Book Review: Rook by Sharon Cameron

Rook by Sharon Cameron

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: History has a way of repeating itself. In the Sunken City that was once Paris, all who oppose the new revolution are being put to the blade. Except for those who disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a criminal? 

Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy's arranged marriage to the wealthy Rene Hasard is the last chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiance is not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she. 

As the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and Rene find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse.

What a spectacular, electrifying story Sharon Cameron has woven! Rook is artistically written, laced with romance, a fast and entertaining read with unexpected and delightful darkness and action. The characters are well developed--slimy and sociopathic villains, while the heroes are tough, clever and mischievous. Cameron was able to keep the book fast-paced, intense, and difficult to put down, as a standalone novel. I am actually fairly satisfied with the ending of Rook, which does not happen too often with books. I was thrilled that Rook did not give me the happy-ever-after, all-problems-resolved type of ending. While there were joyful and peaceful parts to the conclusion, it was also realistically littered with action, pain, and death. I'd recommend this book to anyone, young or older, looking for a fast, dystopian, good versus evil read. 

One note of advise regarding Rook: trust no one. 

Enjoy! 

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend by Marie Lu

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The United States is now known as the Republic; a country separated by the slums and the rich, a country at war with the Colonies and the Patriots. June and Day grow up on opposite ends of the spectrum. Day is the Republic's most wanted criminal, a covert hero of the slums and anti-war movements. June, raised in an elite and wealthy family, is the Republic's military prodigy; the only person to score perfectly on the Trials. When June's brother, Metias, is murdered, Day becomes the prime suspect. June heads out to avenge Metias' murder, while Day races to save his family. Crossing paths, they begin to question what really brought them together, what secrets their country is keeping. 

Legend is dazzling; a fast-paced, in your face, and sharp novel. Marie Lu did an incredible job developing realistic characters and their relationships with one another, who will plunge you into their world. The action-packed story line will keep you eager for more. I felt powerless reading it, I could not put it down. Legend is exquisite, brilliant, and shockingly honest. It is one of those books that I insist you read, as soon as possible. 

Enjoy!

JR

Book Review: UnSouled by Neal Shusterman

UnSouled by Neal Shusterman

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

On the run after the Graveyard, the last safe place for AWOL Unwinds, was destroyed, Connor and Lev gain an unexpected companion while searching for a woman Proactive Citizenry has attempted to erase. This woman may be the key to ending unwinding for good. Meanwhile, the rewound boy, Cam, is in search for a way to destroy Proactive Citizenry to prove to Risa his love for her. Unexpectedly and alarmingly, Connor, Lev, Cam, and Risa cross paths, and their reactions will determine whether Proactive Citizenry or the Unwinds will win the war over life and death.

The third book in the Unwind Dystology, UnSouled, was worlds better than I ever expected it to be, making it one of the most well-written series I have read in a long time. The plot twists, character developments, and the battle between life and death are eerily realistic. This book is a read-in-one-go kind of book, extremely gripping and terrifying. I highly recommend this series to anyone, dystopian novel lovers or not, it will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails.