The Opposite of Here by Tara Altebrando

Image courtesy of NetGalley.com

I received an Advanced Readers Copy 

of this title in exchange for a fair review.

The Opposite of Here 

by Tara Altebrando

The Opposite of Here is the story of Natalie.  Natalie is grieving over her boyfriend, who has recently died in a car accident.  In an effort to cheer her up, her parents take her on a cruise for her 17th birthday with three of her closest friends.

On the first night of the cruise, Natalie meets a charming young man, who mysteriously disappears.  She quickly learns that this young man is not what he appears to be.  She also suspects that her friend Nora is hiding something from her.  Is she just hyper-sensitive after Paul's death.  Or is she starting to question everyone around her?

Altebrando has created a vivid image of life on a cruise ship for a teenager.  I loved the way the story was interspersed with scripts from two-line plays; which was the girls' assignment from their film teacher.  I also appreciated all of the nods to other works of art that take place on a boat, and yes, I would include the classic Love Boat as art, don't judge!

That being said, I didn't feel that I got to know any of the characters.  I didn't relate to Natalie at all, and I found her friends to be insipid.  I think that the ending was meant as a cliffhanger, but it wasn't compelling enough to hold my interest.

I think the story was interesting and there were many plot twists, but I wasn't sold on any of the characters, and I think the ending was a let down.  I think there might be some interest among high school girls and anyone who has ever taken a cruise.  I will not likely buy it for my middle school library.  

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

Image courtesy of NetGalley.com

I have received an Advanced Readers Copy 

of this title in exchange for a fair review.

Furyborn 

by Claire Legrand

In this high fantasy novel, there are two queens - the Blood Queen and the Sun Queen.  One will unite the land and the other will destroy it.  In the first book of what will be The Empirium Trilogy, we meet the cast of characters that will lead us through the, what can only be called "epic", journey of two young women.

Told in the alternating voices of Rielle and Eliana, their stories span two times of turmoil in their kingdom.  Rielle, raised in the elite company of the King's son and his cousin, has been training for years to keep her gift a secret and under control.  Eliana, a deadly assassin, working for the evil Emperor, has talents that she is unable to explain.

Furyborn will keep you in your seat as you become acquainted with Reille, Eliana and their friends and family.  Every chapter in this tale is packed with action, adventure, danger and romance.  It is breathtaking in it's scope and lush in it's descriptions.  The character development is strong, and the writing is vivid and fast-paced.

The story of Furyborn will appeal to every fantasy lover out there.  However, I have some concerns about putting this book in a school library.  It is my opinion that the sex scenes are way too graphic for a school library - even high school!  I would blush if I ever had student check out this book - and I don't consider myself a prude.  It's not that they are having sex, it is the detailed description of the sex!  

The story is great, but I will not be buying this book for the library.