THIRSTday: Harmless by Dana Reinhardt

Be sure to visit www.mretome.wordpress.com the host blog for this meme to see what Mr. Etkin is reading this THIRSTday!

Water is my beverage of choice on this dry winter morning.  I can't seem to drink enough of the refreshing liquid whether I am at work, working out or at home.  I recently finished reading Harmless and was completely satisfied with this quick read. 

Summary: Three friends (Anna, Emma and Mariah) are out on a Friday night at a party.  Their parents discover that they are not at the movie they were supposed to be at.  What to do?  They tell a little harmless lie.  There was a man.  He had a knife.  He attached us down by the river.  They must stand by this story.  Even when their parents take them to the police station, even when the school has an assembly and even when the town insists that someone be punished.  

Review: The Holders

The Holders by Julianna Scott

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Becca is seventeen years old and has looked out for her younger brother for his entire ten years. She has always felt responsible for him because their father abandoned them and their mother when Ryland was 2 weeks old. Unfortunately, Ryland has issues; he hears voices in his head. Parents won't let him play with his classmates, social workers and teachers believe he needs mental help and Becca is trying to keep the family together. Then two people come from a private school in Ireland, claim they understand his “problem” and offer to train him to control it. Becca and Ryland travel to St. Brigid's and discover there is a prophecy about Ryland. They also realize that there are other Holders who are expecting great things of him.

The Holders spins supernatural powers, family trust issues and young romance into a quick read. Julianna Scott pulls Gaelic mythology and language into the modern age. Becca is tasked with discovering who she is as well as who she can trust. Why did her father leave them? What is this attraction she feels towards Alex? Is the prophecy true, and does it pertain to them? Although this was a quick and enjoyable read, most of the book is setting up for the rest of the series. I would have rather had a longer book with more story given. I wouldn't call the ending a cliffhanger, just an unsatisfactory ending. I will be looking for the next volume to be released.




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Review: Dualed

Dualed by Elsie Chapman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Be the one, be worthy. This statement is what every Alt hears when they become active and must kill their genetic Alternate. Everyone who lives in the city of Kersh must prove their worthiness to society by killing their Alternate sometime between the age of 10 and 20 years old. They are given 31 days from their date of activation to eliminate the other person. If at the end of this time period both individuals are still alive, then both will self-destruct and neither will be considered worthy.

West Grayer is fifteen years old and has lost two siblings and both parents. Her older brother has not been activated either and both are worried about being left alone. West experiences several bad choices and now that she is active and must kill her Alt, she is uncertain on whether or not she is worthy to live the life before her. Time is running out. She must die, kill or wait and self-destruct.

Dualed is a fast paced post-apocalyptic thriller that will keep the reader going for more. There is action, intrigue and even a little romance. The reader will root for this heroine, while also doubting along with her. Do you want her to die or live? Would you want to live in a world knowing that your children will need to make these same choices? Elsie Chapman weaves many philosophical and political issues into this debut novel that will open discussions with those around you.



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Review: Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story

Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story by Ally Carter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



What happens when the worlds of Ally Carter’s Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls come together in an unexpected hostage situation? Macey McHenry is a society girl, but also a spy in training; W.W. Hale V is a rich teenager who is also a master thief. Both are attending a social gathering when men wearing the masks of presidents enter the ball room and take the attendees hostage. Neither Macey nor Hale know the secret lives of the other, but now they must work together to undermine the masked men.

Double Crossed is a fast paced novella that will thoroughly captivate readers of both series. The witty banter flowed from both characters and hidden secrets put much needed tension into the story line. I was glad that Carter didn’t pull romance into the story, because it would have wasted precious pages. The ending of this novella leaves openings for addition stories with a cross over. Please!!!! Write another cross over.




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