Review: Settling by Shelley Workinger

WARNING: If you haven't read Solid, book one in the Solid trilogy, then it would probably be a good idea to stay away from this review.

Settling (Solid #2) by Shelley Workinger

At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Soon after learning they were the products of a secret genetic experiment, the teens began developing super-abilities ranging from bounding lightness to blocking heaviness; blinding brilliance and the ability to vanish. These same gifts made them targets of a psychopath in officer’s clothing, and they found themselves fighting for their lives.

Picking up where “Solid” left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn’t feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away – even kill.

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them…

Get the Deets: Goodreads»» (What is Goodreads.com?)
Source: author/ARC
Purchase: Amazon (Coming Soon)
Previously: Solid (My Review) Next: Sound (Summer 2012)

First, I know it's not gracious to gloat - because it isn't - but I can't help but celebrate this:

"Brimming with entertaining, loyal characters, a gripping, mysterious back story/plot, teens with superhuman abilities, and a satisfying ending that cleverly paves the way for a pine-worthy sequel." ~Paranormal Indulgence

I've been quoted! And for such a great series, too!

Okay, now that I've got that off of my chest, onto the review...

Indeed a pine-worthy sequel, I've decided Settling is my favorite of the two books. Which is surprising because I've never really been a fan of sci-fi books, and yet I'm so drawn to this series, now even more so. I'm still confused as to why nobody has picked up on these books; they are amazing! Like, where is the buzz and hype when you need it? The series has great things going for it: kids with altered chromosomes and superhuman powers, psychopathic killers on the rampage, and ONE OF THE BEST TEEN GROUP OF FRIENDS I HAVE EVER 'MET'. I don't know if the caps did it for ya, but I'm serious. Clio and her friends are just packages of awesome that make you warm and laugh when you open them. This second book showed how the results of Solid strengthened their friendship and made them ten MILLION times more lovable.

And it's because of these characters that I could not get enough of this story! While the first book was an intro to the C9x project - the name for the chromosome that was altered within this collection of teens - and the abilities that came with this genetic mutation. Now, with Settling, the problems have escalated. I mean, one has to wonder how the general public would react to this group of mutated (that sounds worse than it is) teens gathered together by the military, like it's not unordinary, right? Hell, if it were me, I'd think the military was planning on putting together a teen assassin squad or superhuman soldiers! But, surprisingly, the military just want to help... or so it seems. And, unsurprisingly, Americans aren't too thrilled with the prospect of this project or the campus, with the kids all rounded up and together. (Can we say: HATERS much?)

This whole mess is stressful. I know, because I was reading it. But, imagine how Clio feels!? Poor girl is trying to keep it together, trying not to be worried for herself or her friends, all the while struggling with some interesting new... stuff. In the beginning, Clio and her friends were closer together, but this whole killer madness and all of the nonanswers provided by the government is stretching their nerves. I felt for them. I'd be bummed if nobody knew what was wrong with me, what this genetic alteration could effect in the future! Added to all that craziness, love is in the air! Triangle alert, though I won't say where or, more correctly, with whom. Though I'm a TAD frustrated as to the state of Bliss and Garrett's current lack of steamy romance! -_- Things better spice up between those two in Sound!

On the + side, Some new fun and intriguing people are added to the already fabulous mix of characters! Hullo, Xavier and Rae! Incoming. Two smokin' hotties, though (sadly) only one of the transfers is a boy, with unique powers to bring to the table, ones that can't quite be classified and leads everyone to believe that there's more to C9x then was imaginable... It just goes to show that there's more to C9x then meets the eye. Plus, there's Ford, the oh-so-delectable and please-come-here-and-kiss-me-cutie who's one of the military personnel on campus! Oh yeah, there was some ogling on my part... and Clio's.

Then, BAM! Everything went to hell, though not literally like in some books. Without warning, too. Well, maybe I knew what was going to happen, that everything was going to boil up to this one point and then there would be a dangerous explosion to shake things up. So what! I'm still not happy with how things turned out. Oh, it made sense. But, dammit, I can't help but feel hurt and upset and... and... needy. I'm hurt for my favorite set of friends and my lovely heroine, upset at the outcome of it all, and needy for the next freaking book! How can I possibly wait until the summer OF 2012 to find out more?!? No fair. Workinger, you play dirty.

Recommendation

If you're not really into thick reads, give Solid and Settling go. They are relatively short books packed with a lot of punch, I assure you. Plus if you're into paranormal/superhuman powers and sci-fi-ish action, this is your slice of cheesecake. Guaranteed winner, the first and second book. (But the second book more so, but shh! don't tell I said so.)

"Thar she blows!" As I entered the dining room, Garrett hailed me from the table we'd now permanently claimed.
"Did you just call me a whale?" I responded with a calculated snarl once I'd reached him.
"Why are girls so hyper-sensitive?" he groaned. "You take everything so seriously."
"Why are boys so obtuse? They can't even tell when we're joking." I replaced the faux-offense with a wide grin. "Good to see you branching out, though," I went on. "Did you read the whole book?"
I took his choking as a negative answer, and modified my question. "Movie?"
"First four minutes," he admitted once his airway was clear. "That's all I could take." (11)

Anxious to learn more about this series? 

Meet the characters tomorrow, as I have an... interesting chat with Clio, Bliss, Miranda, Garrett, Ja... the whole immediate cast for my part in Shelley's Settling Blog Tour (Click here for the schedule.) ! Be there, as one of my favorite group of fictional friends meets with me to talk a little about summer and a little bit on Settling! You DO NOT want to miss this, so stay tuned.

Before you read Settling, though, read the first book in the trilogy, Solid!

Clicking this picture will take you to its Goodreads page.

Review: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer

WARNING: If you haven't read Artemis Fowl, book one in the Artemis Fowl series, then it would probably be a good idea to stay away from this review.

The Arctic Incident (Artemis Fowl #2) by Eoin Colfer

The world's youngest, brightest, and most dangerous criminal mastermind is BACK.

Artemis Fowl receives an urgent e-mail from Russia. In it is a plea from a man who has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafiya: his father. As Artemis rushes to his rescue, he is stopped by a familiar nemesis, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. Now, instead of battling the fairies, Artemis must join forces with them if he wants to save one of the few people in the world he loves.

Get the Deets: Goodreads»» (What is Goodreads.com?)
Source: purchased/Own
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kindle
Next: The Eternity Code
Challenge: All Male Review Challenge

"I love Artemis Fowl, I love Artemis Fowl," repeats Asher in a sing-song voice. So my favorite antihero has returned! Or rather I've returned for more of him! My first dive into the Artemis Fowl series left me stupefied and amazed. While things were a bit more mellow in this second book, it still packed a pretty hefty punch. I admit, it did take me a bit to submerse myself this time around, but once I'd read a few pages in, the book hooked its claws into me. And I have to say that I certainly missed Artemis Jr., Butler, and their nemeses - Captain Holly Short, Commander Julius Root, and Foaly, LEP's head techie!

Even though Artemis danced to a contrarily mellow tune in THE ARCTIC INCIDENT, his slight shift in demeanor didn't take away from his sheer brilliance, cunning, and inherent dry wit. Artemis is just as devious, as intelligent as before, only in this installment I got a closer look at his vulnerable side. As mentioned in the synopsis, his father's life is at stake, hence the emotional frailty. Still, Artemis isn't a blubber and he most certainly isn't stupid enough to go forth completely unguarded. And despite the fact that it was kind of nice to see that he isn't a total operator, completely devoid of emotions, I missed Artemis's supreme ruthlessness. It makes sense that he's prone to childlike sentiments given his age, but I missed Artemis, the brainy bad boy I know and love. I hope to see his - ha ha - inner Moriarty reemerge.

The action definitely climbed to new heights, which made it all the more intense and entertaining to read! This time part of the threat lies with the B'wa Kell goblin triad, who plan to override the Lower Elements Police force! Not to mention the dastardly threat of the Mafiya, and the chilling fact that their is a wicked mastermind orchestrating the destruction of the LEP! There was extensive goblin-fighting action, radioactive train-dodging, random appendage-severing, and added to that: alliances with old criminals and moments of unexpected heroism from one of my all-time favorite antiheroes!

Speaking of my beloved Artemis, I loved seeing the Holly-Artemis banter resume. There's nothing like watching a know-it-all get punched, again, in the face by his female archnemesis. Whoop! I love Holly! She's shrewd and marvelous at combat - especially when said combat involves guns. Plus, she has ridiculously awesome skills when it comes to piloting just about anything, be it LEP shuttles, wings, anything! I admire her so. Commander Root as comical as ever, though he'd turn beet-red if he ever heard. He's always looking to a pick a bone with someone and unleash his wrath. And I adored Foaly, LEP's technical genius, more than yesterday, as he's doubly equipped with super intellect and a penchant for being annoying. He's arrogant, with cause, and strangely paranoid of assassination and/or Mud Men - human - invasion (o_O). I can't help but love a character who wears a tinfoil hat all the time! And of course I can't forget Butler, who's as terrifying and intimidating as he was before! More than handy in a fight, clever, and honorable, Butler continues to be another of my favorite characters. I was immensely happy to see that he spoke up more in this novel.

Besides the sometimes bothersome pacing, I've got no true complaints for THE ARCTIC INCIDENT. Brimming with all of the best aspects of its predecessor, I'm pleased to report that this second novel did not disappoint. Rather its left me with unshakable excitement for the remaining books. I can't wait to watch Artemis grow not just age-wise but in intellect and as a character. Will he, somewhere along the way, turn into a hero? I'm dying to find out. Just like I can't wait to see a romance flourish between Artemis and Holly. I'm hoping for one - no, it's not guaranteed but merely implied, at least to my eyes. I can sense these things. With seven books already out, I'm more than ready to catch up!

Artemis grabbed her shoulders, for once abandoning his shell of icy composure. "Holly. Holly, speak to me. Your finger. Is it okay?"
Holly wiggled her fingers, then curled them into a fist.
"I think so," she said, and whacked Artemis right between the eyes. The surprised boy landed in the snowdrift for the third time that day. (154)

Review: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious criminal mastermind in history. With two trusty sidekicks in tow, he hatches a cunning plot to divest the fairyfolk of their pot of gold. Of course, he isn't foolish enough to believe in all that "gold at the end of the rainbow" nonsense. Rather, he knows that the only way to separate the little people from their stash is to kidnap one of them and wait for the ransom to arrive. But when the time comes to put his plan into action, he doesn't count on the appearance of the extrasmall, pointy-eared Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaisance) Unit--and her senior officer, Commander Root, a man (sorry, elf) who will stop at nothing to get her back.

"Fantastic stuff from beginning to end, Artemis Fowl is a rip-roaring, 21st-century romp of the highest order. The author has let his imagination run riot by combining folklore, fantasy, and a fistful of high-tech funk in an outrageously devilish book that could well do for fairies what Harry Potter has done for wizardry. But be warned: this is no gentle frolic, so don't be fooled by the fairy subject matter. Instead, what we have here is well-written, sophisticated, rough 'n' tumble storytelling with enough high-octane attitude to make it a seriously cool read for anyone over the age of 10." --Susan Harrison

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Source: NetGalley & Disney-Hyperion
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kindle
Next: The Arctic Incident
Challenge: All Male Review Challenge

Um, OH MY FREAKING GOSH! I was unquestioningly blown away by this first book in the Artemis Fowl series. First, before you even begin reading this, make sure you've taken a good look at the cover. That's what had me going, Whoa! That looks so cool! I really wanna read that! Because that, ladies and males, looks like a cunning, 12-year-old criminal mastermind! Now, I'm not really a big fan of middle grade characters, but this book can definitely be enjoyed by all ages!

I HAVE to start with Artemis. First of all, his name. It sounds magical and powerful and suits him so incredibly well... Artemis is indeed 12 years old, but he's a genius. And what's better: he's a bad genius. I wouldn't go so far as to say he's evil, but he's undoubtedly the bad guy. He has the mind, the coldness and determination of an adult, but he has childlike feelings and vulnerabilities, though they are carefully masked. When you think of Artemis think pint-sized Sherlock Holmes, or better, Moriarty - brilliant and devious. He's crafty, extremely perceptive, and, most importantly, he always wins. No matter how one tries to turn the tables on him so to speak, he still manages to win, however unexpectedly. Because even though I knew how intelligent Artemis was, I didn't think he'd outsmart the fairies.

While I'm DYING to get into the world-building and the paranormal side of it all, I haven't raved nearly enough about Artemis, or his muscle, Butler. Butler is this giant bodyguard, who also acts as, you guessed it, a butler. The thing is, the Butlers and the Fowls go back several generations, being paired up from infancy. Which means Butler and Artemis have been partners since Artemis was born, and it's completely obvious in their shared rhythm and understanding of one another. The Fowls have been criminals since the beginning, and their fortune stems from a long line of crime jobs. And some say the noun 'butler' actually derived from this practice between the Butlers and the Fowls. Let me just say, I luuurrve Butler. He's big and strong, generally silent, and kicks a ton of ass.

Moving on, world-building. Colfer did an extraordinary job in painting a vivid picture of this underground society of fairies. But, fairies is just a general term that encompasses the People. In fact, there are elves, dwarves, goblins, centaurs, trolls, etc. The People live Underground, near the Earth's core, where there are cities like Haven built under there. The science and technology that went into the structure of a civilization of this magnitude is astounding. The various routes to get above ground, the networking... I was blown away... These fairies are also Irish-based in that a lot of the myths and common knowledge behind them stem from Irish folklore. But, their old language, Gnommish, is a mix of middle eastern languages and looks like Egyptian hieroglyphics. Colfer magnificently interweaves a variety of myths and folklore, languages, places and so forth to make up his world, which kept me engrossed throughout.

And then there's Captain Holly Short, elf and leprechaun. Well, actually not "leprechaun" as you or I know it, but LEPrecon, an elite branch of the Lower Elements Police. She's spunky, has brains, and can be stubbornly determined. But, her most likable and admirable quality lies in her unerring belief in, and willingness to stand up for, what's right. She instantly forms a dislike of Artemis, and manages to get a few licks in. She even punched him! She popped the Artemis Fowl right in the face. That girl is awesome, and completely dedicated to her job. She knows combat and has insane magical abilities, too.

Continuing, the plot was just as fantastic as the rest! Artemis is after the Book - the faerie-equivalent of the Bible, chockfull of commandments, rituals, spells, and other magical practices, as well as some history that corresponds to our own - so that he can discern the location of the legendary pot of gold in order to reinstate his family's millionaire status. And he goes about it logically, methodically, and most of all, calmly. And by the end, both me and the faeries learn that Artemis Fowl is a force to be reckoned with.

All in all, this tale was masterfully written, and filled with lovable, comical characters, action, advanced technology, and a phenomenal paranormal element to tie it all up. When asked if I wanted to pick up the sequel, I answered with a resounding Yes! I can't wait to read THE ARCTIC INCIDENT!

Foaly was waiting at the pod. Serious though the moment was, he couldn't resist an amused whinny at the sight of Root's belly wobbling ever so slightly in his clinging jumpsuit.
"Are you sure about this, commander? Generally we allow only one passenger per pod?"
"What do you mean?" snarled Root. "There is only one..."
Then he caught Foaly's meaningful glance at his stomach. (87)

God, I love Foaly, the LEP's head techie.

Review: Solid by Shelley Workinger

S o l i d by Shelley Workinger ('Site)

Release Date: 7/9/10 (Paperback)

Publisher: CreateSpace

Age Group: Young Adult (13+)

Pages: 223

Source: Author/ARC (Thank you!)

Go Buy It: Amazon★Barnes&Noble 

★BookDepository

Overall Feelings: New and astounding!

Synopsis- "Eighteen years ago, a rogue Army doctor secretly experimented with a chromosomal drug on unknowing pregnant women. When he was killed not long after the children were born, any knowledge and evidence seemed to die with him -except the living, breathing human products of his work.

Almost two decades later, the newly self-proclaimed 'open-book' military unearths the truth about the experiment, bring Clio Kaid and the other affected teens to a state-of-the-art, isolated campus where they soon discover that C9x did indeed alter their chromosomes -its mutations presenting as super-human abilities. The military kids, who come from across the nation and all walks of life, come into their own as lighter-than-air 'athletes'; 'indies' as solid as stone walls; teens who can make themselves invisible and others who can blind with their brilliance.

While exploring her own special ability, forging new friendships, and embarking on first love, Clio also stumbles onto information indicating that the military may not have been entirely forthcoming with them and that all may not be as it seems..." (from back of the book)

Quick Thinking: Solid is a wonderful, fast-paced novel that had me flipping pages at a strangely quick speed. This novel is brimming with entertaining, loyal characters, a gripping, mysterious back story/plot, teens with superhuman abilities, and a satisfying ending that cleverly paves the way for a pine-worthy sequel. Find yourself attempting to unearth the secrets behind the puzzling C9x project said to alter the chromosomes of one hundred teenagers granted with abnormal skills and strengths, as you head off to a secluded military campus in New Jersey with the heroine Clio Kaid.

Suggestion: If you don't like very lengthy reads or you're a beginner on the reading scene, definitely pick up Solid and get a taste of what good reading material is!

My Thoughts In-Depth: *Note: May not be spoiler-free.* I really liked this novel, and I hadn't expected to. Science fiction-y/fantasy books aren't really my thing, YA or not, but I found myself deeply invested in this story. Workinger pulled me into the story of Solid with her obvious knowledge of the topic surrounding her novel, her light, easy yet eloquent writing style, and the group of characters she's brought together and made click within its pages...

Review: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

So sorry for taking so long to get this review up, but with this passed Thanksgiving weekend being so hectic, I barely had time to sit down and read...

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Incarceron

Author: Catherine Fisher (Site★Facebook)

Release Date: 1/26/10 (Hardcover)

Publisher: Dial Publishing

Age Group: Young Adult (13+)

Pages: 442

Source: Public Library (Schooll)

Go Buy It: Amazon★Barnes&Noble
★BookDepository

Overall Feelings: Immensely creative and unique!

"To free herself from an upcoming arranged marriage, Claudia, the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, a futuristic prison with a mind of its own, decides to help a young prisoner escape." (1)

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(Goodreads) Incarceron was definitely an intriguing, bizarre read filled with constant action, a dazzling adventure, and a strange, perplexing mystery behind it all. It's a fast-paced, intense novel that kept me on my toes from start to finish.

Honestly, I had absolutely no idea what this novel was really about, besides what I had already read about it (summaries, descriptions, and so forth). But, I truly was not expecting such a fierce, consuming story line. As soon as I opened to the first chapter, I was instantly thrust into this huge, hazardous scene that I was completely unprepared for. It was so deliciously confusing and scary; I felt like I was apart of the mass chaos going on. There was a lot of pretense in this novel as well, coming from all directions; I never knew who to trust, what was real and what wasn't. Suspicion tagged along with me as I read.

As for the characters...I liked them, but I didn't love them, and here's why: I couldn't really relate to any of them, which is understandable since I've never been in situations remotely similar to those faced by the characters, HOWEVER I just couldn't get them all. Then, to add to that, I didn't feel as though I got to know any of them, really know them. Even as they switched third person POVs between Claudia, the daughter of the Warden of the prison Incarceron, and Finn, a significant prisoner living inside Incarceron, I didn't unearth anything pertaining to their personality, their inner core. And that's imperative to me.

Besides that, I delighted in Fisher's diverse collection of characters in the novel. There's Finn the Starseer, a boy with dreams of going Outside, who has peculiar visions and dreams, and is adamant about Escaping; Claudia, the stubborn, reckless daughter of the Warden, who is being forced into an arranged marriage as a way for her family to gain power; Gildas, the Escape-obsessed, healing Sapient accompanying Finn on his quest for freedom; Keiro, Finn's oath brother and an arrogant, narcissistic thief also tagging along with Finn; Attia, an erratic, dedicated girl who sticks by Finn's side as a servant; John, or the Warden of Incarceron, the cold, grave, power-hungry father of Claudia who's incredibly successful at creeping me out; Jared, Claudia's loyal, intelligent Sapient tutor who backs her up in all her unusual ploys; and the mystical, mysterious Sapphique, supposedly the only known man to ever escape Incarceron. They make an excellent cast for this special, unique novel.

My only real complaint with this novel is it's lack of comic relief. Incarceron is very...serious, for lack of a better word, than most books and I hardly, if ever, had a chance to laugh when reading it. Even in crucial, dangerous, life-and-death situations, I think it's important to have those few moments randomly yet strategically placed in a novel designed to make the reader relax and perhaps laugh a little. I didn't get that, at all. By the time I finished, I was so wound up and tense. And, in a way, I guess this goes back to not really knowing the characters and not loving them...Maybe if there'd been a little dose of humor, I would have favored the characters more. *shrugs*

But, Incarceron served as an entertaining, intense read that I didn't put down until I got to page four hundred and forty-two. I definitely recommend reading this fascinating, uncommon novel.

Thanks for reading!

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Be sure to check out Fisher's next book in this series...

Sapphique

(to-be-released: 12/28/10)

Review: The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

The Adoration of Jenna Fox  

Author: Mary E. Pearson (Website★LJ)

Release Date: 9/1/09 (Paperback)

Publisher: Square Fish

Age Group: Young Adult (13+)

Source: Public Library (Local)

Go Buy It: Amazon★Barnes&Noble
★BookDepository

Overall Feelings: Highly emotional, heart-wrenching, & bittersweet!

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Faster, Less Detailed Review:Mary E. Pearson's Adoration of Jenna Fox is a truly gripping novel, one that passionately appeals to the emotions. It has the power to make your heart weep, push your tear ducts into action, and question yourself. The novel displays profound, meaningful messages, some of which make you question your own character. It asks the questions, "How far should one go for their child? How far would you go? And at what costs? Would it be a matter of selfish need or selflessness? Is it right to go the farthest you can?" Reading this novel takes you into the deepest crevices of this black-and-white world, and helps you see the shades of gray in between. 

Summary☆Hardcover Edition☆About the Author

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Set in the future on the west coast, California to be exact, the story follows--surprise, surprise--Jenna Fox, daughter of Matthew and Claire. She has just recently woken up from a coma and has not regained her former self. She has no recollection of who she was, who had loved her (family included), what happened to her before she woke up. The reader is taken along for the ride in uncovering the big mystery behind her strange memories, strange condition, and her family's strange behavior.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox is just what it says and more. It tells the tale of two strong parents who weren't strong enough to let go, let go of their miracle, their only daughter. These two adults more or less break not only the laws of the human world, but nature's laws as well. They essentially cheat death (how, I won't say)...and Jenna is the one that pays for their decision.

While reading, I was torn in so many directions. Can science and medicine really go too far? When is enough really enough, when technology can save lives? Is it right to go forward and stop what is the inevitable outcome for us all: death? Should a parent use any means at their disposal to save their own child? Or should they stop and say enough is enough and let go? Should parents have the right to decide their child's fate? See, these are all questions that this book presents to you, the reader.

I almost hate to say it, but I very much disliked Jenna's parents. Not so much because of the decisions they made, I mean I can sympathize and understand, but more toward their obsessive need to be in control. Their out-of-control over-protectiveness. And okay, maybe a little bit because of those decisions they made for Jenna. 

But, at the same time, when I place myself in their shoes, I can't say for sure that I'd do things differently. Partly because I don't have a child of my own. So, it's difficult for me to take a stance, to firmly pick between what's right and what isn't. This novel really had conflicting emotions beating at my insides.

Even so, I treasured three things: the unexpected romance, the discovery of identity, and Jenna herself.

Unexpected would be an understatement to surmise my reaction to the blossoming relationship between Jenna and Ethan. Joy surged through me, overwhelmed me, when I realized that there was some good, some hope for Jenna in her finding Ethan. Ethan is a character readers will get attached to, will love. He's gentle, but tough. Hard and soft. Protective, not possessive. Understanding, accepting. A shoulder to cry on, to rely on, and an embrace to drown in. He's just a beautiful person, and exactly what Jenna needs.

Though, even with Ethan, Jenna still lacks completion. And with the discovery of identity, the emptiness flees Jenna. I think she realizes that despite all she has become physically, what's deep down inside, what's in the soul does not fade. And all that's within is what makes a person someone, a living being with feelings, a personality, thoughts, opinions, and so forth. And for me, that was the most satisfying aspect of the book. 

Jenna has an immeasurable amount of strength, one that I admire and envy. Even with no memories behind her, she still manages to stand up for herself, push passed her fears to nip the lies right in the butt and bring to light the truth. Her relentless investigation of her former self, former life kept me on my toes because I didn't know what to expect, what secrets she'd uncover. And even after the big secret is revealed, little ones still manage to hide until she finds them.

By the time I got to the end of the book, I had prepared for the worst. But, surprisingly, I had been pleased with the nostalgic, sentimental ending. I think if it had ended perfectly, happily, then it would have taken away from what the book is all about.

And so, I tell you, my good book lovers, that The Adoration of Jenna Fox is a special read, one that I hope you'll all take the time to track down and read.

Thanks for reading!

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The original cover is much better, I think.