Sunday, June 7, 2015

Book Review: Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

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Published by: Harper Teen on March 9th 2010
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Mystery, Fiction
Pages: 432
Format: Paperback

Book Blurb:
Taylor Markham was eleven when her mother abandoned her on the Jellicoe Road. At seventeen, she finds herself in a similar situation when her guardian Hannah, who found her on the Jellicoe Road, suddenly disappeared. Taylor's only clue is a manuscript about five kids that lived in Jellicoe eighteen years ago. As if leading the boarders of Jellicoe School isn't already stressful, she is now forced to face her past. Taylor untangles her problems one by one, leaving her with more questions about her recurring dream of a boy in a tree and surprisingly, the intimidating Cadet leader Jonah Griggs.


Trigger warnings for Jellicoe Road: abandonment, teenage sex, drugs

Jellicoe Road holds a lot of depth.

I heard a lot about Jellicoe Road through readers that I met on the internet as well as my favorite booktubers. It struck me as interesting, and I find myself checking out at a local bookstore’s cashier with Jellicoe Road on my basket of books.

Confusion was the first thing that I had to conquer as soon as I read the few pages of the book. I’ve never read anything in its genre and I felt as if it’s written in a very cryptic way. I didn't know whose perspective I'm reading, and it skips from one story to another. I didn’t think I was ready to read it so I placed it back on my shelf and let it stay there for months. But last week, as I was re-arranging my book shelf, I stumbled upon it again as if it’s calling me to read it. At that time, I wasn’t really reading anything so I thought I should give it another try. Though my feelings about Jellicoe Road remained conflicted, I read it continuously. I immersed myself in the book without pressuring myself to finish it quickly. I took my time to understand and absorb everything. And right now, it was one of the best decisions I made.

Amazed. This was what I felt after finishing Jellicoe Road. I couldn’t believe what I just read. It wasn’t extraordinary in a “Wow!” or “Oh my God” way, but the book tells you the story in a way that it would end up leaving a mark in your heart. I admire how Melina Marchetta weaved the story of the past and the present. Again, I must reiterate that reading the first several pages of the book might be confusing. It talks about townies and cadets, territorial wars─ all in a boarding school setting. Not sure if reading the excerpt at the back of the book will help, but I suggest you read it blindly. It’s the best experience.

This book made me feel all kinds of emotion. Not just happy and sad, but also frustrated, annoyed, angry, heartbroken and more. For someone who does not easily break or cry, I may have shed more than a bucket of tears for this one. Jellicoe Road is a beautifully crafted novel that you should not pass on.

The character developments also played a huge role in this one. All of the characters share similar issues, they are neglected teens. So naturally as a reader, I was looking forward to their backstory. What made their characters turn out this way? What should I look forward to? Will the character be the same throughout the novel? Because Jellicoe Road is full of twist and turns, each character’s journey was so meaningful and real.

Another warning that I should address is the fact that I am deeply in love with this book, but I do not think everyone will enjoy it. For someone to appreciate this book at the utmost level, one should be fully immersed in it. No other distractions while reading Jellicoe Road. As I’ve mentioned earlier, it can feel cryptic at times. It was written lyrically and the plot can be a bit heavy to handle. If you are up to that, then this book is for you.

To end this review, I must say that Jellicoe Road is very much deserving of its Printz Award. It is a rollercoaster ride that I never thought I would take, but gladly did. I will certainly keep in mind to recommend it to those who are open for discussions about it.


I would give this a hundred stars if I could.


Melina Marchetta was born in Sydney Australia. She gained a lot of recognition from her first novel, Looking for Alibrandi, which was made into a major Australian film in the year 2000. It won th Australian Film Institute Award for Best Film and Best Screenplay which Marchetta also wrote. She continued releasing hit novels such as Saving Francesca, On the Jellicoe Road, Finnikin of the Rock, The Piper's Son, and Froi of the Exiles. 

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Book Blitz: Implanted by Heather Letto

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Implanted by Heather Letto 
(Ascension #2) 
Publication date: June 2015
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult
Book Blurb
After a narrow escape from the city of Impervious, Fran’s heart aches for the ones she left behind. Will her brother ever connect the dots? And, what about Pete? Could he, along with the remaining Rebels, have survived the Council’s violent oppression?
As Fran ponders the fate of her friends, an even more disturbing revelation drops into her world—the knowledge that she, along with anyone who had lived underground remains implanted with the sinister presence of the Council. A fate rendering her powerless to save.
Yet one with pure blood, untouched by the Council’s defiling, lives among them. Could he be the new lifeline of hope? Is salvation of the city worth risking the life of this one-and-only?

Sequel to





I’m a book-writing, selfie-taking, latte-drinking, social media gal. I’m living a good life on the road as a full-fledged Bedouin (Well, except, my tent is actually a fully-equipped RV.) Me and my partner-in-crime (Benj) tend to hunker down wherever the skies are clear and the temps stay in the 70’s. We call ourselves Gypsy Nerds because we aimlessly wander the U.S. with glasses perched upon our noses and faces jammed into computer screens (for the first half the day... The second half of the day is typically devoted to playing because we’re also somewhat immature.)


Like most authors, the characters I create are my extended family.  And like most readers, when the story ends, I get a little sad. In real life, I have two handsome, hardworking, grown-up boys who know how to make their Mama proud! *Waves to Joey and Mike!*


The Ascension Series is my debut into the world of YA fiction. 


I’m living what I love and loving what I live! 


Hey there! Thank you, so much, for including me on your blog today and getting the word out about IMPLANTED, the second book in The Ascension Series!

1.) Tell us about your journey so far in this series.
Well, let’s see. Like many authors, this series began when a “what if…?” idea sparked in my head, followed immediately by fast finger action (on the keyboard). After that, came the season of endless hair-pulling with a lengthy detour (changing of publishers and discernment of direction.) Finally, after rounding up of the troops (aka, perfect editors and amazing cover designer), I marched forward. Impervious re-released in the spring and now *taking large breath and chest puffing with pride* I can finally move into the “guts” of the story that began with IMPERVIOUS.

2.) Guts of the story? How so?
Let’s just say, IMPERVIOUS was the loading of the weapon… IMPLANTED is the pulling of the trigger. (The final book will be the shot heard ‘round the world.)

3.) Ah-ha! So this is a trilogy!
Yes. But I let’s not get ahead of the curve. I’m going to keep the final installment a bit of a mystery for you. What I can say about IMPLANTED is that it will answer some questions that lingered with the reader after IMPERVIOUS… yet it might stir up a few more.

4.) Wow! Can’t wait… So, tell us a little more about the author. We’ve also head that you are a gypsy-nerd. What does that mean, exactly?
LOL! It means my life is in a constant state of flux! My husband and I have dedicated this season of our lives to meandering about the U.S. He’s a software nerd. I’m a book nerd. And for the past ten months, we’ve been traveling about the contiguous United States in a one-ton dually (um, nerd-speak for big pick-up truck) towing a very bougie trailer… glamping (aka glamour camping). We spent most of the winter checking out the corners and crevices of sunny Florida and right now, as we speak, we’re hunkered down in Hungry Horse, Montana! (Glacier Park). I guess, much like my character, Fran, you could say I like to think of myself “off the grid.” (However, I try to maintain good WIFI and cable TV… and, I’m Accountable.)

5.) Lastly, two quick personals…
  • Do you work in your jammies?

LOL! Well, typically it’s more like shorts and a tank. But, every now and then, I suppose I’ve been known to keep the jammies on for the better part of the morning.
  • Favorite munchies while you work?

Blueberries! Fresh, plump and juicy! (and coffee… always coffee at my right hand.)

with Fran

INTERVIEWER: “Hey Fran! Good to see you again!”
FRAN: “Hi.”  Fran smiles.
INTERVIEWER: “Last time we spoke, you were kind of in a strange season in life.
FRAN: “Mm hm.” Fran runs her fingers through a spring of curls. “I believe that was back when I was a Rebel.”
INTERVIEWER: “Right. Rebel.” I cock a brow. “So no more Rebel-Fran?”
FRAN: Fran snorts. “Well, I suppose I’ll always be just a bit rebellious. But, no. Not an official Rebel.”
INTERVIEWER: I nod in agreement. “And how do you like living outdoors?”
FRAN: “In the Open Air?” She corrects me. “Love it. It’s great. I just wish everyone else could be there with me.”
INTERVIEWER: I crack a coy smile. “Like Pete, maybe?”
FRAN: Fran lets out a long sigh and I’m unsure if I’ve crossed our line of friendship.“Pete,” she whispers.
INTERVIEWER: “I’m sorry,” I quickly respond. “That’s a painful subject. How about if we talk about your mom instead?”
FRAN: Fran throws her head back and releases a hearty guffaw. “Mom.”  She shakes her head. “I really love Mom.” She looks at me and I see a hint of the old Fran sparkle from her eye.
“She just, such a….”
INTERVIEWER“Mom?” I add.
FRAN: “Exactly.” Fran agrees. “And, really. The best Mom ever, by the way.”
INTERVIEWER: “I know.” I agree. “I have one of those too.” 

Implanted by Heather Letto, Book 2 in the Ascension Series

Suddenly, another bellow filled the air, causing tiny bumps to rise on Ret’s forearms. He dumped the bowl and swiped an extra rock from the dirt, tossed it into his pouch and took off in the direction of Sophie’s wails.
As he raced along the river’s edge, Sophie launched another battle cry. If she was this upset, her cubs must be in danger. Ret broke into a full run, loading his sling as he followed the sound.
But when he reached the clearing, the cubs appeared safe, wrestling and rolling in the meadow as usual. Sophie, on the other hand, stood on her hind legs, knee deep in the river, with the rapids splashing up high on her furry form. Her cry of distress continued and Ret wondered if she’d been injured.
He slowed to a walk as he approached, clucking his tongue in a soothing manner. What had always worked in the past, however, didn’t seem to faze the mother bear. Once near enough, Ret assessed her from head to toe. No obvious wounds. She stood upright and strong, and bellowed again, filling the air with thick vibrations.
Ret’s gaze whipped along the raging river and a swatch of color caught his eye. Had someone fallen into the rapids? Ret knew the villagers opted not to enter the river this time of year claiming his sport of rapid riding to be a bit extreme. Yet, his gut—and Sophie—told him something wasn’t right.
He scanned the shoreline with Sophie’s desperate cries as a backdrop. On a nearby river rock, Ret saw a torn cloth clinging to the rock’s edge. His eyes darted from one rock to another while searching the foamy islands.
He saw her hand first. Laying casually on top of a boulder as if she’d simply stopped for a rest while swimming. Her body, wedged between the boulder and mass of sharp stones, lifted and dipped as the water passed over and under her form.
Like the rushing of the water before him, adrenaline cut through Ret’s veins. He thrust himself, waist deep, into the freezing water. Before he could even wonder what had brought Wolf into these dangerous rapids, the current yanked at his body. He carved a trail to the high boulder, the roar of the river drowning out Sophie’s wails.
The torrent labored to hamper his progress, but Ret pushed back. Would the ferocious waters dislodge Wolf, sending her downriver before he could reach her? His mind reeled with calculations—percentage of submerged mass in relation to the speed of the current—as if he could determine the number of remaining moments before she launched. She bobbed on the water’s surface, and Ret swallowed back lumpy fear. He reached out and lunged, catching her around the waist. Relief lasted a short moment, as Ret rolled her over to face the sky.
Her skin was ashen grey.
Ret looked back at the shore. Could he maneuver her back in time? He couldn’t risk losing a precious second. Instead, he hefted her limp body fully onto the boulder that had served as her temporary refuge. After crawling to her side, he placed a finger on her carotid artery, and a wave of relief exploded through him. He felt a feathery pulse—but she wasn’t breathing.
With a supportive hand beneath her skull, he pulled down on her chin, rolled her head back, and opened her mouth. Without hesitation, he performed as he had been taught. He covered her lips with his own, pinched her nose and sent a strong breath into her lungs. He watched her chest. No movement. He repeated the process.
No rise. No fall. He pinched off her nose, covered her mouth with his own and released another breath before sitting back on his heels.
 “Come on, Rebel. Breathe!”

Last but not the least a . . .