3 S.R. Johannes: Bookanista Buzz: become by Ali Cross

Thursday, November 03, 2011

Bookanista Buzz: become by Ali Cross

Today I wanted to tell you about Become by Ali Cross. 


Sixteen-year old Desolation Black wants nothing more than to stay in Hell where it’s cold and lonely and totally predictable. Instead, she’s sent back to Earth where she must face the evil she despises and the good she always feared.

When Desi is forced to embrace her inner demon, she assumes her choice has been made—that she has no hope of being anything other than what her father, Lucifer, has created her to be. What she doesn’t count on, is finding a reason to change—from something she’s never 

had before—a friend. 


I know what you are thinking: not another paranormal book but this book is different. Trust me!


10 Things I loved about this book:


  1. I know I always say this - but hey I don't read books much if the cover doesn't grab me. It's what I look at first. This cover is awesome. That is a big compliment coming from me b/c my friends will tell you I am picky. I love that it is a badass angel figure. I love the purple and grey. And I love sacrificial undertones. I am actually jealous this is not my cover.
  2. Desi is a badass. She is so teen - flawed and fiesty. I love that she's actually okay with not being perfect. Who doesn't need a little of that?
  3. Michael is yummy. Yummier than what your yummiest yummy is. That's all I'll say about that! Oh yeah and there was tons of kissing. :)
  4. The book pulls you through - from the external plot to the romance to the heartbreaking inner turmoil.
  5. The relation to real life. The relationship between Desi and her father is so today. Overbearing daddy wants his little girl to be someone she isn't. And while yes - he is the devil - he still seems real to me in a way. Even shows a slight vulnerable side - in that he loves his daughter.
  6. It is a nice twist on the angel/demon battling books. And this time - the key relationship is daddy and daughter (I see mom issues more but maybe that's just me) can you imagine the pressure she's under? Slightly intimidating.
  7. There seems to be a underlying mix of mythology and religion. So it makes you think about how you really see the world around you. I like books that make you think. 
  8. Even her secondary characters stand out and jump off the page. I already mentioned Michael because - well - he's hot, but Lucy grabbed me as well.
  9. Ali's writing is descriptive and deeply intense - even a bit shocking.
  10. Lastly, I love that this book is self published. I think Ali did a great job and has put out a high quality book. And she did it all herself, which is hard and amazing.
So - go get this book! It debuts on 11/11/11 and I'm glad I got a sneak peak!


I actually want her to be my new beffie :)

You can follow Ali and her publishing journey on her blog, facebook, or twitter.




Check out these other Bookanista favs




Elana Johnson is crazy about Crossed and Shatter Me
LiLa Roecker swoons for Sirenz
Christine Fonseca  interviews Kids Inventing! author Susan Casey
Shelli Johannes-Wells dishes on Become (Desolation Book #1)
Beth Revis celebrates books for which she’s grateful – with gigantic signed book giveaway
Megan Miranda marvels at How to Save a Life
Rosemary Clement Moore is wild for The Iron Witch
Veronica Rossi  is amazed by Shatter Me

7 comments:

ali cross said...

Thanks so much for your generous comments Shelli! I'm actually kind of speechless. So I'll give you a ((hug)) instead!

Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban said...

You have me at:
Sixteen-year old Desolation Black wants nothing more than to stay in Hell where it’s cold and lonely and totally predictable.

I'll be checking this one out on that cool date of 11/11/11

Thanks Shelli for the review.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Yes, yes, and yes! This is the perfect review of BECOME. I agree with every one of your bullets, Shelli, esp. #7 and #8. ALL of them! I absolutely LOVED this book! :-)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Sounds like an awesome book. So excited for Ali. I'll have to check it out.

Melissa West said...

Wow, what a review! And that cover! I'm convinced. :)

Katy Upperman said...

Ooh! I hadn't heard of this, but I'm definitely adding it to my Must-Read list! Thanks for the fabulous review, Shelli!

ali cross said...

Thanks so much for reviewing my book, Shelli! I loved your "top ten loves"! It's always interesting to see what readers will take away from your story, ya know?

Thanks again!