Review: Adrenaline Crush by Laurie Boyle Crompton

Title: Adrenaline Crush
Author: Laurie Boyle Crompton
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Expected publication: September 23rd 2014 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
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Adrenaline Crush definitely lives up to its name. This is the story of Dyna, an adrenaline junkie that used to live life to its fullest until she gets horribly hurt in an climbing accident in the woods. That plot alone makes me like Dyna, and accordingly I knew I would like the book but it turned out to be better than I expected.

I liked that the story developed fast, it was very quick and easy to read. Before I knew it I was engrossed and have flown past the 50% mark. I wasn't sure at first about the love triangle, because you know I passionately hate love triangles but this time it was so easy to figure out that the outcome would be the best for all of them that I didn't get upset about the one left alone.

I liked Dyna. I liked that she was wild but also that she learned that it's normal to be afraid. I understood her feelings completely because when you do love something so much it's normal to be a little paranoid if anything ever happens that might take it away but she realized that the risks are always there and you have to live with them. So I liked the big moral of the story although I didn't completely agree with everything that went through and this situation that happened that I won't spoil but it's something I can't stand it's the thing that made me bump it down a star.

But I love the super cool cover with the girl jumping, that easily captures Dyna's spirit. And I loved the therapy group and the crazy characters on it! Ulysses butterflies forever!

Review: Rites Of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

Title: Rites Of Passage
Author: Joy N. Hensley
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Expected publication: September 9th 2014 by Harper Teen
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I was absolutely thrilled to be reading Rites of Passage. A story about a girl in a previously all-boys military academy? Hmm yes, I'd take it.

I always knew life in a military academy would not be an easy feat but man, did Ms. Hensley crafted it to perfection! It was almost as if I was living the hell alongside this girl and the rest of the newcomer boys. I am amazed at the amount of discipline all these young adults have and I have gained a whole new respect for the people who train all their lives to defend freedom.

And not only that but the autor definitely added a new dimension to the story by making some of the kids "military brats" or children of military parents. Their combination of pride and despair, the constant worry, wanting to belong and wanting to reach their parents expectations, it was all heartwarming and wonderful. My heart seriously ached for all these kids that live and breathe patriotism. I thought it was a marvelous job, making all those sentiments come across.

And then there was Sam, our protagonist. Sam whose mental and physical strength is inspirational. You better bet I literally cheer her on in her hellish way. My imaginary hat is off for you, Sam. And all your recruit buddies with a big heart, and most of all, your amazing Drill Sergeant, who stood up for anyone who deserved it and was fair and kindhearted, just what the military needs from its people.

My only complain, if I have one, is that at times it seemed a bit confusing. I don't know if it had to do with my complete lack of military knowledge but sometimes I just didn't understand a lot of the actions or even the rules. And I certainly was ticked off by the sort of abrupt ending, but I am hoping that is because a sequel is in the works. I would really like that.

All I can say is that it was an amazing story and very hard to put down. It totally immerses you into a life of dedication and discipline, and not only that but it provides nail-bitting action and a swoony, star-crossed romance that unfortunately left me high and dry. ): I WANT MY SEQUEL, PRETTY PLEASE?