout takes on some very important issues in a fantastic way, showing the numerous actors that can be involved in a drinking and driving disaster. All told from the perspective of a survivor, but you see – through her interactions – the way it impacts so many people. I would recommend this to high school teachers to read with junior and senior classes for sure. But I think most who enjoy YA will find its a great read. And the narration was equally great. First 5 star of 2020!
The Toll by Neal Shusterman Narrator: Greg Tremblay
Series: Arc of a Scythe #3
Published by Audible Studios on November 5, 2019
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult
Length: 15 hours 23 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
In the highly anticipated finale to the New York Times best-selling trilogy, dictators, prophets, and tensions rise. In a world that's conquered death, will humanity finally be torn asunder by the immortal beings it created?
Citra and Rowan have disappeared. Endura is gone. It seems like nothing stands between Scythe Goddard and absolute dominion over the world scythedom. With the silence of the Thunderhead and the reverberations of the Great Resonance still shaking the earth to its core, the question remains: Is there anyone left who can stop him?
The answer lies in the Tone, the Toll, and the Thunder.
The first half was good but frustrating with all the time jumping, it really confused me. But as the story progressed there was less time jumping and it became less confusing. And the action / intensity really picked up. I loved Jerry – a great new character. And there were so many unexpected twists. Overall, I’m really happy with how the trilogy concluded.
The Mind Readers by Lori Brighton Series: Mind Readers #1
Published by Lori Brighton on December 7, 2010
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 170
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Cameron Winters is a freak. Fortunately, no one but her family knows the truth …that Cameron can read minds. For years Cameron has hidden behind a facade of normalcy, warned that there are those who would do her harm. When gorgeous and mysterious Lewis Douglas arrives he destroys everything Cameron has ever believed and tempts her with possibilities of freedom. Determined to embrace her hidden talents, Cameron heads to a secret haven with Lewis; a place where she meets others like her, Mind Readers.
But as Cameron soon finds out some things are too good to be true. When the Mind Readers realize the extent of Cameron’s abilities, they want to use her powers for their own needs. Cameron suddenly finds herself involved in a war in which her idea of what is right and wrong is greatly tested. In the end she’ll be forced to make a choice that will not only threaten her relationship with Lewis, but her very life.
Best for ages 14 and over.
Book 1: The Mind ReadersBook 2: The Mind Thieves
I really really wanted to like this. I love mind reading capabilities and I feel like this had the potential to be one I loved. But it didn’t go there. It was too juvenile for me (and I like YA in general). Her mood was just so wishy-washy and the romance felt contrived. And while the mind abilities had potential, they were largely unrealized. I did like the story line/plot, which is why I kept reading. I wanted to see what would happen. However, I won’t be reading on to the next book.
I think the JLA read is an important one. I haven’t read it yet but I want to now. I think I might have the Lori Brighton book on my Kindle.
I’m glad you had a few books here that you really enjoyed!
Almost every time I take one of those “what to read next” quizzes the Arc of the Scythe books come up, so I guess that means I should read them next year. 😊
That JLA book is one (of the MANY) that I still need to read by her. But I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It sounds like a fantastic read!
Nice reviews!
I’ve started doing mostly mini-reviews at this point, seems I read faster than I write