Books with Bite: Gabrielle Zevin

Showing posts with label Gabrielle Zevin. Show all posts

Monday, October 22, 2012

Review: Because It Is My Blood

Title: Because It Is My Blood

Series: Birthright # 2

Genre: Young Adult-Dystopian/Mafia

Author: Gabrielle Zevin

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Release Date: Setpember 18, 2012

Book: ARC sent by publisher

“Every time I think I’m out, they pull me back in.”- Michael Corleone, The Godfather
Since her release from Liberty Children's Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship.But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It’s a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve--and her heart--will be tested as never before."

There is something about mafia stories along with the famine of chocolate that gets my heart going. I truly loved this book. It had all that I wanted. A character facing hard times along with action.

What I loved most about this book is Anya. She is out of serving her time and trying ti get her life together. I loved how Anya grows wise. Though her wiseness comes through lots of mistakes she made. She learns from it quickly from it and becomes stronger. I like how she faced things head on at the end of the book. Seriously, it surprised me that grew some major guts with the last few chapter, stop beating around the bush and come straight out with it. Bravo!

The love interest failed me! I didn't want it to go that way but ugh! I understand. Anya made some hard decisions and need to learn to play mafia game before she gets killed. She took too many risks and now must pay the price. I can only hope that their love will come around for them once again. I'll just have to wait and see...

Because It Is My Blood gives the reader a front row seat to a confident and exciting read. Because It Is My Blood practically fills the reader with mind blowing emotions! Towards the end of the book, I felt Anya come into power through my fingertips finally playing the game she us meant to learn. Deliciously filled with bitter chocolate that will leave your mouth watering for more, Because It Is My Blood is AWESOME!

I give it 5 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Review: All These Things I've Done

Title: All These Things I've Done
Series: Birthright # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Dystopian
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Book: FC copy sent by publisher

"In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family."

As I read this book, I fell in love with it. I love the way the author created such a world that could be realistic. One were things of today are contraband. I especially loved the whole mafia twist to it. It gave the story a full back round much more enjoyable.

What I loved the most is the main character Anya.She is not only courageous, but steps out of her comfort zone for her family and loved ones. I adore her characters traits of strength and honor. There are so many things in this young ladies life that she does out of the goodness of her own heart. The length that she goes for people is beyond awe!

I really loved the development of the story. The pacing is great in giving the reader an enjoyable read as well as the processing the back round story as well. I loved how Ms. Zevin weaved in the mafia and Anya dark past. Though it do not happen to her, her bloodline affected her life in many ways. Some ways good and others bad.

The love interest is great! I loved seeing these two learn and grow with each other. So many secrets, fights, and many other obstacles holding them back that it makes their love stronger then ever. I loved the ending. It was liked Anya was claiming her place with him. It made me love their relationship more!

If you want a world riddled with mafia fights, betrayals, and a strong young women trying to find her place, read this book. There are so many great aspects to the story that held me as I read this book. Filled with tainted chocolate, murders, and a loved fighting to be together, All These Things I've Done left me breathe less.

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Giveaway: All These Things I've Done

Thanks to the wonderful people at Macmillian I have the chance to giveaway 1 copy of...

"In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidentally poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family."