Aristotle and Dane Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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I closed my eyes. I guess that was going to be my new thing. I couldn't exactly storm away in anger. I'd just have to close my eyes and shut out the universe.

- Ari and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin A. Sánez

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One word: Beautiful.

Aristotle and Dante.

Very different in personality, with the exception that they are both loners.
Of course, they become best friends.
We follow both these boys in becoming men in this spectacular coming of age novel.

When I said beautiful, I was so not kidding! The author's writing style was reaaally nice. It wasn't really 'poetic', in a Markus Zusak sort of way, but it held this very weird sadness throughout the book that set the mood pretty well. You should see my quote book I probably used eight pages for this book hehe. Cassie's Book of Deepness. (Yes that's my actual title *flicks hair*)

Aristotle:
I renamed myself Ari. If I switched the letter, my name was Air. I thought it might be a great thing to be the air. I could be something and nothing at the same time. I could be necessary and also invisible.

That about sums his character up. Wants to be necessary, but also invisible. Since he's our narrator, it's only so that we know more about him than Dante. Ari was a sad character, to be honest.. He can't help it, but he's a sad person! Always more of a 'half empty' sort of guy. But you could relate to him really well because his emotions were raaaww. I loved seeing his development as a person throughout the book :D

Dante:
'He needs a friend. Everybody needs a friend.'

Dante was more confusing. He was more complex, and had loads of different sides to him. Ari too, but it wasn't as brought out. I liked him as well! He was just really innocent and everything.

I have to admit, I didn't particularly see eye to eye with the gay aspect in the book. I wasn't against it, just it felt like it would have matched the book a bit better if it was a sense of 'brotherhood' rather than pointing at a relationship. Eh, just my opinion.

So, the secrets of the universe. Everyone wants to know the secrets of the universe, right? Why are we here, why do we exist. Every teen (and adult) goes through that phase of pondering. In this book, it’s just yet another ordinary teen going through his own phase in life. By the end of the book? he’s figured out more than most people do during their own phase, and that’s something I respect. The message was told across quite strongly as well, instead of lightly insinuating like a lot of books. Fitting but maybe a teeeny bit overdone?

Overall though, it was a sweet, consistent, heartbreaking/warming book about growing up and making your own desicions in life. Perfect if you like really deep and mysterious books with a eery (I don’t know why but it felt like that to me) tone. Recommended!

'I mean, when do we start feeling like the world belongs to us?'
I wanted to tell him that the world would never belong to us.
'I don't know,' I said. 'Tomorrow.'

—MissOddball™ Over and Out.

(If this is not in the fancy new format, apologies. I actually have no idea how to do that xD But it's been soooo long since anyone has posted :/ So busy nowadays. I'll have to finish up my other drafted reviews quite soon.. )


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The Silence of Six by E. C. Myers

“What is the silence of six, and what are you going to do about it?”

These are the last words uttered by 17-year-old Max Stein’s best friend, Evan: Just moments after hacking into the live-streaming Presidential debate at their high school, he kills himself.

Haunted by the image of Evan’s death, Max’s entire world turns upside down as he suddenly finds himself the target of a corporate-government witch-hunt. Fearing for his life and fighting to prove his own innocence, Max goes on the run with no one to trust and too many unanswered questions.

Max must dust off his own hacking skills and maneuver the dangerous labyrinth of underground hacktivist networks, ever-shifting alliances, and virtual identities — all while hoping to find the truth behind the “Silence of Six” before it’s too late.




The Silence of Six by E. C. Myers
Standalone.
Page Count: 368
Genres: YA, Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction
Cover Rating: 9/10

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The unknown is scarier than the truth.

- Silence of Six, E. C. Myers

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Okay, when I first started this, I had absolutely NO idea what this was about. Which makes it more exciting for me, no? But I’m glad I went into it blind because all the events were more shocking and unexpected. This was really a high adrenaline suspense novel!

Introduction dun dun duun: 
You and your best friend loved hacking for fun.
It was how you bonded, and all your childhood memories lies in it.
You, however, saw the dangers it was going to bring you.
So you quit your hacking hobby successfully.
But you also stopped talking with your friend as much as you did before.
One day, there is an important school rally that involves the presence of USA’s potential President.
They’re filming on TV! Your school is live to the country!
But - suddenly your best friend comes on screen.
You of course instantly recognise him. Others don’t.
What is he doing there?
This is not part of the rally.
He starts speaking.
What is he saying? What does that mean?
Then, He puts a gun into his mouth.
WHAT IS HE DOING?!

Bang.

Chaos.

Plot:
First let me say the pacing was GREAT. It kept me guessing till the end!!  I was never really confused either of what was happening. The only bits that left me a bit clueless was the computer terminology, since I have NO idea about any of that. If I could understand the story though, I think pretty much everyone else in the world can too... xD Techie impaired person over here *waves*

Characters:
I liked all the characters a lot actually! I loved Penny and her sister Risse’s relationship the most :D
It was so nice to see siblings working together with something they love and are so good at!! Makes me really really want an older sister. EVERYONE I know with older siblings adore their siblings… aw :(

I also liked Max/Penny’s relationship since it was a little complicated and technically wasn’t romance. So sweet. I don’t get the point of Courtney (Max’s gf).. I dun like her and she doesn’t deserve Max.

 Ending:
Aww the ending made me tear up ;( So sad. Anyways, it was funny how even though the whole book was so suspenseful and action filled, the world didn’t care. You know those movie scenes where for example there's a house, and inside the house there's something REALLY CHAOTIC going on, but then the camera suddenly zoomes out and there's this oblivious old lady walking by all peacefully, and the town is all quiet? The trouble is only in the house. No one really knows or cares except the people involved. It gave off that feeling! Like wow, our problems are really small to the world. Nothing really changed apart from you. Ahahaa I'm getting all deep and confusing but you get the point.

 Ahem, anyways, what i’m saying is it's a really gripping read about computer hacking that you should definitely check out! :D

★★★★ 

—MissOddball™ Over and Out.

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Edge of End by Suren Hakobyan

Jonathan wakes up in a desert, his past wiped from his head. He’s alone having no clue who and what he is, where he has come from and where he should go. There is only one way – forward when he spots a little town in the distance. 

Empty streets, old houses, the town seems abandoned. There’s no one to ask for help, there’s nowhere to go. Jonathan wanders the town in search of any sign of life trying to bring his lost memories back, but odd visions haunt him from time to time. Soon Jonathan comes to the realization that he’s moments from death as absolutely evil dwells in the town seeking fresh souls. The seemingly dead town is only outwardly empty. 

Grey skies, no sun, no days and no nights. The town is stuck in time. With only one entrance and one exit, but the way leading to the exit is filled with creations that Jonathan has never envisioned, even in his worst nightmares. 

Who is he? Who brought him here? With a female resident – Elizabeth, Jonathan has to work his way through the horrendous town, figure out his past and find the exit.



Edge of End by Suren Hakobyan
Standalone. 
Page Count: 262
Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Thriller, Paranormal (Demons)
Cover Rating: 8/10 (Come on, it looks quite coool.. Glows and everything)

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Who is he? Who brought him here?

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Synopsis sounds sooo interesting. This random dude, waking up in the middle of nowhere with absolutely no memories. Then he arrives in this supposed ghost town - (why was the word town italicised throughout the book, anyways? 0.o This town, that town, the town was like this, the town was like that.. aren't you getting annoyed with this already? -_-) - in which it starts getting creepy.

The book wasn't necessarily bad, but it had points where it needed a lot of fixingg. By a lot I mean.. big time. 

First, the goods. 

— Pacing —
It was well paced out for a relatively short book! The events didn't happen to slow or too fast- it was even and well thought out. 

— Concept —
Okaay well I admit I don't actually understand the concept that well.. but it seemed creative? And had that strong emphasis on the moral about second chances or something? But wasn't really executed as well as it could have been? I can only speak in questions?

Second, the boos.

—Writing —
Let me say that English wasn't the author's first language. Quite understandable. It had potential, but there were a lot of awkward sentences and the dialogue was really unrealistic. You know that very 'obvious' tone younger middle grade book characters seem to talk with? and you can tell instantly it's aimed for younger audiences? Like no one really talks like that but it has to be made easier for the kids to understand. It gave off that kind of vibe. Not necessarily bad but it didn't really fit the theme the book tried to have nor the content. Ehhh.

—Characters —
I didn't care about the characters, to be frank. Yes it's harsh but it's a cold cold worlddd xD They simply were not likeable for me to be concerned with. Elizabeth was hella annoying, and Jonathan didn't really have a standout personality. The side characters were mediocre.

Elizabeth ALWAYS was either weeping or screaming for Johnathon to come save her. Girl, grow some backbone -.- Sure, Johnathon has this weird 'superpower' that makes him super strong and he can punch? demon dogs away.. but standing there crying like a girl will not do you any good! At least TRY to help Jonathan SOMEHOW.

Me saying Jonathan didn't standout is because he really didn't >.< I can't remember a single thing about him.. *awkward pause* .. yeah.. Whoops?

— Romance —
One word: Instalove.
Is there really a survival instinct in people that they automatically fall in love with the first human being they see of the opposite sex when in a demon filled town? Ahah :P
It didn't contribute to the story either. It felt like the girl was just thrown in there because it's a YA book, and most YA books have to have some kind of 'love'. Eh. Not interesting at all.

— Was it fun? —

Um i'll get back to you on that.. eventually..

I skimmed the last 50% though. 

Me: *lalala skim skim...*

*pauses to look over page*

*Sees 'Elizabeth' and 'crying, screaming, ect.' in the same sentence*

Me: oh shut up, you. Not again *groans* Go die in a hole!

*resume skimming*

*sees acknowledgements somewhere along skim*

*back pedals*

*reads Epilogue out of interest*

*shrugs*

*puts book down and goes to get a cookie*

— Ending Thoughts —

Just wasn't for me. Not too bad but didn't capture my interest. But I do admit it was a spooky paranormal read- so if you like haunted towns and overly distressed damsels.... this is for you?

2 Stars ! ♣ ♣ (I can't find my stars)

**Thank you Suren for the review copy in exchange of a review!**

— MissOddball™ Over and Out. :D

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The Paper Magician & The Glass Magician by Charlie M. Holmberg

Ceony Twill arrives at the cottage of Magician Emery Thane with a broken heart. Having graduated at the top of her class from the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined, Ceony is assigned an apprenticeship in paper magic despite her dreams of bespelling metal. And once she’s bonded to paper, that will be her only magic…forever.

Yet the spells Ceony learns under the strange yet kind Thane turn out to be more marvelous than she could have ever imagined—animating paper creatures, bringing stories to life via ghostly images, even reading fortunes. But as she discovers these wonders, Ceony also learns of the extraordinary dangers of forbidden magic.

An Excisioner—a practitioner of dark, flesh magic—invades the cottage and rips Thane’s heart from his chest. To save her teacher’s life, Ceony must face the evil magician and embark on an unbelievable adventure that will take her into the chambers of Thane’s still-beating heart—and reveal the very soul of the man.

The Paper Magician by Charlie M Holmberg

My Rating: ★★★

First book of the Paper Magician Trilogy

Page Count: 224

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Historical Fiction (not really), Romance, Paranormal

Cover Rating: 7/10

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Denying it won't make you return to ordinary.
— Charlie M. Holmberg, The Paper Magician

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The concept for this world was really interesting, but I thought it could have been executed better. I mean, you get to become a magician if you go to this particular school and get an apprenticeship of which magic you want to learn! How exciting! 

Well, Ceony Twill did NOT get to choose herself which magic she got to learn because there wasn't enough Paper Magicians, but she gets the 'exciting' part none the less. Whyyy you say, since Paper is well known as one of the most boring Magic? Because EMERY THANE. DUN DUN DUUUN!!

You gotta love Emery Thane. Emery Thane is Ceony's new teacher! And quite an odd one at that. It must be a new trend to make teachers/bosses very kooky. (See Jackaby .. Kind of similar.) I don't really mind this unless the weirdness is too unbelievably fake :D It's interesting to see how the term 'unique' crosses over between different authors. 

Anyways.

Back to the 'could have been executed better' part. The plotline was kind of.. bare. I know she somehow went literally 'into' his heart and all that (read the synopsis), but that was it? Uhh very interesting... XD The beginning was really cool; we saw Emery's character and got to know Ceony better, and then the middle just seemed to draaaggg onnnnn.

The romance was barely there that you wouldn't even realise there was any. (Apart from the ending thing that happened) Ceony's feelings seemed to have developed too fast to be believable, if you add on to the fact that Ceony is like 19, only been in one relationship before, and Emery was 30 something- having been married and divorced once. Ooookay then. I would have liked to see her feelings develop. Why didn't we, since we've been in her head ever since she even saw Emery? Hmmm. 

Overall just a 'meh' book that didn't evoke any particular feelings for me. It was interesting though. Don't really have much else to say :/

----REVIEW OF THE GLASS MAGICIAN COMING UP. SHOO NOW. POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR PAPER MAGICIAN AHEAD.----

Three months after returning Magician Emery Thane’s heart to his body, Ceony Twill is well on her way to becoming a Folder. Unfortunately, not all of Ceony’s thoughts have been focused on paper magic. Though she was promised romance by a fortuity box, Ceony still hasn’t broken the teacher-student barrier with Emery, despite their growing closeness.

When a magician with a penchant for revenge believes that Ceony possesses a secret, he vows to discover it…even if it tears apart the very fabric of their magical world. After a series of attacks target Ceony and catch those she holds most dear in the crossfire, Ceony knows she must find the true limits of her powers…and keep her knowledge from falling into wayward hands.

The delightful sequel to Charlie N. Holmberg’s The Paper Magician, The Glass Magician will charm readers young and old alike.

So I read the sequel! Yeyyy xD This was definitely more fast paced and fun than the first book. But of course, it had problems of it's own. Since this one was not about Ceony running around by herself in Emery's heart, it had much more dialogue and many new characters.

Problematically..... the new characters had no depth. Or any characters, for that matter... :/ The fact that Ceony had no, well, dimension shined through in this book much more than the previous novel since there were more important events that included decision making. She would think the same things over and over again without any real reasoning behind it, and it seemed like the author had this go-to character quality checklist next to her and was like "Ceony- Loyal, Heroic, Sacrificial" *adds random loyal, heroic, sacrificial scenes into book* Same went with Lira in the previous one, the newly introduced Delilah as with the new antagonists. Not much background information on any of them either.

Ceony was kind of annoying here toooo. Oh, she defeated Lira! Now ALL the consequences are HER fault, therefore she must go and fix everything herself in secret! Even if it means danger to everyone around her! and then she gets all upset when people try to fix her mistakes without her, like 'I should be there!! Why?!?" Well maybe it's because you caused them to gather in the first place *facepalm* It was alright in the end, I suppose, since her attempts to fix humanity often gave out useful information. But still. Did I mention she was kind of racist too? Like right after the mill explodes and everything's chaotic, she sees this Indian dude standing across the street and she's like 'Oh look, a dark skinned man! How suspicious! Maybe HE blew the mill up! Oh dear I shouldn't think that.' And then of course in the later chapters, still, she doesn't say much about him apart from his accent and his skin tone. Wth?
The parts about women and cooking annoyed me as well, since from personal experience, I know all women can't cook. *cough cough not naming names* xD Just.. meh.

The romance was more clearly depicted, and that one chapter in Emery's PoV was very helpful in figuring out their relationship. Hm. I'm actually pretty curious of where this is going to go in the final instalment of the trilogy! I just might read it for that :)

Again, I'm afraid I don't have much definite thoughts on this one. I liked the increase of action, but the characters were flimsy as paper (see what I did there), and there are no points worth talking about. Sorryy. If it wasn't short as it was, I can't say I would have finished the books.

**Thank you Netgalley for providing me with free review copies to review.<3**

 —MissOddball Over and Out.

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BOOK TOUR: Saving Raine by Fredrick Lee Brooke

A country torn apart by greed, corruption, and chaos. A boy sent on a mission that could kill him. A girl who's in grave danger...and doesn't have a clue. Can Matt beat the odds stacked against him and outrun the drones raining down on his head in time to save Raine--and America?

Find†Saving Raine†on†Amazon†and†Barnes & Noble. Add†Saving Raine†to your Goodreads to-read list!

Find†Inferno†on†Amazon†and†Barnes & Noble. Add†Inferno†to your Goodreads to-read list!

About†SAVING RAINE

"Matt, Raine went to California because her parents thought it was safe. Itís not. You've got to get her out as soon as possible. She could die, Matt." When 19-year-old Matt Carney gets a cryptic message from his father telling him to go to California and save his girlfriend, Raine, he doesn't hesitate, grabs his AK-47, revs up his blue pickup, and gets ready to make the 2,300-mile roadtrip. But cross-country travel in 2021 isn't easy, sometimes, even possible. The U.S. has become a near-military state: 17,000 checkpoints severely restrict interstate movement, Predator drones target innocent civilians without cause, and explosions rock cities daily. Matt and his stepbrother, Benjy, face deadly attacks from a corrupt government, ruthless local law enforcement, and bloodthirsty terrorist groups as they embark on their trek. They're about to find out that their trip is much more than a private journey, and their success could change the face of the country forever. Can Matt and Benjy outrun the drone missiles raining down on their heads? Can they avoid assassination by government officials hell-bent on taking over what little is left of the country? Can they outsmart the deadly schemes set in motion against them? Break the rules. Save the girl. He only gets one chance before she is gone forever.

About†INFERNO

*WARNING: SAVING RAINE SPOILERS* When 19-year-old Matt Carney saved his girlfriend, Raine, from the crossfire between the government increasingly ruthless Homeland Security and March22, a terrorist group taking steps to strike a new, legitimate path, he thought his work was done. Was he ever wrong. Kidnapped by the brutal Dark Fiber militia, Matt is shocked to discover he is been betrayed by those he trusted most. Stranded in an isolated location in the middle of Michigan, far away from the girl he fought so hard to regain, Matt is made March 22 is point man in a plot to get control over a cache of thousands of stolen ground-to-air missiles. As time runs out, he is their last and best hope of sparing the country of a heinous attack on commercial aviation that could quickly turn the United States into a permanent war zone. In this action-packed, explosive follow-up to Saving Raine, the first book in Frederick Lee Brooke's The Drone Wars, Matt Carney finds himself at the center of a firestorm of stolen missiles, stolen drones, and stolen dirty nukes, tormented by stinging betrayals, clinging to a last hope for love. Sure, he was able to save Raine but as the inferno rages around him, can he find a way to save the country from further violent chaos and a way to save himself?

About Frederick Lee Brooke

Frederick Lee Brooke launched the Annie Ogden Mystery Series in 2011 with Doing Max Vinyl and following with Zombie Candy in 2012, a book that is neither about zombies nor sweets. The third mystery in the series, Collateral Damage, appeared in 2013. Saving Raine, the first book in Fred's entirely new series, The Drone Wars, appeared in December, 2013. A resident of Switzerland, Fred has worked as a teacher, language school manager and school owner. He has three boys and two cats and recently had to learn how to operate both washing machine and dryer. He makes frequent trips back to his native Chicago. When not writing or doing the washing, Fred can be found walking along the banks of the Rhine River, sitting in a local cafe, or visiting all the local pubs in search of his lost umbrella. Find Frederick Lee Brooke on his†website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

-MY REVIEW of SAVING RAINE-

There seems to be a lot of positive reviews on Goodreads, so i'll just be a biit critical.

First of all, the story was set in 2021. It's a really minor thing, but I think it would have been more believable if it was set in 2050 or something. I take pity on us all if this stuff is going to happen in 7 years.... Oh dear. Drones overtaking the world and whatnot, world ending, whenever I read this stuff all i'm thinking is 'People stop giving the government ideas! :o' Ahhh.

The Characters

I couldn't really connect to the characters much because there were so many different PoVs, and it was all in third person. It's kind of hard to emotionally connect with someone if it keeps swapping around every chapter. However, there was potential and it was interesting to see because Brooke managed to make every character have a distinct personality, so I was never confused at who was talking. I do think that there were some unneeded PoVs that made the general story more messy though. But it wasn't a big deal. 

Our MC Matt was cool. What annoyed me a little in the beginning was that all he thought about was Raine. We get it, you're in love and all that but you didn't have to constantly talk about her hair or eyes! I don't care about her lookssss. Oh SPEAKING of Raine, she was such a jerk! I didn't like her personality at all. She's so gullible and cold. I don't know why someone nice as Matt would fall for her. 

The Plot

It was kind of confusing for me because this was written in a more classic, Sci-Fi feeling instead of a YA book as i'm used to. So it took a while to adjust. As I read on, the plot became clearer and that twist at the end was really surprising/weird! 

The beginning was so strange though... What kind of dad tells his son to risk his life to save his girlfriend? Uhhhh okaaayy then. Nice dad, I think. *shakes head* 

It was a bit long as well, and I think without the extra PoVs and irrelevant scenes, the story could have been shorter and straightforward, but I loved reading the descriptions the author used. (Except the rat eating. I honestly felt nauseous at the rat eating >.<) The whole resistance March 22 thingy had my brain jogging to keep up with the pace as well.. need more explanations on that.

The ending was a gamechanger! I think that the second book will be more action packed than the first one, and more stuff happens. And there are also less PoV changes, hopefully. It was mentally exhausting to keep up with everybody's life. 

Overall, it was a good sci-fi read! If you don't have much experience in this genre, It'll probably confuse you. A lot. But if you enjoy those old feeling classic science fiction books, then check this out! (-has some mature themes)

*thank you Amy the lovely publicist for providing me with a free review copy!*

—MissOddball™ Over and Out.  

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Jackaby by William Ritter

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--deny.

Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter’s debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.



Jackaby by William Ritter
My Rating: ★★ ★
Stand Alone? Idk
Page Count: 299
Recommended For: Quick quirky mystery novels. Fans of Sherlock/Doctor Who, I suppose
Genres: YA, Mystery, Paranormal
Cover Rating: 9/10 !! SO PRETTY. But that model.. erm.. does not look like Jackaby.

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This world is full of dragon-slayers. What we need are a few more people who aren't too proud to listen to a few fish.

—Jackaby, William Ritter 

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Jackaby was a really interesting, quirky read. To me though, it felt a bit unoriginal because it felt like it was trying too hard to be a cross between Sherlock (BBC) and Doctor Who. Mind you, I've never seen Doctor Who (don't kill me), but the similarities to Sherlock were really obvious. First I had this feeling that Jackaby was a mix of Sherlock and the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp's version) because I don't know Doctor Who's personality and I didn't read the blurb... it was kind of a weird, fitting mix actually xD But anyways.

On the blurb, it bluntly states that it's a cross between Sherlock and Doctor Who. This made it feel a bit like fan-fiction instead of a novel. If you've never watched any of those shows though, I think you'll really enjoy it :) (-and you should totally watch Sherlock. I command you!!)

Getting past that issue, it put a nice twist on a classic detective plotline! I loved the paranormal aspect. And it was well descripted as well. You could really easily imagine being along with Abigail in her 'big adventure'. The place this took place was a bit confusing though... because it said in the beginning that it was set in America, but the language and scenery were clearly London :/ Meh.

Characters

I loved Jackaby! He was awesome. Like said before, personally it was like a cross between Johnny Depp's Hatter and BBC's Sherlock. What I would pay to see them both having tea. 

Abigail, our protagonist, was really cool too because she was independent. She wanted adventure, and she got one! With Jackaby of all people. I want!

There isn't really much to say about them though because they felt too similar to the TV shows. In books, I like it when authors put themselves inside the characters, (see my review of Every Ugly Word. That's a really well done book.) but they don't seem emotionally real enough if they're mostly based on someone else's work. 

Overall it was quite nice, but the character issue put me off a bit. There was nothing that made my jaw drop and go WOW, BUT it was still a funny, quirky and just a quick mystery read that I enjoyed loads!

—Miss Oddball€ Over and Out. 

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Every Ugly Word by Aimee L. Salter

When seventeen-year-old Ashley Watson walks through the halls of her high school bullies taunt and shove her. She can’t go a day without fighting with her mother. And no matter how hard she tries, she can’t make her best friend, Matt, fall in love with her. But Ashley also has something no one else does: a literal glimpse into the future. When Ashley looks into the mirror, she can see her twenty-three-year-old self.

Her older self has been through it all already—she endured the bullying, survived the heartbreak, and heard every ugly word her classmates threw at her. But her older self is also keeping a dark secret: Something terrible is about to happen to Ashley. Something that will change her life forever. Something even her older self is powerless to stop. 





Every Ugly Word by Aimee L. Salter
My Rating: ★★★★★
Stand Alone.
Page Count: 257
Recommended For: People looking for a great contemp/paranormal read.
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal
Cover Rating: 7/10

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It isn't what happens to you in your life that destroys you. It's what you do about it.

- Aimee L. Salter, Every Ugly Word

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I for one, can't remember the last time I just plowed through a book and finished it just like that.

It was just absolutely brilliant! From the first page and on, you can tell it's going to be different, original, and emotionally impacting.

The book touches a well..touchy subject: bullying. Bullying is real, and it's still going on strong in loads of places.

A lot of contemporary realistic books have trouble in getting in a fresh and intriguing perspective for the readers because frankly, there aren't THAT many things you can write about. It's either love, bullying, rape, ect. But Salter really made this stand out.

This book mixes in a bit of paranormal and the classic 'i'm in love with my best friend' structure. <3

The Concept
What if you looked into the mirror, saw your reflection, and it talked back?

This to me, was very spooky yet oddly creative. Because who's advice do you usually tend to listen to more? Yourself. Your Older Me is looking from the future, giving you advice and tips having lived everything through already. Would you trust yourself completely? I honestly don't know the answer to that..

Let's meet a few characters...

What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I be the kick-ass heroine, like in books? Or the strong noble star of a movie? Because it hurts.

— Aimee L. Salter, Every Ugly Word

I adored Ashley, our main. She goes through SO much, but she's always strong in her own way and refuses to give up. I had an instant connection with her although I've never experienced anything like she did (thank goodness), and throughout the book I just wanted to give her a box of chocolates. Is that weird? Totally random but yeah :P
I loved how her therapy was art. For some reason, I feel drawn a person so much more if they can express through something they love doing. I just with I could do that :D

The author's note at the end was awesome to read, because it gave a more indepth PoV on our author and characters. As Salter got bullied in her life as well, she put herself in her writing. She knows how Ashley felt, and what simple words can mean to a person. That's why Ashley is such a great, believable character. One of the reasons I love it is because it felt like Salter did just what Ash did.

Except instead of art, it was writing in her case. When authors truly just mean what they're actually writing; when the characters, and the whole world they're putting from their hearts onto paper are real representatives of them; It becomes my fav :)

Matt was cute! He wasn't perfect, as told many times in the book. I don't trust his judgement, but I liked his character xD  I want a bestie like him :( but Hmmm wonder when I'll pick up a contemp book where girl/guy bestfriend relationship stay platonic instead of either being unrequited love or they eventually start dating.. like Harry and Hermione! :P

Ending:
The ending was sooo just well done! I don't want to give anything away. Go away and read it for yourself.

Overall, it was a very thought provoking read (the mirror bits are confusing because well.. it kind of felt psychological but also real so..), but I finished it really quickly.

Powerful and emotional, it raises awareness of how powerful words are, and how you can turn that power into something good if you just keep strong.

Seriously, I don't want to talk anymore..just shoo and pick up a copy. Or technically a kindle/ipad/ipod whatever because there apparently aren't any physical copies printed.. shame :(

I knew this day was the turning point. The moment I'd look back on and say, "That's when my life changed."

-Aimee L. Salter, Every Ugly Word.

—MissOddball™ Over and Out.

**Thank you thank you Netgalley for providing me with a review copy!!<3**

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Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand

Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.

Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. 

Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.

When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?



Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand 
My Rating: ★★★
#1 of the Clone Chronicles 
Page Count: 272
Recommended For: Sci-Fi fans. The Island film fans.
Genres: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Clones
#Coverlove :D

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When I am called to duty, I will be ready. I will serve my Authentic in any way necessary. 

- Imitation, Heather Hildenbrand

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Anyone.. The Island much?!

Concept: The richer people can make Imitations AKA Clones of themselves. Those Imitations can contribute to organ harvesting, or filling in for events. 

The main character, Ven, was cool. She didn't really stand out against the world of YA female protagonists, but she didn't annoy me too much as well, so I appreciate that. When I say 'too much', it meant that she still annoyed me at parts... especially the romance parts. 

Let's look into that, shall we? *offers arm*

The romance was way too fast in my opinion.

It was like... 

Linc: You're different *cocks head* I can't place it.. but you're not that celeb-y Raven Rogen....

Ven: I HAVE A SECRET TO TELL YOU......... I'M ....A......CLOOONNNEE

Linc: *le gasp* THAT IS SO AWESOMEEE

Ven: :D REALLY?!

Linc:  YES TOTALLY. UN. BELIEVE. ABLE. 

Ven: YAY

Linc: kissy kissy kissy

Ven: Swoony swoony swoony

Me: *rolls eyes* Come on, guys. Get your head in the game. 

It also wasn't believable that she's been training for 4 years. I mean.. even you're still you're own person, you ARE still a clone. And all you've been doing it train train train. Doesn't she have to be at least a bit okay in acting her Authentic? Because she was complete rubbish at it. Sorry Ven, but it's the harsh truth *pats head* Also, I didn't get how Obadiah was an Authentic for her friend.. unless I read it wrong. Because I'm pretty sure you can't change genders with cloning.. o.O

Another down part was that the dialogue between the characters was a little stiff for me to read comfortably. There weren't any parts where I had to go back a few paragraphs because I didn't understand, but more like a '... did he really just say that. Out loud.' reaction. 

There was also an issue with the setting, because I really wanted to know what year this book was set in. Also I wanted to know more about Ven's Authentic, Raven. All that came out about her was that she was a player, and never turned down a boy, and that she's a shallow bimbo who only cares about her appearance and gossip. That's LITERALLY the only information we get about her. Kind of sad, don't you think? 

Apart from that though, I liked the ending, and how it was a cliffhanger. I think the second book will be much better than the first, because things are actually starting to happen :) This book was a bit of a slow start. 

Do I Recommend?: Ummm lemme get back to you on that after I read the sequel... it wasn't that bad though. Just kind of meh.

**Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy for review<3**

—MissOddball™ Over and Out.

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The Giver by Lois Lowry

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

The Giver by Lois Lowry
My Rating: ★★★
Current Average Rating on Goodreads: 4.11
Standalone. (There are sequels but it isn't directly connected to the end of this story, I think. Different MCs)
Recommended For: People interested in unique sci-fi concepts
Genres: YA, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Classic (? Goodreads said so..)
Made into a Film? Yes! (it's really good)

——————————————————

It was almost December, and Jonas was beginning to be frightened. 

No. Wrong word, Jonas thought. Frightened meant that deep, sickening feeling of something terrible about to happen. Frightened was the way he had felt a year ago when an unidentified aircraft had overflown the community twice.

- The Giver, Lois Lowry

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So. I kind of had high expectations for this one, because I watched the film first (the horror!), and the film was amazing. The whole way it was delivered and the ideas behind it were beautiful! So naturally, I thought 'If the FILM was this good, then the book must be mind-blowing! Since books are always better than movies.'  Unfortunately, this was one of those rare cases where the movie was actually kind of better than the book ^^ Even though there were minor things I wished they included. 

THE BOOK: 

I didn't connect to the characters much. Maybe because they couldn't feel emotion (yes you heard me right), or maybe because it was in third PoV, but for some reason, I didn't emotionally feel them. Or make any kind of special bond. That was a bit disappointing. 

If the characters weren't up to par, then the plot must have made up for it, no? No.

The plot was alright, with the exception that Lowry built the tension up and up and up and up.........and then..... wait what? 

I didn't get it! All that building between Jonas and the Giver, and then THAT'S how it ends? 

I was just left in my seat so confused. 

Of course, as I mentioned, I watched the film first, so I knew it was going to end like that. But what I thought was that books have more detail. It's deeper. You understand everything so much more clearly. 

It couldn't have ended that simply! It's just weird. Maybe I was supposed to analyse it or something... *shrugs* Maybe I will someday. 

I spent about half an hour reading up on other people's reviews, working out the ending for myself. Some people loved the ambiguity of it, some did not. I'm in the latter, but I understand the whole 'vague' sense the book also thought was necessary. After all, it's really hard to resolve books with a confusing plot aim. 

Sometimes, open ended endings are great, but other times, they fall flat. Instead of making you ponder your meaning on life, they confuse the heck out of you until you eventually lower the rating.

I haven't talked about the concept quite much, so i'll start now :P

This is a "perfect" world. From when you're born, the government has your life planned out for you.

They stalk watch you until you're 12, and they decide on the perfect job for you based on your personality. You can apply for a spouse when you get older, and they'll give you a perfect match. You then apply for kids, and babies (up to 2) will be handed to you. When you get too old to work, you get sent into the House of the Old until it's your time of Release.

^ your whole life.

Dun dun dun.

People take pills everyday to erase emotions. Of course they don't know that they are because they don't know what emotions are. They're just doing it because it's in the rules. So simple o.o

They also can't see colour. I think that's the worst... colours are the most beautiful things <3 I would die! The book really makes you grateful for this world right now and that you're in it. 

Basically: 
Good- Concept 
Meh- Writing Style, Characters, Ending. 

THE FILM:
I loved the movie. The reason why I watched the movie first and then the book after (normally I NEVER do that. I don't want to be spoiled for the book.), was roughly like: (I have bad memory so everytime I tell this scenario it's different xD Whoops. But whatever)

Mum: Guys let's watch the Giver
Me: But I haven't read the book! :O
Dad: Who wants to watch the Giver?
Mum: ME
Bro: Me
Dad: we're going to watch the Giver! 
Me: XD Outnumbered.
Dad: Just close your eyes and eat your food or something
Me: *actually attempts* ... (yes I did do that. Don't ask me why.. I can be overdramatic)

But of course, I ended up watching it because as soon as I saw one scene, I was hooked :P 
The visuals are done really well, and the casting is also great. I don't think there was enough character development in Jonas' family, but that's alright.

At the end of the film my family was like "That was awesome!"
My dad: Doesn't make any sense
Me: *rushes to grab book*

But yeah, the movie was a liiiittle more amazing. :) I would really recommend you to see it if you haven't. It doesn't matter if you haven't read the book for this one, since there aren't any big plot twists or such hehe ;) If you have seen it, tell me what you thought! :D So curious.

Aand somehow this became a book/movie review! ;P

—MissOddball€ (Too lazy to swap keyboards for the TM) Over and Out. 

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The Random Questions Tag!!

We were tagged by The Book Of Jules! Go read her answers :) (*whispers* She read in the Louvre omg so lucky!)

In this tag, i'll be answering 18 random questions listed below, so y'all can know more about me! Awesome. So let's start.

1. Have you ever thrown a book?

Noooo!! I mean I wanted to yeah, but I would never hurt a book like that *sniff* 

Mostly because I read on my ipad, and the last time I threw my ipad... it refused to respond for a day (a very very long day,  I might add) so I have my reasons. That scared the heck outta me.

2. Do you like lengthy books or short books?

Depends on if the book is good or not. Because.. if you like it, you wouldn't want it to stop, but if it's mehhh then you want it to be over already! Short books do have that simple magic to them though, don't they?

3. If you don't like a book, do you stop reading it or finish it?

Again, it depends (omg I am just so good at answering these XD) of what level of "bad" it's on. If it's the 'I'll claw my eyes out if I need to read one more page' type, I'll put it down because I'm a nice person and I won't torture myself. If it's the 'this is so stupid it's kind of hilarious; I need to write a review' type, I'll push through. If it's the 'Gawwsh i'm bored to death kill me already' type, I probably won't stop reading on purpose but it'll just happen "naturally" ...AKA forget it exists after not reading a few days because it was so unmemorable. 

4. Do you stop reading when you're tired or when a chapter finishes?

When i'm tired definitely. I read real books mostly in the day and ebooks in the night (A bit opposite?) because it's easier to read on your ipad while lying down (real books will flop on your head) so I just kind of drift asleep midsentence.. I guess that counts as to 'stop reading'.. :D 

5. How do you organise your shelf?

By how much I like the book ^.^ So my favourites are on the top shelf. I don't care much about how pretty my shelf looks.. random shelving always looks best imo :P

6. Paperback or Hardcover?

Weeellll...... I love the feeling of a hardcover but paperbacks are way cheaper and they have this 'used' feeling on it :) 

7. What book can you not wait to read?

IN THE AFTERLIGHT BY ALEXANDRA BRACKEN!!! It's almost out!! It's the third and last instalment of the Darkest Minds series, which is totally awesome. I. Can't. Wait.

8. A book you wish could be turned into a graphic novel?

Hm... I don't actually read graphic novels :/ I've only read one before and that was for school.

9. A book that disappointed you?
The most recent one was The Giver by Lois Lowry. It had a great concept, but then the ending fell flaaat. 

10. What book made you cry recently?
Love and Other Unknown Variables xD Yikes. Not a pretty picture

11. Do you prefer buying books online or going to the bookstore?
I wouuuld say bookstore.. but then I've only been to a bookstore twice in my life, and those were really small. (Oh the perks of living in only non-english speaking countries before.) So most all my books come from Book Depository :) My haven!

12. Do you prefer to listen to music while reading or to read in silence?
Depends on if I'm really into the book or not. If i'm lost in the book, I love reading in silence :D If not... I just kind of dance to myself with music while reading, if that's not too weird. 

13. What is the weirdest thing you've ever experienced while reading a book?

I don't think I've experienced anyy..o.O Well I bumped into a glass door once because I was reading while walking but that's about it ^.^

14. What was your first fandom? 
Harry Potter!! I was 8 :D

15. What fictional character do you relate to the most?
Tough! Uhm.. Lilly from Puddle Jumping or Rafi from Louder Than Words . I think those are the characters I connected to a lot.

16. What fictional character do you with you were more like?
Omg Luna Lovegood! I totally worship her! I really just admire her character and independence :) Ever since I read OoTP when I was like.. 9? 10? I seriously wanted to be Luna xD But then I figured if I was trying to be like Luna, that isn't what she's about since she's being herself and i'm trying to act like her.. so then my goal was to be myself. Yes, I was a weird kid. Still am *grins* Growing old is mandatory but growing up is not. 

17. If you could spend a whole day with five characters, who would you pick?

 Luna Lovegood, if that wasn't obvious, Liam Stewart from The Darkest Minds, Adrian Ivashkov from Bloodlines (He's hilariousss), Ginny Weasley from HP, and Fred and George from HP. Dude I love the Weasley family<3

18. What is a book that exceeded all of your expectations?

Recently? Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas :D I didn't know it was going to be that good!
I'm also reading an ARC called The Walls Around Us, and it also has that creepy setting. It's really good so far :) Perfect for this Halloween mood everyone seems to be in lately!

And that's it I guess? Great fun! My nominations areeeee......*drums roll*

Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books
Éles Veronika @ Reading is Dreaming With Open Eyes
Laura @ Blue Eye Books

and anyone else who wants to do it! Say I nominated you :P
Give a link below as well.. I would love to read your answers :)

—MissOddball™ Over and Out.

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Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas

It's Spring Break of senior year. Anna, her boyfriend Tate, her best friend Elise, and a few other close friends are off to a debaucherous trip to Aruba that promises to be the time of their lives. But when Elise is found brutally murdered, Anna finds herself trapped in a country not her own, fighting against vile and contemptuous accusations. 

As Anna sets out to find her friend's killer; she discovers hard truths about her friendships, the slippery nature of truth, and the ache of young love.

As she awaits the judge's decree, it becomes clear that everyone around her thinks she is not just guilty, but dangerous. When the truth comes out, it is more shocking than one could ever imagine...





Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas.
My Rating: ★★★★
Current Average Rating on Goodreads: 4.16
Stand Alone. (I think.. there's another book called Dangerous Boys but it isn't connected to this story)
Recommended For: People looking for a good, creepy, more mature YA mystery/thriller novel.
Genres: YA, Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Suspense, Contemporary

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Dispatcher: Miss? Are you there? Miss?

Female 1: (sobbing) She's dead. There's a knife and... Oh God, I can't ... She's dead! 

Dangerous Girls, Abigail Haas.

——————————————————————————

This book started off with a BANG. Straight into the story in the most intriguing way possible.
The best thing?
It ended with a bang as well.

A group of teenagers go to an island to celebrate spring break.
But one fine normal day?
They find Elise dead in her room. 
Her best friend Anna is the leading suspect.
Is she innocent? Or is she actually GUILTY?!
This is.... the Dangerous Girls. *insert theme song here*

I loved how the writing was paced. It kept alternating from BEFORE Elise's death, and AFTER (The trial and that stuff). It was quite awesome to read!

I loved how it was a thriller too, since I haven't really read that many of YA thriller books. This was definitely in that genre though. Maybe not a 'omg I can't sleep: NIGHTMARE' kind of scary but it was honestly creepy. That slow chill you get after reading a shocking sentence or something 0.o Loved it mwahahahah!! I had noooo idea what this book was going to be like before I picked it up. I didn't even bother reading the synopsis and just plunged in blind after hearing one or two good opinions on it (my fav way heh). Awesomeness.

Now I didn't really like the characters, to be honest.. They sucked. Weell maybe not sucked but they were those 'party all night and let's get stoned' kind of teenagers who are "free." Notice the quotations.. *cough* I don't think getting drunk and flirting and getting on with bunch of random dudes in bars count as free but meh. -.- It was like the group of perfect stereotypical rebel rich kids you see in TV shows.

The relationships between the characters were okay.. I got really frustrated with some people at a few points but overall it wasn't too overbearing that I threw the ipad or anything.. Not that I would, because then the screen would go all kazoo (yes I know that's an instrument but I like making up my own meanings. *sticks out tongue*) and it costs too much to repair.

But OMG DEKKER I WANTED TO STRANGLE HIM TO DEATH! He got on my nerves SO much. irsghdufbzru. He is like the worst executer evahhh. Don't know why the judge was so stupid she didn't notice. *dies of unletout anger issues*
...
*revives*

That ending tho 0.o I did not expect that! You know I read a bunch of other reviews and they were all like "Oh yeahhh, I totally called that. It was just soooo predictable."
Me: ._.
XD
Anyways, it's because I don't read enough mystery books, yeah? Okay. Not my fault at all. ;)

Basically, If you want a refreshing YA novel, I am advising you to give this a try.

That is all I need to say.

Bye bye *waves*

—MissOddball™ Over and Out.

Upcoming in my new personal sitcom 'Cassie Will Find Something Awesome For You (Eventually)', is The Giver! Stay tuned.

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RELEASE DAY BLAST: Love and Other Unknown Variables by Shannon Alexander!!

Read me!

*taps mic*

Hello hello and welcome to FM's RELEASE BLAST for LOVE AND UNKNOWN VARIABLES!

If you haven't read my review yet, you can go here: CLICK ME

Okay, now down to business.

Love and Unknown Variables released officially on OCTOBER 7TH, so now there's no excuse to go buying it. ;)

Let's learn more about the author, no?

(Cass: Is it weird that she's kind of how I imagined Jo to look like? A little? Kay.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shannon Lee Alexander is a wife and mother (of two kids and one yellow terrier named Harriet Potter). She is passionate about coffee, books, and cancer research. Math makes her break out in a sweat. Love and Other Unknown Variables is her debut novel. She currently lives in Indianapolis with her family. 

(Cass: Math makes her break out into a sweat xD Wonder how she wrote the book so well then..)

LOVE AND OTHER UNKNOWN VARIABLES OFFICIAL BLURB:

Charlie Hanson has a clear vision of his future. A senior at Brighton School of Mathematics and Science, he knows he’ll graduate, go to MIT, and inevitably discover the solutions to the universe’s greatest unanswerable problems. He’s that smart. But Charlie’s future blurs the moment he reaches out to touch the tattoo on a beautiful girl’s neck. The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy pawing at her until she learns he’s a student at Brighton, where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. And in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy. By the time he learns Charlotte is ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull on Charlie is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on, or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second).

(Cass: Personally, I think the blurb doesn't do the story justice.. The book sounds a bit weird from here o.O

Trust me though, you should read it ^^)

LINKS FOR PURCHASE!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iTunes

SHANNON'S LINKS!

Twitter

Facebook

Website

Goodreads

That's it for today :P Stay tuned for a Dangerous Girls review xD

—MissOddball™ Over and Out. 

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