Vesper

7.8/10 stars

Vesper is quite the interesting novel. At first I was not grabbed by the story, but as it progressed, I became intrigued. The story centers around a girl named Emily Webb, a girl who has never done anything bad in her entire life; yet, the first night she acts out of character, another girl is killed, a girl who is also named Emily. The Emily who is still alive begins to wonder what is happening, as do the readers. Why is she suddenly different? Why are more people ending up dead? Most of all: is she even human anymore?

Though I did enjoy this novel, it was not my absolute favorite. The mystery is kept going quite well though, with a few unexpected turns. Amidst all of the predictable teen mysteries nowadays, this was a nice relief.

So, though this book was not my favorite, it is worth picking up if you want semi-sci-fi mystery love story. 

The Mockingbirds

8.5/10 stars!

The Mockingbirds is an amazing story of finding life after a horrible act. Alex, a junior at Themis Academy is date-raped, and the story is about what happens after. A secret group at the school, called the Mockingbirds helps her: a group that fights for justice, something that the “perfect” school refuses to do. With references to To Kill a Mockingbird, and good writing, The Mockingbirds is not your typical High School Story. It’s so much more: so much deeper, so much more realistic. If you like Speak, or other books like that, you will love The Mockingbirds.

To go into more depth, one could say that The Mockingbirds is pure inspiration to anyone who has gone through a troubled time in his or her life. Even if one was not raped, he or she could have experienced all sorts of things that he or she felt unsure and confused about. They might have felt as though whatever happened was their fault, even if it was not at all.

I did receive this book as an ARC, but it is now out in stores! (I ought to get on my plan to review more often...)

You should go and purchase it! It is a wonderful story, with a beautiful and hopeful message.