18. Monsters (Ashes Trilogy #3) by Ilsa J. Bick

Goodreads:
The Changed are on the move. The Spared are out of time. The End...is now.
When her parents died, Alex thought things couldn't get much worse-until the doctors found the monster in her head.
She headed into the wilderness as a good-bye, to leave everything behind. But then the end of the world happened, and Alex took the first step down a treacherous road of betrayal and terror and death.
Now, with no hope of rescue-on the brink of starvation in a winter that just won't quit-she discovers a new and horrifying truth.
The Change isn't over.
The Changed are still evolving.
And...they've had help.

My Thoughts:
Spoiler Alert!!

Ok, so after everything that everyone has gone through with the mind issues. Tom has this monster that is telling him to go find Alex, Chris keeps having daddy issues, Simon is a chuckie sweetheart. But Alex she has real issues. Lets just say she reminds me of Alice from Resident Evil.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

17. Shadows (Ashes Trilogy #2) by Ilsa J. Bick

Goodreads:
The Apocalypse does not end. The Changed will grow in numbers. The Spared may not survive.
Even before the EMPs brought down the world, Alex was on the run from the demons of her past and the monster living in her head. After the world was gone, she believed Rule could be a sanctuary for her and those she’d come to love.
But she was wrong.
Now Alex is in the fight of her life against the adults, who would use her, the survivors, who don’t trust her, and the Changed, who would eat her alive. 

My Thoughts:
Spoiler Alert!!

Loved this book even more then the first. Ok, you have Chuckies (Zombies but not really), Alex with a strong since of smell, A little girl that lost her family, a soldier that has lost his way, and a semi-chuckie that falls for a human. A crazy town that's feeding the chuckies. And everyone is trying to survive Love it!!!!! Ya, its kinda weird with the sex part, ya the chuckies having sex put its only a paragraph.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!

16. Ashes (Ashes Trilogy #1) by Ilsa J. Bick

Goodreads:
An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.
Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.
For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book, couldn't put it down. In fact this whole series was awesome! I loved the fact that this book had different stories going on at the same time about the same thing, but in different place. Its survival and its well written. You fall in love with characters.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

15. Free Four: Tobias Tells the Divergent Knife-Throwing Scene (Divergent #1.5) by Veronica Roth

Good reads:
 Veronica Roth retells a pivotalDivergent scene (chapter 13) from Tobias's point of view. This thirteen-page scene reveals unknown facts and fascinating details about Four's character, his past, his own initiation, and his thoughts about new Dauntless initiate Tris Prior.

My Thoughts:
I love short stories that take you into the mind of the other main character of the book. Plus, I liked Four. They need to do a full series on his mind set.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

14. Silver by Chris Wooding

Goodreads:
When a boy is bitten by a strange silver beetle, he becomes the first victim of a mysterious infection. But this is no ordinary virus. It turns flesh into metal, and people into machines. There is no escape. As the virus spreads, and more terrifying, bloodthirsty machines appear, the remaining survivors are losing hope. Who will turn silver next? Is help ever coming? Will any of them survive?

My Thoughts:
I don't know what to say about this book. It was ok. I just couldn't wrap my mind around a book that turns people into mechanical flesh eating killers. Ya, no zombies but if bitten by its like zombie like. I don't know you have to read it to understand it. Other then that it was well written and there were parts that made you want to keep reading.

ITS AN OK BOOK.

13. Partials (Partials Sequence #1) by Dan Wells

Goodreads:
Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. But sixteen-year-old Kira is determined to find a solution. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that that the survival of both humans and Partials rests in her attempts to answer questions about the war's origin that she never knew to ask.

My Thoughts:
Well, I was a good book it keep you wanting to read more. The story line was great. I thought the idea of humanity dying because of a chemical war that not only killed more than half the population but prevented the survivors from successfully having living children, and trying to find a cure under any circumstances was a great plot. It was well written. 

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK

12. Pro Secrets to Dramatic Digital Photos by Jim Zuckerman

Goodreads:
Jim Zuckerman, a photographer known for his vivid, surreal images, reveals a lifetime's worth of tricks and techniques for taking photos with that huge WOW factor.
His pro secrets range from the technical to the abstract, from making an impact with complementary colors to getting picture-postcard photos of scenic sites. He'll reveal which editing tools bring out a photograph's hidden assets, how to pan the camera to control the appearance of movement, and much more. Filled with compelling, colorful photographs, this eye-catching volume will inform and inspire both beginners and more experienced photographers.

My Thoughts:
I liked this book. It shows great pics and how to see the beauty in everything. But what I didn't like is that it really doesn't show technique in how to get a photo to look awesome.

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK IF YOUR NOT LOOKING FOR TECHNIQUE.

11. Digital Photographer's Handbook by Tom Ang

Goodreads:
Encompassing both digital and conventional photography and revised to include the most up-to-date cameras, computers, peripherals, and software, the Digital Photographer's Handbook encourages traditional photographers to experiment with new technology while inspiring experienced users to reach new heights. Expert photographer Tom Ang shows how to get the most out of this new technology - from improving casual snapshots to learning the secrets of lighting, composition, and digital image manipulation. The accessible yet in-depth text, stunning photography, and quick-fix features provide a practical approach to producing better photographs in a snap.

My Thoughts:
Its kind of out dated  but it still has a lot of interesting aspects of the digital age today. I tried a few the examples he gave and they worked great. I think if your a beginner photographer and you don't have one of those real expensive cameras, I think this book might work for you.

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK

10. Blood Red Road (Dust Lands Trilogy #1) by Moira Young

Goodreads:
Saba lives in Silverlake, a wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms where her family scavenge from landfills left by the long-gone Wrecker civilization. After four cloaked horsemen kidnap her beloved twin brother Lugh, she teams up with daredevil Jack and the Free Hawks, a girl gang of Revolutionaries. 

Saba learns that she is a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Saba and her new friends stage a showdown that change the course of her civilization.

My Thoughts:
Don't let the name fool ya. This book was a page turner for me. If you like The Hunger Games, or even Divergent for that matter, you will love this book. You have a hot headed girl that goes after her twin brother that is taken from her family. You even have a hot headed 9 year old who don't know how to listen trying to save her brother as well. There's action, friendships, young love, and family love. And it clearly explains why and adults should not us drugs, lol.  Did I mention that they are suppose to make a movie out of this book. If they make it right, it will be a awesome movie.

I SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

9. I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) by Pittacus Lore

Goodreads:
In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now. The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. 

The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

My Thoughts:
I liked the book way better then the movie. They shouldn't have left out so much. The book was awesome. Actually makes you want to read the next book. I could have done without the little bit of cursing in it, but other that that I really liked. 

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK

8. Arena Two (The Survival Trilogy #2) by Morgan Rice

Goodreads: 
Having just escaped from the treacherous island that was once Manhattan, Brooke, Ben, Logan, Bree and Rose make their way up the Hudson river in their stolen boat, low on fuel, low on food, and desperately needing shelter from the cold. On their tails are the slaverunners, who will stop at nothing until they capture them and bring them back.

As they make their way upriver in this post-apocalyptic, action-packed thriller, on their way to try to find the mythical city in Canada, they will need to use all their ingenuity and survival skills to stay alive. Along the way they will encounter crazed survivors, roving gangs of predators, cannibals, wild animals, a desolate wasteland, and an unstoppable blizzard. They sustain injuries, get sick, and the Hudson freezes over as they do their best to salvage what they can and avoid the slaverunners’ pursuit. They find a small island and think they have found respite—until events don’t go their way. It is not until they board a mysterious train to nowhere that they find that things can always get worse.

My Thoughts:
I Thought the book could have been better. I read the first one and it had a lot more action to it. It was a page turner. But this one was kinda of boring. It had its moments where you thought there is no way they would escape and such. And it had its are you really stupid moments (twice). I thought that Bree was very irritating. Its like when you have people chasing you don't start throwing out demands and having a fit to get your way. Towards the end of the book it started getting good, and a little sad but I did like it. Its kinda like The Hunger Games so in that sense it worked. 
I GIVE IT
I RECOMMEND IF YOU HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO READ.

7. Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan, Danae Yankoski

Goodreads: Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?

It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.

Whether you've verbalized it yet or not, we all know something's wrong.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.

Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

My Thoughts:

This book was great. It had a lot of great points when it came to the Christian life, the Church, and to my life. It made me ask myself  "Am I ready?" Are you?

I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

6. Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire #1) by Mark Lawrence

Goodreads: When he was nine, he watched as his mother and brother were killed before him. At thirteen, he led a band of bloodthirsty thugs. By fifteen, he intends to be king... 

It's time for Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath to return to the castle he turned his back on, to take what's rightfully his. Since the day he hung pinned on the thorns of a briar patch and watched Count Renar's men slaughter his mother and young brother, Jorg has been driven to vent his rage. Life and death are no more than a game to him--and he has nothing left to lose. But treachery awaits him in his father's castle. Treachery and dark magic. No matter how fierce his will, can one young man conquer enemies with power beyond his imagining?

My thoughts:
Well, this book had a lot of hate, revenge, forgiveness and its sad that its from a fifteen year old boy. Also, I don't believe that a 15 year old can do everything this kid did. It just didn't seem believable. Yes, I know that its fiction and fantasy but come on this was just ridiculous. 

 I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. 

5. Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

Goodreads: From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie...and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

My thoughts:
Omgosh!! This book was so intense that I actually read this book in about a day in a half. I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, I yelled. Man, its got everything you could want in a book. Its a bummer that the 3rd book doesn't come out till September 2014. I'm addicted to Celaena and Chaol.

 This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! 

4. Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas

  

Goodreads: After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. 

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. 

My thought:
Ok, this book is a MUST READ! I haven't read a book this good in a while. Its got a lot of different things going on it that it will keep your attention. I don't want to say to much cause I don't want to ruin it. But it is an awesome book. 

Ya, this is a RECOMMENDED READ! Then wait for the next book that will blow you away.

3. The Shadow Throne (The Ascendance Trilogy, #3) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

GoodReads: War has come to Carthya. It knocks at every door and window in the land. And when Jaron learns that King Vargan of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen in a plot to bring Carthya to its knees, Jaron knows it is up to him to embark on a daring rescue mission. But everything that can go wrong does.

His friends are flung far and wide across Carthya and its neighbouring lands. In a last-ditch effort to stave off what looks to be a devastating loss for the kingdom, Jaron undertakes what may be his last journey to save everything and everyone he loves. But even with his lightning-quick wit, Jaron cannot forestall the terrible danger that descends on him and his country. Along the way, will he lose what matters most? And in the end, who will sit on Carthya's throne?

My thoughts:
What a way to end a series!!! This book was so good I read until about 3am just to finish it. There's twists and turns that you wouldn't even think could happen.

 I really RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

2. The Runaway King (The Ascendance Trilogy, #2) Author Jennifer Nielsen

Goodreads: A kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Find out in the highly anticipated sequel to Jennifer A. Nielsen's blockbuster THE FALSE PRINCE!

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?

The stunning second installment of The Ascendance Trilogy takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of treason and murder, thrills and peril, as they journey with the Runaway King!

My thoughts: 
This an even better book then the first one. I mean Sage takes his place as King then has to leave to protect his kingdom. There is a lot more humor in this book, love, murder I mean what more can you ask for in a book.

 I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

1. The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1) Author Jennifer Nielson

 GOODREADS: 

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

My Thoughts:

I thought this book was pretty good start to a series. It was a fun read. It had a lot of action, humor I loved it. It gets better as you read the series.

I do RECOMMEND this book to other readers.