Review: Dark Companion by Marta Acosta

Dark Companion by Marta Acosta

publisher: Tor Teen

release date: July 3rd, 2012

hardcover, 368 pages

intended audience: Young adult (I recommend 16+)

rating:


source: from publisher for honest review

description: Orphaned at the age of six, Jane Williams has grown up in a series of foster homes, learning to survive in the shadows of life. Through hard work and determination, she manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy. There, for the first time, Jane finds herself accepted by a group of friends. She even starts tutoring the headmistress’s gorgeous son, Lucien. Things seem too good to be true.
They are.

The more she learns about Birch Grove’s recent past, the more Jane comes to suspect that there is something sinister going on. Why did the wife of a popular teacher kill herself? What happened to the former scholarship student, whose place Jane took? Why does Lucien’s brother, Jack, seem to dislike her so much?

As Jane begins to piece together the answers to the puzzle, she must find out why she was brought to Birch Grove—and what she would risk to stay there….

Review: Dark Companion is such a unique, dark, & mesmerizing story with lots of twists and plot surprises, some really hilarious quick-witted dialogue and fantastic characters, but also some really frustrating moments where I absolutely loathed what was happening. I think my opinion of this book changed a million times while reading, but looking back on the story as a whole after I'd turned the last page---all I could think was... 'Wow'. There were time I couldn't stand to watch the choices the main character was making and times that I wanted to cheer for her out loud. But, in hindsight, that's what made the story so great for me----it brought out so many strong emotions! Dark Companion is intense and dark and quite spooky---not really paranormal (even the "vampire" aspect is not presented as something paranormal, but more of a medical anomaly), but with a tiny hint of magic. More than that, it's about Jane. She's goes through quite an emotional journey, and I was glad to have come along for the ride.
Jane grew up being thrown from foster home to foster home, her mother brutally murdered when she was just a child and the trauma erased her memory of anything before that. She's pretty emotionally damaged, but she grew up with a foster brother, Hosea, who encouraged her to be the best and smartest person she could be---and when he dies suddenly, she decides to do just that. Her efforts pay off when she's invited to Birch Grove Academy on a scholarship, and that's where the real story begins. She is taken in by the headmistress and her family and meets new friends and starts to really thrive.

I loved Jane's strong determination to succeed,...that is, until things start to happen with Lucky Radcliffe. He is handsome, but spoiled and self-centered and can be cruel. Because of her past, Jane craves love and family, so when Lucky shows an interest, it leads to her to becoming self-deluded and almost obsessive. Even when she is shocked by the truth about what is really going on, her desperation to be needed causes her to make some awful choices. But, like I said before, this was one girl's journey, and there was no lack of character growth by the time the story ends.

I do have to mention my two favorite characters: Lucky's brother, Jack, and the hilarious Mary Violet. Both of these character stole the show for me. Jack is so great at bringing out the fiery side of Jane's character. Funny, snarky, and constantly teasing Jane---he was just fun to read. Mary Violet is a new friend to Jane, but she steals every single scene she is in. Her personality is just bursting at the seams and I laughed out loud at every single one of her quirky poems and "french translations".

There are a few places where it showed that the author is used to writing for adults. This is her first foray into YA fiction, and while it was an amazing, compelling story, there were a few parts that I thought were written a bit too erotically for a YA audience. There are also a lot of heavy adult concepts here: drugs and prostitution, domestic violence, and a situation that skirts on sexual fetishes. While it's fine for me, I don't think I would feel comfortable recommending this to anyone under 16.

Dark Companion was a dark, lush gothic story that grasped my attention with a death-grip the entire time. I definitely recommend it for older YA readers!

Visit Marta Acosta at her site: www.MartaAcosta.com

Purchase Dark Companion at: Amazon • BN.com • BookDepository • Indiebound

Happy Book Birthday, Lucid by PT Michelle! (+ Giveaway!)

Just wanted to give a quick shout out for P.T. Michelle & Lucid, the next in the Brightest Kind of Darkness series! Happy Book Birthday!!

Brightest Kind of Darkness was one of my absolute favorite books of last year. You can check out my review here. If you've never heard of this series, you must track it down soon...you can find both books here. Amazing stuff, and I can't wait to get more of Inara & Ethan!!

So, in honor of the new release, I want to give away an e-copy of each book so someone new can discover this wonderful series!

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New Shelf Goodies & The Weekly Nutshell {9}

For New Shelf Goodies, I'll be showing you what lovely books I acquired this week, whether from publishers, or the library, or from whatever half-crazed book-buying binge I happened to go on. :D (Inspired by Alea @ Pop Culture Junkie's This Week in Books & Tynga's Stacking the Shelves) The Weekly Nutshell will be just that...my week here at Stories & Sweeties, in a nutshell. (inspired by Ginger @ GReads and her recaps at the end of the TGIF posts) Note: This is not a meme, but I'll be hopping around to any other book haul-sharing posts I come across!

This week, some lovely new goodies came:

For Review:
A Witch in Love by Ruth Warburton
Amy loved book one, so she's excited to review this one also!

Glow & Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan
I've been wanting to get around to reading Glow for awhile now---now I can read both together!

Bought:
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
I've been literally counting the days until this one came out..and now it's finally here! The final cover is so gorgeous, but I wish they'd made it shinier!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Griffin & Hodder for the review books!

The Weekly Nutshell:

{Sunday} What's New: July YA Releases & Giveaway
{Tuesday}Waiting on Wednesday: Spellcaster by Claudia Gray
{Thursday} Once Blog Tour: An Interview with Anna Carey
{Friday} Review: The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor

Hope everyone had a great week!

Review: The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor

The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor

publisher: Hodder Children's Books

release date: March 1st, 2012

paperback, 499 pages

intended audience: Young adult

series: Repossession, book #1

rating:



source: from publisher for honest review

description:
34 kids missing. Vanished without a trace.

Believing she is possessed, Genie Magee's mother has imprisoned her all summer encouraged by the sinister Reverend Schneider. Beautiful Rian, love of her life, sets her free, and their escape washes them up at Marshall's remote farmhouse downriver. But why are there newspaper clippings of the missing kids pinned to Marshall's bathroom wall? And should they believe his stories about the experiments at the Fortress, an underground research station nearby?

Genie meets Denis. Missing two years now, but hasn't grown an inch. Rian is haunted by Renée, who insists she's not actually dead. Soon they discover the terrible truth about Reverend Schneider and worse, Genie is next ... and Rian can't do a thing to prevent it.

The Repossession is just the beginning.

Review: There was definitely something truly amazing about this book. It takes this incredibly far-fetched science fiction premise and makes it absolutely believable. It doesn't go overboard trying to explain every aspect or get too technical (which is often where science fiction tends to lose me), it just says here's what happening, here's how it's going down---and it makes one heck of an amazingly thrilling story. It's told in a really interesting writing style...it took me a bit to really get into the flow of it, but once I got used to it, it helped to really immerse you into the British Columbian setting. Another unique thing is that the story is a mix of fast-paced action and unarguably mundane moments (i.e. the main characters nursing each other during sickness or Genie going out to feed her pig), but it somehow all feels so fascinating, makes the story feel whole, and helps you really get a feel for the characters.

I loved the relationship between Rian and Genie. They had such an easy bond and comfort between them that really felt genuine and believable. With everything they go through, there is hardly a single moment where you see them doubt their love for one another, or see one try to flee because things are getting too intense. They care for each other without a second thought, in danger and through sickness, but it was never too mushy or swoony. It was just refreshing and charming and real. I also loved all the side characters---Marshall, who wears many hats in this story, from father figure to protector to mad scientist, with just enough shiftiness thrown in to raise our suspicions about his intentions once in while. Also, all the "surprise" characters that surface throughout the story. Each one had their own quirks and personality to make them all memorable.

The Repossession was incredibly engaging and original. Lots of danger and intensity, scandal and conspiracy, a bit of the paranormal, love, heroics, and even a bit of stomach-turning gruesomeness---there really was a lot more to this story than I expected. I felt there was a little lag after the intense climax as the plot leads us into the set up for the next book, but in nearly 500 pages, one short lag can hardly be faulted. An impressive read...I can't wait to read more!

Visit Sam Hawksmoor at www.samhawksmoor.com

Purchase The Repossession at: Amazon UK • BookDepository

Once Blog Tour - An Interview with Anna Carey

Today I'm absolutely honored to host Anna Carey, author of Eve, in honor of the release of her new book Once! Today we're talking Book tours, French Toast, and Dystopian Love!

• What kind of changes are we going to see for Eve's character in Once?

In the first book Eve struggled to reconcile her past with her present situation, and relearn her life. There was so much information she had to process: the fate of the girls at the School, her introduction to Caleb and the other boys in the dugout, her connection to the King. In the second book she’s more rooted in herself. She’s learned so much from her time in the wild and Califia. She’s more concerned with trying to make the most of what she’s been given. Is it possible to be happy inside the City walls? How can she protect the people she loves? What is she willing to risk to be free?

•Tell us a little about your publication story!

I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but I was never entirely sure how’d I’d make that happen. I wrote through high school and college, studying English and Creative Writing. After college I worked in editorial at a publishing house in New York. Those years I met so many authors—people who woke up every morning and did what they loved. That experience ultimately gave me the courage to pursue writing full time. I knew I’d never be satisfied editing someone else’s books—I wanted to write my own.

•What is the hardest part about writing a love story set in a harsh dystopian world?


It’s painful to write about two characters who are so in love, but are forced apart by circumstance. Eve and Caleb are desperate to be together, even if it means risking their lives. Because of the landscape, they are continually in peril. Some of the final scenes in Once were the hardest in the series to write.

•How was your touring experience? How did it feel seeing so many readers excited for your book?


Being on the road was insanely fun. I joined the Dark Days tour this past fall and was later part of the Spring into The Future tour. The YA community is so enthusiastic—it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. People made tee shirts and baked brownies. Some traveled several hours to get to the events. Meeting so many people who’ve read and loved Eve is the greatest satisfaction. It makes all those hours sitting alone, hunched over a computer, worth it.

•My blog is about the stories, but it's also about the sweeties! Last time you visited Stories & Sweeties, we talked cupcakes :). Do you have a favorite sweet recipe you can share with us? (Can be cookies, cupcakes, candy..anything sweet! :D)

My newest obsession is French Toast made with Challah bread. My best friend Ali is a chef in San Francisco, and she passed along the recipe. I think she might sue me if I post it on the internet…here’s a similar version of the dish: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/challah-french-toast-recipe/index.html

Anna Carey is the author of EVE, which is now available wherever books are sold. The sequel, ONCE, hit shelves July 3rd, 2012. She grew up on Long Island, the daughter of a special education teacher and an astronomer. Early on she talked of being a painter, district attorney, flutist, physical therapist, or graphic designer, but eventually pursued writing—the one thing that allowed her to be all of the above. She studied Literature and Creative Writing at NYU, and took part in her fair share of snowball fights in Washington Square Park. After college, she worked as an editor in children’s publishing before getting a Masters in Fiction from Brooklyn College. She now lives in Los Angeles, where the apartments are bigger and the weather is sunnier, but she still misses New York. (from author website)

Find Anna at: AnnaCareyBooks.com • twitter • facebook

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Spellcaster
by Claudia Gray

hitting shelves March 5th, 2013 from HarperTeen

description:
When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in the town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that a curse has been placed on his family that will cause him to go insane. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family's terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone in the town.

My thoughts: Woohoo! New one from Claudia Gray! I've actually only read Fateful by this author, but that was enough to convince me to try anything she writes in the future! On top of that, it's a gorgeous cover and sounds like lots of what I love: dreams, magic, and lots of witchy goodness. :)

What's New: July YA Releases & Giveaway!!

July is here! In this house we're gearing up for our 4th of July party and we're in the midst of summer here---though some days it feels like it and some days it still feels like spring. Ah, California. Always unpredictable. Keeps us on our toes, I guess.

So if you're new to Stories & Sweeties, here's a little run-down of this feature: at the start of each month, I do a little thing called the "What's New List & Giveaway" where you'll find a full list of the new releases in YA for the month, and entry to the giveaway. At the end of each month, one lucky winner will get to choose any new release as their prize!

First things first! The winner of June's giveaway was: Stacy! Congratulations! :D

July Releases:
Just like previous months, I've put a little l♥ve by those books that I am really anticipating---whether I can't wait to read them or I just can't wait to have my own finished copy!

{2}
Circus Summer by Kaitlin Gow

{3}
52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody
Cornered: 14 stories of Bullying & Defiance by Rhoda Belleza
Dark Companion by Marta Acosta ♥
Dark Destiny by MJ Putney ♥
For What It's Worth by Janet Tashjian
The Girl is Trouble by Kathryn Miller Haines
Just for Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Once by Anna Carey ♥
Team Human by Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson ♥
Waking Storms by Sarah Porter
The White Glove War by Katie Crouch

{5}
Amelia Anne is Dead & Gone by Kat Rosenfield ♥
The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life by Tara Atterbrando

{8}
Dead of Night by Lynn Viehl
I am (Not) the Walrus by Ed Briant

{9}
Lucid by PT Michelle ♥

{10}
Dark Water by Tricia Rayburn
Diva by Jillian Larkin ♥
Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire
The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse
Fury's Fire by Lisa Papademetrieu
Garden of the Lost Souls by Eric Olsen
Insignia by SJ Kinkaid
Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses by Ron Koertge ♥
The Little Woods by McCormick Templeman
Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough ♥
Lost Girls by Ann Kelley
Mothership by Martin Leicht & Isla Neal
Never Enough by Denise Jaden
The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer
Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown
Poison Tree by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Quarantine: The Loners by Lex Thomas
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman ♥
So Close to You by Rachel Carter ♥
Starring Me by Krista McGee
Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols ♥
The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

{17}
A World Away by Nancy Grossman
Before You Go by James Preller
Holding On To Zoe by George Ella Lyon
On Fire by Nancy Holder
Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan
The Unquiet by Jeanine Garsee ♥

{19}
Girl with Borrowed Wings by Rinsai Rossetti
Small Damages by Beth Kephart
Wicked Jealous by Robin Palmer

{24}
Alex Van Helsing: Triumph of Death by Jason Henderson
Circle of Silence by Carol M. Tanzman
Cold Fury by TM Goeglein
Drain You by MB Brown
Endlessly by Kiersten White ♥
Guitar Notes by Mary Amato
Liberator by Bryan Davis
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard ♥

{31}
Destiny by Gillian Shields
Flawed by Kate Avelynn
The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter ♥
The Lying Game #4: Hide & Seek by Sara Shepard
No Boyz Allowed by Nini Simone
Otherkin by Nina Berry
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry ♥

(All links go to Goodreads)
Please feel free to email me if you notice any YA titles missing! :)

Giveaway Details:
One winner will win a YA July Release of their choice! *see note below
• Contest ends July 31th, 2012 at 11:59 PM
• Must be 13 or older
• Open internationally. *International winners will be required to choose a book that is available through BookDepository.com.
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