Gemina by @Amie_Kaufman & Jay_Kristoff

I had to battle between 4 and 5 stars. 4 stars just had to win out because I had some issues with the plot and the aliens. 

I’m really surprised that I like this series so much. I had so many people recommend Illuminae and loved it after I dove in. I will say, I was skeptical that I would enjoy the format. It’s very different than anything I have ever read. These books are told through emails, video logs, chat rooms and letters to give you the plot. 

This book has all new characters. I didn’t realize this until I started getting into it. I was confused at first :-P. I loved Hannah! She was so awesome and didn’t take crap from anyone. I really liked all the characters though. The plot felt a bit slow at times but I think that was because it’s a lot of video logs and we don’t really get as much from the personal side. In Illuminae there were a lot more chat room convos and emails sent back and forth. 

One of my issues was the alien monsters. It just felt so forced and really kind of odd. It didn’t fit into the book as easily as the first book. I was more annoyed than scared by them, if that makes any sense. It just didn't flow with the plot. 

I will say that Aiden might be one of my favorites. His dialogue is really witty but at the same time makes you think. 

There are a lot of plot twists in this book but the romance was so predictable. It’s okay, it’s a YA book. 
This was a great book! I really enjoyed it and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. The book itself is just gorgeous, I’m really loving this style. 

A Torch Against the Night by @Sabaa_Tahir

This book was just fantastic!! I seriously love Elias and Laia. Honestly, I like all the characters in this series, so far. I REALLY want to know why this author is trying to kill me!! That ending.. are you kidding me?!

I loved that we learned SO much more about this world in this book. We learn about the magical elements and what is really going on. We also get to know who the actual villain is too. We also meet MANY new characters but also lose some. This book flips back and forth between the POV of Laia, Elias and Helene.

I hate what the author did with a stupid love triangle. I understand how it’s essential to the plot of the book and the Silver but COME ON! Ugh. She’s totally into Elias, right?! Then things change and I’m not really okay with that but then things change again! LOL.

Helene…   poor girl is just going to be a tortured BROKEN soul from now on. I really never knew if she would actually hurt Elias. She goes back and forth and in the end, I think she might have. We will never know.

I’m taking a minute to talk about Afya. How have I not heard more about her?! She’s such a badass and she is really climbing up the ranks to one of my favorite characters! She was awesome in this book and I’m so hoping she will be playing a bigger role in the next book.

If you are looking for a book with happy endings, THIS IS NOT FOR YOU! I mean, who knows what happens in the final book but this book is just pure torture for all the characters. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great book but it’s definitely not your typical, “happy ending-ish” book for any character.

I’m absolutely so upset that I have to wait until 2018 for the next one!!! I was so hoping it would come out this year but it is not :(