Blog Tour: Lock & Morti by Heather W. Petty {Review + Interview + Giveaway}

256 pages

Expected publication: September 15th 2015 

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Source: Edelweiss

Rating: 4/5

In modern-day London, two brilliant high school students, one Sherlock Holmes and a Miss James "Mori" Moriarty, meet. A murder will bring them together. The truth very well might drive them apart.

Before they were mortal enemies, they were much more.

FACT: Someone has been murdered in London's Regent's Park. The police have no leads.

FACT: Miss James "Mori" Moriarty and Sherlock "Lock" Holmes should be hitting the books on a school night. Instead, they are out crashing a crime scene.

FACT: Lock has challenged Mori to solve the case before he does. Challenge accepted.

FACT: Despite agreeing to Lock's one rule--they must share every clue with each other--Mori is keeping secrets.

OBSERVATION: Sometimes you can't trust the people closest to you with matters of the heart. And after this case, Mori may never trust Lock again.

Review:

A YA Sherlock Holmes story told through Moriarti's perspective. This is what dreams are made of. 

I find anything Sherlock Holmes fascinating; this book included. This story takes us way back and we get to see Sherlock and Moriarty as teenagers. I love Moriarty so I particularly enjoyed reading this character's story from the very beginning. I loved being inside her head and I'm looking forward to reading more of her development as the series moves forward. 

Sherlock's relationship with Moriarty is so complex and I really loved the way Heather Petty incorporated her own twist as to how and when they met. The case was very well done and I loved the way the ending is the perfect setup for the next novel.  

Lock & Mori is dark, mysterious, and absolutely delicious (in a non-creepy way). This first book is like a promise -- a promise of the amazing sequel to come. I can't wait. 

Interview: 

Q: I'm pretty sure everyone wants to know if you have a favorite Sherlock Holmes adaptation. So, do you? 

A: I love them all the same! But I think Jeremy Brett from the 1980s ITV series will always be *my* Sherlock. I used to watch reruns of that series with quasi-religious fervor.

Q: What kind of research did you do to come up with the case featured in your book? 

A: It was more like I came up with this idea for the case, and then did the research to make sure I got the details right. Thankfully, due to my love of all things English and mystery/crime drama, I knew more than I realized I did about English law and police procedure, which meant I didn’t have to make too many changes to my original idea because of the research. But it was fascinating to learn more about London and serial killers and then to apply all of that to the book. The best feeling of all is when you find out something through your research that reinforces what you’ve already written or fits perfectly into where you wanted to go with your narrative.

Q: Why do you think Sherlock fans should gravitate towards Lock & Mori? 

A: I hope people who love the characters in the canon enjoy my take on how they might have met and who they might have been in their early lives!

Q: Do you have a favorite scene? 

A: There’s a scene where they are out on a rental boat on the Regent’s Park lake and they get into a discussion about Mori’s feminist beliefs, and that was really, really fun to write, from beginning to end.

Q: There are a few Sherlock Holmes retellings out there. What sets yours apart? 

A: LOCK & MORI isn’t actually a retelling. It’s an origin story, which means I got to reverse engineer both Sherlock and Moriarty to their teen years and try to figure out what might have turned them into nemeses in future. But also where most derivative works focus in on Sherlock (to the point where I kind of felt like he has and will be thoroughly explored), we know a lot less about Moriarty. I really liked the idea of exploring who she is and how she came to be that person and what role Sherlock played in her early life.

Q: I'm not sure if you can talk about this yet but will the other books in the series be told through Moriarty's point of view? Or are you planning on alternating perspectives? 

A: They are all told from Moriarty’s perspective. 

Giveaway: 

Enter to win a copy of Lock & Morti, courtesy of Simon & Schuster! This giveaway is US Only.

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Review: Breakaway: Beyond the Goal by Alex Morgan

304 pages

Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Source: Edelweiss

Rating: 4/5 

Get inspired to be your best; in sports and in life; with this uplifting memoir from star soccer player and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan that includes eight pages of full-color photos as well as book jacket that doubles as a poster!

As a talented and successful female athlete, Alex Morgan is a role model to thousands of girls who want to be their best, not just in soccer, but in other sports and in life. The story of her path to success, from playing in the 2011 Women's World Cup, to winning gold in the 2012 London Olympics, to ranking as one of the National Team's top scorers, will inspire everyone who reads it. 

From her beginnings with the American Youth Soccer Organization to her key role in the 2015 Women's World Cup, Alex shares the details that made her who she is today: a fantastic role model and athlete who proudly rocks a pink headband.

Football is one of my biggest passions...which is why I was beyond shocked when I found out Alex Morgan's memoir was about to come out and I had no idea! In case you don't know, I've been following the USWNT since I was a child. Football was kind of taboo for women when I was younger so I got very attached to the women's team as a way to be like "See? Women are into sports! And they're amazing! Football is not just for boys!" 

But anyway, back to Morgan. 

Since we're roughly the same age (I'm a year older), I've seen every stage of Alex Morgan's career. I think one of the reasons I'm such a big fan is because I've been able to see her grow into the fantastic player she is today. I remember seeing her explode on the field as a sub and thinking that she was going to be huge one day. I love it when I'm right. 

In this book, Morgan takes you on a tour of her very short but thrilling life. In a way, the writing style is very chatty so you feel like you're catching up with a friend. This works really well since this book is aimed at a younger audience.  Even though I am familiar with her career, this book provides a fantastic behind-the-scenes look. Morgan also gives the reader a lot of basic but good advice. I took away a lot from this book and I felt very inspired to become a better version of myself. 

The release of this book is perfectly timed to coincide with a huge event. Starting June 6, the USWNT are competing in Canada in the hopes of winning the World Cup.  You better believe I'll be watching every minute of it. 

If you like sports or if you want to support a female athlete, pick up this book! Since Alex mentioned (in great detail) the Olympic match versus Canada, I'm going to spend all afternoon looking for that exhilarating game because: 

Enough said. 

Favorite Book Spotlight: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

359 pages

Published: February 21st 2012 

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Source: Bought

Rating: 5/5

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

This book, people. THIS BOOK. I'm a little ashamed that it took me this long to pick it up. If you've read it, great! We can be best friends. If you haven't, let me give you four reasons to go to your nearest bookstore as soon as possible (so we can be best friends)! 

1. Characters:

I loved the two boys and their families. I'm not sure why parents are absent in most YA novels but that's not the case here. Aristotle is not the most optimistic guy but Dante balances him out perfectly. They see the world in completely different ways and that alone makes their friendship really interesting and unique. Since this is a coming-of-age story, you get to read about their evolution from children to young adults and the way their relationship develops throughout the years. I loved that their parents were always there to support them and how much that support meant to Aristotle and Dante at the very end of the book. 

2. Story:

This a story takes place during a long period of time. It isn't centered around a plot, which I loved.  It evolves very organically and it captures your heart very quickly. I knew within thirty pages that this book was special. I really tried to think of something that I didn't like about it but I couldn't come up with anything. I enjoyed the entire story and the way it made me feel. Which, by the way, is sad but very hopeful at the same time. To say that I was a mess by the end is a huge understatement.  

3. The Writing:

“The summer sun was not meant for boys like me. Boys like me belonged to the rain.” 

This is my first book by Benjamin Alire Sáenz and it won't be my last. I had the urge to reread it as soon as I finished it, which hasn't happened in a long time. Some of my favorite quotes are a little spoilery so I can't share them with you but there's just something magical about the way this author puts words together.  I'm not sure how many times I had to put this book down because one sentence would make me really emotional. Aristotle is very angry and very negative but the instances he sees beauty in his world are just beautiful to read. 

4. Diversity:

There has been lots of talk about diversity lately. I've seen it all over Twitter, Tumblr, and the blogging community as a whole. This book raises a lot of questions and deals with race and sexuality. The characters are Mexican-American. The boys are young and learning about themselves. This is the perfect book to add to your TBR if you're looking for a more diverse read! 

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This post was really difficult for me to write. I'm not sure I can ever make this book sound as good as it is. Just know that the multiple awards on the cover don't lie! :)

Which one is your all-time favorite book? By the way, keep checking my blog if you're interested in this book but can't buy it right away.  I might be planning a sneaky anniversary giveaway. Just saying. 

Flash Reviews - March Edition!

 The Giver by Lois Lowry

What I liked about it: Is everything a little bit too vague? To be honest, I was a little skeptical about this one. I've been eyeing it for a long time but it wasn't until I watched the movie trailer (which, by the way, is nothing like the book) that I finally caved in and purchased the book. I am ashamed that it took me this long to get to it. The Giver is probably one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. The world, the characters, and the story itself are exquisite.

What I didn't like about it: It is so short! I wanted it to last forever. 

Similar to: I kept think of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho as I read it. They are not similar at all but they both made me step back from the text and think.  

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #1) by Lauren DeStefano

What I liked about it:  I wasn't sure what the story was about when I picked it up but I purchased it based on some reviews I read on Goodreads. I'm really happy I took a copy of this book home with me. The writing is stunning and the concept is really unique.  I really enjoyed the complexity of all of the characters and the way the story developed. 

What I didn't like about it: I'm not sure how I feel about the story itself. Everything about this novel is so disturbing but I can't stop thinking about it. I've never felt this confused after finishing a novel so I'm waiting until I read the rest of the series to figure out how I really feel about it. 

Similar to: This novel is really dark and very uncomfortable to read. It might be a little similar in tone to the Mara Dyer series but there is nothing quite like this series. 

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler (illustrated by Maira Kalman)

What I liked about it: I loved this novel so much. It is so unique and the entire book is so beautifully executed. The illustrations are stunning and add such a cool feel to the story. The writing is like nothing I've ever read before. It flows really nicely and it has a lot of character. Overall, I adored the story and the way it developed. And I read it in one sitting so that should tell you how much I really enjoyed it!

What I didn't like about it: There are way too many movie references throughout the novel. While I enjoyed them a lot, I really didn't understand them all and that bothered me. I felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle.

Similar to: If you like anything by A.S. King, you'll like this one.

Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

What I liked about it:  I really enjoyed this debut novel. I read it really quickly and it kept me interested until the very end. I loved the way the relationship between Bodee and Alexi developed. It was gradual (which is rare in YA Contemporary Fiction), thus very realistic and refreshing. The way Alexi deals with her issues is both heartbreaking and eye opening to those with similar problems. I really love the message this beautiful novel sends to teens everywhere.  

What I didn't like about it: The ending bothered me a little bit. I didn't feel like it wrapped up Alexi's story very well. I can't say much without giving it away but I do think that it lacked a little compared to the rest of the story.

Similar to: Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, and The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay.

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

What I liked about it:  This is EPIC. I don't even know where to start. The main character is such a badass and I loved her for it. The world (like in any other Julie Kagawa novel) is intricate and beautifully written. Also, do not fear! There are no glittery vampires or lovesick heroines. Kagawa makes sure that the vampires are depicted as monsters and she doesn't sugarcoat anything. Thank you for that, Julie Kagawa. 

What I didn't like about it: I loved everything, okay? EVERYTHING. I loved it so much that I can't stop using capital letters in this review. Sorry. 

Similar to: Other epic books. You know, good books. 

You can see the ratings I assigned to these books in my Goodreads page. Have you read any of these titles? Or do you have any recommendations for me? Let me know!