~The Geneva Project: Lies by Christina Benjamin~

                Happy Friday readers!  Today I'd like to take a moment to announce the winner of the last giveaway: Bogdana.  Congratulations!  Next I'd like to share my thoughts and feels on The Geneva Project:  Lies by Christina Benjamin the third book in the series.  Also I should note this is not the last book in the trilogy as I initially thought, right up until the end that left me in shock as I had it in my head this was only a trilogy.  Probably that there are so many series that are in the form of trilogies.  Anyhow not the end.  There will be spoilers for the first two books in the series I've already reviewed, Truth and Secrets, and an interview I did with one of my favorite characters, Sparrow here.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                Lies takes place just where we left off and it is true to the title.  There are an abundance of lies being told throughout the story.  Geneva and our gang try to sneak back into the orphanage to try and locate the other two pillars but things don’t go as planned.  They are caught as soon as they step inside and treated to a non to pleasant welcome.  The orphanage is no an Academy for all students orphans and Luxors to attend and learn funded by the new headmaster, Malakai aka also secret leader of the Ravinori, things are not as they remember.  The place is now clean and full of the finer things in life but the dangers inside are more real than ever. 

                We get to meet new characters and connect with old ones as well.  Loyalties are tested and new bonds are forged.  New mysteries are revealed and new schemes are put in place.  There is a constant black out of information as everyone is lying left and right for one reason or another be it justified or not.  The two biggest players in the lying game are Geneva and Jemma, though more Jemma since they all start with her.  The lies start to pile up quickly.  I did get a bit frustrated with them and how she was allowing herself to keep them when every instinct told her to be honest.  I think mostly because of Jemma, I don’t care any reasons why she should be given a chance or a benefit of the doubt since book one she has been nothing but a total bitch.  She has undermined the group and the mission at every turn with any way to put herself ahead.  She is selfish and I wouldn’t have taken her on the mission to begin with.  Jemma is a real piece of work and my opinion of her only plummets from in Lies.

                Geneva is stuck in a hard spot.  I didn’t understand this as much because of my personality, I’d rather watch the world burn than give someone the satisfaction of hurting me when I could flip things on them by telling the truth consequences be damned.  I’m a bit stubborn in that way.  Still I could see how Geneva struggled with it.   I also liked getting to know Kia even though I hated that as she got to know him, for the cause, it was hurting Nova.  Nova I still adore him and his hot temper.  It’s hard to get to know people and get them on your side when you have to be careful who you tell the truth too.  Plus all the tricks and trials they face all designed to confirm what the baddies already know and figure out a way to use her further. 

                I really liked this story and I look forward to learning what happens next even more since I was shocked with the ending.  I was convinced somehow that this was a trilogy and I was getting anxious as the pages dwindled and we were getting more and more into something and trying to figure out how it could be resolved in so few pages but then I find it isn’t over and many things are not resolved.  I NEED answers and I’m intrigued to see where things go from here.  As for why this book went down just a touch in rating for me is just a personal pet peeve of mine.  When lies play a big part of the story (hence the title) there is only so many times you can promise no more lies and follow it up with a lie before I hold it against you.  No matter the reason after you swear it you don’t break it, definitely not more than once.  Plus I wanted a certain someone to get maimed the whole story and I got no karma or retribution there, but I hope it will come in the next book.  Still I highly enjoyed the book and look forward to continuing on in the series. 

                Feed my happy feels and tell me your thoughts below.  What would make you tell a lie to those you love?  How many chances would you give someone who has wrong you time and time again?  I’d love to know. 

                Until next time…

The Geneva Project: Secrets

                It's Friday!  So that means it's time for another review here at Functioning Insanity Reviews.  Last week I reviewed The Geneva Project: Truth by Christina Benjamin here, the first book in the series, and today I'll be reviewing book two Secrets.  You know the drill this is book two so it will contain some spoilers for book one, sorry, but if you haven't read it yet go do so and come right back.  You have been warned. 

Rating:  5 Stars

                Secrets picks up where Truth ended.  Pretty much that same moment, we go right back into it not skipping a beat. Tippy now knows she is Geneva, the Eva, the one meant to lead the Beto people and all on the island back to a peaceful way of life.  The Book of Secrets gave her more than she bargained for with the whole destiny and a sister she never would have asked for.  Still this is not the end she has many more secrets to uncover, some dark and mysterious.  Geneva must decide who she can trust with her secrets and which she must keep to herself. 

                When we left Tippy, aka Geneva, in Truth she just found out her destiny and oh yeah Jemma, her enemy is now her older sister.  Shock set in now.  It's overwhelming to learn  all of this.  Add to that she had just put an end to an evil hunting them and she needed a moment.  Things quickly get into gear as the gang joins with the Beto people in the forest, constantly on the move to keep themselves safe.  My thoughts and theories about a couple things were in fact true, I'm that good.  Though I admit it happened in a different way than expected.  In Secrets we get to meet so many new characters while still learning new things about the ones we already love.  My favorite new addition was Jovi.  We found out more about the legends and history of the island.  This is important if they wish to change the past and not let history repeat itself.  

How I imagine the expanse of forest on the island, lots of places to still discover!

                Along with tons of character development and growth, because Eva has some serious stuff to cope with.  Sure she doesn't always make the sound decisions but she's young and she's overwhelmed and I had a hard time being upset about any mistakes or decisions she made based on flawed logic because of that.  I loved being in her head and seeing just what she was going through and how she came to her decisions.  Even when things are not explained to her fully or she is lied to and betrayed she still finds it in her heart to do what is best for everyone and not take a vindictive stance.  That shows me she is a good leader.  She has her moments and she may do some things against her personal desires and get a touch of payback in there but she at least feels bad after.  Heads up I didn't feel bad at all.  I'm not even going to try and describe the tension of all types between all the characters, lots of emotions and feels happening there.  I think it was best to experience it first hand so I don't want you to be expecting anything and ruin that ah ha moment.  I'll just say wow...some stuff is going down.  High drama levels done right.

                 Secrets also focuses on their mission.  They need to find the four pillars.   Eva believes that the best place they will be is back at the orphanage they escaped from.  They have to go back.  No one is excited at the prospect of course but it's a necessary evil they must work towards with the best plan possible.  The road is dangerous, more so as in this book we find out more of the other side, the evil group that are seeking out Eva and the pillars for a completely opposite reason than peace and unity. Seeing things happen from both angles and knowing how more than the other characters made it all the more intense.    

                There is so much happening in the book. Things never stop moving.  The continued world building is astounding and completely natural as they learn about the legends and at the same time it blends so easily into the characters stories it's perfect.  I really enjoyed this book and I'm beyond excited for book three: Lies to come out next month.  Which leads me into my next bit of news, to celebrate the release of Lies I had the pleasure of doing a character interview of Sparrow.  It was so much fun to put together with the author and I can't wait to share it with you all.  I'll be posting that on September 2nd so make sure to check back then for more.  Until then check back for more fun posts and reviews.  Share your thoughts and feels in the comments below they fill my heart :) 

The Geneva Project: Truth by Christina Benjamin

                Welcome back to Wednesday fun!  Review time.  Today I’m going to discuss a book I got while at UtopYA back in June.  I’m starting to catch up with some of the amply amount of books I came away with.  Seriously, more than a carryon suitcase can hold.  That and a huge tote bag full and some.  Yep lots of books!  Plus even more I got on my kindle while there or added to my wish list.  Anywho I’m starting to get into them and add them into my current TBR lists.  Today that book is The Geneva Project: Truth by Christina Benjamin, the first book in The Geneva Project series.

                Briefly Truth centers on an island that was devastated by the flood several years ago that left many orphans.  The orphans are trapped at the center and put to work scouring the islands flood zones recovering precious stones and things of value for the wealthy citizens of the still prosperous city Lux.  Orphans have no individual names only numbers affixed to John or Jane.  Truth focuses on Jane 65, she is different, the youngest orphan in the center found as only a baby. Her life is rather dull until one day she meets a John from the older year.  He handles himself differently and…he knows his name.  This sets her down a road that spirals her dull life into something completely different as she searches for answers to who she is, the legends of the island, and the magic within some of the orphans.  However, on this quest to self-discovery 65 and her new friends must navigate the new information and who to trust while keeping it a secret from the evil head mistress of the orphanage.

Rating: 5 Stars

                I was intrigued by this book from the start.  I looked up some of the authors for UtopYA beforehand hoping to get an idea of some of the books and to do some pre-orders to keep my budget in check.  Without a budget you could get in serious trouble at a book event.  Truth and the sequel Secrets were on my pre-order list.  The covers called to me, simple and mysterious, and the description or blurb I read for them made me want to know more.  When I went to pick up my books Christina had them all put together in a nifty bag and everything all ready to go including items for photo ops!  We took pictures and discussed her books for a nice little bit and it only made me want to read it more.  If you ever have the chance to hear an author gush about their books I highly suggest it.  Her enthusiasm and friendliness were contagious especially to someone like myself who was still feeling a bit shy at the beginning. 

                This book did not disappoint me.  The world building was done in a way that you don’t really notice it.  The world just comes to life around the characters.  You get to know the world along with Jane 65, ‘Tippy’, and the story unfolds.  The island seems massive with the glamourous city of Lux, the orphanage, the flood work zones, and the vast forest that scares people away, and who knows what else could be on the island we haven’t yet discovered.  Still it had the overall feel of an island like you see on movies or if you luck on vacation.  Also placing the story on an island lends to the seclusion of it all.  Isolated and no real ability to ‘run’ if one wanted as there is a limit to how far you can go.

                Everyone has numbers and not names.  That is a hard idea.  To be regulated as a number, not good enough for a name.  This book handled the idea of self-identity very well.  Some remember their names but you are unable to use it in public, others knowing is a luxury, a privilege almost.  Then you have 65 who is unable to remember anything being as she was too young to have any memories.  She has no idea who she was, she only has a number and no name to hold onto.  She gets a nick name, Tippy, which I find myself always wanting to use instead of something as impersonal as a number.   It’s easy to follow Tippy and root for her.  She is easily likeable.  She is a year younger than the rest she is housed with but always fits to be just as fast and smart as them.  Even more so as the powers come into play.

Telepathy could be very useful...also save $ on cell phone :) 

                Speaking of powers.  I liked that how different they were and how they came about.  Taking time to learn to use them and improve upon them.  There were so many different ones happening but I think one of my favorites was hearing and talking to the animals.  It was only touched upon but that just struck a cord with me. 

                While the powers of some of the characters are pretty spectacular and fit quite nicely with each of them I would love them without them as well.  Which means they are done well.  First I must say this.  I heart Niv!  I gushed over Niv.  Aside from Niv we have Nova, the boy who started it all but telling Tippy he knew his name.  He is friendly and sweet from the start, a year older but always treating Tippy the same as everyone else.  Tippy's best and only friend in the beginning is Remi.  They are the quite duo.  They both kind of keep to themselves and only talk to one another not having lots of friends.  Peas in a pod.  I have some theories about him and his character arc to come.  Then we have two who seem like opposites but are like family, Journey and Sparrow.  Even mean girl Jemma has some depth to her you want to learn more about. 

                I think the story was well paced and kept you wondering what is happening next.  You wanted to go on the journey and find the truth with the gang.  It went by quickly and I didn't want to put it down.  Everything flowed neatly into the next.  My only problem, and I am leery of even calling it that, was that I had with the age of the characters.  They are only thirteen, making Tippy twelve.  It just seemed a bit young for some things.  Maybe I'm dating myself but that may just be that when I was twelve boys were still kind of icky haha and I don't think my thoughts were that deep.  At least not on a regular basis.  I know things have changed in the recent years but mentally I kept aging the kids a few years.  It didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all, like I said my mind just mentally aged them almost without me noticing.  It wasn’t until the age is stated again that I’d pause for a moment like I just realized that. 

                I'm going to be starting the sequel tomorrow, or today depending on what time I wake up, and I look forward to continuing the series and finding out what secrets are waiting to be uncovered.  I look forward to sharing thoughts on it soon.  Also as an added bonus the third book in the series, Lies is set to come out on September 1st!  Which means a super short wait which is always a plus.  Share with me below your thoughts and feels on the book.  If you could have any of their powers which would you choose?  Or pick your own.  Comments fill my heart  with happiness J  Until next time.

We Were Liars

                Welcome back to another review.  Today we have We Were Liars by E. Lockhart.  I bought this book because I was hearing about this book everywhere.  It was on a ton of lists and booktube, everywhere I look at book news it was there.  So clearly I wanted to be in the know.  I figured it was a stand-alone I could read and be caught up with everyone.  It’s a short book and I read it in an afternoon.

                The basic story is that of a distinguished family who owns a private island.  It centers on a group of friends, known as the Liars, and their friendship full of lies and secrets and eventually the truth.  This is going to be a very short review because you can’t say much without giving it away and it’s best feature is it’s quick suspense.

               

                Following the Liars, Cadence, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat around the island and seeing into the lives of the private island owning.  The style of writing was different from what I was used to but I easily fell into the rhythm.  Our narrator, Cadence, talks about the importance of the Liars and their connection as a group during their time, when they are all there, how close they are but sometimes it didn’t come across.  And I would have liked a bit more development on some of the Liars as a whole but given how short it is I can easily forgive that.

                Overall I give it 4 stars.  It was an interesting story and it kept me reading until the surprising end.  It’s a story you don’t necessarily see coming.  Following rich families around and how they interact and how it affects the children.  I do feel this book was a bit overhyped.  Again I enjoyed it and don’t regret reading it by any means, 4 stars remember, but I think the level of hype I heard for it had me expecting something a bit…more.  I do recommend this as a short read but I warn that you ignore the hype and just go in expecting a semi-dark and suspenseful story and go from there. 

                Also side note I have to point out on the description of the book it says:

Read it.

And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

                Okay that I do love.  Because first, don’t spoil the book for people.  And it fits with the story itself, with the Liars.  Anywho that is it for today’s review.  I should have another one up in the next day or two.  I’m trying to post regularly again, look for my review of the Legend series Monday.  

A little chill in the heat of summer: Frostbitten by Heather Beck

                Happy Friday everyone!  I was contacted a few weeks back about a new series, one I had not heard of at the time, and provided a copy for an honest review.  Frostbitten by Heather Beck is this book.  I was able to dive right into it and really enjoyed it, and planned to get this up a bit sooner but had baby showers and cakes to do and got a bit off track.  See they are not the best but I’m only just starting to work on decorating skills, not a fan of fondant (at this moment it’s almost as evil as chickens towards me).  But now that things have calmed down and I can collect my thoughts I am so happy to share my thoughts of this book with you all.

                The story of Frostbitten is one of great beauty hiding dark secrets.  Our main character, Anastasia Lockhart, is a 17 year old who has been sent to live with her grandparents in a small town of Cedar Falls where her mother grew up and has never returned to.  Not much has changed over the years accept she meets a mysterious, and of course handsome boy named Frost.  She’s warned away from him by everyone including her family but she can’t deny the attraction and the way she feels around him.  She is trying to start over and not be the disorderly girl who was getting into trouble and spiraling downward.  That alone sounded like good meat for a story, boy and girl told to stay away, but Frost also has a secret and one that is far past all of her wildest imaginations.  She finds herself in the middle of a supernatural legend and one that has been part of the towns’ history for years. 

Amazon

                Let me first say the cover itself drew me in.  A beautiful girl in a pretty flowy dress in a snow covered forest with a beautiful white wolf.  Keep in mind I’m in South Georgia and it’s in the high 90’s to the low 100’s here this time of year before humidity and I haven’t seen snow in about 18 years.  I live vicariously through my characters that get to experience not just the story and feels but cooler climates.  Plus I love wolves, so majestic, graceful, and simply beautiful; so points for that.  It is one that gives you enough hints and ideas about the story to be useful but not give anything away.

                I was pretty quick to get into the story and become invested in the characters.  Anastasia is a girl who is deal with some issues and trying to fit in and start over but is having trouble letting go and it is made harder by her peers. It's easy to see the conundrum she's in and you want to know what's happening to her during it.  Frost, yes his name is a bit different but I dig it and after I learned how he got his name, yes there's a reason other than being memorable, it made it even better.  He is both shy and confident and he has his own secrets he's dealing with but also trying to make the most of what he’s been dealt. 

Not related but I mentioned
my baking/decorating attempts
so these were the results.

                One thing with many books in this genre that seems to put some people off is the romance or connection between characters coming too quickly and seeming unfounded or rushed.  While Anastasia and Frost have a connection it was built up more solidly than many I see.  Who isn't going to be interested in a handsome boy who she's told to stay away from?  They meet quickly and have a connection but builds easily from there at a pace I found enjoyable.  There are more relationships in the series as well with family, friends, and members of the small town.  There is a small town vibe where everyone knows everything about you and your family and pretty much have their mind made up about you before they meet you.  Been there, done that, so it rang true.  Oh and I have to mention Chloe, a childhood friend, who picks up like old times.  People change over time and sometimes we lose our friendships but sometimes, those ones we forge live on forever even through time and distance and Chloe could easily be one of my close friends. 

                Well if it hasn’t been clear I really enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read the next one.  Yes more waiting, but it leaves you at a point where there is clearly more story to tell and I can’t wait.  So tell me what you think?  Have you read it?  Do you want to read it?  Share your thoughts below please I want to know what you have to say.  Also, a big thank you again to this sweet and funny author, Heather Beck, who brought this book to my attention.