Mini-Reviews: Trilogies that are finished at last!

I have been following several trilogies that ended this spring. While some of the finales were satisfying and some were not, I love being able to cross them off my list!

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter (The Goddess Test series)

I lost steam with this series. Initially, I was very excited about this retelling of the Persephone myth, but the plot of each story seemed to become more and more muddled. I found Kate's attraction to Henry to be far-fetched, and the world building also felt somewhat scattered and disorganized. While I enjoyed seeing a new imagining of a myth, ultimately this series did not deliver for me. I think the main highlight for me was Kate's love for her son, something that doesn't often come up in young adult fiction.

2.5 stars

Warnings: Violence, mild innuendo, possibly some mild language

Sever by Lauren DeStefano (The Chemical Garden series)

I think The Chemical Garden trilogy has long stood out for its lovely covers. I also found the subject matter intriguing on multiple levels -- the human race is dying out early due to a failed attempt to genetically engineer a disease-free world. Rhine has been kidnapped and married to a wealthy young man, along with two other "brides," to continue the human race. However, her husband Linden's father, Vaughan, has some sinister intentions.

I think this series is well-done. Lauren Destefano writes vividly. The plot is interesting and fast-paced. The book causes discomfort and introspection with the odd situation of three young women sharing a husband. I definitely enjoyed Sever the most of all the books -- it is lighter, and I feel that we finally have the chance to really understand some of the main characters (especially Cecily). However, for some reason the plot points of these books do not last long in my mind. I definitely enjoy them while I am reading, but they aren't especially memorable for me after the fact.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Mild innuendo, some language, disturbing themes

Reached by Ally Condie (Matched series)

Reached was a final book that I wasn't sure would be satisfying. While I'd enjoyed Matched, Crossed had left me very dissatisfied, and I wasn't sure where Condie was going with the series. I think Reached was better than Crossed. It evaluated some important themes, such as how your heart can exist in two places at once, and whether a revolution will actually bring peace. I also enjoyed the medical aspect of this novel -- it was interesting to read about the research, the mutations of the disease that dominates most of the plot, and the way Cassia's ability to sort plays into everything. I definitely liked it. Again, like Sever, it hasn't really lasted with me, but it was an enjoyable read, and I think the ending was satisfying.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Mildly disturbing themes and violence

Requiem by Lauren Oliver (Delirium series)

The ending to the Delirium trilogy, Requiem, has been heartily disliked by most of the reviewers I know. I approached reading the last book with trepidation. Delirium and Pandemonium had both been powerful and completely devastating, and I wanted some kind of satisfaction at the end of Requiem. I will say that in some ways that resolution is frustrating, but I do think that the ending is right for the trilogy. I won't say more -- I don't want to spoil it -- but I think the end illustrates the entire message of the trilogy.  

Ending aside, Requiem was probably my least favorite of the trilogy. Much of the book was spent on the run and strategizing, which generally doesn't hold my interest well. However, I enjoyed the different tensions between all of the characters -- romantic, familial, political, friendships -- they are what truly made this book. I also really loved having Hana's perspective. I loved her character in Delirium and was gratified at her return in Requiem. I certainly loved the trilogy and will probably reread it at some point. (Anyone know if the TV show is going to take off?)

4 stars

Warnings: Violence, language, innuendo

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices series)

You guys. I can't be rational about this trilogy. I can't even attempt it. It began with Clockwork Angel, which I thought sounded extremely weird but which enough people encouraged me to read that I gave it a chance. I was shocked at how much I loved it. It continued with Clockwork Prince, where my heartstrings were tugged to the breaking point. I have been so antsy for Clockwork Princess, and I have to say it surpassed all my expectations. It was incredible. The way everything worked out was so satisfying, and yet there were no cop-outs. The characters had to make sacrifices and suffer intense, emotional and physical pain, but the way things worked out ultimately had me regaling my husband with the entire plot (he is a very patient man). I also love the way Cassandra Clare worked in so much literature. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were perfect, and I also love the way literature defines Will and Tessa's relationship. In some ways, this book is a guilty pleasure, with all of its love triangle drama and gratuitous demon destruction (um, Mr. Lightwood, anyone?), but there is definitely intelligence behind the thrills. And honestly, any book that makes one so full of squee is worth reading, in my opinion. I purposely have held off on The Mortal Instruments until I finished this series, and now I must say that I am dying to dive in (although I will definitely miss the steampunk element of The Infernal Devices). 

5 stars

Warnings: Gratuitous demon destruction, some of it gory; a non-explicit bedroom scene, mild language

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Pandemonium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium #2
Genre: YA, dystopian
Publisher: Harper Teen, 2012
Source: Gift
Read for: Fun

** SPOILERS ** for Delirium are inherent in this review, so steer clear if you haven't read it.

Lena made it to the Wilds -- without Alex. And while she sacrificed the only life she ever knew to be allowed to experience the delirium of love, in the process she lost the reason for it. Still, Lena is determined to survive and be accepted into the hard, unforgiving life of survival necessary in the Wilds.

A few months later, she is back in civilization as an undercover piece of the Resistance. Her task? To watch Julian Fineman, the son of the leader of Deliria-Free America, a propaganda organization set on ridding the nation of deliria permanently. However, her goals are even more difficult than they seem -- society has become aware of the Resistance and is determined to fight it, and Julian is much more than his seemingly puppet-like role in the DFA would indicate. Will Lena fall victim to the deliria again?

So a few things up front. A) That is the ugliest cover I have ever seen. I truly love this book, but shudder at the cover. B) I was so shattered by this book that I can't wait to schedule my review out on a Friday like I usually do for YA novels -- this baby gets its own day of the week.

The structure of Pandemonium is very different from that of Delirium. Delirium is told linearly, with one event following the next. Pandemonium is told in alternating chapters entitled "then" and "now." "Then" is the story of Lena's life in the Wilds, and "now" is the story of the Resistance and her uncertain relationship with Julian. While the format may have bothered me due to the lack of consistency between the two novels, in the end I think it really worked for the story. Lena's time in the Wilds, while interesting and important, is slow-moving, while the Resistance chapters have more urgency. Alternating the two chapters gave a sense of mystery and urgency to the entire story, leaving me wanting more information as each chapter ended.

One thing that hasn't changed between the two books is Lauren Oliver's gorgeous, poetic writing. She manages to be beautifully descriptive without slogging her plot up with too many images, something I think is a very difficult trick to master. Her phrases are unique and yet capture poignant emotions that I know I've felt in my life, but which I could never express that perfectly. An example:

He barely whispers it; but I can feel his lips moving against my neck, as though the words are being spelled there.

Tell me that isn't perfection in a sentence. It gives me chills.

Pandemonium also introduces several new and fascinating characters. Lena herself is almost like a new character -- while I could see the scared, obedient girl from the beginning of Delirium, as she hardens and strengthens herself in the Wilds and somehow manages to still be capable of love, she is definitely a changed character. We also get to know Raven, the ruler of the small community Lena finds in the Wilds. Raven is complex -- she loves the people in her homestead and is willing to do anything to save them, but at times her principles and her need to be utilitarian in order to save the greatest amount of people clouds her judgment. She and Lena have a tentative but powerful relationship as the story progresses.

And then we have Julian Fineman (interesting choice in the last name, especially considering how handsome he is described to be). As Lena spends more time with Julian, they become closer and closer, and she learns that the poster-boy for the DFA has more depth and emotion to him than she was expecting. I enjoyed learning who Julian truly was beneath the rally speeches and dramatic gestures; however, comparisons to Alex, Lena's love in Delirium, are inevitable, and for me, Julian just didn't hold up. Julian is incredibly vulnerable and naive once he is alone in a room instead of behind a podium, but I didn't find it endearing. While I thought it was sweet that he was desperate for information from Lena and willing to learn, I just couldn't see a reason for Lena to be attracted to him compared with Alex's strength and vitality.

And of course, in true Lauren Oliver style, the ending was absolutely shattering. I am thinking of writing a spoilerific post at some point to discuss what exactly happened and predictions for book 3. I can't believe that it is almost a year away. Fortunately this time when I read the book, it had already been published so I had some people to "squee" with.

Overall, Pandemonium was a great follow-up to Delirium. I am dying for the second book, despite my unimpressed feelings toward Julian. This series is proving to be one of my favorites of the last few years.

4.5 stars

Warnings: Language, violence, some heavy kissing

Short Story Spotlight: "Hana" by Lauren Oliver

It seems to be a thing lately for YA authors to write short little companions to their trilogies. In some ways it seems like a ploy to make money, but it works -- I tend to get my hands on them, eager for more. I was especially excited when I noticed this little story, for two reasons: First of all, I still haven't gotten my hands on Pandemonium and I've been hungry for more Delirium for over a year, and second of all, one of the things I had wished for from Delirium was more Hana. I loved her as a character and I wanted to get to know her better.

The story gives us a snapshot of Delirium's story from Hana's point of view. It starts with the first party Hana invites Lena to, takes us through their fight, and through the raid where Lena is bitten by the dog. It ends with Hana getting to know Alex and her reaction to him. Be aware that while this review won't have spoilers for "Hana," it will have some Delirium spoilers. 

The story reveals a shocking addition to Delirium, one I hope is included in Pandemonium, because it seems pretty fundamental to the overall story, and I guess I perceive these short story snippets that are all the rage to be additional and nonessential to understanding the story -- just extras for those who are obsessed. Other than the shocker, which I am not going to spoil for anyone, the story was a bit lackluster for me. I was hoping for more detail -- how it works out for Hana once she is cured and married to the mayor's son, more of her personality. While we are given more of her motivation for attending the underground parties -- descriptions of moving music written in Oliver's stunning prose -- this didn't feel very revelatory to me. I was aware that Hana loved the music from Delirium, and while I had the chance to read her experience in Hana's voice, it wasn't anything new for me.

We also receive insight into why Hana, seemingly the wild and more rebellious of the friendship, winds up being cured, while the more cautious and rule-abiding Lena falls into a full-blown deliria infection. When I read Delirium, I thought it was just the expectations of her family, the pressure of her high-status match. However, "Hana" reveals that Hana had a love interest of her own that she met at the parties -- a love interest that she learns is just experimenting before his inevitable cure, who doesn't want to feel the deep connection of true deliria. This disappointment leads Hana back to what she views as reality -- deliria is a disease, something to be rooted out -- it causes people to act foolish and only results in hurt. Despite her longing for freedom, she begins confining herself to the rules, despite the fact that she continues to spend time with Lena and Alex, apparently flouting the rules of her society.

"Hana" offers a few new insights into Lena's story, but I was disappointed that I didn't get more of a feel for Hana's personality. Or, I suppose, I was just disappointed by the facets of Hana's personality that were revealed -- she shrinks as a character, retarding her growth into passive conformity. It is a decent read, but probably not worth the $2.99 I paid for it.

YA Friday: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Title: Before I Fall

Author: Lauren Oliver

Genre: YA

Publisher: Harper, 2010

Source: Library

Sam Kingston is living the high school dream - popularity, dating a boy she has liked since middle school, a tightly knit group of friends. However, it all comes crashing to a halt one night when Sam dies in a car wreck. She is forced to relive her last day seven times. Will changing her actions make a difference in what happened in the crash that night?

I really anticipated this book after enjoying Delirium so much. While I was a little worried about the repetitiveness of Sam living the same day seven times - Groundhog's day-esque stories that repeat over and over again tend to annoy me - Oliver was successful in keeping the events fresh despite the unchanging setting. I was constantly wondering what would happen next and whether Sam would be successful in saving herself from death. Suspense was layered very deftly despite the fact that I knew that certain events would occur.

Lauren Oliver also has a knack for manipulating my heart-strings. Not in a sentimental, rainbows and puppies way - a breathless, painful way. Just like Delirium, there were certain moments that were just crushing. This book is one of the few that has left me not only teary-eyed, but sobbing audibly, so it may sound contradictory when I say that I wasn't always emotionally invested in the characters. I feel like Oliver's talent lies in bringing the tension to a situation. I can imagine exactly how I would feel if I were in a similar situation, because the language is so evocative. However, Sam herself didn't really inspire much emotion in me. She was a spoiled little popular girl, not always easy to like because of her brattiness - but even her brattiness was not especially sharp, leaving me somewhat ambivalent toward her. I also had trouble believing in Sam's relationship with Kent, although I did like him. Their relationship seemed to develop too quickly to be believable, and while Oliver did drop in some details about a past friendship, I just couldn't believe that their relationship could have that much depth in that short amount of time (call it one day or seven). Although I didn't see their relationship as deep or likely, the chemistry between them was powerful, which I think further illustrates Oliver's talent at bringing the emotions in a scene to life, even if I don't love the characters.

The one character I really did love was Lindsay. She was multi-faceted, showing a reverse to every aspect of her personality. While she tormented her less-popular peers, she was willing to go through fire for her friends. While she exuded confidence, she was full of secret fears and insecurities. She was the epitome of a mean girl, but once her story was told it was impossible not to at least understand some of her motives. I thought she was wonderfully developed. I remember really enjoying Hana in Delirium - maybe Lauren Oliver is better at developing the best friend than the main character. Sometimes it is hard to get a multi-faceted view when the main character is narrating the story in first person.

This was an enjoyable story, difficult for me to put down. However, when it was finished I felt slightly let down. Despite the emotionally-charged scenes, I didn't feel fully invested in the characters. I certainly wouldn't tell people that they shouldn't read it - it was a great story. However, I didn't feel any overwhelming connection. I'd recommend this to someone looking for an easy but serious read.

Warnings for the sensitive reader: A few swears, casual talk about teenage sexuality

3 stars

And just because this song got stuck in my head every time I looked at the cover, I had to include it. It has nothing to do with the themes of the book... just the phrase "Before I Fall" in the lyrics. Enjoy.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

January was definitely the month of the YA novel. While I am not one of those book bloggers that looks down on YA - to me a good book is a good book - I usually do read mostly adult fiction and nonfiction. However, for some reason I kept picking up YA novels last month, and this one blew me away completely.

Delirium, the first book in a trilogy, describes a dystopian United States in which love, now clinically classified as the disease amor deliria nervosa, is being eliminated from the population. Everyone undergoes "the procedure" at the age of 18 (before that, it is too dangerous to developing brains) which liberates them from all feelings of love. This is essentially supposed to keep the peace and protect the people, but in order to enforce the ban on love, all communities are isolated by a barrier and full of regulators, who keep an open eye for people who wish they could still love (sympathizers) and people who are infected with love (Invalids). Enter Lena - a rule follower, one summer away from her own procedure. Add a handsome boy to the mix. You can figure out what happens from there.

Honestly, I expected this book to be cliche. Dystopian literature is a huge trend right now, especially in YA, and from the summaries and reviews I read, I thought Delirium would just be a mishmash of The Giver, The Hunger Games, and Matched. I thought it would be fun and exciting, but probably not too original. I was so wrong. Delirium does share similar themes and plot points with other dystopian lit, but it definitely has its own moving story.

I think the main reason Delirium can stand out in a sea of other dystopian tales is Lauren Oliver's beautiful writing. In contrast to her society, where emotion is discouraged and removed, Lena's emotions are stark, powerful, and gut-wrenching.

This is what I imagine it feels like to climb to the top of a mountain, where the air is so thin you can inhale and inhale and inhale and still feel like you can't take a breath.

In a bleak community where enjoyment of beauty is cause for legal investigation, Oliver paints dazzling scenes through Lena's eyes -

Above our heads, the stars flare and glitter and flash: thousands and thousands of them, so many thousands they look like snowflakes whirling away into the inky dark.

I also appreciated that in Oliver's world, romantic love isn't the only thing that is lost. This book isn't just about romance and hormones. After the procedure, Lena will not just lose the boy she loves - she will lose her love for family members and friends. Lena's relationship with her best friend, Hana, is almost as important to the story as her budding romance with Alex. The two girls have come from different backgrounds, but still have bonded as best friends throughout childhood. Once the procedure is performed, they will "pass each other on the streets with nothing more than a nod - different people, different worlds, two stars revolving silently, separated by thousands of miles of dark space."

Best friends for over ten years and in the end it all comes down to the edge of a scalpel, to the motion of a laser beam through the brain and a flashing surgical knife.

Lest you think Delirium is all contemplation about what we would lose in a world without love, allow me to reassure you that it is also packed with action (this is where it becomes more similar to The Hunger Games - overbearing government officials, electrified border fences, etc.). While the first half of the book was a little slow with Oliver building up and explaining the world she created, the second half kept me breathlessly tearing through the book. On the last page, I was literally yelling at my Kindle, "No, no, NO!" The ending was a punch in the stomach, although I do think it was the best possible way to end the story. (I am dying to know what will happen in the next two books). I called literally three people to tell them they have to buy the book as soon as it comes out because I needed to freak out about it with someone. The book is out in the wild, guys. Go get it.

Accessibility/readability - Quite.
Aesthetics/Literary merit - 5. Gorgeous writing.
Plot - 5. A little slow at first, but the end was so perfect and unbelievable that it saved the whole book.
Characters - 5. I loved them.
Personal Response - 5. (Obvs)
Overall: 5

In case you want a second opinion, I thought Erin Reads had an excellent, very objective review.

FTC Disclosure: E-Galley received from publisher