The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Campbell Cooper has never been in love. And if the doctors are right, she'll never have the chance. So when she's told she needs a miracle, her family moves 1,500 miles north to Promise, Maine--a place where amazing, unexplainable events are said to occur--like it or not. And when a mysterious envelope arrives, containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies, she finally learns to believe--in love, in herself, and maybe even in miracles, as improbable as they may seem.

Oh my goodness, this book. I finished it yesterday, and I am so sad that it's over, I actually do not know what to do with my time. This book was amazing. There is no other word to describe it. It is simply wonderful. Wendy Wunder has created such a beautiful story, a beautiful backdrop, and a beautiful cast of characters that you (I know I won't) won't ever forget.

Pros: The whole book. I'm not joking. Everything about it I loved. But one of my favorite parts of the book was the way she described Promise. It seems like such a beautiful place, and now I want to go to Maine.

The humor. The Probability of Miracles was one of the funniest books I've read in awhile. It was constantly making me smile or laugh. I love Cam's sarcasm, too.

There is a significant change that Cam goes through from the beginning of the book to the end. At the beginning, Cam has no hope. She doesn't believe in it, and she knows that she is doomed to die from her cancer. She just lives her life day to day, realizing that any minute it could end. But after she moves to Promise, her views start to change. She starts believing in hope more and more. She still knows that she is going to die, but she has a more positive outlook.

Asher. I lovvvved Asher. He was such a sweet, adorable gentleman, and he made the perfect match for Cam.

The rest of the characters. Every character, from Sunny, to Perry, to Izanagi, to Elaine, is completely memorable. I loved every one of the characters. They each have their own quirks and personalities, and it was one of the best parts of this book.

Cons: Um, no cons.

I highly recommend this book. To everyone. Well, maybe everyone 14 and older. It does have some language and thematic elements, but it has such a great message. I loved every bit of it.

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

So, a few days ago I finished Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini. It took me a week or so to read because it's almost 500 pages, and I've been so busy lately I had no time for reading. But it was worth the time it took to read.

Not to ramble on for too long, let's get started with the pros: The plot is genius. There are so many details and interesting facts in this novel, and the plot kept getting thicker and thicker as I got farther along in the book. I was constantly on the edge of my seat. All of the different aspects of the plot were woven together perfectly to create a truly outstanding book on modern day Greek Mythology.

Starcrossed is kind of like a mix between the Iliad and Romeo and Juliet. There's this whole idea of "forbidden love" and a curse that has been repeating itself for hundreds of years. It's such a unique idea, and I've never read anything like it before.

Another pro for me was the characters. They were all so memorable, even if they were only in the story for a short time. I fell in love with each character and their individual traits. My favorite character in the book was Hector. Now I know what you're thinking: Why would you like Hector? He's so rude. But as you get to the end of the book, you see him really start to soften up, and I love that about him.

Even though the book was very long, I never found myself thinking "Okay, stop dragging it out, get to the point." It was very interesting the whole time, and every page was essential to the story line.

The very small list of cons: I didn't really care for the main character, Helen. Maybe it's just me, but she seemed a little whiny and stubborn. Usually I don't dislike the main character in a book, but Helen I didn't like too much.

And that ends the list of cons.

Overall, this is a great book, and if you're into Greek Mythology, this is definitely an interesting take on it.

Profanity level: High

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Last week I finished Hallowed, the sequel to Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. Most of the time, I dread the second book in a series, mostly because of the ever present "Second Book Curse". But, much to my surprise, Cynthia Hand did not suffer from said curse. Even though the book was a little bit of a downer, I really enjoyed it, just like I loved Unearthly.

Let's start with the pros: Just like Unearthly, the writing style is great, and I found myself getting lost within this book. I wouldn't even realize how long I'd been reading until it had been like 4 hours! Another thing I like is the way it gets into the angel history a little more. And, trying to stay away from spoilers here, there is a few big shocks that I was not expecting! Christian is present a little more in this book, and you start to see how Clara is really torn between him and Tucker. While Tucker is the ultimate perfect boyfriend, Christian is who Clara is destined to be with.

The pacing of this book was also great. I never really thought to myself "This is moving too slow." Everything happened at a perfect pace.

The last pro that I can think of (there are probably many I am forgetting) is the end. It had a generally happy ending, all though the overall mood of the book is kind of sad. There is going to be a third and final book, though, so that's when Clara is going to go through with her purpose.

Now for the cons: This book was just really sad. You have Clara, who's trying to figure out what her purpose is, and you have Christian, who's also trying to figure out what his purpose is, and when he does, he as to convince Clara that they're destined to be together, even though Clara wants to be with Tucker. You have Clara's mom, but you'll just have to read the book to see what that's about. Angela figures out her purpose, and decides to go to Stanford. Clara applies for Stanford. Samjeeza is also around a lot more, but his character turns out to be pretty surprising, and that's all I'm going to say. It wasn't depressing per se, it just wasn't overly happy.

So overall, I really enjoyed this book, and if you liked Unearthly, I definitely recommend you read this book. And even if you haven't read it, pick it up, it's a great series!

Legend by Marie Lu

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias' death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

I recently finished Legend by Marie Lu. Now I have to be honest, when I first came across this book at Barnes and Noble, I was very skeptical. I read the inside cover and it didn't really sound that interesting to me. So I put it back. Then, a few weeks later, I came across the book again on my Kindle. Still wasn't too thrilled about it. I then watched a girl's review of this book on YouTube, and instantly my opinion was changed. So I bought the book on my Kindle and started reading.

From the first few chapters, Marie Lu grabbed my attention and sucked me into a world that was completely unlike my own. I am a huge fan of Dystopian novels, but I am always wary about them being too similar. This book, however, was nothing like any other Dystopian novel I've ever read. Lu created something so unique and different, and I really think there is something for everyone in this book.

Pros: Legend has many pros. First off, the main characters. I love June as a person, and I love Day as a person. They are both strong, tough characters, and they both have a certain goal in mind. June starts out strong and tough and kind of mean. She's had to live with just her brother after her parents died in a car accident when she was little, so she's learned to fend for herself pretty much. Towards the end of the book, however, and after meeting Day, you see that she begins to soften up and open up in a way that she never has before.

Day kind of starts off in the same way. He is the Republic's most wanted criminal. But since the book is told in June and Day's perspective, you see that Day really isn't the bad boy that he's made out to be. He's just trying to keep his family safe. And, like June, he softens up towards the end of the book.

Another pro is the romance. It's nothing too cheesy or teen angsty, like most YA books. Day and June's romance is almost refreshing, and I often found myself rooting for their relationship.

The final pro is the characters. All of the characters in this book are unforgettable. Even if they only play a small or unimportant role in the novel, they are imprinted in your brain forever.

Cons: To be honest, there is really only on major con, and that is this: The book doesn't seem to have a major plot. Maybe it's just me, but usually when I read a book, the beginning and middle of the book are building up to a climax, and even though this book did have a climax, I think it just took too long to get there. Nothing super exciting really happens for most of the book. Yes, it does give a lot of background and historical information, but I feel like the real climax didn't happen until maybe 3/4 of the way in.

All in all, this was a fantastic book. I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Dystopian novels, or even if you don't. Legend is full of action, suspense, and romance. However, I would say this book is probably best for kids 13 and up, as it does have some pretty graphic scenes. The language is minimal.

Welcome!

Welcome to Abby's Book Club. This is a place where you can read great book reviews, leave comments, make friends, and share favorite books! I am a book lover, and I have been since I learned to read. I love all types of books. I am open to book suggestions, and if there is a book you would like me to review, just send me the title and author and I will check it out.

Happy Reading!

Abby