This was a giveaway win that I won on the very awesome group, Apocalypse Whenever as part of their June giveaway. I'd like to thank both the author and the group for the book!

What I Liked:

I liked the males cloned by the AI, Eve, were programmed to reach maturity within a few months. Since the AI had been constructed to figure out the bee problem, it likened the maturity rate to like the one found in bees.

The Melior apis were terrifyingly awesome.



I loved the deviousness of the AI i.e. how she figured things out, made the men play poker to learn how to deceive humans, deliberately failed the Turing tests, and her whole plan to clone more men and use them as her army. The last part is problematic though, as you will read below.

What I Didn't Like:

The book started off as YA but that changed by the end of the story.

I almost never notice proofing and editing mistakes but there were quite a few of them so, it was hard to miss. Spelling mistakes etc. are always a big turn off for me!

The events of the story are too predictable. I sighed out loud when the main character, Ben, was pitted against his only friend, Frank, in the final fight.

If the ozone has finally given in and collapsed as the story mentions, then how have humans managed not to become UV-riddled pincushions? If it isn't important to the plot, why mention it?

Another minor quibble, if the Melior Apis is the name of a species, then it should be written like, Melior apis or Melior apis

Say, Eve clones more of Frank-men and sends them to the women for reproduction. How would that work? The women accepted Ben because of his unselfish nature. Why would they treat the Frank-men the same way? Wouldn't Ben tell them what Frank was like? Moreover, why would the army of Franks want to take over the women camp? Wasn't Frank competing and winning all the contests, so he could get out and get with the ladies? I think there are some plot issues that need to be sorted out!

***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato

Two years ago (I cannot believe it’s been that long), I read and fell in love with The Book of Broken Hearts. I knew Ockler was definitely an author whose future books I would want to devour and The Summer of Chasing Mermaids reminded me why I fell in love with The Book of Broken Hearts so long ago (okay kind of a while ago :P).

This is a beautifully written book that makes me want to do the monkey, makes me want to highfive the author and if I could do cartwheels, that’s what I would have been doing after finishing this book.

I should start off by saying that I am not really a contemporary reader. That isn’t to say I don’t read contemporary, I DO and I have a lot of favorite books that are contemporaries but it isn’t my ‘go to genre’ when I want something to read (at least in terms of YA books). But this was up next on my review list and I knew it was time to pick it up (because otherwise, Nick would have disowned me). It’s ridiculous that I even put this wonderful piece of work off for as long as I did since it only took me a couple of pages to be sucked in and forget about the outside world.

Now I am not saying this book is absolutely perfection, it’s not. There are things that bothered me but the good things completely eclipsed the not so great which is why I am here right now kind of rambling about this wonderful piece of work.

This is a book that really showcases what it means to be a teenager in the modern world. Its a sex positive, pro feminist (ideals) read that features a POC female lead and great relationships and just makes me want to squeal in delight.

Can I just say that it made me so happy to see the word feminist being used in this novel. I AM A PROUD FEMINIST KILLJOY. I know a lot of books have dealt with feminist issues but it’s the first time (unless my old age is affecting my memory again) I’ve actually seen the term being used and I think this is such a huge step forward! Moving on from my joy at seeing the term being used, this book also deals with the idea of gender roles. We see young little Sebastian, who is obsessed with mermaids constantly being shot down by his father and other men around him (besides his fabulous brother) and urged to do something more masculine.  Elyse also suffers the consequences of these roles when she is repeatedly told by the mayor she is not suited to being a first mate, even though she has more experience sailing boats than almost anyone else on the Island. It’s disgusting that so many people out there have such backward attitudes but there it is. And Ockler deals with the issue beautifully.

She also deals with teen sexuality beautifully. Here is the truth: a lot of teens out there have sex on a regular basis. Here is also another truth: sex is not really talked about in our society in the way it should be. Instead it is frowned upon and I have friends whose sex education was basically abstinence. That is not what we should be telling teens. Teens should know that it is completely normal to have a sex drive (I PROMISE I WON’T MAKE THINGS TOO AWKWARD) and that what they feel is normal.Sex isn’t wrong or bad or something to do only if you’re married. Have sex all you want teens, just stay safe. So yes, basically, Ockler nails it and should get some sort of award (I couldn’t come up with any witty names) for dealing with sexuality in a healthy way (going so far as to feature a masturbation scene).

My only problems with this novel arose with some minor issues with Christian and how some of the girls outside of Elyse’s group seemed to be defined by how they were really into Christian. There was also this awkward moment when a girl was defined by her article with clothing (“short shorts”) until Elyse learned her name. Christian also makes certain comments that made me uncomfortable because they seemed almost demeaning to me, but over the course of the book, we get to see him unfold into a character that is worthy of all the swooning and in the end, given all the other positive things this book has going for it, I didn’t feel too put off by these issues.

I have spent way too long talking about all the issues this book is dealing with and completely forgot about some of the more important things, like Elyse.

Elyse is a PERSON OF COLOR. OMG. CAN YOU GUYS BELIEVE IT? ME EITHER! *flails* And she is a person of color with a disability. As a result of a recent accident, she lost her beautiful singing voice. She doesn’t know who she is anymore so she runs away from home (Tobago) and comes to live with her dad’s friend. Elyse is so lost and confused at the beginning of the novel and seeing her so unsure of herself broke my heart but I loved watching her grow into the beautiful person she was by the end of the book. She learns to stand up on her two feet again, and to appreciate herself and she doesn’t do it on her own. Lemon, Kirby and Vanessa are all there to help her find herself again. Healthy relationships between females are so important and this book ticks another check box there.

Christian is a great romantic interest. He starts off as someone I wasn’t entirely sure about but he manages to win me over. By the end of the book, I was swooning so hard over him because he is such a great guy. He may be a player, but he isn’t an asshole and that is an important distinction. He is also so kind to Elyse and the way he is there for is just fantastic.

Their romance made me flail and I loved seeing them progress from friends to something more than that. They work well together and I love that they support one another. Both of them issues they need help dealing with and they help each other by BEING there and believing in one another.

My favorite character in this book was hands down Sebatian though. After all, what’s not lovable about a 6 year old boy who loves mermaids?

This is a great book that deals with loss and coming to terms with it (whether it’s literal or not literal), about finding one’s voice again, and appreciating all those important relationships in your life. This is a magical summer read filled with mermaids, swoon worthy boys, an adventure, a great MC and one I would highly recommend. PEACE OUT, MERMAIDS.

Proper Omegas don’t drive cars by liliaeth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Read on April 05, 2014 — I own a copy, read count: 1

Around 2.5 Stars rounding up to 3 Stars since I got myself sucked into the story regardless of the quality. If a story entertains its readers, then it is a success.

I am pretty torn as to how to rate this because the plots was contradicting each other. I'd say that the facts are just all over the place that it's hard to make sense of things.

Even though I have those concerns niggling me as I read, I just couldn't seem to put it down. Instead I got my nose stuck in it till I finished the whole story. That's a rare thing for a slow reader like me. This story can be considered a novelette length.

I am blaming my keen attraction to this story on my love for angsty story. Angst IS like crack to me. There's ample angst in this story to keep me on a constant high. I believe I am broken somewhere but I liked the way I am.

In this story, Dean was confined in an institution when his long hidden status as an omega was found out. Omegas are not even proper citizens. The most they are treated like pets and not even trusted enough to be home alone without a nanny. Disobedience are curbed instantaneously with a good spanking or some prefers swatting them with rolled newspapers. Omegas are believed to be mindless therefore they don't know what is good for them hence they have zero autonomy or rights in the eyes of the Alphas and Beta. It's all for their own good and safety.

While Dean was in custody, Sam and his dad was desperate to get Dean out of that brainwashing place. A place where they turn omegas into the perfect sex toy any Alphas could ever ask for. Was it too late for Dean now? That was a question to be answered in the coming sequel. Damnit!

The story is took place in an alternate universe setting. I found the societal setup intriguing. This story is purely focused upon the dynamics of Alpha, Beta and Omega. Naturally, the Alphas are those in authority or in position of power. Betas are their support basically. And those poor Omegas are less than human. Although some would cherish them especially for their breeding ability, they are those who would exploit them through sex slavery and other form of slaveries. The worst place an omega could find themselves in was the those illegal breeding farms.

Since the facts are so messed up, I am still trying to figure out whether Alphas are the only one who could get an omega pregnant or the betas could also do the same? And how does a female alpha impregnate their male omega? I don't see the alphas even the female ones would bear the baby since omegas regardless of their sex are supposed to be the ultimate breeding machines.

About the concern on that 'under-age' tag on the story, there isn't a need worry as any under-age events are rather implied and off page. To those who are seeking for romance in this story, there's none to be found here. The sequel could have such a possibility due to events unfolded in part one. Nope, no sexy times in this one also but as I've said, watch out for the sequel. I am the sequel would bring these missing elements and answer some of my questions. Otherwise, I could just hope for more delicious angst and be satisfied with that at least.


MAIN CAST:

Starring...

Dean Winchester, our sad and angsty omega who hides from his true identity.


A broken and vulnerable Dean is very adorable.


Sam Winchester is Dean's clueless brother who is a young alpha studying law.



John Winchester the irresponsible, missing father.

I hope to see him cry a little for his fuq up on parenting.


Victor Henriksen is the alpha that owns Dean.

Will he acknowledge Dean as an equal? Is he the kind of alpha a spirited omega like Dean wish for?



STORY DETAILS:
Title: Proper Omegas don’t drive cars
Author: liliaeth
Publication Date: October 8th, 2013
Cover Art: Lylithj2
Type: Fanfiction of the Supernatural TV Series, 33,084 words (Completed fanfic)
Genre: Alternate Universe M/M Fiction, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics
Characters: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, John Winchester, Victor Henriksen, Gordon Walker, Zachariah (Supernatural), Ellen Harvelle, Kevin Tran, Tamara (Supernatural), Calvin Reidy
Tags/Keywords: 

Description:
In a world where Omegas are treated as perpetual children, with only few more rights than pets, Dean spent most of his life hiding that he was an Omega. When his true gender is discovered in the worst possible way, Dean is sent in the guardianship of his younger brother Sam. Omegas after all, can’t look after themselves.

Words:33084 Complete - Free Download
Warnings: Rape/Non-Con, Underage
Artwork by




WHERE TO READ THIS FANFIC:
Proper Omegas don’t drive cars by liliaeth


* Reviewed on April 5th, 2014

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*



View all my reviews

And here I though I would be reading a light, paranormal book for fun. Kelsey Ketch showed me different. I was completely surprised by what I found in the covers of this book, though it took me some time to get there. When it began, it felt a lot like Twilight. There was just too many similarities to ignore. Unfortunately, I still don’t love that about the book. The good news is that it really got into a groove of its own. That’s when things got interesting.

I’ll go ahead and admit that I know absolutely nothing about Egyptian mythology. I’ve read one book containing it, and that was years ago. I guess I can’t really be an authority on how well the mythology is represented, but it really works. It felt genuine, and I did cheat a little and check out some other reviews to see if other readers agree. The consensus seems to be that the mythology is perfectly incorporated. I guess I’ll have to brush up on my Egyptian mythology for the next one.

The characters were tough. While I liked Nattie, for the most part, she sometimes irritated me. Seth was awful throughout most of the book and she still found him attractive. I don’t know about everyone else, but there’s just a point where hot guys turn ugly, and he was definitely walking that line. Obviously, I wasn’t a big fan of Seth. He got a little better as I learned more, and I expect there’s more to learn in the coming book. I have to admit it irks me a little that there are so few characters to like. Sometimes having great evil characters is wonderful, but I also need someone to get invested in fully. Nattie was pretty much my option for that.

What I really liked about this book was what I would consider a kind of commentary on gender roles. The men is the book are held most of the power. It was sometimes hard to read, but I think it’s an important message. After all, in many parts of the world, that’s still true. Even in our society in the U.S. women are often objectified and seen as more of a sexual object than anything else. Just listen to the way some of your guy friends talk about them when they think you’re not listening. I think what makes this a really interesting and original book is that Ketch is dealing with the issue of gender roles and sex as a tool for power in a fantasy setting. It’s probably not the first time an author’s done that, but it’s the first time I’ve read a book like this.

There are some flaws, but it’s a worthwhile read. I recommend this to reading of fantasy and paranormal fiction. I also think this book is best suitable for ages 16 and up. While there’s nothing particularly explicit going on, there are what I would consider adult themes that are better dealt with by older teens or young adults.

I'm only in chapter two and I'm loving this so far. The pronoun thing is delicious and takes some getting used to. I have no idea yet how the Justices work, but I'm delighted by the confusion and am in no hurry to clarify.