Title: Level 2
Author: Lenore Appelhans
Series: The Memory Chronicles, book #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble
Three levels. Two loves. One choice. Debut novelist, Lenore Appelhans has written a thrilling otherworldly young adult novel about a place that exists between our world (Level 1) and what comes after life (Level 2).
'I pause to look around the hive - all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories ... I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this.'
Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend ... and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.
Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves.
Books about the afterlife simply fascinate me. We all have our own perceptions of what comes after this life, and it's terribly interesting to me to dwell on the possibilities. With
Level 2, we're presented with a new possibility thanks to fellow blogger Lenore Appelhans. And it's a very different version of the afterlife, let me tell you.
Level 2 was not at all what I expected going into this book. (If possible, go into this one not knowing anything...it's more fun that way.) But I can honestly say, even having read the synopsis prior to reading this novel, I was still surprised at the turn the story took. I whole-heartedly expected a heavy-dose of science fiction, and well, I can't really tell you what I got instead without ruining the (potential) surprise. I say potential because I didn't see it coming, but I was so engrossed in the story and the characters that I wasn't looking for it to begin with. It is definitely an original take on the afterlife.
Aside from a unique premise, where this novel
really shines is in the characterization. Through flashbacks and memories, we are shown the ins and outs of the characters. From too-perfect-to-be-true Neil to the self-deprecating narration of Felicia, these characters are made real by their thoughts and actions. I may not have the clearest picture of what each character looks like, but I know them inside and out by the time the novel ends. They are not without their faults, but their actions are always true to their characters.
As the details of Felicia's disastrous last few months on Earth come to light, we learn more about her than we ever could have from the narrator herself. She blames her current situation on herself...and on her first love, bad boy Julian who left her broken-hearted. All she wants now is to find Neil, the boy who picked up the pieces and put her back together, but she's stuck in her memories with no chance of escape.
Enter Julian, the bad boy harboring a secret that will unravel the small hold Felicia's regained on her afterlife. Julian wants to break her out of the hive in Level 2, but Felicia is unsure whether to trust the guy who broke her heart, came between her and her best friend, and caused her exile from her family. But as I learned more about Julian through Felicia's memories, something began to feel off. I don't think he ever intentionally meant to hurt Felicia or her best friend. Sometimes circumstances dictate that you hurt the ones you love in order to save them. But it wasn't one of those situations where he pushed Felicia away in order to protect her...he just flat out left, with no explanation. Still, the more I saw of Julian, the more I recognized the signs of true affection, even through his arrogant, self-aggrandizing.
The summary hints at a love triangle. I certainly hope there's room for one in the next book, because I just wasn't feeling the too-perfect Neil at all, but I can assure you that there isn't a love triangle in this novel. The only romance that occurs is in the form of flashbacks, and we get to see Felicia with both Neil and Julian, though at different periods of time. But Felicia goes on and on (and on) about finding Neil and finding out if he's already in Level 2. Her only concern is for Neil, but based on his reaction, Julian is still infatuated with Felicia. However, because of certain events, I wouldn't discount Julian as a possible love-interest at some point. *fingers crossed*
My only complaint, really, is the dialogue. Considering how developed the characters themselves were, I expected snarky banter and articulate exchanges, but a lot of the dialogue felt stilted and just overall unappealing to me, mostly because it was so juvenile. Some examples:
"You're not the only hacker in the universe, you know. You've been viewing lots of memories of Neil. And not so many memories of me." He clicks his tongue with disapproval. "Should I be jealous?"
"Ugh, why would I want to revisit the worst parts of my whole life?" I scowl at him. Jerk.
He grins wickedly. "If you say so..." He shimmers again and is left in nothing but a Speedo, smooth chest and washboard abs glistening with water droplets as if he's just stepped from a pool.
"Julian!" I gag. "Stop fooling around."
"Fine," he says, his tone now serious. He shimmers again and materializes back into his normal outfit. "I see you're still uptight."
But the writing in general was lush and evocative, so I'm not sure where the disconnect was. All in all, this was a fantastic debut, one that I enjoyed even more than I expected to. It was engaging and full of surprises, and although the science fiction elements weren't as numerous as I'd expected, the fact that the book is sci-fi light might actually encourage more to read it, especially those who like a more contemporary read, since this book deals with grief and loss and love, in addition to what's next for us after this life.
Rating: 
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Review: Chasing Before by Lenore Appelhans
Author: Lenore Appelhans
Series: The Memory Chronicles, book #2
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Source: from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I really enjoyed Lenore's take on the afterlife in The Memory of After (previously titled Level 2), that we don't go straight to Heaven but that there are levels to our afterlife that we ascend to as we become ready. I also really liked her use of flashbacks as memories to show us how Felicia had spent her short time on Earth prior to entering Level 2. And as far as those elements go, I'm still very impressed with this series...and I'm hoping there's more to come.
I listened to the audio for The Memory of After a month or so ago as a refresher for this sequel, and I definitely recommend having the events of the first book fresh on your mind, though a re-read isn't absolutely necessary since there is a good amount of rehash in this book. Even with a refresher, though, this second installment definitely takes a turn for the unexpected. So much for that sense of tranquility at the end of the first book.
Felicia seems a bit more naive and a lot more self-absorbed this time around, though there is a reason for the latter. I found it increasingly more difficult to connect with her as she grew more and more obsessed with chasing her memories from before, now that she knows there's a big chunk of time missing from her memory. I wanted her to discover the truth as much as she did because so many people seem to be hiding things from her, but her distinct lack of perspective on the situation made it hard to empathize with her.
Especially when she focuses the rest of her time on her relationship with Neil now that they're together again in Level 3. I didn't really ever come to appreciate Neil's character in the first book because even then he seemed like a sanctimonious asshat to me. He proved himself even more so to me in this installment, though I'm probably in the minority for that opinion, especially when I'm heartily in favor of Julian...even if he is the resident bad boy to Neil's near-martyrdom. My biggest complaint for Chasing Before would definitely be the sheer amount of time spent focusing on Neil and Felicia's relationship, especially as their encounters always felt stilted and unpleasant in comparison to the small amount of time Felicia spends in Julian's company. There were certainly bigger fish to fry and certainly more entertaining ways to spend my time than reading about Felicia bemoaning the current state of her romantic entanglements.
Some of what occurs in this book, especially in relation to Felicia, is a tad predictable, but some of it is so unexpected as to be the product of deus ex machina, leaving me with a false sense of consolation, like I'd finally been given the truth but hadn't really earned it yet. At the very least, the turn of events challenges suspension of disbelief, more so than the rest of the novel. I think I would have preferred more background on the angels and their motivations and the various levels of Heaven in order for the story to remain congruous. I'm not complaining about the book -- far from it -- I just want more of this world and to better understand it. Also, it's quite possible that in my haste to uncover the secrets of Felicia's past, I overlooked some of these explanations. (I do tend to get ahead of myself when I'm really enjoying a story.)
I don't think we've seen the last of the Morati and I hope that we haven't seen the last of Felicia and company. The ending to this book was sufficient but not wholly satisfying, especially knowing that Level 3 is not the end, either. I did enjoy seeing the new characters introduced in The Best Things in Death in their roles in the afterlife and seeing how the memories I read in that novella affected my opinions of them in this book. I'm interested to see if the author delves further into this world or leaves it at the mystery it currently seems.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Review: The Best Things in Death by Lenore Appelhans
Author: Lenore Appelhans
Series: The Memory Chronicles, book #1.5
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Source: gifted by author
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I really liked the premise behind this collection of memories, the recurring theme of "the best things in life are free," and what we might see if we were able to pull up everyone's best memory. I also like that this novella serves to introduce us to some intriguing characters who will play a larger role in the sequel, as well as reacquainting us with the boys who stole Felicia's heart before her life was cut tragically short.
Neil Corbet, memory: Swimming Hole
This was the sweetest kind of memory. I can see why it would be a favorite of Neil's, except for that niggling need to divulge his feelings to Felicia. It's a memory of missed opportunities but also one that shows us that he hasn't always been the perfect church-going, youth-leading, choir-singing boy he is now. Or was, I guess I should say. I thought Neil was a little too perfect in Level 2/The Memory of After, but I'm terribly intrigued by what he's hiding, what he's locked away for safe-keeping, and who this Gracie person is to him.
Libby Hayes, memory: Road Trip
Libby's road trip memory was not at all what I was expecting from the title. Honestly, this memory was depressing, more depressing, and then just completely and utterly awful. Things seemed to be going okay for Libby and Jeremy, though I had some lingering doubts thanks to Marie. And the more I learned about Jeremy, the more I understood why Marie might be worried for her friend. But their plans aren't even the half of it. This particular memory will leave you reeling, shocked into speechlessness, and while some of the memories in this novella are at least somewhat hopeful...this one is decidedly NOT.
Brady Sandoval, memory: Latte Macchiato
A friendship based on a lie. A friendship that morphs into something more once the lie is out. Cancer. Coffee. Monster trucks and big-ass belt buckles. It's all quite entertaining if not but a little bittersweet. Brady himself is unbearably sweet and completely endearing and I want all the good things in
lifedeath for him.Julian Jones, memory: Iceland
Julian, Julian, Julian. So many secrets. So much potential. I am still beyond intrigued by this
boyangelangel-boy and what he means for Felicia's future. And now I, too, want to experience the joys of Iceland's thermal springs. Also, I just re-read Level 2 somewhat recently, but I don't remember the significance of that keychain...maybe it's in Chasing Before? Good thing I'll be starting on it momentarily so I can figure it out! :DI really enjoyed the insight these memories provided into the characters that are sure to prove important in the next installment of The Memory Chronicles. And I love what each memory reveals about them and how easy it was for me to connect to them all. I know that the fact that we have their memories to experience along with them means that they're all dead already, but I sure hope things work out for all of them. Even the enigmatic Julian...who, if I'm being honest, is still kinda my favorite.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Waiting on Wednesday: Chasing Before by Lenore Appelhans
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Author: Lenore Appelhans
Series: The Memory Chronicles, book #2
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Considering that whole "out with the old, in with the new" mentality of the new year, I thought this would be a perfect pick for today's WoW. But, what, no mention of Julian? Or is he one of the "old enemies"? Either way, I'm on board...I just love stories about the afterlife, at least when they're portrayed like this: all crazy and unknown and not just about haunting the ones you loved.
And look, another book I'm waiting on where the series was redesigned:
I like the new covers and the new title for book one. I just wish they'd thought of them before I got my finished copy of the first book. *le sigh*
Now that you know what I'm dying to read, what are you waiting on this week? Feel free to share it in the comments or leave a link so I can stop by!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Bad Boy Rehab Hop
Bad Boy Rehab Hop
Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and The Book Hookup
The second I saw the announcement for this hop, I knew I'd have to participate. I can't get enough of bad boys in books! I don't always ship the bad boy, but I always find them appealing. =) Here are some of my faves:
The Bad Boy Musician (This is probably my favorite category seeing as how I ended up marrying a musician. :P)
The Bad Boy with a Secret (or what I like to call the would-be reformed bad boy)
The Bad Boy with a Trust Fund
The New Bad Boy in Town
I'll let you be the judge of that. On my stop of the Bad Boy Rehab Hop, you can win your very own finished copy of 2013 debut novelist Lenore Appelhans' Level 2! (My full review can be found here.) See below for further details.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now that you've entered here, be sure to check out the 100 or so giveaway stops on this blog hop:
Thanks for entering & happy reading!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Review: Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans
Author: Lenore Appelhans
Series: The Memory Chronicles, book #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
'I pause to look around the hive - all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories ... I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this.'
Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend ... and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.
Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves.
Books about the afterlife simply fascinate me. We all have our own perceptions of what comes after this life, and it's terribly interesting to me to dwell on the possibilities. With Level 2, we're presented with a new possibility thanks to fellow blogger Lenore Appelhans. And it's a very different version of the afterlife, let me tell you.
Level 2 was not at all what I expected going into this book. (If possible, go into this one not knowing anything...it's more fun that way.) But I can honestly say, even having read the synopsis prior to reading this novel, I was still surprised at the turn the story took. I whole-heartedly expected a heavy-dose of science fiction, and well, I can't really tell you what I got instead without ruining the (potential) surprise. I say potential because I didn't see it coming, but I was so engrossed in the story and the characters that I wasn't looking for it to begin with. It is definitely an original take on the afterlife.
Aside from a unique premise, where this novel really shines is in the characterization. Through flashbacks and memories, we are shown the ins and outs of the characters. From too-perfect-to-be-true Neil to the self-deprecating narration of Felicia, these characters are made real by their thoughts and actions. I may not have the clearest picture of what each character looks like, but I know them inside and out by the time the novel ends. They are not without their faults, but their actions are always true to their characters.
As the details of Felicia's disastrous last few months on Earth come to light, we learn more about her than we ever could have from the narrator herself. She blames her current situation on herself...and on her first love, bad boy Julian who left her broken-hearted. All she wants now is to find Neil, the boy who picked up the pieces and put her back together, but she's stuck in her memories with no chance of escape.
Enter Julian, the bad boy harboring a secret that will unravel the small hold Felicia's regained on her afterlife. Julian wants to break her out of the hive in Level 2, but Felicia is unsure whether to trust the guy who broke her heart, came between her and her best friend, and caused her exile from her family. But as I learned more about Julian through Felicia's memories, something began to feel off. I don't think he ever intentionally meant to hurt Felicia or her best friend. Sometimes circumstances dictate that you hurt the ones you love in order to save them. But it wasn't one of those situations where he pushed Felicia away in order to protect her...he just flat out left, with no explanation. Still, the more I saw of Julian, the more I recognized the signs of true affection, even through his arrogant, self-aggrandizing.
The summary hints at a love triangle. I certainly hope there's room for one in the next book, because I just wasn't feeling the too-perfect Neil at all, but I can assure you that there isn't a love triangle in this novel. The only romance that occurs is in the form of flashbacks, and we get to see Felicia with both Neil and Julian, though at different periods of time. But Felicia goes on and on (and on) about finding Neil and finding out if he's already in Level 2. Her only concern is for Neil, but based on his reaction, Julian is still infatuated with Felicia. However, because of certain events, I wouldn't discount Julian as a possible love-interest at some point. *fingers crossed*
My only complaint, really, is the dialogue. Considering how developed the characters themselves were, I expected snarky banter and articulate exchanges, but a lot of the dialogue felt stilted and just overall unappealing to me, mostly because it was so juvenile. Some examples:
But the writing in general was lush and evocative, so I'm not sure where the disconnect was. All in all, this was a fantastic debut, one that I enjoyed even more than I expected to. It was engaging and full of surprises, and although the science fiction elements weren't as numerous as I'd expected, the fact that the book is sci-fi light might actually encourage more to read it, especially those who like a more contemporary read, since this book deals with grief and loss and love, in addition to what's next for us after this life.
Rating:
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Teaser Tuesday #38: Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This week's teaser comes from the following book:
Author: Lenore Appelhans
Series: The Memory Chronicles, book #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
'I pause to look around the hive - all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories ... I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this.'
Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend ... and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.
Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves.
My teaser:
This book is awesome! And it's written by a fellow blogger! I love theorizing about the afterlife and what it holds for us, but this story takes it so far beyond anything I ever imagined. Definitely a 2013 debut to add to your list! Also, FYI, you can read the first 11 chapters on your ereader: B&N | Amazon!
What are you teasing today? Share it in the comments or leave a link so I can stop by!
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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