REVIEW: The Truth by Jeffry W. Johnston

The Truth by Jeffry W. Johnston

Publication Date: February 1, 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: Received from Publisher 

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This eARC was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Lie, torture, kill—there's nothing Chris and Derek wouldn't do for their younger brothers…


When Chris wakes up tied to a chair in a dark basement, he knows that he's trapped—and why. He shot and killed Derek's little brother. He had his reasons, but no matter how far Derek goes to uncover the truth about that night, Chris's story won't change. It can't. There is far too much at stake…

Derek is desperate to prove his brother didn't deserve to die. And if kidnapping his brother's killer is the only way to the truth, than he'll go to extremes. But Chris's truth is far more dangerous than Derek could have imagined, and knowing could cost both their lives…

When I started reading this book I was a little skeptical about how the author was going to handle this story, but I instantly fell into the rhythm and soon found that I couldn't put it down. This story is told through a combination of flashbacks and the present which I normally find a bit difficult to read, but this author made it flow naturally and beautifully. The story itself was told in reverse which I loved because it's such a different style to write and it kept me guessing until the very end!

The story is told from Chris's point of view while alternating between the present and flashbacks as Chris tells Derek his side of what happened. The entire time I was reading, I loved how unpredictable it all was! I never knew what was going to happen and the ending was such a perfect twist. It truly had me questioning everything I had learned while reading. That ending was perfect! There are no words for it!!

I think what makes "The Truth" so special is that it touches on realistic subjects and gives such a realistic feeling while reading it. The author turned this story into more than just a young adult book. He highlighted facets of human nature. He shows you that everyone is damaged in some shape or form and that corruption can drive people to do horrible things. He shows you that not everyone gets to have a happily ever after, no matter how much they deserve one and everyone has bad things happen to them, even good people. He also made me feel sad for the antagonist of the story. His love for his brother was truly heartfelt.

This book is a fast-paced story that will leave you wanting more as you turn the last page and wonder how you could have read it so fast without realizing.

REVIEW: This Song is (Not) For You by Laura Nowlin

This Song is (Not) For You by Laura Nowlin

Publication Date: January 15, 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks
Source: Received from Publisher 

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This eARC was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Bandmate, best friend or boyfriend? For Ramona, one choice could mean losing them all.

Ramona and Sam are best friends. She fell for him the moment they met, but their friendship is just too important for her to mess up. Sam loves April, but he would never expect her to feel the same way--she's too quirky and cool for someone like him. Together, they have a band, and put all of their feelings for each other into music.

Then Ramona and Sam meet Tom. He's their band's missing piece, and before Ramona knows it, she's falling for him. But she hasn't fallen out of love with Sam either.

How can she be true to her feelings without breaking up the band?

I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I thought I would. Being a huge fan of Nowlin's first book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, but after reading the first few chapters I knew this wasn't your standard story.

For one, the three main characters are each a bit odd in their own ways. Ramona is this super quirky pixie girl that couldn't be "normal" if she tried. Maybe that's a good thing though. In a way I kind of liked her weirdness. I mean, i've read odd characters before but Ramona definitely takes the cake. Then there's Sam. I really liked Sam's personality. He was the calm to Ramona's storm. He was level headed and cool while Ramona was off beat and eccentric. And good 'ol Tom was our last MC. Tom was kind of weird in his own way. He meets the other two bff's at an audition and Ramona instantly knows that Tom is "magic." Though Sam is a little bit reluctant, Ramona convinces him to let Tom be a part of their band. Together, the three of them become best friends and make the most magical music together. Oh and btw Ramona falls in love with Tom while already being in love with Sam.

So basically a love triangle forms between the three of them and that's when things really start to get weird. All I can say about this is that we have one character that seems a bit polygamous while another character seems very much asexual. It's all very weird and interesting to see how everything unfolds.

Other than this crazy love triangle situation that is going on, the story doesn't appear to have any real plot or twist. It just seems like a story about a bunch of kids (that are apparently very mature for their age) that fall in love. I feel like certain feelings displayed in the book and their reactions are a bit off. Especially in this day and age when people are cruel and unforgiving.

Overall, this book was an interesting read (to say the least!) and I think anyone with an open mind with enjoy reading it!

REVIEW: The Storm (The Rain #2) by Virginia Bergin

The Storm (The Rain #2) by Virginia Bergin

Publication Date: October 1, 2015

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Source: Received from Publisher 

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This eARC was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

DEADLY TO THE LAST DROP.

Ninety-seven percent of the population is dead. And the killer rain keeps falling. Ruby's not sure she can make it on her own much longer. So when a chance encounter leads her to a camp with the last boy she may ever kiss (it's not easy to date during an apocalypse), Ruby gratefully accepts the army's protection.
But safety comes with a price: If Ruby wants to stay, she must keep her eyes-and her mouth-shut.

Except Ruby stumbles across a secret she can't possibly keep. Horrified, she flips out and fights back-only to make the most shocking discovery of all...

I definitely enjoyed reading this book so much more than the first one. There was some serious character building that took place for all involved and some serious discoveries, both good and bad, that occurred. I will admit that i'm slightly disappointed with the end result for some of the characters but overall it was still a great book.

I am happy to say that in this book Ruby finally gets her act together. We see Ruby take on a much more serious tone with the whole "killer rain" thing. I think she finally gets that the world was almost destroyed by deadly, bacteria filled rain, and her sense of self preservation finally kicks in. Of course,  it wouldn't be Ruby without a few more "episodes" where she is almost killed because she is distracted and not cautious. But in the end she found a reason to stay alive and protect herself as well as others around her. I loved that some of the characters from the first book made appearances and other characters finally made an appearance, but the end results for some were a bit lacking and left me feeling unfulfilled.

What I did love was how believable the whole situation felt. Everything from the "killer rain" to the reactions of all the people involved, including the government, felt and sounded so real. Like if that ever happened to us today I believe this book will map out everything we should and shouldn't do.

So overall, I think that even though the main character was not as smart and safe in the first book, she definitely redeemed herself  in this second installment. Have you read this duology? What are your thoughts?

REVIEW: H2O (The Rain #1) by Virginia Bergin

H2O (The Rain #1) by Virginia Bergin

Publication Date: October 7, 2014

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire 
Source: ARC received from Publisher at Book Expo America 2014

Buy it at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*This ARC was received from the publisher, but it did not influence this review in any way *

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

They don't believe it at first. Crowded in Zach's kitchen, Ruby and the rest of the partygoers laugh at Zach's parents' frenzied push to get them all inside as it starts to drizzle. But then the radio comes on with the warning, "It's in the rain! It's fatal, it's contagious, and there's no cure."

Two weeks later, Ruby is alone. Anyone who's been touched by rain or washed their hands with tap water is dead. The only drinkable water is quickly running out. Ruby's only chance for survival is a treacherous hike across the country to find her father-if he's even still alive

Ruby is a fifteen-year-old girl that is unlucky enough to experience the apocalypse. Or so that is how it appears. I think Ruby often forgets that she was not the only person in the world to experience the "death rain" and lose everyone she loves. I actually loved the premise of the story in regards to the "death rain" I mean, how scary would that be, right?! And I absolutely loved the character building of many of the side characters, like Simon, Ruby's stepfather. He went from kind of mean and argumentative to straight up loyal and caring. He put his feelings and his well being aside to take care of Ruby. He's the real MVP in this book! He taught her how to THINK so she could survive without him and in the end, thats exactly what she had to do.

I also loved meeting Darius Spratt, or as Ruby calls him, The Spratt. I feel like he was such an important character for Ruby to run into. I think he helps Ruby find a sense of independence and challenges her enough to keep her mind active and "thinking" just as Simon taught her. 

The Princess also seems significant to me but I don't really know why. I think it might have something to do with the fact that she doesn't speak and I have to wonder what it was exactly that happened to her family that left her so traumatized. You know, aside from the whole apocalypse thing. 

I hate to say that the only character I didn't like so much was Ruby. I know that the story is in her POV and if anything that should give me a sense of connection with her, which it did of course! But I also feel like she spent so much time fiddling around with the most ridiculous things. I mean seriously, every time she left the house all she did was raid stores and take designer clothes and makeup. Stop putting on makeup when you can't wash it off! Stop caring about skinny jeans that don't even fit you! Priorities, Ruby! Come on! But aside from her little selfish streak I do believe that Ruby is a good person and I also believe that she has the right intentions. I think in the end of this story Ruby will do what is right. But then again, the apocalypse has strange effects on some people!